Endoscopic imaging system including medical scope with capacitive sensor units and a method therefor
Inventors
Oslie, Larry • Bormet, Jonathan
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12726695-B2
Publication Date
2026-09-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided is a camera head having a capacitive sensing unit disposed along the outer surface of the camera head. The capacitive sensing unit includes a plurality of capacitive sensors. The camera head includes an electronic controller operable to process an actuation of the plurality of capacitive sensors to control a camera control function and determine a medical procedure and/or the identity of the user.
Core Innovation
The invention is an endoscopic imaging system with a camera head having a capacitive sensing unit that detects a grip. An electronic controller processes the grip to determine a grip profile, and a memory storage unit stores grip profiles associated with predetermined configurations of camera-control functions. The controller uses the detected profile to adjust the camera head to the associated configuration. The background section describing the problem being solved is not included in the provided content.
The method uses a camera head with capacitive sensing, stored grip profiles, and an electronic controller to determine the predetermined configuration associated with a detected grip profile. The provided content also describes processing user handedness or identity, applying a corresponding configuration or preference, and symmetrically reconfiguring controls. It does not provide the abstract, summary, or background sections, so no further problem statement is available.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims include two independent claims: claim 1 covers an endoscopic imaging system, and claim 8 covers a method of operating an imaging system. They contain two main inventive features, one for each independent claim.
Grip-profile-based camera configuration
Claim 1 recites a camera head with a capacitive sensing unit configured to detect a grip, an electronic controller that processes the grip to determine a profile, and a memory storage unit that stores grip profiles associated with predetermined configurations of camera-control functions. The controller adjusts the camera head to the predetermined configuration associated with the detected profile.
Determining a camera configuration from a detected grip profile
Claim 8 recites providing a camera head with a capacitive sensing unit, a memory storage unit containing grip profiles associated with predetermined configurations of camera-control functions, and an electronic controller operable to determine a grip profile. The electronic controller determines the predetermined configuration associated with the detected profile.
The independent claims cover a system and a method that use a detected grip profile to determine an associated predetermined configuration for camera-control functions.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
An endoscopic imaging system in which camera-control functions are configured based on a detected camera-head grip profile.
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