Attachment system for conditioning light between endoscope and camera
Inventors
Duckett, III, George E. • Kyperountas, Marios
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12303101-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
Medical imaging camera head attachment devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. Various camera head attachments are provided with a camera head design and system allowing recognition of the attachments and enabling processing algorithms associated with each. The camera head optics are designed to work with a variety of attachments. Several attachments optical designs are provided.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an endoscopic imaging system that uses interchangeable, detachable light conditioning attachments between a medical scope and an endoscopic camera head. Each light conditioning attachment includes an identification indicator in the body that is adapted to be recognized by the camera head or the endoscopic camera control unit, using identifier circuitry, to distinguish among multiple attachments.
Each light conditioning attachment includes an optical portal and an optical assembly positioned between a proximal end and a distal end, with a collimation lens group and an optical group that receive image light in a substantially afocal state. The optical group is selected separately from different members of a group consisting essentially of optical functions that split image light into first and second portions and route them along first and second optical paths to an image plane of a common image sensor.
These optical functions include 3D imaging using pupil splitting, high dynamic range using unequal intensity splitting, extended depth of field using focal-plane-altering lensing in one optical path, magnification enhancement using a magnification lens in one optical path, and spectrally selective imaging using a spectrally selective beam splitter. The camera control unit and camera head operate to support different image output formats by reconfiguring processing based on the attachment’s identity and its corresponding optical splitting behavior.
The arrangement enables dual-image functions derived from the split optical paths, including spectral selectivity for differing spectral content and spatially related dual views enabling 3D imaging via left/right images, while also allowing extended depth of field imaging, magnification enhancement, and conventional single-image operation via resizing.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims define an endoscopic imaging system with detachable light conditioning attachments whose identification indicators are recognized to distinguish attachments and whose optical assemblies manipulate substantially afocal image light via selected optical group members. The claim set specifies six optical group options and ties attachment identity to recognition by the camera head or control unit.
Attachment identification with identifier circuitry
Each light conditioning attachment includes a body with an identification indicator adapted to be recognized by the camera head or camera control unit, using identifier circuitry, to distinguish among the two or more light conditioning attachments.
Collimation and substantially afocal optical splitting to a common sensor
An optical assembly optically positioned between the proximal and distal ends includes a collimation lens group and an optical group, where image light is substantially afocal and is split into first and second portions directed along first and second optical paths terminating at an image plane of the image sensor.
Selectable optical group types for imaging functions
The optical group of each light conditioning attachment is selected separately from a beam splitter optical group, a 3D imaging optical group with pupil splitter, a high dynamic range optical group with unequal intensity splitting, a depth of field enhancing optical group with a lens selected to alter a focal plane, a magnification enhancing optical group with a magnification lens, and a spectrally selective optical group with a spectrally selective beam splitter.
Camera control unit selects attachment-specific image processing algorithms
The endoscopic camera control unit detects that a first light conditioning attachment has been attached and, in response, selects and enables corresponding image processing algorithms specific to the first light conditioning attachment.
Optical assembly routes split portions to image plane of the image sensor
In each optical group option, the system directs first and second portions along respective first and second optical paths terminating at an image plane of the image sensor.
The independent claims combine detachable, identifiable light conditioning attachments with selected optical group assemblies that operate on substantially afocal image light to produce split portions routed to a common image sensor. Attachment identity recognition supports attachment-specific image processing algorithms, and the optical group member selection provides 3D imaging, high dynamic range, extended depth of field, magnification enhancement, and spectrally selective splitting.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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