Patent ID: 7517314
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for indicating the proper upright orientation of images, comprising: a scope for acquiring images, said scope having a view vector, a longitudinal axis, and a view vector pivot axis angularly offset from the longitudinal axis about which the view vector pivots; at least three rotation sensors for monitoring rotation of said scope about three substantially orthogonal axes and generating signals therefor; a processor connected to said rotation sensor that receives the signals and calculates an image upright direction based thereon; and a display device connected to said scope for displaying the acquired images, wherein the display device displays with the images a graphical representation of a three-dimensional indicator of the calculated image upright direction based on the rotation of said scope relative to each of the three substantially orthogonal axes; wherein the calculated upright direction is further based on the pivoting of the view vector relative to the longitudinal axis of said scope.