Circuit Board Assembly of A Multiple 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. 61/881,661, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of An Endoscope” and filed on Sep. 24, 2013;

[0003] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/899,465, entitled “Illuminator Circuit Board Assembly of An Endoscope” and filed on Nov. 4, 2013;

[0004] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/910,863, entitled “Multi-Jet Endoscope” and filed on Dec. 2, 2013;

[0005] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/926,732, entitled “Multi-Jet Endoscope” and filed on Jan. 13, 2014;

[0006] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/935,647, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of An Endoscope” and filed on Feb. 4, 2014;

[0007] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/948,009, entitled “Manifold for Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope” and filed on Mar. 4, 2014;

[0008] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/950,696, entitled “Service Channel Connector of An Endoscope” and filed on Mar. 10, 2014; and

[0009] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/987,984, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of An Endoscope” and filed on May 2, 2014.

[0010] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/229,699, entitled “Compact Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope System”, filed on Mar. 28, 2014, which relies on 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 and 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, for priority, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0011] The present application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,249, entitled “Circuit Board Assembly of A Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope”, filed on Jun. 27, 2014, which relies on 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; 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; and 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, for priority, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The following applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety:

[0012] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/271,270, entitled “An Image Capture Assembly for Use in a Multi-Viewing Elements Endoscope”, filed on May 6, 2014, which relies on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/820,100, entitled “Image Capture Assembly for Use with Endoscope” and filed on May 6, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/824,236, entitled “Multi-Viewing Endoscope” and filed on May 16, 2013, for priority.

[0013] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/273,923, entitled “Operational Interface in A Multi-Viewing Elements Endoscope”, filed on May 9, 2014, which relies on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/821,579, entitled “Operational Interface in a Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope” and filed on May 9, 2013 and 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, for priority.

[0014] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/278,293, entitled “Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope Having Two Front Service Channels”, filed on May 15, 2014, which relies on 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 and 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, for priority.

[0015] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,189, entitled “Multiple Viewing Elements Endoscope System with Modular Imaging Units”, filed on Jun. 27, 2014, which relies on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/840,691, entitled “Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope with Modular Imaging Units” and filed on Jun. 28, 2013, for priority.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/713,449, entitled “Removable Tip Endoscope” and filed on Dec. 13, 2012, which relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/569,796, of the same title and filed on Dec. 13, 2011, for priority.

[0022] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/655,120, entitled “Multi-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Oct. 18, 2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/212,627, entitled “Multi-Viewing Element Endoscope” and filed on Aug. 18, 2011; and 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.

[0023] 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 relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,746, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority.

[0024] 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 relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,743, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority.

[0025] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/413,059, entitled “Endoscope Circuit Board Assembly” and filed on Mar. 6, 2012, which relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,741, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority.

[0026] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/412,974, entitled “Camera Assembly for Medical Probes” and filed on Mar. 6, 2012, which relies upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,739, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011, for priority.

[0027] All of the above-mentioned applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0028] The present specification relates generally to endoscopy systems and more particularly, to a multiple viewing elements endoscopy system and, still more particularly, to a circuit board assembly that can be implemented in a multiple viewing elements endoscopy system.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Among the disadvantages of such endoscopes are their limited field of view and their limited options for operating medical and surgical tools.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The present specification discloses a frame for receiving and supporting one or more optical assemblies of an endoscope, the frame comprising: a first wall, a second wall, and a center wall, wherein the first wall is positioned substantially parallel to the second wall and wherein the center wall is attached substantially perpendicularly to the first wall, dividing said first wall into a left portion and right portion respectively, and is attached substantially perpendicularly to the second wall, dividing said second wall into a left portion and right portion respectively; a front optical assembly chamber, defined by said first wall and two forward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to a left edge and a right edge of the first wall, adapted to receive a front optical assembly; a first side optical assembly chamber, defined by the left portion of said first wall, the center wall, and the left portion of said second wall, adapted to receive a first side optical assembly; and, a second side optical assembly chamber, defined by the right portion of said first wall, the center wall, and the right portion of said second wall, adapted to receive a second side optical assembly.

[0036] In some embodiments, the frame may further comprise a frame for supporting a plurality of illuminators, wherein each of said two forward-facing side walls have a front edge and wherein said front edges are adapted to receive said frame for supporting a plurality of illuminators. Optionally, the frame for supporting a plurality of illuminators has a curved base and two elongated sides extending upward from said curved base, and wherein the elongated sides are attached to said front edges of the two forward-facing side walls.

[0037] Optionally, the frame comprises three illuminators, wherein a first illuminator is positioned on said curved base, a second illuminator is positioned on one of the two elongated sides, and a third illuminator is positioned on a second of the two elongated sides.

[0038] In some embodiments, the frame may further comprises two backward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to a left edge and a right edge of the second wall and a frame for supporting a plurality of illuminators, wherein an exterior surface of a first backward-facing side wall and an exterior surface of a first forward-facing side wall are adapted to receive said frame for supporting a plurality of illuminators.

[0039] Optionally, the frame for supporting a plurality of illuminators has a partially curved base and two elongated sides extending upward from said curved base, and wherein the elongated sides are attached to the exterior surface of the first backward-facing side wall and the exterior surface of the first forward-facing side wall respectively.

[0040] Optionally, the frame comprises two illuminators, wherein a first illuminator is positioned on one of the two elongated sides and a second illuminator is positioned on a second of the two elongated sides.

[0041] In some embodiments, the frame may further comprise a front optical assembly positioned in the front optical assembly chamber and a side optical assembly positioned in the first side optical assembly chamber. Optionally, each of the front optical assembly and side optical assembly comprises a lens and an image sensor, wherein the image sensor comprises a central portion having a first surface facing said lens and a second surface opposing the first surface, a first side portion, and a second side portion, wherein each of the first and second side portions are attached substantially perpendicularly to the central portion. Optionally, each of the first and second side portions are parallel to each other and are separated by the lens. Still optionally, each of the first and second side portions comprise connector pins. Still optionally, the first surface facing said lens comprises glass. Still optionally, the second surface opposing the first surface comprises electronic circuitry.

[0042] In some embodiments, the front optical assembly chamber has a first side and a second side, wherein each of said first and second sides may comprise at least one receiving area for supporting one or more illuminators associated with the front optical assembly.

[0043] In some embodiments, the frame may further comprise a plurality of illuminators attached to said frame. Optionally, the frame comprises metal and is configured to be a heat sink for heat generated by said plurality of illuminators.

[0044] In another embodiment, the present specification discloses a device for supporting a first and second viewing element of an endoscope, comprising: a frame having a front viewing element chamber and a first side viewing element chamber, wherein the front viewing element chamber is adapted to receive the first viewing element and the first side viewing element chamber is adapted to receive the second viewing element and wherein each of said first and second viewing element comprises: a lens assembly comprising a front end pointing outward away from a center of a distal tip of said endoscope and a rear end opposite said front side; and an image sensor at least partially enveloping said lens assembly, said image sensor comprising a first vertical portion, having an inner surface facing said lens assembly and an outer surface opposing the inner surface, and a first and second horizontal portion, each attached substantially perpendicularly to the first vertical portion.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first horizontal portion may be a first horizontal image sensor contact area aligned in parallel to said lens assembly, said first horizontal image sensor contact area comprising connector pins.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second horizontal portion may be a second horizontal image sensor contact area aligned in parallel to said lens assembly, said second horizontal image sensor contact area comprising connector pins.

[0047] Optionally, the inner surface facing said lens assembly comprises glass. Still optionally, the outer surface opposing the inner surface comprises electronic circuitry.

[0048] In some embodiments, at least one of the first wall, second wall, center wall, or two forward-facing walls may comprise a plurality of fluid channels.

[0049] In some embodiments, at least one of the first wall, second wall, center wall, or two forward-facing walls may comprise a plurality of fluid channels, and optionally, an input port adapted to receive a fluid into said plurality of fluid channels, and still optionally, an output port adapted to pass fluid out of said plurality of fluid channels.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the present specification discloses a frame for receiving and supporting one or more optical assemblies of an endoscope, the frame comprising: a first receiving area having three walls for receiving a front optical assembly; a second receiving area having three walls for receiving a first side optical assembly; and, a third receiving area having three walls for receiving a second side optical assembly, wherein the first receiving area shares a wall with the second receiving area, wherein the first receiving area shares a wall with the third receiving area, and wherein the second receiving area shares a wall with the third receiving area.

[0051] In some embodiments, the at least one of the walls of the first receiving area, the walls of the second receiving area, or the walls of the third receiving area may comprise a plurality of fluid channels, an input port adapted to receive a fluid into said plurality of fluid channels, and an output port adapted to pass fluid out of said plurality of fluid channels.

[0052] Optionally, the plurality of fluid channels is fully encased in the at least one of the walls of the first receiving area, the walls of the second receiving area, or the walls of the third receiving area.

