Multi-camera endoscope
First Claim
1. A tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section having a cylindrical surface with a plurality of depressions therein and a distal end, having a planar surface perpendicular to said cylindrical surface, comprising:
- a front-pointing camera, wherein the front-pointing camera comprises a lens assembly providing a front field of view of at least 120 degrees and a focal length of approximately 3-100 millimeters, wherein the front-pointing camera is positioned on the planar surface of the distal end of the tip section;
two side-pointing cameras each having a center positioned approximately 7 to 11 millimeters from the planar surface of the distal end, wherein each of said two side-pointing cameras has a side field of view of at least 120 degrees, has a focal length of approximately 2-33 millimeters, is positioned within at least one of said plurality of depressions in said cylindrical surface and has a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the side field of view provided by said two side-pointing cameras partially overlaps with the front field of view such that an object of interest viewed by said one of said two side-pointing cameras remains in the side field of view of said side-pointing camera while said tip section is being turned towards the object and at least until the object becomes visible in the front field of view;
a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and
a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A tip section of a multi-camera endoscope includes a front-pointing camera on a planar surface of a distal end of the tip section and two side-pointing cameras positioned in depressions on a cylindrical surface in proximity to the planar surface such that the side field of view provided by the two side-pointing cameras partially overlaps with the front field of view provided by the front-pointing camera. The tip section further includes a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section having a cylindrical surface with a plurality of depressions therein and a distal end, having a planar surface perpendicular to said cylindrical surface, comprising:
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a front-pointing camera, wherein the front-pointing camera comprises a lens assembly providing a front field of view of at least 120 degrees and a focal length of approximately 3-100 millimeters, wherein the front-pointing camera is positioned on the planar surface of the distal end of the tip section; two side-pointing cameras each having a center positioned approximately 7 to 11 millimeters from the planar surface of the distal end, wherein each of said two side-pointing cameras has a side field of view of at least 120 degrees, has a focal length of approximately 2-33 millimeters, is positioned within at least one of said plurality of depressions in said cylindrical surface and has a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the side field of view provided by said two side-pointing cameras partially overlaps with the front field of view such that an object of interest viewed by said one of said two side-pointing cameras remains in the side field of view of said side-pointing camera while said tip section is being turned towards the object and at least until the object becomes visible in the front field of view; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A multi-camera endoscope comprising an elongated shaft terminating with a tip section turnable by way of a bending section, wherein said tip section has a cylindrical surface with a plurality of depressions therein and a distal end, having a planar surface perpendicular to said cylindrical surface, and comprises:
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a front-pointing camera, wherein the front-pointing camera comprises a lens assembly providing a front field of view of at least 120 degrees and a focal length of approximately 3-100 millimeters, wherein the front-pointing camera is positioned on the planar surface of the distal end of the tip section; two side-pointing cameras each having a center positioned approximately 7 to 11 millimeters from the planar surface of the distal end, wherein each of said two or more side-pointing cameras has a side field of view of at least 120 degrees, has a focal length of approximately 2-33 millimeters, is positioned within at least one of said plurality of depressions in said cylindrical surface and has a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the side field of view provided by said two side-pointing cameras partially overlaps with the front field of view such that an object of interest viewed by said one of said two side-pointing cameras remains in the side field of view of said side-pointing camera while said tip section is being turned towards the object and at least until the object becomes visible in the front field of view; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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Specification