Endoscope Patents (Class 348/45)
  • Patent number: 8792000
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for capturing the image of the physical object and displaying the captured image is provided for combining and displaying in real time the shape-distorted graded scale with the captured image, the apparatus comprising a graded scale generating part for generating the graded scale to be used for indicating the dimension of the physical object in the captured image; a data storing part for storing the data for correction to be used in order to correct the graded scale shape by adding the distortion to the generated graded scale in the similar degree to the distortion caused by the distortion aberration; a graded scale shape correcting part for generating the shape-distorted graded scale by correcting the graded scale shape according to the data for correction; and an image combining part for combining the generated shape-distorted graded scale with the captured image, and displays the captured image combined with the shape-distorted graded scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Advanced Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Oka, Masahiro Edaya
  • Patent number: 8791998
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a display section that displays a first image, which forms a streaming video obtained by capturing blades periodically arrayed in a jet engine, and also displays information indicating the position of a blade corresponding to the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Hori
  • Patent number: 8786690
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging section that images an object, an observation mode setting section that sets an observation mode when the imaging section images the object, and a control section that controls an image read mode in which an image is read from the imaging section and a in-focus object plane of the imaging section based on the observation mode set by the observation mode setting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Yoshino
  • Patent number: 8780176
    Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring an image of a particle flowing in a vessel, the system comprising a light source for generating an illuminating light, an imaging probe for laterally statically illuminating at least a portion of said vessel with the illuminating light, a detection unit for detecting emitted light from an illuminated portion of said particle, and a processor unit for reproducing an image of the illuminated portion of said particle from the emitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited
    Inventor: Dvir Yelin
  • Patent number: 8780181
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, a method and a system for obtaining a plurality of images of a sample arranged in relation to a sample device. The apparatus comprises at least a first optical detection assembly having an optical axis and at least one translation unit arranged to move the sample device and the first optical detection assembly relative to each other. The movement of the sample device and the first optical detection assembly relative to each other is along a scanning path, which defines an angle theta relative to the optical axis, wherein theta is larger than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Unisensor A/S
    Inventors: Tom Olesen, Martin Christian Valvik, Niels Agersnap Larsen, Rasmus Helmsby Sandberg
  • Patent number: 8773508
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for computing a three dimensional model of a surface of an object are disclosed. At least one directional energy source (106-109) directionally illuminates the object (101). An imaging assembly (104), having at least two spatially separated viewpoints (111,112) at fixed positions relative to each other, records a series of images of the object at each viewpoint when the object is illuminated by the source. At least one localisation template (102,103) having predetermined geometrical features is visible to at least one of the viewpoints simultaneously with the object. The images recorded at the viewpoints are analysed so as to determine the location and pose of each viewpoint relative to the template for each image in the series of images. Photometric data for the object is generated using the calculated location and pose of the viewpoints and the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Fuel 3D Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Ronald Daniel, James Paterson, David H. Auty
  • Patent number: 8768024
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically detecting villi texture in in-vivo images. In-vivo images may be received from an in vivo imaging capsule, and at least one image may be selected for analysis. Textural details may be extracted, for example using morphological top hat transforms. The image may be divided into segments or patches. The patches may be pruned using a set of threshold conditions, which are calculated based on grayscale or color statistics of the patches. The patches may be classified as containing villi texture or not based for example on rotation-invariant textural features computed in the Fourier domain. A sum, score or rating for the image may be calculated based on the classification of each patch. The final score of the image may be averaged over a number of, for example, consecutive images, and the score may be used for detecting entry into the small bowel and segmenting the image stream to anatomical regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Igor Zingman, Ofra Zinaty
  • Patent number: 8767060
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus can include a handset and an elongated inspection tube extending from the handset. For reduction of heat energy radiating from one or more components of the apparatus, the apparatus can include a particularly designed heat sink assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: GE Inspection Technologies, LP