[0053] Optionally, the plurality of fluid channels is partially encased in the at least one of the walls of the first receiving area, the walls of the second receiving area, or the walls of the third receiving area.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 colonoscope, 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 colonoscope. 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 colonoscope, 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 colonoscope, 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 colonoscope, 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 colonoscope, 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

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 colonoscope, 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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%.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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 maneuvering the endoscope assembly through the lumen when obstructed by said plurality of junctures, wherein said maneuvering is guided by at least one visual highlight on said at least one monitor.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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 fixedly connected to each by using a laser welding process.

[0162] Optionally, the first section and the second section are fixedly 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 fixedly 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] The present specification also discloses methods of manufacturing each of the embodiments listed above. In some embodiments, a metal support frame is first obtained. In accordance with various embodiments, the metal support frame may be ‘H’-shaped comprising a first wall substantially parallel to a second wall, a center wall attached substantially perpendicularly to the first and second walls, two forward-facing or outward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the first wall, two back-facing or rear outward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the second wall and two front support walls or edges attached substantially perpendicularly to the respective front edges of the forward-facing side walls. Then, the metal support frame is placed over a first base board. Subsequently, a second base board is placed on the metal support frame. In one embodiment, a front optical assembly, comprising a front lens assembly and a front image sensor, is positioned in a front chamber of the metal support frame. Thereafter, first and second connector pins of the front image sensor are bent and soldered to the first and second base boards. Next, optionally, a first side optical assembly, comprising a first side lens assembly and a first side image sensor, is positioned in a first side chamber of the metal support frame. First and second connector pins of the first side image sensor are now bent and soldered to the first and second base boards. Then, optionally, a second side optical assembly, comprising a second side lens assembly and a second side image sensor, is positioned in a second side chamber of the metal support frame. Thereafter, first and second connector pins of the second side image sensor are also bent and soldered to the first and second base boards.

[0167] Optionally, the front, first side and second side optical assemblies may first be positioned in the respective front, first side and second side chambers of the metal support frame. Subsequently, the first and second connector pins of the respective front, first side and second side image sensors may be soldered to the first and second base boards.

[0168] In a next step, a front illuminator electronic circuit board (“front illuminator board”) may be obtained. The front illuminator board may be substantially ‘U’-shaped comprising a curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The curved base, first and second sides respectively support first, second and third illuminators. Next, the front illuminator board may be placed on the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame. Optionally, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the front illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame. Optionally, the front lens assembly has three discrete illuminators: a first and second illuminator (one on either side) and a third illuminator (on top).

[0169] Optionally, a first side illuminator electronic circuit board (“first side illuminator board”) is then obtained. The first side illuminator board may be substantially ‘U’-shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides respectively support first and second illuminators. The first side illuminator board may be placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a first side, of the metal support frame. Further, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the first side illuminator board are soldered, respectively, to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the first side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the first side lens assembly has two illuminators—one on either side of the first side lens assembly. Similarly, a second side illuminator electronic circuit board (‘second side illuminator board’) is also substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides, respectively, support first and second illuminators. The second side illuminator board may be placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a second side, of the metal support frame. Thereafter, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the second side illuminator board may be respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the second side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the second side lens assembly has two illuminators, and more specifically, one on either side of the second side lens assembly.

[0170] In an alternate embodiment, the first and second connector pins of the respective front, first side and second side image sensors may be soldered to the first and second base boards after the front, first side and second side illuminator boards are soldered to the metal support frame.

[0171] In a yet another embodiment, the front, first side and second side optical assemblies may be placed in their respective chambers in the metal support frame. Thereafter, the front, first side and second side illuminator boards may also be placed on the metal support frame one after another. Finally, the front, first side and second side illuminator boards may be soldered to the metal support frame followed by soldering the first and second connector pins of the respective front, first side and second side image sensors to the first and second base boards.

[0172] The aforementioned and other embodiments of the present shall be described in greater depth in the drawings and detailed description provided below.

[0430] 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.

[0431] 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.

[0432] 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.

[0433] 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.

[0434] 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.

[0435] 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.

[0436] 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.

[0437] 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.

[0438] 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.

[0439] As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “at least one” or “one or more” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0440] 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.

[0441] 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).

[0442] 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.

[0443] 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.

[0444] 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 and should in no way be construed as limiting:

• • [0445] “Utility tube/cable” may also be referred to as an “umbilical tube/cable”
  • [0446] A “main control unit” may also be referred to as a “controller unit”, “main controller” or “fuse box”.
  • [0447] A “viewing element” may also be referred to as an image capturing device/component, viewing components, camera, TV camera or video camera.
  • [0448] A “working channel” may also be referred to as a “service channel”,
  • [0449] An “illuminator” may also be referred to as an “illumination source”, and in some embodiments, an LED.
  • [0450] A “flexible shaft” may also be referred to as a bending section or vertebra mechanism.

[0451] Further, as used in this specification, the term “camera” is used to describe a device for capturing light. Thus a camera, in some embodiments, comprises at least one optical lens assembly. In some embodiments, the term “camera’ is used to describe an optical lens assembly and its associated image sensor. In some embodiments, the term “camera” is used to describe an optical imaging system, such as a lens assembly or assemblies and associated solid state detector arrays. In some embodiments, the terms “viewing element” and “camera” may be used interchangeably.

[0452] As used in the specification, the term “optical assembly” is used to describe a set of components that allows the endoscopic device to capture light and transform that light into at least one image. In some embodiments, lenses/optical elements are employed to capture light and image capturing devices, such as sensors, are employed to transform that light into at least one image.

[0453] 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 some embodiments, a sensor such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (for detecting the reflected light received by an optical element), is employed.

[0454] In some embodiments, an optical element comprises a plurality of optics such as lens assemblies, lenses and protective glass, and is configured to receive reflected light from, target objects.

[0455] An optical assembly, as used in the specification, comprises at least one lens assembly, its associated sensor(s), and its associated circuit board. In some embodiments, an “optical assembly” may comprise more than one viewing element or camera, associated sensor(s), and associated circuit board(s). In some embodiments, an “optical assembly” may comprise a front viewing element, its associated sensor, and its associated circuit board. In some embodiments, an “optical assembly” may comprise a front viewing element, its associated sensors, and its associated circuit board and/or at least one side viewing element, its associated sensors and its associated circuit boards. Further, the optical assembly typically is associated with at least one illuminator for illuminating the field of view. Thus, for example, a front-pointing optical assembly includes a front-pointing viewing element with associated sensor, associated circuit board and is associated with at least one illuminator.

[0456] 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.

[0457] 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.

[0458] 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.

[0459] Tip cover may include panels having a transparent surface, window or opening for optical lens assemblies of viewing elements. The panels and viewing elements may be located at the front and sides of the tip section. Optical lens assemblies may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, providing different fields of view.

[0460] 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.

[0461] 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.

[0462] 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.

[0463] 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.

[0464] 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.

[0465] 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.

[0466] 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.

[0467] 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.

[0468] FIGS. 1C through 1F show multiple exemplary configurations 123, 125, 127 and 129 of the tip section 108.

[0469] 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.

[0470] 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.

[0471] 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.

[0472] 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.

[0473] 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.

[0474] 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.

[0475] 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.

[0476] 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.

[0477] 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”.

[0478] 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).

[0479] 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.

[0480] 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”.

[0481] 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).

[0482] 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.

[0483] 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.

[0484] 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.

[0485] 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).

[0486] 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.

[0487] 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”.

[0488] 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).

[0489] 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.

[0490] 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.

[0491] 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.

[0492] 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.

[0493] 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.

[0494] 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.

[0495] 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.

[0496] 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.

[0497] 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.

[0498] 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.

[0499] 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.

[0500] 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.

[0501] 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.

[0502] 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.

[0503] 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.

[0504] 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.

[0505] In various embodiments, a transparent surface, window, or opening to front optical lens 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.

[0506] 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.

[0507] 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).

[0508] 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.

[0509] 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 a surface of front optical lens 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).

[0510] 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.

[0511] Proximal section 652 of side service channel 650 is essentially directed along the long dimension of the endoscope.

[0512] 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.

[0513] 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.

[0514] 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.

[0515] 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.

[0516] 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 a surface of front optical lens assembly 256 (FIG. 2A) of forward-looking viewing element 116 (FIG. 2A).

[0517] 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).

[0518] 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.

[0519] 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.

[0520] 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.

[0521] 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.

[0522] 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.

[0523] 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.

[0524] 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.

[0525] 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).

[0526] 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.

[0527] 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.

[0528] 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).

[0529] 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.

[0530] 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.

[0531] 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.

[0532] 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).

[0533] 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).

[0534] 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).

[0535] 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.

[0536] 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.

[0537] 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.

[0538] 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.

[0539] 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.

[0540] 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.

[0541] 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.

[0542] 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.

[0543] 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.

[0544] 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.

[0545] 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 a surface of front optical lens assembly 256a (FIG. 2B) of front-pointing viewing element 116a (FIG. 2B).

