Abstract: An optical instrument (1) for minimally invasive surgery includes an instrument housing (2) for receiving optical elements, wherein the instrument housing (2) is sealed in fluid tight fashion by way of at least one end window (7) on the distal side and/or proximal side. The end window (7) is arranged in a window frame (8) that surrounds the end window (7) around the entire circumference thereof. The end windows (7) is able to be attached with little stress in the associated window frame (8) based on at least two portions (12) that project radially to the inside from the window frame (8). The at least two portions (12) are formed on the inner circumferential surface of each window frame (8) facing the respective end window (7).

Abstract: A camera module includes a circuit board; an image sensor mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected with the circuit boards, the image sensor comprising an array of focal planes; a barrel mounted on the circuit board with a cavity formed between the barrel and the circuit board, the image sensor being received in the cavity; and a lens stack array mounted to the barrel and spaced from the image sensor, the lens stack array comprising a plurality of first lens stacks, second lens stacks, third lens stacks, each of the lens stacks corresponding to one of the focal planes. The first lens stacks, the second lens stacks and the third lens stacks have different field of view and are combined in a single camera module, which enables a compact solution in a form of single camera module that traditionally requires multiple camera modules.

Abstract: An imaging medical instrument such as an endoscope, an exoscope or microscope having a shaft, in which an optical fiber bundle extends from the proximal to the distal end for illuminating field and in which a lens system is arranged for transmitting an image of the field. A light source inputs coupling light into the one proximal end of the optical fiber bundle with a multiplicity of selectively actuatable individual light sources arranged in an array-like manner, with a camera for capturing the transmitted image of the field of view and with a control unit for selectively actuating the individual light sources of the light source for adapting the illumination field. Here, the illumination field has a different form to the field of view.

Abstract: An optical device includes a lens body including plural lenses of which optical axes are arranged alongside each other, and a light shielding body that is disposed with respect to the lens body and shields a part of light passing through the plural lenses, in which the light shielding body has a base that is provided, at a position shifted from the optical axes of the plural lenses, along an arrangement direction in which the plural lenses are arranged, and plural projecting portions that are positioned between the plural lenses and project from the base in an intersection direction intersecting the arrangement direction.

Abstract: An endoscopic probe includes a handle with a front end, a rear end with a rear end axis and, extending between the front end and the rear end, a straight grip portion with a grip portion axis. The probe further includes a shaft extending from the front end of the handle and having a shaft axis, and a cable issuing from the rear end. The shaft axis, the rear end axis and the grip portion axis lie within a common plane. The shaft axis encloses an angle in the range of 100 to 140 degrees with the grip portion axis, the grip portion axis encloses an angle in the range of 110 to 130 degrees with the rear end axis, and the shaft axis encloses an angle in the range of 30 to 90 degrees with the rear end axis.

Abstract: A compound-eye imaging device includes a camera device and a processor including a resolution enhancer. The camera device includes an imaging element including imaging regions including at least one imaging region of a first type and imaging regions of a second type smaller than the imaging region of the first type; lenses to image images of the same field of view onto the imaging regions; and optical filters provided so that an image acquired in each of the imaging regions of the second type represents a different type of information from an image acquired in each of the at least one imaging region of the first type. The resolution enhancer receives the image acquired in one of the at least one imaging region of the first type and the image acquired in one of the imaging regions of the second type, and generates a high-resolution image from the acquired images.

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: A rigid endoscope includes an endoscope tube, a light-emitting diode (LED) chip, an objective lens group, a rod lens group and a lead. the objective lens group and the rod lens group are disposed in the endoscope tube and arranged in a direction from a front end to a rear end of the endoscope tube; the LED chip is mounted at the front end of the endoscope tube; and the lead is led out from the LED chip, runs through a gap between an inner circle of the endoscope tube and an outer circle of the objective lens group, and arrives at the rear end of the endoscope tube.

