Method and system for using a variable direction of view endoscope with a robotic endoscope holder

1. A method for performing 3D endoscopic photography using a variable direction of view endoscope having a longitudinal axis, a tip, and a view vector movable relative to the longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps:

a) securing the endoscope on an articulate arm comprising at least three universal joints and an end-effector that passively holds the endoscope while the articulate arm is actuated;

b) establishing an original position of the tip of the endoscope;

c) inputting an endoscope moving command provided by a user to move the endoscope in a desired direction relative to an object displayed on a display device;

d) computing an incremental movement of the endoscope based on the command provided by the user and on the original position of the endoscope;

e) moving the endoscope in the desired direction so that the tip of the endoscope always moves in a direction commanded by the user and so that the endoscope changes its angle about a fulcrum;

f) inputting a view vector moving command provided by the user to move the view vector relative to the longitudinal axis in a desired direction relative to an object displayed on the display device;

g) moving the view vector relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal end of the endoscope so that the view vector moves in a direction commanded by the user so that the view of the object is changed;

h) repeating steps c), d), e), f), and g) to obtain a plurality of views of the object; and

i) using the plurality of views to obtain at least one stereoscopic image of the object.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of a) securing further comprises that the end-effector comprises a prismatic joint.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the articulate arm of step of a) further comprises at least three segments connected by the universal joints.

4. A method for performing 3D endoscopic photography using a variable direction of view endoscope having a longitudinal axis, a tip, and a view vector movable relative to the longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps: a) securing the endoscope on an articulate arm comprising at least three segments, a plurality of joints, and an end-effector that passively holds the endoscope; b) establishing an original position of the tip of the endoscope; c) inputting a command to change a view of an object provided by the endoscope and displayed on a display device; d) computing an incremental movement of the articulate arm and the view vector based on the command and on the original position of the endoscope; e) moving the endoscope according to the computed incremental movement by moving of at least one of the plurality of joints and by causing the endoscope to change its angle about a fulcrum; and f) moving the view vector relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal end of the endoscope according to the computed incremental movement so that the view of the object is changed; g) repeating steps c), d), e), and f) to obtain a plurality of views of the object; and h) using the plurality of views to obtain at least one stereoscopic image of the object.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the plurality of joints is a universal joint.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the step of a) securing further comprises that the end-effector comprises a prismatic joint.

7. The method of claim 4 , wherein the step of a) securing further comprises that the end-effector comprises at least one sensor that senses the attitude of the endoscope.

8. The method of claim 4 , wherein the step of e) moving the endoscope further comprises that the fulcrum comprises an entry-point into a patient's body.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of a) securing further comprises that the end-effector comprises at least one sensor that senses the attitude of the endoscope.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of e) moving the endoscope further comprises that the fulcrum comprises an entry-point into a patient's body.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein robotic control of the variable direction of view endoscope is integrated with electromechanical positioning of the endoscope.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is performed during a surgical procedure.