View Field Altering Means Patents (Class 600/173)
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Patent number: 7783133Abstract: An image processing system is arranged to provide rotation compensation and image stabilization in a video scope system such as in endoscopy and laparoscopy systems. The image processing functions may operate at real-time frame rates so that the resulting processed image is observable with no time lag. A rotation sensor is included in the system to sense the position of scope. The sensed scope rotation may be used to cause rotation of the collected image and/or an image displayed on a video monitor. The sensed rotation may be used to identify or calculate a coordinate transformation matrix that is used for processing the image data. The system may include a horizon lock mechanism that can be user-actuated to engage rotation compensation. When the horizon lock mechanism is not engaged, the output image is locked to the scope tip and rotates with rotation of the scope.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignees: Microvision, Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs, Frank B. Metting, III, Selso Luanava
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Patent number: 7727145Abstract: A method of transmitting images in a subject to an outside of the subject using a wireless signal is provided. The method including: (a) transmitting to the outside of the subject a first signal corresponding to a first image obtained using a first imaging device, by timing on a first illumination device for illuminating the subject to capture the first image of the subject; (b) transmitting to the outside of the subject a second signal corresponding to a second image obtained using a second imaging device, by turning on a second illumination device for illuminating the subject to capture the second image of the subject; and (c) repeating (a) and (b), where at least initiation of the transmitting the first signal and initiation of the transmitting the second signals is alternately performed and the first and second illumination devices are alternately turned on coincidentally with transmission periods of the first and second signals, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Takeshi Yokoi, Hironobu Takizawa, Hidetake Segawa, Hitoshi Mizuno, Hideyuki Adachi, Hiroki Moriyama, Hisao Yabe
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Publication number: 20100121146Abstract: A scanning endoscope comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, a first mirror, and a second mirror, is provided. The first transmitter emits a beam of radiant light from an emission end. The actuator moves the emission end along a spiral course. The first mirror is arranged from the emission end toward a first direction. The first mirror comprises a first reflection surface around the first direction. The first reflection surface reflects the radiant light emitted from the first transmitter. The second mirror is arranged around the first reflection surface. The second mirror comprises a second reflection surface. The second reflection surface reflects the radiant light reflected by the first mirror in a direction that includes the first direction as a positive vector toward any points on the first line.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: HOYA CORPORATIONInventor: Hideo SUGIMOTO
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Patent number: 7684851Abstract: According to a body cavity interior observing apparatus of the present invention, a non-tracked region to be displayed can be switched between a first non-tracked region and a second non-tracked region which is larger than the first non-tracked region, and in a search for an affected area in which it is preferable to track a treating instrument in order to consistently align the position of treating instrument to the central part of the screen, the first non-tracked region having a smaller non-tracked region is selected, while in a treatment of an affected area in which a treating instrument is moved in a wide range of area, the second non-tracked region having a larger non-tracked region is selected, thereby an appropriate monitor screen can be provided in searching for an affected area and in treating an affected area.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Fujinon CorporationInventors: Yoichi Miyake, Tatsuo Igarashi, Harufumi Makino, Toshiya Nakaguchi, Hiroshi Fujita
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Publication number: 20100030031Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: ACCLARENT, INC.Inventors: Eric Goldfarb, Dominick L. Gatto, Thomas Jenkins, Scott Baron
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Publication number: 20100016672Abstract: A capsule medical device includes an optically transparent optical dome forming a part of a capsule casing introduced into a subject; an illuminating board having an illuminating unit that illuminates inside the subject over the optical dome fixedly arranged thereon; an optical unit that forms an image of inside the subject illuminated by the illuminating unit; an imaging unit that is fixedly arranged with respect to the optical unit and captures images of inside the subject; and a positioning unit in which the illuminating board and the optical unit are fixedly arranged, which is fitted and fixed to an inner circumference of the optical dome to determine relative positions of the illuminating board and the optical unit with respect to the optical dome.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicants: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP., OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Hidetake SEGAWA, Tatsuya ORIHARA, Noriyuki FUJIMORI
