Image Capture Assembly for Use in a Multi-Viewing Elements Endoscope

[0001] The present application relies on, for priority, the following United States Provisional patent applications, which are also herein incorporated by reference in their entirety:

• [0002] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/820,100, entitled “Image Capture Assembly for Use with Endoscope” and filed on May 6, 2013;
• [0003] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/821,579, entitled “Operational Interface in a Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope” and filed on May 9, 2013;
• [0004] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/822,563, entitled “Systems and Methods of Displaying a Plurality of Contiguous Images with Minimal Distortion”, and filed on May 13, 2013.
• [0005] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/824,236, entitled “Multi-Viewing Endoscope” and filed on May 16, 2013;
• [0006] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/824,653, entitled “Interface Unit for Endoscopic System” and filed on May 17, 2013;
• [0007] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/824,863, entitled “Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope Having Two Front Service Channels” and filed on May 17, 2013;
• [0008] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/828,039, entitled “Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope Having Two Front Service Channels” and filed on May 28, 2013;
• [0009] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/840,691, entitled “Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope With Modular Imaging Units” and filed on Jun. 28, 2013;
• [0010] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/840,706, entitled “Multi-Jet Distributor For An Endoscope” and filed on Jun. 28, 2013;
• [0011] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/841,863, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of a Multi Viewing Elements Endoscope” and filed on Jul. 1, 2013;
• [0012] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/881,661, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of An Endoscope” and filed on Sep. 24, 2013;
• [0013] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/897,896, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of a Multi Viewing Elements Endoscope” and filed on Oct. 31, 2013;
• [0014] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/899,465, entitled “Illuminator Circuit Board Assembly of An Endoscope” and filed on Nov. 4, 2013;
• [0015] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/910,863, entitled “Multi-Jet Endoscope” and filed on Dec. 2, 2013;
• [0016] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/925,080, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of a Multi Viewing Elements Endoscope” and filed on Jan. 8, 2014;
• [0017] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/926,732, entitled “Multi-Jet Endoscope” and filed on Jan. 13, 2014;
• [0018] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/935,647, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of An Endoscope” and filed on Feb. 4, 2014;
• [0019] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/936,562, entitled “Method and System for Video Processing In A Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope” and filed on Feb. 6, 2014;
• [0020] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/948,009, entitled “Manifold for Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope” and filed on Mar. 4, 2014;
• [0021] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/950,696, entitled “Service Channel Connector of An Endoscope” and filed on Mar. 10, 2014;
• [0022] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/968,436, entitled “System for Connecting and Disconnecting A Main Connector and A Main Control Unit of An Endoscope” and filed on Mar. 21, 2014; and
• [0023] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/987,984, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of An Endoscope” and filed on May 2, 2014.

[0024] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/984,028, entitled “Multi-Element Cover for a Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Aug. 22, 2013, which is a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application Number PCT/IL2012/050037, of the same title and filed on Feb. 6, 2012, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/439,948, filed on Feb. 7, 2011, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0025] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/992,021, entitled “Fluid Channeling Component of a Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Jun. 6, 2013, which is a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application Number PCT/IL2011/050050, entitled “Flexible Electronic Circuit Board Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Dec. 8, 2011, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/421,240, filed on Dec. 9, 2010, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0026] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/992,014, entitled “Flexible Electronic Circuit Board for a Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Jun. 6, 2013, which is a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application Number PCT/IL2011/050049, of the same title and filed on Dec. 8, 2011, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/421,238, filed on Dec. 9, 2010, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0027] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/882,004, entitled “Optical Systems for Multi-Sensor Endoscopes” and filed on May 23, 2013, which is a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application Number PCT/IL2011/000832, of the same title and filed on Oct. 27, 2011, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/407,495, filed on Oct. 28, 2010, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0028] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/822,908, entitled “Multi-Camera Endoscope Having Fluid Channels” and filed on Mar. 13, 2013, which is a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application Number PCT/IL2011/000745, of the same title and filed on Sep. 20, 2011, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/384,354, filed on Sep. 20, 2010, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0029] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/713,449, entitled “Removable Tip Endoscope” and filed on Dec. 13, 2012, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/569,796, of the same title and filed on Dec. 13, 2011, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0030] The present application is also a continuation-in-part application of the following United States patent applications, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety:

• [0031] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/655,120, entitled “Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Oct. 18, 2012;
• [0032] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/212,627, entitled “Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope” and filed on Aug. 18, 2011; and
• [0033] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/190,968, entitled “Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Jul. 26, 2011, all of which are continuation-in-part applications of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/119,032, entitled “Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Jul. 15, 2011, which is a 371 National Stage Entry of PCT Application Number PCT/IL2010/000476, of the same title and filed on Jun. 16, 2010, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/218,085, for priority.

[0034] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/413,252, entitled “Multi Camera Endoscope Assembly Having Multiple Working Channels” and filed on Mar. 6, 2012, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,746, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0035] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/413,141, entitled “Multi Camera Endoscope Having a Side Service Channel” and filed on Mar. 6, 2012, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,743, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0036] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/413,059, entitled “Endoscope Circuit Board Assembly” and filed on Mar. 6, 2012, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,741, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0037] The present specification is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/412,974, entitled “Camera Assembly for Medical Probes” and filed on Mar. 6, 2012, which, in turn, relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,739, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority, and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0038] The present specification is also related to the following United States Provisional patent applications:

• [0039] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/806,065, entitled “Multi Camera, Multi Jet Endoscope Having Two Side Service Channels” and filed on Mar. 28, 2013;
• [0040] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/812,709, entitled “Multi Camera, Multi Jet Endoscope Having Two Side Service Channels” and filed on Apr. 16, 2013; and
• [0041] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/817,237, entitled “Method and System for Video Processing in a Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope” and filed on Apr. 29, 2013.

[0042] All of the above-mentioned applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0043] The present specification relates generally to a multi-viewing element endoscope assembly comprising a tip section with a modular or component-based structure thus enabling the tip section to be compactly packed in accordance with various embodiments.

[0044] Endoscopes have attained great acceptance within the medical community since they provide a means for performing procedures with minimal patient trauma while enabling the physician to view the internal anatomy of the patient. Over the years, numerous endoscopes have been developed and categorized according to specific applications, such as cystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, upper GI endoscopy and others. Endoscopes may be inserted into the body's natural orifices or through an incision in the skin.

[0045] An endoscope is usually an elongated tubular shaft, rigid or flexible, having a video camera or a fiber optic lens assembly at its distal end. The shaft is connected to a handle which sometimes includes an ocular for direct viewing. Viewing is also usually possible via an external screen. Various surgical tools may be inserted through a working channel in the endoscope for performing different surgical procedures.

[0046] Endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that are currently being used typically have a front camera for viewing the internal organ, such as the colon, an illuminator, a fluid injector for cleaning the camera lens and sometimes also the illuminator, and a working channel for insertion of surgical tools, for example, for removing polyps found in the colon. Often, endoscopes also have fluid injectors (“jet”) for cleaning a body cavity, such as the colon, into which they are inserted. The illuminators commonly used are fiber optics which transmit light, generated remotely, to the endoscope tip section. The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination is also known.

[0047] Among the disadvantages of such endoscopes are their limited field of view and their limited options for operating medical and surgical tools.

[0048] There is thus a need in the art for endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality.

[0049] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods, which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. The present application discloses numerous embodiments.

[0050] The present specification discloses an image capturing assembly adapted to be used in an endoscope, the assembly comprising: a manifold having a proximal base with a first length and a first width and a casing extending outward from said proximal base, wherein said casing has a second length and second width and wherein said first length is less than the second length and the first width is greater than the second width; a partially enclosed housing wherein said partially enclosed housing is adapted to physically attach to the manifold; a LED carrier substrate, wherein said LED carrier substrate is adapted to be foldable and to carry a plurality of LEDs; a flexible optical carrier substrate, wherein said flexible optical carrier substrate is adapted to be foldable and to carry a plurality of camera sensors; and a tip cover adapted to cover said manifold, said partially enclosed housing, said LED carrier substrate, and said flexible optical carrier substrate.

[0051] In one embodiment, the manifold is a unitary part. In one embodiment, the proximal base is substantially cylindrical.

[0052] In one embodiment, the casing comprises at least one continuous channel that extends from the proximal base throughout the second length. Further, in one embodiment, the proximal base comprises a plurality of channels extending through the entire first length wherein at least one of said channels together with said continuous channel in the casing, creates a fluidically isolated channel extending through the proximal base and casing.

[0053] In one embodiment, the manifold combined with the partially enclosed housing creates a substantially cylindrical housing.

[0054] Optionally, in one embodiment, the partially enclosed housing comprises a protrusion. Further, in one embodiment, the proximal base comprises a groove wherein said groove is adapted to receive said protrusion.

[0055] In one embodiment, the manifold combined with the partially enclosed housing create a substantially cylindrical housing having openings and an internal volume, wherein the flexible optical carrier substrate is adapted to be folded to fit within said internal volume, and wherein said openings are positioned to receive said camera sensors. In one embodiment, the substantially cylindrical housing is adapted to receive a folded LED carrier substrate. Further, in one embodiment, the substantially cylindrical housing in combination with the folded LED carrier and folded flexible optical carrier creates an assembled image capture assembly having a front facing camera together with at least one LED and a side facing camera together with at least one LED.

[0056] In one embodiment, the tip cover comprises a first portion that covers a first half of said assembled image capturing assembly and a second portion that covers a second half of said assembled image capturing assembly.

[0057] The present specification also discloses an image capturing assembly adapted to be used in an endoscope, the assembly comprising a manifold having a continuous fluidically isolated channel extending through its length; a curved member wherein said curved member is adapted to physically attach to the manifold; a discrete illuminator carrier substrate, wherein said discrete illuminator carrier substrate is foldable and comprises at least two discrete illuminators; an optical assembly positioned on a flexible substrate comprising at least two viewing elements; and a tip cover adapted to cover said manifold, said curved member, said discrete illuminator carrier substrate, and said flexible optical carrier substrate, wherein the at least two discrete illuminators, the at least two viewing elements, and the optical assembly are configured to fit within a maximum volume in a range of 2.75 cm³ to 3.5 cm³, where each of the at least two viewing elements is configured to generate a field of view ranging from 120 to 180 degrees, a depth of field ranging from 3 to 100 mm, and a peripheral distortion of less than 80%, without reliance on any aspherical components, and wherein the optical assembly has a maximum focal length in a range of 1 mm go 1.4 mm.

[0058] In one embodiment, each viewing element has a field of view having a depth of field ranging from 3 mm to 100 mm wherein the first and second viewing elements are positioned such that the field of view of the first viewing element intersects with the field of view of the second viewing element. In one embodiment, the field of view of the first viewing element intersects with the field of view of the second viewing element within 15 mm from the first viewing element or the second viewing element.

[0059] In one embodiment, the maximum focal length is 1.2 mm.

[0060] The present specification also discloses an endoscopic tip having a distal face and side edges extending from said distal face, wherein the distal face and side edges together define an internal volume of said tip, said tip comprising: a flexible substrate positioned within the internal volume comprising a central carrier portion and two parallel strips, wherein the two strips extend from the central carrier portion at a second end; a first arm extending from the central carrier portion and connecting said second end of said central carrier portion with a first of said parallel strips, wherein said first arm is flexible and is configured to have a first discrete front illuminator mounted thereon; a second arm extending from the central carrier portion and connecting said second end of said central carrier portion with a second of said parallel strips, wherein said second arm is flexible and is configured to have a second discrete front illuminator mounted thereon; and a flexible substrate positioned within the internal volume and comprising a front viewing element, wherein the front viewing element is positioned facing outward from the distal face and wherein at least one of the first and second arms is configured such that the front viewing element is positioned adjacent at least one of the first and second discrete front illuminators within a plane defined by the distal face.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first and second arms are configured such that the front viewing element is positioned between the first and second discrete front illuminators within a plane defined by the distal face.

[0062] In one embodiment, the endoscopic tip further comprises a third discrete front illuminator positioned on said central carrier portion and between and below said first and second arms.

[0063] In one embodiment, the endoscopic tip further comprises a first protrusion extending from the first of said two parallel strips, wherein the first protrusion is flexible and has a first discrete side illuminator mounted thereon, and a first side viewing element, wherein the first side viewing element is positioned facing outward from a first of the side edges.

[0064] In one embodiment, the first protrusion is configured such that the first side viewing element is positioned adjacent the first discrete side illuminator within a plane defined by the first of the side edges.

[0065] In one embodiment, the endoscopic tip further comprises a second protrusion extending from the first of said two parallel strips, wherein the second protrusion is flexible and has a second discrete side illuminator mounted thereon.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second protrusion is configured such that the first side viewing element is positioned between the first and second discrete side illuminators within a plane defined by the first of the side edges.

[0067] In one embodiment, the endoscopic tip further comprises a third protrusion extending from the second of said two parallel strips, wherein the third protrusion is flexible and has a third discrete side illuminator mounted thereon, and a second side viewing element, wherein the second side viewing element is positioned facing outward from a second of the side edges.

[0068] In one embodiment, the third protrusion is configured such that the second side viewing element is positioned adjacent the third discrete side illuminator within a plane defined by the second of the side edges.

[0069] In one embodiment, the endoscopic tip further comprises a fourth protrusion extending from the second of said two parallel strips, wherein the fourth protrusion is flexible and has a fourth discrete side illuminator mounted thereon.

[0070] In one embodiment, the fourth protrusion is configured such that the second side viewing element is positioned between the third and fourth discrete side illuminators within a plane defined by the second of the side edges.

[0071] The present specification also discloses an endoscope configured to provide quasi-simultaneously N views, N being greater than 1, said endoscope comprising N optical systems configured to collect light from directions associated with said N views, and further comprising M image capturing devices, where M is smaller than N, and said image capturing devices are configured to capture light collected by said N optical systems, thereby providing N views quasi-simultaneously.

[0072] Optionally, in one embodiment, at least one of said M image capturing devices comprises a CCD. In one embodiment, M=1.

[0073] In one embodiment, the image capturing device comprises a single planar light sensitive surface. In one embodiment, each of said optical systems is configured to transfer collected light onto an associated portion of said planar light-sensitive surface.

[0074] In one embodiment, N=3.

[0075] In one embodiment, a first optical system collects light from a first direction substantially facing said light sensitive surface, and a second optical system and a third optical system, respectively, collect light from directions substantially perpendicular to said first direction.

[0076] In one embodiment, at least two of said optical systems are configured to transfer collected light onto a same portion of said planar light-sensitive surface. In one embodiment, the endoscope further comprises a step-wise rotating optical element configured to be controllably positioned in at least two positions corresponding to said at least two optical systems, respectively, wherein in each such position said step-wise rotating optical element allows transfer of collected light from said respective optical system to said portion of said planar light-sensitive surface.

[0077] Optionally, in one embodiment, said step-wise rotating optical element comprises a mirror. In one embodiment, said mirror comprises a semi transparent portion.

[0078] Optionally, in another embodiment, said step-wise rotating optical element comprises a lens.

[0079] Optionally, in one embodiment, the endoscope further comprises at least one shutter operable to be shut and opened synchronously with said step-wise rotating optical element.

[0080] In one embodiment, said image capturing device comprises N planar light sensitive surfaces, and each of said optical systems is configured to transfer light to one of said N planar light sensitive surfaces, respectively.

[0081] In one embodiment, said image capturing device is substantially rigid and said N planar light sensitive surfaces are tilted at a fixed angle relative to one another.

[0082] In one embodiment, said image capturing device comprises a substantially flexible portion allowing to controllably tilt at an angle one of said N planar light sensitive surfaces relative to another one of said N planar light sensitive surfaces.

[0083] In one embodiment, said image capturing device comprises two planar light sensitive surfaces, aligned back to back thereby facing substantially opposite directions.

[0084] In one embodiment, M is greater than one and N is greater than two and at least two of said optical systems transfer light onto a light sensitive planar element of one of said image capturing devices. In one embodiment, M is equal to two and N is equal to three.

[0085] The present specification also discloses an endoscopic tip comprising: a first lens positioned on a front face of said tip; a second lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip; a third lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip and substantially opposite said second lens; an imager having a plurality of light sensitive surfaces; a first light guide for directing light from said first lens to one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces; a second light guide for directing light from said second lens to a second of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces; and, a third light guide for directing light from said third lens to a third one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces; wherein light waves passing through each of said first, second, and third light guides are isolated from each other.

[0086] The present specification also discloses an endoscopic tip comprising: a first lens positioned on a front face of said tip; a second lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip; a third lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip and substantially opposite said second lens; a first imager having a first light sensitive surface; a second imager having a plurality of light sensitive surfaces; a first light guide for directing light from said first lens to said first light sensitive surface of said first imager; a second light guide for directing light from said second lens to a first one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces of said second imager; and, a third light guide for directing light from said third lens to a second one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces of said second imager; wherein light waves passing through each of said first, second, and third light guides are isolated from each other.

[0087] The present specification also discloses an endoscopic tip comprising: a first lens positioned on a front face of said tip; a second lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip; a third lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip and substantially opposite said second lens; a double-sided imager having a first side and a second side wherein said first side is substantially opposite said second side, further wherein said first side comprises a first light sensitive surface and said second side comprises a plurality of light sensitive surfaces; a first light guide for directing light from said first lens to said first light sensitive surface of said first side of said double-sided imager; a second light guide for directing light from said second lens to a first one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces of said second side of said double-side imager; and, a third light guide for directing light from said third lens to a second one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces of said second side of said double-sided imager; wherein light waves passing through each of said first, second, and third light guides are isolated from each other.

[0088] One embodiment of the present specification is directed toward a manifold for use in an endoscope, comprising: 1) a manifold housing having a partially cylindrical shape with a curved top surface, a partially curved first side and a partially curved second side wherein the manifold housing comprises a base portion with a first width, a first length, and a proximal surface and an elongated portion, which is attached to the base portion, with a second width, a second length, and a distal surface, wherein the first width is greater than the second width and the first length is less than the second length; 2) a first channel extending from the base portion through the elongated portion, wherein the first channel has an entrance port positioned on said proximal surface of the base portion and an exit port positioned on a distal surface of the elongated portion; 3) a second channel extending from the base portion through the elongated portion, wherein the second channel has an entrance port positioned on said proximal surface of the base portion and an exit port positioned on a distal surface of the elongated portion; 4) a Y-shaped fluid conduit comprising a central stem portion, a first prong portion, and a second prong portion, wherein the central stem portion extends from an entrance port on the proximal surface of the base portion through the base portion, wherein the first prong portion extends from an end of the central portion through the base portion to an exit port on the partially curved first side; and wherein the second prong portion extends from an end of the central portion through the base portion to an exit port the partially curved second side; 5) a third channel extending from an entrance port on the proximal surface of the base portion through to an exit port on the partially curved first side; and 6) a fourth channel extending from an entrance port on the proximal surface of the base portion through to an exit port on the partially curved second side, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth channels are fluidically isolated and separated from each other.

[0089] Optionally, the manifold further comprises a fifth channel extending from the base portion through the elongated portion, wherein the third channel has an entrance port positioned on said proximal surface of the base portion and an exit port positioned on a distal surface of the elongated portion and wherein the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth channels are fluidically isolated and separated from each other. The manifold housing is formed from a unitary block of material. The exit port on the partially curved first side of the first prong portion is positioned in a depression in the partially curved first side. The exit port on the partially curved second side of the second prong portion is positioned in a depression in the partially curved second side. A portion of the third channel proximate to the exit port positioned on the partially curved first side bends at an angle relative a portion of the third channel proximate to the entrance port. The angle of bending ranges from 45 degrees to 135 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A portion of the fourth channel proximate to the exit port positioned on the partially curved first side bends at an angle relative a portion of the fourth channel proximate to the entrance port.

[0090] Optionally, the angle of bending ranges from 45 degrees to 135 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope. The third and fourth channels have diameters ranging from approximately 2.8 to 3.2 millimeters. The first channel manifold has a substantially constant diameter within a range from 2.8 millimeters to 4.8 millimeters. The manifold is configured to be a heat sink for transferring heat generated by a plurality of illuminators. The manifold further comprises a groove located on a side of the base portion for receiving a utility cable.

[0091] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of an endoscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising: 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, 2) a manifold comprising: a manifold housing having a partially cylindrical shape with a curved top surface, a partially curved first side and a partially curved second side wherein the manifold housing comprises a base portion with a first width, a first length, and a proximal surface and an elongated portion, which is attached to the base portion, with a second width, a second length, and a distal surface, wherein the first width is greater than the second width and the first length is less than the second length; a first channel extending from the base portion through the elongated portion, wherein the first channel has an entrance port positioned on said proximal surface of the base portion and an exit port positioned on a distal surface of the elongated portion; a second channel extending from the base portion through the elongated portion, wherein the second channel has an entrance port positioned on said proximal surface of the base portion and an exit port positioned on a distal surface of the elongated portion; a Y-shaped fluid conduit comprising a central stem portion, a first prong portion, and a second prong portion, wherein the central stem portion extends from an entrance port on the proximal surface of the base portion through the base portion, wherein the first prong portion extends from an end of the central portion through the base portion to an exit port on the partially curved first side; and wherein the second prong portion extends from an end of the central portion through the base portion to an exit port the partially curved second side; a third channel extending from an entrance port on the proximal surface of the base portion through to an exit port on the partially curved first side; and a fourth channel extending from an entrance port on the proximal surface of the base portion through to an exit port on the partially curved second side, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth channels are fluidically isolated and separated from each other, wherein the elongated portion of the manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face; 4) a first side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned in the first curved side face; and 5) a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor and the electrical assembly of the first side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0092] Optionally, the exit port of third channel is positioned 9.5 to 10.5 millimeters from the first side image sensor. The image capture section further comprises a second side image sensor, defined by a third optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned in the second curved side face. The first integrated circuit assembly further comprises the electrical assembly of the second side image sensor. Each of the front image sensor, first side image sensor, and second side image sensor generates and receives at least 12 signals each. Each of the front image sensor, first side image sensor, and second side image sensor generates and receives at least 12 signals each. The first integrated circuit assembly is connected to a video processing system via a utility cable and wherein less than 36 signals are transmitted between the first integrated assembly and video processing system. The image capture section further comprises a plurality of discrete illuminators. The manifold is configured to be a heat sink for transferring heat generated by the plurality of discrete illuminators.

[0093] Optionally, a maximum volume of the partially enclosed interior volume ranges from 2.75 cm³ to 3.5 cm³ and wherein each of the front image sensor and first side image sensor is configured to generate a field of view ranging from 120 to 180 degrees, a depth of field ranging from 3 to 100 mm, have a peripheral distortion of less than 80% without reliance on any aspherical components, and have a maximum focal length in a range of 1 to 1.4 mm.

[0094] In one embodiment, the application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a colonscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising: 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a manifold comprising an elongated housing extending the length of the image capture section and having a first end and a second end, wherein the manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing from the first end through the second end and wherein the manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 5) a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 6) a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 7) a front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned along the vertical axis of the substantially flat front face and is at least partially in the top left quadrant and the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; and 8) a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold.

[0095] The embodiment further comprising a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; a first side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; at least two first side illuminators, each comprising a first side transparent cover and a first side electrical assembly, wherein the first side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the first side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the first side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; a first side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the first side image sensor; a second side image sensor, defined by a third optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the third optical axis, wherein the third optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; at least two second side illuminators, each comprising a second side transparent cover and a second side electrical assembly, wherein the second side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the second side image sensor within the depression in the second curved surface and the second side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; a second side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the second side image sensor; and a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, the electrical assembly of the first side image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the second side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0096] Optionally, the manifold further comprises at least one side service channel comprising at least one exit port and at least one conduit, wherein the at least one exit port is positioned within the depression in at least one of the curved side faces and wherein at least one proximal section of the at least one conduit extends through the elongated housing from the first end of said fluid manifold and at least one distal section of the at least one conduit bends towards at least one of the curved side faces.

[0097] Optionally, the at least one exit port of said at least one side service channel is positioned 9.5 to 10.5 millimeters and preferably 10.2 millimeters from the second and/or third optical axes of said first and/or second side image sensors.

[0098] Optionally, the at least one conduit of said at least one side service channel has a diameter ranging from approximately 2.8 to 3.2 millimeters.

[0099] Optionally, the at least one distal section of the at least one conduit bends at acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the colonoscope. The at least one distal section of the at least one conduit bends at an angle ranging from 45 to 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the colonoscope. The at least one distal section of the at least one conduit bends at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the colono scope. The at least one distal section of the at least one conduit bends at obtuse angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the colonoscope. The at least one distal section of the at least one conduit bends at an angle ranging from 120 to 135 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the colonoscope. The at least one exit port has an angle of exit ranging from 5 to 90 degrees. The at least one exit port has an angle of exit of 45 degrees.

[0100] Optionally, the housing is a cover for the image capture section that is configured to cover and fluidly seal said first integrated circuit assembly and said fluid manifold, said substantially flat front face of the housing comprising a first opening corresponding to the exit port of the front working channel, a second opening corresponding to the exit port of the fluid injection channel, a third opening corresponding to the exit port of the jet channel, a fourth opening corresponding to the lens of the front image sensor, a fifth opening corresponding to the first front illuminator, a sixth opening corresponding to the second front illuminator, a seventh opening corresponding to the third front illuminator.

[0101] Optionally, the housing is a cover for the image capture section that is configured to cover and fluidly seal said first integrated circuit assembly and said manifold, said first curved side of the housing comprising a first opening corresponding to the lens of the first side image sensor, a second opening corresponding to the exit port of the first side fluid injection channel, and a third and fourth opening corresponding to the two first side illuminators.

[0102] Optionally, the housing is a cover for the image capture section that is configured to cover and fluidly seal said first integrated circuit assembly and said manifold, said second curved side of the housing comprising a first opening corresponding to the lens of the second side image sensor, a second opening corresponding to the exit port of the second side fluid injection channel, and a third and fourth opening corresponding to the two second side illuminators. Optionally, the manifold functions as a heat sink for transferring heat generated by the front and side illuminators.

[0103] Optionally, the image capture section has a diameter ranging from approximately 10 to 15 millimeters or approximately 9 to 17 millimeters or approximately 5 to 18 millimeters or approximately 7 to 12 millimeters or approximately 11.7 millimeters or approximately 11.9 millimeters. Optionally, the lens of said front image sensor has a focal length of about 3 to 100 millimeters, 100 millimeters or 110 millimeters. Optionally, the lens of said first and/or second side image sensor has a focal length of about 3 to 100 millimeters or 2 to 33 millimeters or 2 to 100 millimeters.

[0104] Optionally, the second and third optical axes of the first and second side image sensors are approximately 8 to 10 millimeters from the flat front face, approximately 7 to 11 millimeters from the flat front face, 9 or 9.1 millimeters from the flat front face, approximately 6 to 9 millimeters from the flat front face, or 7.8 or 7.9 millimeters from the flat front face

[0105] Optionally, the respective centers of the at least two first side illuminators are separated by a distance ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 millimeters. Optionally, the respective centers of the at least two second side illuminators are separated by a distance ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 millimeters.

[0106] Optionally, the conduit of said front working channel is substantially constant extending through the shaft and the image capture section and wherein said conduit has a diameter ranging from approximately 2.8 to 4.8 millimeters, ranging from approximately 3.2 to 4.8 millimeters or ranging from approximately 4.2 to 4.8 millimeters. Optionally, the diameter is 3.2 millimeters, 3.8 millimeters, or 4.8 millimeters

[0107] Optionally, the lens of each of the front image sensor, first side image sensor, and second side image sensor is configured to generate peripheral distortion of less than 80%. Optionally, the lens of each of the front image sensor, first side image sensor, and second side image sensor is configured to have an optical length of up to 5 millimeters. Optionally, the lens of each of the front image sensor, first side image sensor, and second side image sensor is configured to have a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. Optionally, the exit ports of the corresponding first and second side fluid injectors are respectively positioned at a distance ranging from 5.8 to 7.5 millimeters and preferably 6.7 millimeters from the second and third optical axes.

[0108] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a colonscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising: 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a fluid manifold, having a first end and a second end, comprising a base portion with a first width and a first length attached to an elongated housing, having a second width and a second length, wherein the second width is less than the first width and wherein the second length is longer than the first length and extends the length of the image capture section, wherein the fluid manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing and said base portion from the first end through the second end, wherein the manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume, wherein a bottom surface of the base portion comprises a proximal section of a service channel conduit extending through a center of the base portion, wherein the proximal section of the service channel conduit splits into a first distal section of the service channel conduit that bends towards the first curved side face leading to an exit port and a second distal section of the service channel conduit that bends towards the second curved side face leading to an exit port, and wherein the exit port of the first distal section is located in the depression in the first curved surface and the exit port of the second distal section is located in the depression in the second curved surface; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 5) a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 6) a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 7) a front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned along the vertical axis of the substantially flat front face and is at least partially in the top left quadrant and the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 8) a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold.

[0109] Optionally, the embodiment comprises a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold. Optionally, the embodiment comprises a first side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume. Optionally, the embodiment comprises at least two first side illuminators, each comprising a first side transparent cover and a first side electrical assembly, wherein the first side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the first side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the first side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume. Optionally, the embodiment comprises a first side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the first side image sensor. Optionally, the embodiment comprises a second side image sensor, defined by a third optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the third optical axis, wherein the third optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume.

[0110] Optionally, the embodiment comprises at least two second side illuminators, each comprising a second side transparent cover and a second side electrical assembly, wherein the second side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the second side image sensor within the depression in the second curved surface and the second side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume. Optionally, the embodiment comprises a second side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the second side image sensor. Optionally, the embodiment comprises a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, the electrical assembly of the first side image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the second side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0111] In another embodiment, the present application discloses a manifold for use in an image capture section in an endoscope, the manifold having a first end and a second end and comprising a base portion with a first width and a first length attached to an elongated housing, having a second width and a second length, wherein the second width is less than the first width and wherein the second length is longer than the first length and extends the length of the image capture section, wherein the manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing and said base portion from the first end through the second end, wherein the manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume, wherein a bottom surface of the base portion comprises a proximal section of a service channel conduit extending through a center of the base portion, wherein the proximal section of the service channel conduit splits into a first distal section of the service channel conduit that bends towards a first curved side face leading to an exit port and a second distal section of the service channel conduit that bends towards a second curved side face leading to an exit port, and wherein the exit port of the first distal section is located in a depression in the first curved surface and the exit port of the second distal section is located in a depression in the second curved surface.

