Multi-Sensor Endoscope with Dynamic Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes lack the ability to dynamically change the field of view without moving the entire device, limiting the physician's ability to visualize multiple areas of the body simultaneously during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates maneuvering sections such as rotating, bending, or angulating sections, allowing each sensor to operate independently, enabling a dynamic field of view by changing the direction of cameras relative to each other without rotating the shaft, and optionally combining video streams into a panoramic frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are placed at the distal end of the endoscope shaft, then the field of view is extended to capture multiple areas simultaneously, but the device complexity increases due to additional maneuvering sections and sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope shaft is divided into multiple maneuvering sections (first, second, and third maneuvering sections) that can independently control the orientation of sensors. This segmentation allows each sensor to be positioned and oriented independently to capture different fields of view, thereby extending the overall field of view while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The maneuvering sections are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the orientation of each sensor to be changed independently during the procedure. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt the field of view configuration based on procedural needs, maximizing the utility of multiple sensors without requiring a fixed complex structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire shaft is rotated to change the viewing direction, then the field of view changes, but the ability to visualize multiple areas simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the entire shaft, the endoscope employs multiple maneuvering sections that can independently adjust the orientation of individual sensors. This segmentation allows different sensors to simultaneously capture different areas without requiring rotation of the entire shaft, thereby improving visualization efficiency while maintaining viewing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors are positioned at different locations and orientations along the shaft, creating multiple simultaneous views of different areas. This is analogous to having multiple cameras capturing different perspectives at the same time, eliminating the need to rotate the device to see different areas and significantly improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are positioned behind the tip section with independent maneuvering sections, then dynamic field of view is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into distinct maneuvering sections with sensors positioned behind the tip section. Each maneuvering section is designed as a modular unit that can be manufactured and assembled separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling independent control of each sensor for enhanced operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The maneuvering sections incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow independent orientation control of each sensor. These mechanisms are designed to provide the necessary degrees of freedom for dynamic field of view adjustment while using standardized components and assembly procedures to manage manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
The subject matter discloses a multi-sensor endoscope having a dynamic field of view comprising an elongated shaft terminating with a tip section; a maneuvering section connected to the elongated shaft; at least two sensors, wherein at least one sensor is placed behind the tip section, on the maneuvering section; and one or more illuminators located on external surface of the shaft. In some cases, the sensors include a camera. The subject matter also discloses a multi-sensor endoscopy system comprising an endoscope comprising a handle and a controller, such that the maneuvering section is controlled by the controller.