Abstract: An interface device includes first and second connectors adapted to be joined together in an operating position. One or more first optical data conduits extend through the first connector, with each first optical data conduit terminating at a respective first optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective first optical lens. One or more second optical data conduits extend through the second connector, with each second optical data conduit terminating at a respective second optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective second optical lens. Each respective second optical data conduit and respective second optical lens are aligned for optical coupling across a coupling region with one of the first optical conduits and respective first optical lens when the first connector and second connector are joined in the operating position. The interface also includes a wireless or contact-type electrical power transfer arrangement.

Abstract: A deployable endoscopic imaging module and endoscopic surgical system having an imaging system with solid state variable direction of view navigation features, and manipulated by direct contact force, mechanical linkage and/or magnetic force. A deployable endoscopic imaging module or endoscopic imaging system equipped with solid state variable direction of view image navigation features and software. A deployable imaging system having image navigation software and solid state variable direction of view technology which can be incorporated into a percutaneous housing for performing surgery through a patient's skin.

Abstract: A medical camera system includes a video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other. The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each other allowing radio frequency communications across a patient isolation barrier having improvements to avoid interfering with surrounding equipment. Power transfer elements provide for power transfer across the patient isolation barrier.

Abstract: A video imaging system, and more particularly, a modular video imaging system having a control module connectable to multiple input modules. The input modules each capable of receiving differing types of image data from different types of cameras including stereoscopic camera configurations and processing the image data into a format recognizable by the control module. The control unit providing general functions such as user interface and general image processing that is not camera specific including the generation of a 3D image stream formed by combining two image streams.

Abstract: An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field, the endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes an optical lens system to at least partially even out the information density across an imaging surface area of the imager.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and program products are provided for operating a medical system that is operable within at least two different medical device regulatory classes. A device control module receives an indicator for performing at least one procedure with a medical device. Based on the indicator, it selects a binary image for booting the control module from among multiple images including a controlled-type and a non-controlled type, which operate in different regulatory classes. A controlled-type image, which may be FDA PMA or other regulatory classes, is verified to be unaltered, and is then used to operate as a regulated medical device. The indicator can be automatic or manual. The indicator may result from connection of a specific medical device or peripheral device, or may be user input.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided having a shaft and an optical system disposed in the shaft. The optical system defines an optical path. The optical system includes a first relay lens and a first meniscus lens positioned in the optical path and between an intermediate image plane and the first relay lens. In one embodiment, a second relay lens and a second meniscus lens, the first relay lens and the first meniscus lens residing on a first side of the intermediate image plane, and the second relay lens and the second meniscus lens residing on a second side of the intermediate image plane, wherein the first and second sides of the intermediate image plane are opposing sides.

Abstract: A medical system automatically identifies a user based on matching a partial facial image of the user with a database of authorized users. The medical system automatically configures based on the user identification and received patient data. The medical system further automatically identifies a patient based on matching a facial image of the patient with an image of the patient to confirm the correct patient is in the operating room. The medical system still further provides for gaze detection and gesture control by a user such that the user in the sterile environment can directly control devices outside the sterile environment.

Abstract: A system and method for providing light to an optical scope having a lightport. A light device connects a camera to an optical scope and supplies light to the scope while allowing for scope rotation. The light device has a proximal end attached to the distal end of the camera, a distal end adapted to be attached to and detached from the scope, and a light source. The light source may be powered by electrical power received from the camera. A light cable extends from the light device and has a distal end adapted to be attached to and detached from the light post on the scope to supply light to the scope. The distal end of the light device is rotatable with respect to the distal end of the camera such that the light cable is able to rotate about the optical axis of the camera.

Abstract: A medical camera system includes a video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other. The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each other allowing communications across a patient isolation barrier. Power transfer elements provide for power transfer across the patient isolation barrier. The communication and power transfer may allow rotation of the distal portion with respect to the proximal portion while in use.

Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) and other sensor data imaging processes, devices, and systems are provided to enhance display of FI images and reflected light images together. Generally an imaging scope device observes white light (WL) and FI images, and sends them to a control module which processes them for display together in an FI modality. A flashing mode causes temporal modulation of pixel intensity values of the FI image stream to improve distinguishability of features on the display. A composite image stream is produced depicting the reflected light components and the fluoresced light component detected by the image sensor assembly. Hardware designs are provided to enable real-time processing of image streams from medical scopes.

Abstract: An endoscope or other endoscopic instrument is provided with multiple image sensors incorporated into the distal tip, each capturing a portion of the image provided from an optical imaging system. The output from the multiple sensors is combined and manipulated into a single high resolution image which can then be displayed to the user. A virtual horizon rotation feature is also provided which can rotate a displayed image within a combined field of view including data from the multiple image sensors. Various light directing element designs are provided to direct image light to the multiple sensors.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes an image sensor and a processor. The image sensor generates a sensor video signal comprising a plurality of portions. The processor receives the sensor video signal, processes a first portion of the plurality of portions of the sensor video signal according to a first processing mode to generate a first processed video signal, processes a second portion of the plurality of portions of the sensor video signal according to a second processing mode to generate a second processed video signal, and generates an output video signal using the first processed video signal and the second processed video signal.

Abstract: A modular video imaging system, and more particularly, a modular video imaging system having a control module connectable to multiple input modules. The control module and each input module having its own power supply and the input modules each capable of receiving differing types of image data from different types of cameras and processing the image data into a format recognizable by the control module. The control module controlling the ON/OFF condition of the input modules, such that each input module can be connected and disconnected during use.

Abstract: A camera head is provided that includes a first lens group, including at least one deformable lens with variable curvature, a second lens group moveable relative to the first lens group, and an image sensor for capturing a light beam received from an endoscope, wherein the first lens group is fixed relative to the image sensor and the aperture of the first lens group is smaller than the aperture of the second lens group. A method is also provided for capturing of an image utilizing a zoom system including a variable power first lens group and a movable second lens group.

Abstract: Improved exposure control processes, devices, and systems are provided for wide angle lens imaging systems that suffer from image distortion. The exposure control uses a model of the wide angle lens distortion that estimates the weights that respective pixels of the image would have when producing an undistorted version of the image signal, and then scales pixel intensity values by the respective weights to produce weighted pixel values. The weighted pixel values are provided to an exposure control pixel counting process to produce one or more exposure feedback control signals, which control exposure features of the imaging system.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing problems in a medical imaging system. In some implementations, problems with the medical imaging system are determined by encoding information into an image relating to system settings or other data, and using the information to diagnose possible problems with the image and/or the medical imaging system.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoscope having a lens holder, wherein the lens holder includes a body containing a sintered feedstock and machined surfaces. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the endoscope which includes the steps of molding a metal blank by a MIM process, wherein the metal blank is “near net shape” and has a sprue, a post, and optionally an outer shell, machining the inner surfaces and then the outer surfaces of the metal blank to form a lens holder, installing a lens in the lens holder, and assembling the lens holder having the lens into the endoscope.

Abstract: A medical imaging system having a processor with software executing thereon is provided for processing and display of multiple bandwidths of video in multiple display areas. The system receives a video signal with a plurality of portions and generates at least two signals there from. Each of the two signals has a bandwidth for display in a different display area. The two signals are updated so that each component displays a different portion of the input video signal, and the two signals may be combined for display on a single display device having two display areas.

Abstract: A video recording and image capture device for documenting surgical procedures that includes a main board for executing a plurality of software, a multimedia interface operable to receive a video signal and process it into an MPEG layer stream, the video interface connected on a first bus to the main board, a hard drive to record an MPEG layer stream as a file, an optical media drive to write an MPEG layer stream as a file, the hard drive and the optical media drive operably connected on a second bus, the bus being vertically stacked and connected to the main board, and a touchscreen interactive for user control, connected to the main board on a second bus to control the video interface.