Abstract: An image processing device includes: an image acquiring unit configured to acquire a plurality of images that are captured with a same angle of view and are different from each other in a wavelength band of illumination light; a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to determine, based on a first image and a second image different from the first image in the plurality of images, whether a first light absorber in a living body in the first image and a second light absorber in a living body in the second image overlap in a depth direction of a living body, and extract light-absorption information as a result of absorption by the first light absorber, by using the first image, the second image, and a determination result.

Abstract: An endoscope sheath configured to receive a portion of an endoscope can include a tubular member and a positioning device located on the tubular member. The positioning device can include a crimp that is configured to prevent distal movement of a portion of the endoscope relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional-endoscope optical system that is provided with two objective optical systems having optical axes, which are arranged with a spacing therebetween, and that satisfies the following conditions: 0.5 mm<OP<1.5 mm??(1); 3 mm<D<200 mm??(2); ?<10°??(3); and 110°<?<180°??(4), where OP is a spacing between the optical axes of optical members at the most distal ends of the objective optical systems, D is a depth of field, ? is an angle of convergence (inward angle) of the depth of field D when performing near-point observation, and ? is an angle of view of the objective optical systems.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope is positionable at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium to accomplish visualization. A method of use includes introducing the variable direction of view endoscope into a nasal cavity with the endoscope adjusted to a first direction of view between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A therapeutic device is introduced into the nasal cavity and the endoscope is adjusted to a second direction of view directed toward the sinus opening or passageway. The method also includes advancing the therapeutic device into or through the sinus opening and viewing at least one of the sinus opening or passageway or the therapeutic device using the endoscope adjusted to the second direction of view.

Abstract: In an approach to determine facial feature substitution in a video conference, a computer receives one or more pre-recorded videos of an attendee of a video conference. The one or more pre-recorded videos include at least one pre-recorded video of an attendee speaking. The computer determines an avatar for use in place of a video of the attendee in the video conference. Furthermore, the computer determines one or more portions of the one or more pre-recorded videos of the attendee corresponding to at least one targeted facial feature of the attendee in the video of the attendee in the video conference. The computer substitutes the one or more portions of the one or more pre-recorded videos into the avatar, the substitution corresponding to the at least one targeted facial feature of the attendee in the video conference.

Abstract: An eyepiece includes a focusing apparatus for positioning the area perceived as in focus by the relaxed human eye and for correcting axial ametropia of an eye of a user of the eyepiece and a correction apparatus for adjustable correction of an astigmatism of an eye of a user of the eyepiece.

Abstract: An endoscope and optical system for an endoscope having rod lenses and correction lens groups where the number of relay lens systems is greater than the number of correction lens groups in the endoscope and optical system of the endoscope.

Abstract: A rigid, rod-shaped endoscope for medical applications includes a distal end having a light-permeable distal window and a light outlet disposed adjacent to the distal window, which includes a device configured to prevent the incidence of stray light onto sides of the deflection prism facing the distal window. An endoscope shank includes a plurality of telescoping hollow tubes. An inner fixed optical tube includes a moveable optical deflection prism and an optical system configured to transmit light beams. The optical deflection prism is mounted rotatably on a shaft that is disposed at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. At least one moveable sliding tube is configured to move relative to the inner fixed optical tube in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the endoscope using magnetic forces generated by a plurality of moveable permanent magnets.

Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening.

Abstract: A zoom lens module and an endoscope system including the zoom lens module are disclosed. The zoom lens module includes: a first liquid lens; a second liquid which is disposed separated from the first liquid lens; and an aperture disposed between the first and second liquid lenses. A respective focal distance of each of the first liquid lens and the second liquid lens is adjustable based on a change of at least one of the respective curvature thereof and the respective thickness thereof.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope is positionable at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium to accomplish visualization. A method of use includes introducing the variable direction of view endoscope into a nasal cavity with the endoscope adjusted to a first direction of view between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A therapeutic device is introduced into the nasal cavity and the endoscope is adjusted to a second direction of view directed toward the sinus opening or passageway. The method also includes advancing the therapeutic device into or through the sinus opening and viewing at least one of the sinus opening or passageway or the therapeutic device using the endoscope adjusted to the second direction of view.

