Systems, methods and devices for providing illumination in an endoscopic imaging environment
A system and methods for providing and reclaiming a single use imaging device for sterile environments is disclosed and described. The system may include a single use high definition camera used for general purpose surgical procedures including, but not limited to: arthroscopic, laparoscopic, gynecologic, and urologic procedures, may comprise an imaging device that is a sterile and designed to ensure single use. The imaging device may have a single imaging sensor, either CCD or CMOS, encased in a housing.
1. A method for processing medical electronic imaging devices intended for use during medical procedures, the method comprising:
receiving an imaging device that has been previously powered on and then powered off that comprises:
one or more active electronic components from the group of:
field programmable gate array;
complex programmable logic device;
micro controller;
processor; or
memory;
electronically connecting the imaging device to a test fixture to power on the imaging device;
authenticating communication between the imaging device and the test fixture by complying with encryption protocols;
wherein the encryption protocols comprise a data stream comprising a pair of keys transmitted between the imaging device and the test fixture;
wherein the pair of keys is encrypted on a first level of encryption, and imaging data from the imaging device is encrypted on a second level of encryption;
wherein the pair of keys comprises a first key generated by the test fixture and a second key generated by the imaging device; and
resetting the imaging device to allow the imaging device to operate during a medical procedure based on an authenticated communication with the test fixture and sterilization of the imaging device.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
sending, from the test fixture, the first key to the imaging device;
validating, by the imaging device, the first key;
sending, from the imaging device, the second key to the test fixture;
validating, by the test fixture, the second key to allow electronic communication between the imaging device and the test fixture.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pair of keys are embedded in one or more of hardware components, firm ware, or software.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises controlling the test fixture with a separate computer.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the imaging data comprises imaging device condition data, and wherein the method further comprises reading imaging device condition data from the imaging device;
wherein the imaging device condition data comprises data derived from the one or more active electronic components.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises electronically disconnecting the imaging device from the test fixture.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sterilizing the imaging device.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises providing updated programming for the imaging device, wherein providing the updating programming comprises transmitting and receiving the updated programing over a network.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises connecting the imaging device to a control unit for use during a surgical procedure and receiving updated programming from the control unit.
10. The method of claim 2 , wherein the security protocols originate in the test fixture, in the imaging device, or in a control unit.
11. The method of claim 4 , wherein the method further comprises encrypting communication between the test fixture and the separate computer.
12. The method of claim 5 , wherein the method further comprises storing the imaging device condition data in computer accessible storage or memory.
13. The method of claim 9 , wherein the method further comprises providing the updated programming to the control unit over a network.
14. The method of claim 9 , wherein the method further comprises authenticating communication between the control unit and the imaging device by complying with encryption security protocols.
15. The method of claim 9 , wherein the method further comprises controlling the control unit with a separate computer.
16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the method further comprises tracking the imaging device by the imaging device data in order to control imaging devices in circulation.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the security protocols originate in the imaging device or in the control unit.
18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the security protocols are derived on the fly by the imaging device or the control unit.
19. The method of claim 15 , wherein the method further comprises encrypting communication between the control unit and the separate computer.