Stereoscopic Patents (Class 600/166)
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Patent number: 10925589Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: CamPlex, Inc.Inventors: John Tesar, Steven T. Charles
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Patent number: 10512389Abstract: The present technology relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, a program, and an endoscope system that can reduce a burden on a user. A parallax amount adjustment unit adjusts the parallax amount of a three-dimensional (3D) biological image of an imaged living organism, depending on whether the parallax of the 3D biological image puts a burden on a user. The present technology can be applied to an endoscope system or the like that captures an image of a living organism with an endoscope, for example.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Hisakazu Shiraki, Koji Kashima, Toru Mitome
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Patent number: 10288866Abstract: An optical system for a stereo video endoscope, a stereo video endoscope and a method for operating an optical system. The optical system includes a distal optical assembly and a proximal optical assembly with a left lens system channel and a right lens system channel. The distal optical assembly couples light incident from an object space into the left lens system channel and into the right lens system channel of the proximal optical assembly. The distal optical assembly is an optical assembly with an adjustable focal length, wherein a change in the focal length causes a displacement of an axis intersection point in the object space.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBHInventor: Jianxin Zhao
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Patent number: 9332242Abstract: Medical apparatus consisting of a first imaging device including a first image sensor having a first field of view, and a second imaging device including a second image sensor having a second field of view smaller than the first field of view. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to process a first image acquired by the first image sensor so as to generate a first processed image having a first image magnification, and to process a second image acquired by the second image sensor so as to generate a second processed image having a second image magnification. The processor is also configured to adjust the first image magnification to be equal to the second image magnification so as to form an adjusted first image, and to generate a stereoscopic image based on the adjusted first image and the processed second image.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.Inventor: Doron Adler
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Patent number: 9326663Abstract: An endoluminal crawler used in endoscopic procedures includes a body and an actuation unit. The body includes a tubular portion. The actuation unit includes an actuator providing a rotational output and a traction belt. The traction belt includes a traction portion and an engaging portion. The traction portion protrudes out of a slot defined in the tubular portion and the engaging portion operatively engages the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Frank J. Viola, James M. Power
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Patent number: 9039609Abstract: Improved optical devices and methods transmit optical images along elongate optical paths with relatively limited cross-sectional dimensions using an improved objective, relay, and ocular systems. At least one intermediate image is formed within an optical component. For example, a first intermediate image is formed within glass of the most proximal objective lens, with the first intermediate image extending axially along a curved image location within the glass. The last intermediate image may similarly be disposed within a distal lens of the ocular system. The ocular system allows independent adjustment of diopters, magnification, X-Y positioning, and rotation orientation of the captured image while introducing minimal aberrations.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Mina Farr, Wolfgang Braxmeier
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Patent number: 8986196Abstract: A surgical instrument extends through a guide tube and exits at an intermediate position of the guide tube. The instrument includes a parallel motion mechanism that changes the position of a distal end of the surgical instrument without changing the orientation of the distal end. An image capture component is at the distal end of the guide tube, and a joint allows the image capture component to move while the intermediate position remains stationary. The configuration allows a cross section of the guide tube to be oblong. In some aspects, a joint for the image capture component is placed between exit ports for surgical instruments, which allows the guide tube cross section to be further reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David Q. Larkin, Thomas G. Cooper, David C. Shafer, David J. Rosa, Matthew R. Williams, Eugene F. Duval
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Publication number: 20150073219Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes an imaging optical system including a diaphragm which adjusts light intensity and a pupil splitting polarizing element that has a pair of polarizers which are disposed to line up along a splitting line as a boundary; a scope holder in which at least the pupil splitting polarizing element is disposed in an inner portion thereof; and an imaging device on which light is incident via the imaging optical system. Light which is incident on the pupil splitting polarizing element is polarized by the pair of polarizers in order to generate a right eye image and a left eye image, respectively. A direction that is perpendicular to both the splitting line and an optical axis is a positioning direction. Positioning portions are provided to position the pupil splitting polarizing element in relation to a conjugate position of the diaphragm, or a proximity thereof, in the positioning direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Satoshi Nagae, Toshio Shirai