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Publication number: 20100010302Abstract: A reflector for an endoscopic tool, which is made, for example of a framework or a balloon and reflects an image proximal to the tip to an imager at or near a tip of the endoscope. In some embodiments, the reflector distorts the image, which may be corrected using software.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: Vision-Sciences Inc.Inventor: Ron Hadani
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Patent number: 7637865Abstract: A substantially spherical in vivo imaging device (40) may be used for imaging body lumens in the GI tract. The imaging device (40) may include for example a ballast or weight (74) for setting a preferred orientation of the device within the body lumen. The substantially spherical shape (52) of the in vivo imaging device (40) may facilitate capturing steady streams of imaging data in large body lumens. A method of manufacture is presented.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Given Imaging, Ltd.Inventors: Gavriel J. Iddan, Zvika Gilad
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Patent number: 7625338Abstract: A device and system for in-vivo imaging with changeable fields of view includes a capsule shaped housing having an external shell that is adapted to be swallowed and passed through a patient due to the housing having no physical connection to the outside. The housing encloses an imaging unit that includes an imager and an illumination source, and a rotatable structure to alter the field of view of the imaging unit. The rotatable structure includes a motor that rotates the imaging unit relative to the and within the external shell. External commands transmitted from outside a patient can control the rotatable structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Given Imaging, Ltd.Inventors: Zvika Gilad, Alex Blijevsky
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Patent number: 7621869Abstract: The next generation colonoscope has multiple dual view modules that are attached along the length of its shaft. Each dual view module comprises of a forward and rear image lens and a forward and rear illumination bulb. Each dual view module is designed and attached to the shaft in a way that when deployed, the forward image lens and the forward illumination bulb face forwards and provide forward view; and the rear image lens and the rear illumination bulb face backwards and provide rear view. An actuator is used to selectively move the housings from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Inventor: Nitesh Ratnakar
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Patent number: 7612330Abstract: An optical scanning probe is provided and includes an optical scanning element which scans a subject with light, and a signal switching section for switching a drive signal for making the optical scanning element perform optical scanning. The optical scanning element includes a movable portion having a micro mirror which is displaced in a first rotating direction and a second rotating direction, and first and second drivers which apply physical acting forces to the movable portion. The signal switching section has a function for switching a driving preparation signal for attracting the movable portion in either the first rotating direction or the second rotating direction into a scanning drive signal for attracting the movable portion in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction alternately. The maximum voltage of the driving preparation signal is set value to be higher than the maximum voltage of the scanning drive signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Shinya Ogikubo
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Patent number: 7591785Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope. Alternatively, the light source and vision chip may be contained in a distal end of the endoscope. In such an alternative embodiment, the vision head is a parabolic mirror mounted on the extension arm for reflecting images, for example, from behind the distal end of the endoscope to the vision chip in the distal end of the endoscope to permit, for example, a retrograde view of the surgical site entrance.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Wendlandt, Mark L. Adams
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Patent number: 7553277Abstract: An endoscope, comprising an elongated rigid shaft and an optical imaging system arranged at a distal end of the shaft for receiving light from an observation area, wherein the optical imaging system is pivotable with respect to the shaft about a first pivot axis which runs about transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The optical imaging system is pivotable with respect to the shaft about at least a second pivot axis, which is spaced from the first pivot axis and runs about transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and an overall pivot range of the optical imaging system about the first and at least second pivot axis is at least 150° from the longitudinal axis of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Siegfried Hoefig, Fang Lei
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Patent number: 7544162Abstract: An optical probe has a tubular outer envelope, and a shaft rotatable about a rotating axis extending longitudinal direction of the outer envelope. A light guide disposed to extend along the shaft is connected to the shaft at its leading end portion, a light deflector connected to the leading end portion of the light guide deflects light radiated from the leading end portion of the light guide, and a collecting lens converges light radiated from the light deflector outside the outer envelope. Light emitted from the light deflector is scanned along the outer envelope in response to movement of the shaft and the light deflector is connected to the shaft in a position deviated from the axis of rotation of the shaft and is movable to the shaft so that the direction of light deflected by the light deflector can be changed in this position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Kazunobu Ohkubo
