OMNIDIRECTIONAL AND FORWARD-LOOKING IMAGING DEVICE

• US 20090082629A1
• Filed: 05/11/2005
• Published: 03/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: G.I. View Ltd.
• Original Assignee: G.I. View Ltd.
• Inventors: Cabiri, Oz, Dotan, Gideon, Shpigelman, Boaz
• Granted Patent: US 8,496,580 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/160
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00096 Optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00101 the distal tip features being detachable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00177 for 90 degrees side-viewing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 13/06 Panoramic objectives; So-called "sky lenses" including panoramic objectives having reflecting surfaces

Abstract

Apparatus including an optical system (20) for use in an endoscope is provided. The optical system has distal and proximal ends, and includes an image sensor (32), positioned at the proximal end of the optical system. The optical system also includes an optical member (34) having distal (36) and proximal ends, and shaped so as to define: (a) a lateral surface, at least a distal portion of which is curved, configured to provide omnidirectional lateral viewing, (b) a distal indentation (44) in the distal end of the optical member, and (c) a proximal indentation (48) in the proximal end of the optical member. The optical system also includes a convex mirror (40), coupled to the distal end of the optical member, and shaped so as define an opening through which the distal indentation passes. A distal lens (52) is positioned distal to the mirror. The optical member, the mirror, and the distal lens have respective rotational shapes about a common rotation axis.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising an optical system for use in an endoscope, the optical system having distal and proximal ends and comprising:

an image sensor, positioned at the proximal end of the optical system;

a single optical member having distal and proximal ends, and shaped so as to define;

a lateral surface, at least a distal portion of which is curved, configured to provide omnidirectional lateral viewing of an omnidirectional lateral view, and

an indented refracting surface at the proximal end of the optical member; and

a convex mirror, coupled to the distal end of the optical member, and shaped so as to define an opening,

wherein the optical member and the mirror are concentric about a common rotation axis.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical system comprises one or more proximal lenses, positioned between the optical member and the image sensor.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the convex mirror is substantially hyperbolic.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indented refracting surface is concave.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one light source configured to illuminate a lumen in which the endoscope is placed.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a power cable coupled to the light source and positioned diagonally with respect to the common rotation axis, along a portion of the curved distal portion of the lateral surface of the optical member.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of LEDs.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the optical system is configured to provide distal viewing of a distal view, and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of LEDs are configured to illuminate the distal view.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of LEDs are configured to illuminate laterally, in order to provide illumination for the omnidirectional lateral view.

25. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the light source is configured to be disposed at a remote site with respect to the optical system, and wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one optical fiber configured to convey light from the light source.

26. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a distal lens positioned distal to the convex mirror.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein an axis of the distal lens is the common rotation axis.

28. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indented refracting surface at the proximal end of the optical member is configured to transmit light from the omnidirectional lateral view.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the optical system is configured to provide a distal image of a distal view, and wherein the indented refracting surface at the proximal end of the optical member is configured to transmit light from the distal view.

2-16. -16. (canceled)