Medical imaging device, in particular endoscope or exoscope

Abstract

Medical imaging device (101, 1101, 201), in particular endoscope or exoscope, with a light source (103, 1103, 203) with a light spectrum, optics with a first optical path (108, 1108, 208) and a first image sensor (111, 1111, 211) with a first sensor filter and a second optical path (109, 1109, 209) with a second image sensor (113, 1113, 213) with a second sensor filter, wherein the respective optical path extends between a viewing area (150, 1150, 250) and the respective image sensor, such that the first image sensor (111, 1111, 211) acquires a first image of the viewing area (150, 1150, 250) by means of the first optical path (108, 1108, 208). and the second image sensor (113, 1113, 213) captures a second image of the viewing area (150, 1150, 250) via the second optical path (109, 1109, 209), wherein the light source (103, 1103, 203) is configured to illuminate the viewing area (150, 1150,250) to illuminate with the light spectrum and a first filter (131, 1131, 231) with a first filter spectrum (503, 504, 505) is assigned to the first optical path (108, 1108, 208) and / or a second filter (141, 1141, 241) with a second filter spectrum (513, 514) is assigned to the second optical path (109, 1109, 209), so that physiological parameters of the viewing area (150, 1150, 250) can be determined as a function of the light spectrum by means of a respective filtered image information of the first image and / or the second image, characterized in that the first filter (131, 1131, 231) is positioned in the first optical path (108, 1109, 209) by means of a first filter positioning device (121, 1121, 221). 1108, 208) and / or the second filter (141, 1141, 241) can be inserted into the second optical path (109, 1109, 209) by means of a second filter positioning device (123, 1123, 223),so that, depending on the respective filter (131, 141, 1131, 1141, 231, 241) introduced in the respective optical path (108, 109, 1108, 1109, 208, 209), different spectral ranges of the respective image can be evaluated from a difference information or by means of a combined information between the first optical path and the second optical path to obtain additional image information or several additional image information on the physiological parameters in the viewing area.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a medical imaging device, in particular an endoscope or an exoscope, comprising a light source with a light spectrum, optics comprising at least a first optical path and a first image sensor with a first sensor filter and at least a second optical path with a second image sensor with a second sensor filter, wherein the respective optical path extends between a viewing area and the respective image sensor, such that the first image sensor captures a first image of the viewing area by means of the first optical path and the second image sensor captures a second image of the viewing area by means of the second optical path, wherein the light source is configured toto illuminate the viewing area with a light spectrum and to assign a first filter with a first filter spectrum to the first optical path and / or a second filter with a second filter spectrum to the second optical path, so that, especially in real time, physiological parameters of the viewing area can be determined as a function of the light spectrum and further image information of the viewing area using the respective filtered image information of the first image and / or the second image.

[0002] In this context, medical imaging devices such as endoscopes with two image acquisition paths, in particular so-called stereo endoscopes or stereo exoscopes, are known, which, based on a stereoscopic view with a first optical path and a second optical path, can record or display a spatial image of a viewing area.

[0003] From DE 10 2013 002 423 A1 an optical arrangement for the spectral filtering of light and a light microscope are known.

[0004] DE 10 2008 034 008 A1 discloses a filter set for observing fluorescence radiation in biological tissue with at least one illumination filter and at least one observation filter.

[0005] From EP 3 834 701 A1 a medical imaging device and a method for operating a medical imaging device are known.

[0006] CN 113288015A discloses an endoscopic arrangement with a switchable filter arrangement for illumination.

[0007] Furthermore, endoscopes or endoscope systems are known that, by means of specific illumination in certain light spectra and corresponding analysis using one or more image sensors, can record and display physiological parameters of a viewing area. For example, so-called multispectral endoscopes are known, which, by illuminating the viewing area with defined light spectra and analyzing the reflected light spectra, allow conclusions to be drawn about, for example, oxygen saturation, fat content, hemoglobin content, or other parameters within the viewing area. Thus, for example, during a surgical procedure, the oxygen content of the tissue being examined can be directly determined and / or monitored using such a multispectral imaging endoscope.

[0008] Known medical imaging devices have the disadvantage that determining physiological parameters cannot be done in parallel with, for example, displaying a real image of the viewing area, or that if these actions are performed in parallel, a limitation in temporal, spatial and / or spectral resolution must be accepted.

[0009] The purpose of the invention is to improve the state of the art.

[0010] The problem is solved by a medical imaging device, in particular an endoscope or an exoscope with a light source with a light spectrum, optics with at least one first optical path and a first image sensor with a first sensor filter and at least one second optical path with a second image sensor with a second sensor filter, wherein the respective optical path extends between a viewing area and the respective image sensor, such that the first image sensor captures a first image of the viewing area by means of the first optical path and the second image sensor captures a second image of the viewing area by means of the second optical path, wherein the light source is configured toto illuminate the viewing area with a light spectrum and a first filter with a first filter spectrum is assigned to the first optical path and / or a second filter with a second filter spectrum is assigned to the second optical path, so that physiological parameters of the viewing area can be determined as a function of the light spectrum, in particular in real time, using the respective filtered image information of the first image and / or the second image, wherein the first filter can be inserted into the first optical path by means of a first filter positioning device and / or the second filter can be inserted into the second optical path by means of a second filter positioning device.so that, depending on the respective filter introduced into the optical path, different spectral ranges of the respective image can be evaluated from filtered image information of the first image and / or filtered image information of the second image to obtain additional image information or several additional image information pieces relating to the physiological parameters in the viewing area. The inventive design of a medical imaging device makes it particularly possible to obtain corresponding information in parallel, especially in real time. The corresponding information is generated and provided, for example, in such a way that an operator experiences a simultaneous display of the corresponding information.

[0011] "Real-time" describes the execution of technical or electronic processes in such a way that the processes are reliably processed, displayed, and / or represented within a defined timeframe. In a narrower sense, the term "real-time" is also used to describe situations where, for example, an operator perceives events as occurring simultaneously, thus experiencing a "real-time" display in accordance with their actual perception of time. For instance, a display might be rendered in parallel at a frame rate of more than 24 frames per second, or even higher, to such an extent that an operator can no longer distinguish between individual frames.

[0012] A medical imaging device designed in this way, combined with few components and a comparatively simple structure, for example an endoscope or an exoscope, a dual-image endoscope or a stereoscopic endoscope or a stereoscopic exoscope or another dual or stereoscopic medical imaging device with the ability to evaluate the viewing area with regard to physiological parameters depending on the filter selected and placed in the respective optical path.According to the invention, a spectral evaluation can then be carried out from a difference information between the first optical path and the second optical path or by means of a combined information from the first optical path and the second optical path, depending on the design of the respective filter, so that in addition to a dual image or also in addition to a dual image, the determination of physiological parameters of the viewing area is made possible using the existing imaging technique.

[0013] For example, differential information can be generated from the first optical path and the second optical path using the first image sensor and the second image sensor, so that spectral components filtered out by a different filter in the other optical path can be read out and used from the other optical path.