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Patent number: 7534205Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for selecting and displaying an image with the best focus are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of displaying a captured image includes capturing a plurality of images of a field of view (FOV) using an image capture device, selecting one of the images having the best focus, and displaying the selected image on the image capture device. In another aspect, a method of displaying a captured image includes capturing a plurality of images of a FOV, dividing each of the images into a plurality of regions, and comparing corresponding regions from each of the images. The regions having the best focus are selected. A composite image is constructed formed from the regions with the best focus and the composite image is displayed. Image capture devices configured to effect the above methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventor: Christopher A. Wiklof
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Patent number: 7530948Abstract: A capsule is coupled to a tether that is manipulated to position the capsule and a scanner included within the capsule at a desired location within a lumen in a patient's body. Images produced by the scanner can be used to detect Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and early (asymptomatic) esophageal cancer after the capsule is swallowed and positioned with the tether to enable the scanner in the capsule to scan a region of the esophagus above the stomach to detect a characteristic dark pink color indicative of BE. The scanner moves in a desired pattern to illuminate a portion of the inner surface. Light from the inner surface is then received by detectors in the capsule, or conveyed externally through a waveguide to external detectors. Electrical signals are applied to energize an actuator that moves the scanner. The capsule can also be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in other lumens.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Eric J. Seibel, Michael Kimmey, Richard S. Johnston
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Patent number: 7517314Abstract: A method for presenting an indicator of the upright orientation of an endoscopic image. An electronic rotation pick-up means is fixed to the housing of an endoscope. The electronic rotation pick-up means produces signals indicating rotations of the endoscope. A microprocessor uses these signals to calculate the difference between the upright image orientation and the actual image orientation. The calculation includes factors to account for endoscope roll, endoscope pitch, and endoscope viewing direction. The upright indicator is displayed on a video display device along with the endoscopic image.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Karl Storz Development Corp.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Eric Lawrence Hale, Nathan Jon Schara
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Publication number: 20090062616Abstract: An image pickup unit according to the present invention, includes a solid-state image pickup device provided with a light receiving portion for receiving photographing light refracted and reflected by a reflection surface of an optical reflection member. The image pickup unit also includes a protection member which is surface-joined to and to protect at least the area of an effective reflection surface within the reflection surface by which the photographing light is refracted and made incident on the light receiving portion. Thereby, when the image pickup unit is provided in an electronic endoscope including the optical component for refracting and reflecting the photographing light, it is possible to improve the assembling property of the image pickup unit including the optical component, and possible to prevent the optical component from being damaged under various environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.Inventors: Hiroyuki NAGAMIZU, Hiroshi UNSAI
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Patent number: 7470275Abstract: A surgical instrument for deploying an anastomotic ring device comprises a ring deployment mechanism, which is configured to receive and deploy an anastomotic ring. The instrument further comprises an imaging element that is operable to capture an image of the anastomosis site. In one version, the instrument is operable to capture both a forward view and a retrograde view of the anastomosis site.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Ortiz
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Patent number: 7448995Abstract: A scanning endoscope, amenable to both rigid and flexible forms, scans a beam of light across a field-of-view, collects light scattered from the scanned beam, detects the scattered light, and produces an image. The endoscope may comprise one or more bodies housing a controller, light sources, and detectors; and a separable tip housing the scanning mechanism. The light sources may include laser emitters that combine their outputs into a polychromatic beam. Light may be emitted in ultraviolet or infrared wavelengths to produce a hyperspectral image. The detectors may be housed distally or at a proximal location with gathered light being transmitted thereto via optical fibers. A plurality of scanning elements may be combined to produce a stereoscopic image or other imaging modalities. The endoscope may include a lubricant delivery system to ease passage through body cavities and reduce trauma to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Wiklof, Malik I. Amjad, John R. Lewis, Frank B. Metting, III, Christian S. L. Reyerson, Jianhua Xu, Clarence T. Tegreene
