Endoscopic imaging system

Abstract

An endoscopic imaging system includes a reusable control cabinet having a number of actuators that control the orientation of a lightweight endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. A polymeric articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the control cabinet. The endoscope is coated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces its coefficient of friction and because it is lightweight, requires less force to advance it to a desired location within a patient.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A control and display device comprising:
 a housing;   a display;   illumination and imaging control electronics located within the housing;   image processing electronics located within the housing;   a battery configured to power the display, the illumination and imaging control electronics, and the image processing electronics; and   a connector configured to connect the illumination and imaging control electronics and the battery to flexible circuitry of an optoelectronic module of an anatomically shaped or flexible disposable endoscope used inside an oral cavity, the optoelectronic module including an illumination source and an image sensor, wherein:   the control and display device is configured to power the optoelectronic module of the disposable endoscope, and   the illumination and imaging control electronics are configured to control the illumination source and the image sensor of the optoelectronic module via the flexible circuitry.   
     
     
         16 . The control and display device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the illumination source includes a red, green, or blue illumination source,   the image sensor is configured to detect reflected light, and   the illumination and imaging control electronics are configured to display images in different spectral bands.   
     
     
         17 . The control and display device of  claim 15 , wherein the control and display device is configured to control fluid delivery by the disposable endoscope.