[0014] In this context, the following terms should be explained:

[0015] A "medical imaging device" can be any technical and / or electronic device suitable for capturing, processing, and / or transmitting an image of a viewing area in a medical setting, for example, by displaying it on a screen. Examples of such a medical imaging device include an endoscope, a dual endoscope, a stereo endoscope, an exoscope, or a stereo exoscope. An "endoscope" is typically a narrow and elongated imaging device suitable for insertion into a cavity or through a small opening and for capturing an image of a viewing area within the cavity and / or the area behind the small opening. In the case of a "stereo endoscope," this is achieved using two cameras or two image sensors.An "exoscope" is a similar device used, for example, in external imaging during medical procedures, such as open surgery. The "stereo" capability of the respective endoscope or exoscope describes its ability to capture a stereoscopic image of the area being viewed using two optical paths and / or two lenses. A corresponding dual endoscope or dual exoscope is capable of capturing two separate images without, for example, performing stereoscopic reconstruction. It should be noted that an "endoscope" in the strict sense, as described above, can also be integrated within an endoscope system with other components, such as cable management, additional sensors, and / or a display unit for showing image information on an external monitor.Furthermore, the terms "endoscope" and "endoscope systems" are often used interchangeably and sometimes synonymously.

[0016] A "light source" is, for example, an LED, an incandescent bulb, or another light-emitting device. Furthermore, such a light source can also be realized by directing or guiding light generated by an LED or other light-producing device to a specific location in the viewing area using, for example, a light guide, such as an optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers. Such a light source serves to illuminate the viewing area with light of the appropriate light spectrum.

[0017] A "light spectrum" describes the range of wavelengths and / or intensity distribution across different wavelengths in which a particular light source emits light. Such a light spectrum can, for example, be represented graphically as a diagram of the illumination intensity versus a given wavelength.

[0018] An "optics" describes the entirety of all components that direct light and / or image information or an image along the optical path. For example, such optics include lenses, covers, protective lenses, or filters.

[0019] An "optical path" is, in particular, the path that light from a given image travels from the viewing area, through a specific optical system, to, for example, a specific image sensor. Such an optical path is defined, for example, by an optical axis or as a geometric profile.

[0020] An "image sensor" is, for example, an electronic chip or other similar device that records light traveling along the optical path and through the respective optics, and / or a corresponding image, and converts it into electronic signals. For example, such an image sensor is a CCD chip or a comparable electronic component.

[0021] A "sensor filter" describes a filter or filtering device, usually associated with an image sensor, that filters the light incident on the sensor before it can be captured. For example, the image sensor includes a sensor filter that directs pre-filtered light to corresponding color-coded parts of the sensor. A typical image sensor might have an RGB filter in front of specific sensor parts for individual pixels, so that each pixel primarily receives only the information for R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Typically, each pixel of the image sensor has at least three subpixels, to which the R, G, and B information is fed via a corresponding filter, enabling the resulting pixel to display a differentiated color.Among other things, image sensors with so-called Bayer filters are also known in this context.

[0022] A "viewing area" describes the region, volume, or area that is to be viewed using the medical imaging device and from which a corresponding image is to be generated. Such a viewing area could be, for example, an organ, a bone, a part of a human or animal body, or any other area of ​​interest for such a view.

[0023] A "filter" is an optical component and can therefore be part of the optics system. A filter works by attenuating or reducing certain wavelength ranges of a complete light spectrum, transmitting them, or completely blocking them from traveling further along the optical path. In this context, such a filter has a corresponding "filter spectrum," which, analogous to a light spectrum, describes the respective intensity of the wavelengths transmitted or blocked by the filter. This is referred to as both a transmission filter spectrum, which describes the transmitted intensity component of the respective light spectrum, and a blocking coefficient, which indicates the proportion of wavelengths that are blocked by the filter. For example, graduated filters are known, which exhibit a continuously varying filter effect across a filter surface.Furthermore, so-called edge filters are known, which either block or allow relatively sharply separated spectral ranges to pass through.

[0024] A “filtered image information” is image information that has passed through the respective filter and is therefore cleaned or reduced by the wavelength components specified according to the respective filter spectrum.

[0025] The “physiological parameters” of the area under consideration include, for example, oxygen concentrations, fat content, blood flow values, hemoglobin concentrations, or water content in, for example, a specific organ and / or the tissue of that organ within the area of ​​consideration. Such physiological parameters can be determined, for example, using appropriate light spectra by analyzing the absorption coefficient for a wavelength or a corresponding wavelength range, or even multiple absorption coefficients for a single wavelength or for multiple wavelength ranges within a light spectrum, and then deducing the corresponding physiological parameter from this analysis.For example, a specific absorption wavelength, or several absorption wavelengths, or even specific absorption wavelength ranges are associated with a hemoglobin concentration; another absorption wavelength, or several such absorption wavelengths, or absorption wavelength ranges are associated with a water content; and a third absorption wavelength, or several absorption wavelengths, or absorption wavelength ranges are associated with an oxygen content in the blood. The corresponding wavelength ranges for determining different physiological parameters can be the same, overlapping, or different, or used in various combinations.

[0026] A "filter positioning device" is a technical device capable of moving the first filter, the second filter, or each individual filter between a position outside the optical path and a position within the optical path. For example, such a filter positioning device is a device, an arrangement with a linear guide, or another technical device, wherein the filter positioning device can position the respective filter within the optical path in such a way that the effect of the respective filter occurs within the optical path, i.e., light traveling through the optical path is filtered accordingly. Outside the optical path, this effect does not occur because, for example, the respective filter is not physically located in a path of light propagation.

[0027] In order to provide further variants for the evaluation of additional image information on the physiological parameters, a third filter, a fourth filter and / or a further filter is or are assigned to the first optical path and / or the second optical path, wherein the third filter can be introduced into the first optical path and / or the second optical path by means of a third filter positioning device, the fourth filter by means of a fourth filter positioning device and / or the further filter by means of a further filter positioning device.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first filter, the second filter, the third filter, the fourth filter and / or the further filter have different filter spectra from each other.

[0029] "Different" filter spectra are, in particular, those filter spectra that filter out or block different spectral ranges of the light passing through the respective filter. For example, the first filter has properties that filter out light with a wavelength of 680 nm, while the second filter has properties that filter out light with a wavelength of 730 nm. Of course, other wavelengths or wavelength ranges can also fulfill this example.

[0030] In order to be able to use certain filter states with coordinated filters together to determine certain physiological parameters, the first filter, the second filter, the third filter, the fourth filter and / or the further filter are grouped, in particular in a group of two mutually associated filters, so that filters mutually associated in the group can be introduced together into the first optical path and into the second optical path.

[0031] A "group" of filters is a combination of interacting filters in the first and second optical paths, which, by means of a difference in their filter spectra or differing filter spectra, are suitable for determining desired physiological parameters. Such filters within a group can be "introduced together" if the respective filters assigned to each other within the group are introduced together in the first and second optical paths, or alternatively, if they are arranged outside their respective optical paths.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first filter, the second filter, the third filter, the fourth filter and / or the further filter are grouped together in an operating group, in particular in a respective operating group consisting of two mutually associated filters, such that a first operating mode, a second operating mode, a third operating mode and / or a further operating mode can be selected by an operator by means of an input, wherein it is possible to select from a group of respective filters for different operating modes, for example, an oxygen saturation operating mode from a group consisting of the first filter and the second filter, a water content operating mode from a group consisting of the third filter and the fourth filter, and / or a hemoglobin content operating mode from a group consisting of two further filters.