[0112] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a colonscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising: 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a fluid manifold, having a first end and a second end, comprising a base portion with a first width and a first length attached to an elongated housing, having a second width and a second length, wherein the second width is less than the first width and wherein the second length is longer than the first length and extends the length of the image capture section, wherein the fluid manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing and said base portion from the first end through the second end, wherein the manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume, wherein a bottom surface of the base portion comprises a proximal section of a service channel conduit extending through a center of the base portion and a distal section of the service channel conduit bends towards the first curved side face leading to an exit port, and wherein the exit port is located in the depression in the first curved surface; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume.

[0113] Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume. Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume. Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned along the vertical axis of the substantially flat front face and is at least partially in the top left quadrant and the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold. Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold. Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold. Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a first side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume.

[0114] Optionally, the present embodiment discloses at least two first side illuminators, each comprising a first side transparent cover and a first side electrical assembly, wherein the first side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the first side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the first side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume. Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a first side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the first side image sensor. Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a second side image sensor, defined by a third optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the third optical axis, wherein the third optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume. Optionally, the present embodiment discloses at least two second side illuminators, each comprising a second side transparent cover and a second side electrical assembly, wherein the second side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the second side image sensor within the depression in the second curved surface and the second side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume.

[0115] Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a second side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the second side image sensor. Optionally, the present embodiment discloses a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, the electrical assembly of the first side image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the second side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0116] In another embodiment, the present application discloses a fluid manifold for use in an image capture section in an endoscope, the fluid manifold having a first end and a second end and comprising a base portion with a first width and a first length attached to an elongated housing, having a second width and a second length, wherein the second width is less than the first width and wherein the second length is longer than the first length and extends the length of the image capture section, wherein the fluid manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing and said base portion from the first end through the second end, wherein the manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume, wherein a bottom surface of the base portion comprises a proximal section of a service channel conduit extending through a center of the base portion and a distal section of the service channel conduit that bends towards the first curved side face leading to an exit port, and wherein the exit port is located in a depression in the first curved surface.

[0117] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a colonscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a manifold, having a first end and a second end, comprising a base portion with a first width and a first length attached to an elongated housing, having a second width and a second length, wherein the second width is less than the first width and wherein the second length is longer than the first length and extends the length of the image capture section, wherein the manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing and said base portion from the first end through the second end, wherein the manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume, wherein a bottom surface of the base portion comprises a proximal section of a first service channel conduit extending through the base portion and a distal section of the first service channel conduit that bends towards the first curved side face leading to an exit port, and wherein the exit port is located in the depression in the first curved surface; and a proximal section of a second service channel conduit also extending through the base portion and a distal section of the second service channel conduit that bends towards the second curved side face leading to an exit port, and wherein the exit port is located in the depression in the second curved surface; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; and 5) a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume.

[0118] Optionally, the present application discloses a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume. Optionally, the present application discloses a front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned along the vertical axis of the substantially flat front face and is at least partially in the top left quadrant and the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold. Optionally, the present application discloses a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold. Optionally, the present application discloses a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold. Optionally, the present application discloses a first side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume. Optionally, the present application discloses at least two first side illuminators, each comprising a first side transparent cover and a first side electrical assembly, wherein the first side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the first side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the first side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume.

[0119] Optionally, the present application discloses a first side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the first side image sensor. Optionally, the present application discloses a second side image sensor, defined by a third optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the third optical axis, wherein the third optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume. Optionally, the present application discloses at least two second side illuminators, each comprising a second side transparent cover and a second side electrical assembly, wherein the second side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the second side image sensor within the depression in the second curved surface and the second side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume. Optionally, the present application discloses a second side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the second side image sensor. Optionally, the present application discloses a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, the electrical assembly of the first side image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the second side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0120] In another embodiment, the present application discloses a manifold for use in an image capture section in an endoscope, the fluid manifold having a first end and a second end and comprising a base portion with a first width and a first length attached to an elongated housing, having a second width and a second length, wherein the second width is less than the first width and wherein the second length is longer than the first length and extends the length of the image capture section, wherein the fluid manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing and said base portion from the first end through the second end, wherein the manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume, wherein a bottom surface of the base portion comprises a proximal section of a first service channel conduit extending through the base portion and a distal section of the first service channel conduit that bends towards a first curved side face leading to an exit port, and wherein the exit port is located in a depression in the first curved surface; and a proximal section of a second service channel conduit also extending through the base portion and a distal section of the second service channel conduit that bends towards a second curved side face leading to an exit port, and wherein the exit port is located in the depression in the second curved surface.

[0121] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a colonscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a fluid manifold comprising an elongated housing extending the length of the image capture section and having a first end and a second end, wherein the fluid manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing from the first end through the second end and wherein the fluid manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 5) a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 6) a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 7) a front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned along the vertical axis of the substantially flat front face and is at least partially in the top left quadrant and the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 8) a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 9) a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 10) a first side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 11) at least two first side illuminators, each comprising a first side transparent cover and a first side electrical assembly, wherein the first side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the first side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the first side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; 12) a first side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the first side image sensor; 13) a second side image sensor, defined by a third optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the third optical axis, wherein the third optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 14) at least two second side illuminators, each comprising a second side transparent cover and a second side electrical assembly, wherein the second side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the second side image sensor within the depression in the second curved surface and the second side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; 15) a second side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the second side image sensor; 16) at least one side jet channel comprising at least two exit ports and at least one conduit, wherein the at least two exit ports are positioned around a periphery of said housing and wherein the at least one conduit has at least one corresponding entry port at the first end of said fluid manifold; 17) a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, the electrical assembly of the first side image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the second side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume

[0122] Optionally, the present application discloses at least one of said at least two exit ports of the at least one side jet channel is partially positioned within the depression. Optionally, one or both of the side fluid injectors are positioned between the at least two exit ports of said at least one side jet channel. Optionally, the at least two exit ports of the at least one side jet channel comprise 2, 4, 6 or 8 exit ports. Optionally, the at least one conduit of the at least one side jet channel has a diameter of approximately 1.4 to 1.7 millimeters. Optionally, the at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel has an acute angle of exit. Optionally, the at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel has an obtuse angle of exit. Optionally, the at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel has an angle of exit ranging from 45 to 60 degrees. Optionally, the at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel has an angle of exit ranging from 120 to 135 degrees. Optionally, the at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel operates at a predefined algorithm. Optionally, the at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel operates at a different predefined algorithm.

[0123] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a gastroscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a fluid manifold comprising an elongated housing extending the length of the image capture section and having a first end and a second end, wherein the fluid manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing from the first end through the second end and wherein the fluid manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the gastroscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 5) a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 6) a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 7) a front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned along the vertical axis of the substantially flat front face and is at least partially in the top left quadrant and the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 8) a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 9) a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 10) a side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the gastroscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 11) at least two side illuminators, each comprising a side transparent cover and a side electrical assembly, wherein the side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; 12) a side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the side image sensor; and 13) a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0124] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a gastroscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising: 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a fluid manifold comprising an elongated housing extending the length of the image capture section and having a first end and a second end, wherein the fluid manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing from the first end through the second end and wherein the fluid manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the gastroscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 5) a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 6) a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 7) a front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned along the vertical axis of the substantially flat front face and is at least partially in the top left quadrant and the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 8) a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 9) a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 10) a side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the gastroscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 11) at least two side illuminators, each comprising a side transparent cover and a side electrical assembly, wherein the side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; 12) a side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the side image sensor; 13) a side service channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and wherein a proximal section of the conduit extends through said elongated housing from the first end of said fluid manifold and a distal section of the conduit bends towards the first curved side face; 14) a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0125] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a gastroscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising: 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a fluid manifold comprising an elongated housing extending the length of the image capture section and having a first end and a second end, wherein the fluid manifold has at least three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing from the first end through the second end and wherein the fluid manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the gastroscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 5) a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 6) a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 7) a front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned along the vertical axis of the substantially flat front face and is at least partially in the top left quadrant and the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 8) a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 9) a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said three separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 10) a side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the gastroscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 11) at least two side illuminators, each comprising a side transparent cover and a side electrical assembly, wherein the side transparent covers are positioned on either side of the lens of the side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; 12) a side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the side image sensor; 13) at least one side jet channel comprising at least one exit port and at least one conduit, wherein the at least one exit port is positioned around a periphery of said housing and wherein the at least one conduit has at least one corresponding entry port at the first end of said fluid manifold; and 14) a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0126] Optionally, the present application discloses at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel is partially positioned within the depression. The at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel comprises 2, 4, 6 or 8 exit ports. The at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel is positioned at a distance ranging from 8.5 to 9.5 millimeters from the optical axis of the corresponding side image sensor. The fluid exiting the at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel forms an angle ranging from 50 to 60 degrees relative to a lateral plane containing the lens of the corresponding side image sensor and side illuminators. The at least one conduit of the at least one side jet channel has a diameter of approximately 1.4 to 1.7 millimeters. The at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel has an acute angle of exit. The at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel has an obtuse angle of exit. The at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel has an angle of exit ranging from 45 to 60 degrees. The at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel has an angle of exit ranging from 120 to 135 degrees. The at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel operates at a predefined algorithm. The at least one exit port of the at least one side jet channel operates at a different predefined algorithm.

[0127] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a colonscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a fluid manifold comprising an elongated housing extending the length of the image capture section and having a first end and a second end, wherein the fluid manifold has at least four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing from the first end through the second end and wherein the fluid manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is oval and positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 5) a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is oval and positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 6) a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is oval and positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 7) a first front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein a substantial portion of the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 8) a second front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein a substantial portion of the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 9) a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned at least partially within said top right quadrant and bottom right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 10) a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned at least partially within said top left quadrant and top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 11) a first side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 12) at least two first side illuminators, each comprising a first side transparent cover and a first side electrical assembly, wherein the first side transparent covers are oval and positioned on either side of the lens of the first side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the first side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; 13) a first side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the first side image sensor; 14) a second side image sensor, defined by a third optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the third optical axis, wherein the third optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the colonoscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 15) at least two second side illuminators, each comprising a second side transparent cover and a second side electrical assembly, wherein the second side transparent covers are oval and positioned on either side of the lens of the second side image sensor within the depression in the second curved surface and the second side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; 16) a second side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the second curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the second side image sensor; and 17) a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, the electrical assembly of the first side image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the second side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0128] Optionally, said first and second front working channels are both adapted for insertion of a medical tool. The first and second front working channels are both adapted for applying suction. One of said first and second front working channel is adapted for insertion of a medical tool and another of said first and second front working channel is adapted for applying suction. The distance between the exit ports of said first and second working channels is in a range of 0.40 to 0.45 millimeters. The conduit of said first working channel has a diameter in a range of 3.6 to 4.0 millimeters and the conduit of said second working channel has a diameter in a range of 2.6 to 3.0 millimeters. The conduit of said first working channel has a diameter of 3.8 millimeters and the conduit of said second working channel has a diameter of 2.8 millimeters.

[0129] In another embodiment, the present application discloses an image capture section having a length and adapted to be attached to an end of a shaft of a gastroscope, wherein the shaft has a length defining a longitudinal axis, the image capture section comprising 1) a housing that defines a partially enclosed interior volume and that is substantially cylindrical with a substantially flat front face, a first curved side face, a second curved side face, wherein the substantially flat front face comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of said substantially flat front face and a horizontal axis passing through said center, said four quadrants including a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant and wherein each of said first curved surface and second curved surface comprises a substantially flat depression; 2) a fluid manifold comprising an elongated housing extending the length of the image capture section and having a first end and a second end, wherein the fluid manifold has at least four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through said elongated housing from the first end through the second end and wherein the fluid manifold is configured to occupy a first portion of the interior volume; 3) a front image sensor, defined by a first optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned on a surface of said substantially flat front face and configured to capture images within at least a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the first optical axis, wherein the first optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and in parallel to said longitudinal axis of the gastroscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 4) a first front illuminator comprising a first transparent cover and a first electrical assembly, wherein the first transparent cover is oval and positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant and bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the first electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 5) a second front illuminator comprising a second transparent cover and a second electrical assembly, wherein the second transparent cover is oval and positioned at least partially within said bottom left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the second electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 6) a third front illuminator comprising a third transparent cover and a third electrical assembly, wherein the third transparent cover is oval and positioned at least partially within said bottom right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and the third electrical assembly is positioned within the interior volume; 7) a first front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein a substantial portion of the exit port is positioned in the top right quadrant of the substantially flat front face and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 8) a second front working channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein a substantial portion of the exit port is positioned in the top left quadrant of the substantially flat front face and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 9) a fluid injector channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned at least partially within said top right quadrant and bottom right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 10) a jet channel comprising an exit port and a conduit, wherein the exit port is positioned at least partially within said top left quadrant and top right quadrant and wherein the conduit is defined by one of said four separate and fluidically isolated conduits extending through the elongated housing of the fluid manifold; 11) a side image sensor, defined by a second optical axis, having a lens and an electrical assembly, wherein the lens is positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to capture images within a range of 0 to 80 degrees from the second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is positioned in a center of the lens and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the gastroscope, and wherein the electrical assembly is positioned in the interior volume; 12) at least two side illuminators, each comprising a side transparent cover and a side electrical assembly, wherein the side transparent covers are oval and positioned on either side of the lens of the side image sensor within the depression in the first curved surface and the side electrical assemblies are positioned within the interior volume; 13) a side fluid injector having an exit port positioned within the depression in the first curved side face and configured to eject fluid on the lens of the first side image sensor; and 14) a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a print circuit board having mounted thereon the electrical assembly of the front image sensor, and the electrical assembly of the side image sensor, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly is configured to occupy a second portion of the interior volume.

[0130] Optionally, the first and second front working channels are both adapted for insertion of a medical tool. The first and second front working channels are both adapted for applying suction. One of said first and second front working channel is adapted for insertion of a medical tool and another of said first and second front working channel is adapted for applying suction. The distance between the exit ports of said first and second working channels is in a range of 0.40 to 0.45 millimeters. The conduit of said first working channel has a diameter in a range of 3.6 to 4.0 millimeters and the conduit of said second working channel has a diameter in a range of 2.6 to 3.0 millimeters. The conduit of said first working channel has a diameter of 3.8 millimeters and the conduit of said second working channel has a diameter of 2.8 millimeters.

[0131] Optionally, the optical axis of said at least one side-looking viewing element forms an obtuse angle with an optical axis of said at least one front-pointing viewing element. The optical axis of said at least one side-looking viewing element forms an acute angle with an optical axis of said at least one front-pointing viewing element. The openings are positioned to allow at least one said side-looking camera to view a medical tool protruding from the openings.

[0132] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the at least one side jet channel circulates a fluid through a groove connected to the at least one side jet channel, wherein said housing further comprises a plurality of holes drilled above the groove, and wherein the plurality of holes allow the fluid circulating through the groove to exit. The one or more side jet channels comprise two side jet channels positioned on opposing sides of the tip section of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at acute angles relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at 90 degrees relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at obtuse angles relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at angles that are a combination of acute, right and obtuse angles, relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes are placed linearly, above the groove. Each hole of the plurality of holes is at a distance of at least 0.2 millimeters from each adjacent hole. Each hole of the plurality of holes has a diameter of 5 millimeters.

[0133] Optionally, the at least one side jet channel circulates a fluid through a removable ring assembly placed on said housing, the removable ring assembly comprising a peripheral groove placed on an internal periphery of the ring assembly, wherein the at least two exit ports of the at least one side jet channel are aligned with the peripheral groove; and a plurality of holes drilled along the peripheral groove, wherein the plurality of holes allow exit of the fluid circulating through the removable ring assembly.

[0134] Optionally, the first diameter of the tip cover is less than a second diameter of the peripheral grove. The one or more side jet channels comprise two side jet channels positioned on opposing sides of the tip section of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at acute angles relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at 90 degrees relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at obtuse angles relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at angles that are a combination of acute, right and obtuse angles, relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes are placed linearly, above the peripheral groove. Each hole of the plurality of holes is at a distance of at least 0.2 millimeters from each adjacent hole. Each of the plurality of holes has a diameter of 5 millimeters.

[0135] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a sprinkler assembly in a tip section. The tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope assembly, comprises: 1) one or more jet channels circulating a fluid; 2) a tip cover associated with the tip section and comprising one or more jet channel openings aligned with the one or more jet channels; and 3) a removable sprinkler assembly comprising a patch placed above each of the one or more jet channel openings and a plurality of holes drilled along the patch, wherein the plurality of holes allow exit of the fluid circulated through the one or more jet channels.

[0136] Optionally, the one or more jet channels comprise two side jet channels positioned on opposing sides of the tip section of the endoscope assembly. The one or more jet channels comprise a front jet channel positioned on a front panel of the tip section of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at acute angles relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at 90 degrees relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at angles that are a combination of acute, right and obtuse angles, relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes bend at different angles relative to a long dimension of the endoscope assembly. The plurality of holes are placed linearly on the patch, along a circumference of the tip cover. The one or more jet channel openings operate at a predefined algorithm. Each of the one or more jet channel openings operate at a different predefined algorithm.

[0137] Optionally, the tip section further comprises a front injector; at least one side injector; at least one front-pointing viewing element and at least one front illuminator associated therewith; at least one side-looking viewing element and at least one side illuminator associated therewith; and a front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.

[0138] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a multi jet distributor for supplying fluid to a plurality of jet openings in a tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, the multi jet distributor comprising a distributor housing; a distributor motor located within the distributor housing; a motor shaft coupled to the distributor motor and located within the distributor housing; and a distributor disc located within the distributor housing and coupled with the motor shaft, wherein the distributor disc comprises an entering fluid pipeline for supplying said fluid to the multi jet distributor; and at least one exiting fluid pipeline for providing said fluid supplied by the entering fluid pipeline to the plurality of jet openings.

[0139] Optionally, the plurality of jet openings comprise a front jet opening and at least one side jet opening. The plurality of jet openings comprise a front jet opening; a first side jet opening and a second side jet opening. The distributor housing further comprises a locking element for fixedly positioning the distributor disc within the distributor housing. The distributor disc further comprises a plug for connecting the distributor disc with the motor shaft. The distributor disc further comprises a groove on an outer surface of said distributor disc for receiving the locking element. The pump supplies said fluid to the entering fluid pipeline. The multi jet distributor is connected to the endoscope via a main connector. The main connector has a multi jet controller comprising a shaft leading to a valve placed in a housing that operatively connects the valve to the main connector through a jet connector, wherein the valve has screws formed thereon, and wherein a first position of the shaft rotates the screws causing the fluid to exit only the front jet opening and a second position of the shaft rotates the screws causing the fluid to exit through both the front jet opening and the at least one side jet opening.

[0140] Optionally, the distributor disc has a distributor rate ranging between 30 rounds per minute to 100 rounds per minute. The distributor disc has a distributor rate ranging between 50 and 65 rounds per minute. The at least one exiting fluid pipeline comprises three fluid pipelines for providing said fluid supplied by the entering fluid pipeline to the plurality of jet openings. The plurality of jet openings comprise a front jet opening and at least one side jet opening. The plurality of jet openings comprise a front jet opening; a first side jet opening and a second side jet opening. The at least one exiting fluid pipeline comprises two exiting fluid pipelines for providing said fluid supplied by the entering fluid pipeline to the plurality of jet openings. The plurality of jet openings comprise a front jet opening and at least one side jet opening. The plurality of jet openings comprise a front jet opening; a first side jet opening and a second side jet opening. The main connector has a multi-jet controller comprising a shaft leading to a valve placed in a housing that operatively connects the valve to the main connector through a jet connector, wherein the valve has screws formed thereon, and wherein a first position of the shaft rotates the screws causing the fluid to exit only the front jet opening and a second position of the shaft rotates the screws causing the fluid to exit through both the front jet opening and the at least one side jet opening.

[0141] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a housing with a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein said image capture section further comprises a front sealed modular unit comprising said front image sensor, lens and an associated front printed circuit board; a first side sealed modular unit comprising said first side image sensor, lens and an associated first side printed circuit board; a second side sealed module unit comprising said second side image sensor, lens and an associated second side printed circuit board, wherein the front, first side and second side printed circuit boards are coupled to each other; and a holder to encapsulate the front and side modular units from each other, the said holder having a front concave area to carry the front sealed modular unit, a first side compartment to carry the first side sealed modular unit, a second side compartment to carry the second side sealed modular, and a rectangular strip to carry an electrical cable connected to the coupled printed circuit boards of the front and side modular units, wherein the compartments have slots configured to carry the lens of the side modular units and wherein the holder is configured to occupy a third portion of the interior volume.

[0142] Optionally, the housing comprises a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein said image capture section further comprises: a front sealed modular unit comprising said front image sensor, lens and an associated front printed circuit board; a first side sealed modular unit comprising said first side image sensor, lens and an associated first side printed circuit board; a second side sealed module unit comprising said second side image sensor, lens and an associated second side printed circuit board, wherein the front, first side and second side printed circuit boards are coupled to each other; a holder comprising a front surface, a first side surface, a second side surface and a rear portion, wherein each of the front and side surfaces have a plurality of recesses configured to receive a plurality of connectors of the front and side modular units and wherein the rear portion is configured to carry an electrical cable to supply power to and transmit data from the front and side modular units; and a frame to support the holder, said frame comprising a front concave area to accommodate the front modular unit, a first side with a slot configured to carry the lens of the first side modular unit and a second side with a slot configured to carry the lens of the second side modular unit, wherein the holder and the frame are configured to occupy a third portion of the interior volume.

[0143] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an electronic circuit board of a tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, the electronic circuit board comprising one or more optical assemblies, wherein each of said one or more optical assemblies comprise 1) at least one lens assembly and 2) an image sensor, wherein each of said one or more optical assemblies supports said at least one lens assembly and the image sensor, wherein the image sensor is placed in a folded position with a first surface facing a tip section end of the endoscope and an opposing second surface facing away from the tip section end of the endoscope, and wherein the first surface is a front surface and the second surface is a back surface, the first surface receiving an associated lens assembly of said at least one lens assembly; one or more illuminators associated with said at least one lens assembly; an upper base board and a lower base board adapted to support said one or more optical assemblies; and a plurality of grooves on said upper and lower base boards for supporting said one or more illuminators.

[0144] Optionally, the first surface is a glass surface. The second surface comprises an electronic chip. The second surface comprises a printed circuit board. Each of said one or more optical assemblies is a metal frame functioning as a heat sink for heat generated by one or more illuminators.

[0145] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an electronic circuit board of a tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, the electronic circuit board comprising a plurality of viewing element holders, each viewing element holder supporting an optical lens assembly and an associated image sensor, and one or more illuminators associated with the optical lens assembly, and wherein each viewing element holder comprises one or more grooves for supporting the one or more illuminators.

[0146] Optionally, the image sensor is placed in a folded position with a first front surface facing a tip section end of the endoscope, and an opposing second back surface facing away from the tip section end of the endoscope, the first front surface receiving the associated optical lens assembly. The first front surface is a glass surface. The second back surface comprises an electronic chip. The second back surface comprises a printed circuit board. The electronic circuit board comprises an upper base board and a lower base board. The viewing element holder is a metal frame functioning as a heat sink for heat generated by said one or more illuminators. The metal component is placed between said plurality of viewing element holders to act as a heat sink for said one or more illuminators and support the viewing element holders fixedly between an upper and a lower base boards.

[0147] Optionally, the electronic circuit board comprises one or more viewing element holders of a tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, wherein each of said one or more viewing element holder comprises at least one optical lens assembly, an image sensor, one or more illuminators, and one or more grooves for supporting the one or more illuminators.

[0148] Optionally, the tip section further comprises a front injector; at least one side injector; a front jet; at least one side jet; and a front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool. The front jet and said front injector are positioned adjacent to each other and on a side of said front working channel. The front jet and said front injector are positioned on either side of said front working channel.

[0149] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an illuminator electronic circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, the illuminator electronic circuit board assembly comprising: a front illuminator electronic circuit board supporting one or more front illuminators associated with a front optical assembly, wherein said front optical assembly comprises a front lens assembly and a front image sensor; at least one side illuminator electronic circuit board supporting one or more side illuminators associated with one or more side optical assemblies wherein each of said one or more side optical assemblies comprise a side lens assembly and a side image sensor; and an upper base board and a lower base board adapted to hold therebetween said front and at least one side illuminator electronic circuit boards.

[0150] Optionally, the illuminator electronic circuit board assembly comprises a metal frame having front and rear portions supporting said front illuminator electronic circuit board and said at least one side illuminator electronic circuit board. The metal frame functions as a heat sink for said one or more front and side illuminators. The metal frame approximates an H shape with four side support walls extending outwardly at 90 degrees from each leg of said H shape and two front support walls are positioned at an end of and perpendicular to two of said four side support walls. The front illuminator electronic circuit board and said at least one side illuminator electronic circuit board are U shaped. The front illuminator electronic circuit board supports three illuminators. Two of said three illuminators are positioned between said upper and lower base boards and one of said three illuminators is placed above said upper base board. The at least one side illuminator electronic circuit board supports two illuminators. The at least one side illuminator electronic circuit board comprises two side illuminator electronic circuit boards, one on either side of said tip section. The tip section further comprises: a front injector; at least one side injector; a front jet; at least one side jet; and a front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool. The front jet and said front injector are positioned adjacent to each other and on a side of said front working channel. The front jet and said front injector are positioned on either side of said front working channel.

[0151] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an electronic circuit board assembly for a tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, the electronic circuit board assembly comprising: a base board configured to carry a first metal frame to support a front looking viewing element and a second metal frame to support a side looking viewing element; a front illumination circuit board comprising a front panel configured to carry three sets of front illuminators for illuminating a field of view of the front looking viewing element, and a side illumination circuit board comprising a side panel configured to carry at least one set of side illuminators for illuminating a field of view of the side looking viewing element.

[0152] Optionally, each of said three sets of front illuminators comprise 2, 3 or 4 illuminator elements. Each of said at least one side illuminators comprise 2, 3 or 4 illuminator elements. The front illumination circuit board and said side illumination circuit board approximate a U shape. The base board is roughly L shaped comprising: a first member extending in a y direction and in an x direction and a second member extending in a y direction and in an x direction, wherein the first member is integrally formed with the second member, wherein said first member and said second member lie in a same horizontal plane and wherein said second member extends from said first member at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. The front looking viewing element comprises a front looking image sensor and a corresponding lens assembly with an associated printed circuit board. The side looking viewing element comprises a side looking image sensor and a corresponding lens assembly with an associated printed circuit board. The axes of said first and second metal frames make an angle within a range of 70 to 135 degrees with each other. The axes of said first and second metal frames make an angle of 90 degrees with each other.

[0153] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, the tip section comprising: a front looking viewing element and three sets of front illuminators associated therewith; a side looking viewing element and two sets of side illuminators associated therewith; and an electronic circuit board assembly, comprising: a base board configured to carry a first metal frame to support the front looking viewing element and a second metal frame to support the side looking viewing element; and an illumination circuit board comprising a front foldable panel configured to carry the three sets of front illuminators for illuminating a field of view of the front looking viewing element, and a side panel configured to carry a set of side illuminators for illuminating a field of view of the side looking viewing element.

[0154] Optionally, the front looking viewing element comprises a front looking image sensor and a corresponding lens assembly with an associated printed circuit board. The side looking viewing element comprises a side looking image sensor and a corresponding lens assembly with an associated printed circuit board. The axes of said first and second metal frames make an angle within a range of 70 to 135 degrees with each other. The axes of said first and second metal frames make an angle of 90 degrees with each other. The tip section further comprises a tip cover and a fluid channeling component. The diameter of said tip section is less than 11 millimeters. The diameter of said tip section is 10.5 millimeters. The fluid channeling component comprises a front working channel adapted for insertion of a medical tool; a front jet channel adapted to clean a body cavity into which said endoscope is inserted; and an injector opening having a nozzle aimed at the front looking viewing element and associated illuminators.

[0155] Optionally, the fluid channeling component further comprises a side injector opening having a nozzle aimed at the side looking viewing element and associated illuminators. The fluid channeling component further comprises at least one side jet channel opening. The front working channel is adapted to apply suction. The front working channel has a diameter ranging from 2.8 to 4.8 millimeters. The front working channel has a diameter ranging from 3.2 to 3.5 millimeters. The front working channel has a diameter ranging from 3.8 to 4.2 millimeters.

[0156] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an interface unit configured to functionally associate with an endoscope system which comprises at least two simultaneously operating imaging channels associated with at least two displays, respectively, wherein the interface unit comprises: an image processor functionally associated with said at least two imaging channels and configured to generate images comprising image data received simultaneously from said at least two imaging channels, and an interface unit display, functionally associated with said image processor, wherein images generated by said image processor and comprising image data from said at least two imaging channels are displayable on said interface unit display.

[0157] Optionally, each imaging channel is associated with an image capturing device, respectively. The interface unit display is substantially portable. The interface unit display is functionally associated with said image processor wirelessly. The image capturing devices capture video images, and said image data in each of said at least two imaging channels comprise an incoming video stream corresponding to video images, and said image processor is configured to generate a single video stream displayable on said interface unit display, so that reduced-size images corresponding to each incoming video stream are simultaneously displayed on said interface unit display. The image processor is configured to generate a single video stream from the at least two incoming video streams substantially in real time.

[0158] Optionally, the interface unit further comprises an interface unit computer operating a files managing system and comprising a files storage module, wherein said interface unit computer is configured to generate and store in said files storage module files of images generated by said image processor. The interface unit further comprises a user interface module allowing a user to command said computer.

