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: 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: Videoendoscope designs are provided including an objective and image sensor, preferably in the distal region, the image sensor having a micro-lens array with micro-lens offsets designed for a designated chief ray angle. The scope further includes a lens group having negative optical power optically arranged adjacent to the image sensor. The negative optical power serves to modify the chief ray angle characteristic of the lens group to more closely match that required by the image sensor and micro-lens array. Some designs include a non-linear distortion in the second lens group to compensate for non-linearly varying offsets in the sensor micro-lenses. Various lens group designs and sensor arrangements are provided.

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.

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 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: An imaging system includes an imaging scope, a controller, a camera, and a processor. The imaging scope is selectively rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to a horizon plane. The imaging scope has at least three optical channels, each including a respective objective that captures light. The objectives are positioned such that respective viewing direction axes of the optical channels extend at least substantially parallel to one another. The controller activates a pair of optical channels that is at least as parallel relative to the horizon plane as any other pair of optical channels. The camera generates a first image representative of light captured by a first optical channel of the activated pair of optical channels, and a second image representative of light captured by a second optical channel of the activated pair of optical channels. The processor generates a 3D image using the first and second images.

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: 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) 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: Videoendoscope designs are provided including an objective and image sensor, preferably in the distal region, the image sensor having a micro-lens array with micro-lens offsets designed for a designated chief ray angle. The scope further includes a lens group having negative optical power optically arranged adjacent to the image sensor. The negative optical power serves to modify the chief ray angle characteristic of the lens group to more closely match that required by the image sensor and micro-lens array. Some designs include a non-linear distortion in the second lens group to compensate for non-linearly varying offsets in the sensor micro-lenses. Various lens group designs and sensor arrangements are provided.

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 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: An imaging system includes an imaging scope, a controller, a camera, and a processor. The imaging scope is selectively rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to a horizon plane. The imaging scope has at least three optical channels, each including a respective objective that captures light. The objectives are positioned such that respective viewing direction axes of the optical channels extend at least substantially parallel to one another. The controller activates a pair of optical channels that is at least as parallel relative to the horizon plane as any other pair of optical channels. The camera generates a first image representative of light captured by a first optical channel of the activated pair of optical channels, and a second image representative of light captured by a second optical channel of the activated pair of optical channels. The processor generates a 3D image using the first and second images.

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 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: 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 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.