AUTOSTEERING VISION ENDOSCOPE

摘要

A control mechanism for automatically steering the distal end of an endoscope into a body cavity. During advancement of the endoscope, the control mechanism directs the distal tip to be moved in a sweep pattern. Images obtained during the sweep pattern are combined and analyzed in order to determine the desired direction of advancement of the endoscope. The distal end of the endoscope is 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.