[0159] Optionally, the user interface module comprises a touch screen. The interface unit further comprises a communication channel configured to allow communication between said interface unit computer and a computer network at least for transferring files between said interface unit computer and said computer network. The computer network is a local computer network. The local computer network is a hospital network. The computer network is the Internet. The communication channel comprises a LAN communication interface port, and operates an Internet Protocol. The communication channel comprises a WiFi communication interface port. The communication channel comprises a video/audio communication interface port, configured for outputting a video stream. The communication interface port comprises an S-video or a composite port. The communication interface port comprises an HDMI port. The interface unit is configured to communicate through said communication interface port to a network computer, substantially in real time, a video stream generated by said image processor. The image processor is configured, when commanded, to capture a substantially single video frame in each of said imaging channels at the moment of said command and to communicate through said communication interface port to a network computer, a video stream comprising sequentially, still images of said single video frames wherein each such still image is included in the video stream for a pre-determined time period.

[0160] Optionally, the interface unit further comprises a synchronization module functionally associated with at least two of said image capturing devices, and configured for generating a synchronization signal for synchronizing incoming video streams in the imaging channels corresponding to said at least two image capturing devices.

[0161] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a method for capturing images using an interface unit in an endoscope system, said endoscope system comprising a plurality of simultaneously operating imaging channels, said interface unit having an interface unit display and capable of receiving and individually capturing an image from each one of said plurality of imaging channels, said method comprising the steps of: triggering an image capture event; displaying a first image from a first imaging channel of said plurality of imaging channels on said interface unit display; sending a first trigger pulse from said interface unit to an image capture computer to notify said image capture computer to save a digital copy of said first image on a non-volatile medium; displaying a second image from a second imaging channel of said plurality of imaging channels on said interface unit display; and sending a second trigger pulse from said interface unit to an image capture computer to notify said image capture computer to save a digital copy of said second image on a non-volatile medium, wherein, said first and second images are captured and saved sequentially and the original aspect ratio of said first and second images is preserved.

[0162] Optionally, said triggering an image capture event is accomplished by pressing a button on the endoscope of said endoscope system. The triggering an image capture event is accomplished by pressing a button on said interface unit. The interface unit display includes a touchscreen and said triggering an image capture event is accomplished by pressing a portion of said touchscreen. The interface unit and said capture computer are connected via a serial connection.

[0163] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a system of displaying videos generated in a native aspect ratio corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip, the system comprising: a left-side wide-screen monitor for displaying a first video from the left-side looking viewing element; a center square monitor for displaying a second video from the front-looking viewing element; a right-side wide-screen monitor for displaying a third video from the right-side looking viewing element; and a main control unit for aligning and modulating a native aspect ratio of the first and third videos, wherein said first video is right-aligned and said third video is left-aligned, and wherein said left-side, center and right-side monitors are placed contiguously so that the respective bottom edges of each of said first, second, and third videos are at a substantially same level.

[0164] Optionally, the native aspect ratio is 4:3 or 5:4. The main control unit modulates the native aspect ratio of said first and third videos by no more than 30%. The main control unit modulates the native aspect ratio of said first and third videos by 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or 30%. The main control unit modulates the native aspect ratio of said first and third videos by 0%. The left-side and right-side monitors have respective longer edges horizontal. The left-side, center and right-side monitors are placed linearly. The first portion to the left of said right-aligned first video and a second portion to the right of said left-aligned third video, comprise a plurality of patient related information.

[0165] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a method of displaying videos generated in a native aspect ratio corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip, the method comprising: displaying a first video from the left-side looking viewing element onto a left-side wide-screen monitor; displaying a second video from the front-looking viewing element onto a center square monitor; displaying a third video from the right-side looking viewing element onto a right-side wide-screen monitor; and aligning and modulating the native aspect ratio of the first and third videos, wherein said first video is right-aligned and said third video is left-aligned, and wherein said first video, second video, and third video are positioned contiguously so that respective top edges of said videos are at a substantially same level.

[0166] Optionally, the native aspect ratio is 4:3 or 5:4. The native aspect ratio of said first and third videos is modulated by no more than 30%. The native aspect ratio of said first and third videos is modulated by 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or 30%. The native aspect ratio of said first and third videos is modulated by 0%. The left-side and right-side monitors have respective longer edges horizontal. The left-side, center and right-side monitors are placed linearly. The first portion to the left of said right-aligned first and a second portion to the right of said left-aligned third video, comprise a plurality of patient related information.

[0167] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a system of displaying videos generated in a native aspect ratio corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip, the system comprising: a left-side wide-screen monitor for displaying a first video from the left-side looking viewing element; a center wide-screen monitor for displaying a second video from the front-looking viewing element; a right-side wide-screen monitor for displaying a third video from the right-side looking viewing element; and a main control unit for aligning, rotating and modulating the native aspect ratio of at least one of said first, second or third videos, wherein said left-side, center and right-side monitors are placed contiguously. The left-side, center and right-side monitors are integrated within a unitary frame encasement. Optionally, the left-side and right-side monitors are placed at an angle ‘N’ with reference to said center monitor. The angle ‘N’ may range from 10 to 30 degrees.

[0168] Optionally, the native aspect ratio is 4:3 or 5:4. The native aspect ratio of said first and third videos is modulated by no more than 30%. The native aspect ratio of said first and third videos is modulated by 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or 30%. The left-side and right-side monitors have respective longer edges horizontal. The left-side, center and right-side monitors are placed linearly. The first portion to the left of said right-aligned first and a second portion to the right of said left-aligned third video, comprise a plurality of patient related information. The main control unit modulates the native aspect ratio of said first, second and third videos by 0%. The left-side and right-side widescreen monitors have respective longer edges horizontal and said center widescreen monitor has a shorter edge horizontal. The bottom edges of said left-side, center and right-side widescreen monitors are at a substantially same level. The first, second and third videos are respectively right, bottom and left-aligned. The second video is also rotated for display on said center widescreen monitor. A first portion on the left of said right-aligned first video, a second portion on the top of said bottom-aligned second video and a third portion on the right of said left-aligned third video, comprise plurality of patient related information. The top edges of said left-side, center and right-side widescreen monitors are at a substantially same level. The first, second and third videos are respectively right, top and left-aligned. The second video is also rotated for display on said center widescreen monitor. The first, second and third videos are respectively right, vertically-center and left aligned. The left-side, center and right-side widescreen monitors have respective shorter edges horizontal. The respective centroids of said left-side, center and right-side monitors are at a substantially same level. The first, second and third videos are all bottom-aligned. The first, second and third videos are all rotated for display on said respective left-side, center and right-side widescreen monitors. The first, second and third portions to the top of said bottom aligned first, second and third videos, comprise a plurality of patient related information. The first, second and third videos are all top-aligned. The left-side, center and right-side monitors are integrated within a unitary frame encasement. Optionally, the left-side and right-side monitors are placed at an angle ‘N’ with reference to said center monitor. The angle ‘N’ may range from 10 to 30 degrees.

[0169] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a method of displaying videos generated in a native aspect ratio corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip, the method comprising: displaying a first video from the left-side looking viewing element onto a left-side wide-screen monitor; displaying a second video from the front-looking viewing element onto a center wide-screen monitor; displaying a third video from the right-side looking viewing element onto a right-side wide-screen monitor; and aligning, rotating and modulating the native aspect ratio of at least one of said first, second or third videos, wherein a top edge and a bottom edge of each of said first, second, and third videos are linearly contiguous.

[0170] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a system of displaying first, second and third videos generated in a native aspect ratio corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip, the system comprising: a monitor; and a main control unit for combining the first, second and third videos into a resultant single video frame, wherein said resultant single video frame represents an integrated field of view of said left-side looking, front-looking and right-side looking viewing elements, wherein said main control unit slices said resultant single video frame to generate modulated left, center and right video frames for contiguous display on said monitor, and wherein said modulated left and right video frames are displayed as skewed with respect to said modulated center video frame.

[0171] Optionally, the center video frame comprises a sum of X degrees of views on either side of a center of the integrated field of view of the resultant single video frame and wherein the left and right video frames comprise respective remaining left and right portions of the resultant single video frame. X is approximately 15 degrees. X ranges from 15 degrees up to 30 degrees. The left, center and right video frames are separated by black image stripes. The black image stripes are no more than 6 inches wide. The native aspect ratio is 4:3 or 5:4. The main control unit modulates the left, center and right video frames by no more than 30%.

[0172] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a method of displaying first, second and third videos generated in a native aspect ratio corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip, the method comprising: combining the first, second and third videos into a resultant single video frame, wherein said resultant single video frame represents an integrated field of view of said left-side looking, front-looking and right-side looking viewing elements; and slicing said resultant single video frame to generate modulated left, center and right video frames for contiguous display on a monitor, wherein said modulated left and right video frames are displayed as skewed with respect to said modulated center video frame.

[0173] Optionally, the center video frame comprises a sum of X degrees of views on either side of a center of the integrated field of view of the resultant single video frame and wherein the left and right video frames comprise respective remaining left and right portions of the resultant single video frame. X is approximately 15 degrees. X ranges from 15 degrees up to 30 degrees. The left, center and right video frames are separated by black image stripes. The black image stripes are no more than 6 inches wide.

[0174] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a system of displaying one of first, second and third videos generated in a native aspect ratio corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip, the system comprising: a monitor; and a main control unit for slicing selected one of said first, second and third videos to generate modulated left, center and right video frames for contiguous display on said monitor, wherein said modulated left and right video frames are displayed as skewed with respect to said modulated center video frame.

[0175] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a method of displaying one of first, second and third videos generated in a native aspect ratio corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip, the method comprising: selecting one of said first, second and third videos for display on a monitor; and slicing said selected one of said first, second and third videos to generate modulated left, center and right video frames for contiguous display on said monitor, wherein said modulated left and right video frames are displayed as skewed with respect to said modulated center video frame.

[0176] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an endoscope configured to provide quasi-simultaneous N views, N being greater than 1, said endoscope comprising N optical systems configured to collect light from directions associated with said N views, and further comprising M image capturing devices, where M is smaller than N, and said image capturing devices are configured to capture light collected by said N optical systems, thereby providing N views quasi-simultaneously. Optionally, at least one of said M image capturing devices comprises a CCD. M is approximately 1. The image capturing device comprises a single planar light sensitive surface. Each of the optical systems is configured to transfer collected light onto an associated portion of said planar light-sensitive surface. N is approximately 3. The first optical system collects light from a first direction substantially facing said light sensitive surface, and a second optical system and a third optical system, respectively, collect light from directions substantially perpendicular to said first direction. At least two of said optical systems are configured to transfer collected light onto a same portion of said planar light-sensitive surface.

[0177] Optionally, the endoscope further comprises a step-wise rotating optical element configured to be controllably positioned in at least two positions corresponding to said at least two optical systems, respectively, wherein in each such position said step-wise rotating optical element allows transfer of collected light from said respective optical system to said portion of said planar light-sensitive surface. The step-wise rotating optical element comprises a mirror. The mirror comprises a semi transparent portion. The step-wise rotating optical element comprises a lens. The endoscope further comprises at least one shutter operable to be shut and opened synchronously with said step-wise rotating optical element. The image capturing device comprises N planar light sensitive surfaces, and each of said optical systems is configured to transfer light to one of said N planar light sensitive surfaces, respectively. The image capturing device is substantially rigid and said N planar light sensitive surfaces are tilted at a fixed angle relative to one another. The image capturing device comprises a substantially flexible portion allowing to controllably tilt at an angle one of said N planar light sensitive surfaces relative to another one of said N planar light sensitive surfaces. The image capturing device comprises two planar light sensitive surfaces, aligned back to back thereby facing substantially opposite directions. M is greater than one and N is greater than two and at least two of said optical systems transfer light onto a light sensitive planar element of one of said image capturing devices. M is equal to two and N is equal to three.

[0178] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an endoscopic tip comprising: a first lens positioned on a front face of said tip; a second lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip; a third lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip and substantially opposite said second lens; an imager having a plurality of light sensitive surfaces; a first light guide for directing light from said first lens to one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces; a second light guide for directing light from said second lens to a second of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces; and, a third light guide for directing light from said third lens to a third one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces, wherein light waves passing through each of said first, second, and third light guides are isolated from each other.

[0179] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an endoscopic tip comprising: a first lens positioned on a front face of said tip; a second lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip; a third lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip and substantially opposite said second lens; a first imager having a first light sensitive surface; a second imager having a plurality of light sensitive surfaces; a first light guide for directing light from said first lens to said first light sensitive surface of said first imager; a second light guide for directing light from said second lens to a first one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces of said second imager; and, a third light guide for directing light from said third lens to a second one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces of said second imager, wherein light waves passing through each of said first, second, and third light guides are isolated from each other.

[0180] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an endoscopic tip comprising: a first lens positioned on a front face of said tip; a second lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip; a third lens positioned on a lateral side of said tip and substantially opposite said second lens; a double-sided imager having a first side and a second side wherein said first side is substantially opposite said second side, further wherein said first side comprises a first light sensitive surface and said second side comprises a plurality of light sensitive surfaces; a first light guide for directing light from said first lens to said first light sensitive surface of said first side of said double-sided imager; a second light guide for directing light from said second lens to a first one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces of said second side of said double-side imager; and a third light guide for directing light from said third lens to a second one of said plurality of light sensitive surfaces of said second side of said double-sided imager, wherein light waves passing through each of said first, second, and third light guides are isolated from each other.

[0181] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a main control unit connected to an image capture section of an endoscope using a utility tube, wherein the image capture section comprises a front viewing element along with associated at least one front illuminator, a first side viewing element along with associated at least one first side illuminators and a second side viewing element along with associated at least one second side illuminators, the main control unit comprising: a video processing system comprising a camera circuit board, a power supply, an electronic memory and a plurality of interfaces and additional processing elements; an electrical cable that runs through the utility tube to connect the front and side viewing elements and associated illuminators with the camera circuit board, wherein a set of N signals are configured to be transmitted between the camera circuit board and the image capture section, wherein M signals out of the N signals are shared so that N<36 and wherein the camera board processes the M signals to generate signals specific to each of the viewing elements.

[0182] Optionally, the M signals comprise synchronization signals for the viewing elements. The M signals comprise clock signals for the viewing elements. The M signals comprise supply voltage of the viewing elements. The electrical cable has a diameter ranging from 2 to 2.5 millimeters.

[0183] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an image capture section or tip where a maximum volume of the image capture section ranges from 2.75 cm³ to 3.5 cm³, where each of the viewing elements is configured to generate a field of view ranging from 120 to 180 degrees, a depth of field ranging from 3 to 100 mm and a peripheral distortion of less than 80% without reliance on any aspherical components, and a maximum focal length in a range of 1 to 1.4 mm. Optionally, the depth of field ranges from 3.5 to 50 mm. The maximum volume of the image capture section is 3.12 cm³ and maximum focal length of said viewing elements is approximately 1.2 mm. The field of views of the front and at least one of side viewing element intersects over a depth of field ranging from 3 to 100 mm. The field of views of the front and at least one side viewing element intersects within a distance of 15 mm from the side viewing element.

[0184] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a method for operating an endoscope with multiple viewing elements, the method comprising: generating a front view using a front-pointing viewing element located on a front panel of a tip section of the endoscope; generating one or more side views using one or more side-pointing viewing elements located at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section, wherein fields of view of said front and one or more side viewing elements overlap; displaying said front and side views in real-time on at least one display; generating data indicative of which display should be selected based upon an interaction with an interface on a handle of the endoscope; and switching between said front and side views on the at least one display based upon the generated data.

[0185] Optionally, the handle comprises a plurality of buttons, wherein manipulation of said buttons causes said display to zoom in and out, record, capture or freeze images in at least one of said front and side views. The front and side views are displayed on a single screen. The front and side views are displayed on different screens. The handle comprises a plurality of buttons and wherein manipulation of said buttons causes said at least one display to record, capture or freeze images in all of said front and side views concurrently.

[0186] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a method for operating an endoscope with multiple viewing elements, the method comprising: generating a front view using a front-pointing viewing element located in a tip section of the endoscope; generating at least one side view using at least one side-pointing viewing element located at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section; displaying said front and side views concurrently and in real-time on at least one display; generating data indicative of which display should be selected based upon a manipulation of at least one button on a endoscope handle; and performing at least one action selected from recording, zooming or freezing, said at least one selected action being performed on the front view, the at least one side view, or both, based upon the generated data, wherein at least one icon or indicator is also displayed related to said at least one selected action.

[0187] Optionally, the method further comprises the step of displaying a timer that visually shows a progression of the endoscope through an anatomical region based on time. The timer counts down from a pre-set amount of time, as the endoscope progresses.

[0188] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an endoscope with multiple viewing elements, comprising: a front-pointing viewing element located in a tip section of the endoscope for generating a front view; at least one side-pointing viewing element located at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section for generating at least one side view; one or more displays for displaying said front and side views concurrently and in real-time; at least one button on an endoscope handle that can be manipulated to generate data indicative of which display should be selected; and processing means for performing at least one action selected from recording, zooming or freezing, the at least one selected action being performed on the front view, the at least one side view, or both, based upon the generated data, wherein at least one icon or indicator is also displayed related to said at least one selected action. Optionally, the processing means comprises an FPGA processor and an MPEG digital signal processor.

[0189] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a method of visualizing navigation path way of an endoscope assembly, wherein said endoscope assembly comprises a tip section having a front-pointing viewing element and two side-pointing viewing elements, the method comprising: inserting the endoscope assembly into a lumen of a body cavity; navigating the endoscope assembly through the lumen, wherein said lumen defines a navigation pathway and wherein said navigation pathway comprises a plurality of junctures in which the pathway changes substantially; operating the endoscope assembly to display a video output from each of the front and side-pointing viewing elements on to at least one monitor, said video output representative of the navigation pathway within the body cavity; and manoeuvring the endoscope assembly through the lumen when obstructed by said plurality of junctures, wherein said manoeuvring is guided by at least one visual highlight on said at least one monitor.

[0190] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses a service channel connector comprising: at least one service channel opening positioned at a proximal end of the connector; a working channel opening positioned at a distal end of the connector, wherein said service channel opening and working channel opening are in communication via an intermediate channel for inserting medical instruments therethrough, the working channel opening being coupled with an insertion tube of an endoscope; a front wall comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion; a back wall, comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, each portion having a substantially flat surface; and two side walls.

[0191] Optionally, the service channel connector of claim 1 wherein said first, second and third portions of said front wall further comprise four portions each, connected at an angle to one another, and wherein said first, second and third portions of said back wall are substantially straight, rectangular and without any surface indentations. The two side walls approximate a “Y” shape. The service channel connector further comprises a suction channel. The intermediate channel is a service channel. The intermediate channel is a combined channel formed from a service channel and a suction channel. The service channel connector comprises a first section and a second section, wherein said first and second sections are fixedly connected to each other forming the service channel connector. The first section and the second section are joined together by using a laser welding process. The second section is a mirror image of the first section. The first section and the second section are joined together by aligning one or more edges of the two sections leaving no gap between the two sections along a joint line. The first section and the second section are fabricated using a milling process. The first section and the second section comprise smooth internal surfaces. When measured from said proximal end to said distal end and along the back wall, the connector has a length in a range of approximately 15 to 21 millimeters. The working channel opening has an internal diameter in a range of approximately 2.5-8 millimeters.

[0192] In conjunction with any of the above embodiments, the present application discloses an endoscope assembly comprising a handle for connecting the endoscope to a control unit, the handle comprising a Y-shaped service channel connector comprising: a first section and a second section, each section comprising at least a service channel opening coupled with a working channel opening via an intermediate channel for inserting medical instruments therethrough, wherein said first and second section are fixedly connected to each other forming the service channel connector, the first section being a mirror image of the second section. Each section further comprises a suction channel. The intermediate channel is a service channel. The intermediate channel is a combined channel formed from a service channel and a suction channel. The first section and the second section are fixably connected to each by using a laser welding process.

[0193] Optionally, the first section and the second section are fixably connected to each other leaving at least one service channel opening at a top proximal end of the service channel connector and at least one working channel opening at a bottom distal end of the service channel connector, the at least one service channel opening being used for inserting one or more medical instruments into an insertion tube of an endoscope via the working channel opening. The first section and the second section are fixably connected to each other by aligning one or more edges of the two portions leaving no gap between the two portions along a line of joining. The first section and the second section are fabricated using a milling process. The internal surfaces of the first section and the second section are smooth.

[0194] The presently disclosed embodiments enable a plurality of innovative medical procedures. In one embodiment, the present application discloses an improved endoscopic mucosal resection procedure comprising inserting an endoscope into a body cavity and positioned a tip of said endoscope next to a target tissue; inserting an injection needle through a front working channel in said endoscope and positioning said injection needle proximate said target tissue; injecting fluid into the target tissue using said injection needle; inserting a grasping forceps device through a first side service channel of the endoscope; inserting a dissection device through a second side service channel of the endoscope; dissecting the target tissue from the submucosa of the body cavity; withdrawing the dissection tool from the second side service channel; inserting a retrieval net through the second side service channel; and using the grasping forceps to place the dissected target tissue into the retrieval net. Optionally the dissection device is a snare, needle, knife, or other cutting tool.

[0195] In another embodiment, the present application discloses another improved endoscopic mucosal resection procedure comprising inserting an endoscope into a body cavity and positioned a tip of said endoscope next to a target tissue; inserting an injection needle through a first channel in said endoscope and positioning said injection needle proximate said target tissue; injecting fluid into the target tissue using said injection needle; inserting a grasping forceps device through a second channel of the endoscope; inserting a dissection device through a third channel of the endoscope; dissecting the target tissue from the submucosa of the body cavity; withdrawing the dissection tool from the third channel; inserting a retrieval net through the third channel; and using the grasping forceps to place the dissected target tissue into the retrieval net. Optionally the dissection device is a snare, needle, knife, or other cutting tool.

[0196] In another embodiment, the present application discloses another improved endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure comprising inserting an endoscope into a body cavity and positioning it proximate a target papilla; inserting a guidewire through a first channel, such as the front working channel, inserting a grasper through a second channel, such as one of two side service channels; using the grasper to position the papilla in a position to facilitate the cannulation of the papilla with the guidewire; inserting a sphinctertome through a third channel, such as the second of two side service channels; using the sphinctertome to cut the papilla; withdrawing the sphinctertome; inserting a balloon over the guidewire; positioning the balloon in the papilla and inflating it to widen the sphincter; insert other devices through the third channel to perform a task. Optionally, the other devices can be stone baskets, stents, injection needles, ablation devices, biopsy forceps, and/or cytology brushes.

[0197] The aforementioned and other embodiments of the present shall be described in greater depth in the drawings and detailed description provided below.

[0425] An aspect of some embodiments relates to an endoscope having a tip section equipped with two or more viewing elements. According to one embodiment, one of the viewing elements is positioned at a distal end of the tip section and points forward, and the remaining viewing elements(s) is positioned further back in the tip section, and points sideways.

[0426] According to another embodiment, one of the viewing elements is positioned at a distal (front) end surface of the tip section and points forward, and the remaining viewing elements(s) is positioned further back in the tip section, and points sideways.

[0427] According to another embodiment, two or more viewing elements (for example, three, four or more) are positioned in proximity to or at the distal end of the tip section and point sideways such that the field of view provided by the viewing elements covers a front and side views. Even though in such configuration, according to some embodiments, no viewing element is positioned at the distal (front) end surface of the tip section (or in other words, no viewing element is pointing directly forward), still the field of view of the side cameras allows view of the front direction of the tip and accordingly of the endoscope.

[0428] This configuration, advantageously, may allow for a higher rate of detection, compared to conventional configurations, of pathological objects that exist in the body cavity in which the endoscope operates.

[0429] Another aspect of some embodiments relates to an endoscope having a tip section equipped with one or more front working/service channels. According to still further aspects of some embodiments, an endoscope tip section comprises one or more side working/service channels. Endoscopic tip configurations having more than one front and/or side working/service channels may significantly improve the performance of the endoscope and allow the endoscope operator to perform more complex medical procedures using multiple medical tools simultaneously. Such configurations may also provide the endoscope operator better access to the object of interest and greater flexibility with operating the medical tools, while at the same time viewing the procedure by a plurality of front and side pointing viewing elements.

[0430] Still further aspects of some embodiments relate to an endoscope having a tip section equipped with a plurality of advantageous configurations of an electronic circuit board assembly. These configurations consume less space and leave more volume for additional necessary features.

[0431] Yet another aspect of some embodiments relates to an endoscope having a tip section comprising a plurality of side jets, in addition to a front jet, to enable improved flushing performance of the endoscope.

[0432] The viewing elements and optionally other elements that exist in the tip section (such as a plurality of illuminators or light sources, one or more front and/or side working/service channels, one or more front and side jet channels, a side fluid injector, an electronic circuit board assembly and/or the like) are uniquely scaled, configured and packaged so that they fit within the minimalistic space available inside the tip section, while still providing valuable results.

[0433] The present specification is directed towards multiple embodiments. The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Language used in this specification should not be interpreted as a general disavowal of any one specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond the meaning of the terms used therein. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. In the description and claims of the application, each of the words “comprise” “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

[0434] As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “at least one” or “one or more” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0435] Embodiments of methods and/or devices of the specification may involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Some embodiments of the specification are implemented with the use of components that comprise hardware, software, firmware or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, some components are general-purpose components such as general purpose computers or oscilloscopes. In some embodiments, some components are dedicated or custom components such as circuits, integrated circuits or software.

[0436] For example, in some embodiments, some of an embodiment is implemented as a plurality of software instructions executed by a data processor, for example, which is part of a general-purpose or custom computer. In some embodiments, the data processor or computer comprises volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. In some embodiments, implementation includes a network connection. In some embodiments, implementation includes a user interface, generally comprising one or more input devices (e.g., allowing input of commands and/or parameters) and output devices (e.g., allowing reporting parameters of operation and results).

[0437] It is appreciated that certain features of the specification, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the specification, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the specification. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0438] It is noted that the term “endoscope” as mentioned to herein may refer particularly to a colonoscope, according to some embodiments, but is not limited only to colonoscopes. The term “endoscope” may refer to any instrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body.

[0439] It should also be noted that a plurality of terms, as follows, appearing in this specification are used interchangeably to apply or refer to similar components:

• • [0440] Utility tube/cable is also umbilical tube/cable
  • [0441] Main control unit is also controller unit, main controller or fuse box.
  • [0442] Viewing element is also image capturing device, viewing components, camera, TV camera or video camera.
  • [0443] Working channel is also service channel.
  • [0444] Illuminator is also LED, illumination source.
  • [0445] Flexible shaft is also bending section or vertebra mechanism.

[0446] Endoscopes that are currently being used typically have a front and side viewing elements for viewing the internal organs, illuminators, a fluid injector for cleaning the lens of the viewing elements, and sometimes also illuminators and a working channel for insertion of surgical tools. The illuminators commonly used are fiber optics that transmit light, generated remotely, to the endoscope tip section. The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination is also known.

[0447] A tip section of the endoscope assembly may be inserted into a patient's body through a natural body orifice, such as the mouth, nose, urethra, vagina, or anus.

[0448] In accordance with an embodiment of the present specification, a tip cover may house the tip section. The tip section, with the tip cover, may be turned or maneuvered by way of a flexible shaft, which may also be referred to as a bending section, for example, a vertebra mechanism. Tip cover may be configured to fit over the inner parts of the tip section, including an electronic circuit board assembly and a fluid channeling component, and to provide protection to the internal components in the inner parts, such as a body cavity. The endoscope can then perform diagnostic or surgical procedures inside the body cavity. The tip section carries one or more viewing elements, such as cameras, to view areas inside body cavities that are the target of these procedures.

[0449] Tip cover may include panels having optical assemblies of viewing elements. The panels and viewing elements may be located at the front and sides of the tip section. Optical assemblies may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, providing different fields of view.

[0450] An electronic circuit board assembly may be configured to carry the viewing elements, which may view through openings on the panels. Viewing elements may include an image sensor, such as but not limited to a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

[0451] The electronic circuit board assembly may be configured to carry illuminators that are able to provide illumination through illuminator optical windows. The illuminators may be associated with viewing elements, and may be positioned to illuminate the viewing elements' fields of view.

[0452] One or more illuminators may illuminate the viewing fields of the viewing elements. In an embodiment, the illuminators may be fiber optic illuminators that carry light from remote sources. The optical fibers are light carriers that carry light from a remotely located light source to the illuminators. The optical fibers extend along an insertion tube between the tip section at a distal end of the endoscope, and a handle at a proximal end. An umbilical/utility tube connects the handle to a main control unit. The main control unit enables control of several functions of the endoscope assembly, including power delivered and communication of signals between the endoscope and its display, among others.

[0453] Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which shows a multi-viewing elements endoscopy system 100. System 100 may include a multi-viewing elements endoscope 102. Multi-viewing elements endoscope 102 may include a handle 104, from which an elongated shaft 106 emerges. Elongated shaft 106 terminates with a tip section 108 which is turnable by way of a bending section 110. Handle 104 may be used for maneuvering elongated shaft 106 within a body cavity. The handle may include one or more buttons and/or knobs and/or switches 105 which control bending section 110 as well as functions such as fluid injection and suction. Handle 104 may further include at least one, and in some embodiments, one or more working channel openings 112 through which surgical tools may be inserted as well as one and more side service channel openings.

[0454] A utility cable 114, also referred to as an umbilical tube, may connect between handle 104 and a Main Control Unit 199. Utility cable 114 may include therein one or more fluid channels and one or more electrical channels. The electrical channel(s) may include at least one data cable for receiving video signals from the front and side-pointing viewing elements, as well as at least one power cable for providing electrical power to the viewing elements and to the discrete illuminators.

[0455] The main control unit 199 contains the controls required for displaying the images of internal organs captured by the endoscope 102. The main control unit 199 may govern power transmission to the endoscope's 102 tip section 108, such as for the tip section's viewing elements and illuminators. The main control unit 199 may further control one or more fluid, liquid and/or suction pump(s) which supply corresponding functionalities to the endoscope 102. One or more input devices 118, such as a keyboard, a touch screen and the like may be connected to the main control unit 199 for the purpose of human interaction with the main control unit 199. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the main control unit 199 comprises a screen/display 120 for displaying operation information concerning an endoscopy procedure when the endoscope 102 is in use. The screen 120 may be configured to display images and/or video streams received from the viewing elements of the multi-viewing element endoscope 102. The screen 120 may further be operative to display a user interface for allowing a human operator to set various features of the endoscopy system.