[0546] 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.

[0547] 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.

[0548] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscope assembly showing a fluid channeling component or manifold 645, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component or manifold 645 includes a proximal fluid channeling section, end or base 702, which has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a primary distal channeling section or casing 704. In accordance with some embodiments, the fluid channeling component or manifold 645 is L-shaped. Primary distal fluid channeling section or casing 704 partially continues the cylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling section or end 702 and has a shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder). Primary distal fluid channeling section or casing 704 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 704 is integrally formed as a unitary block with proximal fluid channeling section or base 702 and extends outward from the base 702. The height or width, along axis ‘y’, of primary distal fluid channeling section or casing 704 is less than that of proximal fluid channeling section or base 702. The length, along axis ‘x’, of casing 704 is greater than the length of base 702.

[0549] As illustrated, the fluid channeling component or manifold 645 comprises a distal end 321 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. Each of the four channels 644, 647, 648 and 649 are fluidically isolated from each other and extend from the base or proximal end 702 to the distal end 321. Also, each of the four channels 644, 647, 648 and 649 has a diameter that remains substantially uniform or constant from the length spanning the proximal end 702 to the distal end 321. 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 another embodiment, the diameter of the first working/service channel 340a is in a range of 3.4 mm to 4.2 mm and the diameter of the second working/service channel 340b is in a range of 2.4 mm to 3.2 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.

[0550] 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.

[0551] 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.

[0552] 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.

[0553] 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.

[0554] 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.

[0555] 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.

[0556] 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.

[0557] 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.

[0558] 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.

[0559] 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.

[0560] 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.

[0561] 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.

[0562] 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.

[0563] 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.

[0564] 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.

[0565] 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.

[0566] 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.

[0567] 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.

[0568] 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.

[0569] 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.

[0570] 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.

[0571] 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.

[0572] 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.

[0573] 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.

[0574] 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.

[0575] 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.

[0576] According to some embodiments, cross channel 172 may be drilled in unitary fluid channeling component 894.

[0577] 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.

[0578] 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.

[0579] 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.

[0580] 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.

[0581] 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.

[0582] FIG. 10C schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 894b according to the second exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0583] 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.

[0584] 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.

[0585] 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.

[0586] 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.

[0587] 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.

[0588] 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.

[0589] FIG. 11C schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 894c according to the third exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0590] 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.

[0591] FIG. 11D schematically depicts another isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 894c according to the third exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0592] 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.

[0593] 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.

[0594] 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).

[0595] 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.

[0596] 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.

[0597] 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.

[0598] 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.

[0599] FIG. 12C schematically depicts an isometric cross section of unitary fluid channeling component 894d according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0600] 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.

[0601] 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.

[0602] 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.

[0603] For clarity, cover 196d was drawn partially transparent to show inner part 890e.

[0604] 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).

[0605] 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).

[0606] 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.

[0607] 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.

[0608] 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.

[0609] 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.

[0610] This embodiment depicts groove 772 connection to left opening 166a (seen in FIG. 13D).

[0611] FIG. 13D schematically depicts an isometric cross section of endoscope tip section 230e according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the current specification.

[0612] 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.

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.

[0613] 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.

[0614] 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.

[0615] Similar to the fourth embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12A through 12C, front groove 871 is connected in its proximal end to groove 872.

[0616] 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.

[0617] 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.

[0618] 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.

[0619] 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.

[0620] 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.

[0621] It should be noted that optionally I/I injectors 336a and 336b, and optionally also 364 may be constructed as identical interchangeable inserts.

[0622] 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.

[0623] 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.

[0624] 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).

[0625] 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.

[0626] 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).

[0627] 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.

[0628] 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.

[0629] 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).

[0630] 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).

[0631] 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).

[0632] 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.

[0633] 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.

[0634] 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.

[0635] 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.

[0636] 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.

[0637] 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.

[0638] 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.

[0639] 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.

[0640] 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.

[0641] 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.

[0642] 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.

[0643] 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.

[0644] 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.

[0645] 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.

[0646] 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.

[0647] 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.

[0648] 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.

[0649] 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.

[0650] 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.

[0651] 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).

[0652] 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.

[0653] 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.

[0654] 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.

[0655] When flexible electronic circuit board 400 is in a folded configuration, rear central portion 1724 is folded upwards, perpendicularly to center portion 1718 of main section 1704. First side sensor surface 1730 and second side sensor surface 1732 are positioned perpendicularly to center portion 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.

[0656] 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.

[0657] 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.

[0658] 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.

[0659] 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.

[0660] 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.

[0661] 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.

[0662] 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.

[0663] 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.

[0664] 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).

[0665] 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.

[0666] 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.

[0667] 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 a surface of front optical lens assembly 256 of forward looking viewing element 116.

[0668] Proximal fluid channeling component section 690′ of fluid channeling component 600 includes I/I openings aimed at a first side optical lens assembly 256b and at a second, opposite side optical lens 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 lens assemblies 256b and second, opposite side optical lens 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 lens assembly, optical assemblies, windows, LEDs, and other elements).

[0669] 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.

[0670] 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.

[0671] Tip cover 2200 includes hole, transparent surface, window or opening 2236 configured to align with front optical lens 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, transparent surface, window or opening 2256b and a second hole, transparent surface, window or opening on the opposite side configured to align with a first side optical lens assembly 256b and a second, opposite side optical lens 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.

[0672] 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.

[0673] 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.

[0674] 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.

[0675] 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.

[0676] 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.

[0677] 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.

[0678] 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.

[0679] 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.

[0680] 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.

[0681] 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.

[0682] 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.

[0683] 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.

[0684] 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.

[0685] 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.

[0686] 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.

[0687] 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.

[0688] 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.

[0689] 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.

[0690] 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.

[0691] 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.

[0692] 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.

[0693] Partially enclosed housing 460 is formed as a unitary piece of rigid material, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum or any other material.

[0694] 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.

[0695] 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.

[0696] 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.

[0697] 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.

[0698] 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.

[0699] 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.

[0700] 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.

[0701] 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.

[0702] 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.

[0703] 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).

[0704] 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.

[0705] 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.

[0706] 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.

[0707] 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.

[0708] 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.

[0709] 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.

[0710] 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.

[0711] 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.

[0712] 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.

[0713] Partially enclosed housing 780 is formed as a unitary piece of rigid material, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum or any other material.

[0714] 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.

[0715] 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.

[0716] 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.

[0717] 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).

[0718] 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.

[0719] 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.

[0720] 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.

[0721] 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.

[0722] 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.

[0723] 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.

[0724] Each of the side portions further includes an I/I injector opening 2766b aimed at side optical lens 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 at least a surface of side optical lens 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, optical lens assembly, windows, LEDs, and other elements).

[0725] 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 optical lens assemblies (716b of FIG. 27A) of side looking viewing elements.

[0726] FIG. 28A illustrates an upper base board and a lower base board (which, in combination, form an electronic circuit board/printed circuit 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 connector pins and contact area 2820 are manipulated, including being cut, bent or folded, to be soldered to the upper base board 2802 and lower base board 2804. The side image sensors' connector pins and contact 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.

[0727] 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.

[0728] FIG. 28B illustrates a top view of the upper base board 2802 of the electronic circuit board (also referred to as ‘printed circuit board’ (PCB)) adapted to support the optical assembly and illuminators of the endoscope 6400 of FIG. 64, 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.

[0729] 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.

[0730] FIG. 28C illustrates a bottom side view of the lower base board 2804 of the electronic circuit board (also referred to as ‘printed circuit board’ (PCB)) adapted to support the optical assembly and illuminators of the endoscope 6400 of FIG. 64, 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 connector pins and the contact area(s) of the endoscope's image sensors are manipulated, including being cut, bent or folded 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.

[0731] FIG. 29A illustrates the optical assembly and illuminators supported by a lower base board 2904 with the upper base board of 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 2905 is provided to support front lens assembly 2906 and support the image sensor 2908 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 2905, 2910, and 2912 also serve as a heat sink to the light emitting diodes (LEDs) and image sensors incorporated in the endoscope. In various embodiments, the metal frames 2905, 2910 and 2912 are made of brass, stainless steel, aluminum or any other material that provides thermal conductivity to act as an effective heat sink, as well as rigidity to adequately position and support the lens assemblies and associated image sensors. Illuminators 2922 are attached to the lower base board 2904 by means of grooves/holes (shown in FIG. 29B) made in the lower base board 2904.

[0732] FIG. 29B illustrates another view of the optical assembly supported by the lower base board 2904 as shown in FIG. 29A with the illuminators 2922 (shown in FIG. 29A) removed. The lower base board 2904 comprises grooves 2924 for enabling the illuminators 2922 (shown in FIG. 29A) to be coupled with the based board 2904.

