Serialization of single use endoscopes

A control unit for authorizing a single use medical imaging device comprising:

• a connector for connecting the control unit to the single use medical imaging device;
• a device interface capable of receiving a code in a format of an image signal produced by the image sensor within the medical imaging device, wherein the code encodes a serial identifier uniquely associated with the imaging device;
• a processor that decodes the serial identifier from the image signal;
• and
• means for determining if the single use imaging device is authorized based upon the serial identifier associated with the device.

A medical imaging system comprising:

• a single use medical imaging device, having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end;
• a connector on the proximal end for connecting the device to a control unit;
• an image sensor at or adjacent to the distal end for producing images in a predefined format for receipt by an imaging board within the control unit;
• an image of a verification object encoding a serial identifier uniquely associated with the device;
• a transmit circuit that transmits the image of the verification object to a control unit in the predefined format of the image signals produced by the image sensor;
• a control unit for authorizing a single use medical imaging device including:
• a connector for connecting the control unit to a single use medical imaging device;
• a device interface capable of receiving an image of the verification object in the predefined format of an image signal produced by the image sensor of the medical imaging device;
• a processor that determines if the single use imaging device is authorized based upon the serial identifier associated with the device.

A method for authorizing a single use imaging device comprising:

• connecting the single use imaging device to a control unit;
• electronically obtaining an image of a prerecorded verification object associated with the imaging device wherein the verification object image encodes a serial identifier;
• extracting the serial identifier from the image of the verification object;
• and
• authorizing the use of the imaging device by comparing the serial identifier to a database containing information on authorized serial identifiers, wherein a match between the serial identifier and information in the database results in authorization for use.

A method of automatically authorizing and self-testing a medical device containing an image element comprising the steps of:

• recognizing the medical device as authorized based upon electronic detection of an image of a prerecorded verification object;
• automatically calibrating the device using calibrating features included in the verification object;
• functionally testing the device;
• and
• activating the device upon successful authorization, calibration and functional testing.