Patent ID: 6663559
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A system for viewing the inside of a cavity using a variable direction of view endoscope, wherein a view vector is located at a distal end of said endoscope, and wherein said endoscope has a current endoscope configuration, comprising:an input device that receives commands from a user; a tracking device that provides view vector orientation information; a processing device that receives said commands and said orientation information and performs operations comprising the calculation of a desired endoscope configuration based on said commands and said orientation information, wherein said commands are interpreted by said processing device with respect to a control coordinate system that can change in alignment with said endoscope; a control device that adjusts said endoscope to make said current endoscope configuration equivalent to said desired endoscope configuration; and a display device that displays a current endoscopic view.