AUTOSTEERING VISION ENDOSCOPE

摘要

A control mechanism for automatically steering the distal end of an endoscop e into a body cavity. During advancement of the endoscope, the control mechani sm directs the distal tip to be moved in a sweep pattern. Images obtained durin g the sweep pattern are combined and analyzed in order to determine the desire d direction of advancement of the endoscope. The distal end of the endoscope i s then oriented in the direction of the desired advancement direction. An autoexamination feature can be activated that automatically moves the distal tip in a desired sweep pattern. Images of a body cavity are obtained during each sweep pattern for analysis by the physician.