Endoscope incorporating multiple image sensors for increased resolution
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12114831-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
An endoscope or other endoscopic instrument is provided with multiple image sensors incorporated into the distal tip, each capturing a portion of the image provided from an optical imaging system. The output from the multiple sensors is combined and manipulated into a single image of a resolution higher than is possible with only one of the sensors. The resulting image, or a portion thereof, can then be displayed to the user. A digital panning feature is also provided where the region of interest displayed from the combined field of view including data from the multiple image sensors is changed.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an endoscopic instrument that uses a single optical channel assembly to capture a single perspective of an illuminated object space with a high-resolution composite image. A shaft having a distal end portion and a longitudinal axis guides the optical channel assembly at the distal end portion. An objective lens with negative optical power and focusing optics collect and focus image light onto a first image sensor and a second image sensor.
Within the optical channel assembly, two light directing elements are positioned downstream of the focusing optics in an image space, where each light directing element receives a portion of image light that is not all of the image light. Each light directing element directs its received portion of image light along an optical axis that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that the first portion is focused on the first image sensor and the second portion is focused on the second image sensor. The second portion of the image light corresponding to the second area of the collected image is at least substantially different from the first area.
The captured image data from the first image sensor and the second image sensor are processed to produce a combined image, and a displayed portion of that combined image includes at least a portion of the first image data and a portion of the second image data. In associated refinements, an overlapping region of light transmitted by a first light directing element is used to align the first and second image data into the composite image. Further refinements include maintaining a constant horizon for a displayed image and selecting a region of interest for display.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims, one directed to an endoscopic instrument and one directed to a method of displaying endoscopic images. Across these independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on a single optical channel assembly with a negative optical power objective lens, two non-parallel optical axes using light directing elements to split image light into at least substantially different portions for respective sensors, and producing and displaying a combined image from first and second image data.
Single optical channel assembly with negative optical power objective lens and dual sensor focusing
An endoscopic instrument comprising a single optical channel assembly with an objective lens with negative optical power positioned in the distal end portion to collect image light from a single perspective of an object space, focusing optics to focus the image light onto a first image sensor and a second image sensor.
Two image-space light directing elements with non-parallel optical axes directing different image portions to respective sensors
A pair of light directing elements positioned within the optical channel downstream from the focusing optics at a sufficient distance from the objective lens such that the light directing elements are positioned in an image space of the optical channel assembly, the first light directing element positioned to receive a first portion, but not all, of the image light and direct the first portion along an optical axis non-parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the first portion is focused on the first image sensor, and the second light directing element positioned to receive a second portion, but not all, of the image light and direct the second portion along an optical axis non-parallel to the longitudinal axis such that the second portion is focused on the second image sensor.
Substantially different image areas directed to different sensors
Wherein the second portion of the image light corresponding to the second area of the collected image is at least substantially different from the first area of the collected image.
Method of splitting captured image light into first and second split portions and producing a combined displayed image
A method of displaying endoscopic images comprising collecting image light at a single perspective, directing the collected image light along an optical path, manipulating the collected image light such that the image comes to a focus on a first image sensor and a second image sensor, splitting the image light within an image space into a first split portion and a second split portion that are at least substantially different, capturing the first split portion with the first image sensor and providing first image data, capturing the second split portion with the second image sensor and providing second image data, processing the captured first and second image data to produce a combined image, and displaying at least a portion of the combined image on a display unit comprising at least a portion of the first image data and a portion of the second image data.
Across the independent claims, the inventive concept is implemented by directing a non-identical split of image light into two sensors via two light directing elements in an image space using non-parallel optical axes, and then processing the first and second image data to produce and display a combined image.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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