    Inventors: Joshua Lynn Scott, Marjorie L. Buerkle, James J. Delmonico, Thomas W. Karpen, Joseph V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 8743184
    Abstract: A photographing apparatus is provided that accurately determines focus positions of two photographing sections in the same degree of time as in the past and a focus position determining method. A search range setting section 121 calculates one boundary value Pn? of a second search area and calculates the other boundary value Pf? of the second search area on the basis of a focus position P1 of a first focus lens FLA detected by an AF detecting section 120 and a boundary value N of a search area on a near side and a boundary value F of a search area on a far side. The AF detecting section 120 searches for a focus position P2 while instructing a second F lens driving section 104B to move a second focus lens FLB in a second search area (Pn? to Pf?) narrower than a first search area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yi Pan
  • Patent number: 8731367
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores data of a plurality of medical images at different imaging angles or different imaging positions with respect to the same region, a display unit which displays the data of the medical image read out from the storage unit, and a control unit which controls the storage unit and the display unit to play back the plurality of medical images as moving images and pause playback of the medical image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8723921
    Abstract: An image pickup system includes an image pickup device (CIS) provided with a TG which generates a first reference synchronization signal and includes a synchronization signal self-generating counter, and a processor provided with a TG that generates a second reference synchronization signal and a reference synchronization signal comparing section that compares the first reference synchronization signal superimposed on a video signal with the second reference synchronization signal, in which when a shift occurs between the first reference synchronization signal and the second reference synchronization signal, the processor transmits the second reference synchronization signal or phase correction amount information to the CIS, and the TG changes a timing of the first reference synchronization signal according to the second reference synchronization signal or the phase correction amount information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Hidenori Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8711205
    Abstract: An image display device includes: a memory unit that stores internal body image data acquired via a receiver from a capsule endoscope taking internal body image of a subject and information that is associated with the internal body image data and related to a position of the capsule endoscope within the subject; a position information acquisition unit that performs a position estimation process based on the information related to the position to acquire position information of the capsule endoscope at imaging each of the internal body images; a preferential image determination unit that determines whether each of the internal body images meets a predetermined condition; and a preferential process control unit that controls the position information acquisition unit to perform the position estimation process preferentially on the internal body image determined to meet the predetermined condition by the preferential image determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Kei Takasugi, Satomi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8704878
    Abstract: An image display apparatus for displaying an image of an object on a screen by using a projector includes a three-dimensional image display unit having a plurality of screens overlaid but spaced apart from one another, each of the screens diffusing and reflecting part of the light incident thereon and transmitting the remainder of the light, and an image projection unit having a plurality of projectors, each of the projectors is assigned to the corresponding one of the screens and projects an image of the object on the screen. The image projection unit displays a three-dimensional image of the object in the three-dimensional image display unit by projecting on the screens the shapes of the object in sectioning positions corresponding to the positions of the screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hasegawa, Akihiko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8698882
    Abstract: A sample and hold circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, a network of switches and a control circuit. The control circuit is operable to control the network of switches so as to sample an incoming signal onto at least some of the plurality of capacitors. In such an operation, each capacitor takes a sample of the incoming signal at a different time. The sample and hold circuit outputs a signal corresponding to an average of the samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventor: John Kevin Moore
  • Patent number: 8692912
    Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus and method of multi-spectral imaging to obtain and analyze information contained in the spectral distribution (reflection, absorption, or emission) of components within the image. The spectral information is captured in a series of images from differing spectral regions. This series of images are then combined into a composite image using re-colorization and image stabilization algorithms for display in real time. The process can be repeated continuously allowing spectral changes over time to be captured and analyzed. In the alternative one sequence of images can be captured for use as a still image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Pixelteq, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Fish, Jason M. Eichenholz
