Abstract: A method of notifying personnel in an operating room of a potential hazard comprising, at a computing system: capturing at least one image of the operating room by at least one camera that can detect light outside of a visible spectrum; determining that at least one potential hazard is in the operating room based on analysis of the at least one image; and in response to determining that the at least one potential hazard is in the operating room, generating at least one notification for notifying the personnel in the operating room that there is the at least one potential hazard in the operating room.

Abstract: A method of notifying personnel in an operating room of a potential hazard comprising, at a computing system: capturing at least one image of the operating room by at least one camera that can detect light outside of a visible spectrum; determining that at least one potential hazard is in the operating room based on analysis of the at least one image; and in response to determining that the at least one potential hazard is in the operating room, generating at least one notification for notifying the personnel in the operating room that there is the at least one potential hazard in the operating room.

Abstract: A method of setting up an operating room including placing at least one surgical device on at least one surface in the operating room, capturing an image of the at least one surgical device with a camera, comparing actual attributes of the at least one surgical device determined using the image captured by the camera with desired attributes of the at least one surgical device stored in a digital preference storage using a computer system, and issuing instruction information of the at least one surgical device in the operating room, the instruction information being dependent on results of the step of comparing.

Abstract: A method of setting up an operating room including placing at least one surgical device on at least one surface in the operating room, capturing an image of the at least one surgical device with a camera, comparing actual attributes of the at least one surgical device determined using the image captured by the camera with desired attributes of the at least one surgical device stored in a digital preference storage using a computer system, and issuing instruction information of the at least one surgical device in the operating room, the instruction information being dependent on results of the step of comparing.

Abstract: A method of setting up an operating room including placing at least one surgical device on at least one surface in the operating room, capturing an image of the at least one surgical device with a camera, comparing actual attributes of the at least one surgical device determined using the image captured by the camera with desired attributes of the at least one surgical device stored in a digital preference storage using a computer system, and issuing instruction information of the at least one surgical device in the operating room, the instruction information being dependent on results of the step of comparing.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly consisting of an endoscope 622, a light source, 626 and a camera 552 with display 558. The endoscope contains a memory 670 with data that describes the endoscope and its operating characteristics. When the light source is connected to the endoscope with a fiber optic cable 628, the data in the memory are read into a control processor 538a internal to the light source. The control processor, based on the endoscope data configures the light source so that it emits an appropriate amount of light for that endoscope. The light source also sends a control unit 556 of the camera data indicating the type of endoscope to which the camera is attached. Based on this endoscope type data, the control unit processes the image signals generated by the camera head in an appropriate form for the attached endoscope so as to produce appropriate signals for presenting an image on the display.

Abstract: An endoscopic viewing system including a powered zoom coupler. The coupler is configured to attach the camera to a proximal end of an endoscope. The coupler includes a plurality of lenses that are positioned within a sleeve. The coupler includes a first motor and a second motor. Each of the first motor and the second motor move at least a portion of the plurality of lenses with respect to the sleeve. The coupler can optically focus and magnify the image applied to a camera.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly consisting of an endoscope 622, a light source, 626 and a camera 552 with display 558. The endoscope contains a memory 670 with data that describes the endoscope and its operating characteristics. When the light source is connected to the endoscope with a fiber optic cable 628, the data in the memory are read into a control processor 538a internal to the light source. The control processor, based on the endoscope data configures the light source so that it emits an appropriate amount of light for that endoscope. The light source also sends a control unit 556 of the camera data indicating the type of endoscope to which the camera is attached. Based on this endoscope type data, the control unit processes the image signals generated by the camera head in an appropriate form for the attached endoscope so as to produce appropriate signals for presenting an image on the display.

Abstract: An endoscope (22) with an elongated shaft (23) and a light post (58). One or more sensed elements are fitted to the light post. The sensed elements may be magnets (432). The sensed elements may be mounted in an adapter (126) that is removably attached to the light post.

Abstract: An endoscopic viewing system including a powered zoom coupler. The coupler is configured to attach the camera to a proximal end of an endoscope. The coupler includes a plurality of lenses that are positioned within a sleeve. The coupler includes a first motor and a second motor. Each of the first motor and the second motor move at least a portion of the plurality of lenses with respect to the sleeve. The coupler can optically focus and magnify the image applied to a camera.

Abstract: An endoscopic camera system includes apparent focusing capability to automatically and non-mechanically apparently focus images of internal features of a body during an endoscopic procedure. The system includes a scope for insertion into the body, a camera head coupled with the scope, and a camera control unit coupled with the camera head. Video image data of internal features of the body are acquired through the scope by the camera head and transmitted to the camera control unit, which generates video images for display on a monitor. The camera control unit includes an auto-focusing process for digitally focusing the video images in real-time.

Abstract: An endoscopic camera system includes zooming capability to non-mechanically enlarge images of internal features of a body during an endoscopic procedure. The system includes a scope for insertion into the body, a camera head coupled to the scope, and a camera control unit coupled to the camera head. Video image data of internal features of the body are acquired through the scope by the camera head and transmitted to the camera control unit, which generates video images for display on a monitor. The camera control unit includes zoom circuitry for digitally zooming the video images in real-time. Operation of the zoom circuitry may be controlled by manual input or by voice commands. Voice commands may be used to set and recall preset zoom views.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (124) for supplying light to an endoscope (22) from a light source (28). The cable, in addition to including an optically transmissive core (50), includes two conductors (62) that are not in direct electrical contact with each other. Contacts (140, 146) integral with a plug (130) attached to one end of the cable connect the conductors to circuitry internal to the light source. The conductors extend to a switch (384) in a second plug (132) which is closed when a sensor (387) closes the switch to establish an electrical connection between the conductors. The sensor closes the switch when the second plug is connected to an endoscope. The circuit internal to the light source monitors the change in voltage across the conductors to determine if the connection is established. When the connection is not established, the light source places itself in a standby mode reducing the amount of emitted light energy, thus minimizing heating of the light cable, and the second, distal plug.