[0033] An "operating group" can be a group of filters assigned to a specific "operating mode." Such an "operating mode" describes a mode selectable by, for example, an operator. This mode can be preselected and selected, for instance, using a switch on a medical imaging device, so that the corresponding filters or filter pairs from a group are then inserted into the respective optical paths.

[0034] In order to make meaningful use of a corresponding group or operating group, the filter positioning device belonging to each mutually assigned filter is assigned to a filter positioning system and operatively connected to it, so that the respective group or operating group, consisting in particular of two mutually assigned filters, can be introduced together into the first optical path and into the second optical path by means of the filter positioning system.

[0035] A "filter positioning system" describes, for example, a mechanical assembly of various positioning devices such that the mechanical coupling alone enables the simultaneous insertion of corresponding filters into the respective optical path. For instance, such a filter positioning system is a common frame for two or more different filters, or a system in which corresponding filter positioning devices are coordinated and synchronized by means of electronic or electrical coupling.

[0036] Continuous imaging can also be performed in such a way that a group and / or an operational group is selected and an evaluation regarding the physiological parameters is carried out together with the acquisition and / or parallel to the acquisition of the image information.

[0037] “Continuous imaging” describes in particular the process in which there is no switching to other filters, other groups or other operating groups, but rather a continuous reading of the image information in a defined group or a defined operating group, and thus physiological parameters and image information, for example an RGB image in the visible range, are recorded virtually “in parallel”.

[0038] In another embodiment, the respective filter or filters can be inserted into the respective optical path by means of insertion, by means of pivoting and / or by means of twisting.

[0039] "Insertion" describes the linear or essentially linear movement of the respective filter, group, or operating group of filters, whereby this insertion occurs, in particular, at an angle of, for example, 90° to the respective optical path. The 90° angle is mentioned here as an example; insertion can also occur at an angle ≠ 0° relative to the optical path. Angle specifications here refer to a full 360° angle.

[0040] A “swing” describes a rotational movement of a respective filter or a group or operating group of respective filters, whereby this rotation is performed around a reference axis at a right angle or at an angle ≠ 0° in relation to the optical axis of the filter.

[0041] In contrast, “rotating” is a rotational movement around an axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the optical axis of the respective filter or to optical axes of the group or operating group of different filters.

[0042] However, it is also possible to insert the respective filter or filters by means of a coupled movement consisting of a sliding in, a swiveling in and / or a turning in.

[0043] In order to implement the function of the medical imaging device simply and with available means, the respective filter positioning device or filter positioning system has or has a drive such that the respective filter or filters associated with each other can be introduced into the first optical path and / or into the second optical path by means of the respective drive, wherein the drive in particular has a stepper motor, a geared motor, a lifting magnet, a swivel magnet and / or a manually operated drive.

[0044] In this example, a "drive" describes a technical device used to move, shift, or otherwise influence the filter positioning device or filter positioning system. Such a drive is often also referred to synonymously as a motor and may, for example, include a gearbox of varying design to transmit force or torque.

[0045] A "stepper motor" is, for example, a synchronous motor in which the rotor can be rotated by a small angle, namely a so-called "step" or a corresponding multiple thereof, by a controlled, for example, stepwise rotating, electromagnetic field of corresponding stator coils. Such stepper motors are known as both rotary motors and linear motors. Examples of such a stepper motor include a reluctance stepper motor, a permanent magnet stepper motor, a hybrid stepper motor, or a Lavet stepper motor.

[0046] A "geared motor" is a motor, for example an electric motor or a magnetic motor, which has an additional gearbox to translate a speed and / or a torque.

[0047] A "lifting magnet" is a magnetic drive in which a linear movement is triggered by magnetic forces, i.e., electromagnetically excited. In contrast, a "rotating magnet" is a drive in which a rotation is triggered by magnetic forces.

[0048] In its simplest form, a "manually operated drive" describes a slider, switch, or lever mechanism by which appropriate filters or filter groups can be inserted into or removed from the respective optical paths. Such a manually operated drive can also include corresponding gears, transmissions, or other additional devices, for example, a lever mechanism or a gear drive.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first filter, the second filter, the third filter, the fourth filter and / or the further filter is an edge filter or a band filter.

[0050] An edge filter has two sharply separated spectral ranges in which the filter transmits (i.e., allows light to pass through) or absorbs (i.e., is opaque). Such edge filters are implemented as high-pass filters, with transmission above a certain wavelength, or as low-pass filters, with transmission below a certain wavelength.

[0051] A "bandwidth filter" is a filter that comprises several edge filters, transmitting or absorbing, for example, a "band" of spectral components between a lower and an upper wavelength. Depending on whether such a filter transmits or blocks a wavelength range, it is referred to as a "bandpass" or "bandstop" filter. Thus, separation is achieved at the lower and upper wavelengths using separate edge filters.

[0052] In order to effectively use the medical imaging device not only for determining physiological parameters but also for imaging in the visible range, and, for example, to utilize spectral components of an optically uniformly visible image information, the first filter, the second filter, the third filter, the fourth filter, and / or the further filter each have a filter spectrum such that, by means of the different filter spectra of the respective filters, a color image of the viewing area and an additional image information or several additional image information pieces relating to the physiological parameters can be determined by means of two filters assigned to each other in the first optical path and in the second optical path through parallel evaluation of the first and the second image.

[0053] "Parallel evaluation" describes the evaluation of corresponding images as close together in time as possible. In contrast to the prior art's need to switch between different viewing modes in different so-called "frames" (i.e., images recorded directly one after the other), the evaluation is carried out in such a way that a viewer no longer perceives a difference between these frames, thus creating the impression of simultaneous evaluation. For example, a so-called "frame rate," i.e., the repetition rate of correspondingly recorded images, is so high that the repetition frequency is above the frequency perceptible to the viewer.

[0054] A "color image" is, for example, an image visible to the viewer in true colors or displayed on a monitor, which depicts a color reality in the viewing area as accurately as possible.

[0055] In another embodiment, the light source is a white light source, so that the light source illuminates the viewing area with white light.

[0056] By using this method, for example additional or simultaneous illumination with white light, reliable recording of the color image is possible.

[0057] "White light," also called "polychromatic light," describes light that consists of a mixture of different colors, i.e., a mixture of different spectral components. Such light is therefore also described as spectrally broadband. This white light can be, for example, white light in the sense of daylight or the white-appearing light of a typical "white" light source, but it can also be any other mixture of light wavelengths. For example, such white light can also exhibit wavelengths suitable for determining physiological parameters in a superimposed form.

[0058] In order to make the medical imaging device particularly compact and with few components, the optics have a beam splitter, wherein incident light for an image of the viewing area is divided by means of the beam splitter into light components for the first image and light components for the second image, so that the first image can be directed to the first image sensor via the first optical path and the second image to the second image sensor via the second optical path, wherein the beam splitter has in particular a prism, a semi-transparent mirror or two semi-transparent mirrors and / or a mirror.

[0059] A beam splitter is an optical component that divides a single beam of light or a bundle of beams into two partial beams or bundles. This property allows a beam splitter to be used, for example, to split a light beam between two image sensors. Such a beam splitter can be implemented as a prism or using semi-transparent or full-transmitting mirrors.

