Imaging apparatus and video endoscope providing improved depth of field and resolution
Inventors
DUCKETT, George • Hale, Eric • SCHARA, Nathan
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12201272-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
A dynamic imaging system for use with endoscope, or as an element of a video endoscope, utilizes path length differences and/or a variable aperture size to expand a usable depth of field and/or improve image resolution in an area of interest in the image field. In some implementations, the imaging system utilizes a variable aperture in conjunction with unequally spaced image sensors placed downstream from a beam splitter. An imaging system captures multiple focal planes of an image scene on separate sensors. A variable aperture permits the capture of enhanced resolution images or images with longer depths of field. These differently focused images and/or images with different resolutions and depths of field are then combined using image fusion techniques.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a dynamic endoscope/video endoscope imaging system that expands usable depth of field and/or improves resolution by capturing image information corresponding to different focal planes. The system uses variable focusing by capturing differently focused image data and combining the in-focus regions of the received image data to form a resulting image.
A beamsplitter separates a light beam based on polarization, and first and second image sensors are arranged at different distances from opposite sides of the beamsplitter. The imaging processor combines the received image data so that in-focus regions of the received image data are combined to produce a resulting image with extended depth of field and/or improved resolution.
The system further includes an endoscope-type identification approach using an RFID reader that detects an RFID identifier from the endoscope when the endoscope is attached to an imaging head, and uses that detection to adapt an optical parameter in the camera head. Example variable aperture stop implementations include a variable aperture stop that includes an annular polarized filter defining an annular opening region for polarization-based separation, and the camera head optical arrangements are described as including beamsplitter/prism channel splitting and variable focusing elements.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are identified. Each claim includes a set of core inventive features that employ a variable aperture stop and a polarization-based (or polarization separating) beamsplitter feeding first and second image sensors located at different distances, together with an imaging processor that combines in-focus regions to obtain extended depth of field and/or improved resolution; one independent claim additionally includes RFID-based endoscope detection.
Variable aperture stop with annular polarized filter and polarization-based beamsplitter separation
A variable aperture stop receiving a light beam, wherein the variable aperture stop includes a first diameter defined by the variable aperture stop, and wherein an annular polarized filter is disposed in the variable aperture stop defining a second diameter; a beamsplitter for separating the light beam received from the aperture stop based on polarization.
First and second image sensors at different distances from opposite sides of the beamsplitter
a first image sensor spaced apart from a first side of the beamsplitter at a first distance; a second image sensor spaced apart from a second side of the beamsplitter at a second distance, wherein the first and second distances are not the same.
In-focus-region image combining for extended depth of field and/or improved resolution
an imaging processor receiving image data from the first and second image sensors, the imaging processor configured to combine the received image data from the first and second image sensors, such that in-focus regions of the received image data are combined to produce a resulting image with extended depth of field and/or improved resolution.
RFID reader detecting an RFID identifier from the endoscope
a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to detect an RFID identifier from the endoscope when the endoscope is attached to an imaging head.
Across the independent claims, the key coverage is the combination of a variable aperture stop (including an annular polarized filter in one claim), a beamsplitter separating the light beam and feeding two image sensors at different distances, and an imaging processor that combines in-focus regions to produce a resulting image with extended depth of field and/or improved resolution; one independent claim further introduces RFID reader detection of an RFID identifier from an attached endoscope.
Stated Advantages
Extended depth of field.
Improved resolution.
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Dynamic endoscope/video endoscope imaging system for imaging an endoscope with extended depth of field and/or improved resolution.
RFID-based adaptation in an imaging head when an endoscope is attached, including endoscope type identification using an RFID reader.
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