Variable direction of view instrument with distal image sensor

摘要

A viewing instrument having a variable direction of view is disclosed generally comprising a shaft, a sensor mounted in the distal end of the shaft such that the image plane of the sensor is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a reflecting element that rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In some embodiments, a negative lens is mounted adjacent the reflecting element, and in certain embodiments, a positive lens is positioned adjacent the image sensor.

主权项

1. A viewing instrument having a variable direction of view, comprising:
an endoscopic device comprising; a shaft having a distal end and a longitudinal axis; a sensor mounted in the distal end of said shaft, said sensor having an image plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft; and a reflecting assembly for reducing the angle of incidence of incoming light onto the image plane of the sensor by increasing the path length travelled by the incoming light, comprising: a first reflecting element boated at the distal end of sad shaft that receives incoming light and redirects the light in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shaft and wherein said element rotates about a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shaft; a second reflecting element that receives the light redirected by said first reflecting element and redirects the light in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said shaft and toward the distal and of said shaft; and a third reflecting element that receives the light redirected by said second reflecting element and redirects the light onto the image plane of said sensor.