[0733] FIG. 29C illustrates a bottom view of the optical assembly supported by the lower base board 2904 as shown in FIG. 29B with the illuminators 2922 removed. As shown, the lower base board 2904 supports and positions the image sensors 2908, 2918 and 2920 exposing the respective image contact areas and supports the lens assemblies 2906, 2914 and 2916. The grooves 2924 allow the illuminators 2922 (shown in FIG. 29A) to be secured to the base board 2904.

[0734] FIG. 30A illustrates an image sensor 3002 (shown as 2908, 2918 and 2920 in FIGS. 29A, 29B, 29C and as 3802 in FIGS. 38Fa, 38Fb) in a folded position as when placed between upper and lower base boards, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. As shown, image sensor 3002 comprises a first plurality of connector pins 3012a on a first end of the sensor 3002 and a second plurality of connector pins 3022a on the opposite end of the sensor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. The image sensor 3002 includes an inner surface comprising a piece of glass 3010 and an outer surface comprising a printed circuit board or computer chip 3030. As shown, the image sensor 3002 comprises two horizontal folded/bent image sensor contact areas 3002a and 3002b, positioned parallel to a plane of the upper and lower base boards (not shown in figure). Once the image sensor 3002 is positioned within the endoscope, the first and second plurality of connector pins 3012a, 3022a and image sensor contact areas 3002a, 3002b extend away from a center of the endoscope tip.

[0735] When placed onto the supporting circuit board, first horizontal image sensor contact area 3002a is aligned parallel to a plane of the upper and lower base boards, and comprises first top surface and an opposing first bottom surface forming at least first and second parallel edges 3012a and 3012b. Second horizontal image sensor contact area 3002b is aligned parallel to said first horizontal image sensor contact area 3002a, where the second contact area 3002b comprises a second top surface and an opposing second bottom surface forming at least third and fourth parallel edges 3022a and 3022b. The first edge 3012a of the first contact area is aligned in a vertical axis with the third edge 3022a of the second contact area and the second edge 3012b of the first contact area is aligned in a vertical axis with the fourth edge 3022b of the second contact area.

[0736] The image sensor 3002 further comprises first and second vertical portions positioned between the image sensor contact areas 3002a and 3002b. The first vertical portion comprises a first inner surface 3010 which, in an embodiment, is made of glass and the second vertical portion comprises an opposing second outer surface 3030 which, in an embodiment, comprises a printed circuit board or a computer chip.

[0737] The image sensor 3002 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.

[0738] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30A, the folded position of the image sensor 3002 causes the first vertical portion of the image sensor 3002, comprising the first inner glass surface 3010 and associated with a front lens assembly, to face in a direction away from a center 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 vertical portion, comprising the second opposing printed circuit board or computer chip surface 3030, faces in an opposite direction towards an electrical connector end and a center of the tip of the endoscope when the image sensor 3002 is in the illustrated folded position. The glass surface 3010 faces in an outward direction when viewed with respect to the center of the endoscope tip once the image sensor 3002 is assembled within an endoscope.

[0739] FIG. 30B illustrates a lens assembly 3004 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 first vertical portion 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.

[0740] 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, such as the first and 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.

[0741] 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.

[0742] In an embodiment of the present specification, an optical assembly and/or viewing element holder is employed for supporting the lens assembly and the image sensor and optionally, the illuminators associated with the lens assembly. FIG. 30D illustrates an optical assembly holder for supporting a viewing element, which includes a lens assembly and associated image sensor and also for supporting associated illuminators, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. As illustrated, holder 3025 which, in one embodiment, is a metal frame, is fitted around image sensor 3002, lens assembly 3004 and illuminators 3035, 3037, such that image sensor contact area 3002a is exposed as shown. The frame 3025 provides support to the image sensor 3002, lens assembly 3004 and illuminators 3035, 3037, enabling the said components to remain in a fixed position. In an embodiment, the image sensor 3002 is coupled with the frame 3025 in a manner identical to that illustrated in FIGS. 30B and 30C. The endoscope tip diameter is reduced due to the folding position of the image sensor 3002 inside the holder 3025. Further, in various embodiments, the image sensor 3002 is soldered to upper and lower base boards such as shown in FIG. 28B.

[0743] FIG. 30E illustrates grooves built into the optical assembly and/or viewing element holder for supporting illuminators, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. Grooves 3040 and 3042 are provided in the holder 3025 for supporting illuminators 3035 and 3037 (shown in FIG. 30D) respectively. In one embodiment grooves 3040, 3042 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, a greater number of grooves may be provided in the holder 3025 in order to support a greater number of illuminators, as needed.

[0744] FIG. 31A illustrates a plurality of optical assembly and/or 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, optical assembly holder metal frame 3102 supports a front lens assembly 3104, associated image sensor 3106 and illuminators 3108 and 3110. Optical assembly holder metal frame 3112 supports a side lens assembly 3114, associated image sensor 3116 and illuminators 3118 and 3120. Optical assembly holder metal frame 3122 supports a side lens assembly 3124, associated image sensor 3126 and illuminators 3128 and 3130. In various embodiments, the 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 3150 is placed between the optical assembly holders 3102, 3112 and 3122. Metal supporting frame 3150 acts as a heat sink for the illuminators and also supports the holders 3102, 3112 and 3122 by fixedly placing them between the upper and lower base boards (not shown in FIG. 31A). The metal supporting frame 3150 also integrates with the optical assemblies and acts as a heat sink for the LEDs while supporting the optical assemblies to be fixedly placed between the upper and lower base boards. The optical assembly holder metal frames 3102, 3112, 3122 and the metal supporting frame 3150 are made of brass, stainless steel, aluminum or any other material that provides thermal conductivity to act as an effective heat sink (heat dissipater), as well as rigidity to adequately position and support the lens assemblies and associated image sensors.

[0745] FIG. 31B illustrates the assembly shown in FIG. 31A coupled with an upper circuit board 3152 and a lower circuit board 3154 and associated with a fluid channeling component or manifold 3170 in a tip of an endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. The metal supporting frame 3150 of the front optical holder 3102, first side optical assembly holder 3112 and the second side optical assembly holder is adapted to act as a heat sink and is connected to the fluid channeling component or manifold 3170 such that heat generated by the front illuminators 3108, 3110, the first side illuminators 3118, 3120, and second side illuminators and associated image sensors is transferred to the fluid channeling component or manifold 3170, causing a lowering of the temperature of the tip of the endoscope. In accordance with various embodiments, the front and side illuminators are high efficiency LEDs that allow operation of the endoscope with reduced heat dissipation. Efficiency of the LEDs ranges to allow a field of view of at least 90 degrees and up to essentially 180 degrees, and a depth of field ranging from 3 to 100 millimeters. In still further embodiments, heat dissipation from the front and side LEDs is managed by a) enabling automatic shut off of the LEDs when the endoscope is not in use, and b) allowing the LEDs to blink, pulsate or strobe so that they use relatively less energy hence lowering overall heat dissipation.

[0746] Also shown in FIG. 31B is jet opening 3126′ and nozzle opening 3124′ which, in one embodiment, are positioned adjacent to each other on front panel of the tip. In another embodiment, the jet opening 3126′ and nozzle opening 3124′ are positioned on either side of the working/service channel opening 3122′ on the front panel of the tip. A tip cover acts as a sheath over the endoscope tip and the components therein.

[0747] FIGS. 32A and 32b are top views illustrating an upper base board 3202 and a lower base board 3204 (winch, in combination, form an electronic circuit board/printed circuit board) adapted to support the viewing elements and sensors (thus, optical assemblies) and illuminators of the endoscope 6400 of FIG. 64, in accordance with another embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 32B is a top view with the illuminators of FIG. 32A removed. Referring now to FIGS. 32A and 32B simultaneously, the front optical assembly comprises a front lens assembly 3220 and a front image sensor. A first side optical assembly comprises a first side lens assembly 3224 and a first side image sensor. In some embodiments, a second side lens assembly 3222 and a second associated side image sensor are included as part of a second side optical assembly of the endoscope, so that the endoscope has one front optical assembly and two side optical assemblies. The front image sensors connector pins 3212a, 3212b are manipulated, including being bent or folded, to be soldered, respectively, to the upper base board 3202 and the lower base board 3204. The first and second side image sensors' connector pins 3214a, 3214b and 3216a, 3216b (not shown) are also manipulated, including being bent or folded, to be soldered to the upper base board 3202 and the lower base board 3204.

[0748] FIGS. 32C and 32D illustrate a plurality of metal frames assembled to be placed in a tip of an endoscope, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. As shown in the figures, a metal frame 3221 is provided to support the front lens assembly 3220 and support the associated front image sensor 3272. Metal frames 3223 and 3225 are provided to support first and second side lens assemblies 3224, 3222 and to support the associated image sensors 3274 and 3276, respectively, in various embodiments, a metal component, such as a metal support frame 3230 is placed between the metal frames 3221, 3223 and 3225. Metal support frame 3230 acts as heat sink for the illuminators and also supports the metal frames 3221, 3223 and 3225 to fixedly place/position then; between the upper base board (removed hi FIG. 32C) and the lower base board 3204. The metal support frame 3230 can thus be integrated with the optical assemblies (lens assembly; associated sensors, and associated illuminators) and act as a heat sink for the LEDs while structurally supporting the optical assemblies to be fixedly placed between the upper and lower base boards.

