WO2021245695A1

WO2021245695A1 - System and method for a remote video laryngoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2021245695A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050530
Authority: WO
Inventors: Petthannan RAJASEKAR; Kumaresh KRISHNAMOORTHY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-01
Filing date: 2021-06-01
Publication date: 2021-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-01

Abstract

The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method to enable real-time remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy. The invention is also configured to provide a real-time analysis of video laryngoscope data using artificial intelligence. The system is configured to wirelessly connect with a remote computing device and share the images and videos captured by the system to be rendered in a remote digital display module further connected to the remote computing device. The Artificial Intelligence module is also configured to contextually render intelligible markers and pointers on the visual data generated by the invention so as to aid a remote observer to certain parts of the visual data, such as an anomaly in the larynx of the patient. The invention enables a physician to remotely inspect the larynx of a patient.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A REMOTE VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the priority of the Indian Provisional Patent Application filed on April 1^st, 2020 with the number 202041014604 and titled, "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A REMOTE VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPE", subsequently post-dated by two months and with the updated priority date of June 1^st 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by the way of reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally related to a video laryngoscope. The present invention is particularly related to a system and a method for remote viewing of the visual data captured by a video laryngoscope.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Video laryngoscopy is an indirect laryngoscopy method, in which the visualization of the larynx is performed with a fiberoptic or digital laryngoscope inserted transnasally or transorally. The image of the larynx is viewed on a display locally connected to the laryngoscope.

Currently, portable laryngoscopes are available with in-built display on the laryngoscope, that enable the person performing the laryngoscopy to view the larynx. However, the display is limited to local viewing to the place where the patient is present. It is not feasible for a physician to remotely observe the larynx of the patient.

The advancements in the field of image processing and artificial intelligence have enabled in automated detection of diseases by analyzing the recorded visual information. In video laryngoscopy, recorded videos and/or captured snapshots of images of the larynx are provided as inputs to an artificial intelligence system for detection. However, there are no currently available systems to analyze the visual data of a larynx in real-time and provide automated analysis based on artificial intelligence.

Hence, there is a need for a system and method to enable real-time remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy. There is also a need for a real-time analysis of video laryngoscope data using artificial intelligence.

The abovementioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a system and method to enable real-time remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a real-time analysis of video laryngoscope data using artificial intelligence.

Yet another object of the present invention is to enable a physician to remotely inspect the larynx of a patient.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a video laryngoscope system configured with real-time measurement of the size of any abnormality in two dimensions and shape of abnormality in three-dimensional space.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method to enable real-time remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy. The system is also configured to render the video captured during laryngoscopy in a plurality of remote and local devices. The invention is also related to providing a real-time analysis of video laryngoscope data using artificial intelligence.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a video laryngoscope system is provided. The system is designed with tested and proven conventional blades and configured to connect with a computing device through wired and/or wireless means. The system is provided with two separate degrees of angulations for an accurate viewing of the camera. The system is designed to connect with a plurality of standardized and conventional blades, which are interchangeable and are of multiple sizes. The camera module in the laryngoscope is detachable when a user changes the blades in the system. The system also comprises a swivel magnetic mounted attachment, with a swivel angel of 135 degrees, for mechanically attaching a handheld computing device to the system. The materials used in the parts of the system are medical grade plastic, with water repellant coating and with an ease of disinfecting the system.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an Artificial Intelligence module is provided. The Artificial Intelligence module is configured to analyze the visual data generated by the invention in real-time and perform automated analysis. The results of the analysis are stored in the report computing device and rendered on the remote digital display module. The Artificial Intelligence module is also configured to contextually render intelligible markers and pointers on the visual data generated by the invention so as to aid a remote observer to certain parts of the visual data, such as an anomaly in the larynx of the patient.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

illustrates a system to enable real-time remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

illustrates an exemplary video laryngoscope that comprises a system to enable real-time remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