Abstract: Provided are a lens array, a lens unit, an exposure device, an LED head, and an image forming apparatus. The lens array includes a plurality of lenses arranged so as to form an array. Each of the plurality of lenses is configured so that a contour focal length which is a focal length of a ray incident on a first position separate from an optical axis is longer than a paraxial focal length which is a focal length of a ray incident on a second position in the vicinity of the optical axis.

Abstract: An endoscope includes at least one lens having a circular exterior shape in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, an image sensor that has a square exterior shape in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and has one side whose length is same as length of a diameter of the lens, a sensor cover that has a square exterior shape in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and has one side whose length is same as one side length of the image sensor, a bonding resin portion that fixes the sensor cover to the lens, the optical axis of the lens coinciding with a center of the imaging area.

Abstract: The multi-lens optical apparatus includes multiple imaging optical systems configured to respectively form optical images of an object in mutually different areas on an image plane. The multiple imaging optical systems include imaging optical systems having mutually different focal lengths, and adjacent lenses included in the multiple imaging optical systems are integrally held, the adjacent lenses being mutually adjacent in a direction orthogonal to optical axes of the multiple imaging optical systems. Of the multiple imaging optical systems, a most wide-angle imaging optical system whose focal length is shortest includes a most object-side lens that is a meniscus lens having a negative optical power and having a convex surface toward an object side, and the convex surface is disposed at a most object-side position in the multiple imaging optical systems.

Abstract: Light emitting devices with improved light extraction efficiency are provided. The light emitting devices have a stack of layers including semiconductor layers comprising an active region. The stack is bonded to a transparent optical element.

Abstract: An endoscope with a variable direction of view is provided, which includes an endoscope shaft and imaging optics arranged inside the endoscope shaft. These image an object located before the distal end of the endoscope and produce an image of the object in the proximal area of the endoscope in which a field stop is arranged. The produced image is larger than the field stop. In the proximal area of the endoscope an image module is arranged with which the relative position between the produced image and the field stop can be changed for changing the section of the produced image visible after the field stop in order to change the direction of view of the endoscope.

Abstract: A rod lens that includes a rod-shaped lens unit made of a rod-shaped lens element or a plurality of lens elements cemented to one another, wherein, on the circumferential face thereof, the lens unit includes at least one axially magnetized magnet arrangement. The invention also relates to an endoscope with a lens arrangement, which includes at least a first and, arranged adjacent to the first, a second rod lens, and to a method for assembling such an endoscope.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is realized which enables a thin finger vein authentication apparatus having a thickness installable in a portable information device. A light beam emitted from an object passes through a visible light cut-off filter 20 and enters a pre-focus lens array 11. The pre-focus lens array 11 focuses the light beam on an opening of a micro aperture array 15. The light beam passed through the micro aperture array 15 diverges, but it is focused with the post-focus lens array 13 on the light detection device 30. With this structure, a thin imaging apparatus can be obtained with maintained resolution, and a finger authentication apparatus installable in a portable information device can be realized.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention comprise endoscopes for viewing inside a cavity of a body such as a vessel like a vein or artery. These endoscopes may include at least one solid state emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED) that is inserted into the body cavity to provide illumination therein. Certain embodiments of the invention comprise disposable endoscopes that can be fabricated relatively inexpensively such that discarding these endoscopses after a single use is cost-effective. The endoscope may comprise a lens holder on a distal end of the endoscope for collection of light reflected from surfaces within the body in which the endoscope is inserted. This lens holder may have an inner cavity through which light passes along an optical path. Reflective surfaces on sidewalls of the inner cavity may direct light along this optical path. The endoscope may further comprise an elongated support structure for supporting a plurality of lenses disposed along the optical path.

Abstract: In a solid-state image capturing device having the locations of photodiodes in each pixel unit to be different according to a sequence, the light receiving sensitivity and the luminance shading characteristic are improved. A circumferential portion of a microlens 12 which is arranged above a corresponding photodiode 11 is formed so as to overlap an adjacent microlens 12 thereto, and the locations of microlenses 12 in each pixel unit are different according to a sequence. Light of an image that is incident upon each of the microlenses 12 is incident upon approximately the same portion (e.g., central portion) of each of the respective photodiodes 11.