[0749] FIGS. 32b and 32F illustrate, with reference to the front optical assembly as an example, a manner of bending or folding the connector pins of the image sensors in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. As shown in FIG. 32F the metal frame 3221 is positioned to support and hold a lens assembly, such as for example the front lens assembly 3220 and the associated front image sensor 3272. The metal frame 3221 is molded to enclose the front lens assembly 3220 in a manner that supports the front image sensor 3272 and the corresponding first front image sensor contact area 3210a and second front image sensor contact area. The first plurality of connector pins 3212a on a first end of the front image sensor 3272 and the second plurality of connector pins 3212b on a second end of the front image sensor 3272 are herd or folded in such a manner so as to form/create a. U shape or curvature 3290 between the connector pins 3212a, 3212b and the corresponding first image sensor contact area 3210a and second image sensor contact area.

[0750] Referring back to FIGS. 32A and 32B, in accordance with an embodiment, the upper and lower base boards 3202, 3204 comprise notches or indentations to accommodate the connector pins of the image sensors. A first front notch/indentation 3212a′ and a second front notch/indentation on the upper and lower base boards 3202 and 3203, respectively, accommodate the connector pins 3212a, 3212b. The first side notch/indentation 3214a′ on upper base board 3202 and a corresponding first side notch indentation on the lower base board 3204 accommodate the connector pins 3214a, 3214b. Similarly, the second side notch/indentation 3216a′ on upper base board 3202 and a corresponding second side notch indentation on lower base board 3204 accommodate a first connector plus 3216a on upper base board 3202 and a corresponding connector pin on lower base board 3204. The U-shape or curvature (illustrated as curvature 3290 in FIGS. 32E, 32F) formed by the connector pins of the front first and second side image sensors embrace, hold or grip the edges of the upper and lower base boards 3202, 3204 at the respective notches/Indentations. In various embodiments, the notches/indentations are adapted, such as in terms of their shape and size, in accordance with the U shape/curvature and size of the connector pins.

[0751] As shown in FIG. 32A, the upper base board 3202 and the lower base board 3204 enable the positioning and/or placement of a from illuminator circuit board 3260, a first side illuminator circuit board 3270 and an optional second side illuminators circuit board. The front illuminator electronic circuit board 3260 is adapted for supporting a set of three front illuminators 3262a, 3262b, and 3262c, wherein each set of illuminators may have 1, 2, 3 or more light, sources such as, but not limited to, an LED. The first side illuminator electronic circuit board 3270 is adapted for supporting a set of first side illuminators 3272a, 3272b, wherein each set of illuminators may have 1, 2, 3 or more light sources such as, but not limbed to, an LED. Similarly, a second side illuminator electronic circuit, board (not shown) is adapted for supporting a plurality of second side illuminators (such as a set of two illuminators), wherein each set of illuminators may have 1, 2, 3 or more light sources such as, hut not limited to, an LED.

[0752] The horn illuminators 3262a, 3262b, 3262c are associated with the horn optical assembly comprising the front lens assembly 3220 and the associated front image sensor. The first side illuminators 3272a, 3272b are associated with the first side optical assembly comprising the first side lens assembly 3224 and the associated first side image sensor. Similarly, the second side illuminators are associated with the second side optical assembly comprising the second lens assembly 3222 and the associated second side image sensor, hi one embodiment, front illuminators 3262a, 15262b are positioned between the upper and lower base boards 3202, 3204 while the front illuminator 3262c is positioned above the upper base board 3202. The first side illuminators 3272a, 3272b as well as the second side illuminators (not shown) are positioned between the upper and lower base boards 3202, 3204 on either side of the respective first and second side lens assemblies 3224, 3222.

[0753] In various embodiments, materials that are used for constructing a PCB (Printed circuit boards) may also be used for constructing the front and side illuminator circuit boards. Typical materials used for making PCB boards are ceramic, polyamides for flexible boards, 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 material as the upper and lower base boards.

[0754] An electrical cable 3250 threaded through the upper and lower base boards 3202, 3204 transfers information from the optical assemblies and the illuminators to a main control unit. In various embodiments, the front and side/s illuminator circuit boards are soldered to the upper and lower base boards 3202, 3204 and are supported by the metal support frame 3230 (as shown in FIGS. 32B and 32C).

[0755] 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.

[0756] 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.

[0757] FIG. 33A illustrates a front illuminator electronic circuit board (or frame) 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 (or frame) 3306 for supporting the front illuminators 3308a, 3308b, 3308c, and a side illuminator electronic circuit board (or frame) 3310 for supporting the side illuminators 3312a, 3312b. The front illuminators 3308a, 3308b, 3308c are associated with a front optical assembly, which, in an embodiment, comprises 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 manipulated, such as by cutting, bending or folding, 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.

[0758] The front illuminator electronic circuit board (or frame) 3306 is constructed to hold a set of three front illuminators 3308a, 3308b, and 3308c. On each side panel, a side illuminator electronic circuit board (or frame) 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 side panel that is shown in the Figure). 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.

[0759] 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.

[0760] FIG. 33B illustrates upper base board 3302 and lower base board 3304 integrated with the front illuminator circuit board (or frame) 3306 and side illuminator electronic circuit boards (or frames) 3310, 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. A first 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. When integrated/assembled, as shown in FIG. 33B, a front edge of the upper base board 3302 abuts or rests against an inner surface (surface opposite to the external surface 3307) of curve 3340 of the front illuminator electronic circuit board 3306. Also, the upper base board 3302 comprises first and second side notches/grooves 3345, 3346 to accommodate curves 3348 of the side illuminator electronic circuit boards 3310.

[0761] 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 180 degrees such that the tip is being viewed from its underside as compared to the view depicted in FIG. 33. In an embodiment, a metal support frame 3405 having front portion 3411 and rear portion 3413 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 support frame 3405. As illustrated, the metal support 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 portion 3411 and rear portion 3413 of the metal support frame 3405 support the side lens assemblies 3416, 3418 and support their associated image sensors 3417, 3419, respectively. In an embodiment, the metal support frame 3405 also serves as a heat sink to the light emitting diodes (LEDs) and sensors incorporated in the endoscope.

[0762] 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 first side illuminator circuit board 3410 supports the side illuminators 3412a, 3412b and is associated with the lens assembly 3416. A second side illuminator circuit board 3420 supports the illuminators 3422a, 3422b and is associated with the lens assembly 3418. In an embodiment, the front illuminator circuit board 3406 is soldered to the metal support frame 3405 which supports all three optical assemblies and physically 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 support frame 3405 and the side illuminator circuit boards 3410, 3420 are supported by both the front portion 3411 and a rear portion 3413 of the metal support frame 3405.

[0763] In one embodiment, front illuminator circuit board 3406 is adapted to hold three illuminator sets 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 sets 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.

[0764] FIG. 35A illustrates a metal support frame 3505 and illuminator circuit boards 3506, 3510, 3520 (also shown in FIG. 34) with the optical assemblies and upper base board removed to assist with visualization. Metal support frame 3505 comprises a front chamber 3521 for receiving a front optical assembly, a first side chamber 3523 for receiving a first side optical assembly and a second side chamber 3525 on an opposite side of the first side chamber 3523 for receiving a second side optical assembly. A front illuminator electronic circuit board (or frame) 3506 is designed to hold front illuminators 3508a, 3508b, 3508c.

[0765] Side illuminator electronic circuit boards (or frames) 3510, 3520 hold side illuminators 3512a, 3512b and 3522a, 3522b respectively.

[0766] FIG. 35B illustrates the metal support frame 3505 with the illuminator circuit boards (or frames) shown in FIG. 35A removed. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 35B, the metal support 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 or edges 3506a, 3506b are positioned at the end of and perpendicular to side support walls 3520a, 3512a respectively. The ‘H’ shape of the metal support frame 3505 comprises a first wall 3530 positioned substantially parallel to a second wall 3535 and a center wall 3540 attached substantially perpendicularly to the first wall 3530 and second wall 3535. The center wall 3540 divides the first wall 3530 into a left/first portion 3530a and a right/second portion 3530b. Similarly, the center wall 3540 also divides the second wall 3535 into a left/third portion 3535a and a right/fourth portion 3535b. The forward facing side support walls 3512a, 3520a are attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the left portion 3530a and right portion 3530b. The back-facing or rear side support walls 3512b, 3520b are also attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the left and right portions 3535a, 3535b. The metal support frame 3505 is designed to comprise front chamber 3521, first side chamber 3523 and second side chamber 3525 to respectively accommodate the front optical assembly and the two side optical assemblies in an endoscope tip. The front support walls 3506a and 3506b support the front illuminator electronic circuit board shown as 3506 in FIG. 35A; the first side support walls 3512a, 3512b support the side illuminator electronic circuit board shown as 3510 in FIG. 35A; and the second side support walls 3520a, 3520b support the second side illuminator electronic circuit board shown as 3520 in FIG. 35A.