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Patent number: 8814779Abstract: Two side-by-side optical paths transmit stereoscopic right side and left side images onto the surface of a single image sensing chip. The single image sensing chip may be placed at various orientations with respect to the lens trains in the optical paths. In some embodiments a single prism is used to turn the light for both the right side and left side images onto the single image sensing chip. In other embodiments one prism is used to turn the light for the right side image and another prism is used to turn the light for the left side image, and the reflective surfaces of the two prisms are substantially coplanar such that the right side and left side images are incident on the single image sensor chip.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David Christopher Shafer, Dennis C. Leiner
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Publication number: 20140228644Abstract: There is provided an endoscope including a lens barrel in which a partial region including at least a distal end is inserted inside a body cavity of a person under measurement, and an imaging module provided in the distal end of the lens barrel, the imaging module has at least one pair of image sensors arranged in parallel at a mutually prescribed distance. The imaging module is switched between a storage state in which the imaging module is stored within the lens barrel in a manner that an extension direction of imaging surfaces of the image sensors becomes a direction along a first direction, and a photographing state in which the imaging module is projected outside of the lens barrel in a manner that the extension direction of the imaging surfaces of the image sensors becomes a direction along a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Sony CorporationInventor: Yuichiro Ikenaga
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Patent number: 8764635Abstract: An endoscope apparatus is adapted to be inserted into an inside of a subject and observe the inside of the subject and includes: an observation optical system which has a first optical path and a second optical path with parallax; an imaging portion on which a light passing through the first optical path and a light passing through the second optical path are formed; a diaphragm portion which selectively blocks out the first optical path or the second optical path; a distance measurement portion which measures a distance to the subject on the basis of parallax between a first image formed on the imaging portion via the first optical path and a second image formed on the imaging portion via the second optical path; a displacement amount detection portion which detects a displacement amount between two first images acquired with a time interval therebetween; and a measurement environment determination portion which determines, on the basis of the displacement amount, whether or not the first image and the seconType: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Yutaka Konomura
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Publication number: 20140039261Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for real-time surgical guidance includes an optical source, an optical fiber configured to be optically coupled to the optical source, a plurality of OCT sensor heads configured to be optically coupled to the optical fiber, an optical detector configured to be optically coupled to the optical fiber, a signal processor configured to communicate with the optical detector to receive detected signals therefrom, and a display system configured to receive OCT image signals from the signal processor and to display an OCT image of at least a portion of a surgical region of interest in real time to provide surgical guidance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Jin Ung Kang, Mingtao Zhao, Ishan Ann Tsay, Russell H. Taylor
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Patent number: 8608645Abstract: A stereo-endoscope is provided having a hollow shank with two axially parallel optical channels, which channels run through the hollow shank and respectively form at least a section of an image path to respective oculars of a binocular observation device arranged on the proximal end of the hollow shank. Moreover, the stereo-endoscope includes a camera connection, and one of the optical channels also forms at least one section of an image path to the camera connection.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbHInventors: Manfred Boebel, Alexander Frank, Klaus-Peter Hipp, Rudolf Heimberger, Felix Bitrolf, Friedrich Haehnle, Carl-Sebastian Wagner, Stephan Prestel, Gerhard Fritz Buess
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Patent number: 8602980Abstract: A folding endoscope with incorporated optical sensors and light sources includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis and at least one channel extending between the first and second ends and associated ports at the first and second ends for inserting surgical instruments through the housing into a surgical site. The endoscope includes at least two elongate arms having proximal and distal ends and being pivotally connected at the distal ends thereof to the first end of the housing. A camera and light source are mounted on each of the elongate arms such that when the elongate arms are deployed the cameras have a field of view in a generally forward direction away from the housing. A linkage mechanism is connected to the elongate arms, and an actuator is connected to the linkage mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: The Hospital for Sick ChildrenInventors: Harmanpreet Bassan, Peter Kim, Thomas Looi