  • Patent number: 8692869
    Abstract: An image processing device for processing image information including light reception value information obtained by imaging an inside of a living body includes: a distance information obtainment unit that obtains, at a bright region in the image information, information on a distance to a surface of the living body on the basis of the light reception value information on light in a first wavelength range, and obtains, at a dark region in the image information, information on a distance to the surface of the living body on the basis of the light reception value information on light in a second wavelength range which is a longer wavelength range than the first wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Minai
  • Publication number: 20140092216
    Abstract: An image data receiving apparatus includes: a first receiving section that receives a first signal including serial data according to image data; a second receiving section that receives a second signal including serial data that is different from the serial data included in the first signal; a first conversion section that converts the serial data included in the first signal into parallel data and outputs the parallel data; a second conversion section that converts the serial data included in the second signal into parallel data and outputs the parallel data; a bit drift amount detecting section that obtains information indicating a degree of drift of the parallel data outputted from the second conversion section from a predetermined bit pattern; and a bit shifting section that shifts the parallel data outputted from the first conversion section according to the information obtained by the bit drift amount detecting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Susumu KAWATA, Takahiro TANABE
  • Publication number: 20140092215
    Abstract: In a stereoscopic endoscope apparatus, images obtained by left-eye and right-eye imaging systems are shaded differently due to subtle difference in an illumination direction, making fusion difficult. An endoscopic system includes: a stereoscopic endoscope which includes a light source of illumination light configured to illuminate inner part of a test object, an illumination window configured to emit the illumination light, and two or more imaging systems configured to image the inner part of the test object illuminated by the illumination light; and an illuminance distribution changing unit configured to change an illuminance distribution of the illumination light so as to reduce a difference in luminance distribution between/among pictures sensed by the respective imaging systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Hayama
  • Publication number: 20140085420
    Abstract: An endoscopic illumination system for illuminating a subject for stereoscopic image capture, the illumination system includes a light source which outputs multi-spectral light; first and second light paths configured to transmit the multi-spectral light; and a digital mirror array (DMA) which receives the multi-spectral light and directs the multi-spectral light to a selected one of the first and second light paths. A controller controls the DMA to direct the multi-spectral light to the selected light path in accordance with a time-multiplexing scheme; and/or first and second complementary multiband bandpass filters (CMBF). The first CMBF may be situated in the first light path and the second CMBF may be situated in the second light path, where the first and second CMBFs filter the multi-spectral light incident thereupon to output filtered light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Hrayr Karnig Shahinian, Michael J. Shearn, Youngsam Bae, Ronald J. Korniski, Eric W. Fritz, Allen Ream
  • Publication number: 20140085421
    Abstract: An endoscope for quantitatively determining dimensions of an object in a cavity is provided. The endoscope has a projector connected to a light guide that can be introduced through the instrument channel. In the introduced position the projector projects a pattern at a defined illumination angle onto the object to be examined. The endoscope has a camera that captures the projected pattern at a fixed viewing angle in a distorted from corresponding to the object. The distorted form is used for quantitatively determining dimensions of the object by a triangulation method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Rainer Kuth, Philip Mewes, Helmut Neumann, Markus Neurath, Anton Schick
  • Patent number: 8675046
    Abstract: A narrow-band observation image and a spectral estimation image are automatically switched based on the type of a subject. In an endoscopic image obtained by a scope, judgment is made as to whether the endoscopic image was obtained by close-up imaging or by distant-view imaging. When it is judged that the endoscopic image was obtained by distant-view imaging, white light is output from a light source unit and a spectral estimation image is output. When it is judged that the endoscopic image was obtained by close-up imaging, narrow-band light is output from the light source unit and a narrow-band observation image that has been obtained when the narrow-band light was output is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Kubo, Makoto Kagaya, Masayuki Takahira, Masayuki Kuramoto, Shuichi Ishii, Ryo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8675042
