Abstract: A dynamic imaging system for use with endoscope, or as an element of a video endoscope, utilizes path length differences and/or a variable aperture size to expand a usable depth of field and/or improve image resolution in an area of interest in the image field. In some implementations, the imaging system utilizes a variable aperture in conjunction with unequally spaced image sensors placed downstream from a beam splitter. An imaging system captures multiple focal planes of an image scene on separate sensors. A variable aperture permits the capture of enhanced resolution images or images with longer depths of field. These differently focused images and/or images with different resolutions and depths of field are then combined using image fusion techniques.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that enable contextual correction functions based on a current step in a surgery or surgical procedure and based on what is displayed on a display. By using information about what is depicted on the display and the current step of the surgery or surgical procedure, a controller can implement data models that automatically perform correction functions without the need for physician input.

Abstract: A system for controlling a medical imaging scope is disclosed. The system includes a camera head, a display, a processing unit, a memory unit and an input disposed on the medical imaging scope. The processing unit is configured to display a menu that correlates to a plurality of commands. The input is configured to be moveable in three dimensions of space along a set axis, in a plurality of discrete patterns. The processing unit is further configured to associate each of the plurality of discrete patterns with a desired command of the plurality of commands and store each of the plurality of discrete patterns with the desired command of the plurality of commands in the memory unit so as to customize a control of the medical imaging scope.

Abstract: A system for controlling a medical imaging scope is disclosed. The system includes a camera head, a display, a processing unit, a memory unit and an input disposed on the medical imaging scope. The processing unit is configured to display a menu that correlates to a plurality of commands. The input is configured to be moveable in three dimensions of space along a set axis, in a plurality of discrete patterns. The processing unit is further configured to associate each of the plurality of discrete patterns with a desired command of the plurality of commands and store each of the plurality of discrete patterns with the desired command of the plurality of commands in the memory unit so as to customize a control of the medical imaging scope.

Abstract: A fully implantable observation instrument is presented enabling visualization of an internal region of a human or animal body without the need of wires extending from within the body to without. Data and power may be transmitted wirelessly from a communication assembly located near an accessible surface of the body, such as directly under the skin. The communication assembly is connected and delivers necessary power to an also implanted camera assembly that includes an electronic image sensor and a light source contained within an at least partially transparent biocompatible container.

Abstract: A system for controlling a medical imaging scope is disclosed. The system includes a camera head, a display, a processing unit, a memory unit and an input disposed on the medical imaging scope. The processing unit is configured to display a menu that correlates to a plurality of commands. The input is configured to be moveable in three dimensions of space along a set axis, in a plurality of discrete patterns. The processing unit is further configured to associate each of the plurality of discrete patterns with a desired command of the plurality of commands and store each of the plurality of discrete patterns with the desired command of the plurality of commands in the memory unit so as to customize a control of the medical imaging scope.

Abstract: A system for operating surgical imaging devices using configurable processing resources of a virtual camera control unit connected to a network includes an allocation manager for allocating processing resources, a primary imaging device, a secondary imaging device, a feature module, and a load balance module. The load balance module adjusts one or more settings of one or more features of the primary and secondary imaging devices based on the available processing resources and the desired settings of the one or more features.

Abstract: A dynamic imaging system for use with endoscope, or as an element of a video endoscope, utilizes path length differences and/or a variable aperture size to expand a usable depth of field and/or improve image resolution in an area of interest in the image field. In some implementations, the imaging system utilizes a variable aperture in conjunction with unequally spaced image sensors placed downstream from a beam splitter. An imaging system captures multiple focal planes of an image scene on separate sensors. A variable aperture permits the capture of enhanced resolution images or images with longer depths of field. These differently focused images and/or images with different resolutions and depths of field are then combined using image fusion techniques.

Abstract: A dynamic imaging system of an endoscope that adjusts path length differences or focal points to expand a usable depth of field. The imaging system utilizes a variable lens to adjust the focal plane of the beam or an actuated sensor to adjust the detected focal plane. The imaging system is thus capable of capturing and adjusting the focal plane of separate images captured on separate sensors. The separate light beams may be differently polarized by a variable wave plate or a polarized beam splitter to allow separate manipulation of the beams for addition of more frames. These differently focused frames are then combined using image fusion techniques.