[0767] As shown in FIG. 35A, the front illuminator electronic circuit board 3506 is coupled, such as by soldering or gluing, with the metal support frame 3505 in a manner such that the external surfaces of the front edges 3506a, 3506b align with the inner surfaces of two elongated sides 3545a, 3545b of the front illuminator electronic circuit board 3506. Also, the side illuminator electronic circuit boards 3510, 3520 are coupled (such as by soldering or gluing) with the metal support frame 3505 in a manner such that the external surfaces of the first pair of forward and backward facing side support walls 3512a, 3512b align with the inner surfaces of two elongated sides 3550a, 3550b of the first side illuminator electronic circuit board 3510 and the second pair of forward and backward facing side support walls 3520a, 3520b align with the inner surfaces of two elongated sides (not shown) of the second side illuminator electronic circuit board 3520.

[0768] FIGS. 35C through 35E illustrate the metal support frame 3505 adapted for use as a heat sink, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. To function as a heat sink, in one embodiment the metal support frame 3505 is equipped with an internal fluid channel. During operation of the multiple viewing elements endoscope, various electronic components including the illuminators, image sensors and viewing elements switch on and dissipate power in the form of heat. Circulation of fluid within/inside the metal support frame 3505 ensures that the distal tip of the endoscope does not overheat and that its temperature is maintained at acceptable levels. In one embodiment, the fluid used within the channels is water. In another embodiment, the fluid is air or gas, such as carbon dioxide. Referring now to FIG. 35C, the metal support frame 3505 is provided with an inlet/input port 3555 that enables fluid to be passed into and through a fluid channel (shown in FIGS. 35D and 35E) internal to the metal support frame 3505, and an outlet/output port 3556 for exit of the fluid from the fluid channel. In one embodiment, the inlet port 3555 and outlet port 3556 are located at first edge/end 3560 and second edge/end 3562 of the back-facing side support walls 3512b, 3520b (that lie towards the proximal end 3565 of the endoscope tip). It should be noted that the inlet port 3555 and outlet port 3556 may be used interchangeably.

[0769] FIGS. 35D and 35E are full and partial cross-sectional views, respectively, of the metal support frame 3505 revealing a plurality of fluid channels 3570 internally formed within, for fluid circulation. Referring now to FIGS. 35D, 35E, in various embodiments, the first wall 3530, second wall 3535, center wall 3540, two forward facing side support walls 3512a, 3520a and two backward facing side support walls 3512b, 3520b comprise fluid channels 3570. In some embodiments, the plurality of fluid channels 3570 are formed in at least one of the first wall 3530, second wall 3535, center wall 3540 or two forward facing side support walls 3512a, 3520a. Fluid enters the plurality of fluid channels 3570 from the inlet port 3555 and exits via the outlet port 3556.

[0770] To achieve the purpose of cooling, in one embodiment, the path of the plurality of fluid channels 3570 within metal frame 3505 is such that it passes proximate to all of the optical assemblies. In one embodiment, the path of the plurality of fluid channels 3570 is designed such that each optical assembly has at least three areas of contact with the fluid channels. As an example, three portions 3575, 3576 and 3577 of the fluid path are marked in FIG. 35D. Portions 3575, 3576, and 3577 are located around the first side chamber or receiving area 3523 which is provided for accommodating the first side optical assembly comprising a first side lens assembly and a first side image sensor. The three marked portions 3575, 3576 and 3577 represent first, second and third points of contact respectively, between the circulating fluid (within the fluid channel 3570) and the first side lens assembly and image sensor that would fit into the chamber or receiving area 3523. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that “point of contact” here does not refer to physical contact between the circulating fluid and the electronic components, but indicates portions of the metal frame 3505 where the plurality of fluid channels 3570 come in close proximity to the heat producing components.

[0771] It can be further seen in the figures that the path of the plurality of fluid channels 3570 is also in close proximity to the front chamber or receiving area 3521 and second side chamber or receiving area 3525, which accommodate the front and the second side optical assemblies, respectively. Thus, the fluid channels provide “points of contacts” with the front and the second side optical components in a similar manner as described above. This allows the fluid in the plurality of fluid channels 3570 to optimally absorb the heat dissipated by the front, first and second side optical assemblies and their associated viewing elements.

[0772] As can be seen in FIGS. 35D and 35e, the front chamber 3521 is, in one embodiment, formed by three walls: two forward facing side support walls 3512a, 3520a and first wall 3530. The first side chamber 3523 is also formed by three walls—portions of the first and second walls 3530, 3535 and the center wall 3540. Similarly, the second side chamber 3525 is also formed by three walls—portions of the first and second walls 3530, 3535 and the center wall 3540. In various embodiments, the three walls forming each of the front chamber 3521, first side chamber 3523, and second side chamber 3525 comprise the plurality of fluid channels 3570. In some embodiments, at least one of the walls of the front chamber 3521, first side chamber 3523, and second side chamber 3525 comprise the plurality of fluid channels 3570. In yet further embodiments, the plurality of fluid channels 3570 is fully encased in at least one of the walls of the front chamber 3521, first side chamber 3523, and second side chamber 3525. In still additional embodiments, the plurality of fluid channels 3570 is partially encased in at least one of the walls of the front chamber 3521, first side chamber 3523, and second side chamber 3525.

[0773] In one embodiment, fluid is supplied to the inlet/input port 3555 from a water reservoir of a jet of the scope. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, the front panel 320 of the endoscope tip has a jet opening 344 providing water to irrigate a body lumen during a medical procedure. The jet opening 344 is 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, during an endoscopic procedure. In another embodiment of the present specification, the source of the fluid circulating inside the metal support frame 3505 may be a secondary water reservoir adapted to provide fluid into the plurality of fluid channels 3570 and collect the exiting fluid. It should be noted that both the jet water reservoir and the secondary reservoir are located external to the endoscope, in an embodiment.

[0774] In one embodiment, the path of the plurality of fluid channels 3570 forms a closed loop, such that the plurality of fluid channels 3570 is filled with fluid when the endoscope is switched on, and the fluid exits the plurality of fluid channels 3570 only at the end of the endoscopic procedure. In one embodiment, the process of fluid channels being filled with fluid and subsequent draining of fluid from the channels is controlled by an on/off button provided on the main control unit or on the handle of the endoscope. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that such control may be provided by means of a separate interface unit with touch or button controls, or with any other control device apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0775] In an embodiment, water exiting the metal support frame 3505 may also be utilized for the purpose of providing a water jet to the body lumen. This option is implemented in one embodiment, by employing a switching mechanism to divert water from closed loop fluid channels to the jet when required.

[0776] FIG. 35F illustrates a rear view of a tip section 35100 of a multiple viewing elements endoscope, showing an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the plurality of fluid channels 3570 of the metal support frame 3505 (of FIGS. 35C through 35E) utilized to assemble the tip section 35100, according to one embodiment of the present specification. Referring to FIG. 35F, the proximal end 3565 of the scope tip 35100 comprises a front jet opening 35101 and a working channel opening 35103. It may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these openings extend through the body of the tip 35100, up to the front panel (not seen in the figure) at the distal end 3566. Other openings extending from the proximal end 3565 of the tip include air/water opening 35104 for front and side injectors, fluid supply inlet opening 35105 and fluid drainage/outlet opening 35106 for the plurality of fluid channels 3570 of the metal support frame 3505 of FIGS. 35C through 35E. It should be noted that the openings 35105 and 35106 may be interchangeably used for fluid inlet and outlet.

[0777] An electrical cable 35110 can also be seen on the proximal end 3565 of the tip 35100, which further includes a side panel 35112. The side panel 35112 comprises a transparent surface, window or opening for side optical lens assembly and image sensor 35114, optical windows 35116, 35118 for side illuminators and a side nozzle 35120 of a side injector. In accordance with an embodiment, the side panel 35112 is located/embedded in a well-defined or deep notch/depression 35125 (described in detail with reference to FIG. 59C) forming a bath-like configuration.

[0778] FIG. 36A illustrates a front illuminator electronic circuit board (or frame) 3606, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 36A, the circuit board 3606 is shaped as an approximate ‘U’ and holds, on an external surface, front illuminators 3608a, 3608b, and 3608c in place. The ‘U’ shape of the circuit board 3606 comprises a curved base 3645c and first and second elongated sides 3645a, 3645b extending upward from the curved base 3645c. 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.

[0779] FIG. 36B illustrates a side illuminator electronic circuit board 3610, in accordance with an embodiment of the present specification. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 36B, the circuit board 3610 is shaped as an approximate ‘U’ and holds, on an external surface, side illuminators 3612a and 3612b in place. The ‘U’ shape of the circuit board 3610 comprises a partially curved base 3650c and first and second elongated sides 3650a, 3650b extending upward from the partially curved base 3650c. 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.

