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 . A detachable imaging system attachable to a distal end region of a colonoscope, the detachable imaging system comprising an imaging device, the imaging device comprising:
 an imaging element, comprising a light source and an imaging unit mounted on a side of the imaging element; and   an attachment configured to detachably attach the imaging element to an outer surface of the distal end region of a colonoscope.   
     
     
         53 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 52 , wherein the attachment comprises an inner surface that is configured to detachably attach to the outer surface of the distal region of the colonoscope. 
     
     
         54 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 53 , wherein the inner surface of the attachment is further configured to form a friction fit with the distal region of the colonoscope. 
     
     
         55 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 52 , wherein the attachment comprises a elastic tube or a screw. 
     
     
         56 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 52 , wherein the imaging element is a wireless imaging element. 
     
     
         57 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 52 , wherein the imaging element comprises a housing with a window for the imaging unit. 
     
     
         58 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 52 , further comprising an external control box configured to adjust parameters of the imaging device. 
     
     
         59 . The detachable imaging device of  claim 58 , further comprising wires to provide communication between the imaging system and the external control box. 
     
     
         60 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 59 , wherein the wires are embedded in a sheath configured to slide over the colonoscope. 
     
     
         61 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 52 , wherein the imaging device is configured to attach to the distal end region of the colonoscope, without extending beyond a distal end of the colonoscope. 
     
     
         62 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 61 , wherein the imaging unit and the light source are mounted on a side of the attachment. 
     
     
         63 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 62 , wherein the imaging unit is a first imaging unit of a plurality of imaging units, and the light source is a first light source of a plurality of light sources. 
     
     
         64 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 63 , wherein the plurality of imaging units and the plurality of light sources are evenly spaced around the attachment. 
     
     
         65 . The detachable imaging system of  claim 63 , wherein the imaging system is configured to combine images from the plurality of imaging units into a larger view.