    Abstract: A distance to an object is measured for each of a series of left images, and the count of a distance range including the calculated distance increases. A distance range with the highest frequency of appearance is specified from the counter information of a distance table counter, and a left image in which the distance included in the specified distance range is measured is selected. The adjustment amount of the parallax amount adjusted for the selected left image and a corresponding right image is determined to be the adjustment amount of the parallax amount of a panorama image. A series of left images is combined to generate a panorama image and a series of right images is combined to generate a panorama image. A panorama image displayed in stereoscopic view is generated based on the determined adjustment amount of the parallax amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Shimaya
  • Publication number: 20140071238
    Abstract: Example devices and methods for visualization and three-dimensional reconstruction of an area of interest are disclosed. An example device includes a first light source able to send quasi-monochromatic light through a monomode optical fibre and a second light source able to send light through a set of optical fibres. The example device also includes a diffractive element that induces a pattern to be projected on an area of interest when the first light source is switched on. In addition, the example device includes a camera that has a spatiotemporal resolution such that it is able to visualize the pattern created by the first light source and the area of interest illuminated by the second light source that appears uniformly illuminated even if diffractive element covers at least partially the second cross-section of the set of optical fibres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Benjamin Mertens, Pascal Kockaert
  • Publication number: 20140071239
    Abstract: Provided with an endoscope device configured to measure a specimen using a pattern projection image of the specimen on which a light and shade pattern of light is projected, includes: an imaging unit configured to acquire an image of the specimen; an illumination unit having a first light source configured to emit illumination light to illuminate an observation field of vision of the imaging unit; a pattern projection unit having a second light source configured to emit projection light to project the light and shade pattern on the specimen; a display unit configured to display the image acquired by the imaging unit; and a control unit configured to control the imaging unit, the illumination unit, the pattern projection unit, and the display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Masayoshi YOKOTA
  • Patent number: 8668334
    Abstract: A binocular viewer, a method of measuring and training vision that uses a binocular viewer and a vision measurement and training system that employs a computer to control the binocular viewer. In one embodiment, the binocular viewer has left and right display elements and comprises: (1) a variable focal depth optical subsystem located in an optical path between the display elements and a user when the user uses the binocular viewer and (2) a control input coupled to the left and right display elements and the variable focal depth optical subsystem and configured to receive control signals operable to place images on the left and right display elements and vary a focal depth of the variable focal depth optical subsystem. In another embodiment, the binocular viewer lacks the variable focal depth optical subsystem, but the images include at least one feature unique to one of the left and right display elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Vital Art and Science Incorporated
    Inventor: William R. Krenik
  • Publication number: 20140055563
    Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing stereoscopic video images are disclosed. One system comprises a first video camera configured to generate a first video feed of a subject. A second video camera is spaced a pupilary distance from the first video camera and configured to generate a second video feed of the subject. A tracking module associated with the first video camera and the second video camera is configured to cause the first video camera and the second video camera to be directed to a desired convergent point relative to a selected tracking point to maintain stereopsis. A zooming module associated with the first video camera and the second video camera is configured to provide a desired magnification of the near real-time stereoscopic video image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil T. Jessop
  • Publication number: 20140055562
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes an endoscopic synthetic stereo imaging method and apparatus which can produce a stereo image of a field of view of a working assembly of the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph R. Demers, Marek Sekowski
  • Patent number: 8648357
    Abstract: A radiation-emitting device includes a first active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes, and a second active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes. The first active semiconductor layer and the second active semiconductor layer are arranged in a manner stacked one above another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20140015928
    Abstract: A device for the three-dimensional recording of objects (10), in particular teeth, includes a recording region (2), in which at least one mirror (26, 27, 28) is arranged in order to deflect a light or projection beam (23) and/or an image reflected by the object (10), and a gripping region (3). A camera (32) and/or a projector (14) is/are arranged in the recording region (2), and the recording region (2) is tilted against the projection direction at an angle (a) between 10° and 40° relative to the gripping region (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: a.tron 3d GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Koinig, Jürgen Jesenko