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Patent number: 7448993Abstract: A gastrointestinal tract examining apparatus includes a capsular endoscope which examines the gastrointestinal tract, a flexible tube member, a flexible string member which is inserted in the tube member, and a connecting portion which is arranged to the capsular endoscope. In the gastrointestinal tract examining apparatus, the tube member is separated from the capsular endoscope by detachably connecting the string member to the connecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Takeshi Yokoi, Hironobu Takizawa, Hidetake Segawa, Akira Kikuchi
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Patent number: 7435217Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes having a positionable light collector are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam across a FOV and a light collector structured to collect light affected by the FOV. The light collector is positionable relative to the beam scanned by the scanned beam source. Scanned beam endoscopes and methods of performing endoscopy are also disclosed that implement the above teachings.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventor: Christopher A. Wiklof
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Patent number: 7427262Abstract: An endoscope with deflected distal viewing, comprises a rigid tube containing observation means, themselves comprising a distal deflector prism having a viewing axis that is inclined relative to the axis of the tube, and ultraviolet light guide means housed in the tube and opening out at their distal end onto a prism for deflecting the illuminating light beam in a direction that is substantially parallel to the viewing axis. The invention applies in particular to inspecting parts by the penetration test technique in the aviation field.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Isabelle Bonningue, John Le Quellec, Jean Rovegno
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Patent number: 7427263Abstract: A method and system are provided for configuring a variable direction of view endoscope generally comprising a graphical user interface and an endoscope having a view controlling device for moving the view vector between predefined, discrete view vector positions. The graphical user interface displays a set of these view vector positions, and the view vector is moved from one of these positions directly to another in response to a command from a user via the graphical user interface.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Karl Storz Development Corp.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Nathan Jon Schara, Eric Lawrence Hale
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Patent number: 7374533Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope generally comprising an endoscope shaft, an objective optical system disposed in the distal end of the shaft that defines a view vector movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a viewing window located in the distal end of the shaft through which the view vector scans over a range of different view vector directions when moved relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A portion of the distal section of the endoscope shaft adjacent and proximal to the viewing window has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and at least two regions within the cross section are connectable by a straight line that does not lie within or on the boundary of the cross section. In certain embodiments, cross section comprises at least two disjoint closed sets of points.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Karl Storz Development Corp.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Nathan Jon Schara, Eric Lawrence Hale
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Patent number: 7371209Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head which is equipped with a plurality of function-related units such as an optical/lens system, illuminating elements, rinsing nozzles and the like. The endoscope head substantially comprises a plurality of modular plug-in or click-in function-related supports for receiving and/or forming the function-related units.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: STM Medizintechnik Starnberg GmbHInventors: Thomas Viebach, Fritz Pauker
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Patent number: 7364543Abstract: Probes, and systems and methods for optically scanning a conical volume in front of a probe, for use with an imaging modality, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). A probe includes an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an axis, with the proximal end of the optical fiber being proximate a light source, and the distal end having a first angled surface. A refractive lens element is positioned proximate the distal end of the optical fiber. The lens element and the fiber end are both configured to separately rotate about the axis so as to image a conical scan volume when light is provided by the source. Reflected light from a sample under investigation is collected by the fiber and analyzed by an imaging system. Such probes may be very compact, e.g., having a diameter 1 mm or less, and are advantageous for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Changhuei Yang, Jigang Wu
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Patent number: 7344494Abstract: A flexible variable direction of view endoscope with a pivotable view vector and a rotatable distal section.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Karl Storz Development Corp.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Eric Lawrence Hale, Nathan Jon Schara
