Detachable imaging device, endoscope having a detachable imaging device, and method of configuring such an endoscope

Abstract

An endoscope includes a detachable wireless imaging device and an insertion tube having a distal end region. The attachment of the detachable wireless imaging device detachably attaches the detachable wireless imaging device to the distal end region of the insertion tube.

1 - 51 . (canceled) 
     
     
         52 . A camera assembly for providing or improving visualization capability of a medical probe, the assembly comprising: a main body configured to be mounted on a tip section of a medical probe, wherein said main body comprises: at least one camera; and at least one illumination source. 
     
     
         53 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said main body is essentially in a ring shape. 
     
     
         54 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said main body is essentially made of an elastic material. 
     
     
         55 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said main body is a sleeve. 
     
     
         56 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said main body is a clamp configured to be clamped to said tip section. 
     
     
         57 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said main body is configured to be mounted on said tip section such that said at least one camera and at least one illumination source are pointing rearwards, towards the proximal part of said tip section. 
     
     
         58 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said main body is configured to be mounted on said tip section such that said at least one camera and at least one illumination source are pointing forward. 
     
     
         59 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said main body is configured to be mounted on said tip section such that said at least one camera and at least one illumination source are pointing rearwards, towards the proximal part of said tip section and at least one camera and at least one illumination source are pointing forward. 
     
     
         60 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , comprising two cameras. 
     
     
         61 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said camera is configured to wirelessly transmit an image signal. 
     
     
         62 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , further comprising a utility cable configured to receive video signal from said at least one camera. 
     
     
         63 . The assembly according to  claim 62 , wherein said utility cable is further configured to supply electrical power to said at least one camera. 
     
     
         64 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said at least one illumination source comprises at least one discrete illuminator. 
     
     
         65 . The assembly according to  claim 64 , wherein said at least one discrete illuminator comprises a light-emitting diode (LED). 
     
     
         66 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said at least one camera comprises an image sensor. 
     
     
         67 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said at least one camera comprises a lens assembly providing a field of view of  90  degrees or more. 
     
     
         68 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said at least one camera comprises a lens assembly providing a field of view of  120  degrees or more. 
     
     
         69 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said medical probe is an endoscope, having visualization capabilities. 
     
     
         70 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said endoscope is a colonoscope. 
     
     
         71 . The assembly according to  claim 52 , wherein said endoscope is a flexible endoscope.