[0060] In optics, a "prism" describes a component in the form of a geometric prism, which, due to its geometry and the corresponding refractive properties of its material, produces various optical effects. For example, a prism can be used to split light into different spectral ranges or to deflect it. Prisms are also known for splitting light into different polarization directions.

[0061] A "mirror" is an optical device with a surface that reflects incoming light completely or partially. A "semi-transparent mirror" is one that transmits some of the light beam while reflecting the rest. These so-called semi-transparent mirrors are available in different reflectances, meaning they have different ratios of transmitted to reflected light. Using such a semi-transparent mirror, for example, installed at a 45° angle in an optical path, reflected light can be directed out of the optical path and onto a separate image sensor, while transmitted light can continue along the optical path to an image sensor located within it.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the first optical path and the second optical path are arranged spatially offset from each other, so that the first image sensor captures a first image of the viewing area by means of the first optical path and the second image sensor captures a second image of the viewing area by means of the second optical path.

[0063] With such an arrangement, a so-called dual image of the viewing area can be captured, in which different viewing angles and / or different viewing axes are used to generate the respective image in the first image and in the second image.

[0064] In its simplest form, "spatially offset" describes two optical paths arranged side by side, allowing images to be captured from two different perspectives. Furthermore, a parallel or skew arrangement of corresponding optical axes along the optical paths can also be established and utilized, enabling the recording of a so-called stereoscopic image. This is implemented in an embodiment of the invention described below. Such a stereoscopic image mimics the spatial vision of a living being by recording images from at least two perspectives. A spatial impression can then be reconstructed or generated from the various pieces of information in the respective images from different perspectives. This is also described as "stereoscopic imaging of spatial image information."

[0065] In order to make the best possible use of this spatially offset arrangement, the first image and the second image are assigned to each other to form dual image information in a superimposed image, wherein in particular the formation of the dual image information in the superimposed image includes reconstructing a correlation between the first image and the second image on the basis of a respective filtered image information, in particular a reconstruction of a disparity, wherein the reconstruction is carried out in particular on the basis of image information with wavelength spectra transmitted through the respective filter, in particular by illuminating the viewing area with white light.

[0066] A “dual image information”, also called dual image, is an image information composed of two image information sources, which, for example, includes an image of two images from the viewing area taken via different optical paths, without these having to be stereoscopic.

[0067] “Reconstructing a correlation” describes the assignment of a corresponding pixel belonging to a pixel in the viewing area or a corresponding partial piece of information from the first image and the second image, whereby, for example, an offset of the first image to the second image is calculated and used as a correction for forming the dual image information.

[0068] In one embodiment, the formation of the dual image information includes stereoscopic imaging of spatial image information of the viewing area.

[0069] Using such spatial image information, a viewer can, for example, perceive spatial conditions in the viewing area and use them to operate the medical imaging device or to support an action with the medical imaging device.

[0070] Spatial image information is information that allows conclusions to be drawn about, for example, the topography of the viewing area and / or the spatial arrangement of corresponding objects within that area. Spatial image information can be, for instance, a 3D image that provides the viewer with detailed information about the topography of the viewing area. Furthermore, such spatial information can also arise from the fact that, for example, the viewer is provided with the appropriate image information for each eye, so that the actual "spatial perception" is performed by the viewer, as the viewer is physiologically stimulated to perceive spatial depth. This can be achieved, for example, using VR glasses (virtual reality glasses), which then receive "dual image information" as described above.

[0071] In order to obtain precise information about the physiological parameters, the medical imaging device has an evaluation unit which is set up to evaluate the first image and / or the second image with respect to a hemoglobin index, water index, oxygen index and / or an oxygen infrared index, so that a hemoglobin content, a water content, an oxygen concentration and / or also the presence of an auxiliary substance, in particular a fluorescent substance, can be determined.

[0072] Such an "evaluation unit" includes, for example, a memory in which a procedure for evaluating the medical imaging device is stored. Furthermore, the evaluation unit may include a processor or microcontroller, which executes the evaluation procedure.

[0073] In a further embodiment, the medical imaging device has a display unit which is designed to simultaneously, superimposed and / or correlated display the first image information, the second image information, the dual image information, the stereoscopically formed spatial image information and / or additional image information.

[0074] Such a "display unit" could be, for example, a PC, a minicomputer, or a monitor with a suitable processor that can display the first image information, the second image information, a spatial image information derived from it, and / or additional image information such as the hemoglobin level of the viewing area. This hemoglobin level, for instance, is superimposed as a color image onto the other image information for each pixel. The display unit can also incorporate the evaluation unit, eliminating the need for separate devices for the display and evaluation units.

[0075] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. These will show... Fig. 1a A schematic representation of an endoscope system with a beam splitter for two optical paths in a side view, Fig. 1b a schematic representation of an endoscope system with a beam splitter for two optical paths and a common filter wheel in a side view, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an endoscope system with two separate optical paths in a side view, Fig. 3. A diagram of the spectral absorption of light by various molecules for determining physiological parameters of the tissue. Fig. 4 a diagram of the color-dependent sensitivity of an exemplary image sensor with a Bayer filter, Fig. 5 a / 5 b each a diagram for a first image sensor and a second image sensor of the endoscope systems of the Fig. 1a / 1b or the Fig. 2 with a filter spectrum of a first operating mode applied to each, Fig. 6 a / 6 b each a diagram for a first image sensor and a second image sensor of the endoscope systems of the Fig. 1a / 1b or the Fig. 2 with a filter spectrum of a second operating mode applied to each, Fig. 7 a / 7 b each a diagram for a first image sensor and a second image sensor of the endoscope systems of the Fig. 1a / 1b or the Fig. 2 with a filter spectrum of a third operating mode applied to each, Fig. 8 a / 8 b each a diagram for a first image sensor and a second image sensor of the endoscope systems of the Fig. 1a / 1b or the Fig. 2 with a filter spectrum of a fourth operating mode applied to each of them, as well as Fig. 9 an arrangement consisting of an exemplary endoscope with an endoscope system of Fig. 1a / 1b or the Fig. 2, a computer and a screen for visualizing an image of a viewing area.

[0076] An endoscope system 101 serves to image an object 160 within a viewing area 150. The endoscope system 101 is an example of a corresponding image acquisition system of a medical imaging device, such as an endoscope or an exoscope. The endoscope system 101 has a light source 103 for illuminating the viewing area 150 and the object 160 with white light. A lens 105 in an optical path 107 receives incident light from the viewing area 150 and directs it to a semi-transparent mirror 170 arranged at an angle of 45° along the optical path 107. By means of the semi-transparent mirror 170, incident light along the optical path 107 is directed in equal proportions along an optical path 108 to an image sensor 111 and along an optical path 109 to an image sensor 113.The image sensor 111 and the image sensor 113 are each designed as RGB sensors with a Bayer filter and high sensitivity in the near-infrared range.

[0077] A filter wheel 121 is arranged in the optical path 108. The filter wheel 121 is rotatable along an axis parallel to the optical path 108 and is arranged such that a filter 131, a filter 132, a filter 133, or a filter 134 can be selectively inserted into the optical path 108. For this purpose, the filters 131, 132, 133, and 134 are arranged along the same radii on the filter wheel 121. By rotating the filter wheel 121, the respective filter can be inserted into the optical path 108, so that light incident along the optical path 108 from the viewing area 150 is filtered and reaches the image sensor 111.