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Patent number: 7322934Abstract: An endoscope comprises an inserting unit main body, and a head unit that is freely detachably attached to the distal end of the inserting unit main body and that includes an image pickup device which picks up an image of an object and a light emitting element which irradiates illumination light to the object. A holding member holds the head unit such that distal extension of the holding member angles the head unit in a radial direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the distal end of the inserting unit main body.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Kiyoshi Miyake, Mitsuo Obata, Atsushi Miyazaki
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Patent number: 7294102Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignees: PENTAX Corporation, Optiscan PTY Ltd.Inventors: Bradley Charles Jones, Christopher Gerard Byrne, Johan Gosse Lemmens, Libin Ni
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Publication number: 20070244365Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes having a positionable light collector are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam across a FOV and a light collector structured to collect light affected by the FOV. The light collector is positionable relative to the beam scanned by the scanned beam source. Scanned beam endoscopes and methods of performing endoscopy are also disclosed that implement the above teachings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: Microvision, Inc.Inventor: Christopher A. Wiklof
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Publication number: 20070238931Abstract: A medical endoscope including a stem (1) receiving in its distal end part (3) a video camera (30), the end part (3) being pivotably adjustable relative to the main part (2) of the stem (1) and connecting lines (27, 31) running in the stem (1) from a proximal end region to the end part (3), wherein the main part (2) and the end part (3) are enclosed in sealing manner by rigid stem tubes (5, 8) which are supported in an abutting and sealing manner in a joint (4) by means of a hollow axle (16, 18) running perpendicularly to the stem parts (2, 3), the hollow axle being crossed by the connecting lines (27, 31) in the inside spaces of the stem parts (2, 3).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Applicant: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBHInventor: Harald Hanke
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Patent number: 7273452Abstract: A disposable imaging catheter that produces high resolution, color images comparable to those obtained from an endoscope. The device may also be made to function as a guidewire. The device may also include a sheath which slides over the catheter body for stiffening and which may include a working channel for accepting interventional devices, as well as LEDs to illuminate the field of view. The vision catheter system includes a detector assembly, scanning mechanism, and distal objective lens. In one embodiment, a photodetector is mated to a lens/pinhole assembly that allows the detector to read light from a small discrete point. This assembly is then scanned in raster or spiral patterns via electric wire coils that actuate a magnetic scan plate to read the area of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Louis J. Barbato, Mark A. Hamm, Yem Chin
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Publication number: 20070219414Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventor: Fang Lei
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Patent number: 7261687Abstract: Probes, and systems and methods for optically scanning a conical volume in front of a probe, for use with an imaging modality, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). A probe includes an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an axis, with the proximal end of the optical fiber being proximate a light source, and the distal end having a first angled surface. A refractive lens element is positioned proximate the distal end of the optical fiber. The lens element and the fiber end are both configured to separately rotate about the axis so as to image a conical scan volume when light is provided by the source. Reflected light from a sample under investigation is collected by the fiber and analyzed by an imaging system. Such probes may be very compact, e.g., having a diameter 1 mm or less, and are advantageous for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventor: Changhuei Yang
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Patent number: 7229406Abstract: A device for positioning at least one optical component inside an endoscopic system has a housing through which an optical axis of the endoscopic system extends and in which the at least one optical component is arranged. The at least one optical component can be pivoted into the beam path and back out of the beam path about a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing, the at least one optical component being arranged on a support which is pivotable about the pivot axis. A smallest distance of an inside wall of the housing from the pivot axis is smaller than a greatest distance of the pivot axis to an outer edge of the at least one optical component.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ulrich Kehr, Siegfried Hoefig
