Serialization of single-use endoscopes
AssigneeBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
InventorLucien Alfred Couvillon, JR.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims21
1-28. (canceled)
A method of authorizing use of an imaging assembly coupled to an endoscopic device, the method comprising:
- receiving, at a controller coupled to the imaging assembly, authorization data relating to an ability to use the imaging assembly stored in a memory coupled to the imaging assembly, wherein the endoscopic device also includes:
- a connector coupling the imaging assembly to the controller;
- a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end;
- and
- an articulation joint at the distal end of the shaft, the articulation joint being configured to bend the distal end of the shaft at least 180 degrees, wherein the imaging assembly is disposed at the distal end of the shaft, the imaging assembly being configured to transmit captured image signals to the controller;
- comparing the authorization data received from the memory to a set of rules relating to whether the imaging assembly may be operated, wherein the authorization data is configured to enable only one use of the imaging assembly such that a subsequent attempt to operate the imaging assembly with any controller is prohibited;
- permitting the imaging assembly to capture images and transmit the captured images to the controller if the comparison validates the authorization data;
- tracking a usage of the imaging assembly if the comparison validates the authorization data;
- preventing the imaging assembly from capturing images or transmitting captured images to the controller if the comparison does not validate the authorization data;
- and
- providing a message to a user of the imaging assembly if the comparison does not validate the authorization data.
A method of authorizing use of an imaging assembly coupled to an endoscopic device, the method comprising:
- receiving, at a controller coupled to the imaging assembly, authorization data relating to an ability to use the imaging assembly stored in a memory coupled to the imaging assembly;
- comparing the authorization data received from the memory to a set of rules relating to whether the imaging assembly may be operated;
- permitting use of the imaging assembly with the controller if the comparison validates the authorization data;
- and
- prohibiting use of the imaging assembly with the controller if the comparison does not validate the authorization data.
A method of authorizing use of an imaging assembly, the method comprising:
- receiving, at a controller coupled to the imaging assembly, authorization data relating to an ability to use the imaging assembly stored in a memory coupled to the imaging assembly, wherein the authorization data stored in the memory is associated with only one imaging assembly;
- and
- permitting the imaging assembly to capture images or transmit captured images to the controller only when the authorization data is validated against a set of authorization rules.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.