[0456] Optionally, the video streams received from the different viewing elements of the multi-viewing element endoscope 102 may be displayed separately on at least one monitor (not seen) by uploading information from the main control unit 199, either side-by-side or interchangeably (namely, the operator may switch between views from the different viewing elements manually). Alternatively, these video streams may be processed by the main control unit 116 to combine them into a single, panoramic video frame, based on an overlap between fields of view of the viewing elements. In an embodiment, two or more displays may be connected to the main control unit 199, each for displaying a video stream from a different viewing element of the multi-viewing element endoscope 102. The main control unit 199 is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/817,237, entitled “Method and System for Video Processing in a Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope” and filed on Apr. 29, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0457] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a control panel of a main control unit of a multi-camera endoscopy system. As shown in FIG. 1B, the control panel 101 contains a main connector housing 103 having a front panel 107. The main connector housing front panel 107 comprises a first section 111, containing a light guide opening 113 and a gas channel opening 115, and a second section 117, comprising a utility cable opening 119. The light guide opening 113 and gas channel opening 115 are configured to receive and connect with a light guide and a gas channel respectively, on a main connector and the utility cable opening 119 is configured to receive and connect with an electric connector of a scope. A switch 121 is used to switch on and switch off the main control unit.

[0458] FIGS. 1C through 1F show multiple exemplary configurations 123, 125, 127 and 129 of the tip section 108.

[0459] In configuration 123, a front-pointing camera 131 and a side-pointing camera 133 are essentially perpendicular to one another, and have, correspondingly, perpendicular fields of view.

[0460] In configuration 125, a front-pointing camera 137 is essentially perpendicular to a first side-pointing camera 139 and a second side-pointing camera 141. First and second side-pointing cameras 139, 141 are pointing perpendicularly to one another, and are positioned essentially 90 degrees apart in the cylindrical surface of the tip section. In another configuration (not shown), first and second side-pointing cameras may be positioned more than 90 degrees apart in the cylindrical surface of the tip section, such as 120-150 degrees apart or 150-180 degrees apart. For example, the first and second side-pointing cameras may be positioned 180 degrees apart, in opposite sides of the cylindrical surface of the tip section, so that they point in opposite directions. In yet further configurations (not shown), three or more side-pointing cameras may be positioned in the cylindrical surface of the tip section, for example, three cameras having 120 degrees in between them.

[0461] In configuration 127, a side-pointing camera 143 is pointing slightly backwards, so that it forms an angle larger than 90 degrees relative to a front-pointing camera 145. As an example, an angle of 120 degrees is shown. In another configuration (not shown), the angle ranges from 100-145 degrees.

[0462] In configuration 129, two opposing side cameras, 147 and 149, are shown, which are pointing slightly backwards, so that they each form an angle larger than 90 degrees relative to a front-pointing camera 151. As an example, an angle of 120 degrees is shown. In another configuration (not shown), the angle is 100-145 degrees.

[0463] Similarly, in other configurations (not shown), three or more side-pointing cameras may be positioned in the cylindrical surface of the tip section, each pointing slightly backwards and having a certain angle in between; in the case of three cameras, they may have an angle of 120 degrees in between them.

[0464] Reference is now made to FIG. 1G, which shows a perspective view of a multi-camera endoscope 153, according to some embodiments. Endoscope 153 includes an elongated shaft 155 which typically includes a bending section (not shown) and a tip section 157 which terminates the endoscope. Tip section 157 includes three side-pointing cameras: a first side-pointing camera 158A, a second side-pointing camera, and a third side-pointing camera. The first side-pointing camera 158A has an associated first field of view 159A, while the second side-pointing camera has an associated second field of view 159B, and the third side-pointing camera has an associated third field of view 159C. Discrete side illuminators (for example LEDs), may be associated with the side-pointing cameras for illuminating their respective fields of view 159A, 159B, and 159C. Tip section 157 further includes a working channel 161 which may be a hollow opening configured for insertion of a surgical tool to operate on various tissues. For example, miniature forceps may be inserted through working channel 161 in order to remove a polyp or sample of which for biopsy.

[0465] Tip 157 may further include other elements/components, (for example, as described herein according to various embodiments) such as fluid injector(s) for cleaning the cameras and/or their illuminators and pathway fluid injector(s) for inflating and/or cleaning the body cavity into which endoscope 153 is inserted.

[0466] Reference is now made to FIG. 1H, which shows a perspective view of a multi-camera endoscope 153, according to other embodiments. The endoscope shown in FIG. 1H, is similar to that shown in FIG. 1G, however, it does not include a working channel. Elongated shaft 155, tip section 157, first side-pointing camera 158A, second side-pointing camera and third side-pointing camera, and their respective fields of view 159A, 159B, and 159C are similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 1G.

[0467] Reference is now made to FIG. 1I, which shows a cross-sectional view of a tip section 163 of a multi-camera endoscope, according to an embodiment. Tip section 163 may include a front-pointing image sensor 169, such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. Front-pointing image sensor 169 may be mounted on an integrated circuit board 179, which may be rigid or flexible. Integrated circuit board 179 may supply front-pointing image sensor 169 with necessary electrical power and may derive still images and/or video feeds captured by the image sensor. Integrated circuit board 179 may be connected to a set of electrical cables (not shown) which may be threaded through an electrical channel running through the elongated shaft of the endoscope. Front-pointing image sensor 169 may have a lens assembly 181 mounted on top of it and providing the necessary optics for receiving images. Lens assembly 181 may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which may provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. Lens assembly 181 may provide a focal length of about 3 to 100 millimeters. Front-pointing image sensor 169 and lens assembly 181, with or without integrated circuit board 179, may be jointly referred to as a “front pointing camera”.

[0468] One or more discrete front illuminators 183 may be placed next to lens assembly 181, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discrete front illuminators 183 may be attached to the same integrated circuit board 179 on which front-pointing image sensor 169 is mounted (this configuration is not shown).

[0469] Tip section 163 may include a side-pointing image sensor 185, such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. Side-pointing image sensor 185 may be mounted on an integrated circuit board 187, which may be rigid or flexible. Integrated circuit board 187 may supply side-pointing image sensor 185 with necessary electrical power and may derive still images and/or video feeds captured by the image sensor. Integrated circuit board 187 may be connected to a set of electrical cables (not shown) which may be threaded through an electrical channel running through the elongated shaft of the endoscope.

[0470] Side-pointing image sensor 185 may have a lens assembly 168 mounted on top of it and providing the necessary optics for receiving images. Lens assembly 168 may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which may provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. Lens assembly 168 may provide a focal length of about 2 to 33 millimeters. Side-pointing image sensor 185 and lens assembly 168, with or without integrated circuit board 187, may be jointly referred to as a “side pointing camera”.

[0471] One or more discrete side illuminators 176 may be placed next to lens assembly 168, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discrete side illuminators 176 may be attached to the same integrated circuit board 187 on which side-pointing image sensor 185 is mounted (this configuration is not shown).

[0472] In another configuration (not shown), integrated circuit boards 179 and 187 may be a single integrated circuit board on which both front and side-pointing image sensors 169 and 185, respectively, are mounted. For this purpose, the integrated circuit board may be essentially L-shaped.

[0473] Front and side-pointing image sensors 169 and 185 may be similar or identical in terms of, for example, field of view, resolution, light sensitivity, pixel size, focal length, focal distance and/or the like.

[0474] Optionally, side-pointing image sensor 185 and lens assembly 168 are advantageously positioned relatively close to the distal end surface of tip section 163. For example, a center of the side-pointing camera (which is the center axis of side-pointing image sensor 185 and lens assembly 168) is positioned approximately 7 to 11 millimeters from the distal end of the tip section. This is enabled by an advantageous miniaturizing of the front and side-pointing cameras, which allows for enough internal space in the tip section for angular positioning of the cameras without colliding.

[0475] Reference is now made to FIG. 1J, which shows a cross-sectional view of a tip section 162 of a multi-camera endoscope, according to another embodiment of the specification. Tip section 162, similar to tip section 163 of FIG. 1I, may include a front-pointing image sensor 169, such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. Front-pointing image sensor 169 may be mounted on an integrated circuit board 179, which may be rigid or flexible. Integrated circuit board 179 may supply front-pointing image sensor 169 with necessary electrical power and may derive still images and/or video feeds captured by the image sensor. Integrated circuit board 179 may be connected to a set of electrical cables (not shown) which may be threaded through an electrical channel running through the elongated shaft of the endoscope. Front-pointing image sensor 169 may have a lens assembly 181 mounted on top of it and providing the necessary optics for receiving images. Lens assembly 181 may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which may provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. Lens assembly 181 may provide a focal length of about 3 to 100 millimeters. Front-pointing image sensor 169 and lens assembly 181, with or without integrated circuit board 179, may be jointly referred to as a “front pointing camera”. One or more discrete front illuminators 183 may be placed next to lens assembly 181, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discrete front illuminators 183 may be attached to the same integrated circuit board 179 on which front-pointing image sensor 169 is mounted (this configuration is not shown).

[0476] Tip section 162 may include, in addition to side-pointing image sensor 185, another side-pointing image sensor 164. Side-pointing image sensors 185 and 164 may include a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. Side-pointing image sensors 185 and 164 may be mounted on integrated circuit boards 187 and 166, respectively, which may be rigid or flexible. Integrated circuit boards 187 and 166 may supply side-pointing image sensors 185 and 164 with necessary electrical power and may derive still images and/or video feeds captured by the image sensor. Integrated circuit boards 187 and 166 may be connected to a set of electrical cables (not shown) which may be threaded through an electrical channel running through the elongated shaft of the endoscope.

[0477] Side-pointing image sensors 185 and 164 may have lens assemblies 168 and 174, respectively, mounted on top of them and providing the necessary optics for receiving images. Lens assemblies 168 and 174 may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which may provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. Lens assemblies 168 and 174 may provide a focal length of about 2 to 33 millimeters. Side-pointing image sensors 185 and 164 and lens assemblies 168 and 174, with or without integrated circuit boards 187 and 166, respectively, may be jointly referred to as a “side pointing cameras”.

[0478] Discrete side illuminators 176 and 189 may be placed next to lens assemblies 168 and 174, respectively, for illuminating its field of view. Optionally, discrete side illuminators 176 and 189 may be attached to the same integrated circuit boards 187 and 166 on which side-pointing image sensors 185 and 164 are mounted (this configuration is not shown).

[0479] In another configuration (not shown), integrated circuit boards 179, 187, and 166 may be a single integrated circuit board on which front and side-pointing image sensors 169, 185, and 164, respectively, are mounted.

[0480] Front and side-pointing image sensors 169, 185, and 164 may be similar, identical or distinct in terms of, for example, field of view, resolution, light sensitivity, pixel size, focal length, focal distance and/or the like.

[0481] Optionally, side-pointing image sensors 185 and 164 and lens assemblies 168 and 174 are advantageously positioned relatively close to the distal end surface of tip section 162. For example, a center of the side-pointing cameras (which is the center axis of side-pointing image sensors 185 and 164 and lens assemblies 168 and 174) is positioned approximately 7 to 11 millimeters from the distal end of the tip section. This is enabled by an advantageous miniaturizing of the front and side-pointing cameras, which allows for enough internal space in the tip section for angular positioning of the cameras without colliding.

[0482] According to some embodiments, the front and side-pointing cameras are all positioned on the same (imaginary) plain which “divides” tip section 162 into two equal parts along its length. According to some embodiments, each of the side-pointing cameras is perpendicular to the front pointing camera.

[0483] In accordance with an aspect of the present specification, the fields of view of the front and side-pointing viewing elements overlap. These fields of view are configured to maximize the area of overlap (and minimize a dead space which may be defined as an area that is not covered by the overlap) and bring the point of intersection of the fields of view as close as possible to the endoscope tip.

[0484] In one embodiment, the area of overlap, or intersecting field of view, occurs over a depth of field range of between 3 mm and 100 mm for the forward looking viewing element and over a depth of field range of between 3 mm and 100 mm for the first side viewing element. In another embodiment, the area of overlap, or intersecting field of view, occurs over a depth of field range of between the minimum and maximum depth of field for the forward looking viewing element and over a depth of field range of between the minimum and maximum depth of field for the first side viewing element.

[0485] In another embodiment, the area of overlap, or intersecting field of view, occurs over a depth of field range of between 3 mm and 100 mm for the forward looking viewing element and over a depth of field range of between 3 mm and 100 mm for each of the two side viewing elements. In another embodiment, the area of overlap, or intersecting field of view, occurs over a depth of field range of between the minimum and maximum depth of field for the forward looking viewing element and over a depth of field range of between the minimum and maximum depth of field for each of the side viewing elements.

[0486] In an embodiment, each of the forward looking and side looking viewing elements generates a view ranging from 120 to 180 degrees, as measured from the planar surface defined by the forward looking viewing element surface and the planar surface defined by the side viewing element surface, respectively. In an embodiment, these angle ranges of the forward looking and side viewing elements overlap.

[0487] In an embodiment, the field of view of the first viewing element intersects with the field of view of the second and/or third viewing elements within a distance of 15 mm from the endoscope tip, first viewing element, second viewing element, or third viewing element. Preferably the distance is less than 15 mm, such as, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 mm.

[0488] FIGS. 2A and 2B show exploded views of a tip section 200 of a multi-viewing element endoscope assembly 100 comprising one and two front working/service channels, respectively, according to various embodiments. An aspect of some embodiments also relates to endoscope assembly 100 having the tip section 200 equipped with one or more side working/service channels.

[0489] Persons of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that available space in the tip section may impose a constraint on the total number and/or the relative orientations of image capturing devices that may be packaged within the tip section. Further, each viewing element, and related supporting electronic circuitry, dissipates some power in the form of heat. Thus, an acceptable working temperature of the tip section and an allowed heat dissipation rate from the tip section to the patient's body impose yet another restriction on the total number of operative viewing elements therein. Further yet, each viewing element outputs image data through an imaging channel, generally employed by a dedicated video cable. Moreover, each viewing element may require, for proper operation, dedicated control signals also delivered by wires along the endoscope. Thus, the number of viewing elements may also be limited by the amount of wiring that can be included within the endoscope. Further yet, electronic interference between wires and cables may generally increase with the number of such wires along the endoscope, adversely affecting the quality and integrity of the signals.

[0490] The aforementioned constraints or limitations, among others, are addressed in various embodiments of the tip section of the endoscope assembly of the present specification. Accordingly, in an embodiment, tip section 200 of the endoscope 100 of FIGS. 2A and 2B may include a tip cover 300, an electronic circuit board assembly 400 and a fluid channeling component 600.

[0491] According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 600 may be configured as a separate component from electronic circuit board assembly 400. This configuration may be adapted to separate the fluid channels, at least one side service channel, such as side service channel 650, and at least one front working/service channel, such as working/service channel 640, which are located in fluid channeling component 600, from the sensitive electronic and optical parts which may be located in the area of electronic circuit board assembly 400. Thus, the component structure of the tip section 200 enables effective insulation of the plurality of electronic elements from the plurality of fluid channels.

[0492] According to some embodiments, the use of metal for the construction of a flexible electronic circuit board holder is important for electric conductivity and heat transfer purposes. The flexible electronic circuit board holder, according to embodiments of the specification (such as flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 of FIG. 19), can be used as a heat sink for some or all of the electronic components located at the tip section, particularly illuminators (such as side or front LEDs) and reduce overall temperature of the endoscope tip. This may solve or at least mitigate a major problem of raised temperatures of the endoscope tip and/or any of its components, particularly when using LED illuminators.

[0493] According to some embodiments, the viewing elements and optionally other elements that exist in the tip section (such as a plurality of illuminators or light sources, one or more front and/or side working/service channels, one or more front and side jet channels, a side fluid injector, an electronic circuit board assembly and/or the like) are uniquely modularized into a three part component structure comprising the tip cover 300, electronic circuit board assembly 400 and fluid channeling component 600 and packaged so that they fit within the minimalistic space available inside the tip section, while still providing valuable results.

[0494] Referring to FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments, the tip section 200 includes a front panel 320 which comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of the front panel 320 and a horizontal axis passing through the center, wherein the four quadrants include a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant.

[0495] In various embodiments, a front optical assembly 256 is positioned on the front panel 320. In various embodiments, a first front optical window 242b, for a first front illuminator 240b, is positioned on the front panel 320, at least partially within the bottom right quadrant and at least partially within the bottom left quadrant. In various embodiments, a second front optical window 242a, for a second front illuminator 240a, is positioned on the front panel 320, at least partially within the bottom left quadrant. In various embodiments, a third front optical window 242c, for a third front illuminator 240c, is positioned on the front panel 320, at least partially within the bottom right quadrant.

[0496] In various embodiments, a front working channel opening 340, for working channel 640, is positioned on the front panel 320, along the vertical axis and at least partially within the top left quadrant and partially within the top right quadrant. In various embodiments, a fluid injector opening 346, for a fluid injector channel 646, is positioned on the front panel 320, at least partially within the top right quadrant. In various embodiments, a jet channel opening 344, for a jet channel 644, is positioned on the front panel 320, at least partially within the top left quadrant.

[0497] Reference is now made to FIG. 2A along with FIGS. 3A and 3B, which show a perspective view of a fluid channeling component 600 of an endoscope assembly according to an embodiment. According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 600 may include a proximal fluid channeling section 602 (or base) which may have an essentially cylindrical shape and a unitary distal channeling section 604 (or elongated housing). Distal fluid channeling section 604 may partially continue the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling section 602 and may have a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder). Distal fluid channeling section 604 may have only a fraction of the cylinder (along the height or length axis of the cylinder), wherein another fraction of the cylinder (along the height or length axis of the cylinder) is missing. In other words, in various embodiments, proximal fluid channeling section 602 has a greater width than distal fluid channeling section 604. Distal fluid channeling section 604 may be integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling section 602. The height or length of distal fluid channeling section 604 may by higher or longer than the height or length of proximal fluid channeling section 602. In the embodiment comprising distal fluid channeling section 604, the shape of the partial cylinder (for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis) may provide a space to accommodate electronic circuit board assembly 400 (FIG. 2A).

[0498] Distal fluid channeling section 604 may include a working channel 640, which may be configured for insertion of a surgical tool, for example, to remove, treat and/or extract a sample of the object of interest found in the colon or its entirety for biopsy.

[0499] Distal fluid channeling section 604 may further include a jet fluid channel 644 which may be configured for providing a high pressure jet of fluid, such as water or saline, for cleaning the walls of the body cavity (such as the colon) and optionally for suction. Distal fluid channeling section 604 may further include injector channel 646, which may be used for injecting fluid (liquid and/or gas) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from front optical assembly 256 (FIG. 2A) of forward-looking viewing element 116 (FIG. 2A). Proximal fluid channeling section 602 of fluid channeling component 600 may include a side injector channel 666 which may be connected to side injector opening 266 (FIG. 2A).

[0500] In one embodiment, fluid channeling component 600 comprises a fluid manifold and may include a side service channel 650 having a side service channel opening 350 (FIG. 2A). Side service channel 650 includes a proximal section 652, a curve 654 and a distal section 656 and is located within fluid channeling component 600.

[0501] Proximal section 652 of side service channel 650 is essentially directed along the long dimension of the endoscope.

[0502] Curve 654 of side service channel 650 is configured to connect proximal section 652 and distal section 656 and curve (at essentially a right angle or in an obtuse angle) distal section 656 towards the side of fluid channeling component 600.

[0503] It is noted that according to some embodiments, a curve, such as curve 654 may be configured to create an acute angle between proximal section 652 and distal section 656.

[0504] Side service channel 650 may be configured to allow the endoscope operator to insert a surgical tool (not shown) and remove, treat and/or extract a sample of the object of interest or its entirety for biopsy.

[0505] Advantageously, side service channel 650 may allow greater flexibility to the endoscope operator and allow the insertion of extra surgical tools in addition to the surgical tools which may be inserted through working channel 640.

[0506] Reference is now made to FIG. 2A along with FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, which show a perspective view of a fluid channeling component 700 of an endoscope assembly according to another embodiment. The fluid channeling component 700 comprises a jet fluid channel 744 which may be configured for providing a high pressure jet of fluid such as water or saline for cleaning the walls of the body cavity (such as the colon) and optionally for suction. Component 700 may further include injector channel 746, which may be used for injecting fluid (liquid and/or gas) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from front optical assembly 256 (FIG. 2A) of forward-looking viewing element 116 (FIG. 2A).

[0507] According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 700 may include a proximal fluid channeling section 702 (or base) which may have an essentially cylindrical shape and a unitary distal channeling section 704 (or elongated housing). Distal fluid channeling section 704 may partially continue the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling section 702 and may have a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder). Distal fluid channeling section 704 may have only a fraction of the cylinder (along the height or length axis of the cylinder), wherein another fraction of the cylinder (along the height or length axis of the cylinder) is missing. In other words, in various embodiments, proximal fluid channeling section 702 has a greater width than distal fluid channeling section 704. Distal fluid channeling section 704 may be integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling section 702. The height or length of distal fluid channeling section 704 may by higher or longer than the height or length of proximal fluid channeling section 702. In the embodiment comprising distal fluid channeling section 704, the shape of the partial cylinder (for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis) may provide a space to accommodate electronic circuit board assembly 400 (FIG. 2A).

[0508] According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 700 comprises a fluid manifold and may include a side service channel 750 having two side service channel openings 758a and 758b. In various embodiments, side service channel openings 758a and 758b have an angle of exit ranging from 5 to 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope. In one embodiment, side service channel openings 758a and 758b have an angle of exit of 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope.

[0509] Side service channel 750 may be located within fluid channeling component 700 and may include a proximal section 752, a split 754 and two distal sections 756a and 756b.

[0510] Proximal section 752 of side service channel 750 may be essentially directed along the long dimension of the endoscope and may be positioned at the bottom and center of the proximal fluid channeling section 702.

[0511] Split 754 of side service channel 750 may be configured to split proximal section 752 into two distal sections 756a and 756b and divert distal sections 756a and 756b towards two essentially opposite sides of fluid channeling component 700.

[0512] In various embodiments, the distal sections 756a and 756b bend at different angles relative to the long dimension of the endoscope. In one embodiment, the distal sections 756a and 756b bend at an acute angle relative to the long dimension of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the distal sections 756a and 756b bend at an angle having a range between 45 to 60 degrees relative to the long dimension of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the distal sections 756a and 756b bend at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the long dimension of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the distal sections 756a and 756b bend at an obtuse angle relative to the long dimension of the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the distal sections 756a and 756b bend at an angle having a range of 120 to 135 degrees relative to the long dimension of the endoscope.

[0513] Side service channel 750 may be configured to allow the endoscope operator to insert a surgical tool (not shown) and remove, treat and/or extract a sample of the object of interest or its entirety for biopsy.

[0514] Advantageously, side service channel 750 may allow greater flexibility to the endoscope operator and allow the insertion of extra surgical tools in addition to the surgical tools, which may be inserted through working channel 740.

[0515] While some objects of interest may be visible and/or accessible via the endoscope front panel 320 (FIG. 2A), some objects of interest may be more visible via side looking viewing element 116b (FIG. 2A) and/or accessible via endoscope side service channel 750. Therefore, side service channel 750 may reduce the need to turn the tip section 200 towards the object of interest. Furthermore, side service channel 750 may allow the endoscope operator to access objects of interest, and perform surgical operations while the object of interest is still visible by one of side looking viewing elements 116b or 116c (on the opposite side of viewing element 116b of FIG. 2B).

[0516] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B and 4C in various embodiments, a surgical tool inserted into the side service channel 650 or 750 will exit the endoscope at different angles relative to the long dimension of the endoscope, dependent upon the degree of the bend of the distal sections of said service channel 650 or 750. In one embodiment, the surgical tool exits the endoscope at an acute angle relative to the long dimension of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the surgical tool exits the endoscope at an angle having a range between 45 to 60 degrees relative to the long dimension of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the surgical tool exits the endoscope at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the long dimension of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the surgical tool exits the endoscope at an obtuse angle relative to the long dimension of the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the surgical tool exits the endoscope at an angle having a range of 120 to 135 degrees relative to the long dimension of the endoscope.

[0517] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which show a perspective view of a fluid channeling component 815 of an endoscope assembly according to another embodiment.

[0518] According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 815 may include a proximal fluid channeling section 802 (or base) which may have an essentially cylindrical shape and a unitary distal channeling section 804 (or elongated housing). Distal fluid channeling section 804 may partially continue the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling section 802 and may have a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder). Distal fluid channeling section 804 may have only a fraction of the cylinder (along the height or length axis of the cylinder), wherein another fraction of the cylinder (along the height or length axis of the cylinder) is missing. In other words, in various embodiments, proximal fluid channeling section 802 has a greater width than distal fluid channeling section 804. Distal fluid channeling section 804 may be integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling section 802. The height or length of distal fluid channeling section 804 may by higher or longer than the height or length of proximal fluid channeling section 802. In the embodiment comprising distal fluid channeling section 804, the shape of the partial cylinder (for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis) may provide a space to accommodate electronic circuit board assembly 400 (FIG. 2A).

[0519] The fluid channeling component 815 comprises two side service channels 810a, 810b leading to corresponding two side service channel openings 805a, 805b on either side of a tip section of an endoscope, such as the tip section 200 of FIG. 61A. Thus, two independent and distinct side service channels 810a, 810b, one for each side, are located within the fluid channeling component 815. The side service channels 810a, 810b comprise proximal sections 812 directed along the long dimension of the endoscope and distal sections 813 that bend towards the respective sides of the fluid channeling component 815. In various embodiments, the proximal sections 812 of the two side service channels 810a, 810b extend through a bottom portion of the proximal fluid channeling section 802. In one embodiment, the distal sections 813 bend at acute angles with reference to the long dimension of the endoscope. In an embodiment, the distal sections 813 bend at a range of 5 degrees to 90 degrees and any increment therein, but preferably 45 degrees relative to the long dimension of the endoscope.

[0520] According to some embodiments of this specification, there is provided herein an endoscope (such as a colonoscope) that includes (in a tip section thereof), in addition to a front viewing element and one or more side viewing elements, and in addition to a front working/service channel, a second front working/service channel that is configured for insertion of a medical (such as a surgical) tool, optionally in addition to a medical tool inserted from the front working/service channel.

[0521] Reference is now made to FIG. 2B along with FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C which show perspective views of a fluid channeling component 600 of an endoscope assembly 100 according to another embodiment.

[0522] According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 600 may be configured as a separate component from electronic circuit board assembly 400 (FIG. 2B). This configuration may be adapted to separate the fluid channels 640b and working channels 640a, which are located in fluid channeling component 600, from the sensitive electronic and optical parts which may be located in the area of electronic circuit board assembly 400 (FIG. 2B).

[0523] According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 600 may include a proximal fluid channeling section 602 which may have an essentially cylindrical shape, a primary distal channeling section 604a and a secondary distal channeling section 604b. Primary distal fluid channeling section 604a and secondary distal channeling section 604b may partially continue the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling section 602 and may have a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder). Primary distal fluid channeling section 604a and secondary distal channeling section 604b may form solely two parallel fractions of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder), wherein the third fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder) is missing. Primary distal fluid channeling section 604a and secondary distal channeling section 604b may be integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling section 602. The height of primary distal fluid channeling section 604a and secondary distal channeling section 604b may by higher than that of proximal fluid channeling section 602. The primary distal fluid channeling section 604a and secondary distal channeling section 604b may have the shape of the partial cylinder (for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis) and provide a space to accommodate electronic circuit board assembly 400 (FIG. 2B).

[0524] Proximal fluid channeling section 602 may include integrated screw nuts 606a and 606b, which may be configured for securing tip section 200 (FIG. 2B) to the endoscope shaft (not shown).

[0525] Primary distal fluid channeling section 604a may include working channel 640a having a working channel opening 340a, which may be configured for insertion of a medical (such as a surgical) tool, for example, to remove, treat and/or extract a sample of the object of interest found in the colon or its entirety for biopsy.

[0526] Working channel 640a may be formed as an essentially cylindrical channel located within primary distal channeling section 604a along the long dimension of the endoscope and placed in parallel to primary distal fluid channeling section 604a.

[0527] Once an object of interest has been detected, the endoscope operator may desire to insert one or more medical tools and remove, treat and/or extract a sample of the polyp or its entirety for biopsy. Therefore, it may be beneficial for the endoscope's operator to be able to use more than one medical tool.

[0528] Advantageously, secondary distal channeling section 604b may include a second working channels 640b having a working channel opening 340b which may be similar to working channel 640a and may be configured for insertion of a medical tool, for example but not necessarily, in addition to the medical tool which may be inserted through working channel 640a. The operator may also choose from which working channel he or she would like to insert the medical tool, for example, according to the position of the polyp.

[0529] Second working channel 640b may be formed as an essentially cylindrical channel located within secondary distal channeling section 604b along the long dimension of the endoscope and placed in parallel to secondary distal channeling section 604b. Other configurations may also be possible. First and second working channels may be the same or different in shape and size.

[0530] Second working channel 640b may be configured to improve the performance of the endoscope (particularly, the colonoscope). Current colonoscopes typically have one working channel, which opens at the front distal section of the colonoscope. Such front working channel is adapted for insertion of a surgical tool. The physician is required to perform all necessary medical procedures, such as biopsy, polyp removal and other procedures, via this one channel.

[0531] A second working channel, such as second working channel 640b, allows greater flexibility to the endoscope operator and allows the insertion of medical tools in addition to (or instead of) the medical tools which may be inserted through working channel 640a.

[0532] This may significantly improve the performance of the endoscope and allow the endoscope operator to perform more complex medical procedures using two medical tools. Second working channel 640b provides the endoscope operator better access to the object of interest and greater flexibility with operating the medical tools while at the same time viewing the procedure by the front pointing viewing element 116a (FIG. 2B). This substantially increases the performance of the endoscope. Moreover, the two front working channels may be used simultaneously for medical procedures. An example of such a procedure may include surgery that requires stitching which can more easily be performed using two tools from two channels.

[0533] Another example of simultaneous usage of two working channels may include cleaning of the colon. A common problem exists when physicians find out that the patient's colon is not sufficiently clean. In such cases, the physician can try to clean the colon part using the “jet” exiting from the front part of the tip and in bad cases the physician is forced to send the patient home and reschedule his/her appointment. According to embodiments of the specification, the two channels can be used simultaneously for cleaning. For example, a cleaning fluid (such as water or water with air) may be inserted through one working channel and suctioned out from a second working channel. This may allow a better cleaning procedure that may solve or mitigate the problem of less efficient colonoscopies due to a non-cleaned colon.