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Publication number: 20130310648Abstract: A panning stereo endoscope which maintains an up-down orientation as the stereo endoscope pans an operative field, the panning stereo endoscope comprising: a shaft having an axis; first and second optical channels extending along the shaft, each of the first and second optical channels having an off-axis direction of view; and an actuating mechanism carried by the shaft and adapted to (i) synchronously rotate the first and second optical channels about their respective axes, and (ii) synchronously, inversely piston the first and second optical channels along their respective axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventor: ConMed Corporation
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Patent number: 8562516Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice, passageway or cavity, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. The elongate may achieve access in an endoluminal or a laparoscopic fashion. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, John A. Cox, Chris Rothe
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Patent number: 8556807Abstract: In one embodiment, an endoscopic camera for a robotic surgical system includes a stereo camera module mounted to a robotic arm of a patient side cart. The optical and electro-optic components of the camera module are hermetically sealed within a first housing. Signals from an electro-optic component travel through traces in a ceramic substrate forming one side of the hermetically sealed first housing. A second housing surrounds the first housing and optical fibers are dispersed between the housings to provide lighting in a body cavity. The camera module may be sterilized by an autoclave.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David D. Scott, David C. Shafer, Dominique Brichard, Peter M. Herzlinger
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Publication number: 20130245375Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed. The method includes capturing and displaying camera images of a surgical site on at least one display device at a surgeon console; switching out of a following mode and into a masters-as-mice (MaM) mode; overlaying a graphical user interface (GUI) including an interactive graphical object onto the camera images; and rendering a pointer within the camera images for user interactive control. In the following mode, the input devices of the surgeon console may couple motion into surgical instruments. In the MaM mode, the input devices interact with the GUI and interactive graphical objects. The pointer is manipulated in three dimensions by input devices having at least three degrees of freedom. Interactive graphical objects are related to physical objects in the surgical site or a function thereof and are manipulatable by the input devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicants: The Johns Hopkins University c/o John Hopkins Technology Transfer, Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Simon P. DiMaio, Christopher J. Hasser, Russell H. Taylor, David Q. Larkin, Peter Kazanzides, Anton Deguet, Balazs Peter Vagvolgyi, Joshua Leven
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Patent number: 8512229Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice or passageway, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Desmond Birkett, Chris Rothe, Tracy Maahs
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Patent number: 8398541Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed. The method includes capturing and displaying camera images of a surgical site on at least one display device at a surgeon console; switching out of a following mode and into a masters-as-mice (MaM) mode; overlaying a graphical user interface (GUI) including an interactive graphical object onto the camera images; and rendering a pointer within the camera images for user interactive control. In the following mode, the input devices of the surgeon console may couple motion into surgical instruments. In the MaM mode, the input devices interact with the GUI and interactive graphical objects. The pointer is manipulated in three dimensions by input devices having at least three degrees of freedom. Interactive graphical objects are related to physical objects in the surgical site or a function thereof and are manipulatable by the input devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignees: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc., Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Simon P. DiMaio, Christopher J. Hasser, Russell H. Taylor, David Q. Larkin, Peter Kazanzides, Anton Deguet, Bálazs Peter Vágvölgyi, Joshua Leven
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Publication number: 20130041226Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventor: Ian McDowall
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Patent number: 8360964Abstract: A wide angle HDTV endoscope includes at least two optical imaging channels. Lenses close each channel at the distal end of the endoscope. The imaging channels each have a different field of view in complementary directions, and have overlapping or cross-over field of view areas. Received images are transmitted along the longitudinal axis of the imaging channels of the endoscope to a camera head that contains a wide screen image sensing device. An external light source provides the required lighting and an image processing device can provide necessary software algorithms to format the images and to control any overlapping or cross-over field of view areas to obtain a single display image. In another arrangement, optical blocking elements provided at the proximal end of the endoscope or within the imaging channels eliminate portions of one or more images from the imaging channels so that at the cross-over areas only a single image is provided to the imaging device.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventor: Hasan Ertas
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Publication number: 20130023732Abstract: An endoscope system and an endoscope includes a patterned light providing unit to provide patterned light having a pattern corresponding to a feature point; first and second capturing units to capture an object onto which the patterned light is irradiated; and a light transmitting unit to transmit the patterned light to the object and transmit light reflected by the object to the first and second capturing units.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yeon-ho KIM, Seung-wan Lee, Dong-ryeol Park, Jong-hwa Won