Abstract: An endoscope tube having at least one image inversion system consisting of two rod lenses, in which the first rod ends, pointing to an intermediate image plane, have a marginal cylinder, which is mounted in the endoscope tube, in which the second rod ends, which lie symmetrical to an aperture plane, have a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the endoscope tube, so that the end surfaces associated with the first rod lenses are convex in configuration, the end surfaces associated with the second rod ends can be cemented together with a lens element, and a distance holder that defines the aperture area is inserted between the two rod lenses, is characterized in that the rod diameter in each case continually decreases from the marginal cylinder toward the second rod end.

Abstract: An endoscope has a tubular shaft whose interior contains components, in particular lenses, spacers, diaphragms, prisms and filters of an optical system, said components being at least partially surrounded by a support piece made of shrunk material. It is proposed that the components be surrounded by a transparent and tube-sleeve-shaped shrunk material which has been shrunk before the components are introduced into the tubular shaft.

Abstract: An optical barrel (1) enclosing rod lenses (2) of a rigid endoscope optics, the rod lenses being contacted by the barrel in zones wherein an inwardly deforming, blade (4, 4?) cut free by two associated cutouts (5, 5?) in the barrel (1) is designed at each zone to make contact with rod lens (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to an image transmission system for rigid endoscopes, having a central rod lens and two outer rod lenses, which are symmetrical in respect to one another in relation to a vertical central plane of the image transmission system relative to the optical axis, wherein all lens elements consist of optically homogenous material, all optically active surface are spherical and two lens elements are stuck to on another facing each other or facing away from one another on the opposite sided of the central and outer lenses in the main lens elements of the rod lenses so that the resulting composite lens is biconvex. According to the invention, the rod lenses are arranged apex to apex next to one another and the central rod lens is substantially as long as or longer than the outer rod lenses.

Abstract: The invention relates to an eyepiece unit with an eyepiece mounted in an eyepiece frame and with a coupling element for inserting the eyepiece frame. According to a first embodiment, the eyepiece is mounted so that it can slide axially in the eyepiece frame and can be fixed so that it is individually adjustable in the eyepiece frame. To ensure an easy and rapid adjustment in an eyepiece unit, it is proposed with the invention that the eyepiece can be fixed in the eyepiece frame without screws. According to a second embodiment, the eyepiece frame is mounted in the coupling element so that it slides perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis for adjustment. It is fixed in this adjustment position, according to the invention, because the eyepiece frame can be fixed in the coupling element without screws.

Abstract: An endoscope has a tubular shaft whose interior contains components, in particular lenses, spacers, diaphragms, prisms and filters of an optical system, said components being at least partially surrounded by a support piece made of shrunk material. It is proposed that the components be surrounded by a transparent and tube-sleeve-shaped shrunk material which has been shrunk before the components are introduced into the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A relay set (4, 4?) for the optical system of a rigid endoscope, the optical system including an objective (1) at the distal end, an ocular (5) at the proximal end and between them a relay lens system consisting of several relay sets (2, 3, 4), the relay set (4, 4?) consisting of two half sets (4.1, 4.2) having the same lens units (11.1, 12.1, 13.1; 11.2, 12.2 13.2) arranged symmetrically with respect to the center (10) of the set (4, 4?), each half set (4.1, 4.2) consisting of two positive power lens units (11.1, 13.1; 11.2, 13.2) at the ends and one negative power lens unit (12.1; 12.2) in the middle, is characterized in that each half set is of Triplet design.

Abstract: An endoscope has an endoscope tube and a lens system arranged in the endoscope tube. The lens system has endoscope lens components and air gaps between the lens components. An illumination system is arranged within the endoscope tube. The endoscope lens components each have an axial lens length; the endoscope lens components include first lens components and second lens components, wherein the axial lens length of the first lens components is the shortest axial lens length, respectively, and wherein the axial lens length of the second lens components is longer than the shortest axial lens length. The first lens components with the shortest axial lens length are arranged in an area of an axial center of the endoscope tube. The second lens components having the longer axial lens length have a first half and a second half and an air gap arranged between the first and second halves.