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 system for operating surgical imaging devices using configurable processing resources of a virtual camera control unit connected to a network includes an allocation manager for allocating processing resources, a primary imaging device, a secondary imaging device, a feature module, and a load balance module. The load balance module adjusts one or more settings of one or more features of the primary and secondary imaging devices based on the available processing resources and the desired settings of the one or more features.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improved control feedback of medical scopes. Buttons on a scope include both touch sensors and button press sensors. The touch sensors activate independently of a button press when a mere touch is applied to the button, causing a function indication to be displayed, preferably on the scope video display, showing which function will activate if the button is pressed. Touch indications may also be displayed identifying the button that is pressed. The buttons may be reconfigured along with the function and touch indications. Such a feedback scheme allows improved operation and safety as the operator does not need to look away from the display to identify a button to be pressed.

Abstract: A control interface and adjustment mechanism for an endoscope including multiple buttons, each button including a touch surface and a magnet disposed below the touch surface. The control system of the control interface includes a magnetometer detecting ambient magnetic fields and a control processor receiving signals from the magnetometer, wherein the control processor is connected to at least one endoscope component and controls the at least endoscope component. The control processor filters received first field information from the magnetometer to determine if the received first field information matches a specific stored button vector of at least one button vector stored in memory, and if the received first field information matches the specific stored button vector, then the at least one endoscope component is controlled based on the first information detected by the control unit.

Abstract: A method of operating video scopes using graphics processing unit (GPU) resources of a virtual camera control unit (CCU) server connected to a network includes determining an available amount of GPU resources; providing a primary scope to connect to the network, the primary scope including a primary scope setting adjustable within a range from a minimum level that requires a minimum amount of GPU resources to a maximum level that requires a maximum amount of GPU resources; configuring the primary scope setting to a primary scope first level; determining a first desired amount of GPU resources based on the primary scope first level; and comparing the first desired amount of GPU resources with the available amount of GPU resources.

Abstract: A method of operating video scopes using graphics processing unit (GPU) resources of a virtual camera control unit (CCU) server connected to a network includes determining an available amount of GPU resources; providing a primary scope to connect to the network, the primary scope including a primary scope setting adjustable within a range from a minimum level that requires a minimum amount of GPU resources to a maximum level that requires a maximum amount of GPU resources; configuring the primary scope setting to a primary scope first level; determining a first desired amount of GPU resources based on the primary scope first level; and comparing the first desired amount of GPU resources with the available amount of GPU resources.

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 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 dynamic imaging system of an endoscope that adjusts path length differences or focal points to expand a usable depth of field. The imaging system utilizes a variable lens to adjust the focal plane of the beam or an actuated sensor to adjust the detected focal plane. The imaging system is thus capable of capturing and adjusting the focal plane of separate images captured on separate sensors. The separate light beams may be differently polarized by a variable wave plate or a polarized beam splitter to allow separate manipulation of the beams for addition of more frames. These differently focused frames are then combined using image fusion techniques.

Abstract: A dynamic imaging system of an endoscope that adjusts path length differences or focal points to expand a usable depth of field. The imaging system utilizes a variable lens to adjust the focal plane of the beam or an actuated sensor to adjust the detected focal plane. The imaging system is thus capable of capturing and adjusting the focal plane of separate images captured on separate sensors. The separate light beams may be differently polarized by a variable wave plate or a polarized beam splitter to allow separate manipulation of the beams for addition of more frames. These differently focused frames are then combined using image fusion techniques.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improved control feedback of medical scopes. Buttons on a scope include both touch sensors and button press sensors. The touch sensors activate independently of a button press when a mere touch is applied to the button, causing a function indication to be displayed, preferably on the scope video display, showing which function will activate if the button is pressed. Touch indications may also be displayed identifying the button that is pressed. The buttons may be reconfigured along with the function and touch indications. Such a feedback scheme allows improved operation and safety as the operator does not need to look away from the display to identify a button to be pressed.