[0534] In addition, a colonoscopy performed using a colonoscope according to embodiments of the specification may save the need of a cleaning procedure, currently performed by the patient him/herself, prior to colonoscopy.

[0535] Distal fluid channeling section 604a may further include a jet fluid channel 644 which may be configured for providing high pressure jet of fluid such as water or saline for cleaning the walls of the body cavity (such as the colon) and optionally for suction. Distal fluid channeling section 604a may further include an injector channel pathway 647 of fluid injector channel 646, which may be used for blending two fluids (like air and water) and convey the fluid blend into injector channel 646 which may be configured to inject the fluid blend and wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from front optical assembly 256a (FIG. 2B) of front-pointing viewing element 116a (FIG. 2B).

[0536] Proximal fluid channeling section 602 of fluid channeling component 600 may include side injector channels 666a and 666b, which may be connected to a first side injector opening 266a and a second side injector opening (not visible, but present on the opposite side of opening 266a of FIG. 2B) respectively.

[0537] In accordance with another embodiment, the present specification provides an endoscope with a second front working/service channel in close proximity to a first front working/service channel. In an embodiment, the distance between the two front working/service channels provided ranges from 0.40 mm to 0.45 mm. In an embodiment, the two front working/service channels may be configured for insertion of medical tools allowing simultaneous operation for a specific treatment, such as, treating a tumor or polyp. In another embodiment, one or both of the front working/service channels may be adapted to allow for suction during a procedure.

[0538] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscope assembly showing a fluid channeling component 645, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. As illustrated, the fluid channeling component 645 comprises a front panel 320 having a jet fluid channel 644, an injector channel pathway 647, a first front working/service channel 648 and a second front working/service channel 649. In one embodiment, the diameter of the first front working/service channel 648 is in a range of 3.6 mm to 4.0 mm and the diameter of the second front working/service channel 649 is in a range of 2.6 mm to 3.0 mm. In an embodiment, the diameters of the first and the second front working/service channels 648, 649 are 3.8 mm and 2.8 mm respectively.

[0539] Similar to FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments, the front panel 320 of the fluid channeling component 645 depicted in FIG. 7 comprises four quadrants defined by a vertical axis passing through a center of the front panel 320 and a horizontal axis passing through the center, wherein the four quadrants include a top left quadrant, a top right quadrant, a bottom left quadrant and a bottom right quadrant. In various embodiments, the first front working/service channel 648 includes an exit port positioned substantially within the top right quadrant of the front panel 320 and the second working/service channel 649 includes an exit port positioned substantially within the top left quadrant of the front panel 320.

[0540] Provision of the two front working/service channels may significantly improve the performance of the endoscope and allow the endoscope operator to perform more complex medical procedures using two medical tools. The second working/service channel provides the endoscope operator better access to an object of interest and greater flexibility with operating the medical tools while simultaneously viewing the procedure via the front-pointing viewing element. This substantially increases the performance of the endoscope. Moreover, the two front working/service channels may be used simultaneously for medical procedures. An example of such a procedure includes a surgery that requires stitching which can more easily be performed using two tools from two channels.

[0541] Another example employing simultaneous usage of two front working/service channels include cleaning of the colon. A common problem exists when physicians find out that the patient's colon is not sufficiently clean. In such cases, the physician can try to clean the colon part using the “jet” exiting from the front part of the tip. However, for cases in which the colon cannot be cleaned by the front jet, the physician is forced to send the patient home and reschedule his/her appointment. According to embodiments of the present specification, the two channels can be used simultaneously for cleaning. For example, a cleaning fluid (such as water or water with air) may be inserted through one service channel and suctioned out from a second service channel. This may allow a better cleaning procedure that may solve or mitigate the problem of less efficient colonoscopies due to a non-cleaned colon.

[0542] In addition, a colonoscopy performed using a colonoscope according to embodiments of the present specification may eliminate the need of a cleaning procedure, currently performed by the patient him/herself, prior to colonoscopy.

[0543] In addition, a gastroscopy performed using a gastroscope according to embodiments of the present specification may eliminate the need of a cleaning procedure, currently performed by the patient him/herself, prior to gastroscopy.

[0544] In an embodiment, the two front working/service channels are provided in a colonoscope with a front optical assembly and two side optical assemblies. In another embodiment, the two front working/service channels are provided in a gastroscope with a front optical assembly and one side optical assembly.

[0545] In accordance with some embodiments of the specification, there is provided a tip section of a multi-viewing element endoscope, the tip section comprising: a unitary fluid channeling component adapted to channel fluid for insufflation and/or irrigation (hereinafter abbreviated to ‘I/I’), the unitary fluid channeling component comprising: a proximal opening adapted to receive a fluid tube, the proximal opening being in fluid flow connection with a front fluid channel and a side fluid channel, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0546] FIG. 8 schematically depicts an isometric proximal view of an inner part of a tip section of an endoscope according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification, showing the entrances of various channels in the inner part of a tip section.

[0547] Inner part 890 of a tip section is located within the tip section and may be used for holding in place the components of the endoscope's tip section such as injectors 364, 366a and 366b, viewing elements, lenses and other elements. A cover (not seen in this figure) is placed over inner part 890. Some elements, for example injectors 364, 366a, and 366b (and optionally side viewing element 256b) may be assembled after the cover is placed.

[0548] Inner part 890 of a tip section may comprise of several parts. In the depicted embodiment, inner part 890 of the tip section comprises: unitary fluid channeling component 190, central section 192 and front section 194 (also seen in FIGS. 9A, 9B below). Unitary fluid channeling component 190 may be made of a metal or any other material, such as a polymer, a composite material or any other appropriate material or combination of materials. Unitary fluid channeling component 190, according to some embodiments, may generally include two parts: a proximal fluid channeling component section 190a and a distal fluid channeling component section 190b. Proximal fluid channeling component section 190a may have an essentially cylindrical shape. Distal unitary channeling component section 190b may partially continue the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling component section 190a and may have a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder), having only a fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder), wherein another fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder) is missing.

[0549] Distal fluid channeling component section 190b may be integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling component section 190a. The height of distal fluid channeling component section 190b may be higher than that of proximal fluid channeling component section 190a. In the embodiment comprising distal fluid channeling component section 190b, the shape of the partial cylinder (for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis) may provide a space to accommodate central section 192. Central section 192 may include electronics and optical components, such as light means (LEDs for example), viewing elements (CCD or CMOS, for example), lenses, and other elements. This configuration of inner part 890 of the tip section may thus be adapted to separate the fluid channels and working channels, which are located in fluid channeling component 190 from the sensitive electronic and optical parts which are located in central section 192.

[0550] On the proximal surface 191 of unitary fluid channeling component 190 is proximal opening 144 of the jet fluid channel leading to a distal opening of the jet channel. Fluid tube (not shown in this figure for simplification purposes) may be inserted into, and affixed to the distal opening of the jet fluid channel. The jet fluid tube is threaded through a flexible shaft and is used for delivering fluid to the body cavity.

[0551] On the proximal surface 191 of unitary fluid channeling component 190 is proximal opening 165 of a working channel leading to distal opening 340 (FIG. 9B) of the working channel. Working channel tube/tools may be inserted into, and optionally affixed to proximal opening 165 of the working channel. The working channel is threaded through the flexible shaft and is used for delivering surgical tools to the body cavity. The working channel may also be used for suction of fluid from the body cavity.

[0552] On the proximal surface 191 of unitary fluid channeling component 190 is the electric cable opening 150 for an electrical cable. The electrical cable is connected at its distal end to the electronic components such as cameras and light sources in the endoscope's tip section. The electrical cable is threaded through the flexible shaft and is used for delivering electrical power and command signals to the tip section and transmitting video signal from the cameras to be displayed to the user.

[0553] On the proximal surface 191 of unitary fluid channeling component 190 is the I/I tubes proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 (seen in FIG. 9A). Gas and fluid tubes may be inserted into, and affixed to proximal opening 110 of I/I channels manifold which delivers cleaning fluids to I/I injectors 364, 366a, and 366b. The gas and liquid tubes (such as gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893) may be threaded through the flexible shaft and are used for delivering fluid (gas and/or liquid) to I/I injectors 364, 366a, and 366b for cleaning the optical surfaces on the endoscope's tip section and for inflating a body cavity. The gas and liquid tubes (such as gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893) may also be combined into one tube and connected to the tip section as one tube.

[0554] It should be realized that it is important to keep the dimensions of the tip section of the endoscope small. Within the tight confines of the endoscope's tip section are the sensors, lenses, electric cables, at least one working channel, and a plurality of fluid channels. In contrast to endoscopes of the art, wherein each of the fluid tubes was directed to its destination, embodiments of the current specification provide I/I channels manifold to supply cleaning liquid and gas to the plurality of I/I injectors.

[0555] While FIG. 8 generically depicts the unitary fluid channeling component 190, and shows its proximal surface 191, the following figures depict some specific exemplary embodiments of the I/I channels manifolds and main bodies (such as cylinders), according to embodiments within the general scope of the current specification.

[0556] FIG. 9A schematically depicts a partially disassembled tip section 230a of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold internal to unitary fluid channeling component 894 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0557] Cover 196a is designed to fit over inner part (of the tip section) 890a, and to provide protection to the internal components in the inner part. Holes 164′, 340′, 344′, 242a′, 336′, 242b′, 256b′, 252b′ and 166b′ in cover 196a are aligned with the corresponding components and channel openings 164, 165, 144, 242a, 336, 242b, 256b, 252b and 366b in inner part 890a respectively. Optional groove 370b in cover 196a enables cleaning fluid from injector 366b to arrive, and clean the front surface 252b of side looking viewing element. Not seen in this view are grooves and holes in cover 196a which are aligned with the corresponding components and channel openings on the other side of inner part 100a respectively.

[0558] After fitting and attaching cover 196a over inner part 890a, injectors 364, 366b and 366a may be inserted into the corresponding front opening 164, first side opening 166b and opposite side opening respectively, in unitary fluid channeling component 894 through the corresponding front hole 164′, first side hole 166b′ and opposite side hole respectively, in cover 196a. Preferably, injectors 364, 366a and 366b may be removed from their corresponding openings for cleaning the endoscope after use. Optionally, injectors 364, 366a and 366b may be replaceable or disposable. Optionally, nozzles, such as nozzle 348 (seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B) or any other nozzle, may be inserted into the unitary fluid channeling component, such as unitary fluid channeling component 894, within an isolating (e.g., plastic) part into the opening to allow better electric isolation, particularly when the unitary fluid channeling component and the nozzles are made of metal.

[0559] In the first exemplary embodiment of the current specification, front opening 164, first side opening 166b and the opening on the opposite side are connected to proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 via I/I manifold channels which are within unitary fluid channeling component 894. Distal opening 344′ is the opening of a jet fluid channel which may be used for providing a high pressure jet of fluid, such as water or saline, for cleaning the walls of the body cavity (such as the colon) and optionally for suction.

[0560] FIG. 9B schematically depicts an isometric cross section of inner part 890a having I/I channels manifold internal to unitary fluid channeling component 894 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0561] In the depicted embodiment, gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 are terminated in a plug 109 adapted to fit into proximal opening 891. It should be noted that although gas tube 892 appears above liquid tube 893, their order may be reversed, they may be positioned side by side, or replaced with a single tube or the tubes may be joined to one tube before entering inner part 890a. Alternatively, each of gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is separately connected to unitary fluid channeling component 894, and their lumens open to a common conduit.

[0562] Proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is opened to I/I channel manifold. This cross section shows proximal opening 891 opened to front channel 171 leading to front opening 164 into which front injector 364 is inserted. According to some embodiments, front channel 171 (may also be referred to as front fluid channel) may be drilled in unitary fluid channeling component 894. It should be noted that unitary fluid channeling component 894 and other parts of inner part 890a may be machined or be made by casting, sintering, injection or other manufacturing techniques.

[0563] Reference is now made to FIG. 9C, which schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 894 having I/I channels manifold internal to it according to a first exemplary embodiment of the current specification and to FIG. 9D, which schematically depicts another isometric cross section of inner part 890a, showing unitary fluid channeling component 894 having I/I channels manifold internal to it according to a first exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0564] Proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is seen in this figure opened to I/I channel manifold. This cross section shows proximal opening 891 opened to cross channel 172 (may also be referred to as side fluid channel or side channel) leading to left opening 166a into which left injector 366a is inserted and to right opening 166b into which right injector 366b is inserted.

[0565] According to some embodiments, cross channel 172 may be drilled in unitary fluid channeling component 894.

[0566] According to the first exemplary embodiment of the current specification, proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is directly opened to I/I channel manifold, within unitary fluid channeling component 894 which comprises:

a) a right opening 166b, connected to proximal opening 891, and into which right injector 366b is inserted;
b) a front channel 171 connected to proximal opening 891, and leading to front opening 164 into which front injector 364 is inserted (as seen in FIG. 9B); and
c) a cross channel 172, connected to the proximal opening 891, and which is opened to left opening 166a into which left injector 366a is inserted.

[0567] FIG. 10A schematically depicts an isometric view of a partially disassembled tip section 230b of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 894b according to a second exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0568] In contrast to the first embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9A through 9D, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10A through 10C, cleaning fluids are supplied to left injector 366a via a groove 472 in unitary fluid channeling component 894b. Groove 472 is connected in one side to proximal opening 891 by hole 474 and is opened to left opening 166a which can hardly be seen in this view.

[0569] Cover 196b is designed to fit over inner part 890b, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 890b. Additionally, cover 196b is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals groove 472 to convert it to a fluid tight conduit.

[0570] FIG. 10B schematically depicts an isometric view of inner part 890b of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 894b according to a second exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0571] FIG. 10C schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 894b according to the second exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0572] According to the second exemplary embodiment of the current specification, proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is seen in this figure opened to I/I channel manifold which comprises:

a) a right opening 166b, connected to proximal opening 891, into which right injector 366b is inserted;
b) a front channel 171 connected to front opening 164 into which front injector 364 is inserted; and
c) hole 474 connected to groove 472 which is opened to left opening 166a (seen in FIG. 10A) into which left injector 366a (seen in FIG. 10A) is inserted.

[0573] FIG. 11A schematically depicts an isometric view of a partially disassembled tip section 230c of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 894c according to a third exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0574] In contrast to the first embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9A through 9D, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11A through 11D, fluids (liquid and/or gas) are supplied to left injector 366b via a groove 572 in unitary fluid channeling component 894c. However, in contrast to the second embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 10A through 10C, groove 572 is connected in the right side to right opening 166b and opened on the left to left opening 166a which can hardly be seen in this view.

[0575] Cover 196c is designed to fit over inner part 890c, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 890c. Additionally, cover 196c is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals groove 572 to convert it to a fluid tight conduit.

[0576] FIG. 11B schematically depicts an isometric view of inner part 890c of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold partially internal and partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 894c according to a third exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0577] It should be noted that the location of groove 572 on surface of unitary fluid channeling component 894c, and its depth and shape may be different.

[0578] FIG. 11C schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 894c according to the third exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0579] Proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is seen in this figure opened to right opening 166b and through it to groove 572 leading to left opening 166a.

[0580] FIG. 11D schematically depicts another isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 894c according to the third exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0581] Proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is seen in this figure opened to right opening 166b and through it to I/I manifold which comprises:

a) a right opening 166b, connected to proximal opening 891, into which right injector 366b is inserted;
b) a front channel 171, connected to proximal opening 891, and leading to front opening 164 into which front injector 364 is inserted; and
c) a groove 572 which receives cleaning fluids from right opening 166b, and is opened to left opening 166a (seen in FIG. 11C) into which left injector 366a is inserted.

[0582] FIG. 12A schematically depicts an isometric cross section view of an assembled tip section 230d of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold external to unitary fluid channeling component 894d according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0583] Similar to the third embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11A through 11D, groove 672 is connected in the right side to right opening 166b and opened on the left to left opening 166a (seen in FIG. 12C).

[0584] However, in contrast to the first, second and third embodiments depicted in FIGS. 9A through 9D, FIGS. 10A through 10C, and FIGS. 11A through 11D respectively, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12A through 12C, fluids are supplied to front injector 364 via a front groove 671 in unitary fluid channeling component 894d. Front groove 671 is opened in its proximal end to groove 672, and at its distal end to front opening 164.

[0585] Cover 196d is designed to fit over inner part 890d, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 890d. Additionally, cover 196d is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals grooves 671 and 672 to convert them to fluid tight conduits.

[0586] FIG. 12B schematically depicts an isometric view of inner part 890d of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold external to unitary fluid channeling component 894d according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0587] It should be noted that the location of grooves 671 and 672 on surface of unitary fluid channeling component 894d, and their depth and shape may be different. For example, the location of any of the grooves may be completely or partially inside the cover, for example, within the walls of the cover.

[0588] FIG. 12C schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 894d according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0589] Proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is seen in this figure opened to right opening 166b and through it to groove 672 leading to left opening 166a. Also seen in this figure is the intersection of groove 672 and front groove 671.

[0590] According to the fourth embodiment of the current specification, proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is opened to right opening 166b and through it to an I/I manifold which comprises:

a) a right opening 166b, connected to proximal opening 891, into which right injector 366b is inserted;
b) groove 672 which receives I/I fluids from right opening 166b, and is opened to left opening 166a into which left injector 366a is inserted; and
c) front groove 671, receiving I/I fluids from groove 672, and connected to front opening 164 (seen in FIG. 12A) into which front injector 364 (seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B) is inserted.

[0591] FIG. 13A schematically depicts an isometric view of an assembled tip section 230e of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 894e according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0592] For clarity, cover 196d was drawn partially transparent to show inner part 890e.

[0593] Similar to the second embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10A through 10C, groove 772 is connected to proximal opening 891 (seen in FIG. 13D) by hole 774 and opened on the left to left opening 166a (seen in FIG. 13C).

[0594] Similar to the fourth embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12A through 12C, cleaning fluids are supplied to front injector 364 via a front groove 771 in unitary fluid channeling component 894e. Front groove 771 is opened in its proximal end to groove 772, and at its distal end to front opening 164 (seen in FIG. 13D).

[0595] Cover 196e is designed to fit over inner part 890e, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 890e. Additionally, cover 196e is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals grooves 771 and 772 to convert them to fluid tight conduits.

[0596] FIG. 13B schematically depicts an isometric view of inner part 890e of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 894e according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0597] It should be noted that the location of grooves 771 and 772 on surface of unitary fluid channeling component 190d, and their depth and shape may be different.

[0598] FIG. 13C schematically depicts another isometric view of inner part 890e of an endoscope tip section having I/I channels manifold partially external to unitary fluid channeling component 894e according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0599] This embodiment depicts groove 772 connection to left opening 166a (seen in FIG. 13D).

[0600] FIG. 13D schematically depicts an isometric cross section of endoscope tip section 230e according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0601] Proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is seen in this figure opened to right opening 166b. Also seen in this figure is hole 774 connecting proximal opening 891 to front groove 771 and the connection of front groove 771 to front opening 164.

[0602] According to the fifth embodiment of the current specification, proximal opening 891 for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is opened to right opening 166b and through hole 774 to I/I manifold which comprises:

a) a right opening 166b, connected to proximal opening 891, into which right injector 366b is inserted;
b) groove 772 (seen in FIGS. 13A through 13C) which receives fluids via hole 774 connected to proximal opening 891, and is opened to left opening 166a (seen in FIG. 13C) into which left injector 366a (seen in FIGS. 13A through 13C) is inserted; and
c) front groove 771, receiving I/I fluids from hole 774, and connected to front opening 164 into which front injector 364b is inserted.

[0603] FIG. 14A schematically depicts an isometric view of an assembled tip section 230f of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold external to unitary fluid channeling component 894f in inner part 890f according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0604] Similar to the fourth embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12A through 12C, groove 872 in unitary fluid channeling component 894f is connected in the right side to right opening 166b and opened on the left to left opening 166a.

[0605] Similar to the fourth embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12A through 12C, front groove 871 is connected in its proximal end to groove 872.

[0606] However, in contrast to the fourth embodiment, cleaning fluids are supplied to grooves 871 and 872 via hole 874, connecting them to proximal opening 891.

[0607] Cover 196f is designed to fit over inner part 890f, and to provide protection to the internal components of inner part 890f. Additionally, cover 196f is tightly fitted and preferably hermetically seals grooves 871 and 872 to convert them to fluid tight conduits.

[0608] FIG. 14B schematically depicts an isometric view of a partially disassembled tip section 230f of an endoscope having I/I channels manifold external to unitary fluid channeling component 894f in inner part 890f according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0609] It should be noted that the location of grooves 871 and 872 on surface of unitary fluid channeling component 894d, and their depth and shape may be different.

[0610] According to the sixth embodiment of the current specification, proximal opening 891 (seen in FIG. 14A) for gas tube 892 and liquid tube 893 is connected to hole 874 and through it to an I/I manifold which comprises:

a) groove 872 which receives cleaning fluids from proximal opening 891 via hole 874 and is connected to right opening 166b into which right injector 366b is inserted;
b) same groove 872 connected to left opening, to which left injector 366a is inserted; and
c) front groove 871, receiving I/I fluids from groove 872, and connected to front opening into which front injector 364 is inserted.

[0611] It should be noted that optionally I/I injectors 336a and 336b, and optionally also 364 may be constructed as identical interchangeable inserts.

[0612] Reference is now made to FIG. 15A which schematically depicts an isometric proximal view of a main section of an inner part of an endoscope tip section, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification and to FIG. 15B, which schematically depicts an isometric cross section of the main section of FIG. 15A, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0613] Unitary fluid channeling component 990 of an inner part of a tip section of an endoscope (such as a colonoscope) is configured to be located within the tip section and may be used for accommodating fluid channels, working channels and optionally cable channel/recess and for holding in place the components, such as tubing/tubes and injectors. Unitary fluid channeling component 990 may be a part of the inner part of the tip section in a similar manner to that described, for example, in FIG. 8.

[0614] Unitary fluid channeling component 990, according to some embodiments, may generally include two parts: a proximal fluid channeling component section 990′ and a distal fluid channeling component section 990″. Proximal fluid channeling component section 990′ may have an essentially cylindrical shape. Distal fluid channeling component section 990″ may partially continue the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling component section 990′ and may have a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder), having only a fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder), wherein another fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder) is missing. Distal fluid channeling component section 990″ may be integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling component section 990′. The height of distal fluid channeling component section 990″ may be higher than that of proximal fluid channeling component section 990′. In the embodiment comprising distal fluid channeling component section 990″, the shape of the partial cylinder (for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis) may provide a space to accommodate a central section (not shown).

[0615] On proximal surface 991 of fluid channeling component 990 is proximal opening 944 of the jet fluid channel leading to distal opening of a jet channel (not shown). A jet fluid tube may be inserted through a flexible shaft and may be used for delivering fluid to, and optionally suction of fluid from the body cavity, for cleaning purposes.

[0616] On proximal surface 991 of unitary fluid channeling component 990 is proximal opening 965 of the working channel leading to a distal opening of the working channel (not shown).

[0617] Unitary fluid channeling component 990 includes groove 950 extending from proximal surface 991 along the length of proximal fluid channeling component section 990′. Groove 950 is adapted to guide (and optionally hold in place) an electric cable(s) which may be connected at its distal end to the electronic components such as viewing elements (for example, cameras) and/or light sources in the endoscope's tip section and deliver electrical power and/or command signals to the tip section and/or transmit video signal from the cameras to be displayed to the user. According to this embodiment, the electrical cable(s) do not have to be threaded through proximal fluid channeling component section 990′ (which may be complicated) but can be simply placed in groove 950 and held by it.

[0618] On proximal surface 991 of unitary fluid channeling component 990 are I/I tubes proximal openings: front proximal opening 910; right side proximal opening 911; and left side proximal opening 913. Front proximal opening 910, right side proximal opening 911 and left side proximal opening 913 lead to front channel 970 (seen in FIG. 15B), right side channel, and left side channel 973, respectively. Front channel 970 extends from front proximal opening 910, through proximal fluid channeling component section 990′ and distal fluid channeling component section 990″ to front opening 960. Left side channel 973 extends from right proximal opening 913, through proximal fluid channeling component section 990′ to left opening 963. Right side channel extends from right proximal opening 911, through proximal fluid channeling component section 990′ to right opening, similar to the left side arrangement.

[0619] Front channel 970 may include two parts: a proximal part 970′ (extending through proximal fluid channeling component section 990′) and a distal part 970″ extending through distal fluid channeling component section 990″). Proximal part 970′ of front channel 970 is adapted to receive, through front proximal opening 910, tube 980 (shown in FIG. 15C) which is adapted to transfer fluid (liquid and/or gas) to front channel 970. Tube 980 may be divided at any point along its length (for example at junction 981) into two tubes, one adapted to transfer gas and the other adapted to transfer liquid (such as water).

[0620] Left side channel 973 may be adapted to receive, at its proximal part, through left side proximal opening 913, tube 982 (shown in FIG. 15C) which is adapted to transfer fluid (liquid and/or gas) to left side channel 973. Tube 982 may be divided at any point along its length (for example at junction 983) into two tubes, one adapted to transfer gas and the other adapted to transfer liquid (such as water).

[0621] Right side channel may be adapted to receive, at its proximal part, through right side proximal opening 911, tube 984 (shown in FIG. 15C) which is adapted to transfer fluid (liquid and/or gas) to right side channel. Tube 984 may be divided at any point along its length (for example at junction 985) into two tubes, one adapted to transfer gas and the other adapted to transfer liquid (such as water).

[0622] The endoscopist can thus decide which fluid (gas, liquid or both) he would like to pass through the I/I channel, which fluid, as mentioned herein, may be used for cleaning and/or insufflation purposes.

[0623] FIG. 15C schematically depicts an isometric proximal view of the main section of FIG. 15A, having liquid and gas tubes connected thereto, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0624] Referring back to FIG. 2A, electronic circuit board assembly 400 may be configured to carry a front looking viewing element 116, a first side looking viewing element and a second side viewing element 116b which may be similar to front looking viewing element 116 and may include a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

[0625] Electronic circuit board assembly 400 may be configured to carry front illuminators 240a, 240b, 240c, which may be associated with front looking viewing element 116 and may be positioned to essentially illuminate the field of view of front looking viewing element 116.

[0626] In addition, electronic circuit board assembly 400 may be configured to carry side illuminators 250a and 250b, which may be associated with side looking viewing element 116b and may be positioned to essentially illuminate side looking viewing element's 116b field of view. Electronic circuit board assembly 400 may also be configured to carry side illuminators, which may be associated with the opposite side looking viewing element, which may be similar to side illuminators 250a and 250b.

[0627] Front illuminators 240a, 240b, 240c and side illuminators 250a and 250b may optionally be discrete illuminators and may include a light-emitting diode (LED), which may be a white light LED, an infrared light LED, a near infrared light LED, an ultraviolet light LED or any other LED.

[0628] The term “discrete”, concerning discrete illuminator, may refer to an illumination source, which generates light internally, in contrast to a non-discrete illuminator, which may be, for example, a fiber optic merely transmitting light generated remotely.

[0629] A significant problem exists in the art when attempts are made to pack all necessary components into the small inner volume of the endoscope. This problem dramatically increases when three viewing elements and respective illumination sources (such as LEDs) are packed in the tip of the endoscope. There is thus provided, according to some embodiments of the specification, a flexible electronic circuit for carrying and packing within the limited inner volume of the endoscope's tip, at least a front viewing element and one or more (for example two) side view viewing elements and their respective illumination sources.

[0630] According to some embodiments, the flexible circuit board consumes less space and leaves more volume for additional necessary features. The flexibility of the board adds another dimension in space that can be used for components positioning.

[0631] The use of the circuit board according to embodiments of the specification can significantly increase reliability of the electric modules connection thereto as no wires are for components connectivity. In addition, according to some embodiments, the components assembly can be machined and automatic.

[0632] The use of the circuit board, according to embodiments of the specification, may also allow components (parts) movement and maneuverability during assembly of the viewing element head (tip of the endoscope) while maintaining a high level of reliability. The use of the circuit board, according to embodiments of the specification, may also simplify the (tip) assembling process.

[0633] According to some embodiments, the flexible circuit board is connected to the main control unit via multi-wire cable; this cable is welded on the board in a designated location, freeing additional space within the tip assembly and adding flexibility to cable access. Assembling the multi-wire cable directly to the electrical components was a major challenge which is mitigated by the use of the flexible board according to embodiments of the specification.

[0634] FIG. 16 schematically depicts an isometric view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board carrying a front view camera, two side view cameras, and illumination sources, according to embodiments of the specification.

[0635] Flexible electronic circuit board 400, shown here in a folded configuration, is configured to carry: forward looking viewing element 116; LEDs 240a, 240b and 240c positioned to essentially illuminate the field of view (FOV) of forward looking viewing element 116; side looking viewing element 116b; LEDs 250a and 250b positioned to essentially illuminate the FOV of side looking viewing element 116b; side looking viewing element 116c and LEDs 250a′ and 250b′ positioned to essentially illuminate the FOV of side looking viewing element 116c.

[0636] As can also be seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, which schematically depict isometric views of a folded and flat flexible electronic circuit board, respectively, according to embodiments of the specification, flexible electronic circuit board 400 includes three sections: front section 1702, main section 1704 and rear section 1706.

[0637] Front section 402 of flexible electronic circuit board 1700 includes first front LED surface 1708, second front LED surface 1710 and a bottom front LED surface 1712. First front LED surface 1708, second front LED surface 1710 and a bottom front LED surface 1712 are flat surfaces formed from a unitary piece of a printed circuit board (PCB) layer. First front LED surface 1708 is adapted to carry front LED 240b, second front LED surface 1710 is adapted to carry front LED 240a and a bottom front LED surface 1712 is adapted to carry front LED 240c. First front LED surface 1708, second front LED surface 1710 and a bottom front LED surface 1712 have an arcuate shape when viewed as a whole, which is configured to support forward looking viewing element 116.

