Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to enable multiple imaging modalities with a single camera head. The camera head may include a two chip or a three chip system capable of measuring different wavelengths of light to generate different images. The light source in the system can adjust the output spectra, by using a plurality of illuminants and filters, and measurements from different light channels on one or more images sensors can be used to generate white light images, fluorescence image, perfusion images, fluorescein images, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to enable multiple imaging modalities with a single camera head. The camera head may include a two chip or a three chip system capable of measuring different wavelengths of light to generate different images. The light source in the system can adjust the output spectra, by using a plurality of illuminants and filters, and measurements from different light channels on one or more images sensors can be used to generate white light images, fluorescence image, perfusion images, fluorescein images, and the like.

Abstract: Methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system. Substantially afocal light from the endoscope is manipulated and split. After passing through focusing optics, the already split light again split, this time in image space, producing four portions of light that may be manipulated relative to each other. The four portions of light are focused onto separate areas of two image sensors. The manipulation of the beams can take several forms, each offering distinct advantages over existing systems when individually displayed, analyzed and/or combined by an image processor.

Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A chromatic adjustment assembly, typically implemented with prisms, compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the optical channel. The assembly is placed optically between the most proximal rod lens of the endoscope and the focusing optics, typically at an internal telecentric image space, to improve the chromatic correction. The prism assembly directs incoming light with different spectral content along separate paths which compensate for chromatic aberration.

Abstract: An image relay system is presented that includes an opposing pair of rod lens assemblies positioned symmetrically with respect to a central airspace. The rod lens assemblies include a meniscus lens positioned immediately adjacent to a central airspace and with the convex surface facing the airspace, a first lens having positive optical power with a convex face positioned adjacent to the inner face of the meniscus lens, a rod lens adjacent to the first lens having positive power, and a second lens having positive optical power positioned adjacent to the rod lens, the relay system designed so that light across a broad spectrum come to a common focus, as well as correcting for spherical aberration across the broad spectrum. An endoscope employing this relay system is also presented.

Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A relay system includes an opposing pair of rod lens assemblies positioned symmetrically with respect to a central airspace. The rod lens assemblies include a meniscus lens positioned immediately adjacent to a central airspace and with the convex surface facing the airspace, a first lens having positive power with a convex face positioned adjacent to the inner face of the meniscus lens, a rod lens adjacent to the first lens having positive power and an outer optical manipulating structure selected from various designs providing chromatic aberration correction.

Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A chromatic adjustment assembly, typically implemented with prisms, compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the optical channel. The assembly is placed optically between the most proximal rod lens of the endoscope and the focusing optics, typically at an internal telecentric image space, to improve the chromatic correction. The prism assembly directs incoming light with different spectral content along separate paths which compensate for chromatic aberration.

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 camera head with multiple image sensors that may be detachably connected to an endoscope is presented. Each sensor capturing a portion of the image by the attached endoscope. One sensor receives two portions of the image light at opposing sides of the central image area, and another sensor receives the central image area. The output from the multiple sensors is combined and manipulated into a single higher 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: Improved medical scope devices and systems are provided to with two imaging modes and user interface features based on the imaging modes. A medical scope has a shaft with a light emitter at the distal tip providing illumination light and an optical assembly including a wide-angle lens element. A processor controls a display to show an adjustable region of interest (ROI) smaller than a field of view of the image sensor. Responsive to designated conditions, a frame is selected for diagnostic image processing to determine whether a feature of interest (FOI) is present in the frame. Responsive to an FOI being present in the frame but outside the ROI, a notification is created on the electronic display.

Abstract: Medical imaging camera head devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. Afocal light from the scope is manipulated and split by a beamsplitter. At least one polarizing optical element manipulates the polarization properties of one or both of the beams. The resulting first and second beams are passed through focusing optics to different image sensor areas to produce images with different intensity. The resulting images are combined with high dynamic range techniques.

Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A relay system includes an opposing pair of rod lens assemblies positioned symmetrically with respect to a central airspace. The rod lens assemblies include a meniscus lens positioned immediately adjacent to a central airspace and with the convex surface facing the airspace, a first lens having positive power with a convex face positioned adjacent to the inner face of the meniscus lens, a rod lens adjacent to the first lens having positive power and an outer optical manipulating structure selected from various designs providing chromatic aberration correction.

Abstract: An endoscope or other endoscopic instrument is provided with multiple image sensors, each capturing a portion of the image provided from an optical imaging system. One sensor receives two portions of the image light at opposing sides of the image. 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: Endoscopic camera head devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system. Substantially afocal light from the endoscope is manipulated and split. After passing through focusing optics, another beamsplitter is used to split the light again, this time in image space, producing four portions of light that may be further manipulated. The four portions of light are focused onto separate areas of two image sensors. The manipulation of the beams can take several forms, each offering distinct advantages over existing systems when individually displayed, analyzed and/or combined by an image processor.

Abstract: Medical imaging camera head attachment devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. Various camera head attachments are provided with a camera head design and system allowing recognition of the attachments and enabling processing algorithms associated with each. The camera head optics are designed to work with a variety of attachments. Several attachments optical designs are provided.

Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) and other sensor data imaging processes, devices, and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. A first optical device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode with an image sensor assembly including one or more image sensors. A mechanism in the first optical device to automatically adjust the focus of the first optical device wherein the automatic focus adjustment compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive or diffractive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the first or second optical devices, or both. Adjustment mechanisms are provided using liquid lenses or repositioning sensors. The design may be integrated with a scope or detachable.

Abstract: Medical imaging camera head attachment devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. Various camera head attachments are provided with a camera head design and system allowing recognition of the attachments, and enabling processing algorithms associated with each. The camera head optics are designed to work with a variety of attachments. Several attachments optical designs are provided.

Abstract: Scopes such as medical imaging camera head devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. At least one polarizing optical element manipulates the polarization properties of image light. The manipulated image light is focused on an image sensor including polarizers for each pixel. Multiple images are produced based sets of pixels having the same orientation of polarizer. The resulting images are combined with high dynamic range techniques.

Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) and other sensor data imaging processes, devices, and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. A first optical device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode with an image sensor assembly including one or more image sensors. A mechanism in the first optical device to automatically adjust the focus of the first optical device wherein the automatic focus adjustment compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive or diffractive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the first or second optical devices, or both. Adjustment mechanisms are provided using liquid lenses or repositioning sensors. The design may be integrated with a scope or detachable.

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 image of a resolution higher than is possible with only one of the sensors. The resulting image, or a portion thereof, can then be displayed to the user. A digital panning feature is also provided where the region of interest displayed from the combined field of view including data from the multiple image sensors is changed.