  • Patent number: 8629900
    Abstract: A 3D endoscope includes an insertion portion, a left imaging unit which comprises a left imaging optical system and a left imaging device, a right imaging unit which comprises a right imaging optical system and a right imaging device, a receiving portion which receives the left imaging unit and a receiving portion which receives the right imaging unit. The 3D endoscope includes a body provided at a side of a distal end of the insertion portion, the body supporting the receiving portions at an angle to a longitudinal direction so that the inclination of a left optical axis relative to the longitudinal direction, the inclination of a right optical axis relative to the longitudinal direction, the angle of rotation of the left imaging unit around the left optical axis, and the angle of rotation of the right imaging unit around the right optical axis are adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Tomonori Ishikawa, Toshihiro Matsui, Kenji Harano, Natsuki Hori
  • Patent number: 8624961
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for 3-D display based on random constructive interference. It produces a number of discrete secondary light sources by using an amplitude-phase-modulator-array, which helps to create 3-D images by means of constructive interference. Next it employs a random-secondary-light-source-generator-array to shift the position of each secondary light source to a random place, eliminating multiple images due to high order diffraction. It could be constructed with low resolution liquid crystal screens to realize large size real-time color 3-D display, which could widely be applied to 3-D computer or TV screens, 3-D human-machine interaction, machine vision, and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Zhiyang Li
  • Patent number: 8619125
    Abstract: An image measuring apparatus includes: an image acquiring section which images an object to generate input image data; an image processing section which performs image processing on the input image data to generate two output image data; a display which displays display image data corresponding to one of the output image data generated by the image processing section for an input of at least one measurement point; an input unit which inputs a measurement operation on the display image data as a reference; and a measurement section which performs measurement based on another output image data for which image processing by the image acquiring section is different from that for the display image data based on the measurement operation on the input unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Hori
  • Patent number: 8599247
    Abstract: Provided is a stereoscopic image system. The stereoscopic image system includes a display device radiating linearly polarized light, glasses including left and right oculars each including a first polarizer disposed between the display device and the eyes of a user, a second polarizer disposed between the first polarizer and the eyes of the user, and a polarization plane rotator disposed between the first polarizer and the second polarizer, and a quarter wave plate disposed between the display device and the first polarizer. Accordingly, even when the glasses are rotated around a normal line to surfaces of the left and right oculars, a change in the brightness of a stereoscopic image can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Aleksander Viktorovich Morozov
  • Patent number: 8587644
    Abstract: This is an endoscope apparatus which has an endoscope which picks up an image of a sample using a solid state image pickup element and outputs an image pickup signal, and a processor which processes the above-mentioned image pickup signal, generates HDTV and SDTV serial digital video signals, switches one side of those selectively, and performs a serial output, in which the serial digital video signal switched selectively by the above-mentioned processor is output through a first connector, the above-mentioned processor is equipped with a discrimination signal generating section which is linked with selection switching of the above-mentioned HDTV or SDTV serial digital video signal to generate an HDTV/SDTV discrimination signal which can discriminate the above-mentioned HDTV or SDTV serial digital video signal, and the discrimination signal is output through a second connector different from the above-mentioned first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Hirai, Akihito Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20130300829
    Abstract: An endoscope system includes processors, and settings in the processors are at least partially in common And a setting content in a processor determined to have a higher priority is transmitted to a processor determined to have a lower priority, based on a predetermined operation, and the processor changes a setting content that is in common with a setting content in the processor among the received setting contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Takeshi URASAKI, Ryu OSHIMA, Hiroshi TAMAI
  • Patent number: 8564644
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for viewing and displaying 3D imagery. In one implementation, a method of displaying 3D imagery comprises receiving layout data comprising data representing a first camera, the first camera being non-editable; generating a first pair of a left camera and a right camera from the layout data based on the first camera, wherein the left camera and the right camera are editable; retrieving, from an external memory, streaming geometry data corresponding to the layout data; and generating the 3D imagery using the first pair of the left camera and the right camera and the streaming geometry data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Engle, Alan Davidson, Mylene Pepe