[0638] Front section 1702 of flexible electronic circuit board 400 is connected to main section 1704 through bottom section 1712. Main section 1704 of flexible electronic circuit board 1700 includes a center portion 1718, a first foldable side panel 1714 and a second foldable side panel 1716. When flexible electronic circuit board 400 is in a folded configuration, first foldable side panel 1714 and second foldable side panel 1716 are configured to fold upwards (towards the length axis of the endoscope tip), for example, as shown herein, forming an angle of about 45 degrees with center portion 1718 of main section 1704. First foldable side panel 1714 also includes an arm section 1720, extending therefrom, having a front sensor surface 1722 (may also be referred to as a camera surface) adapted to carry forward looking viewing element 116. When flexible electronic circuit board 400 is in a folded position, arm section 1720 is folded to be essentially perpendicular to center portion 1718 of main section 1704, and front sensor surface 1722 is folded to be essentially perpendicular to center portion 1718 and to arm section 1720, such that it faces forwards, essentially at the same direction of first front LED surface 1708, second front LED surface 1710 and a bottom front LED surface 1712. This configuration enables forward looking viewing element 116 and LEDs 240a, 240b, and 240c to face the same direction.

[0639] As described hereinabove, main section 1704 is connected to bottom section 1712 of front section 1702. On the opposing end of main section 1704, it is connected to rear section 1706.

[0640] Rear section 1706 includes a rear central portion 1724. Rear central portion 1724 is connected to a first rear arm section 1726, extending from one side of rear central portion 1724 and to a second rear arm section 1728, extending from the opposing side of rear central portion 1724.

[0641] First rear arm section 1726 includes a first side sensor surface 1730 (adapted to carry side looking viewing element 116b). Second rear arm section 1728 includes a second side sensor surface 1732 (adapted to carry side looking viewing element 116c).

[0642] First rear arm section 1726 further includes a first side LED surface 1734 and a second side LED surface 1736, adapted to carry side LEDs 250a and 250b, respectively. Second rear arm section 1728 further includes a third side LED surface 1738 and a fourth side LED surface 1740, adapted to carry side LEDs 250a′ and 250b′, respectively.

[0643] According to some embodiments, front sensor surface 1722 (which is adapted to carry forward looking viewing element 116), first side sensor surface 1730 and second side sensor surface 1732 (which are adapted carry side looking viewing elements 116b and 116c respectively) are thicker than the front and side LED surfaces. For example, the sensor surface thickness is configured for locating the sensor (of the viewing element) such that the welding pins of the sensor wrap the surface and are welded on the opposite side of the sensor in specific welding pads.

[0644] The sensor surfaces may be rigid and used as a basis for the viewing element assembly. The height of the sensor surface has significant importance allowing the sensor conductors to bend in a way such that they will directly reach the welding pads on the opposite side of the sensor rigid surface. The rigid basis also serves as electrical ground filtering electromagnetic noise to and from the sensor and thus increasing signal integrity.

[0645] When flexible electronic circuit board 400 is in a folded configuration, rear central portion 1724 is folded upwards, perpendicularly to center potion 1718 of main section 1704. First side sensor surface 1730 and second side sensor surface 1732 are positioned perpendicularly to center potion 1718 and also perpendicularly to rear central portion 1724. In addition, first side sensor surface 1730 and second side sensor surface 1732 are positioned essentially parallel and “back to back” to each other such that when they carry side looking viewing element 116b and side looking viewing element 116c, these viewing elements view opposing sides. First side LED surface 1734 and a second side LED surface 1736 are positioned perpendicularly to first side sensor surface 1730 and adapted to carry, on their inner sides, side LEDs 250a and 250b, respectively, such that LEDs 250a and 250b are positioned in proximity to side looking viewing element 116b. Third side LED surface 1738 and a fourth side LED surface 1740 are positioned perpendicularly to second side sensor surface 1732 and adapted to carry, on their inner sides, side LEDs 250a′ and 250b′, respectively, such that LEDs 250a′ and 250b′ are positioned in proximity to side looking viewing element 116c.

[0646] According to some embodiments of the specification, front section 1702, main section 1704 and rear section 1706 of flexible electronic circuit board 400 are all integrally formed from a unitary piece of circuit board layer.

[0647] Reference is now made to FIGS. 19 and 20 which schematically depict isometric views (FIG. 19 shows an exploded view) of a folded flexible electronic circuit board carrying viewing elements and illumination sources and a flexible electronic circuit board holder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0648] Similar to FIG. 16, flexible electronic circuit board 400, shown in FIG. 19 in its folded configuration, is configured to carry: forward looking viewing element 116; LEDs 240a, 240b and 240c positioned to illuminate essentially the FOV of forward looking viewing element 116; side looking viewing element 116b; LEDs 250a and 250b positioned to illuminate essentially the FOV of side looking viewing element 116b; side looking viewing element 116c and LEDs 250a′ and 250b′ positioned to illuminate essentially the FOV of side looking viewing element 116c.

[0649] Flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 is adapted to hold flexible electronic circuit board 400 in its desired folded position, and secure the front and side looking viewing elements and their corresponding illuminators in place. As shown in FIG. 19, flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 is a unitary piece of rigid material, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum or any other material.

[0650] According to some embodiments, the use of metal for the construction of the flexible electronic circuit board holder is important for electric conductivity and heat transfer purposes. The flexible electronic circuit board holder, according to embodiments of the specification, (such as flexible electronic circuit board holder 500) can be used as a heat sink for some or all of the electronic components located at the tip section, particularly illuminators (such as side or front LEDs) and reduce overall temperature of the endoscope tip. This may solve or at least mitigate a major problem of raised temperatures of the endoscope tip and/or any of its components, particularly when using LED illuminators.

[0651] Flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 includes a back portion 502 adapted to support second side LED surface 1736 and fourth side LED surface 1740.

[0652] Flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 further includes front portions 504a and 504b, supporting the back sides (opposing to the sides where the LEDs are attached) of first front LED surface 1708 and second front LED surface 1710, respectively.

[0653] Flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 further includes two side portions 506a and 506b on the two opposing sides of flexible electronic circuit board holder 500. Each of side portions 506a and 506b include two small openings for the side LEDs (250a, 250b, 250a′, 250b′) and one opening for side looking viewing element 116b and 116a. Side portions 506a and 506b of flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 abut first and second side foldable panels 1716 and 1714, respectively, of flexible electronic circuit board 400.

[0654] Flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 further includes a top part including top portions 508a and 508b (the top part of the flexible electronic circuit board holder may also include one top portion) covering the top part of flexible electronic circuit board 400 and configured to support fluid channeling component 600 (shown in FIG. 21).

[0655] Reference is now made to FIG. 21, which schematically depicts an isometric view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board carrying cameras and illumination sources, a flexible electronic circuit board holder, and a fluid channeling component, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification. FIG. 20 schematically depicts an isometric view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board carrying cameras and illumination sources and a flexible electronic circuit board holder. FIG. 21 adds to the configuration of FIG. 20, a fluid channeling component 600, which includes irrigation and insufflation (I/I) channels, jet channel and a working channel. Fluid channeling component 600 is a separate component from flexible electronic circuit board 400. This configuration is adapted to separate the fluid channels and working channel, which are located in fluid channeling component 600, from the sensitive electronic and optical parts which are located in the area of flexible electronic circuit board 400.

[0656] Fluid channeling component 600 (or according to some embodiments, a unitary fluid channeling component), according to some embodiments, may generally include two parts: a proximal fluid channeling component section 690′ and a distal fluid channeling component section 690″. Proximal fluid channeling component section 690′ may have an essentially cylindrical shape. Distal unitary channeling component section 690″ may partially continue the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling component section 690′ and may have a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder), having only a fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder), wherein another fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder) is missing. Distal fluid channeling component section 690″ may be integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling component section 690′. The height of distal fluid channeling component section 690″ may be higher than that of proximal fluid channeling component section 690′. In the embodiment comprising distal fluid channeling component section 690″, the shape of the partial cylinder (for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis) may provide a space to accommodate flexible electronic circuit board 400 and flexible electronic circuit board holder 500.

[0657] Front face 620 of distal fluid channeling component section 690″ includes a distal opening 640 of a working channel (located inside fluid channeling component 690). Front face 620 of distal fluid channeling component section 690″ further includes distal opening 691 of a jet fluid channel which may be used for providing a high pressure jet of fluid, such as water or saline, for cleaning the walls of the body cavity (such as the colon) and optionally for suction. Front face 620 of distal fluid channeling component section 690″ further includes irrigation and insufflation (I/I) opening 664 which may be used for injecting fluid (liquid and/or gas) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from front optical assembly 256 of forward looking viewing element 116.

[0658] Proximal fluid channeling component section 690′ of fluid channeling component 600 includes I/I openings aimed at a first side optical assembly 256b and at a second, opposite side optical assembly, and used for injecting fluid (the term “fluid” may include gas and/or liquid) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from the first side optical assemblies 256b and second, opposite side optical assembly of a first side looking viewing element 116b and a second, opposite side looking viewing element. According to some embodiments, the injectors may supply liquid for cleaning any of the tip elements (such as any optical assembly, windows, LEDs, and other elements).

[0659] Reference is now made to FIG. 22, which schematically depicts an isometric view of a folded flexible electronic circuit board carrying cameras and illumination sources, a flexible electronic circuit board holder, a fluid channeling component, and a tip cover (in an exploded view), which together form a tip section of an endoscope, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0660] Fluid channeling component 600, flexible electronic circuit board 400 and flexible electronic circuit board holder 500 are described in FIGS. 20 and 21. Tip cover 2200 is designed to fit over the inner parts of the tip section 2230, and to provide protection to the internal components in the inner part.

[0661] Tip cover 2200 includes hole 2236 configured to align with front optical assembly 256 of forward looking viewing element 116; optical windows 242a, 242b and 242c of LEDs 240a, 240b and 240c (seen for example in FIGS. 16 and 19-22); distal opening 340 of a working channel; distal opening 344 of a jet fluid channel; I/I injector 346 having a nozzle 348 (aligning with I/I opening 664 of fluid channeling component 600); a first hole 2256b and a second hole on the opposite side configured to align with a first side optical assembly 256b and a second, opposite side optical assembly of side looking viewing elements; optical windows 252a and 252b for LEDs 250a and 250b for a first side viewing element; and optical windows on the opposite side for LEDs for an opposite side viewing element; a first side hole 2266b and a second side hole adapted to align with a first I/I opening 2267b and a second, opposite side I/I opening.

[0662] In another embodiment, the electronic circuit board is configured to be foldable. Advantageously, the configuration of a foldable electronic circuit board enables having a slim and compact design and improves the performance of the endoscope (particularly, the colonoscope) by allowing the incorporation of additional elements into the endoscope tip section, for example, having an endoscope tip section with an additional working channel (as that in FIG. 2A), which may be used for threading a second medical tool.

[0663] Reference is now made to FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C and 23D, which show exploded views of a foldable electronic circuit board 400 of an endoscope assembly 100 of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment.

[0664] According to some embodiments, foldable electronic circuit board 400 has several internal parts including a flexible optical carrier substrate or camera circuit board 440, a flexible LED carrier substrate or illumination circuit board 420, a partially enclosed housing or bottom circuit board holder 460 and a front circuit board holder 462.

[0665] The internal parts of foldable electronic circuit board 400 is configured to be assembled, connected or attached together into a condensed structure having a slim and compact design.

[0666] Additionally, it should be noted that the internal parts of foldable electronic circuit board 400 is electrically connected and configured to share resources as electrical power and electrical signals.

[0667] The flexible optical carrier substrate or camera circuit board 440 is configured to carry, support or position a front-pointing viewing element 116a and two side-pointing viewing elements 116b, 116c which may be similar to front-pointing viewing element 116a and include a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

[0668] According to some embodiments, side-pointing viewing elements 116b and 116c are installed such that their field of views are substantially opposing. However, different configurations and number of side-pointing viewing elements are possible within the general scope of the current specification.

[0669] Flexible LED carrier substrate or illumination circuit board 420, which is formed as a flexible unitary piece of a PCB layer, includes two main sections 424a and 424b, a front foldable panel 422a and four side foldable panels 422b, 422c, 422d, 422e.

[0670] When flexible LED carrier substrate 420 is in a folded configuration, front foldable panel 422a and four side foldable panels 422b, 422c, 422d, 422e are configured to fold downwards forming a right angle with two main sections 424a and 424b.

[0671] Front foldable panel 422a is configured to carry front illuminators 240a, 240b, which are associated with front-pointing viewing element 116a and positioned to essentially illuminate front-pointing viewing element's 116a field of view.

[0672] When front foldable panel 422a is in a folded configuration, it forms a right angle with main sections 424a and 424b such that it faces forward, essentially at the same direction of front-pointing viewing element 116a and therefore enables front illuminators 240a, 240b to face the same direction as front-pointing camera 116a and essentially illuminate front-pointing viewing element's 116a field of view.

[0673] Side foldable panels 422b, 422c are configured to carry side illuminators 250a, 250b respectively, which are associated with side-pointing viewing element 116b and positioned to essentially illuminate side-pointing viewing element's 116b field of view.

[0674] When side foldable panels 422b, 422c are in a folded configuration, side foldable panels 422b, 422c are configured to form a right angle with main section 424a such that it faces sideways, essentially at the same direction of side-pointing viewing element 116b and therefore enables side illuminators 250a, 250b to face the same direction as side-pointing viewing element 116b and essentially illuminate side-pointing viewing element's 116b field of view.

[0675] Side foldable panels 422d, 422e are configured to carry side illuminators 260a, 260b respectively, which are associated with side-pointing viewing element 116c and positioned to essentially illuminate side-pointing viewing element's 116c field of view.

[0676] When side foldable panels 422d, 422e are in a folded configuration, side foldable panels 422d, 422e are configured to form a right angle with main section 424b such that it faces sideways, essentially at the same direction of side-pointing viewing element 116c and therefore enables side illuminators 260a, 260b to face the same direction as side-pointing viewing element 116c and essentially illuminate side-pointing viewing element's 116c field of view.

[0677] Front illuminators 240a, 240b and side illuminators 250a, 250b, 260a and 260b are optionally be discrete illuminators and may include a light-emitting diode (LED), which may be a white light LED, an infrared light LED, a near infrared light LED, an ultraviolet light LED or any other LED.

[0678] The term “discrete”, concerning discrete illuminator, refers to an illumination source, which generates light internally, in contrast to a non-discrete illuminator, which may be, for example, a fiber optic merely transmitting light generated remotely.

[0679] Partially enclosed housing or bottom circuit board holder 460 is configured to hold and support flexible LED carrier substrate 420 in its desired folded configuration and secure flexible optical carrier substrate 440, including side pointing viewing elements 116b and 116c and their corresponding illuminators, in place.

[0680] Partially enclosed housing 460 includes a bottom portion 462 and two side portions 464a and 464b formed as a unitary piece of rigid material, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum or any other material.

[0681] Each of side portions 464a and 464b are perpendicularly connected to bottom portion 462 at each opposite side and have an aperture configured to fit side pointing viewing elements 116b and 116c.

[0682] Front circuit board holder 462 is configured to work in conjunction with partially enclosed housing 460 and hold and support flexible LED carrier substrate 420 in its desired folded configuration and secure flexible optical carrier substrate 440 including front pointing camera 116a and its corresponding illuminator in place.

[0683] Partially enclosed housing 460 is formed as a unitary piece of rigid material, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum or any other material.

[0684] The use of metal for the construction of partially enclosed housing 460 and front circuit board holder 462 improves electric conductivity and allows efficient heat dissipation. According to some embodiments, partially enclosed housing 460 and front circuit board holder 462 function as a heat sink for some or all of the electronic components located within foldable electronic circuit board 400, particularly illuminators (such as front illuminators 240a, 240b and side illuminators 250a, 250b, 260a and 260b) and reduce overall temperature of the endoscope tip section. This will solve or at least mitigate a major problem of raised temperatures of endoscope tip and/or any of its components, particularly when using LED illuminators.

[0685] Reference is now made to FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C, which show a perspective view of a flexible optical carrier substrate or camera circuit board 770 of an endoscope assembly according to an embodiment. As an example, the flexible optical carrier substrate 770 is configured for the endoscope assembly 100 of FIG. 2A that comprises a single front working channel.

[0686] Flexible optical carrier substrate 770 may be similar to flexible optical carrier substrate 440 (FIGS. 23A through 23D) and is configured to carry, support or position a front-pointing camera 716a and two side-pointing cameras 716b, 716c which may be similar to front-pointing camera 116 (FIG. 2A) and may include a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

[0687] According to some embodiments, side-pointing cameras 716b and 716c are installed such that their field of views are substantially opposing. However, different configurations and number of side-pointing cameras are possible within the general scope of the current specification.

[0688] A partially enclosed housing or circuit board holder 780, which is further discussed below, holds and supports flexible optical carrier substrate 770, as shown in FIG. 24C.

[0689] Reference is now made to FIG. 25, which shows a perspective view of a flexible LED carrier substrate or illumination circuit board 720 of an endoscope assembly according to an embodiment. As discussed earlier, an endoscopic tip, such as tip section 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, has a distal face 320 and side edges 362a, 362b extending proximally from the distal face 320. The distal face 320 and side edges 362a, 362b together define an internal volume of the tip 200.

[0690] Referring back to FIG. 25, flexible LED carrier substrate 720, which is formed as a folded unitary piece of a PCB layer, comprises front/central carrier portion or panel 722a, connector 726 which is attached to a first end of central carrier portion or panel 722a, two main sections or parallel strips 724a and 724b, which are connected to a second end of central carrier portion or panel 722a, and four side foldable protrusions or panels 722b, 722c, 722d, 722e that protrude from respective portions of parallel strips 724a and 724b.

[0691] When flexible LED carrier substrate 720 is in a folded configuration, foldable central carrier portion or panel 722a and four side foldable protrusions or panels 722b, 722c, 722d, 722e are configured to fold downwards, forming right angles with the two parallel strips or main sections 724a and 724b.

[0692] Foldable central carrier portion or panel 722a is configured to carry front illuminators 740a, 740b and 740c, which are associated with front-pointing camera 716a (FIGS. 24A through 24C) and positioned to essentially illuminate front-pointing camera's 716a (FIGS. 24A through 24C) field of view. In the pictured embodiment, the central carrier portion 722a approximates a U-shape, having a first arm 722a′ and a second arm 722a″. In accordance with an embodiment, the first arm 722a′ extends from the central carrier portion 722a to connect the central carrier portion 722a at its second end with the first strip 724a while the second arm 722a″ extends from the central carrier portion 722a to connect the central carrier portion 722a at its second end with the second strip 724b. The first and second arms 722a′, 722a″ are configured to carry first and second illuminators 740a and 740b. The third illuminator 740c is mounted centrally on a base segment of the U-shape of the central carrier portion 722a.

[0693] Referring to FIGS. 25 through 26D simultaneously, when front foldable central carrier portion or panel 722a, along with first and second arms 722a′, 722a″, is in a folded configuration, it forms a right angle with the two parallel strips 724a and 724b such that it faces forward, essentially at the same direction of front-pointing camera 716a (FIGS. 24A through 24C) and therefore enables front illuminators 740a, 740b and 740c, to face the same direction as front-pointing camera 716a (FIGS. 24A through 24C) and essentially illuminate front-pointing camera's 716a (FIGS. 24A through 24C) field of view. In one embodiment, the front-pointing camera 716a (FIGS. 24A through 24C) is positioned between the first and second illuminators 740a and 740b when the central carrier portion 722a, along with first and second arms 722a′, 722a″, is in a folded configuration. In another embodiment, the front-pointing camera 716a (FIGS. 24A through 24C) is surrounded by the first, second and third illuminators 740a, 740b, 740c when the central carrier portion 722a, along with first and second protrusions 722a′, 722a″, is in a folded configuration. In the folded configuration, the front-pointing camera and the three illuminators 740a, 740, 740c lie within a plane defined by the distal face 320 (of the endoscopic tip 200 of FIGS. 2A, 2B).

[0694] Side foldable protrusions or panels 722b, 722c are configured to carry side illuminators 750a, 750b respectively, which are associated with side-pointing camera 716b (FIGS. 24A through 24C) and positioned to essentially illuminate side-pointing camera's 716b (FIGS. 24A through 24C) field of view.

[0695] When side foldable protrusions or panels 722b, 722c are in a folded configuration, side foldable protrusions or panels 722b, 722c are configured to form a right angle with first strip 724a such that they face sideways, essentially at the same direction of side-pointing camera 716b (FIGS. 24A through 24C) and therefore enable side illuminators 750a, 750b, to face the same direction as side-pointing camera 716b (FIGS. 24A through 24C) and essentially illuminate the field of view of side-pointing camera 716b (FIGS. 24A through 24C). In one embodiment, the side-pointing camera 716b (FIGS. 24A through 24C) is positioned between the side illuminators 750a, 750b when the side foldable protrusions 722b, 722c are in a folded configuration. In the folded configuration, the side-pointing camera 716b and the side illuminators 750a, 750b lie within a plane defined by a first side edge, such as side edge 362a of the endoscopic tip 200 of FIG. 2B.

[0696] Side foldable protrusions or panels 722d, 722e are configured to carry side illuminators 760a, 760b respectively, which are associated with side-pointing camera 716c (FIGS. 24A through 24C) and positioned to essentially illuminate side-pointing camera's 716c field of view.

[0697] When side foldable protrusions or panels 722d, 722e are in a folded configuration, side foldable protrusions or panels 722d, 722e form a right angle with second strip 724b such that they face sideways, essentially at the same direction of side-pointing camera 716c (FIGS. 24A through 24C) and therefore enable side illuminators 760a, 760b, to face the same direction as side-pointing camera 716c (FIGS. 24A through 24C) and essentially illuminate side-pointing camera's 716c (FIGS. 24A through 24C) field of view. In one embodiment, the side-pointing camera 716c (FIGS. 24A through 24C) is positioned between the side illuminators 760a, 760b when the side foldable protrusions 722d, 722e are in a folded configuration. In the folded configuration, the side-pointing camera 716c and the side illuminators 760a, 760b lie within a plane defined by a second side edge, such as side edge 362b of the endoscopic tip 200 of FIG. 2B.

[0698] It is noted that the number of front/central carrier portion and side foldable protrusions or panels and associated number of front and side illuminators may vary in various embodiments. For example, while in one embodiment, the base of the central carrier portion 722a along with the first and second arms 722a′, 722a″ together carry three front illuminators, in alternate embodiments first and second arms carry illuminators 740a, 740b while the base of the central carrier portion 722a may not carry any illuminator. Thus, in one embodiment, the central carrier portion 722a along with the first and second arms 722a′, 722a″ together support at least two illuminators. In yet another embodiment, the central carrier portion 722a along with the first and second arms 722a′, 722a″ together support at least one illuminator.

[0699] Front illuminators 740a, 740b, 740c and side illuminators 750a, 750b, 760a and 760b may optionally be discrete illuminators and may include a light-emitting diode (LED), which may be a white light LED, an infrared light LED, a near infrared light LED, an ultraviolet light LED or any other LED.

[0700] Connector 726 is configured to connect flexible LED carrier substrate 720 to a partially enclosed housing 780 (FIGS. 26A through 26D). Once folded, the two parallel strips 724a, 724b extend in a proximal direction from the central carrier portion 722a, as shown in FIGS. 26A through 26D.

[0701] Reference is now made to FIG. 25 along with FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D, which show a perspective view of a foldable electronic circuit board 2600 of an endoscope assembly 800 according to an embodiment.

[0702] Partially enclosed housing or circuit board holder 780 is configured to hold and support flexible LED carrier substrate 720 in its desired folded configuration and secure flexible optical carrier substrate 770 including front pointing camera 716a, side pointing cameras 716b and 716c and their corresponding illuminators in place.

[0703] Partially enclosed housing 780 is formed as a unitary piece of rigid material, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum or any other material.

[0704] The use of metal for the construction of partially enclosed housing 780 improves electric conductivity and allows efficient heat dissipation. According to some embodiments, partially enclosed housing 780 is used as a heat sink for some or all of the electronic components located within foldable electronic circuit board 2600, particularly illuminators (such as front illuminators 740a, 740b, 740c and side illuminators 750a, 750b, 760a and 760b) and reduce the overall temperature of the endoscope tip section. This will solve or at least mitigate a major problem of raised temperatures of endoscope tip and/or any of its components, particularly when using LED illuminators.

[0705] Reference is now made to FIG. 27A, which shows a perspective view of a tip section 801 of an endoscope assembly 800 (which, in one example, is similar to endoscope assembly 100 of FIG. 2A), according to an embodiment.

[0706] According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component or manifold 2700 is configured as a separate component from foldable electronic circuit board 2600 (FIGS. 26A through 26D). This configuration is adapted to separate the fluid channels 2744 (jet channel), 2764 (injector channel) and working channel 2740a which are located in fluid channeling component or manifold 2700, from the sensitive electronic and optical parts which are located in the area of the foldable electronic circuit board. FIGS. 38J and 38K, described later in this specification, also show another perspective view of a tip 3801 and manifold 600.

[0707] According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component or manifold 2700 includes a proximal fluid channeling section or base 2702, which has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a primary distal channeling section or casing 2704. Primary distal fluid channeling section or casing 2704 partially continues the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling section or base 2702 and has a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder). Primary distal fluid channeling section or casing 2704 forms a fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder), wherein the other fraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder) is missing. Primary distal fluid channeling section or casing 2704 is integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling section or base 2702 and extends outward from the base 2702. The height or width, along axis ‘y’, of primary distal fluid channeling section or casing 2704 is less than that of proximal fluid channeling section or base 2702. The length, along axis ‘x’, of casing 2704 is greater than the length of base 2702. In the embodiment comprising primary distal fluid channeling section or casing 2704, the casing 2704 has the shape of a partial cylinder (for example, partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along one side of the height axis ‘y’) and provide a space to accommodate foldable electronic circuit board 2600 (FIGS. 26A through 26D).

[0708] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27A, the manifold 2700 combined with the partially enclosed housing 780 of FIGS. 26A through 26D create a substantially cylindrical housing.

[0709] Proximal fluid channeling section or base 2702 includes integrated screw nuts 2706b, which are configured for securing tip section 801 to an endoscope shaft. In accordance with an embodiment, the fluid channels 2744, 2764 and working channel 2740a extend through the base and the casing.

[0710] Primary distal fluid channeling section or casing 2704 includes working channel 2740a which is configured for insertion of a medical (such as a surgical) tool, for example, to remove, treat and/or extract a sample of the object of interest found in the colon or its entirety for biopsy.

[0711] According to various embodiments, a fluid channeling component or manifold, such as manifold 2700, is used for heat transfer purposes. The manifold, according to embodiments of the specification (such as manifold 2700), can be used as a heat sink for some or all of the illuminators (such as side or front LEDs) and/or other electronic components, and reduce overall temperature of the endoscope tip. This will solve or at least mitigate a major problem of raised temperatures of the endoscope tip and/or any of its components, particularly when using LED illuminators.

[0712] FIG. 27B shows an embodiment of the fluid channeling component or manifold 2700 which also includes parts enabling this component to function as a flexible electronic circuit board holder. Manifold 2700 includes a front portion 2750 (shown here as formed of two front portions 2750a and 2750b), supporting the back sides (opposing to the sides where the LEDs are attached) of the first front LED surface (740a of FIG. 27A) and second front LED surface (740b of FIG. 27B), respectively. Front portions 2750a and 2750b form an arc shape between them which is configured to accommodate and support forward looking viewing element 716a of FIG. 27A. According to some embodiments, front portion 2750 distally protrudes from front face 2720. A jet channel opening 2744 and an injector channel opening 2764 are also seen on the front face 2720.

[0713] Fluid channeling component or manifold 2700 further includes a first side portion 2760 and a second, opposite side portion on the two opposing sides thereof. Each of side portions include two small openings for the side LEDs (760a, 760b of one side in FIG. 27A, the LEDs on the other side are not visible) and one opening for side looking viewing elements.

[0714] Each of the side portions further includes an I/I injector opening 2766b aimed at side optical assembly 716b of FIG. 27A on the first side portion 2760, and a similar I/I injector opening on the second, opposite side portion, used for injecting fluid (the term “fluid” may also include gas and/or liquid) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from side optical assemblies of side looking viewing elements. According to some embodiments, the openings may supply liquid for cleaning any of the tip elements (such as any optical assembly, windows, LEDs, and other elements).

[0715] Each of the side portions further includes two viewing element holders, for example viewing element holders 2730a and 2730b of first side portion 2760, adapted to receive a viewing element bridge which is adapted to support assemblies (716b of FIG. 27A) of side looking viewing elements.

[0716] FIG. 28A illustrates an upper base board and a lower base board associated with a fluid channeling component wherein jet and nozzle openings may be placed adjacent to each other or on either side of a working/service channel and adapted to support the optical assembly and illuminators of an endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 28A illustrates upper base board 2802 and lower base board 2804 supporting the optical assembly and illuminators shown in the endoscope assembly 6400 of FIG. 64. The front optical assembly comprises a front lens assembly 2806 and a front image sensor. The side optical assembly comprises a side lens assembly 2814 and a side image sensor. The front image sensor's pins and rigid area 2820 are bent to be soldered to the upper base board 2802 and lower base board 2804. The side image sensors' pins and rigid areas 2822 and 2824 (for the right and left side image sensors respectively) are bent to be soldered to the upper base board 2802 and lower base board 2804. The upper base board 2802 and the lower base board 2804 have grooves/holes enabling the front and side illuminators to be placed within the grooves/holes. The upper and lower base boards 2802, 2804 hold three sets of front illuminators 2808, 2810, 2812 and on each side panel two sets of illuminators 2816, 2818 (the figure illustrates only one side panel of the endoscope, however it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the other side panel is equivalent to this side panel). Front illuminators 2808, 2812 are placed between the upper and lower base boards 2802, 2804, while front illuminator 2810 is placed above front lens assembly 2806. The two sets of illuminators 2816, 2818 are placed between the upper and lower base boards 2802, 2804.

[0717] As shown in FIG. 28A, jet opening 2826 and nozzle opening 2824′ may be positioned adjacent to each other on front panel of the tip in accordance with an embodiment. In another embodiment, the jet opening 2826 and nozzle opening 2824′ may be positioned on either side of the working/service channel opening 2822′ on the front panel of the tip. A tip cover sheaths the endoscope tip and the components therein.

