Abstract: A system architecture for a medical visualization system (1) is provided, having a central control module (CCM) (4), using which numerous components (3, 2, 6 and possibly 23), in particular a camera control unit (3) and optionally peripheral devices (6), can be accessed in a controlling manner, in order to be able to exert a central control function in the sense of a “surgical cockpit” in this manner. With the aid of the CCM (4), the user, for example, with the aid of a touchscreen (15), can control and regulate in a controlling manner all important functions of the visualization system (1), wherein the visualization system (1) can also be modularly expanded using further components, which can then each be newly connected to the CCM (4).

Abstract: To improve the accuracy and the speed of an autofocus method by which it is possible to automatically find a current best focal plane (13) which provides the best possible image quality for an object (3) situated at a certain working distance (11) from an optical imaging system (1), a spatial location and preferably at least one further parameter of a z-scan (17) performed to find the best focal plane (13) is modified on the basis of an estimated value (41) for the working distance (11). In this case, the estimated value (41) can be determined on the basis of site information retrieved from an external system, for example an image-based navigation system (36) or a robotics system (34) used to displace the imaging system (1). The assisted adaptation of the autofocus thus allows shortening the time required to find the best focal plane (13).

Abstract: An image transfer arrangement (1) for the wireless transfer of image information items between a transmitter (4) and a receiver (8), wherein at least two communication channels (11) which are physically independent of one another are formed between the transmitter (4) and the receiver (8) and enable impairment and interference-free communication.

Abstract: A method for multispectral recording of an image stream, in which a sequence of single images of a scene, in particular a continuous video image data stream, is recorded as an image stream using an image sensor of an image recording system. At least two different types of single images are recorded in different associated wavelength ranges using the image sensor. At least one type A single image of the sequence is recorded during a chronological type A recording segment and at least one type B single image of the sequence is recorded during a chronological type B recording segment. The type A recording segment and the type B recording segment are chronologically separated from one another by a respective waiting interval, in which no image data are sensorially acquired using the image sensor. An image recording system is also provided that to carry out the method.

Abstract: For high-performance “advanced imaging” applications, a synchronization signal (13), which is output by a playback device (14) or another data sink, such as a server application, is used to synchronize the chronological recording of an image stream (1) chronologically exactly with the playback of this image stream on the playback device and/or to synchronize the recording with an alternating illumination. Here, the synchronization signal (13) is used to trigger an image recording frequency of an image sensor (7) of an image recording system (23), by which the image stream is recorded. Furthermore, the synchronization signal can also be used to chronologically trigger a light source (21) of the image recording system, so that during the recording of the sequence of single images (2), an alternating illumination is obtainable, which is also synchronized with the recording of the single images and/or the image playback on the playback device.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope for insertion into the human body includes a flexible section arranged in a distal end region of the endoscope. The endoscope further includes a tip segment distally adjoining the flexible section, the tip segment being controllable by at least one tension cord. The flexible section is formed by means of an investment composition that is mechanically anchored to the tip segment and/or a proximal counter bearing, and the investment compound is elastically deformable.

Abstract: In summary, to simplify operation of a medical image acquisition system, it is proposed that the image acquisition system continuously monitors a current image acquisition situation and assigns at least one new function to at least one, preferably manual, operating element, which is adapted to a detected new image acquisition situation, in response to a change in the image acquisition situation, to the extent that said newly assigned function is adjustable and/or operable with the at least one operating element. To this end, the image acquisition system can detect the change in the image acquisition situation using predefined parameters by means of sensors and/or through communication with peripheral units and/or preferably through image analysis of an image sequence which is recorded with an image sensor of the image acquisition system.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope for insertion into the human body includes a flexible section arranged in a distal end region of the endoscope. The endoscope further includes a tip segment distally adjoining the flexible section, the tip segment being controllable by at least one tension cord. A skeleton is formed in a flexible controllable section with guide elements that are movable relative to one another, each of which guides at least one tension cord laterally.

Abstract: To improve the accuracy and the speed of an autofocus method, using which a present best focal plane (13) may be found in an automated manner, which enables a best possible image quality for an object (3), which is located at a specific working distance (11) to an optical imaging system (1), it is provided that at least one parameter used during a z-scan (17) be adapted in an automated manner as a function of a presently set optical zoom level and/or a current estimated value of the working distance (11). During the z-scan (17), a present location of a focal plane (12) of the optical imaging system (1) is displaced within a scanning range (14) along an optical z-axis (8) of the imaging system (1), wherein the individual focal planes (12) are each evaluated to identify the best focal plane (13) among them.

