Dynamic field of view endoscope
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.
1. A multi-sensor endoscope having a dynamic field of view, comprising:
a. an elongated shaft terminating with a tip section;
b. at least one angulating section positioned between said elongated shaft and said tip section, said at least one angulating section configured to move and turn said tip section;
c. at least three cameras comprising:
i. a front-pointing camera located on a frontal tip section of said tip section;
ii. a first side-pointing camera located behind the tip section and in front of the at least one angulating section, said first side-pointing camera being positioned essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of said tip section;
iii. a second side-pointing camera located behind said at least one angulating section on an external surface of the elongated shaft, said second side-pointing camera being positioned essentially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of said elongated shaft; and
d. one or more illuminators located on the external surface of the elongated shaft, said one or more illuminators configured to provide illumination to a field of view of said front-pointing camera, to a field of view of said first side-pointing camera and to a field of view of said second side-pointing camera,
wherein the fields of views of said at least three cameras are at least partially overlapping when the field of view of said first side-pointing camera is changed relative to the field of view of the second side-pointing camera, by maneuvering of said at least one angulating section.
2. The multi-sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein each of said at least three cameras comprises a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.
3. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein one or more of said at least three cameras comprises a thermal sensor, an infrared (IR) light sensor, an ultra violet (UV) sensor, an ultrasound sensor or an X-ray sensor.
4. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one angulating section is configured to be operated separately or simultaneously relative to said elongated shaft.
5. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one angulating section is operated manually or electrically.
6. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein said at least three cameras and said one or more illuminators are configured to operate separately or simultaneously in various combinations.
7. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein said endoscope is a laparoscope.
8. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein each of said one or more illuminators comprises a light-emitting diode (LED).
9. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one maneuvering section connected to the elongated shaft changes its viewing direction separately by using a knob and/or a switch located on a handle of said multi sensor endoscope.
10. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said cameras comprises a lens assembly providing a field of view of 140 degrees or more.
11. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein said cameras comprises a lens assembly providing a focal length of approximately 2-20 centimeters.
12. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two side-pointing cameras are fully integrated within the shaft.
13. The multi sensor endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein one or more of the at least three cameras have a lens assembly providing a field of view of 100 degrees or more.
14. The multi-sensor endoscope of claim 1 , wherein said front pointing camera is tilted relative to a longitudinal axis of said tip section.