Abstract: While one beam is being branched into a plurality of beams with different optical path lengths, the beams can be converged on the same position in the optical-axis direction with a simple structure even when relative angles between the beams differ. Provided is a beam splitter apparatus including a beam splitter that branches an input pulsed beam into two optical paths with different optical path lengths; relay optical systems that are disposed in the respective branching optical paths and that relay pupils in the optical paths; a beam splitter that multiplexes the relayed pulsed beams in the two optical paths; and a reflection optical system that endows pulsed beams branching off via the beam splitter with a relative angle.

Abstract: Endoscope and method comprise a micro endoscope with insertion end that is about 1-2 millimeters in outer diameter and includes an optical fiber image bundle, two optical laser fibers, two illumination source optical fiber bundles, along with three focusing lenses for image bundle and laser fibers. Insertion end may be inserted in a female milk duct, other body cavity, or internal organ to inspect for cells and lesions. Visual inspection is aided by the use of special mixtures of light sources to observe the distinction between normal and abnormal cells. If abnormal cells or lesions are detected and the surgeon decides cells or lesions are non-cancerous, the surgeon may then use endoscope to precisely burn, ablate, or otherwise kill abnormal cells at their point of origin on the milk duct, other body cavity, or internal organ. The procedure is minimally invasive and much less costly than many other similarly functioning medical procedures.

Abstract: A digital otoscope for capturing live and still digital images of body tissue and having associated optical characteristics that improve the quality of visual information gathered for medical inspection of both human and veterinary subjects. The digital otoscope includes a tip element having dimensions that are small enough to fit into a small body cavity, such as an ear canal. The tip element and the otoscope enclose an assembly of optical components yielding optical characteristics that provide a substantially wide field of view and a substantially wide range of optimal focus from which to form visual information within a small and confined body cavity.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprising an irradiating section that irradiates the target with the irradiation light containing light in a first wavelength region, which reaches a first penetration depth within the target, and light in a second wavelength region, which reaches a second penetration depth within the target; an optical system that focuses, at substantially the same position in a direction of an optical axis thereof, first returned light from a position at a distance of the first penetration depth from a surface of the target in a direction of emission of the light in the first wavelength region and second returned light from a position at a distance of the second penetration depth from the surface of the target in a direction of emission of the light in the second wavelength region; and a light receiving section that receives the first returned light and the second returned light.

Abstract: A microscope, endoscope or optical coherence tomograph, comprising a light source, a flexible light transmitter (18) for receiving and transmitting light from the light source, an optical element (20) with a forward end (30) for receiving the light from the light transmitter (18) and a rear wall (26) having an internal surface for reflecting the light laterally, and an external sleeve (14) enclosing the optical element (20) and transparent to the light in at least a region of the sleeve where the light is directed by the internal surface (26). The internal surface (26) has an optical figure suitable for focussing the light to an observational field (28) external to the sleeve (14). A confocal configuration may be used.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided for observing an object. The endoscope includes a microfluidic device defining a well therein and a lens disposed in the well of the microfluidic device. The lens has a tunable focal length. A tuning structure is provided for tuning the focal length of the lens in response to a predetermined stimulus and an illumination fiber may be positioned adjacent to the lens for illuminating the object. An activation fiber bundle is adjacent to the tuning structure for providing the predetermined stimulus to the tuning structure. The image acquisition fiber bundle is in alignment with the lens for receiving an image therefrom.