[0078] Similarly, a filter wheel 123 is arranged in the optical path 109, which carries a filter 141, a filter 142, a filter 143, and a filter 144. Analogous to the filter wheel 121, the respective filter can be inserted into the optical path 109 by means of the filter wheel 123 by means of a rotation about an axis of rotation that runs parallel to the optical path 109, so that light originating from the viewing area 150 is filtered and reaches the image sensor 113.

[0079] Filter 131, filter 132, filter 133 and filter 134 of filter wheel 121, as well as filter 141, filter 142, filter 143 and filter 144 of filter wheel 123, each have different filter properties; accordingly, each filter filters out different wavelength ranges of the light incident from the viewing area 150 along the respective optical path and allows other components, i.e., other wavelength ranges of the incident light, to pass through.

[0080] An alternative configuration of an endoscope system 1101 also serves to image an object 1160 within a viewing area 1150. The endoscope system 1101 serves as an example of a corresponding image acquisition system for a medical imaging device, such as an endoscope or an exoscope. The endoscope system 1101 has a light source 1103 for illuminating the viewing area 1150 and the object 1160 with white light. A lens 1105 in an optical path 1107 receives incident light from the viewing area 1150 and directs it to a beam splitter 1170. By means of the beam splitter 1170, incident light along the optical path 1107 is directed in equal proportions along an optical path 1108 to an image sensor 1111 and along an optical path 1109 to an image sensor 1113.The 1111 image sensor and the 1113 image sensor are each designed as RGB sensors with a Bayer filter and high sensitivity in the near-infrared range.

[0081] The beam splitter 1170 shown is implemented here using several prisms. Alternatively, a different arrangement for splitting the incident light can be used, for example an arrangement of several mirrors, whereby a suitable mechanical arrangement of the components, for example the filter wheel 1121 in relation to the optical path 1107, can be selected.

[0082] A common filter wheel 1121 is arranged along optical paths 1108 and 1109. The filter wheel 1121 is rotatable along an axis parallel to optical paths 1108 and 1109 and is arranged such that a filter 1131 together with a filter 1141, a filter 1132 together with a filter 1142, a filter 1133 together with a filter 1143, or a filter 1134 together with a filter 1144 can be inserted into optical path 1108 and optical path 1109. For this purpose, the filter 1131, the filter 1132, the filter 1133 and the filter 1134 are arranged along one radius in a position corresponding to the optical path 1108, and the filter 1141, the filter 1142, the filter 1143 and the filter 1144 are arranged along another radius in a position corresponding to the optical path 1109 on the filter wheel 1121.By rotating the filter wheel 121, a respective pair of filters can be introduced into the optical path 1108 and the optical path 1109 together, so that light along the optical path 1108 is filtered and reaches the image sensor 1111, and light incident along the optical path 1109 from the viewing area 1150 is filtered and reaches the image sensor 1113.

[0083] Filters 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134, 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144 of filter wheel 1121 each have different filter properties. Accordingly, each filter filters out different wavelength ranges of the light incident from the viewing area 1150 along its respective optical path, while allowing the remaining wavelengths of the incident light to pass through. It should be noted that the preceding and subsequent application examples describe a sharp separation at corresponding wavelengths between transmission and attenuation. Of course, technically induced inaccuracies and corresponding transitions must be considered, which, for the sake of clarity, will not be explicitly mentioned here.

[0084] The presentation in the Fig. 1a, Fig. In sections 1b and 2, the respective filter wheels mentioned previously or subsequently were chosen to allow for a functionally comprehensible representation, even with some perspective inaccuracies. This means that the respective filter wheels are shown with slight perspective distortion in what is otherwise a schematic side view. The optical paths always pass through one or more filters that are engaged, so that the incident light is filtered before falling onto a respective image sensor.

[0085] An endoscope system 201, analogous to the endoscope system 101, serves to view an object 260 in a viewing area 250. In contrast to the endoscope system 101 or the endoscope system 1101, however, this embodiment does not use a semi-transparent mirror as a beam splitter or any other beam splitter, but rather separately arranged optical paths.

[0086] The endoscope system 201 has a light source 203, which illuminates the viewing area 250, and thus the object 260, with white light. Light from the object 260 in the viewing area 250 passes through a lens 205 and a lens 206, which are arranged side by side, and enters the endoscope system 201 along optical paths 208 and 209, respectively. Light entering through lens 205 propagates along an optical path 208 to an image sensor 211, while light entering through lens 206 propagates along an optical path 209 to an image sensor 213. Image sensors 211 and 213 are each designed as RGB sensors with a Bayer filter and high sensitivity in the near-infrared range.

[0087] In the optical path 208 between the lens 205 and the image sensor 211, a filter wheel 221 is arranged, which carries a filter 231, a filter 232, a filter 233, and a filter 234. The respective filters are arranged at the same radius around a rotation axis of the filter wheel 221, so that by rotating the filter wheel 221, a respective filter can be inserted into the optical path 208. Thus, light filtered by the respective filter from the viewing area 250 falls onto the image sensor 211. The rotation axis of the filter wheel 221 is arranged parallel to the optical path 203, analogous to the previous example.

[0088] Light entering the field of view 250 through lens 206 towards the image sensor 213 is guided through a filter wheel 223. The filter wheel 223 carries filters 241, 242, 243, and 244, which are arranged along the same radii as filter wheel 221, such that a filter can be inserted into the optical path 209 by rotating the filter wheel 223. The light entering the optical path 209 is then filtered by the respective filter located in the optical path 209, and only the wavelengths transmitted through the filter reach the image sensor 213.

[0089] In each alternative configuration, the filters, for example filters 231, 232, 233, and 234, can be inserted into the respective optical path together or separately by swiveling or tilting them. This applies analogously to all previously described filter wheels. In the following, it is assumed that the respective filter wheels 121, 123, 221, and 223 are controlled in such a way that corresponding filter pairs on different filter wheels are rotated together into the respective optical paths. For example, a filter 131 and a filter 141 in a first group, a filter 132 and a filter 142 in a second group, and similarly, further filters can be controlled together in a respective group and inserted into the respective optical paths. Different combinations of the respective filters are also possible; the present list serves only as an example.

[0090] Diagram 301 has an abscissa 303 and an ordinate 305. The abscissa 303 describes a wavelength of light, which is defined in diagram 301 as being between 350 nm and 1,000 nm. The corresponding ordinate 305 describes an absorption coefficient of a specific molecule associated with a wavelength of light, which is represented qualitatively. The ordinate axis is logarithmic. For example, the ordinate 305 could represent a range between 0 and 1, but it could also have a different scale. For the present example, reference is made to qualitative characteristics.

[0091] Diagram 301 shows the wavelength dependence of the absorption coefficient of molecule 311, 313, 315, and 317. The respective wavelength dependencies of the absorption coefficients can be used to draw conclusions about the composition of light of corresponding wavelengths reflected from, for example, human tissue.Thus, the wavelength dependence of the absorption coefficient 311 can be used to determine the water content in tissue, the wavelength dependence of the absorption coefficient 313 can be used to determine the fat content in tissue, the wavelength dependence of the absorption coefficient 315 can be used to determine the proportion of deoxygenated hemoglobin in tissue, and the wavelength dependence of the absorption coefficient 317 can be used to determine the proportion of oxygenated hemoglobin in tissue.

