Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope with Nested Camera Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, have limited fields of view and restricted access for surgical tools, and face challenges in efficiently packing necessary elements within the tip section while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-viewing element endoscope with a distal tip featuring at least three image capturing components, a handle with an actuator for video processing commands, and a controller and display system that processes and displays image feeds from these components, allowing for enhanced visualization and tool access through features like zoom, recording, and navigation indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple image capturing components are added to the distal tip, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into multiple functional modules including a distal tip section with image capturing components, an intermediate section with processing units, and a proximal section with display systems. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to provide multiple fields of view without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip is designed as a multi-functional unit that integrates multiple image capturing components (such as forward-facing, side-facing, and backward-facing cameras) along with illumination and fluid management capabilities in a single structure, reducing the need for separate devices for different viewing angles.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple image capturing components are added to the distal tip, then the field of view is improved, but the packing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple image capturing components are arranged in a nested or concentric configuration within the distal tip, where smaller components are positioned within or around larger components. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available space and allows multiple sensors to be packed into a compact volume while maintaining their individual fields of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The image capturing components are positioned in three-dimensional space around the distal tip rather than in a single plane, utilizing axial, radial, and angular dimensions to distribute components efficiently. This spatial arrangement allows multiple cameras to capture different views without requiring excessive tip diameter or length.
3Adaptability or versatility
If video processing commands are added to the handle, then the operational capabilities are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Video processing commands and controls are pre-arranged on the handle in intuitive positions that correspond to the displayed images. This preliminary arrangement of controls allows the operator to access advanced operational capabilities without needing to navigate complex menus or interfaces during the procedure, effectively managing complexity through thoughtful design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If zoom and navigation features are added to the display system, then the operational capabilities are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system automatically performs zooming, panning, and navigation functions based on pre-programmed algorithms that analyze the video feeds from multiple cameras. This self-service capability allows advanced image processing and navigation features to be available without requiring complex manual controls or user intervention, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining enhanced operational capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification describes an endoscopy display system including an endoscope with a distal tip having at least three image capturing components, and a handle with an actuator that, when activated, generates a video processing command; a controller including a video processing system adapted to transmit commands to the three image capturing components and receive an image feed from each of said three image capturing components; and a display system, including at least one monitor that concurrently receives and concurrently visually displays each of said processed image feeds, where the video processing system is adapted to process each of said image feeds in accordance with the video processing command to cause at least one of changing a position of, zooming into or out of; recording; freezing; highlighting; or superimposing a navigation indicator upon the at least one of the processed image feeds.