Constant horizon 3D imaging system and related method

An imaging system, comprising:

• an imaging scope extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion thereof, the imaging scope selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to a horizon plane, the imaging scope having at least three optical channels, each including a respective objective positioned at the distal end portion of the imaging scope, and each configured to capture light reflected from an object, the objectives of the at least three optical channels being annularly-spaced relative to one another and positioned such that respective viewing direction axes of the at least three optical channels extend at least substantially parallel to one another;
• a controller configured to activate, among the at least three optical channels, a pair of optical channels defining a viewing horizon line that is at least as parallel relative to the horizon plane as that of any other pair of optical channels among the at least three optical channels, the viewing horizon line being a line that extends perpendicularly between the respective viewing direction axes of the pair of optical channels;
• a camera configured to generate a first 2D digital image representative of light captured by a first optical channel of the activated pair of optical channels, and a second 2D digital image representative of light captured by a second optical channel of the activated pair of optical channels;
• and
• a 3D processor configured to generate a 3D digital image using the first 2D digital image and the second 2D digital image.

A method, comprising:

• providing an imaging scope that extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion thereof, the imaging scope having at least three optical channels, each including a respective objective positioned at the distal end portion of the imaging scope, and each configured to capture light reflected from an object, the objectives being annularly-spaced relative to one another and positioned such that respective viewing direction axes of the at least three optical channels extend at least substantially parallel to one another;
• rotating the imaging scope about the longitudinal axis relative to a horizon plane;
• activating, among the at least three optical channels, a pair of optical channels that is at least as parallel relative to the horizon plane as any other pair of optical channels among the at least three optical channels;
• generating a first 2D digital image representative of light captured by a first optical channel of the activated pair of optical channels, and a second 2D digital image representative of light captured by a second optical channel of the activated pair of optical channels;
• and
• generating a 3D digital image using the first 2D digital image and the second 2D digital image.