[0092] Consequently, when the tissue is irradiated with light of certain wavelengths, a corresponding reaction of the tissue in the sense of a back-radiation according to the aforementioned wavelength dependencies of absorption coefficients of certain molecules 311, 313, 315 and 317 can be expected, from which conclusions can then be drawn about the properties of the tissue.

[0093] Diagram 401 has an abscissa axis 403 and an ordinate axis 405. The abscissa axis 403 describes a respective wavelength of light between 400 nm and 1,000 nm. The ordinate axis 405 qualitatively describes a corresponding light sensitivity, for example, between 0 and 1. Diagram 401 thus shows the light sensitivity of an RGB sensor used in this example with a corresponding sensor filter. Image sensors 111, 113, 211, and 213 therefore exhibit a corresponding sensitivity distribution according to diagram 401. Other RGB sensors with different sensor filters may exhibit different sensitivity distributions.

[0094] Diagram 401 shows a function 413, which describes the sensitivity of a given image sensor to blue light, a function 415, which describes the sensitivity of a given RGB sensor to green light, and a function 417, which describes the sensitivity of a given RGB sensor to red light. The sensitivity of the RGB sensor used in this example to blue light has a maximum (423) at approximately 450 nm, the sensitivity to green light a maximum (425) at approximately 520 nm, and the sensitivity to red light a maximum (427) at approximately 600 nm. Other RGB sensors may exhibit different characteristics.

[0095] Using the groups of different filters in the various mechanical arrangements described above, different operating modes can now be switched and / or set for each endoscope system. The following description applies to endoscope systems 101, 1101, and 201, since the light incident on the respective image sensors is crucial for the corresponding effects, regardless of whether the light reaches the respective image sensor via a beam splitter, different filter arrangements, or entirely different optical paths. Therefore, what is described below regarding image sensor 111 also applies to image sensor 1111 and image sensor 211, and what is described below regarding image sensor 113 also applies analogously to image sensor 1113 and image sensor 213.

[0096] Under these conditions, four different operating modes are described below for clarification, using the endoscope system 101 as an example:

[0097] For a first operating mode, for example, filter 131 is inserted into optical path 108 and filter 141 into optical path 109. Diagram 501 shows the light spectrum incident on image sensor 111 via optical path 108 using filter 131, and diagram 511 shows the light spectrum incident on image sensor 113 via filter 141. Thus, differently filtered light spectra fall on image sensor 111 and image sensor 113. Diagram 501 shows a blocked spectral range 503, a blocked spectral range 504, and a blocked spectral range 505. The blocked spectral range 503 prevents light below 460 nm from reaching image sensor 111. The blocked spectral range 504 prevents light between 580 nm and 600 nm from reaching the image sensor 111. The blocked spectral range 505 prevents light with a wavelength above 700 nm from reaching the image sensor 111.Thus, only light with a wavelength between 460 nm and 580 nm and a wavelength between 600 nm and 700 nm reaches the image sensor 111. The respective gradients 533, 535 and 537 correspond to the gradients 413, 415 and 417 for the different sensitivities according to color of the RGB image sensor 111.

[0098] Similarly, diagram 511 shows a blocked spectral range 513 and a blocked spectral range 514. Blocked spectral range 513 prevents light between 550 nm and 850 nm from reaching the image sensor 113, while blocked spectral range 514 prevents light with a wavelength above 930 nm from reaching the image sensor 113. Therefore, only light with a wavelength up to 550 nm and between 850 nm and 930 nm reaches the image sensor 113. Functions 543, 545, and 547 correspond to functions 413, 415, and 417 for the different color sensitivities of the RGB image sensor 113.

[0099] From the image information thus filtered, an RGB image can be calculated using the red information of the image sensor 111, the green information of the image sensor 111 and a difference between the blue information of the image sensor 113 and the red information of the image sensor 113, which can be displayed to an operator or user of the respective endoscope system, so that this operator or user can see a real image of the object 160 or analogously in the other arrangements according to the invention of the object 1160 or, for example, of the object 260.

[0100] Furthermore, the oxygenation of the tissue of object 160, 1160, or 260 can be read from different wavelength ranges. For example, oxygenation in the visible range can be read from the blue information of image sensor 111 from the transmitted light spectrum between 460 nm and 580 nm, and similarly, this can be done from the red information of image sensor 111 in the wavelength range between 600 nm and 700 nm.

[0101] Tissue oxygenation can be read out in parallel, additionally, or alternatively in the near-infrared range from the red information of image sensor 111 between 600 nm and 700 nm. This can also be done from the red information of image sensor 113 in the wavelength range between 850 nm and 930 nm. Thus, in this first mode, both an RGB image and tissue oxygenation can be read out. This is achieved by utilizing the wavelength-dependent ratio of the absorption coefficients of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. The oxygenation level is inferred from the ratio at 600 nm to 700 nm and the inverse ratio at approximately 850 nm to 930 nm.

[0102] For a second operating mode, for example, filter 132 is inserted into optical path 108 and filter 142 into optical path 109. Diagram 601 shows the light spectrum achieved on optical path 108 using filter 132, and diagram 611 shows the light spectrum achieved using filter 142. Thus, differently filtered light spectra fall on image sensors 111 and 113. Diagram 601 shows a blocked spectral range 603, a blocked spectral range 604, and a blocked spectral range 605. Blocked spectral range 603 prevents light below 530 nm from reaching image sensor 111. Blocked spectral range 604 prevents light between 560 nm and 785 nm from reaching image sensor 111. The blocked spectral range 605 prevents light with a wavelength above 825 nm from reaching the image sensor 111.Thus, only light with a wavelength between 530 nm and 560 nm and a wavelength between 785 nm and 825 nm reaches the image sensor 111. Functions 633, 635, and 637 correspond to functions 413, 415, and 417 for the different sensitivities according to color of the RGB image sensor 111.

[0103] Similarly, diagram 611 shows a blocked spectral range 613. The blocked spectral range 613 prevents light above 700 nm from reaching the image sensor 113. Therefore, only light with a wavelength up to 700 nm reaches the image sensor 113. Functions 643, 645, and 647 correspond to functions 413, 415, and 417 for the different color sensitivities of the RGB image sensor 113.

[0104] From the filtered image information, an RGB image can be calculated using the red, green, and blue information from image sensor 113. This RGB image can then be displayed to an operator or user of the respective endoscope system, allowing them to see a real image of object 160, 1160, or, for example, object 260. Diagram 611 shows that all maxima corresponding to the sensor sensitivities (423, 425, and 427) are passed through the filter and can therefore be evaluated.

[0105] Furthermore, the hemoglobin index of the tissue of object 160 can be read from different wavelength ranges. For example, the hemoglobin content can be read from the green information of image sensor 111 minus the blue information of sensor 111 from the transmitted light spectrum between 530 nm and 560 nm. This can also be done from the red information of image sensor 111 in the wavelength range between 785 nm and 825 nm. For this purpose, the equally high absorption (isosbestic points) by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin at approximately 540 nm and approximately 800 nm (see wavelength dependencies 315 and 317) can be used to derive a ratio for determining the hemoglobin content.

