Patent ID: 7110124
Filing Date: 2006-09-19
Classification: A61B,G01B

Abstract:
1. A method for obtaining geometrical data relating to the internal surface of a canal whereby a probe having a light emitting distal portion is inserted into the canal, the method further comprising the steps of: directing light with wavelengths within a first and a second range onto a partially reflective and partially transparent surface at the distal portion of the probe, reflecting light in the first wavelength range from the surface to illuminate at least one point of a circumferential area of the internal surface of the canal, and transmitting light in the second wavelength range through the surface to illuminate an area in front of the distal portion of the probe, receiving the light reflected from the illuminated areas, and directing the received light to at least one light sensitive element to generate an output relating to the first and the second wavelength range, analyzing the output relating to the light in the first wavelength range to determine the distance from the probe to the internal surface of the canal at points of the circumference, and analyzing the output relating to the light in the second wavelength range to determine the distance from the probe to an object in front of the probe.