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Patent number: 8323182Abstract: An endoscope including a rigid section having opposed first and second ends and an opening situated between the first and second ends, the rigid section defining a longitudinal axis; a handle portion coupled to a first end of the rigid section and having first and second scissor-type handles suitable for grasping by a user; and a base part situated at the second end of the rigid section and coupled to the first handle of the scissor-type handles such that displacement of the first handle causes a rotation of the base part.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventors: Harish M. Manohara, Anna Liao, Youngsam Bae, Hrayr Karnig Shahinian
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Patent number: 8314834Abstract: An endoscope device including an insertion part including an observation optical system and a measuring optical system, wherein the endoscope device is provided with a characteristic value comparing circuit which compares previous characteristic values and current characteristic values to identify previous characteristic values corresponding to the current characteristic values, and when storing the current characteristic values, current characteristic values corresponding to the previous characteristic values, identified by the characteristic value comparing circuit, are stored in a storage circuit together with various information. According to the invention, for inspecting turbine blades of jet engines, automation (labor-saving) of the inspection process by reducing the number of the inspection steps is realized and the difficulty in the inspection of analysis areas is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Yutaka Konomura
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Patent number: 8248457Abstract: A stereoscopic device including a sensor assembly for detecting a sequence of stereoscopic images of an object, a movement detector for detecting the movements of the sensor assembly relative to the object, and a processing unit connected to the sensor assembly and to the movement detector, wherein the processing unit selects portions of the stereoscopic images, according to a signal received from the movement detector, thereby producing a visually stable sequence of display images.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Visionsense, Ltd.Inventors: Michael D. Goldstein, Avi Yaron
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Publication number: 20120190928Abstract: There is described a double-clad fiber coupler (DCFC) composed of two double-clad fibers that have been fused together and tapered. The DCFC allows the propagation of light in the fundamental mode in its single-mode core with very little loss. Back reflected light may be collected two ways: by the core of the double-clad fiber and by the inner cladding of the double-clad fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Caroline BOUDOUX, Nicolas GODBOUT, Simon LEMIRE-RENAUD
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Publication number: 20120184819Abstract: Improved optical devices and methods transmit optical images along elongate optical paths with relatively limited cross-sectional dimensions using an improved objective, relay, and ocular systems. At least one intermediate image is formed within an optical component. For example, a first intermediate image is formed within glass of the most proximal objective lens, with the first intermediate image extending axially along a curved image location within the glass. The last intermediate image may similarly be disposed within a distal lens of the ocular system. The ocular system allows independent adjustment of diopters, magnification, X-Y positioning, and rotation orientation of the captured image while introducing minimal aberrations.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Mina Farr, Wolfgang Braxmeier
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Patent number: 8221304Abstract: There is disclosed an operation microscope in which an observing and displaying system of an operating instrument are selected, and an endoscope image for observing a dead angle of the microscope and a navigation image are selectively displayed in a microscope observation field, so that a tomographic image, three-dimensionally constructed image, and the like can be selectively displayed in a display screen in accordance with a treatment position displayed in a monitor or an observation position of the operation microscope.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Keiji Shioda, Kazuhito Nakanishi, Masakazu Mizoguchi, Takashi Fukaya, Wataru Ohno, Masahiko Kinukawa, Masaaki Ueda, Motokazu Nakamura, Toru Shinmura, Kazuo Morita
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Patent number: 8167793Abstract: An endoscope with a stereoscopic optical channel is again held and positioned by a robotic surgical system. A capture unit captures (1) at a first time, a first image from light from the channel; and (2) at a second time different from the first time, a second image from the light. Only one of the first image and the second image includes a combination of a fluorescence image and a visible image. The other of the first image and the second image is a visible image. An intelligent image processing system generates an artificial fluorescence image using the captured fluorescence image. An augmented stereoscopic display system outputs an augmented stereoscopic image of at least a portion of the tissue comprising the artificial fluorescence image.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David Scott, Wenyi Zhao, Christopher J. Hasser, Brian D. Hoffman, Ian McDowall, Catherine J. Mohr, John D. Stern