[0106] For a third operating mode, for example, filter 133 is inserted into optical path 108 and filter 143 into optical path 109. Diagram 701 shows the light spectrum achieved on optical path 108 using filter 133, and diagram 711 shows the light spectrum achieved using filter 143. Thus, differently filtered light spectra fall on image sensor 111 and image sensor 113. Diagram 701 shows a blocked spectral range 703. The blocked spectral range 703 prevents light between 575 nm and 950 nm from reaching image sensor 111. Thus, only light with a wavelength up to 575 nm and a wavelength from 950 nm onwards reaches the image sensor 111. The gradients 733, 735 and 737 correspond to the gradients 413, 415 and 417 for the different sensitivities according to color of the RGB image sensor 111.

[0107] Similarly, diagram 711 shows a blocked spectral range 713, a blocked spectral range 714, and a blocked spectral range 715. Blocked spectral range 713 prevents light below 575 nm from reaching the image sensor 113, blocked spectral range 714 prevents light with a wavelength between 700 nm and 875 nm from reaching the image sensor 113, and blocked spectral range 715 prevents light with a wavelength above 895 nm from reaching the image sensor 113. Therefore, only light with a wavelength between 575 nm and 700 nm and between 875 nm and 895 nm reaches the image sensor 113.

[0108] From the filtered image information, an RGB image can be calculated by subtracting the blue information from the red information of image sensor 113 to obtain a calculated red information, subtracting the green information from image sensor 111 from the red information from image sensor 111 to obtain a calculated green information, and subtracting the red information from image sensor 111 from the blue information from image sensor 111 to obtain a calculated blue information. This RGB image can then be displayed to an operator or user of the respective endoscope system, allowing the operator or user to see a real image of object 160, 1160, or, for example, object 260.

[0109] Furthermore, the water content of the tissue of object 160 can be read from different wavelength ranges. For example, water content can be read from the blue information of image sensor 113 from the transmitted light spectrum between 875 nm and 895 nm. Transmitted light of the light spectrum between 575 nm and 700 nm of the measured intensity, which also reaches image sensor 113, is negligible due to the very low sensitivity of the blue channel of image sensor 113 in this wavelength range. Similarly, this can be done from the red information of image sensor 111 in the wavelength range between 950 nm and 1000 nm. Incident light in the wavelength range between 400 nm and 575 nm is likewise negligible. Thus, a wavelength range between 875 nm and 895 nm is recorded to utilize the approximately uniform distribution of water's absorptivity for reference.Reading out the wavelength range between 950nm and 1000nm, in which there is an increasing absorption coefficient of water, serves as a basis for determining the water content in the tissue.

[0110] For a fourth operating mode, for example, filter 134 is inserted into optical path 108 and filter 144 into optical path 109. Diagram 801 shows the light spectrum achieved on optical path 108 using filter 134, and diagram 811 shows the light spectrum achieved using filter 144. Thus, differently filtered light spectra fall on image sensors 111 and 113. Diagram 801 shows a blocked spectral range 803. The blocked spectral range 803 prevents light above 430 nm from reaching image sensor 111. Therefore, only light with a wavelength up to 430 nm reaches image sensor 111.

[0111] Similarly, diagram 811 shows a blocked spectral range 813. The blocked spectral range 813 prevents light above 700 nm from reaching the image sensor 113. Therefore, only light with a wavelength up to 700 nm reaches the image sensor 113.

[0112] From the filtered image information, an RGB image can be read out using the red, green, and blue information from image sensor 113. This image can then be displayed to an operator or user of the respective endoscope system, allowing them to see a real image of object 160, 1160, or, for example, object 260. The respective sensitivities of image sensor 113, analogous to maxima 423, 425, and 427 in diagram 401, can be read out here without filtering.

[0113] Furthermore, contrast enhancement of blood vessels within tissue in an image of object 160 can be achieved using so-called "narrow-band imaging" (NBI) from the filtered image information. For this purpose, contrast enhancement can be achieved by reading out the blue information from image sensor 111 in the range between 400 nm and 430 nm. This is facilitated by the high absorption of light by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, which causes blood vessels to appear darker in the image than surrounding tissue.

[0114] Thus, with the presented respective arrangement, using the endoscope system 101, 1101 or also the endoscope system 201, it is possible to switch between the respective modes for the insertion of different filters or different groups of filters in order to display simultaneously both a real RGB image of a respective viewing area and additional information generated according to the respective mode, for example on a hemoglobin content or an oxygen content in the viewing area.

[0115] In addition, a stereoscopic image can be reconstructed from the image of image sensor 111 and the image of image sensor 113, so that a three-dimensional image of the object 160, 1160 and / or 260 is obtained in the viewing area 150, 1150 and / or 250.

[0116] An endoscope camera 901 has a housing 904 and a lens 905. The endoscope system 101 is housed within the housing, and the lens 905 corresponds to lens 105 in this example. The image data read from the respective image sensor is transmitted to a computer 903 via a cable 907. The computer 903 evaluates the corresponding image data and displays it via a cable 909 on a screen 930 for a user (not shown). Reference symbol list 101 Endoscope System 103 Light source 105 lens 107 optical path 108 optical path 109 optical path 111 Image sensor 113 Image sensor 121 Filter wheel 123 Filter wheel 131 filters 132 filters 133 filters 134 filters 141 filters 142 filters 143 filters 144 filters 150 viewing area 160 objects 170 semi-transparent mirror 201 Endoscope System 203 Light source 205 lens 206 lens 208 optical path 209 optical path 211 Image sensor 213 Image sensor 221 Filter wheel 223 Filter wheel 231 filters 232 filters 233 filters 234 filters 241 filters 242 filters 243 filters 244 filters 250 viewing area 260 objects 301 Diagram 303 Abscissa axis 305 Ordinary axis 311 Wavelength dependence 313 Wavelength dependence 315 Wavelength dependence 317 Wavelength dependence 401 Diagram 403 Abscissa axis 405 Ordinary axis 413 Function 415 Function 417 Function 423 Maximum 425 Maximum 427 Maximum 501 Diagram 503 blocked spectral range 504 blocked spectral range 505 blocked spectral range 511 Diagram 513 blocked spectral range 514 blocked spectral range 533 Function 535 Function 537 Function 543 Function 545 Function 547 Function 601 Diagram 603 blocked spectral range 604 blocked spectral range 605 blocked spectral range 611 Diagram 613 blocked spectral range 633 Function 635 Function 637 Function 643 Function 645 Function 647 Function 701 Diagram 703 blocked spectral range 711 Diagram 713 blocked spectral range 714 blocked spectral range 715 blocked spectral range 733 Function 735 Function 737 Function 743 Function 745 Function 747 Function 801 Diagram 803 blocked spectral range 811 Diagram 813 blocked spectral range 833 Function 835 Function 837 Function 843 Function 845 Function 847 Function 901 Endoscope Camera 903 Computer 904 Cases 905 lens 907 cables 909 cables 930 screen 950 viewing area 960 objects 1101 Endoscope System 1103 Light source 1105 lens 1107 optical path 1108 optical path 1109 optical path 1111 Image sensor 1113 Image sensor 1121 Filter wheel 1131 filters 1132 filters 1133 filters 1134 filters 1141 filters 1142 filters 1143 filters 1144 filters 1150 viewing area 1160 object

