Serialization of single-use endoscopes

Abstract

A system, device and method for serializing and authorizing a single use imaging device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a single use imaging device comprising a memory having a stored code that includes a unique serial identifier. In another embodiment, the invention provides a system for authorizing a single use imaging device comprising a single use imaging device with an image of a verification object that includes a serial identifier uniquely associated with the device, a control unit capable of electronically receiving the verification object image, a decoder capable of extracting a serial identifier from the verification object image, a database of authorized serial identifiers, and means for determining if the single use imaging device is authorized.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A medical imaging system comprising:
 an imaging device, comprising:
 a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, 
 an image sensor at the distal end for obtaining image data; and 
   a target for viewing by the image sensor, wherein the target is uncoupled from the imaging device and includes one or more calibration objects.   
     
     
         30 . The medical imaging system of  claim 29 , wherein the target includes a plurality of calibration objects positioned at predetermined locations on the target, and wherein the predetermined locations correspond to predetermined point coordinates within an image of the target obtained by the image sensor. 
     
     
         31 . The medical imaging system of  claim 30 , wherein two of the plurality of calibration objects are identical in form and are positioned at different locations on the target. 
     
     
         32 . The medical imaging system of  claim 30 , wherein the plurality of calibration objects include a first calibration object and a second calibration object, and wherein the first and second calibration objects have different forms. 
     
     
         33 . The medical imaging system of  claim 30 , wherein the plurality of calibration objects includes: (a) a primary calibration object at a central section of the target, and (b) a plurality of secondary calibration objects arranged around a periphery of the central section. 
     
     
         34 . The medical imaging system of  claim 33 , wherein a form of the primary calibration object is different from forms of each of the secondary calibration objects. 
     
     
         35 . The medical imaging system of  claim 30 , wherein at least two of the plurality of calibration objects are angled relative to each other. 
     
     
         36 . A medical imaging system comprising:
 an imaging device, comprising:
 a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, and 
 an image sensor at the distal end for obtaining image data; and 
   a target for viewing by the image sensor, wherein the target is moveable relative to the imaging device and includes a plurality of test objects, and wherein the image sensor is configured to receive image data indicative of the plurality of test objects from the target as the image sensor is deflected to a plurality of positions relative to the target.   
     
     
         37 . The medical imaging system of  claim 36 , wherein at least two of the plurality of test objects are angled relative to each other. 
     
     
         38 . The medical imaging system of claim  56 , wherein the imaging device further comprises a steering assembly comprising of one or more motors and one or more cables for steering the distal end of the shaft to deflect the image sensor. 
     
     
         39 . The medical imaging system of claim  56 , wherein the plurality of test objects are positioned at predetermined locations on the target, and wherein the predetermined locations correspond to predetermined point coordinates within an image of the target obtained by the image sensor. 
     
     
         40 . The medical imaging system of claim  56 , wherein at least two of the plurality of test objects have the same form. 
     
     
         41 . An object for viewing by an image sensor of a medical imaging device, the object comprising:
 a target uncoupled from the medical imaging device; and   a first verification object on the target, the first verification object being uniquely associated with the medical imaging device.   
     
     
         42 . The target of  claim 41 , further comprising a second verification object on the target, wherein the second verification object is different from the first verification object. 
     
     
         43 . The target of  claim 41 , wherein the first verification object comprises a serial identifier encoded within the first verification object. 
     
     
         44 . The target of  claim 41 , wherein the first verification object is a three-dimensional object. 
     
     
         45 . The target of  claim 41 , wherein the first verification object comprises a pattern of at least two bars and at least one space, wherein the at least two bars and at least one space represents at least one of numeric characters or alphabetic characters. 
     
     
         46 . The target of  claim 41 , wherein the first verification object comprises an image, wherein the image further comprises a calibration object positioned at predetermined point coordinates within the image. 
     
     
         47 . The target of  claim 41 , wherein the first verification object comprises a set of calibration objects, wherein the set of calibration objects permits the use of a device. 
     
     
         48 . The target of  claim 41 , further comprising a second verification object on the target, wherein the first verification object and the second verification are identical in form and are positioned at different locations on the target.