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Patent number: 8162820Abstract: A system and method for acquiring measurements of a portion of a patient's anatomy are provided. For example, the system includes a stereovideoscope including a scope coupled to a flexible tubing and configured to be positioned within the patient's body. The scope includes a plurality of stereoscopic lenses configured to capture data indicative of the portion of the patient's anatomy, and the flexible tubing includes a biocompatible material. In addition, the system includes a processing element that is in communication with the stereovideoscope and that is configured to generate an image based on the captured data in order to acquire at least one geometrical measurement indicative of the portion of the patient's upper airway and to determine a probabilty of the patient's response to a tongue-base treatment based on the at least one geometrical meaurement.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Kent Moore
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Publication number: 20120071723Abstract: An endoscope apparatus, which is capable of performing measurement of a subject using a phase-shift method, includes: a main body; an insertion portion connected to the main body; and a plurality of pattern projection units, each of the plurality of pattern projection units including: a pattern window which is provided in a distal end of the insertion portion; and a pattern portion which has a line pattern in which a plurality of lines are periodically disposed with a predetermined period, the lines being parallel to each other, in which: the pattern portions of the plurality of pattern projection units are disposed such that the lines of the line patterns of the pattern portions are parallel to each other, and the line patterns of the pattern portions are shifted from each other by 1/n of 1the predetermined period of the line pattern, where the number of the plurality of pattern projection units assumed to be n (n?3); and the pattern windows of the plurality of pattern projection units are disposed such thatType: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Takakazu Ishigami, Kiyotomi Ogawa
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Patent number: 8118730Abstract: Improved optical devices and methods transmit optical images along elongate optical paths with relatively limited cross-sectional dimensions using an improved objective, relay, and ocular systems. In a first aspect, at least one intermediate image formed within an optical component, rather than being formed in a gap between optical components. In a preferred embodiment, a first intermediate image is formed within glass of the most proximal objective lens, with the first intermediate image extending axially along a curved image location within the glass. The last intermediate image may similarly be disposed within a distal lens of the ocular system. By making use of a first and/or last intermediate image disposed in this manner within a lens, endoscopes can exhibit a significantly larger Numerical Aperture than known endoscopes having similar cross-sectional dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Mina Farr, Wolfgang Braxmeier
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Patent number: 8105233Abstract: An endoscopic system and method that is adaptable for therapeutic applications as well as sensor operation and is capable of producing 3-dimensional human vision simulated imaging with real dynamic convergence, not virtual convergence. Applications may include use in any space, including but not limited to, intra-abdominal cavities, intra-thoracic cavities, and intra-cranial cavities. Further, two or more diagnostic/sensor probes may be used, with at least two being the same kind to create the 3-dimensional effect, such as but not limited to, camera, ultrasound, and magnetic-resonance imaging. Diagnostic/sensor probes are each mounted to the end of a different arm, with the other ends of the two arms both being attached to the same hinge that allows them to turn freely on the same axis from side-to-side within a 180 degree angle range of movement on the distal end of a main tubular shaft system. Medical, as well as other applications, are contemplated.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Inventor: Tarek Ahmed Nabil Abou El Kheir
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Publication number: 20110295071Abstract: A stereoscopic coupler for mechanically and optically coupling an endoscope to a portion of a camera, the stereoscopic coupler comprising: means for mechanically and optically coupling the stereoscopic coupler to an endoscope; and means for mechanically and optically coupling the stereoscopic coupler to a portion of a camera; wherein the stereoscopic coupler comprises: a pair of optics; a mechanical actuator for operation by a user; and means for physically moving the pair of optics as a unit in response to movement of the mechanical actuator by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Douglas Sjostrom, John E. Kennedy, Dennis Arsenault, Yuri Kazakevich
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Patent number: 8033990Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion of the invention includes a distal end portion, and a plurality of image pickup portions each including an image pickup device for obtaining an endoscope image, wherein the plurality of image pickup portions are disposed in the distal end portion such that agreement is made between first and second electric charge transfer directions in which electric charges are transferred from each photoelectric conversion device of the respective image pickup devices, thus avoiding a sense of incongruity (stress to a user) from being caused by endoscope images displayed on a monitor, which are obtained by a plurality of image pickup units.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventor: Takashi Otawara