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Patent number: 7175593Abstract: A variable view arthroscope includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis and an input end, an input lens and a CCD in the input end of the housing for capturing and relaying an image object. In some embodiments, a variable view arthroscope with a plurality of viewing positions in a viewing range between a first end viewing position and a second end viewing position includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis and an input end, an input lens and a mirror in the housing for obtaining an image object, and a prism, a focusing lens, and a CCD in the housing for capturing and relaying the image object. The input lens and mirror are movable around an axis for varying the view of the arthroscope. In certain embodiments, the tubular housing has a longitudinal axis and an input end and the input lens and CCD are mounted in an input lens holder in the input end of the housing. The input lens and the CCD are movable for varying the view of the arthroscope.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Durell & Gitelis, Inc.Inventor: William E. Durell
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Patent number: 7154527Abstract: Stereoscopic device including at least two apertures, each including a light valve, a multi wavelength light sensor array and a controllable multi wavelength illumination unit, producing at least two alternating beams of light, each of the beams of light is characterized as being in a different range of wavelengths, wherein each light valve is operative to open at a different predetermined timing and wherein the multi wavelength light sensor array detects a plurality of images, each of the images corresponding to a predetermined combination of an open state of a selected one of the light valves and a selected one of the modes.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Visionsense Ltd.Inventors: Michael Goldstein, Abraham Yaron, Shay Ghilai
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Patent number: 7134992Abstract: A method is disclosed in for presenting an endoscopic image in an upright orientation. An electronic rotation pick-up means is fixed to the housing of an endoscope. The electronic rotation pick-up means produces signals indicating rotations of the endoscope. A microprocessor uses these signals to calculate a necessary amount of rotational correction for the endoscopic view orientation. The calculation includes factors to account for endoscope roll, endoscope pitch, and endoscope viewing direction. An image rotator rotates the endoscopic image by the calculated correction amount. The rotated image is displayed on a video display device.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Karl Storz Development Corp.Inventors: Nathan Jon Schara, Hans David Hoeg, Eric Lawrence Hale
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Patent number: 7122001Abstract: An encapsulated endoscope system in accordance with the present invention comprises: an encapsulated endoscope that rotates to develop a thrust; a controller that moves the encapsulated endoscope in an intended direction of advancement; an imaging unit incorporated in the encapsulated endoscope; and an image processing unit that receives image data sent from the imaging unit, and produces an image, which results from rotation of the received image data, according to the rotational phase of the encapsulated endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Akio Uchiyama, Hironobu Takizawa, Takeshi Yokoi, Hitoshi Mizuno
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Patent number: 7108657Abstract: An endoscopic visualization apparatus has a first imaging system and at least one second imaging system, a first image field being covered by the first imaging system, and a second image field being covered by the second imaging system. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are arranged in a common housing. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are significantly different with regard to at least one optical parameter, and the first image field and the at least one second image field overlap one another only partially.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus M. Irion, Karl Christian Storz
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Patent number: 7066879Abstract: The present invention provides a system and single or multi-functional element device that can be inserted and temporarily placed or implanted into a structure having a lumen or hollow space, such as a subject's abdominal cavity to provide therewith access to the site of interest in connection with minimally invasive surgical procedures. The insertable device may be configured such that the functional elements have various degrees of freedom of movement with respect to orienting the functional elements or elements to provide access to the site from multiple and different orientations/perspectives as the procedure dictates, e.g., to provide multiple selectable views of the site, and may provide a stereoscopic view of the site of interest.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Dennis L. Fowler, Peter K. Allen, Andrew T. Miller
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Patent number: 7052455Abstract: An interface for a variable direction of view endoscope having an input device for receiving commands from the user, an output device for adjusting the endoscope, and an electronic processing device to determine the appropriate output based on the given input. The processing device may be configured to allow operation assisting features including a coordinate system aligned with the current view, a coordinate system aligned with the user's surroundings, a coordinate system aligned with the operating cavity, a memory to facilitate the immediate return to a user selected direction of view, and a clear indication of the current direction of view.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Karl Storz Development Corp.Inventors: Eric L. Hale, Nathan J. Schara, Hans D. Hoeg
