Flexible robotic endoscopy system

Abstract

An embodiment of the invention is an endoscopy system with newly designed docking block, brake control, wire tension adjustment, bending angle sensor, memory chip data storage, valve control, imaging lens cleaning, optimized lumen arrangement and distal position sensor. The docking block can have a one-touch retaining mechanism. Braking control can be accessed by the endoscopist at the hand grip or knobs. Wire tension can be relaxed or tightened in response to surgeon or endoscopist control. Bending angle sensors can protect surgical instruments. Memory chip can store usage data of the endoscope. Multiple valves can have priority control. Lenses can be cleaned with one touch of a button. Lumens can be arranged to maximize imaging and lighting angles. Position markers accompanied with sensors can position the distal end of the endoscope automatically in the optimal position.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An endoscope system comprising:
 (a) an endoscope with a control body, an insertion portion, a first user interface and a plurality of channels,
 (i) wherein the channels include at least one of a gas feeding channel, a water feeding channel and a suction channel; 
 (ii) wherein the first user interface controls valve functions of at least one of the gas feeding channel, the water feeding channel and the suction channel; 
   (b) a valve control unit comprising:
 (i) one or more electrical valves to control flow through at least one of the gas feeding channel, the water feeding channel and the suction channel; 
   (c) a surgeon console unit (SCU) including a second user interface, wherein the second user interface controls valve functions of at least one of the gas feeding channel, the water feeding channel and the suction channel; and   (d) a priority control module for processing one or more control signals from the first user interface and the second user interface based on a set priority, wherein the control signals are transmitted to control the corresponding electrical valves.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the priority of the user interface for all the valve control functions is selected from the group consisting of a first UI only priority, a second UI only priority and a no priority. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the priority of the user interface for each valve control function is selected from the group consisting of a first UI only priority, a second UI only priority and a no priority. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the priority of the valve control functions is set in case multiple different valve control functions are commanded from the one or more user interfaces. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a user interaction module through which the user sets the priorities. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an endoscope docking system with a docking detection sensor having a plurality of endoscope docking status, wherein different priorities are set based on the endoscope docking status. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more additional user interfaces.