Endoscopy device with integrated RFID and external network capability

A method of operating an endoscopy device containing at least one replaceable component, comprising the steps of:

• storing information concerning the replaceable component into a non-volatile memory of an RFID tag provided on the replaceable component;
• tracking usage of the replaceable component with control circuitry in the endoscopy device;
• establishing a wireless link between the RFID tag and the endoscopy device;
• updating the information stored in the RFID tag via the wireless link at least once during operation of the endoscopy device;
• retrieving the information stored in the RFID tag via the wireless link;
• establishing a data communication link between the endoscopy device and a remote server via a network;
• and
• conveying the retrieved information concerning the replaceable component from the endoscopy device to the remote server over the network.