Abstract: A relay set (4, 4?) for the optical system of a rigid endoscope, the optical system including an objective (1) at the distal end, an ocular (5) at the proximal end and between them a relay lens system consisting of several relay sets (2, 3, 4), the relay set (4, 4?) consisting of two half sets (4.1, 4.2) having the same lens units (11.1, 12.1, 13.1; 11.2, 12.2 13.2) arranged symmetrically with respect to the center (10) of the set (4, 4?), each half set (4.1, 4.2) consisting of two positive power lens units (11.1, 13.1; 11.2, 13.2) at the ends and one negative power lens unit (12.1; 12.2) in the middle, is characterized in that each half set is of Triplet design.

Abstract: A relay set (1, 11, 23) for the optical system of a rigid endoscope, the optical system comprising an objective (20) at the distal end, an ocular (22) at the proximal end and between them a relay lens system consisting of several relay sets (1, 11, 21, 23), the relay set (1, 11, 23) consisting of two half sets (2a, 2b) having the same lens units (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4; 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4) arranged in symmetrical sequence with respect to the center (5) of the set, wherein each half set (2a, 2b) consists of four lens units (3a1, 3a2, 3a3, 3a4; 3b1, 3b2, 3b3, 3b4) having in the sequence of raising distance from the center (5) the refracting powers Positive, Negative, Positive, Positive (P, N, P, P).

Abstract: To improve the front brightness of the light emitted from a surface light emitter having a surface light emitting device. In the surface light emitter to which a light control sheet having depressions is provided, the surface of the light control sheet having the depressions is adhered to a light emitting side surface of a surface light emitting device, and the transparent material whose refractive index is lower than the refractive index of the light control sheet is arranged in the spaces formed between the depressions and the light emitting side surface of the surface light emitting device.

Abstract: A lens array includes a plurality of lens pairs each of which includes lenses so disposed that optical axes thereof are aligned with each other. The lens pairs are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the optical axes. The lens array further includes a light-blocking portion provided between the lens pairs. The light-blocking portion is formed to have a structure split into at least two parts in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a light source, first and second cylindrical lens arrays, and a relay lens. The first cylindrical lens array includes a plurality of cylindrical lens cells which divide light emitted from the light source into a plurality of beams. The second cylindrical lens array includes a plurality of cylindrical lens cells which combine the beams divided by the cylindrical lens cells in an identical direction. The relay lens relays beams passed through the second cylindrical lens array so that most of the beams are concentrated on an incident light axis to have a Gaussian distribution. Accordingly, light passed through slits for controlling the divergence angle of incident light or the etendue of an optical system has a Gaussian distribution in a color separation direction or a color scrolling direction.

Abstract: Optical systems for endoscopes, borescopes, dental scopes, and the like which are characterized by having three groups of lenses of positive optical power and an external entrance pupil. Typically, all three groups of lenses are displaced from the pupil and focal planes. As a consequence, the displaced groups take part in the image transfer as well as in the pupil transfer. The optical power requirements can thus be shifted from one group to another, distributing as well as reducing the overall power requirement. Moreover, the aberration correction can also be shared between these groups. The first group, which conventionally has the highest optical power, and consequently a large amount of aberrations to be corrected, can in this way transfer some of the optical aberration correction to the other groups. The sharing of the optical functions and aberration correction results in a fully integrated optical system.

Abstract: An optical device for viewing an object at a range of working distances. The device comprises a slender tube of a certain length and having a distal end and a proximal end. The device further comprises an imaging system disposed at the distal end and having a wide viewing angle. The device also comprises a telescopic system associated with the proximal end and having a narrow viewing angle. The imaging system is designed to form an image of the object at an image plane located on the device's optical axis and within the tube closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The telescopic system is designed to enable viewing of the image of the object. The device is especially adapted to function as an endoscope in medical applications and may be disposable.

