Endoscope

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes an advanced endoscope featuring a digital camera mounted on a system of two perpendicular rotational axes, enabling the camera to pivot and rotate without moving the entire endoscope. The device uses stepper motors for precise electronic control of the camera's orientation, and may be controlled conveniently by hand switches, foot pedals, eye-tracking, or gesture recognition. Its imaging unit is enclosed within a transparent, disinfectable cover, maintaining the compact size of the instrument.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Medical minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy, arthroscopy, endoscopy, etc.) for detailed internal visualization without moving the device
• Inspection and maintenance in industrial settings (e.g., pipes, turbines) where remote internal views are needed
• Veterinary procedures requiring flexible internal imaging tools
• Surveillance or security applications involving inspection in hard-to-access cavities or spaces
• Scientific research requiring high manoeuvrability imaging in constrained environments

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a wide, almost panoramic field of view from a stationary position, improving visualization quality and ease of use
• Reduces need to manipulate or reposition the endoscope during procedures, decreasing risk of trauma and improving precision
• Offers versatile and intuitive controls (hands, feet, eye-gaze, gestures) to keep surgeons’ or operators’ hands free for other tasks
• Enhanced digital imaging: immediate, high-quality, and easily processable visuals for diagnostics, documentation, or research
• Improved sterilizability and ease of cleaning thanks to its sealed, transparent cover
• Maintains the standard size of current endoscope shafts, allowing compatibility with existing surgical techniques and instrument channels

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to endoscopes. These are in particular characterized in that objects can easily be observed using the endoscopes and without moving the endoscopes per se. To this end, a rotatably mounted mount with a digital camera is located on or in a holder, the holder being arranged radially rotatable such that the rotational axes of the holder and of the mount are arranged perpendicular to one another. The mount with the digital camera can be swivelled by means of a transmission mechanism on or in a tubular support element of the holder. The endoscope furthermore has at least one drive mechanism with a first rotatory and annular drive for the tubular support element and hence for the holder, and a second drive for the mount, a connection cable for the digital camera being located in the interior of the endoscope. Moreover, the endoscope has a cover for the rotatably mounted holder including the mount with the digital camera, which cover consists of a material that is transparent to visible light.