Abstract: The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.

Abstract: An image sensor with multiple pixel arrays is adapted to receive and process imaging data captured through multiple viewing elements oriented in different directions. Each pixel array is configured to receive the imaging data captured by a different imaging device oriented in an associated direction. Employing a single image sensor for multiple cameras leads to efficient design layout and optimal use of chip space. The image sensor is used in an endoscope system comprising multiple viewing elements, such as front and side facing cameras.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an endoscope having a tip section equipped with multiple viewing elements. Each of the viewing elements' field of view is illuminated by a discrete illuminator, such as a LED, being operated in a flash mode. The flash mode of operation of the LEDs enable doctors to obtain a position of the endoscope tip within a patient's body from outside by viewing the light emitted by the LEDs. Since the light is emitted for short pre-defined periods of time, the heat generated by the LEDs during their periods of operation is within a safe threshold value, and does not cause any burn injury inside the patient's body.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There is provided herein an optical system for a tip section of a multi-sensor endoscope, the system comprising: a front-pointing camera sensor; a front objective lens system; a side-pointing camera sensor; and a side objective lens system, wherein at least one of said front and side objective lens systems comprises a front and a rear sub-systems separated by a stop diaphragm, said front sub-system comprises, in order from the object side, a first front negative lens and a second front positive lens, said rear sub-system comprises, in order from the object side, a first rear positive lens, an achromatic sub-assembly comprising a second rear positive lens and a third rear negative lens, wherein the following condition is satisfied: f(first rear positive lens)?1.8f, where f is the composite focal length of the total lens system and f(first rear positive lens) is the focal length of said first rear positive lens.

Abstract: There is provided herein a circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope comprising a camera circuit board configured to carry at least one front-pointing camera and at least one side-pointing camera, a flexible illuminator circuit board comprising at least one foldable panel and configured to carry at least one front illuminator for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the front-pointing camera and at least one side illuminator for essentially illuminating the FOV of the side-pointing camera.

Abstract: The present specification describes a system and method for computing the temperature of the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope based on a measurement of junction temperatures of light emitting diode (LED) illuminators inside the tip. The measurement of temperature is used for taking corrective action if the temperature exceeds a limit. The temperature measurement is used for optimizing image parameters, as the performance of image sensors is affected by changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-viewing element endoscope, the tip section comprising: two or more side-pointing viewing elements positioned at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section, wherein each of said two or more side-pointing viewing elements having a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the field of view provided by the two or more side-pointing viewing elements covers a front and side views; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an endoscope having a tip section equipped with multiple viewing elements. Each of the viewing elements' field of view is illuminated by a discrete illuminator, such as a LED, being operated in a flash mode. The flash mode of operation of the LEDs enable doctors to obtain a position of the endoscope tip within a patient's body from outside by viewing the light emitted by the LEDs. Since the light is emitted for short pre-defined periods of time, the heat generated by the LEDs during their periods of operation is within a safe threshold value, and does not cause any burn injury inside the patient's body.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a fluid channeling component for a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the fluid channeling component comprising one or more fluid channels configured for flowing for insufflation and/or irrigation fluid, and one or more support elements adapted to receive, support and/or secure a flexible electronic circuit board and/or one or more of a front camera, a side camera, an optical assembly, and a light source attached thereto; and a folded flexible electronic circuit board.

Abstract: A rotating connector formed within an endoscope console for connecting an endoscope to a console, comprising: a fixed part located on the endoscope console for attaching the rotating connector to the console; and a rotating part adapted to be attached to the at least one fixed part such that the rotating part can rotate relatively to the at least one fixed part, the rotating part also adapted to receiving an endoscope connector, wherein the rotating connector enables rotation of the endoscope while eliminating twisting of a proximal shaft connecting the endoscope to the console.

Abstract: There is provided herein a circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope comprising a camera circuit board configured to carry at least one front-pointing camera and at least one side-pointing camera, a flexible illuminator circuit board comprising at least one foldable panel and configured to carry at least one front illuminator for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the front-pointing camera and at least one side illuminator for essentially illuminating the FOV of the side-pointing camera.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a fluid channeling component for a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the fluid channeling component comprising one or more fluid channels configured for flowing for insufflation and/or irrigation fluid, and one or more support elements adapted to receive, support and/or secure a flexible electronic circuit board and/or one or more of a front camera, a side camera, an optical assembly, and a light source attached thereto; and a folded flexible electronic circuit board.

Abstract: A rotating connector formed within an endoscope console for connecting an endoscope to a console, comprising: a fixed part located on the endoscope console for attaching the rotating connector to the console; and a rotating part adapted to be attached to the at least one fixed part such that the rotating part can rotate relatively to the at least one fixed part, the rotating part also adapted to receiving an endoscope connector, wherein the rotating connector enables rotation of the endoscope while eliminating twisting of a proximal shaft connecting the endoscope to the console.

Abstract: An interface unit is configured to functionally associate with an endoscope system which includes at least two simultaneously operating imaging channels associated with at least two displays, respectively. In a first configuration, the interface unit includes an image processor functionally associated with the at least two imaging channels which is configured to separately synchronize images and image data received simultaneously from the at least two imaging channels and send those discrete image streams to different displays. In a second configuration, the interface unit includes an image processor functionally associated with the at least two imaging channels which is configured to receive image streams, synchronize the image streams, and create a single image stream to send to a display.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The specification describes a white balance enclosure for use with a tip of a multi-viewing elements endoscope. The white balance enclosure is used to provide a reference white background to the plurality of viewing elements when the tip is positioned within the white balance enclosure and a white balance circuit is used to calculate and store reference white balance values based on white field/test feed signals generated by the plurality of viewing elements exposed to the reference white background.

Abstract: The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.

Abstract: There is provided herein, an electronic circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multiple viewing elements endoscope, the assembly including a base board configured to carry a first metal frame to support a front looking viewing element and a second metal frame to support a side looking viewing element; and a flexible illumination circuit board comprising a front foldable panel configured to carry three sets of front illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the front looking viewing element, and a side foldable panel configured to carry a set of side illuminators for essentially illuminating the field of view (FOV) of the side looking viewing element.

Abstract: An optical assembly adapted to be positioned within an endoscope tip and having three modular camera units, comprising: a front modular camera unit defined by a front central axis and a first and second side modular camera units defined by first and second side central axes that are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front central axis. Each modular camera unit further comprises a holder for housing an associated optical element and an image sensor in data communication with a corresponding printed circuit board. The front, first side and second side modular camera units are respectively positioned in first, second and third compartments of an assembly holder.