[0780] FIG. 37A is a flow chart illustrating, in accordance with an embodiment, a plurality of steps for assembling, connecting or attaching various components of an electronic circuit board assembly (such as assembly 400 of FIGS. 2A, 2B) as described, for example, with reference to FIGS. 33A through 36B for use in a multiple viewing elements endoscope. It should be noted that the manufacturing steps described below can occur in any order and that the order of the manufacturing steps presented below are only exemplary and not to be construed as limiting.

[0781] Referring now to FIG. 37A, a metal support frame is obtained in step 3710. In accordance with various embodiments, the metal support frame is approximately ‘H’ shaped comprising a first wall substantially parallel to a second wall, a center wall attached substantially perpendicularly to the first and second walls, two forward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the first wall, two backward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the second wall and two front support walls or edges attached substantially perpendicularly to the respective front edges of the forward-facing side walls as described with reference to FIG. 35B. In step 3720, the metal support frame is placed over a first base board (which could be, for example, either the upper or the lower base board 3302 or 3304 of FIGS. 33A, 33B). Subsequently, in step 3730, a second base board (which could be, for example, either the upper or the lower base board 3302 or 3304 of FIGS. 33A, 33B depending upon which base board was used in the earlier step 3720) is placed on the metal support frame. In step 3740 a front optical assembly, comprising a front lens assembly and a front image sensor, is positioned within a front chamber or receiving area of the metal support frame. Thereafter, first and second connector pins of the front image sensor are bent and soldered to the first and second base boards at step 3750. In step 3760, a first side optical assembly, comprising a first side lens assembly and a first side image sensor, is positioned within a first side chamber of the metal support frame. First and second connector pins of the first side image sensor are now bent and soldered to the first and second base boards at step 3770. In step 3780, a second side optical assembly, comprising a second side lens assembly and a second side image sensor, is positioned in a second side chamber of the metal support frame. Thereafter, first and second connector pins of the second side image sensor are bent and soldered to the first and second base boards at step 3790.

[0782] A front illuminator electronic circuit board (‘front illuminator board’) is obtained in step 37100. The front illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The curved base, first and second sides respectively support first, second and third sets of illuminators. In step 37110, the front illuminator board is placed on the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame. Now, in step 37120, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the front illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame. As a result, the front lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side and a third set of illuminator on top of the front lens assembly.

[0783] A first side illuminator electronic circuit board (‘first side illuminator board’) is obtained in step 37130. The first side illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides respectively support first and second sets of illuminators. In step 37140 the first side illuminator board is placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a first side, of the metal support frame. Now, in step 37150, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the first side illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the first side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the first side lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side of the first side lens assembly. Similarly, a second side illuminator electronic circuit board (‘second side illuminator board’) is obtained in step 37160. The second side illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides respectively support first and second sets of illuminators. In step 37170 the second side illuminator board is placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a second side, of the metal support frame. Now, in step 37180, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the second side illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the second side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the second side lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side of the second side lens assembly.

[0784] Referring back to step 3730, the placement of the second base board on the metal frame ensures that, in one embodiment, a front edge of the second base board abuts an interior surface of the curved base of the front illuminator board. Also, the partially curved bases of the first and second side illuminator boards are accommodated within respective first and second side recesses/grooves of the second base board, in one embodiment.

[0785] FIG. 37B is a flow chart illustrating, in accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of steps for assembling, connecting or attaching various components of an electronic circuit board assembly (such as assembly 400 of FIGS. 2A, 2B) as described, for example, with reference to FIGS. 33A through 36B for use in a multiple viewing elements endoscope. It should be noted that the manufacturing steps described below can occur in any order and that the order of the manufacturing steps presented below are only exemplary and not to be construed as limiting. Referring now to FIG. 37B, a metal support frame is obtained in step 3705. In accordance with various embodiments, the metal support frame is substantially ‘H’ shaped comprising a first wall substantially parallel to a second wall, a center wall attached substantially perpendicularly to the first and second walls, two forward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the first wall, two back-facing rear side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the second wall and two front support walls or edges attached substantially perpendicularly to the respective front edges of the forward-facing side walls as described with reference to FIG. 35B. In step 3715, the metal support frame is placed over a first base board (which could be, for example, either the upper or the lower base board 3302 or 3304 of FIGS. 33A, 33B). Subsequently, in step 3725, a second base board (which could be, for example, either the upper or the lower base board 3302 or 3304 of FIGS. 33A, 33B depending upon which base board was used in the earlier step 3715) is placed on the metal support frame. In step 3735 a front optical assembly, comprising a front lens assembly and a front image sensor, is positioned in a front chamber of the metal support frame. In step 3745, a first side optical assembly, comprising a first side lens assembly and a first side image sensor, is positioned in a first side chamber of the metal support frame. Again, in step 3755 a second side optical assembly, comprising a second side lens assembly and a second side image sensor, is positioned in a second side chamber of the metal support frame. Thereafter, first and second connector pins of the respective front, first side and second side image sensors are bent and soldered to the first and second base boards at step 3765.

[0786] A front illuminator electronic circuit board (‘front illuminator board’) is obtained in step 3775. The front illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The curved base, first and second sides respectively support first, second and third sets of illuminators. In step 3785, the front illuminator board is placed on the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame. Now, in step 3795, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the front illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame. As a result, the front lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side and a third set of illuminator on top of the front lens assembly.

[0787] A first side illuminator electronic circuit board (‘first side illuminator board’) is obtained in step 37105. The first side illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides respectively support first and second sets of illuminators. In step 37115 the first side illuminator board is placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a first side, of the metal support frame. Now, in step 37125, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the first side illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the first side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the first side lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side of the first side lens assembly. Similarly, a second side illuminator electronic circuit board (‘second side illuminator board’) is obtained in step 37135. The second side illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides respectively support first and second sets of illuminators. In step 37145 the second side illuminator board is placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a second side, of the metal support frame. Now, in step 37155, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the second side illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the second side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the second side lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side of the second side lens assembly.

[0788] Referring back to step 3725, the placement of the second base board on the metal support frame ensures that, in one embodiment, a front edge of the second base board abuts an interior surface of the curved base of the front illuminator board. Also, the partially curved bases of the first and second side illuminator boards are accommodated within respective first and second side recesses/grooves of the second base board, in one embodiment.

[0789] FIG. 37C is a flow chart illustrating, in accordance with yet another embodiment, a plurality of steps for assembling, connecting or attaching various components of an electronic circuit board assembly (such as assembly 400 of FIGS. 2A, 2B) as described, for example, with reference to FIGS. 33A through 36B for use in a multi-viewing elements endoscope. It should be noted that the manufacturing steps described below can occur in any order and that the order of the manufacturing steps presented below are only exemplary and not to be construed as limiting. Referring now to FIG. 37C, a metal support frame is obtained in step 3702. In accordance with various embodiments, the metal support frame is ‘H’ shaped comprising a first wall substantially parallel to a second wall, a center wall attached substantially perpendicularly to the first and second walls, two forward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the first wall, two backward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the second wall and two front support walls or edges attached substantially perpendicularly to the respective front edges of the forward-facing side walls as described with reference to FIG. 35B. In step 3712, the metal support frame is placed over a first base board (which could be, for example, either the upper or the lower base board 3302 or 3304 of FIGS. 33A, 33B). Subsequently, in step 3722, a second base board (which could be, for example, either the upper or the lower base board 3302 or 3304 of FIGS. 33A, 33B depending upon which base board was used in the earlier step 3712) is placed on the metal support frame. In step 3732 a front optical assembly, comprising a front lens assembly and a front image sensor, is positioned in a front chamber of the metal support frame. In step 3742, a first side optical assembly, comprising a first side lens assembly and a first side image sensor, is positioned in a first side chamber of the metal support frame. Again, in step 3752 a second side optical assembly, comprising a second side lens assembly and a second side image sensor, is positioned in a second side chamber of the metal support frame.

[0790] A front illuminator electronic circuit board (‘front illuminator board’) is obtained in step 3762. The front illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The curved base, first and second sides respectively support first, second and third sets of illuminators. In step 3772, the front illuminator board is placed on the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame. Now, in step 3782, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the front illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame. As a result, the front lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side and a third set of illuminator on top of the front lens assembly.

[0791] A first side illuminator electronic circuit board (‘first side illuminator board’) is obtained in step 3792. The first side illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides respectively support first and second sets of illuminators. In step 37102 the first side illuminator board is placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a first side, of the metal support frame. Now, in step 37112, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the first side illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the first side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the first side lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side of the first side lens assembly. Similarly, a second side illuminator electronic circuit board (‘second side illuminator board’) is obtained in step 37122. The second side illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides respectively support first and second sets of illuminators. In step 37132 the second side illuminator board is placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a second side, of the metal support frame. Now, in step 37142, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the second side illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the second side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the second side lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side of the second side lens assembly. Finally, first and second connector pins of the respective front, first side and second side image sensors are bent and soldered to the first and second base boards at step 37152.