Abstract: A veterinary otoscope permitting examination of an ear is defined by an instrument head including a proximal end and a distal insertion portion that is insertable into the ear. The veterinary otoscope includes an imaging lens train disposed within the instrument head, wherein each of the imagine lens train, an eyepiece and a distal opening of said insertion portion are aligned along an optical axis. The veterinary otoscope further includes a focusing mechanism for selectively moving at least one of the imagine lens train and the optics contained within the eyepiece relative to one another along the optical axis. The imagine lens train and the optics in the eyepiece define an optical system such that an entrance pipil is substantially located in the distal insertion portion of the instrument head, thereby enabling the entire tympanic membrane to be viewed at once by the user.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope is positionable at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium to accomplish visualization. A method of use includes introducing the variable direction of view endoscope into a nasal cavity with the endoscope adjusted to a first direction of view between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A therapeutic device is introduced into the nasal cavity and the endoscope is adjusted to a second direction of view directed toward the sinus opening or passageway. The method also includes advancing the therapeutic device into or through the sinus opening and viewing at least one of the sinus opening or passageway or the therapeutic device using the endoscope adjusted to the second direction of view.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule endoscope layout capable of achieving a small-format, wide-angle, wide light-distribution arrangement with limited variations. A capsule endoscope 1 comprises an objective lens 4, a transparent dome 2 to cover the object side of the objective lens, and light emitter devices located around the outer periphery of the objective lens. The endoscope 1 further comprises an integral-piece holder member 30 adapted to hold the objective lens 4 in place and hold the light emitter devices 5 at a position set back from an end of, and around, the objective lens 4 while the light emitter devices 5 are inclined outward at an angle with a center axis of said objective lens 4.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of focusing an instrument for the acquisition of optical data from a tissue sample. Methods of the invention allow rapid focusing in the context of a diagnostic procedure in which rapid data acquisition is desirable. For example, inventive methods allow a user to focus an optical instrument quickly enough to obtain data within an optimal window of time following application of a chemical agent to the tissue. In one embodiment, a user focuses an optical instrument by aligning laser spots projected onto a tissue sample within rings that are superimposed at predetermined locations within the user's visual field. Preferred methods of the invention further comprise automatic validation to detect whether the spots are sufficiently well-aligned.

Abstract: An otoscope permitting examination of a patient's ear is defined by an instrument head including a proximal end and a distal insertion portion that is insertable into the ear. The otoscope includes an imaging lens train disposed within the instrument head, wherein each of the imaging lens train, an eyepiece and a distal opening of said insertion portion are aligned along an optical axis. The otoscope further includes a focusing mechanism for selectively moving at least one of the imaging lens train and the optics contained within the eyepiece relative to one another along the optical axis. The imaging lens train and the optics in the eyepiece define an optical system such that an entrance pupil is substantially located in the distal insertion portion of the instrument head, thereby enabling the entire tympanic membrane to be viewed at once by the user.

Abstract: A position control apparatus for controlling position along an axis, comprising: an extensible member that can be extended and contracted along said axis, comprising shape memory alloy locatable to expand and contract along said axis, heating means for controlling said temperature of said shape memory alloy, and a feedback mechanism for controlling said heating means and responsive to variations in said position, wherein said position is controllable by means of said heating means and can be stabilized by means of said feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A description is given of an apparatus for positioning at least one component within an endoscopic system, having a hermetically tight housing, having at least one external magnetically active element which is arranged outside the housing, and having at least one internal magnetically active element which is arranged inside the housing, a magnetic force coupling acting through the housing between the external element and the internal element, it further being possible for the external element and the internal element to move at least with an axial movement component with reference to a longitudinal axis of the housing, and the internal element being in operational connection with the component in such a way that a movement of the internal element causes a movement of the component.

Abstract: A description is given of an apparatus for positioning at least one component within an endoscopic system, having a hermetically tight housing, having at least one external magnetically active element which is arranged outside the housing, and having at least one internal magnetically active element which is arranged inside the housing, a magnetic force coupling acting through the housing between the external element and the internal element, it further being possible for the external element and the internal element to move at least with an axial movement component with reference to a longitudinal axis of the housing, and the internal element being in operational connection with the component in such a way that a movement of the internal element causes a movement of the component.

