Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting whether an illumination source of an endoscope is in use (inside the body of a patient) versus not in use (outside the body of a patient). The disclosure relies on the fact that the working environment is lit solely by the endoscope and its components. Thus, communication between the illumination or light source controller and the imaging device, such as a surgical camera, is required. When the illumination or light source is turned off and the endoscope is outside the body, a sensor will detect ambient light alerting the illumination source controller that it is outside the body, which then keeps the illumination source off or at a low intensity level. Conversely, when the illumination source is turned off and the endoscope is inside the body, the sensor will not detect any light (or will detect only a very low level of light).

Abstract: Embodiments of a hybrid imaging sensor and methods for pixel sub-column data read from the within a pixel array.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and correction of white balance and/or fixed pattern noise at startup or at any other time during a procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and associated structures, methods and features is disclosed and described. The features of the system may include controlling a light source through duration, intensity or both; pulsing a component controlled light source during the blanking period; maximizing the blanking period to allow optimum light; and maintaining color balance.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to systems and methods for reducing the area of an image sensor by reducing the imaging sensor pad count used for data transmission and clock generation.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments with luminance and chrominance emitted from a controlled light source.

Abstract: An imaging sensor that optimizes a pixel array area on a substrate using a stacking scheme for placement of related circuitry with minimal vertical interconnects between stacked substrates and associated features are disclosed. Embodiments of maximized pixel array size/die size (area optimization) are disclosed, and an optimized imaging sensor providing improved image quality, improved functionality, and improved form factors for specific applications common to the industry of digital imaging are also disclosed. Embodiments of the above may include systems, methods and processes for staggering ADC or column circuit bumps in a column or sub-column hybrid image sensor using vertical interconnects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for digitally imaging with area limited image sensors, such as within a lumen of an endoscope.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for widening dynamic range within an image in a light deficient environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of a hybrid imaging sensor that optimizes a pixel array area on a substrate using a stacking scheme for placement of related circuitry with minimal vertical interconnects between stacked substrates and associated features are disclosed. Embodiments of maximized pixel array size/die size (area optimization) are disclosed, and an optimized imaging sensor providing improved image quality, improved functionality, and improved form factors for specific applications common to the industry of digital imaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for providing illumination for an endoscope device. The system includes a light source comprising light bundles, wherein each light bundle comprises light emitters. The light source sequentially pulses electromagnetic energy in individual electromagnetic partitions, where each of the plurality of light bundles corresponds to one of the individual electromagnetic partitions. The system includes an electromagnetic sensor embedded within the light source to sense electromagnetic energy emitted from at least one, but less than all, of the light emitters within each of the light bundles. The system includes a control circuit in electronic communication with the electromagnetic sensor and at least one of the light emitters, wherein the electromagnetic sensor receives electromagnetic energy from at least one of the light emitters, and wherein the electromagnetic sensor measures an amount of electromagnetic energy generated by the at least one of the light emitters.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and associated structures, methods and features. The features of the systems and methods described herein may include providing improved resolution and color reproduction.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, devices, and systems for removing speckle from a coherent light source, such as laser light. The methods, devices, and systems help eliminate or reduce speckle introduced from a coherent light source, such as laser light, by utilizing the teachings and principles of the disclosure.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to devices, systems and methods for connecting one or more sensors to one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) in the distal end or tip of a scope. The disclosure also extends to a connector assembly for an image sensor for protecting the sensor and conveying information from the sensor to the PCB.

Abstract: Embodiments of a hybrid imaging sensor and methods for pixel sub-column data read from the within a pixel array.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments and associated structures, methods and features. The features of the systems and methods described herein may include providing improved resolution and color reproduction.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for producing an image in light deficient environments having cancelled fixed pattern noise.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, devices, and systems for removing speckle from a coherent light source, such as laser light. The methods, devices, and systems help eliminate or reduce speckle introduced from a coherent light source, such as laser light, by utilizing the teachings and principles of the disclosure.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to systems and methods for reducing the area of an image sensor by reducing the imaging sensor pad count used for data transmission and clock generation.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to devices, systems and methods for connecting one or more sensors to one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) in the distal end or tip of a scope. The disclosure also extends to a connector assembly for an image sensor for protecting the sensor and conveying information from the sensor to the PCB.