Abstract: An endoscope arrangement (1) including a camera head (2) with at least one distal image sensor (4) and an image-processing unit (3) which is connected to the camera head (2) via a connecting line (14). The connecting line (14) has at least one optical line (15) for transmitting image information. The connecting line (14) additionally has an electrical line (16) for serially transmitting electrical signals, it being possible to transmit electrical control signals bidirectionally via this electrical line.

Abstract: To simplify the use of a functional scope of a medical image recording system, for example an endoscopy system, a method is proposed in which an image processing unit of the image recording system recognizes predefined image recording situations on the basis of an image sequence recorded using an image sensor of the image recording system and in response thereto proposes an adaptation to a user that results in an improved display and/or an improved recording of the image sequence in the respective recognized image recording situation. The adaptation can relate here to an algorithm, using which the image sequence is processed after the recording, and/or an image recording method currently used to generate the image sequence.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly has an endoscope, having an optical waveguide and having an image guide, wherein the image guide is configured to be uninterrupted up to its proximal end and has an image guide interface at its proximal end for optical connection to an image capturing unit, an illumination unit having a light source and having an optical waveguide interface for optical connection of the light source to an optical waveguide, and an image capturing unit having an image sensor and having an image guide interface for optical connection of the image sensor to an image guide.

Abstract: For simplified, less computationally intensive, image recording of different spectral signal components using a plurality of color channels of a single image sensor, a targeted adjustment of a sensitivity of at least one of the color channels in relation to another one of the color channels of the image sensor is provided for a spectral separation of this reduced or adjusted color channel from the other color channel so that at least one certain spectral range (i.e., in particular a part of a first spectral range captured using the other color channel) is no longer detectable using the color channel that has been adjusted in terms of its sensitivity. This adjusted color channel becomes spectrally blind in the spectral range and can consequently spectrally selectively detect a further spectral range (specifically a second spectral range deviating from the first spectral range). The second spectral range may include a fluorescence wavelength.

Abstract: In order to improve imaging, in particular for low light intensities, an image recording device, in particular formed as an endoscope, is proposed, which comprises a single photon sensitive detector (SPSD) in addition to an image sensor, which uses photodiodes as light-sensitive cells, in order to respectively detect light from a common object area. With the help of the SPSD, additional image information can be obtained from the object area, to improve the image data recorded with the image sensor or to enhance it with additional image information, in particular with regard to a further spectral range, which is captured with the SPSD.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reconstructing an output image and/or a sequence of output images from raw image data, wherein, in at least one reconstruction chain between a recording of raw image data by means of an image recording device and a display of the output image and/or the sequence of output images on a display unit, at least one reconstruction step for reconstructing the output image and/or the sequence of output images is carried out, and wherein the result of the at least one reconstruction step is discarded when the result is recognized as invalid with respect to the fulfillment of a verification criterion.

Abstract: A device (1) and a method for transferring a raw image data stream (8) from an image sensor (6) via a data transfer connection (4) between a transmitter (2) and a receiver (3). In this case, the latency of the data transfer connection (4) is determined (S1), and the data rate of the raw image data stream (8) at the transmitter (2) is adapted (S3) to the determined latency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reconstructing an output image and/or a sequence of output images from raw image data, wherein, in at least one reconstruction chain between a recording of raw image data by means of an image recording device and a display of the output image and/or the sequence of output images on a display unit, at least one reconstruction step for reconstructing the output image and/or the sequence of output images is carried out, and wherein the result of the at least one reconstruction step is discarded when the result is recognized as invalid with respect to the fulfillment of a verification criterion.

Abstract: In the case of an endoscope, it is proposed that an investment composition consisting of a flexible, controllable section be anchored in a counter bearing, which forms a support surface for the respective flexible section.

Abstract: It is proposed that, in the case of an endoscope, a skeleton be formed in a flexible, controllable section with guide elements that are movable relative to one another, each of which guides at least one tension cord laterally.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly has an endoscope, having an optical waveguide and having an image guide, wherein the image guide is configured to be uninterrupted up to its proximal end and has an image guide interface at its proximal end for optical connection to an image capturing unit, an illumination unit having a light source and having an optical waveguide interface for optical connection of the light source to an optical waveguide, and an image capturing unit having an image sensor and having an image guide interface for optical connection of the image sensor to an image guide.