Abstract: An optical device for viewing an object at a range of working distances. The device comprises a slender tube of a certain length and having a distal end and a proximal end. The device farther comprises an imaging system disposed at the distal end and having a wide viewing angle. The device also comprises a telescopic system associated with the proximal end and having a narrow viewing angle. The imaging system is designed to form an image of the object at an image plane located on the device's optical axis and within the tube closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The telescopic system is designed to enable viewing of the image of the object. The device is especially adapted to function as an endoscope in medical applications and may be disposable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image transmission system for endoscopes and similar viewing tubes with at least one rod lens and at least one additional lens system. In order to produce an image transmission system of simple and economical construction, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the minimum of one rod lens should be constructed as a plano-convex lens whose length corresponds to the curvature radius of its convex terminal surface. In addition, the invention relates to a process for producing a rod lens for an image transmission system as well as an endoscope equipped with such an image transmission system.

Abstract: Optical systems (1-19) for endoscopes and the like are characterized by an integrated design in which the locations of the components and the aberration corrections are no longer tied to the optical functions of the objective (1-6) and the relays (7-19), and in which the relays may depart from symmetry. The power requirements can thus be shifted from one group to another, thereby reducing the overall power requirement. Moreover, the aberration correction can be shared between the optical group of the integrated system.

Abstract: A multiple-focal-length imaging device includes at least one image sensor positioned in one plane; and a plurality of image-forming optical systems through which a plurality of images at different magnifications are formed on a plurality of different image-forming areas on the image sensor.

Abstract: A linear lens system for rigid endoscopes for the conversion of a distal intermediate image into a proximal intermediate image, is characterized by a first non-symmetrically arranged sequence of two linear lenses, a subsequent odd sequence of similar, non-cemented, symmetrically biconvex linear lenses, and a final sequence of two linear lenses, arranged as a mirror image to the first sequence.

Abstract: A projection type display apparatus including an illumination optical system for emitting a light flux, a decomposition optical system for decomposing the light flux into color lights of red, green and blue, liquid crystal light valves for the colors for receiving the decomposed color lights, a synthesis optical system for synthesizing the image lights of the colors from the liquid crystal light valves, and a projection optical system for projecting the synthesized image lights to a screen. A filter is disposed at one of positions opposing to each other across the center of the light flux between the white light source and the decomposition optical system and attenuates or cuts off light of a wavelength region different from that of light which passes the other of the positions.

Abstract: Optical systems (1-19) for endoscopes and the like are characterized by an integrated design in which the locations of the components and the aberration corrections are no longer tied to the optical functions of the objective (1-6) and the relays (7-19), and in which the relays may depart from symmetry. The power requirements can thus be shifted from one group to another, thereby reducing the overall power requirement. Moreover, the aberration correction can be shared between the optical groups of the integrated system.

Abstract: A linear lens system for rigid endoscopes for the conversion of a distal intermediate image (1) into a proximal intermediate image (4), is characterized by a first non-symmetrically arranged sequence of two linear lenses (6, 7), a subsequent odd sequence of similar, non-cemented, symmetrically biconvex linear lenses (10, 11, 12), and a final sequence of two linear lenses (8, 9), arranged as a mirror image to the first sequence (6, 7).

Abstract: Optical systems for endoscopes, borescopes, dental scopes, and the like which are characterized by having three groups of lenses of positive optical power and an external entrance pupil. Typically, all three groups of lenses are displaced from the pupil and focal planes. As a consequence, the displaced groups take part in the image transfer as well as in the pupil transfer. The optical power requirements can thus be shifted from one group to another, distributing as well as reducing the overall power requirement. Moreover, the aberration correction can also be shared between these groups. The first group, which conventionally has the highest optical power, and consequently a large amount of aberrations to be corrected, can in this way transfer some of the optical aberration correction to the other groups. The sharing of the optical functions and aberration correction results in a fully integrated optical system.

