Detachable imaging device, endoscope having a detachable imaging device, and method of configuring such an endoscope

Abstract

An endoscope includes a detachable wireless imaging device and an insertion tube having a distal end region. The attachment of the detachable wireless imaging device detachably attaches the detachable wireless imaging device to the distal end region of the insertion tube.

1 - 51 . (canceled) 
     
     
         52 . An endoscope assembly, comprising:
 an endoscope having a first imaging sensor and a first light source on a distal end region of the endoscope, and a first polarizing filter covering the first light source; and   a detachable imaging device including a second imaging sensor, a second light source, and a second polarizing filter covering the imaging element, wherein the second imaging sensor and the second light source face the first imaging sensor and the first light source, and wherein the first and second polarizing filters are configured to reduce light interference between the second imaging sensor and the first light source.   
     
     
         53 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 52 , wherein the first polarizing filter is part of a first set of polarizing filters covering the first imaging sensor and the first light source, and wherein the second polarizing filter is part of a second set of polarizing filters covering the second imaging sensor and the second light source. 
     
     
         54 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 53 , wherein the second set of polarizing filters is oriented at ninety degrees relative to the first set of polarizing filters. 
     
     
         55 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 52 , further comprising a linking member including a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the linking member being connected to the imaging device. 
     
     
         56 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 55 , wherein the linking member is an elongate, flat and straight bar. 
     
     
         57 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 55 , wherein the linking member is curved. 
     
     
         58 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 55 , wherein the linking member has a circular or square cross-section. 
     
     
         59 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 55 , wherein the linking member is flexible. 
     
     
         60 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 55 , further including a support mechanism configured to increase the rigidity of the linking member 
     
     
         61 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 52 , wherein the second imaging sensor is a wireless imaging sensor. 
     
     
         62 . A method of using an endoscope assembly, comprising:
 attaching a detachable imaging device to a distal end region of an endoscope to form an endoscope assembly, wherein the distal end region of the endoscope includes a first imaging sensor, a first light source, and a first polarizing filter covering the first light source, wherein the detachable imaging device includes a second imaging sensor, a second light source, and a second polarizing filter covering the second imaging sensor, and wherein the second imaging sensor and the second light source face the first imaging sensor and the first light source; and   directing the distal end region of the endoscope into a body cavity and viewing a portion of the body cavity with both the first imaging sensor and the second imaging sensor, the second imaging sensor providing a retrograde view of the portion of the body cavity and the first imaging sensor providing a front view of the portion of the body cavity.   
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the detachable imaging device further comprises a linking member that is an elongate, flat and straight bar. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the endoscope assembly further includes one or more polarizing filters. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the second imaging sensor is a wireless imaging sensor. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the detachable imaging device is configured to be attached and/or detached from the distal end region of the endoscope without damaging the endoscope. 
     
     
         67 . A method of using an endoscope assembly, comprising:
 attaching a detachable imaging device to a distal end region of an endoscope to form an endoscope assembly, wherein the distal end region of the endoscope includes a first imaging sensor and a first light source, wherein the detachable imaging device includes a second imaging sensor and a second light source, and wherein the second imaging sensor and the second light source face the first imaging sensor and the first light source; and   directing the distal end region of the endoscope into a body cavity and viewing a portion of the body cavity with both the first imaging sensor and the second imaging sensor, the second imaging sensor providing a retrograde view of the portion of the body cavity and the first imaging sensor providing a front view of the portion of the body cavity; and   alternately turning on and off the first imaging sensor, and the second light source at a frequency sufficient such that a human eye cannot sense the alternation, wherein the first imaging sensor is on when the second light source is off and the first imaging sensor is off when the second light source is on.   
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the detachable imaging device further comprises a linking member that is an elongate, flat and straight bar. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the endoscope assembly further includes one or more polarizing filters. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the second imaging sensor is a wireless imaging sensor. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the detachable imaging device is configured to be attached and/or detached from the distal end region of the endoscope without damaging the endoscope.