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Patent number: 8016747Abstract: A capsule endoscope capable of implementing stereoscopic photography, with which protruding/recessed states are easily recognized, for a nearby subject. The capsule endoscope includes imaging devices for respectively imaging a common subject, a driving/sampling section which drives the imaging devices, focusing optical systems which correspond one-to-one with the imaging devices and focus subject images onto imaging regions of the corresponding imaging devices, and a control section which controls imaging operations of the imaging devices with the driving/sampling section. At least one of the focusing optical systems is inclined such that an optical axis direction thereof is oriented forward in a direction of imaging by the plurality of imaging devices and toward a perpendicular direction that passes through a central point between the imaging regions of the plurality of imaging devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Youichi Sawachi
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Publication number: 20100274089Abstract: A laparoscope includes: a housing extending a particular length; a pair of lenses set in both end portions of the housing along a lengthwise direction; a pair of first reflectors mounted within the housing adjacent to the pair of lenses to reflect light from the pair of lenses towards a particular position; a second reflector mounted within the housing that receives the light reflected from the pair of first reflectors and reflects the light in a particular direction; and an optical passage coupled to the housing that receives the light reflected from the second reflector and transmits the light to a particular position. Since a single-lens laparoscope may be connected to the housing where a pair of lenses are set with a gap in-between, the diameter of the laparoscope can be reduced, and an image can be obtained that has a brightness comparable to that obtained by a single-lens laparoscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Seung Wook Choi, Dong Myung Min
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Patent number: 7621868Abstract: A convergence prism assembly with a housing and a prism structure having a plurality of prisms mounted in a unitary assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Precision Optics CorporationInventors: Robert S. Breidenthal, Richard G. Cyr, Christopher David, Joseph N. Forkey, Richard E. Forkey, Robert N. Ross, Brian E. Volk
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Publication number: 20090270683Abstract: Improved optical devices and methods transmit optical images along elongate optical paths with relatively limited cross-sectional dimensions using an improved objective, relay, and ocular systems. In a first aspect, at least one intermediate image formed within an optical component, rather than being formed in a gap between optical components. In a preferred embodiment, a first intermediate image is formed within glass of the most proximal objective lens, with the first intermediate image extending axially along a curved image location within the glass. The last intermediate image may similarly be disposed within a distal lens of the ocular system. By making use of a first and/or last intermediate image disposed in this manner within a lens, endoscopes can exhibit a significantly larger Numerical Aperture than known endoscopes having similar cross-sectional dimensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Mina Farr, Wolfgang Braxmeier
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Patent number: 7601119Abstract: A manipulator includes a distal end having a manipulating instrument configured for manipulation at a manipulation site, and a proximate end connectable to an interface. A pair of detectors is configured to capture stereoscopic images of the manipulation site. The pair of detectors and manipulating instrument are connected to the interface, by at least a flexible guide and a wired and/or wireless communication link. The detectors are co-locatable at the manipulation site with the manipulating instrument and may be removable attached to manipulating instrument. A force detector may also be removable attached to manipulating instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Inventor: Hrayr Kamig Shahinian
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Patent number: 7559891Abstract: Improved optical devices and methods transmit optical images along elongate optical paths with relatively limited cross-sectional dimensions using an improved objective, relay, and ocular systems. In a first aspect, at least one intermediate image formed within an optical component, rather than being formed in a gap between optical components. In a preferred embodiment, a first intermediate image is formed within glass of the most proximal objective lens, with the first intermediate image extending axially along a curved image location within the glass. The last intermediate image may similarly be disposed within a distal lens of the ocular system. By making use of a first and/or last intermediate image disposed in this manner within a lens, endoscopes can exhibit a significantly larger Numerical Aperture than known endoscopes having similar cross-sectional dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Mina Farr, Wolfgang Braxmeier
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Patent number: 7518632Abstract: An endoscope device including an insertion part including an observation optical system and a measuring optical system, wherein the endoscope device is provided with a characteristic value comparing circuit 85 which compares previous characteristic values and current characteristic value to identify previous characteristic values corresponding to the current characteristic values, corresponding to the previous characteristic values, identified by the corresponding to the previous characteristic values, identified by the characteristic value comparing circuit 85, are stored in a storage circuit C2 together with various information. According to the invention, for inspection turbine blades of jet engines, automation (labor-saving) of the inspection process by reducing the number of the inspection steps is realized and the difficulty in the inspection of analysis areas is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Yutaka Konomura