Abstract: An optic having optimized high spatial resolution, minimal nonlinear magnification distortion while at the same time having a limited chromatic focal shift or chromatic aberrations. The optic located at the distal end of an endoscopic inspection tool permits a high resolution, narrow field of view image for medical diagnostic applications, compared to conventional optics for endoscopic instruments which provide a wide field of view, low resolution image. The image coverage is over a narrow (<20 degrees) field of view with very low optical distortion (<5% pin cushion or barrel distortion. The optic is also optimized for best color correction as well as to aid medical diagnostics.

Abstract: A remote imaging apparatus such as a borescope or endoscope. The apparatus has an image relay means (4) for relaying an image along the main axis (3) from the distal end of the scope and an annular light pipe (1) for transmitting light to the distal end of the scope to illuminate the object to be viewed. At least the inner or outer surface of annular light pipe (1) is surrounded by air.

Abstract: Optical systems for endoscopes, borescopes, dental scopes, and the like which are characterized by having three groups of lenses of positive optical power and an external entrance pupil. Typically, all three groups of lenses are displaced from the pupil and focal planes. As a consequence, the displaced groups take part in the image transfer as well as in the pupil transfer. The optical power requirements can thus be shifted from one group to another, distributing as well as reducing the overall power requirement. Moreover, the aberration correction can also be shared between these groups. The first group, which conventionally has the highest optical power, and consequently a large amount of aberrations to be corrected, can in this way transfer some of the optical aberration correction to the other groups. The sharing of the optical functions and aberration correction results in a fully integrated optical system.

Abstract: A symmetric relay system for endoscopes includes an optically-aligned pair of elongated concavo-convex rod-type lenses formed from crown glass, to the convex end surface of each of which a meniscus-shaped flint lens is cemented. The concave ends of the rod lenses are disposed to face the intermediate images of the relay system, and the convex ends to face the aperture of the relay system. A pair of achromatic lenses, each formed of a pair of lens elements x, y, are disposed adjacent and in optical alignment with the respective concave ends of the rod lenses between the concave rod ends and the intermediate images. Each achromatic lens fulfills the condition n x/ny=vx/vy. Apochromatic glass combinations may be used in the rod lenses to significantly reduce the secondary spectrum.

Abstract: An assembly for viewing cells inside tissue of a living organism. The assembly includes a confocal microscope having an objective for magnifying an image positioned at a focal plane of the objective and a light source adapted to direct light through the objective. The assembly also includes a rigid elongate tube extending from the objective to a tip sized and shaped for penetrating the tissue of the living organism. The tube has a hollow interior aligned with the objective. The interior of the tube is free of fiberoptic bundles and cover glasses. The assembly also includes a unitary cylindrical lens positioned in the hollow interior of the tube for transmitting light from the light source to the cells inside the tissue of the living organism adjacent the tip to illuminate the cells.

Abstract: An endoscopic optics fitted with lens elements and securing device to secure the element positions against shifting in case of being impacted. The securing device is a circumferentially expansible tube that jointly encloses, at least at one abutment surface, the adjoining ends of two lens elements while being of a lesser inside diameter than the outside diameter of the lens elements and being permanently prestressed against them.

Abstract: An optical projection system includes an image source that is configured to generate an array of image pixels. A lens assembly is configured to project the array of image pixels onto a hemispherical surface at a projection angle greater than 180°. The lens assembly may include a wide-angle lens assembly and an image relay lens assembly that is configured to reduce dispersion in the array of image pixels between the image source and the wide-angle lens assembly. The wide-angle lens assembly may include a meniscus lens assembly and a wavefront shaping lens assembly. The lens assembly may be further configured to project the array of image pixels onto the hemispherical surface such that there is a constant angular separation between adjacent image pixels.

Abstract: A variable magnification optical system includes at least three optical units which are a first moving optical unit, a fixed optical unit and a second moving optical unit. The three optical units are arranged in that order in a propagation direction of light, and a variation of magnification is effected by a relative movement between the first moving optical unit and the second moving optical unit.

Abstract: A refocusing device for an optical image display consisting of back-to-back optical eyepieces and other optical elements that creates at least one additional displaced optical image and permits reverse viewing through optical imaging systems.