[0718] FIG. 28B illustrates a top view of an upper base board 2802 adapted to support the optical assembly and illuminators of an endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In various embodiments, the upper base board 2802 is provided with grooves/holes 2832 for the front illuminators 2808, 2810, 2812 and for the first set of side illuminators 2816, 2818 and the second set of side illuminators to be placed within. In the illustrated embodiment, one groove is provided on the upper base board 2802 for each illuminator supported by the upper base board 2802. In one embodiment, grooves 2832 are identical for all illuminators, while in another embodiment each groove may be adapted to different sizes of illuminators. For example, different sizes of illuminators may comprise LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) adapted to emit white light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, near-infrared light and other wavelengths of light.

[0719] An electrical cable 2850 threaded through the upper base board 2802, in one embodiment, transfers the information from the optical assemblies to the illuminators and to a main control unit.

[0720] FIG. 28C illustrates a bottom side view of a lower base board 2804 of the electronic circuit board adapted to support the optical assembly and illuminators of an endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In various embodiments, the lower base board 2804 is provided with grooves/holes 2834 for front illuminators 2808, 2810, 2812 and for the first set of side illuminators 2816, 2818 and the second set of side illuminators to be placed within. In the illustrated embodiment, one groove is provided on the lower base board 2804 for each illuminator supported by the base board 2804. In various embodiments, the pins and the rigid area(s) of the endoscope's image sensors are bent to be soldered to the upper and lower base boards 2802, 2804. In one embodiment, grooves 2834 are identical for all illuminators, while in another embodiment each groove may be adapted to different sizes of illuminators. For example, different sizes of illuminators may comprise LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) adapted to emit white light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, near-infrared light and other wavelengths of light.

[0721] FIG. 29A illustrates the optical assembly and illuminators supported by a lower base board 2902 with the upper base board shown in FIG. 28A removed. In an embodiment, metal frames are provided to hold the front and side lens assemblies and also to support the associated image sensors. As illustrated, a metal frame 2904 is provided to support front lens assembly 2906 and support the image sensor 308 associated with the front lens assembly 2906. Metal frames 2910 and 2912 are provided to support side lens assemblies 2914, 2916 and support the associated image sensors 2918 and 2920, respectively. In an embodiment, the metal frames 2904, 2910, 2912 may also serve as a heat sink to the light emitting diodes (LEDs) and sensors incorporated in the endoscope. Illuminators 2922 are attached to the lower base board 2902 by means of grooves/holes (shown in FIG. 29B) made in the lower base board 2902.

[0722] FIG. 29B illustrates another view of the optical assembly supported by a lower base board 2902 as shown in FIG. 29A with the illuminators 2922 (shown in FIG. 29A) removed. The lower base board 2902 comprises grooves 2924 for enabling the illuminators 2922 (shown in FIG. 29A) to be coupled with the based board 2902.

[0723] FIG. 29C illustrates a bottom view of the optical assembly supported by a lower base board 2902 as shown in FIG. 29B with the illuminators 2922 removed. As shown, the lower base board 2902 fits around the image sensors exposing the image contact areas and supports the lens assemblies. The grooves 2924 allow the illuminators 2922 (shown in FIG. 29A) to be secured to the base board 2902.

[0724] FIG. 30A illustrates an image sensor 3002 (shown as 2908, 2918 and 2920 in FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 29C, respectively) in a folded position as when placed between upper and lower base boards, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. As shown, the image sensor 3002 comprises two horizontal bent image sensor contact areas 3002a and 3002b, positioned parallel to a plane of the upper and lower base boards (not shown in figure). The image sensor contact areas 3002a and 3002b comprise a plurality of connector pins. The image sensor 3002 further comprises a vertical portion positioned between the image sensor contact areas 3002a and 3002b. A top edge of the vertical portion is coupled with an edge of the image sensor contact area 3002a while a bottom edge of the vertical portion is coupled with an edge of the image sensor contact area 3002b, as shown in FIG. 30A. The vertical portion comprises a first surface 3010 which in an embodiment is made of glass and an opposing second surface 3012 which in an embodiment comprises a printed circuit board or a computer chip.

[0725] The image sensor 402 captures still images and/or video feeds and in various embodiments comprises a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (not shown in figure). The image sensor 3002 is incorporated in the endoscope and is associated with a lens assembly as illustrated in FIGS. 28A through 28C and 29A through 29C. In an embodiment, three sets of optical assemblies, each comprising a lens assembly associated with an image sensor in a folded position as shown in FIG. 30A, are assembled in a tip portion of the endoscope. The three sets of optical assemblies comprise a front lens assembly associated with a front image sensor, a first side lens assembly associated with a first side image sensor and a second side assembly associated with a second side image sensor. The two side image sensors are assembled back to back as shown in FIGS. 29A through 29C such that the two glass surfaces 3010 are facing in opposite directions.

[0726] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30A, the folded position of the image sensor 3002 causes the first glass surface 3010 of the image sensor 3002 associated with a front lens assembly to face in a direction of the tip of the endoscope when the image sensor 3002 is positioned between upper and lower base boards (not shown in FIG. 30A) and assembled in the tip portion of the endoscope. The second opposing surface 3012 faces in an opposite direction towards an electrical connector end of the endoscope when the image sensor 3002 is in the illustrated folded position. Once the image sensor 3002 is assembled within an endoscope, the front glass surface 3010 faces forward and in an outward direction when viewed with respect to the center of the endoscope tip.

[0727] FIG. 30B illustrates a lens assembly 404 being coupled with the image sensor 3002. As illustrated, the lens assembly 3004 is positioned between the image sensor contact areas 3002a and 3002b, such that a rear portion of the lens assembly 3004 is closely associated and/or in contact with the first glass surface 3010 of the image sensor 3002. In the assembled position as shown in FIG. 30B, a front portion of the lens assembly 3004 projects in an outward direction and the lens assembly 3004 extends outwards beyond the area defined by the image sensor contact areas 3002a and 3002b. Hence, the effective area occupied by just the lens assembly 3004 on a circuit board of the endoscope is limited to the portion of the lens assembly 3004 that extends outwards beyond the area occupied by the image sensor contact areas 3002a and 3002b as shown in FIG. 30B.

[0728] The folded position of the image sensor 3002 reduces the length of space occupied by the lens assembly 3004 on a circuit board placed in an endoscope tip, thereby enabling the two side optical assemblies to be placed closer to each other than would have been possible with the methods of folding the image sensor used in prior art. This reduces the distance between the first and the second side assemblies 6406, 6408 illustrated in FIG. 64. Hence, due to the folding position of the image sensor as illustrated, each of the side optic assembly occupies approximately 1.3 mm less space on the endoscope circuit board, thereby leading to the diameter of the endoscope tip being reduced by approximately 2.6 mm as compared to prior art.

[0729] FIG. 30C illustrates a metal frame 3006 positioned to support and hold the lens assembly 3004 and the associated image sensor 3002. As shown, the metal frame 3006 is molded to enclose the lens assembly 3002 in a manner that supports the image sensor 3002 and the image sensor contact areas 3002a and 3002b.

[0730] In an embodiment of the present specification, a viewing element holder is employed for supporting the lens assembly and the image sensor as well as the illuminators associated with the lens assembly. FIG. 31A illustrates a viewing element holder for supporting a lens assembly, image sensor and side illuminators, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. As illustrated, viewing element holder 3102 which, in one embodiment, is a metal frame, is fitted around image sensor 3104, lens assembly 3106 and illuminators 3108, 3110, such that image sensor contact area 3112 is exposed as shown. The frame 3102 provides support to the image sensor 3104, lens assembly 3106 and illuminators 3108, 3110, enabling the said components to remain in a fixed position. In an embodiment, the image sensor 3104 is coupled with the frame 3102 in a manner identical to that illustrated in FIGS. 30B and 30C. The folding position of the image sensor 3104 inside the viewing element holder 3102 results in a reduction of the endoscope tip diameter. Further, in various embodiments, the image sensor 3104 is soldered to upper and lower base boards such as shown in FIG. 28B.

[0731] FIG. 31B illustrates grooves built in the viewing element holder for supporting the illuminators, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. Grooves 3114 and 3116 are provided in the viewing element holder 3102 for supporting illuminators 3108 and 3110 (shown in FIG. 31A) respectively. In one embodiment grooves 3114, 3116 are identical for all illuminators, while in another embodiment each groove may be adapted to different sizes of illuminators. For example, different sizes of illuminators may comprise LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) adapted to emit white light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, near-infrared light and other wavelengths of light. In other embodiments, more number of grooves may be provided in the viewing element holder 3102 in order to support more number of illuminators.

[0732] FIG. 32A illustrates a plurality of viewing element holders that are assembled to be placed in a tip of an endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. As shown in the figure, viewing element holder metal frame 3202 supports a front lens assembly 3204, associated image sensor 3206 and illuminators 3208 and 3210. Viewing element holder metal frame 3212 supports a side lens assembly 3214, associated image sensor 3216 and illuminators 3218 and 3220. Viewing element holder metal frame 3222 supports a side lens assembly 3224, associated image sensor 3226 and illuminators 3228 and 3230. In various embodiments, the viewing element holder metal frames act as a heat sink for the light emitting diodes employed in the illuminators. In one embodiment, a metal component, such as metal supporting frame 3250 is placed between the viewing element holders 3202, 3212 and 3222. Metal supporting frame 3250 acts as a heat sink for the illuminators and also supports the viewing element holders 3202, 3212 and 3222 by fixedly placing them between the upper and lower base boards (not shown in FIG. 32A). The metal supporting frame 3250 may also integrate with the optical assemblies and act as a heat sink for the LEDs while supporting the optical assemblies to be fixedly placed between the upper and lower base boards.

[0733] FIG. 32B illustrates the assembly shown in FIG. 32A coupled with an upper circuit board 3252 and a lower circuit board 3254 and associated with a fluid channeling component 3270 in a tip of an endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. The metal supporting frame 3250 of the front viewing element holder 3202, first side viewing element holder 3212 and a second side viewing element holder is adapted to act as a heat sink and is connected to the fluid channeling component 3270 such that the heat generated by the front illuminators 3208, 3210, the first side illuminators 3218, 3220, and second side illuminators and associated sensors may be transferred to the fluid channeling component 3270, causing a lowering of the temperature of the tip of the endoscope.

[0734] Also shown in FIG. 32B is jet opening 3226′ and nozzle opening 3224′ which may be positioned adjacent to each other on front panel of the tip. In another embodiment, the jet opening 3226′ and nozzle opening 3224′ may be positioned on either side of the working/service channel opening 3222′ on the front panel of the tip. A tip cover sheaths the endoscope tip and the components therein.

[0735] The present specification discloses circuit boards particularly designed to hold front and side illuminators (associated with front and side optical assemblies of an endoscope respectively) in a desired position within a tip portion of an endoscope. The use of the illuminator circuit boards provided by the present specification eases the assembly of the illuminators within the circuit board placed in an endoscope's tip portion, as the illuminator boards pre-define precise locations for the front and side illuminators.

[0736] The present specification provides a convenient way of separating the optical assemblies from their associated illuminators. It is easier to first assemble an optical assembly and then to place the associated illuminators within the confined space of an endoscope tip. As the sizes of the components in an assembled endoscope's tip are very small, the pre-defined illuminator board helps keep all the components in desired, fixed positions.

[0737] FIG. 33A illustrates a front illuminator electronic circuit board 3306 adapted for supporting the front illuminators 3308a, 3308b, 3308c of an endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 33A illustrates upper base board 3302, lower base board 3304, a front illuminator electronic circuit board 3306 for supporting the front illuminators 3308a, 3308b, 3308c, and a side illuminator electronic circuit board 3310 for supporting the side illuminators 3312a, 3312b. The front illuminators 3308a, 3308b, 3308c are associated with a front optical assembly comprising a front lens assembly 3314 and a front image sensor. The side illuminators 3312a, 3312b are associated with a side optical assembly comprising a side lens assembly 3316 and a side image sensor. The front image sensor's pins and rigid area 3320 are bent to be soldered to the upper base board 3302 and lower base board 3304. The side image sensors' pins and rigid areas 3322 and 3324 (for the right and left side image sensors respectively) are bent to be soldered to the upper base board 3302 and lower base board 3304. An electrical cable 3350 threaded through the upper base board 3302 transfers the information from the optical assemblies to a main control unit.

[0738] The front illuminator electronic circuit board 3306 holds a set of three front illuminators 3308a, 3308b, and 3308c. On each side panel, a side illuminator electronic circuit board 3310 holds a set of side illuminators 3312a, 3312b (the figure illustrates only one side panel of the endoscope, however it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the other side panel is equivalent to the shown side panel). In one embodiment, front illuminators 3308a, 3308b are positioned between the upper 3302 and lower 3304 base boards while front illuminator 3308c is positioned above front lens assembly 3314 and above the upper base board 3302. The two side illuminators 3312a, 3312b on both sides of the endoscope tip are positioned between the upper 3302 and lower 3304 base boards on either side of the side lens assembly 3316.

[0739] In various embodiments, any material that is used for constructing a PCB (Printed circuit boards) may be used for constructing the front and side illuminator circuit boards. Typical materials used for making PCB boards are ceramic, polyamides for flexible board, and glass-reinforced epoxy, such as, FR4 (a composite material composed of woven fiberglass cloth with an epoxy resin binder that is flame resistant (self-extinguishing)). Also in various embodiments, the front and side illuminator circuit boards may or may not be made of the same materials as the upper and lower base boards.

[0740] FIG. 33B illustrates upper 3302 and lower 3304 base boards integrated with the front 3306 and side 3310 illuminator electronic circuit boards, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. As shown, the front illuminator electronic circuit board 3306 is integrated with the upper base board 3302 and lower base board 3304 and holds the front illuminators 3308a, 3308b, 3308c in place and enables the front lens assembly 3314 to protrude therethrough. The side illuminator circuit board 3310 is positioned in a side panel of the endoscope tip between the upper base board 3302 and lower base board 3304 and the side illuminators 3312a, 3312b in place and enables the side lens assembly 3316 to protrude therethrough. An electrical cable 3350 threaded through the upper base board 3302 transfers the information from the optical assemblies to the illuminators and to a main control unit.

[0741] FIG. 34 illustrates optical assemblies and illuminators supported by an upper base board 3402 with the lower base board shown as 3304 in FIG. 33A removed to assist visualization. With regards to FIG. 34, the endoscope tip has been flipped about its horizontal axis such that the tip is being viewed from its underside as compared to the view depicted in FIG. 33. In an embodiment, a metal frame 3405 having front 3411 and rear 3413 portions is provided to support the associated image sensors 3415, 3417, 3419 and also the front 3414 and side 3416, 3418 lens assemblies. In various embodiments, the illuminator circuit boards 3406, 3410 and 3420 are soldered to the lower (removed for visualization) and upper 3402 base boards and are supported by the metal frame 3405. As illustrated, the metal frame 3405 includes a front portion 3411 provided to support the front lens assembly 3414 and support the front image sensor 3415 associated with the front lens assembly 3414. The front 3411 and rear 3413 portions of the metal frame 3405 support the side lens assemblies 3416, 3418 and support their associated image sensors 3417, 3419, respectively. In an embodiment, the metal frame 3405 also serves as a heat sink to the light emitting diodes (LEDs) and sensors incorporated in the endoscope.

[0742] A front illuminator circuit board 3406 holds the front illuminators 3408a, 3408b, 3408c in place and two side illuminator circuit boards 3410, 3420 hold the side illuminators 3412a, 3412b and 3422a, 3422b respectively, associated with the side optical lens assemblies 3416 and 3418 respectively, in place. A left side illuminator circuit board 3410 supports the side illuminators 3412a, 3412b. A right side illuminator circuit board 3420 supports the illuminators 3422a, 3422b associated with the right side lens assembly 3418. In an embodiment, the front illuminators circuit board 3406 is soldered to the metal frame 3405 which supports all three optical assemblies and separates the optical assemblies form one another. In one embodiment, the front illuminator circuit board 3406 is supported by a front portion 3411 of the metal frame and the side illuminator circuit boards 3410, 3420 are supported by both the front portion 3411 and a rear portion 3413 of the metal frame 3405.

[0743] In one embodiment, front illuminator circuit board 3406 is adapted to hold three sets of illuminators 3408a, 3408b, 3408c in place, wherein each set of illuminators may have 1, 2, 3 or more light sources such as, but not limited to, an LED. In one embodiment, side illuminator circuit boards 3410 and 3420 are adapted to hold two set of illuminators 3412a, 3412b and 3422a, 3422b in place, wherein each set of illuminators may have 1, 2, 3 or more light sources such as, but not limited to, an LED.

[0744] FIG. 35A illustrates the metal frame 3505 and illuminator circuit boards 3506, 3510, 3520 of FIG. 34 with the optical assemblies and upper base board removed to assist with visualization. Metal frame 3505 comprises a front recess area 3521 for a front lens assembly to protrude therethrough, a first side recess area 3523 for a first side lens assembly to protrude therethrough and a second side recess area 3525 on an opposite side for a second side lens assembly to protrude therethrough. A front illuminator electronic circuit board 3506 holds front illuminators 3508a, 3508b, 3508c. As can be seen in the figure, the front illuminator electronic circuit board 3506 is ‘U’ shaped and is coupled with the metal frame 3505 in a manner such that the front recess 3521 of the metal frame 3505 aligns with the inner surface of the curved portion of the ‘U’ shaped circuit board 3506.

[0745] Side illuminator electronic circuit boards 3510,3520 hold side illuminators 3512a, 3512b and 3522a, 3522b respectively. As can be seen in the figure, the side illuminator electronic circuit boards 3510, 3520 are ‘U’ shaped and are coupled with the metal frame 3505 in a manner such that the side recesses 3523, 3525 of the metal frame 3505 align with the inner surface of the curved portions of the ‘U’ shaped circuit boards 3510, 3520.

[0746] FIG. 35B illustrates the metal frame 3505 with the illuminator circuit boards shown in FIG. 35A removed. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 35B, the metal frame 3505 approximates an ‘H’ shape with side support walls 3512a, 3512b, 3520a, 3520b extending outwardly at 90 degrees from each leg of the ‘H’. Two front support walls 3506a, 3506b are positioned at the end of and perpendicular to side support walls 3520a, 3512a respectively. The metal frame 3505 is designed to comprise recesses 3521, 3523, 3525 to accommodate the front lens assembly and the two side lens assemblies respectively in an endoscope tip. The frame 3505 comprises: front support walls 3506a and 3506b for supporting the front illuminator electronic circuit board shown as 3506 in FIG. 35A; side support walls 3512a, 3512b for supporting the side illuminator electronic circuit board shown as 3510 in FIG. 35A; and support walls 3520a, 3520b for supporting the second side illuminator electronic circuit board shown as 3520 in FIG. 35A.

[0747] FIG. 36 illustrates a front illuminator electronic circuit board 3606, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 36, the circuit board 3606 is shaped as a ‘U’ and holds front illuminators 3608a, 3608b, 3608c in place. In various embodiments, the length l of the front illuminator electronic circuit board 3606 ranges from 7.5 mm to 9.5 mm and in an embodiment the length l is approximately 8.8 mm. In various embodiments, the height h of the front illuminator electronic circuit board 3606 ranges from 5 mm to 6.5 mm and in an embodiment the height h is approximately 5.7 mm.

[0748] FIG. 37 illustrates a side illuminator electronic circuit board 3710, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 37, the circuit board 3710 is shaped as a ‘U’ and holds side illuminators 3712a, 3712b in place. In various embodiments, the length l of the side illuminator electronic circuit board 3710 ranges from 7.5 mm to 9.5 mm and in an embodiment the length l is approximately 8.8 mm. In various embodiments, the height h of the side illuminator electronic circuit board 3710 ranges from 3 mm to 4.5 mm and in an embodiment the height h is approximately 3.7 mm.

[0749] According to another aspect of the present specification, an advantageous configuration of the electronic circuit board assembly enables having a slim and compact design of the endoscope. The configuration of the electronic circuit board assembly, in this embodiment, is described with reference to a tip section that includes a single side looking viewing element. However, in alternate embodiments, tip section may include more than one side looking viewing elements—in which case, the side looking viewing elements may be installed such that their fields of views are substantially opposing. However, different configurations and number of side looking viewing elements are possible within the general scope of the current specification.

[0750] Reference is now made to FIGS. 38A through 38F which show exploded views of a plurality of internal parts of an electronic circuit board assembly, which when assembled, connected or attached together, form a condensed tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope, according to an aspect of the present specification.

[0751] Additionally, it should be noted that the plurality of internal parts of the electronic circuit board assembly may be electrically connected and may be configured to share resources, such as electrical power and electrical signals.

[0752] FIG. 38A illustrates a base board 3805 of an electronic circuit board assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. Referring to FIG. 38A, the base board 3805 is shaped roughly as an “L” with a first member 3805a extending in a y direction and in an x direction. The first member 3805a is integrally formed with a second member 3805b, wherein said first member 3805a and said second member 3805b lie in the same horizontal plane and said second member 3805b extends from said first member 3805a at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. The second member 3805b extends in a y direction and in an x direction. In one embodiment, the length of the second member 3805b is greater than the length of the first member 3805a. In other words, the second member 3805b extends further in the x direction than the first member 3805a extends in the y direction. In one embodiment, the second member 3805b is further integrally formed with an offset member 3805c at the end of the second member 3805b that is opposite the end to which the first member 3805a is formed. The offset member 3805c lies in the same horizontal plane as the first member 3805a and second member 3805b and extends in a y direction and in an x direction. In one embodiment, the offset member 3805c is offset from the second member 3805b in the same y direction in which the first member 3805a is formed to the second member 3805b. In one embodiment, each member 3805a, 3805b, 3805c has the same thickness and therefore the entire base board 3805 has a single thickness.

[0753] In one embodiment, the first member 3805a comprises at least two openings 3806 for the insertion of attachment pegs of a first metal frame as described with reference to FIGS. 38B and 38C below. In one embodiment, the second member 3805b comprises at least two openings 3807 for the insertion of attachment pegs of a second metal frame as described with reference to FIGS. 38B and 38C below. In one embodiment, the offset member comprises at least one opening 3808 for a multi-wire electrical cable which is welded on the base board 3805 in a designated location, thereby freeing additional space within the tip assembly. The opening 3808 is where the electrical cable is welded to the base board 3805.

[0754] FIG. 38B illustrates one embodiment of a first metal frame 3810 and a second metal frame 3812 for supporting a front looking viewing element and a side looking viewing element respectively, of an electronic circuit board assembly. In one embodiment, the first metal frame 3810 and the second metal frame 3812 are identical in shape. The first and second metal frames 3810, 3812 comprise substantially rectangular shaped metal bodies 3840a, 3840b each having a substantially oval shaped opening 3841a, 3841b at the center of each metal body 3840a, 3840b. In addition, each metal body 3840a, 3840b comprises a top surface 3842a, 3842b and a bottom surface 3843a, 3843b. Extending from the bottom surface 3843a, 3843b of each metal body 3840a, 3840b are at least two attachment pegs 3844a, 3844b to be inserted into corresponding openings in the first and second members of the base board as discussed with reference to FIGS. 38A and 38C.

[0755] Further, each metal body 3840a, 3840b includes a front surface 3845a, 3845b comprising a first pair of side walls 3846a, 3846b and a rear surface 3847a, 3847b comprising a second pair of side walls 3848a, 3848b. The front surfaces 3845a, 3845b and first pairs of side walls 3846a, 3846b are configured to receive image sensors as discussed with reference to FIG. 38G below. The rear surfaces 3847a, 3847b and second pairs of side walls 3848a, 3848b are configured to receive printed circuit boards as discussed with reference to FIG. 38E below.

[0756] FIG. 38C illustrates a first intermediate assembly 3815 with first 3810 and second 3812 metal frames placed on the base board 3805 of an electronic circuit board assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The attachment pegs (3844a in FIG. 38B) of the first metal frame 3810 have been inserted into the openings (3806 in FIG. 38A) of the first member 3805a of the base board 3805. The first metal frame 3810 is attached to the base board 3805 such that the front surface 3845a of the first metal frame 3810 faces forward and outward from the center of the endoscope tip and the rear surface 3847a of the first metal frame 3810 faces inward toward the center of the endoscope tip, once fully assembled. The attachment pegs (3844b in FIG. 38B) of the second metal frame 3812 have been inserted into the openings (3807 in FIG. 38A) of the second member 3805b of the base board 3805. The second metal frame 3812 is attached to the base board 3805 such that the front surface 3845b of the second metal frame 3812 faces sideward and outward from the center of the endoscope tip and the rear surface 3847b of the second metal frame 3812 faces inward toward the center of the endoscope tip, once fully assembled. In one embodiment, the first 3810 and second 3812 metal frames are soldered to the base board 3805.

[0757] In one embodiment, the base board 3805 is rigid while in another embodiment it is semi-rigid. The two metal frames 3810, 3812 form base structures for respectively supporting a front and a side looking viewing element of the endoscope. The metal frames 3810, 3812 are placed on the base board 3805 such that the respective central axes 3811, 3813 of the frames form an angle ‘N’ to each other. In various embodiments, the angle ‘N’ ranges from 70 to 135 degrees. In one embodiment the angle ‘N’ is 90 degrees.

[0758] FIG. 38D illustrates one embodiment of a first printed circuit board 3817 and a second printed circuit board 3818 for inclusion with an electronic circuit board assembly. In one embodiment, the printed circuit boards 3817, 3818 are substantially rectangular shaped and each includes a top surface 3852a, 3852b, a bottom surface 3853a, 3853b, a front surface 3855a, 3855b, a rear surface 3857a, 3857b, and two side surfaces 3858a, 3858b.

[0759] Referring to FIG. 38E, the two printed circuit boards (PCBs) 3817, 3818 are placed against the rear surfaces 3847a, 3847b of the respective metal frames 3810, 3812 to form a second intermediate assembly 3820. In one embodiment, the first printed circuit board 3817 is positioned on the base board 3805 such that the front surface (3855a in FIG. 38D) of the first printed circuit board 3817 touches the rear surface 3847a of the first metal frame 3810 and the side surfaces (3858a in FIG. 38D) of the first printed circuit board 3817 touch the second pair of side walls 3848a of the first metal frame 3810. In one embodiment, the second printed circuit board 3818 is positioned on the base board 3805 such that the front surface (3855b in FIG. 38D) of the second printed circuit board 3818 touches the rear surface 3847b of the second metal frame 3812 and the side surfaces (3858b in FIG. 38D) of the second printed circuit board 3818 touch the second pair of side walls 3848b of the second metal frame 3812. In another embodiment, the printed circuit boards 3817, 3818 are flipped horizontally such that their rear surfaces (3857a, 3857b in FIG. 38D) touch the rear surfaces 3847a, 3847b of the metal frames 3810, 3812. In both embodiments, the rear surfaces 3847a, 3847b and second pairs of side walls 3848a, 3848b of the metal frames 3810, 3812 act to contain the printed circuit boards 3817, 3818. In one embodiment, the printed circuit boards 3817, 3818 fit snugly within the pairs of side walls 3848a, 3848b and against the rear surfaces 3847a, 3847b of the metal frames 3810, 3812. The snug fit helps to maximize the use of available area in the tip, allowing the endoscope tip to have a smaller overall diameter. In one embodiment, the bottom surfaces 3853a, 3853b of the printed circuit boards 3817, 3818 are soldered to the base board 3805.

[0760] FIG. 38F illustrates horizontal and side views of an image sensor 3822 with a first plurality of connector pins 3824 on a first end of the sensor 3822 and a second plurality of connector pins 3825 on the opposite side of the sensor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The image sensor 3822 includes an outer surface comprising a piece of glass 3822a and an inner surface comprising a printed circuit board or computer chip 3822b. The image sensor 3822 captures still images and/or video feeds and in various embodiments comprises a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

[0761] FIG. 38G illustrates one embodiment of a third intermediate assembly 3825 formed by attaching image sensors 3822, 3823 to a second intermediate assembly (3820 from FIG. 38E). In one embodiment, a first image sensor 3822 is positioned such that the inner surface of the first image sensor 3822, comprising a computer chip, comes to rest on the front surface 3845a and between the first pair of side walls 3846a of the first metal frame 3810. In this manner, the outer surface of the first image sensor 3822, comprising a piece of glass 3822a, faces forward and outward from the center of the endoscope tip, once fully assembled. The first plurality of connector pins 3824a on a first end of the image sensor 3822 is folded underneath the base board 3805 and soldered to the base board 3805. The second plurality of connector pins 3825a on a second end of the first image sensor 3822 is folded over the top surface of the first metal frame 3810 and soldered to the first printed circuit board 3817. In one embodiment, a second image sensor 3823 is positioned such that the inner surface of the second image sensor 3823, comprising a computer chip, comes to rest on the front surface 3845b and between the first pair of side walls 3846b of the second metal frame 3812. In this manner, the outer surface of the second image sensor 3823, comprising a piece of glass, faces sideward and outward from the center of the endoscope tip, once fully assembled. The first plurality of connector pins on a first end of the image sensor 3823 is folded underneath the base board 3805 and soldered to the base board 3805. The second plurality of connector pins 3825b on a second end of the second image sensor 3823 is folded over the top surface of the second metal frame 3812 and soldered to the second printed circuit board 3818. In accordance with an embodiment, the front and side looking image sensors 3822, 3823 are similar or identical in terms of, for example, field of view, resolution, light sensitivity, pixel size, focal length, focal distance and/or the like.

[0762] The printed circuit boards 3817, 3818 supply respective front and side looking viewing sensors 3822, 3823 with electrical power and derive still images and/or video feeds captured by the image sensors.

[0763] In accordance with an embodiment, each of the front and side looking image sensors 3822, 3823 has a lens assembly mounted on their outer surfaces to provide necessary optics for receiving images. Each lens assembly comprises a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. Front looking image sensor 3822 and corresponding lens assembly with associated printed circuit board 3817 are together referred to as the ‘front looking viewing element’. Similarly, side looking sensor 3823 and corresponding lens assembly with associated printed circuit board 3818 are together referred to as the ‘side looking viewing element’.

[0764] Persons of ordinary skill in the art should note that the metal frames 3810, 3812 not only serve as mechanical support to the printed circuit boards 3817, 3818 and sensors 3822, 3823, thereby providing structural ruggedness, but also act as heat sinks, allowing efficient heat dissipation from the sensors 3822, 3823.

