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: 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 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: An optical device, generally a camera head connected to an endoscope, provides multiple modes of operation, producing images with varying depth of field and/or resolution characteristics. Light from the endoscope passes through a variable aperture and a beam splitter and is directed to two or more independent image sensors. The image sensors may be moved, relative to each other, along their optical paths. An image processor combines the collected images into a resultant image. Adjustment of the relative positions of the image sensor and/or the diameter of the variable aperture permits the selection of optical properties desired, with a larger depth of field, and/or higher resolution than possible with a conventional system. Images may be collected through multiple acquisition periods, and a further enhanced image may be generated therefrom. The camera head may automatically make adjustments based on identifiers of the optical configuration of the attached endoscope.

Abstract: A control system for a coupling an input device and an input module of an imaging system for a medical procedure includes a compatibility module and a magnetic force module. The compatibility module generates a compatibility signal indicating the input device is compatible with the input module or indicating that the input device is incompatible with the input module based on electronic information stored on the input device. The magnetic force module that generates a magnetic force between a connector of the input device and a receptacle of the input module based on the compatibility signal.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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. The resulting first and second beams are passed through focusing optics to a single sensor. To take better advantage of the available number image sensor pixels, the beam may pass through lens elements (or prisms) to generate an anamorphic aspect ratio prior to being split, increasing the resolution of the image in one dimension. The afocal anamorphic beam is then split, and both images are focused on the image sensor. The anamorphism is compensated for in image processing, permitting higher resolution in one dimension along the image sensor. The manipulation of the beams prior to being split (and in some cases after or while being split) can take several forms, each offering distinct advantages over existing systems.

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) 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: 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 control system for a coupling an input device and an input module of an imaging system for a medical procedure includes a compatibility module and a magnetic force module. The compatibility module generates a compatibility signal indicating the input device is compatible with the input module or indicating that the input device is incompatible with the input module based on electronic information stored on the input device. The magnetic force module that generates a magnetic force between a connector of the input device and a receptacle of the input module based on the compatibility signal.

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. The resulting first and second beams are passed through focusing optics to a single sensor. To take better advantage of the available number image sensor pixels, the beam may pass through lens elements (or prisms) to generate an anamorphic aspect ratio prior to being split, increasing the resolution of the image in one dimension. The afocal anamorphic beam is then split, and both images are focused on the image sensor. The anamorphism is compensated for in image processing, permitting higher resolution in one dimension along the image sensor. The manipulation of the beams prior to being split (and in some cases after or while being split) can take several forms, each offering distinct advantages over existing systems.

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: 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.