  • Publication number: 20130250061
    Abstract: An endoscope (1) is provided in which a mechanically or electrically adjustable mirror (7) is interposed between two lenses (3, 4) adapted for stereoscopic image recording and an image recording chip (5), the mirror allows light captured by the lenses (3, 4) to be alternately guided onto the image recording chip (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Scholly Fiberoptic GMBH
    Inventor: Axel Hofer
  • Patent number: 8542272
    Abstract: An image generating apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first light source unit that emits light in a first wavelength band to a subject; a second light source unit that emits light in a second wavelength band, which is a part of the first wavelength band, to the subject; an image pickup unit that picks up an image of the subject and outputs the image as an image pickup signal; a light cut filter unit that cuts light in the second wavelength band reflected from the subject; and a complementary processing unit that applies complementary processing to a component equivalent to the second wavelength band cut by the light cut filter unit in the image of the subject picked up by the image pickup unit in a state in which the subject is illuminated by the light in the first wavelength band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Shunji Takei, Nobuyuki Doguchi, Kenji Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20130242053
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a three-dimensionally perceived image from a stereo endoscope by at least one viewer include an autostereoscopic display having a left projector and a right projector that project corresponding left and right images received from corresponding left and right cameras of a stereo endoscope to a holographic optical element functioning as a Bragg diffraction grating to redirect light from the left projector to a left eye-box and to redirect light from the right projector to a right eye-box for viewing by left and right eyes of a viewer to create three-dimensionally perceived autostereoscopic image without glasses or optical headgear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: ABSOLUTE IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Hans Ingmar Bjelkhagen, James Clement Fischbach
  • Publication number: 20130242052
    Abstract: An image processing device which includes an image selection unit which selects a viewpoint image according to a viewpoint rotation angle from a plurality of viewpoint images having different viewpoints, and an addition processing unit which generates a viewpoint image with a new viewpoint by adding a viewpoint image which is selected in the image selection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8537203
    Abstract: A scanning device for use in an endoscope or other applications can be driven to scan a region with one or more different scanning parameters during successive scanning frames. The scanning device, which can include an optical fiber or reflective surface driven by an actuator to move relative to one or more axes, can be provided with a drive signal that is different during successive scanning frames so that the scanning pattern can be caused to differ between the successive scanning frames by one or more of size, amplitude in at least one direction, depth, duration, shape, and resolution. Thus, different scanning frames can be employed for imaging, carrying out a diagnosis, rendering a therapy, and/or monitoring a site, using the appropriate scanning pattern, appropriate light source, and other parameters for each function that is carried out by the scanning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Eric Seibel, Richard Johnston, Brandon Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8526737
    Abstract: In a telemanipulation system for manipulating objects located in a workspace at a remote worksite by an operator from an operator's station, such as in a remote surgical system, the remote worksite having a manipulator with an end effector for manipulating an object at the workspace, such as a body cavity, a controller including a hand control at the control operator's station for remote control of the manipulator, an image capture device, such as a camera, and image output device for reproducing a viewable real-time image, the improvement wherein a position sensor associated with the image capture device senses position relative to the end effector and a processor transforms the viewable real-time image into a perspective image with correlated manipulation of the end effector by the hand controller such that the operator can manipulate the end effector and the manipulator as if viewing the workspace in true presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventor: Philip S. Green
  • Patent number: 8520919
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a multi-color output of an image of a medical object for assisting medical personnel, the medical object is illuminated with light with an illumination spectrum. By means of an image sensor, image data are acquired for a group of one or more color channels. Image information concerning an additional color channel, which is not among the group of one or more color channels, is generated depending on the acquired image data. An image output device for multi-color output of the image is controlled depending on the acquired image data and the acquired image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Stepp, Hilmar Schachenmayr
  • Patent number: 8514268