Abstract: A device for positioning components within endoscopic systems includes a hermetically sealed housing. An outer ring element is mounted to rotate about the outer side of the housing and carries on its circumference at least one outer magnet. Further, an inner ring element is mounted inside the housing and carries likewise at least one inner magnet, the magnets being aligned in such a way that any rotation of the outer ring element has the effect to move the at least one inner magnet by magnetic coupling, such movement serving the purpose to position the respective components. In order to achieve a simple, relatively small and functionally safe structure it is proposed that both the outer and inner ring elements be configured as axially displaceable rings carrying the oppositely arranged magnets, and that the inner ring be mechanically connected with the component to be positioned.

Abstract: An endoscope with a sealed housing having inner magnetic structures coupled to a displacement element and outer magnetic structures coupled to an adjustment element. The inner and outer magnetic structures are magnetically coupled to each other through the wall of the housing and are displaceable parallel to the wall. The inner magnetic structure is displaceable toward and away from stop and the outer magnetic structure magnetically drives the inner structure. The outer magnetic structure can be affixed beyond the stop position of the inner structure in a secured adjustment position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope with a hermetic housing wall (1) and containing an optic element (5, 11) which is adjusted by a drive element (6, 17) powered in turn by a magnet (7, 18) configured outside the wall (1). The optic elements (5, 11) can be held in specific adjustment positions by a detent device (9, 10, 19) in such manner that the force of the magnet (7, 18) shall move it from one adjustment position into another. The magnet (7, 18) is mechanically separate from the endoscope.

Abstract: Rotary endoscope has a deflected distal sight. The endoscope includes a cylindrical handle. An endoscopic probe includes a distal optical deflector which introduces one-way inversion of an image of an object observed through a distal lateral lens port, a lens, and an optical image conveying system. The endoscopic probe has a proximal end which is accommodated in a distal part of the cylindrical handle, and is adapted to convey the image of the object observed along an optical axis to an ocular lens. An adjustment device moves the ocular lens in a controlled manner by an outer ring. The ocular lens is arranged in a median part of the cylindrical handle and is movable longitudinally along the optical axis. A one-way image rectifier is arranged in a proximal part of the cylindrical handle. The one-way image rectifier compensates for the one-way image inversion introduced by the distal optical deflector. A rotation device is movable in a controlled manner by an outer ring.

Abstract: A fiberoptic endoscope includes an axially movable optical fiber guide to compensate for focusing effects, such as thermal expansion or mechanical tolerances. The distal end portion of the optical fiber guide is secured to the distal end of the endoscope while the proximal end portion is permitted to move axially relative to a proximal housing portion of the endoscope. The proximal housing portion includes an eye lens unit secured thereto. A decoupling lens unit is fixed to the proximal end portion of the optical fiber guide so as to move therewith with respect to the eye lens unit.

Abstract: A hand-held diagnostic instrument includes a casing having a hand-holdable body portion and a neck portion that extends from the body portion to a head portion that is formed of a back cover and a front cover. A circuit board assembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and a flexible neck board extends forward from the body portion through the neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the head portion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp are disposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focus lens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lens cell's field of view. The instrument provides a monitor-ready standard format full color video signal.

Abstract: A borescope has an inverting dove prism (24) mounted on an ocular mount (12) proximally of an ocular lens (11). The ocular mount is axially adjustable by rotation of a collar (26) to achieve focusing and is rotatable about the axis independently of the focus position in unison with orbital scanning of a reflector (7) at the distal end of the borescope. Location of the dove prism proximally of the ocular lens avoids the need to include an invertor within the optical relay of insertion tube (2) thereby avoiding aperture reduction and simplifying assembly.

Abstract: An improved hand-held diagnostic dental probe includes a casing that having a hand-holdable body portion, a neck portion that extends from the body portion to a head portion that is formed of a back cover and a front cover. A circuit board assembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and a flexible neck board extends forward from the body portion through the neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the head portion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp are disposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focus lens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lens cell's field of view. The instrument provides a monitor-ready standard format full color video signal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a combination of a viewing and/or documenting apparatus and an endoscope connected forward thereof. The endoscope can be pulled out relative to the apparatus and can be deflected at an angle if desired. A coupling is provided between the focusing position of the main objective of the apparatus and the pull-out length of the endoscope in such a manner that the intermediate image supplied by the endoscope is always focused independently of the particular pull-out length.