Multi-Camera Endoscope Tip for Panoramic Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, face limitations in providing a broader field of view and efficient access for surgical tools while maintaining compactness and functionality, particularly in packing necessary elements in the tip section.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopy display system with a distal tip featuring multiple image capturing components and a handle with actuators that generate video processing commands, combined with a controller and display system to process and display panoramic images, allowing for enhanced viewing and tool access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple image capturing components are positioned at the distal end to provide broader field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope is divided into modular components including a distal tip section with multiple image capturing components, a shaft section, and a handle section. Each module can be independently designed and assembled, allowing multiple cameras to be positioned at the distal end without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple image capturing components are nested within the distal tip section, with cameras positioned at different orientations (front-facing, side-facing, rear-facing) within a compact arrangement. This nesting allows broader field of view coverage while maintaining a small distal tip profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple image capturing components and associated elements are packed in the tip section, then the field of view is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The distal tip section is designed as a separate manufacturable module that can be produced independently and then assembled to the shaft and handle sections. This segmentation allows specialized manufacturing techniques to be applied to the tip section without complicating the manufacturing of other parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distal tip section is designed as a universal module that can accommodate multiple image capturing components with different orientations and functions. This multi-functional design allows the same basic module structure to be used across different endoscope configurations, simplifying manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple image capturing components are positioned at the distal end, then the field of view is improved, but the volume of the tip section increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidvolume of tip section

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Image capturing components are positioned in three-dimensional space at different orientations (front, side, rear) rather than simply arranging multiple cameras in a linear sequence. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows comprehensive field of view coverage within a compact tip section volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If surgical tools are accessed through the working channel, then the functionality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle section is designed as a universal interface that accommodates multiple surgical tools through a single working channel. The handle provides standardized controls and actuators that can operate different surgical instruments, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3777646B1Operational interface in a multi-viewing elements endoscope

Publication Date: 2023.09.27 ENDOCHOICE INC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1F

AI summary

The present invention relates to an endoscopy display system comprising an endoscope comprising a distal tip, wherein said distal tip has at least two image capturing components, and at least one actuator that, when activated, generates one or more video processing commands, a controller external to said endoscope, wherein said controller comprises a video processing system adapted to transmit commands to said at least two image capturing components and receive an image feed from each of said at least two image capturing components, wherein the video processing system is configured to process the image feeds to combine them into a single, panoramic image feed, and a display system, wherein said display system comprises at least one monitor that concurrently receives the panoramic image feed from the video processing system, and visually displays the panoramic image feed, and wherein said video processing system is adapted to process the panoramic image feed in accordance with the one or more video processing commands to cause at least one of a position of the panoramic image feed on the at least one monitor to change, a zoom into the panoramic image feed, a recording of the panoramic image feed, a freezing of the panoramic image feed, a highlighting the panoramic image feed, or a superimposing of a navigation indicator on the panoramic image feed.