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Patent number: 7507201Abstract: Image splitting device for videoendoscope, comprising an image splitting optical component to form on the sensitive surface of a video sensor housed in the distal end part of a videoendoscope a single composite image formed from two images of an observed target, viewed from two different angles; the image splitting optical component comprises two sections of identical convergent lenses, integrated into an opaque central element, maintaining the space between the two section of lenses, each of the two sections of lenses are at least equal to a half-moon so that it is crossed by the optical axis of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: TokendoInventor: Jean Rovegno
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Publication number: 20090076329Abstract: A disposable simultaneous stereo endoscope system is disclosed. The disposable endoscope does not include image relay. Instead, two electronic imaging sensors and solid illumination lighting are arranged inside the endoscope. A demultiplexing beam splitter is used for splitting the two imaging light beams to the two imaging devices. A wedged multi-facet illumination window is used to create an illumination field that is larger than the field of view of the imaging optics. An electrically conductive heat sink is engaged for dissipating the heat generated by the solid light source and also for shielding end side of the endoscope. The disposable endoscope is shielded from electromagnetic interferences. A repeater unit is used to electrically connect the disposable endoscope with a remote receiver and to increase the data transfer rate. An electrical isolation means is provided between the endoscope and an image processing and power conditioning unit to protect the endoscope against electric shock.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Wei Su, Gary Zhang
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Patent number: 7410463Abstract: An optical system for stereoscopic rigid endoscope is provided with first and second objective optical systems arranged to have a predetermined clearance therebetween and an optical path combining system that polarizes light passed through the first and second objective optical systems in directions perpendicular to each other. The optical path combining system parallelly shifts the optical axes of the first and second objective optical systems so that they coincide with each other. The shifting directions of the optical axes form an angle less than 90 degrees. A relaying optical system is provided inside the insertion unit of the endoscope. An optical axis of the relaying optical system is coaxial with the combined optical axes. An optical image separating system separates the light passed through the relaying optical system into first and second components that passed through the first and second objective optical systems and polarized by the optical path combining system, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: HOYA CorporationInventor: Moriyasu Kanai
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Publication number: 20080188716Abstract: An endoscope system includes a radiation source which emits a modulated radiation and is applied in a manner such that an object to be examined by an endoscope may be illuminated with the radiation. A sensor is provided for detecting the radiation reflected by the object, at least one picture point. An evaluation device obtains readings of the detected radiation from the sensor, determines phase differences on the basis of these readings, and computes the distance of the object to the sensor device on the basis of these phase differences. A corresponding supplementary module for an endoscope and endoscope optics with these features are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: RICHARD WOLF GMBHInventors: Helmut HECKELE, Hubert VOLLINGER
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Patent number: 7267647Abstract: An endoscope has an inserting tube to be inserted into a human body, first and second optical systems integrally secured to a tip end portion of the inserting tube. The first and second optical systems are for observing the in vivo tissues at different magnifications. A front end portion of the second optical system is protruded by a predetermined amount with respect to a front end portion of the first optical system so that the front end portion of said second optical system is located within a field of view of said second optical system.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignees: PENTAX Corporation, Optiscan Pty Ltd.Inventors: Shinsuke Okada, Peter Maxwell Delaney
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Patent number: 7241262Abstract: An endoscope having restricted dimensions and comprising at least one image gatherer, at least one image distorter and at least one image sensor shaped to fit within said limited dimensions, and wherein said image distorter is operable to distort an image received from said image gatherer so that the image is sensible at said shaped image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: C2Cure, Inc.Inventors: Doron Adler, Ofer Pillar, Alex Zaretski, Arie Blumenzweig
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Patent number: 7170677Abstract: Two stereo images are created by splitting a single image into two images using a field of view dividing splitter. The two images can be displayed side by side so that they can be viewed directly using stereopticon technology, heads-up display, or other 3-D display technology, or they can be separated for individual eye viewing. The two images focus on one imager such that the right image appears on the right side of the monitor and the left image appears on the left side of the monitor. The view of the images is aimed to converge at a given object distance such that the views overlap 100% at the object distance. Measurement is done with at least one onscreen cursor.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Everest VITInventors: Clark A. Bendall, Theodore A. Chilek, Thomas W. Karpen, Raymond A. Lia, Jon R. Salvati