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Patent number: 7044908Abstract: A capsule endoscope (CE) having a field of view that may be dynamically adjusted. The CE includes an illuminator that may be an optical or acoustical illuminator designed to illuminate the lining of a GI tract. A scanner, such as a MEMS scanner may be used to scan the illumination source onto the lining. The scanner may be controlled to dynamically adjust the field of view. A lenslet array may also be used to focus the illumination. The sensor is formed such that it may be curved to a contour and includes a support having sufficient flexibility such that it can be formed to the contour. The substrate includes the sensor and is formed sufficiently thin so that it can be shaped to the contour. The substrate is coupled with the support such that the combination can be formed to the contour.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Joseph Domenick Montalbo, Gobi R. Padmanabhan
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Patent number: 7037258Abstract: An apparatus and technique for compensating the display of an image obtained from a video camera system associated with an endoscope as it is moved through various orientations are described. The received optical image is converted to an electrical signal with an image sensor that can be a CCD or a CMOS detector. The endoscope video camera system has an inertial sensor to sense rotations of the received image about the optical axis of the endoscope and the sensor's output signals are used to rotate either the image or the image sensor. In case of rotation of the image sensor the rotation sensor can be a gyroscope or a pair of accelerometers. In case of a rotation of the image obtained with the image sensor the inertial sensor, which can be an accelerometer or a gyroscope, the image is rotated within a microprocessor for subsequent viewing on a video display.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: David Chatenever, Daniel Mattsson-Boze, Marc R. Amling
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Patent number: 7022068Abstract: An endoscope system with a hollow cylinder and bellows moving mechanism is provided. The system includes a cylinder having a head unit mounted by a camera devices, a front fixing unit connected to the head unit which is installed to an outer circumference of the cylinder and fixed to an inner wall of an organ, a rear fixing unit slidably installed at the outer circumference of the cylinder and fixed to the inner wall of the organ, and a moving unit between the front fixing unit and the rear fixing unit for moving the head unit in the organ by an extension and contraction when the front fixing unit or the rear fixing unit fixes the head unit to the inner wall of the organ. The moving unit includes a double bellows and forms a hermetic space with the outer circumference surface of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: ByungKyu Kim, YounKoo Jeong, Hun-Young Lim, Tae-Song Kim, Jong-Oh Park, Paolo Dario
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Patent number: 7004900Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope. Alternatively, the light source and vision chip may be contained in a distal end of the endoscope. In such an alternative embodiment, the vision head is a parabolic mirror mounted on the extension arm for reflecting images, for example, from behind the distal end of the endoscope to the vision chip in the distal end of the endoscope to permit, for example, a retrograde view of the surgical site entrance.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Wendlandt, Mark L. Adams
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Patent number: 6997871Abstract: An endoscope comprises a sheath, an articulation section adjacent to its distal tip, and two or more separate optical channels that produce two or more distinct views. Each of the optical channels comprises an objective lens and a means of capturing and/or viewing the image. The objective lens or lenses of the optical channel that produces the first distinct view, is located at a first location on the distal tip. The objective lens or lenses of the optical channel that produces the second distinct view is located at a second location on the proximal end of the articulation section or on the sheath of the endoscope adjacent to or located proximally of the articulation section.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Medigus Ltd.Inventors: Elazar Sonnenschein, Minelu Sonnenschein, Randal B Chinnock
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Patent number: 6956701Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include a system, method and apparatus for combining light paths of multiple colored light sources through a common integration tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: InFocus CorporationInventors: Mark D. Peterson, T. Scott Engle, Jeffrey A. Gohman
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Patent number: 6945928Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus is provided that comprises an image-pickup device, an objective optical system, a compensation information storing memory, a mask data storing memory, and an electronic mask compensation processor. The objective optical system forms a subject image on an imaging surface of the image-pickup device. The compensation information storing memory stores compensation information which relates to a misalignment between an in-focus area produced by the objective optical system on the imaging surface, and an effective image sensing area of the image-pickup device. The mask data storing memory stores mask data for an electronic mask operation. The electronic mask compensation processor translates an electronic mask area in accordance with the compensation information.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: PENTAX CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Kohei Iketani