    Abstract: A method and device for high-resolution three-dimensional (3-D) imaging which obtains camera pose using defocusing is disclosed. The device comprises a lens obstructed by a mask having two sets of apertures. The first set of apertures produces a plurality of defocused images of the object, which are used to obtain camera pose. The second set of optical filters produces a plurality of defocused images of a projected pattern of markers on the object. The images produced by the second set of apertures are differentiable from the images used to determine pose, and are used to construct a detailed 3-D image of the object. Using the known change in camera pose between captured images, the 3-D images produced can be overlaid to produce a high-resolution 3-D image of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Morteza Gharib, Jian Lu, Scott Hsieh, Francisco Pereira, Alexei Harvard
  • Patent number: 8502861
    Abstract: To reduce a display time of an image for which an observation is less required, and to effectively perform an observation of a series of images, the image display apparatus (1) includes an image processing controller (2a) that acquires an image from a storage unit (5), controls various image processes for the acquired image, and stores an image of a processing result in the storage unit (5), an image classification unit (2b) that calculates a correlation value between temporally continuous images and classifies each of the images into an image group based on the calculated correlation value, an image-of-interest detecting unit (2c) that detects a feature-image area including a predetermined feature from each of the images, and detects the feature image including the detected feature-image area as an image-of-interest, a representative-image extractor (2d) that extracts the image-of-interest and a first image in each of the image groups as a representative image and sets a display rate for each of the extracte
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Katsumi Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 8493433
    Abstract: An active eyewear method and system for viewing stereoscopic images is provided. The eyewear comprises polarization altering elements, such as twisted nematics or super twisted nematics, configured to receive light energy and rotate the polarization of light energy passing therethrough, and linear polarizers having polarization axes oriented in substantially identical orientations orthogonal to the first axis of polarization. The linear polarizers receive light energy from the polarization altering elements. The method comprises transmitting light energy through a sheet polarizer having an first axis of polarization, receiving the light energy with two polarization altering elements, each polarization altering operating out of phase with the other and in synchrony with a video field rate associated with the transmitting, and passing the light energy through two linear polarizers having substantially identical axes of polarization orthogonal to the first axis of polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Joseph Chiu
  • Patent number: 8486735
    Abstract: A method of imaging a target using a miniaturized imaging device is disclosed comprising providing a miniaturized imaging device having a stationary lens system and an imaging array, wherein the distance from a distal end of the stationary lens system to the imaging array is fixed. The miniaturized imaging device is advanced near the desired target and a distance from a distal end of the stationary lens system to the desired target is determined. A desired wavelength of light is calculated based on the determined distance from the distal end of the stationary lens system to the desired target and the desired wavelength of light is propagated onto the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith, David P. Marceau
  • Publication number: 20130176395
    Abstract: An adapter for optically coupling a conventional 2D endoscope to a stereoscopic 3D camera so as to provide stereoscopic 3D visualization of an object imaged by the conventional 2D endoscope, the adapter comprising: a body; a mechanical mount disposed on the body for mechanically mounting the adapter to a conventional 2D endoscope; means for mounting the body to a stereoscopic 3D camera; and an optical pathway disposed within the body for receiving an image from the exit pupil of the conventional 2D endoscope and projecting the received image on an appropriate portion of the stereoscopic 3D camera, wherein the optical pathway is adjustable so as to accommodate a range of different conventional 2D endoscopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Yuri Kazakevich
  • Patent number: 8482594
    Abstract: A multi-resolution lens system includes a relay lens configured to be directed toward a field-of-view (FOV) and receive a first plurality of image photons emanating from the FOV, a high-resolution lens positioned to receive a second plurality of image photons from the FOV and to pass the second plurality of image photons toward the relay lens, and a shutter device positioned to receive over an area thereof the image photons of the FOV that pass through the relay lens, and simultaneously receive overlaid on a portion of the area thereof the image photons from the portion of the FOV that pass through the high-resolution lens and toward the relay lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin George Harding, Gil Abramovich
  • Publication number: 20130162776
    Abstract: A stereo endoscope having an elongated shaft and a sensor unit comprising two flat image sensors that are symmetrically arranged about a central rotational axis of the shaft. With such stereo endoscope, a lateral direction of view of the stereo endoscope which deviates from a central 0° direction of view can be variably adjusted and/or changed independent of an orientation of the image sensors relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Noack