and illustrate the side views of an exemplary video laryngoscope that is designed to attach a computing device to the body of the laryngoscope, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for enabling a real-time and remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy. The system comprises a video laryngoscopy module, a communication gateway, a plurality of live rendering modules, a cloud storage and computing module and a plurality of remote rendering modules. The video laryngoscopy module further comprises a functional video laryngoscope module with a standard blade arrangement, an image capture module, a primary handle of laryngoscope, an angulated handle, a holder arrangement, and a magnetic mount.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the video laryngoscopy module also comprises a microcontroller module, a communication module, a control module, and a power supply module. The aforementioned modules are built-in to the video laryngoscopy module according to some embodiments of the present invention and the modules are a part of the live rendering modules and connected to the video laryngoscopy module through wired or wireless means.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the live rendering module is connected to the video laryngoscopy module through mechanical means and communicatively coupled through wired means according to some embodiments of the present invention. The live rendering module is connected and communicatively coupled to the video laryngoscopy module through wireless means according to some embodiments of the present invention. The live rendering module is a portable computing device that is attached to the video laryngoscopy module through the magnetic mount that is designed such that the live rendering module also provides illumination to the working of the video laryngoscopy module and records images of the laryngoscopy operations. The live rendering module is configured to connect with a plurality of other live rendering modules located remotely through wireless means to render the observed images in real-time on the plurality of live rendering modules.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the live rendering module further comprises a storage module and an AI module. The storage module is configured to digitally store the images and data acquired during a laryngoscopy procedure. The AI module is configured to identify areas of interest in the image data acquired by the video laryngoscopy module based on preset rules. The AI module is also enabled to add intelligible markers and pointers to the visual data to mark the areas of interest and provide remarks on the observations in form of textual data on the live rendering module.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the primary handle of laryngoscope is designed to mechanically connect with a plurality of different configuration and different sizes of blades used for laryngoscopy applications. The primary handle is ergonomically designed for using and maneuvering in multiple configurations. The primary handle is also designed to house in-built rechargeable power source and communication module for enabling real-time transfer of laryngoscopy data with live rendering modules.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the angulated handle is designed to mechanically connect with a live rendering module through the magnetic mount. The angulated handle and the magnetic mount are ergonomically designed to provide the ability to tilt the magnetic mount for up to 135 degrees on the head of the angulated handle to enable a human user to view the display on the live rendering module that is mechanically connected to the angulated handle.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the image capture module in the video laryngoscopy module is a detachable camera designed to be connected and detached to the holder in the blade of the video laryngoscopy module. The angulation of the camera enables easy intubation and improves the clarity of images captured. The lens of the camera is coated with hydrophobic material to prevent fogging of the lens during a laryngoscopy operation. The camera is configured to operate without a power supply and instead connect with the live rendering module for light source for image capture, viewing the images and recording the images.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system for enabling a real-time and remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy is designed to be used for any laryngoscopy operation, ranging from neonatal to adult patients, without any difference in the gender or age of the patient.

illustrates a system to enable real-time remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy. The system comprises an image capture module 101, a control module 102, a microcontroller module 103, a power supply module 106 and a communication module 107. The system is configured to wirelessly connect with a communication gateway 108, which further connects the system with a plurality of Live Rendering modules 109a…109n, to render the images and videos captured by the system in real-time. Each of the Live Rendering modules 109…109n further comprises a digital storage module 104a…104n and Artificial Intelligence AI module 105a…105n. The communication gateway 108 also connects the system to a Cloud Storage and Computing Module 110, which further connects to a plurality of Remote Rendering modules 111a…111n.

illustrates an exemplary video laryngoscope that comprises a system to enable real-time remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy. and illustrate the side views of an exemplary video laryngoscope that is designed to attach a computing device to the body of the laryngoscope. The system comprises the blade of the laryngoscope 112, the primary handle of laryngoscope 113, an angulated handle 114, a holder 115, connecting wires 116, a magnetic mount 117 and a connecting port 118. The computing device connected to the body of the laryngoscope is configured to receive digital images from the laryngoscope, process the images, store the images and also transmit the images and analyses data to a plurality of remote computing devices through wired or wireless means.

Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein with modifications.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method to enable real-time remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy. The invention is also related to providing a real-time analysis of video laryngoscope data using artificial intelligence. The invention enables a physician to remotely inspect the larynx of a patient. The system is configured to wirelessly connect with a remote computing device and share the images and videos captured by the system to be rendered in a remote digital display module further connected to the remote computing device. The Artificial Intelligence module is also configured to contextually render intelligible markers and pointers on the visual data generated by the invention so as to aid a remote observer to certain parts of the visual data, such as an anomaly in the larynx of the patient.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

A system for enabling a real-time and remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy, the system comprising:
a video laryngoscopy module, wherein the video laryngoscopy module further comprises a functional video laryngoscope module with a standard blade arrangement, an image capture module, a primary handle of laryngoscope, an angulated handle, a holder arrangement, and a magnetic mount;
a communication gateway;
a plurality of live rendering modules;
a cloud storage and computing module; and,
a plurality of remote rendering modules.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the video laryngoscopy module also comprises a microcontroller module, a communication module, a control module and a power supply module, and wherein the aforementioned modules are built-in to the video laryngoscopy module according to some embodiments of the present invention and the modules are a part of the live rendering modules and connected to the video laryngoscopy module through wired or wireless means.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the live rendering module is connected to the video laryngoscopy module through mechanical means and communicatively coupled through wired means according to some embodiments of the present invention, and wherein the live rendering module is connected and communicatively coupled to the video laryngoscopy module through wireless means according to some embodiments of the present invention, and wherein, the live rendering module is a portable computing device that is attached to the video laryngoscopy module through the magnetic mount that is designed such that the live rendering module also provides illumination to the working of the video laryngoscopy module and records images of the laryngoscopy operations, and wherein, the live rendering module is configured to connect with a plurality of other live rendering modules located remotely through wireless means to render the observed images in real-time on the plurality of live rendering modules.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the live rendering module further comprises a storage module and an AI module, wherein the storage module is configured to digitally store the images and data acquired during a laryngoscopy procedure, and wherein the AI module is configured to identify areas of interest in the image data acquired by the video laryngoscopy module based on preset rules, and wherein the AI module is also enabled to add intelligible markers and pointers to the visual data to mark the areas of interest and provide remarks on the observations in form of textual data on the live rendering module.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary handle of laryngoscope is designed to mechanically connect with a plurality of different configuration and different sizes of blades used for laryngoscopy applications, and wherein, the primary handle is ergonomically designed for using and maneuvering in multiple configurations, and wherein, the primary handle is also designed to house in-built rechargeable power source and communication module for enabling real-time transfer of laryngoscopy data with live rendering modules.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angulated handle is designed to mechanically connect with a live rendering module through the magnetic mount, and wherein, the angulated handle and the magnetic mount are ergonomically designed to provide the ability to tilt the magnetic mount for up to 135 degrees on the head of the angulated handle to enable a human user to view the display on the live rendering module that is mechanically connected to the angulated handle.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image capture module in the video laryngoscopy module is a detachable camera designed to be connected and detached to the holder in the blade of the video laryngoscopy module, and wherein, the angulation of the camera enables easy intubation and improves the clarity of images captured, and wherein, the lens of the camera is coated with hydrophobic material to prevent fogging of the lens during a laryngoscopy operation, and wherein, the camera is configured to operate without a power supply and instead connect with the live rendering module for light source for image capture, viewing the images and recording the images.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system for enabling a real-time and remote monitoring of data captured during video laryngoscopy is designed to be used for any laryngoscopy operation, ranging from neonatal to adult patients, without any difference in the gender or age of the patient.