Importance

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Abstract

A probe system for use in carrying out inspections in an enclosed, non-conducting environment, such as an endoscope for use in carrying out internal inspections of a human or animal patient, comprises sensing coils (7) mounted at spaced positions along the probe (6) for movement with the latter and a planar grid array (1) of antennas (2) which is disposed adjacent the environment. AC electrical signals are supplied to the antennas, either simultaneously or sequentially, by an electrical source (4,5) so as to induce corresponding voltage signals in the sensing coils (7). When the probe (6) is introduced into the environment, the induced signals, converted to a digital format, are processed by a microprocessor (12) to produce a visual indication of the three dimensional location of the probe (6) with respect to the antenna array (1).

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First Claim