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Robotic transluminal Pan-and-Tilt Scope 383

Figure 16.16
(A) Degree of articulation of patent (US20140012080); (B) degree of articulation of P.A.T.S.

16.5.4.2 Assessment
P.A.T.S does not have a cylindrical casing with an oblique top end portion. The endoscopic
camera head is fixed to a ring and exposed. P.A.T.S consists of a tilting mechanism as well
but is done so by cables with both end portions fixed to the ring holding the endoscopic
camera, instead of a plate-like belt. Tilting in the patent is done through a specific rotating
shaft, but P.A.T.S makes use of a ring instead. The degree of articulation of both devices is
not the same as shown in Fig. 16.16, whereby P.A.T.S has a front viewing angle of
approximately 44 54 degrees left and right.

16.5.5 US 20140249369 A1 imaging apparatus and the rigid endoscope

16.5.5.1 Key claims
An imaging apparatus comprising an image-wise light receiving means, a spherical housing
that holds therein the image-wise light receiving means; a base that supports the spherical
housing and enables the spherical housing to freely move along a surface thereof; a drive
wire having an end fixed to the spherical housing, a drive section to which the other end of
the drive wire is fixed to drive the free movement of the spherical housing via the drive
wire.

16.5.5.2 Assessment
P.A.T.S holds the endoscopic camera with the use of a ring, not a camera cone inside a
spherical housing. Though not described in the essential claims, the purpose of the drive
wire is to enable free movement of the spherical housing without the necessity of directly
mounting a drive section to the spherical housing. The spherical housing is freely moved
via the drive wire. As for P.A.T.S, movement of the endoscopic camera is done through
panning and tilting.