[0765] FIG. 38Ha illustrates one embodiment of a front illumination circuit board 3826a comprising a front panel 3827a approximating a “U” shape. In one embodiment, the front panel 3827a is configured to carry three sets of front illuminators 3829a, 3829b, 3829c wherein each set comprises a single illuminator element. In other embodiments, the front foldable panel 3827a may be configured to carry three sets of front illuminators 3829a, 3829b, 3829c wherein each set may further comprise 2, 3, or 4 illuminator elements. The three sets of front illuminators 3829a, 3829b, and 3829c are associated with the front looking viewing element of the endoscope and positioned to illuminate the field of view of the front looking viewing element. In one embodiment, sidewall 3827b of the circuit board 3827a is truncated in order to align with a corresponding sidewall design, wherein the sidewall of a tip cover is adapted to include a depression.

[0766] FIG. 38Hb illustrates one embodiment of a side illumination circuit board 3826b comprising a side panel 3827c approximating a “U” shape. The side panel 3827c is configured to carry two sets of side illuminators 3829d, 3829e wherein each set comprises a single illuminator element in accordance with an embodiment. In other embodiments, the side panel 3827c may be configured to carry two sets of side illuminators 3829d, 3829e wherein each set may further comprise 2, 3, or 4 illuminator elements. The side illuminators 3829d, 3829e are associated with the side looking viewing element of the endoscope and positioned to essentially illuminate the field of view of the side looking viewing element. In various embodiments, the side illuminators are positioned such that the distance between the center of side illuminator 3829d and the center of side illuminator 3829e is in a range of 5.5-6.5 mm.

[0767] As illustrated in FIG. 381, the base board 3805 is configured to hold and support the illumination circuit boards 3826a and 3826b and their corresponding illuminators 3829a through 3829e in the desired configuration. The base board 3805 secures the front and side looking viewing elements 3832, 3833 in place to form an electronic circuit board assembly 400 of the present specification. Finally, FIGS. 38J through 38K illustrate an endoscope tip 3801 and a fluid channeling component or manifold 600 attached to the electronic circuit board assembly 400 of the present specification. Fluid channeling component or manifold 600 includes a front working/service channel 640 that is configured for insertion of a medical (such as a surgical) tool and for applying suction to tissue. According to some embodiments, there is provided herein an endoscope (such as, but not limited to, a gastroscope or colonoscope) that includes (in a tip section thereof), in addition to a front viewing element and one side viewing element, and in addition to a front working/service channel 640, a front nozzle opening 3824 and a front jet opening 3826.

[0768] The optical setup for endoscopes typically used in the prior art requires a relatively large overall optical length (total optical track) of the entire optical system, which is disadvantageous for endoscopes, in particular those used as colonoscopes and gastroscopes, particularly if used in endoscopes having side-viewing camera or cameras, such as endoscopes according to embodiments of the present specification.

[0769] In addition, in sensors (such as CCD sensors) used in endoscopes of the prior art, the pixels are partially covered by a photo-shielding film, so that the light energy is concentrated in the center of the pixel, where there is a “window” in the photo-shielding film. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio and increases the light utilization efficiency. However, this also causes the sensor to be sensitive to incident angles between the light rays which have passed the micro-lenses of the sensor and the optical axis of the system. Thus, light rays having relatively small incident angles may reach the pixel, while light rays having relatively large incident angles (between the light rays which have passed the micro-lenses of the sensor and the optical axis of the system) may not reach the “window” and thus the pixel, leading to significant energy losses. The losses are maximized at the edges of the field of view, i.e. for light rays having incident angles close to that of the chief ray.

[0770] There is thus provided herein, according to some embodiments, a lens system (assembly) configured for use in an endoscope, such as a colonoscope, particularly for use in a multi-sensor endoscope/colonoscope. The lens system, (optionally together with the sensor) according to some embodiments of the specification, has a short total optical length (track), for example, 5 mm or less. The lens system, according to some embodiments of the specification, is configured to provide a large incident angle, for example, a chief incident angle (for example the incident angles forming by rays R6 in FIGS. 41A through 41C) larger than 20°, larger than 25°, larger than 30° or between about 20-40°. The lens system, according to some embodiments of the specification, provides minimal distortion (for example, less than 80%).

[0771] According to some embodiments, the sensor which is used together with the lens system, is configured to have a window in the photo-shielding film configured to allow rays having large incident angle (for example, a chief incident angle larger than 20°, larger than 25°, larger than 30° or between about)20-40° to reach the pixel and thus improve the distortion. According to some embodiments, the width of the window (or any other dimensional parameter) may be about 30-60% of the width of the corresponding pixel. According to some embodiments, the micro-lenses of the sensor may be configured to provide substantially aplanatic conditions. In other words, the sensor may be configured to provide an image substantially free of aberrations.

[0772] FIG. 39A schematically depicts a cross section of an endoscope 3900 having multiple fields of view showing some details of the head 3930 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0773] According to the current specification, head 3930 of endoscope 3900 comprises at least a forward looking camera 39116 and two side looking cameras 3920a and 3920b. Each of cameras 39116 and 3920a, 3920b is provided with an optical imaging system such as lens assemblies (systems) 39132 and 3932 respectively and solid state detector arrays 39134 and 3934 respectively. Front camera elements 3936 and 3956 of cameras 39116 and 3920 respectively may be a flat protective window, but optionally an optical element used as part of the imaging systems such as solid state detector arrays 39134 and 3934 respectively. Optionally, cameras 39116 and 3920 are similar or identical, however different camera designs may be used, for example, field of views 39118 and 3918 may be different. Additionally or alternatively, other camera parameters such as, resolution, light sensitivity, pixel size and pixel number, focal length, focal distance and depth of field may be selected to be the same or different.

[0774] Light is provided by light emitting diodes (LED) that illuminates the fields of view. According to some embodiments, white light LEDs may be used. According to other embodiments, other colors of LEDs or any combination of LEDs may be used (for example, red, green, blue, infrared, and ultraviolet).

[0775] In the depicted embodiment, field of view 39118 of forward looking camera 39116 is illuminated by two LEDs 3940a and 3940b located within the endoscope head 3930 and protected by optical windows 3942a and 3942b respectively.

[0776] Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, fields of view of side looking cameras 3920a and 3920b are each illuminated by a single LED 3950 located within the endoscope head 3930 and each protected by optical window 3952. It should be noted that number of LED light sources and their position in respect to the cameras may vary within the scope of the current specification. For example, few LEDs may be positioned behind the same protective window, a camera and an LED or plurality of LED may be located behind the same protective window, etc.

[0777] Head 3930 of endoscope 3900 is located at the distal end of a flexible shaft 3960. Similar to shafts of the art, shaft 3960 comprises a working channel 3962 for insertion of surgical tools. Additionally, shaft 3960 may comprises channels for irrigation, insufflation, suction and supplying liquid for washing the colon wall.

[0778] FIG. 39B schematically depicts a cross section cutout of an endoscope showing some details of the head 3930 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification. For simplicity, details of one of the two side looking cameras are marked in the figure.

[0779] According to the current specification, head 3930 of the endoscope comprises at least one side looking camera 3920. Each of cameras 3920 is provided with an optical imaging system such as lens assemblies 3932 and solid state detector arrays 3934. Front camera element 3956 of camera 3920 may be a flat protective window or an optical element used as part of the imaging system 3932.

[0780] FIG. 39C schematically depicts a cross section of an endoscope having multiple fields of view showing some details of the head 3930 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0781] According to some embodiments of the current specification, the interior of the head 3930 comprises forward looking and side looking cameras 39116 and 3920, respectively. Cameras 39116 and/or 3920 comprise lens assemblies 39132 having a plurality of lenses 430 to 434 and protective glass 3936 and a solid state detector array 39134 connected to a printed circuit board 39135 and 3935. It is noted that cameras 39116 and 3920 or any element related to them (such as lens assemblies 39132, lenses 430 to 434 and protective glass 3936, solid state detector array 39134 and/or printed circuit board 39135 and 3935) may be the same or different. In other words, the front looking camera and the side looking camera(s) may be the same or different in any one or any combinations of their components or other element related to them (such as optical elements).

[0782] FIG. 40 schematically depicts a cross section of cameras 39116 or 3920, showing some details of lens assemblies 39132 and 3932 according to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification. It should be noted that according to some embodiments of the specification, cameras 39116 and 3920 may be similar or different. Optionally, the focusing distance of camera 39116 is slightly different than that of camera 3920. Differences in focusing distances may be achieved, for example, by (slightly) changing the distance between the lenses that comprise the lens assemblies 39132 and/or 3932, or between the lens assembly and the detector array.

[0783] Air gap “S” between lenses 431 and 432 acts as a stop. Air gap S may affect the focal range (the distance between the closest object and farther objects that can be imaged without excessive blurring caused by being out of optimal focusing of the lens system).

[0784] According to an exemplary embodiment of the current specification, cameras 39116 and 3920 comprise lens assemblies 39132 and 3932 respectively. The lens assemblies comprise a set of lenses 430 to 434 and protective glass 436.

[0785] Lenses 430 to 434 are situated within a (optionally metallic) barrel 410 and connecter thereto (for example, glued in barrel 410). Any one of lens assemblies 39132 and/or 3932 may also include an adapter 411, optionally, as shown in FIG. 40, positioned within barrel 410. Adapter 411 is configured to adjust the location of one or more of the lenses and adjust the distance between lenses. Adapter 411 may also be configured to function as a stop (in this case, between lenses 432 and 433. Protective glass 436 is situated in proximity to the solid state detector arrays 39134 or 3934 and is optionally attached thereto.

[0786] Focal distance (the distance to the object to be optimally focused by the lens system) may be changed by changing the distance between lenses 434 and protective glass 436. As lens 434 is fixed to the barrel 410, and protective glass 436 is fixed to lens holder 39136 (3936), this distance may be varied by changing the relative positioning of lens holder 39136 (3936) with respect to barrel 410. The space between the lenses 434 and protective glass 436 may be an empty space or may be filled with glass or other transparent material, or a tubular spacer may be inserted to guarantee the correct distance between these lenses. Optionally, optical filters may be placed within the space. Cameras 39116 and 3920 further comprise solid state detector arrays 39134 and 3934 respectively. Solid state detector arrays 39134 and 3934 may each be connected to printed circuit boards. An electrical cabling may connect the printed boards to a central control system unit of the endoscope.

[0787] Solid state detector arrays 39134 and 3934 are attached to lens holders 39136 and 3936 respectively. Lens holder 39136 or 3936 is attached to lens assemblies 39132 or 3932 respectively by attaching detector array cover to barrel 410.

[0788] In some applications, protective glass 436 may be a flat-flat optical element, acting primarily as a protection of the detector array (such as detector arrays 39134 and 3934), and may optionally be supplied with the array. However, optical properties of protective glass 436 need to be accounted for in the optical design.

[0789] In order to assemble lens assemblies 39132 or 3932, lens 430 may first be inserted from the left, then 431, and 432 from the right. Lenses 433 and 434 which may be glued together (or separated for example by air) are then inserted from right. The complete set is now assembled in a barrel. The assembled detector (such as detector arrays 39134 and 3934), protective glass 436 and cover 39136(3936) are then added.

[0790] FIGS. 41a, 41b and 41c illustrate three examples for the lens assemblies such as lens assemblies 39132 and 3932 according to the present specification, having objective lens systems 510, 520 and 530 respectively. The sensor used in the lens assemblies 39132 and 3932, according to this exemplary embodiment, may be a Charge Coupled Device sensor (CCD) having an array of micro-lenses but other sensors, such as CMOS, may also be used.

[0791] In an exemplary embodiment of the specification, a color CCD camera having resolution of approximately 800×600 pixels is used with total active area of approximately 3.3×2.95 mm. The optical resolution of the lens, according to exemplary embodiments of the current specification, is designed to match the resolution of the sensor. The objective lens systems 510 (520/530) are preferably corrected for chromatic, spherical and astigmatism aberrations. In an exemplary embodiment of the specification, objective lens systems 510, 520, 530 are approximately 4.60 mm (4.62) in total length, measured from front face of front lens to the front surface of the sensor. In an exemplary embodiment of the specification, objective lens systems 510 and 520 are wide angle objectives having approximately 170 degrees acceptance angle. In an exemplary embodiment of the specification, objective lens systems 510, 520, 530 have a short focal distance of measured from the front surface of the front lens to the imaged object. In an exemplary embodiment of the specification objective lens systems 510, 520, 530 have depth of focus (DOF) allowing to effectively image objects between 4-110 mm (or between, 3.5-50 mm). In an exemplary embodiment of the specification, objective lens systems 510, 520 and 530 have a maximum diameter of about 2.5 mm, defined by the diameter of the front lens, and are housed in a barrel having a maximum outer diameter of approximately 3.6 mm. It should be noted that other design parameters may be selected within the general scope of the current specification.

[0792] The objective lens systems 510, 520, 530 have an optical axis “O” depicted by the dashed line. The lens systems each comprise a front sub-system 510a, 520a, 530a and a rear sub-system 510b, 520b, 530b.

[0793] Front sub-systems 510a and 520a of FIGS. 41A and 41B each comprise a front lens 430, 430′ located closest to the object to be viewed, having a negative power and lens 431, 431′ having a positive power.

[0794] Front lens 430, 430′ is oriented with its concave surface facing the object to be viewed and optionally has a diameter substantially greater than the largest dimension of the rear sub-system 510b, 520b in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Lens 431, 431′ has a positive power.

[0795] Rear sub-systems 510b, 520b comprise lenses 432, 433, 434 and protective glass 436 and lenses 432′, 433′, 434′, and protective glass 436′ respectively, wherein 432 and 432′ have a negative power, 433 and 433′ have a positive power, 434 and 434′ have a negative power, and 436 and 436′ have essentially no optic power. It is noted that protective glass 436 and 436′ may be a part of the sensor or a part of the rear sub-system 510b, 520b. Lenses 433 and 434, and 433′ and 434′, of the rear sub-systems 510b and 520b respectively, compose an achromatic sub-assembly (a compound achromatic sub-assembly as seen in FIG. 41A, where lenses 433 and 434 are cemented or non-compound achromatic sub-assembly as seen in FIG. 41B, where lens 433′ and lens 434′ are separated). Lens 433 and 433′ may be biconvex with radius of curvature of its front surface being smaller than radius of curvature of its rear surface, as indicated in Tables T1 and T2 below.

[0796] Lens 432 of the objective lens systems 510 may have a focal length f432 satisfying the following condition: f432<1.8f, where f is the composite focal length of the total system. Particularly, for the data indicated in Table T1, f432=2.05 and f=1.234 mm, the condition: f432≦1.8f is satisfied.

[0797] Lens 432′ of the objective lens systems 520 may have a focal length f432′ satisfying the following condition: f432≦1.8f.

[0798] Particularly, for the data indicated in Table T2, f432=2.05 and f=1.15 mm, the condition: f432≦1.8f is satisfied.

[0799] The lenses may be coated with an anti-reflection coating (AR coating) for further improving the efficiency of the lens assemblies 39132, 232.

[0800] An effective aperture stop S1, S2 is formed between lenses 431 and 432, 431′ and 432′. Effective aperture stop S1, S2 may separate between front sub-system 510a, 520a) and rear sub-system 510b, 520b.

[0801] Front sub-system 530a, seen in FIG. 41C, comprises a front lens 430″ located closest to the object to be viewed, having a negative power and lens 431″, having a positive power. Front sub-system 530a further comprises an additional front positive lens (such as the meniscus lens 429) disposed between the first front negative lens 430″ and the second front positive lens 431″.

[0802] Front lens 430″ is oriented with its concave surface facing the object to be viewed and optionally having a diameter substantially greater than the largest dimension of the rear sub-system 530b in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0803] Rear sub-system 530b comprises lenses 432″, 433″, 434″, and protective glass 436″, wherein 432″ has a negative power, 433″ has a positive power, 434″ has a negative power, and 436″ has essentially no optic power. It is noted that protective glass 436″ may be a part of the sensor or a part of the rear sub-system 530b. Lenses 433″ and 434″ compose an achromatic sub-assembly of the rear sub-system 530b and may or may not be cemented to each other. Lens 433″ may be biconvex with radius of curvature of its front surface being smaller than radius of curvature of its rear surface, as indicated in Table T3 below.

[0804] Lens 432″ of the objective lens systems 530 may have a focal length f432 satisfying the following condition: f432″≦1.8f, where f is the composite focal length of the total system. Particularly, for the data indicated in Table T3 f432″=2.26 and f=1.06 mm, the condition: f432″≦1.8f is satisfied.

[0805] The lenses may be coated with an anti-reflection coating (AR coating) for further improving the efficiency of the lens assemblies 39132, 3932.

[0806] An effective aperture stop S3 is formed between lenses 431″ and 432″. Effective aperture stop S3 may separate between front sub-system 530a and rear sub-system 530b.

[0807] Tables T1, T2 and T3 summarize the parameters of lenses in the objective lens systems 510, 520 and 530, respectively, according to some embodiments of the current specification:

TABLE T1
(FOV = 164o, DOF = 3-110 mm. f = 1.234 mm, total optical track 4.09 mm)
							Semi-Diameter	Semi-Diameter
Lens	Type	R1	R2	Th	D	Glass	d1/2	d2/2	fmm
430	Negative	15	0.7	0.2	0.18	N-LASF31	1.2	0.64	−0.837
431	Plan-convex	0.9	Infinity	0.56	0.27	N-LASF31	0.8	0.8	1.02
S1	Stop				0.05		0.104
432	Plan-convex	Infinity	−1.0	0.75	0.09	FK5	0.8	0.8	2.05
433	Biconvex	1.93	−4.2	0.75	0.005	N-LAK22	1.1	1.1	2.13
434	Biconcave	−4.2	4.44	0.3	0.65	N-SF66	1.1	1.2	−2.3
436	Protection Glass	Infinity	Infinity	0.3	0	N-BK7	1.5	1.5	Infinity

TABLE T2
(FOV = 164o, DOF = 3-110 mm, f = 1.15 mm, total optical track 4.09 mm)
							Semi-Diameter	Semi-Diameter
Lens	Type	R1	R2	Th	D	Glass	d1/2	d2/2	fmm
430	Negative	6	0.7	0.2	0.3	N-LASF31	1.2	0.66	−0.913
431	Plan-convex	1.26	Infinity	0.50	0.27	N-LASF31	0.8	0.8	1.43
S1	Stop				0.05		0.105
432	Plan-convex	Infinity	−1.0	0.60	0.15	FK5	0.8	0.8	2.05
433	Biconvex	1.67	−1.65	0.70	0.30	FK5	0.95	0.95	1.83
434	Meniscus	−1.33	−12.0	0.35	0.40	N-SF66	1.0	1.2	−1.65
436	Protection Glass	Infinity	Infinity	0.3	0	N-BK7	1.5	1.5	Infinity

Table T3 shows an example of a six-component system also comprising an additional positive lens 429 (for example, as indicated in Table T3, a meniscus lens).

TABLE T3
(FOV = 164o, DOF = 3-110 mm, f = 1.06 mm, total optical track 4.69 mm)
							Semi-Diameter	Semi-Diameter
Lens	Type	R1	R2	Th	D	Glass	d1/2	d2/2	fmm
430″	Negative	4.3	0.75	0.2	0.22	N-LASF31	1.3	0.72	−1.06
429	Meniscus	0.95	0.9	0.44	0.18	N-SF66	0.8	0.65	5.75
431″	Plan-convex	2.0	Infinity	0.75	0.02	N-LASF31	0.8	0.8	2.26
S3	Stop				0.02		0.116
432″	Plan-convex	Infinity	−1.0	0.78	0	N-PSK57	0.8	0.8	1.69
433″	Biconvex	2.52	−2.0	0.50	0.154	YGH52	0.8	0.8	1.49
434″	Biconcav	−1.44	11.0	0.25	0.91	PBH56	0.8	0.9	−1.50
436″	Protection Glass	Infinity	Infinity	0.3	0	N-BK7	1.5	1.5	Infinity

R1—radius of curvature of the lens front surface (front surface is the surface facing the direction of the object);
R2—radius of curvature of the lens rear surface (facing away from the object);
Th—thickness of the lens—from center of front surface to center of rear surface;
Glass—lens glass type;
d1—radius of the front optical surface of the lens;
d2—radius of the rear optical surface of the lens;
D—distance between components such as lenses, measured front center of rear surface of the component, such as lens to the front surface of the next optical element (in the case of a stop, S, the distance is measured front center of rear surface of a component on the front side of the stop, to the front surface of the next component),

[0808] As commonly used, radius of curvature equal to infinity is interpreted as planar. All lenses are optionally spherical.

[0809] FIGS. 41A, 41B and 41C also show the propagation of six incident rays of light R1 to R6 through the objective lens system 510, 520 and 530 respectively, from the front lens 430 (FIG. 41a), 430′ (FIG. 41b) or 430″ (FIG. 41c) till the creating of an image of the object at an image plane.

[0810] Rays R1 to R6 enter the lens assembly at angles α1 (alpha 1) to a6 (alpha 6), respectively, for example, essentially equal to the following angles: a1=0°, α2=45°, α3=60°, α4=75° and α5=84°. The corresponding incident angles (the angles between the light rays which have passed the micro-lenses of the sensor and the optical axis of the system) are β1 (beta 1)-β6 (beta 6). According to some embodiments, the chief incident angle (for example the incident angles forming by rays R6 in FIGS. 41A through 41C) is larger than 20°, larger than 25°, larger than 30° or between about 20-40°. The lens system, according to some embodiments of the specification provides minimal peripheral distortion (for example, less than 80%).

[0811] The optical system assembly 39132, 3932 may be assembled by a method comprising the steps of:

[0812] Optionally, cementing the rear doublet of lenses 433-434 (433′-434′);

[0813] and:

[0814] Assembling in the barrel the front lenses 430 (430′);

[0815] Assembling lens 431 (431′) in the barrel;

[0816] Assembling lens 432 (432′) in the barrel; and

[0817] Assembling in the barrel, the rear doublet 433-434 (433′-434′); optionally,

[0818] Note that front lens 430 (430′) may be assembled last.

[0819] In one embodiment, each of the multiple viewing elements of a tip section of an endoscope is embodied as a separate imaging module. The imaging modules are encapsulated together in the endoscopic tip cavity. The modules are individually sealed such that in case of failure in one module, only the failed module is replaced without affecting the other modules.

[0820] In a modular design, each of the front and side-pointing image sensors and their respective lens assemblies, together with their circuit boards, comprise individual imaging modules, which are described in greater detail with reference to the figures below. In case of a defect, these modules can be individually replaced or repaired without affecting the other modules. In one embodiment, all the imaging modules are advantageously positioned relatively close to the distal end surface of the tip section. This is enabled by an advantageous miniaturizing of the front and side-pointing viewing elements in modular design, which allows for enough internal space in the tip section for angular positioning of the cameras without colliding.

[0821] Further, the modular design makes use of the same space or volume for imaging modules, as used by cameras in existing designs, and does not affect the functionality and design of other components in the tip such as fluid channels, illuminators, etc.

[0822] Reference is now made to FIG. 42, which shows various components of a modular endoscopic tip 4200, according to one embodiment of the present specification. A modular tip cover or housing comprises a front tip cover 4201 and a rear tip cover 4202. A fluid channeling component or manifold 4203 is designed to fit between the two tip covers. Both front tip cover 4201 and rear tip cover 4202 have a plurality of front and side openings, such as side optical windows 4204, for the purpose of covering, protecting and sealing the viewing elements and the illuminators within the tip.

[0823] The modular endoscopic tip 4200 also has a partially enclosed housing or holder 4205 in which an assembly of flexible LED carrier substrate 4210 and imaging module (that in one embodiment is supported or positioned on a flexible optical carrier substrate, such as substrate 770 of FIG. 24A through 24C) 4206 together with their electrical cable 4207 is placed. The partially enclosed housing 4205 has appropriate slots 4208 to fit in the flexible optical carrier substrate or imaging module 4206. It also has a protrusion or portion 4209 for carrying or supporting the associated electrical cable. In accordance with an embodiment, the proximal base 4215 of the manifold 4203 comprises a groove adapted to receive, align or mate with the protrusion 4209 thereby enabling a snug fit between the manifold 4203 and the partially enclosed housing 4205 when assembled. The manifold 4203 and the partially enclosed housing 4205 when assembled form a substantially cylindrical housing defining an internal volume to accommodate the assembly of flexible LED carrier substrate 4210 and imaging module 4206. In accordance with an embodiment, the internal volume (of an endoscopic tip) ranges from 2.75 cm3 to 3.5 cm3.

[0824] The flexible LED carrier substrate 4210 is configured to carry the module 4206 which comprises imaging elements as well as optics. The flexible LED carrier substrate and optical carrier substrate—together referred to as flexible electronic circuit board has been described earlier in this specification. Particularly, as described earlier, the flexible circuit board consumes less space and leaves more volume for additional necessary features. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board can be folded to allow two side imaging modules to be positioned parallel to each other. Thus, the flexibility of the board adds another dimension in space that can be used for components positioning.

[0825] The use of the flexible circuit board can significantly increase reliability of the electric modules connected thereto as no wires are used for components connectivity. In addition, according to some embodiments, the components assembly can be machined and automatic.

[0826] The use of the flexible circuit board assists in maneuverability of components during assembly of the modular tip 4200 and also simplifies the assembly process. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board is connected to the control unit of the endoscope via a multi-wire electrical cable which is welded on the board in a designated location, thereby freeing additional space within the tip assembly.

[0827] FIG. 43 provides a detailed view of the partially enclosed housing or holder 4300 (shown as 4205 in FIG. 42) for housing the imaging module 4206 of FIG. 42, which in one embodiment is positioned or supported on a flexible optical carrier substrate. Referring to FIG. 43, holder 4300 comprises a concave area 4301 in the front, where the front-pointing imaging module can be placed. The holder 4300 further comprises two compartments 4302 and 4303 for carrying the first and the second side-pointing imaging modules, respectively. The compartments are also provided with circular slots or openings 4304 and 4305 to carry the optics of the imaging modules. A rectangular strip or protrusion 4306 in the holder is provided to carry the electrical cable and, as shown in FIG. 42, mate with a groove on the proximal base 4215 of the manifold 4203. It may be appreciated that the holder 4300 is designed such that it corresponds to the shape and size of flexible optical carrier substrate or modular imaging units together with the electrical cable. This can also be seen in elements 4205, 4206 and 4207 of FIG. 42 as described above.

[0828] FIG. 44 illustrates a top view of the modular imaging units when integrated with one another, in accordance with an embodiment. In the present embodiment, three modular imaging units are employed, in a similar configuration as described with reference to FIG. 1J. Referring to FIG. 44, among the three modular imaging units, there is a front-pointing modular unit 4410 and two side-pointing modular imaging units 4420 and 4430. The front-pointing modular unit 4410 comprises a front printed circuit board with integrated sensor 4401. Front-pointing modular unit 4410 further comprises a front lens holder 4402 within which the optics of the imaging unit are placed. The first-side pointing modular unit 4420 comprises a side printed circuit board with integrated sensor 4403. It further comprises a side lens holder 4404 where the optics of the imaging unit are placed. The other side-pointing modular imaging unit 4430 also comprises a side printed circuit board with integrated sensor 4405, together with a side lens holder 4407. All the modular units are supplied power through the electrical cable 4406.

[0829] FIG. 45 illustrates a bottom view of the three modular imaging units, including one front-pointing imaging unit 4510 and two side-pointing units 4520 and 4530. Here, the side printed circuit boards with integrated sensors 4501, 4502 are visible for both the side-pointing modular units 4520 and 4530. Also visible are the side lens holders 4503, 4504, and the front printed circuit board with integrated sensor 4505 and the front lens holder 4506 of the front-pointing modular imaging unit 4510. As can be seen from the figure, the electrical cable 4507 is connected to the printed circuit boards 4505, 4501, and 4502 of the front-pointing as well as the side pointing imaging units, respectively.

[0830] As described earlier with reference to FIG. 1J, in various embodiments, each imaging module comprises a lens assembly, an image capturing device and an integrated circuit board. Image capturing devices may be Charged Coupled Devices (CCD's) or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors, or other suitable devices having a light sensitive surface usable for capturing an image. In accordance with an embodiment, the front printed circuit board with integrated sensor 4401 and the side printed circuit boards with integrated sensors 4501, 4502 are supported or positioned over a flexible optical carrier substrate (such as substrate 770 of FIG. 24A through 24C). However, in accordance with another embodiment, the front printed circuit board with integrated sensor 4401 and the side printed circuit boards with integrated sensors 4501, 4502 are all individual units.

[0831] In operation, each camera may capture images, substantially independently, and the images may be displayed, substantially simultaneously, using one or more displays e.g. as described in PCT/IL10/000,476, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0832] FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view of a side-pointing modular imaging unit. Referring to FIG. 46, the side-pointing modular imaging unit 1000 comprises a viewing element 1001 in the front. The viewing element may comprise an optic array camera. The imaging module further comprises sensor such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and a lens holder 1002 for carrying the optics of the imaging system. The printed circuit board 1003 is used to supply power to and derive images from the image sensor. In one embodiment, the image sensor is integrated with the printed circuit board. The optics of the image system may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which may provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the lens assembly provides a focal length of about 2 to 100 millimeters. Side-pointing image sensor 1001 and optics (contained in the lens holder 1002), together with integrated circuit board 1003, may be jointly referred to as a “side-pointing imaging module”.

[0833] FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of a front-pointing modular imaging unit. Referring to FIG. 47, the front-pointing modular imaging unit 1100 comprises a viewing element 1101 in the front. The viewing element may comprise an optic array. The imaging module further comprises sensor such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and a lens holder 1102 for optical imaging system. The printed circuit board 1103 is used to supply power to and derive images from the image sensor. The optics of the image system may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which may provide a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the lens assembly provides a focal length of about 3 to 100 millimeters. Front-pointing image sensor 1101 and optics (contained in the lens holder 1102), together with integrated circuit board 1103, may be jointly referred to as a “front-pointing imaging module”.

[0834] It may be noted that the front and side-pointing image sensors may be similar or identical in terms of, for example, field of view, resolution, light sensitivity, pixel size, focal length, focal distance and/or the like.