Patent ID: 7956887
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
1. A coupling assembly for connecting a scope and image sensor housing, comprising: a image orientation unit having first and second ends, said unit having a first coupler section located at the first end of said unit for coupling said unit to a scope and a second coupler section located at the second end of said unit for coupling said unit to an image sensor housing; an optical assembly at least partly arranged in said unit for transmitting images therethrough, said optical assembly having at least one rotatable optical element that rotates the optical images; a rotation sensor for monitoring rotation of said optical element and generating a first signal therefor; an accelerometer arranged in said image orientation unit for monitoring the rotation of said unit and generating a second signal therefor; a processor connected to said rotation sensor and said accelerometer for receiving the first and second signals and, at least partly based on the first and second signals, calculating the orientation of the images relative to the direction of gravity; an actuator for rotating said optical element, wherein said actuator is connected to said processor to receive a signal from said processor indicating the amount to rotate said optical element in order to level said image; an optical element housing in which said optical element is at least partly disposed; wherein said orientation unit includes a main housing, the second coupling section of said orientation unit includes a rotatable member that rotates relative to said main housing, and said optical element housing is coupled to said rotating member such that said optical element rotates with said rotating member relative to said main housing; wherein said actuator comprises a motor; and a differential gear set driven by said motor and coupled to said optical element housing such that said optical element is rotated thereby.