[0792] Referring back to step 3722, the placement of the second base board on the metal support frame ensures that, in one embodiment, a front edge of the second base board abuts an interior surface of the curved base of the front illuminator board. Also, the partially curved bases of the first and second side illuminator boards are accommodated within respective first and second side recesses/grooves of the second base board, in one embodiment.

[0793] FIG. 37D is a flow chart illustrating, in accordance with still another embodiment, a plurality of steps for assembling, connecting or attaching various components of an electronic circuit board assembly (such as assembly 400 of FIGS. 2A, 2B) as described, for example, with reference to FIGS. 33A through 36B for use in a multi-viewing elements endoscope. It should be noted that the manufacturing steps described below can occur in any order and that the order of the manufacturing steps presented below are only exemplary and not to be construed as limiting. Referring now to FIG. 37D a metal support frame is obtained in step 3703. In accordance with various embodiments, the metal support frame is ‘H’ shaped comprising a first wall substantially parallel to a second wall, a center wall attached substantially perpendicularly to the first and second walls, two forward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the first wall, two backward-facing side walls attached substantially perpendicularly to respective edges of the second wall and two front support walls or edges attached substantially perpendicularly to the respective front edges of the forward-facing side walls as described with reference to FIG. 35B. In step 3713, the metal support frame is placed over a first base board (which could be, for example, either the upper or the lower base board 3302 or 3304 of FIGS. 33A, 33B). Subsequently, in step 3723, a second base board (which could be, for example, either the upper or the lower base board 3302 or 3304 of FIGS. 33A, 33B depending upon which base board was used in the earlier step 3713) is placed on the metal support frame. In step 3733 a front optical assembly, comprising a front lens assembly and a front image sensor, is positioned in a front chamber of the metal support frame. In step 3743, a first side optical assembly, comprising a first side lens assembly and a first side image sensor, is positioned in a first side chamber of the metal support frame. Again, in step 3753 a second side optical assembly, comprising a second side lens assembly and a second side image sensor, is positioned in a second side chamber of the metal support frame.

[0794] A front illuminator electronic circuit board (‘front illuminator board’) is obtained in step 3763. The front illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The curved base, first and second sides respectively support first, second and third sets of illuminators. In step 3773, the front illuminator board is placed on the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame.

[0795] A first side illuminator electronic circuit board (‘first side illuminator board’) is obtained in step 3783. The first side illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides respectively support first and second sets of illuminators. In step 3793 the first side illuminator board is placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a first side, of the metal support frame. Similarly, a second side illuminator electronic circuit board (‘second side illuminator board’) is obtained in step 37103. The second side illuminator board is substantially ‘U’ shaped comprising a partially curved base and first and second elongated sides extending upward from the curved base. The first and second sides respectively support first and second sets of illuminators. In step 37113 the second side illuminator board is placed on the forward and backward facing side walls, on a second side, of the metal support frame.

[0796] Now, in step 37123, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the front illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of the two front support walls or edges of the metal support frame. As a result, the front lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side and a third set of illuminator on top of the front lens assembly. In step 37133, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the first side illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the first side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the first side lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side of the first side lens assembly. In step 37143, interior surfaces of the first and second sides of the second side illuminator board are respectively soldered to exterior surfaces of forward and backward facing side walls, on the second side, of the metal support frame. As a result, the second side lens assembly has two sets of illuminators—one on either side of the second side lens assembly. Finally, first and second connector pins of the respective front, first side and second side image sensors are bent and soldered to the first and second base boards at step 37153.

[0797] Referring back to step 3723, the placement of the second base board on the metal support frame ensures that, in one embodiment, a front edge of the second base board abuts an interior surface of the curved base of the front illuminator board. Also, the partially curved bases of the first and second side illuminator boards are accommodated within respective first and second side recesses/grooves of the second base board, in one embodiment.

[0798] 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.

[0799] 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.

[0800] 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.

[0801] 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 having a width extending in a y-direction and a length extending 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 has a width that extends in a y-direction and a length that extends 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 x-direction. In one embodiment, the width of the first member 3805a is greater than the width of the second member 3805b. In other words, the first member 3805a extends further in the y-direction than the second member 3805b extends in the y-direction.

[0802] 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 to 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.

[0803] In one embodiment, the first member 3805a comprises at least two openings 3806 for the insertion of attachment pegs from 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 from 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 threading therethrough or welding thereto 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. In an embodiment, the electrical cable is welded to the base board 3805 at opening 3808.

[0804] 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.

[0805] 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.

[0806] FIG. 38C illustrates a first intermediate assembly 3815 with first metal frame 3810 and second metal frame 3812 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.

[0807] 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 first metal frame 3810 is defined by a first length L₁ and a first width W₁, the first length L₁ being greater than the first width W₁, and a first central axis 3811 that is parallel to the first length L₁. The second metal frame 3812 is defined by a second length L₂ and a second width W₂, the second length L₂ being greater than the second width W₂, and a second central axis 3813 that is parallel to the second length L₂. The metal frames 3810, 3812 are placed on the base board 3805 such that the respective central axes 3811, 3813 of the frames intersect and 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.

[0808] FIG. 38D illustrates one embodiment of a first printed circuit board 3817 and a second printed circuit board 3818 for inclusion/integration 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.

[0809] 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 the two 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.

[0810] FIG. 38Fa illustrates horizontal and side planar views of an image sensor 3802, with a first plurality of connector pins 3803a on a first end of the sensor 3802 and a second plurality of connector pins 3804a on the opposite end of the sensor 3802, and a manner of folding the image sensor 3802 consistent with one embodiment. The image sensor 3802 also includes piece of glass 3835 and a printed circuit board or computer chip 3830. To be placed into the endoscope tip, the image sensor 3802 is folded into a ‘U’ shape such that the first plurality of connector pins 3803a and second plurality of connector pins 3804a form the ‘arms’ of the U while the glass 3835 and printed circuit board or computer chip 3830 form the ‘base’ of the U. With respect to the present specification and with reference to FIGS. 30A through 30C and FIGS. 38Fa, 38Fb, “inner surface” refers to the surface of the base of the U which faces in the same direction as the arms extend or, in other words, into the inside of the U shape while “outer surface” refers to the surface of the base of the U which faces in the opposite direction in which the arms extend or, in other words, in the opposite direction of the inside of the U shape. In the conventional design, the image sensor 3802 is folded, as denoted by the arrows 3828 in FIG. 38Fa, such that the glass 3835 becomes positioned on the outer surface and the printed circuit board or computer chip 3830 becomes positioned on the inner surface of the image sensor 3802. The glass 3835 is always associated with the lens assembly and therefore the glass 3835 of the image sensor 3802 always faces away from a center of the endoscope tip and toward an object to be viewed. Therefore, in the conventional design, since the glass 3835 is on the outer surface with respect to the U shaped fold, the first and second plurality of connector pins 3803a, 3804a extend in toward a center of the tip of the endoscope.

[0811] FIG. 38Fb illustrates horizontal and side views of an image sensor 3802 (shown as 2908, 2918 and 2920 in FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C), with a first plurality of connector pins 3803a on a first end of the sensor 3802 and a second plurality of connector pins 3804a on the opposite end of the sensor 3802, and a manner of folding the image sensor 3802 in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. Referring to FIG. 38Fb, the image sensor 3802 is folded, as denoted by the arrows 3828′, in the opposite direction compared to the direction of folding shown in FIG. 38Fa. Once folded (as shown in FIG. 30A), the image sensor 3802 is configured such that the glass 3835 becomes positioned on the inner surface of the U shaped image sensor 3802 and the printed circuit board or computer chip 3830 becomes positioned on the outer surface of the U shape image sensor 3802. This folding design is advantageous because, once the image sensor 3802 is assembled with the lens assembly (as shown in FIG. 30B), the overall footprint of the image sensor 3802 and lens assembly combination is smaller when compared to that of the conventional design. The first and second plurality of connector pins 3803a, 3804a act to embrace or cradle the lens assembly, allowing the lens assemblies to be positioned further back within the endoscope and thereby providing more space within the endoscope tip.

[0812] 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 outer 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 inner surface of the first image sensor 3822, comprising a piece of glass 3835, 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 outer 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 inner 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.

[0813] 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.

[0814] 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 (front looking viewing element) with associated printed circuit board 3817 are together referred to as the front looking optical assembly. Similarly, side looking sensor 3823 and corresponding lens assembly (side looking viewing element) with associated printed circuit board 3818 are together referred to as the side looking optical assembly.

[0815] 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.

[0816] FIG. 38Ha illustrates one embodiment of a front illumination circuit board 3826a comprising a curved 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 is 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 optical assembly of the endoscope and positioned to illuminate the field of view of the front looking optical assembly. 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.