Claims

[1] Medical imaging device (101, 1101, 201), in particular endoscope or exoscope, comprising a light source (103, 1103, 203) with a light spectrum, optics comprising a first optical path (108, 1108, 208) and a first image sensor (111, 1111, 211) with a first sensor filter and a second optical path (109, 1109, 209) with a second image sensor (113, 1113, 213) with a second sensor filter, wherein the respective optical path extends between a viewing area (150, 1150, 250) and the respective image sensor, such that the first image sensor (111, 1111, 211) acquires a first image of the viewing area (150, 1150, 250) by means of the first optical path (108, 1108, 208). 250) and the second image sensor (113, 1113, 213) captures a second image of the viewing area (150, 1150, 250) via the second optical path (109, 1109, 209), wherein the light source (103, 1103, 203) is configured to illuminate the viewing area (150, 1150,250) to illuminate with the light spectrum and a first filter (131, 1131, 231) with a first filter spectrum (503, 504, 505) is assigned to the first optical path (108, 1108, 208) and / or a second filter (141, 1141, 241) with a second filter spectrum (513, 514) is assigned to the second optical path (109, 1109, 209), so that physiological parameters of the viewing area (150, 1150, 250) can be determined as a function of the light spectrum using a respective filtered image information of the first image and / or the second image, , characterized by, that the first filter (131, 1131, 231) can be inserted into the first optical path (108, 1108, 208) by means of a first filter positioning device (121, 1121, 221) and / or the second filter (141, 1141, 241) can be inserted into the second optical path (109, 1109, 209) by means of a second filter positioning device (123, 1123, 223), such that a filtered image information of the first image and / or a filtered image information of the second image can be derived from a filtered image information of the first image and / or a filtered image information of the second image, depending on the respective filter (131, 141, 1131, 1141, 231, 241) inserted into the respective optical path (108, 109, 1108, 1109, 208, 209) Different information or, by means of combined information between the first optical path and the second optical path, different spectral ranges of the respective image can be evaluated to obtain additional image information or several additional image information on the physiological parameters in the viewing area. [2] Medical imaging device according to claim 1, characterized by , that a third filter (133, 143, 1133, 1143, 233, 243), a fourth filter (134, 144, 1134, 1144, 234, 244) and / or a further filter is or are assigned to the first optical path (108, 1108, 208) and / or the second optical path (109, 1109, 209), wherein the third filter (133, 143, 1133, 1143, 233, 243) is positioned by means of a third filter positioning device, the fourth filter (134, 144, 1134, 1144, 234, 244) is positioned by means of a fourth filter positioning device (121, 123, 1121, 221, 223) and / or the further Filters can be inserted into the first optical path (108, 208) and / or the second optical path (109, 209) by means of a further filter positioning device (121, 123, 1121, 221, 223). [3] Medical imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the first filter (131, 1131, 231), the second filter (141, 1141, 241), the third filter (133, 143, 1133, 1143, 233, 243), the fourth filter (134, 144, 1134, 1144, 234, 244) and / or the further filter have different filter spectra from each other. [4] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first filter (131, 1131, 231), the second filter (141, 1141, 241), the third filter (133, 143, 1133, 1143, 233, 243), the fourth filter (134, 144, 1134, 1144, 234, 244) and / or the further filter are grouped together, in particular in a group of two mutually associated filters, such that filters mutually associated in the group can be jointly introduced into the first optical path and into the second optical path. [5] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first filter (131, 1131, 231), the second filter (141, 1141, 241), the third filter (133, 143, 1133, 1143, 233, 243), the fourth filter (134, 144, 1134, 1144, 234, 244) and / or the further filter are grouped together in an operating group, in particular in a respective operating group consisting of two mutually assigned filters, such that a first operating mode, a second operating mode, a third operating mode and / or a further operating mode can be selected by an operator by means of an input, wherein from a group of respective filters for different operating modes, for example a group consisting of the first filter and the second filter an oxygen saturation operating mode, a group consisting of the third filter and the fourth filter a water content operating mode and / or a group consisting of two further filters Hemoglobin level operating mode is selectable. [6] Medical imaging device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the filter positioning device (121, 123, 1121, 221, 223) belonging to each mutually assigned filter is assigned to a filter positioning system (1121) and is operatively connected to it, so that the respective group or operating group of in particular two mutually assigned filters can be introduced together into the first optical path (108, 1108, 208) and into the second optical path (109, 1109, 209) by means of the filter positioning system (1121). [7] Medical imaging device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that continuous imaging is carried out in such a way that a group and / or an operational group is selected and an evaluation with regard to the physiological parameters is carried out together with and / or in parallel with the acquisition of the image information, especially in real time. [8] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the respective filter or filters can be inserted into the respective optical path by means of insertion, by means of swiveling and / or by means of rotation. [9] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the respective filter positioning device (121, 123, 1121, 221, 223) or the respective filter positioning system (1121) has or has a drive such that the respective filter or the filters assigned to each other can be inserted into the first optical path and / or into the second optical path by means of the respective drive, wherein the drive in particular has a stepper motor, a geared motor, a lifting magnet, a swiveling magnet and / or a manually operated drive. [10] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first filter (131, 1131, 231), the second filter (141, 1141, 241), the third filter (133, 143, 1133, 1143, 233, 243), the fourth filter (134, 144, 1134, 1144, 234, 244) and / or the further filter is an edge filter or a band filter. [11] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first filter (131, 1131, 231), the second filter (141, 1141, 241), the third filter (133, 143, 1133, 1143, 233, 243), the fourth filter (134, 144, 1134, 1144, 234, 244) and / or the further filter have a respective filter spectrum such that, by means of the different filter spectra of the respective filters, by means of two filters assigned to each other in the first optical path and in the second optical path, a color image of the viewing area and an additional image information or several additional image information of the physiological parameters can be determined together by means of a parallel evaluation of the first image and the second image. [12] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the light source (102, 1103, 203) is a white light source, so that the light source (102, 1103, 203) illuminates the viewing area with white light. [13] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the optics have a beam splitter (170, 1170) wherein by means of the beam splitter (170, 1170) an image of the viewing area (150, 1150, 250) is split into the first image and the second image, so that the first image can be directed to the first image sensor (111, 1111) via the first optical path (108, 1108) and the second image can be directed to the second image sensor (113, 1113) via the second optical path (109, 1109), wherein the beam splitter (170, 1170) in particular has a prism (1170), a semi-transparent mirror (170) or two semi-transparent mirrors and / or a mirror. [14] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first optical path (208) and the second optical path (209) are spatially offset from each other, so that the first image sensor (211) captures the first image of the viewing area by means of the first optical path (208) and the second image sensor (213) captures the second image of the viewing area by means of the second optical path (209). [15] Medical imaging device according to claim 14, characterized by, that the first image and the second image are assigned to each other to form dual image information in a superimposed image, wherein in particular the formation of the dual image information in the superimposed image comprises a reconstruction of a correlation between the first image and the second image on the basis of a respective filtered image information, in particular a reconstruction of a disparity, wherein the reconstruction is carried out in particular on the basis of image information with wavelength spectra transmitted through the respective filter, in particular by illuminating the viewing area with white light. [16] Medical imaging device according to claim 15, characterized by , that the formation of the dual image information includes a stereoscopic formation of spatial image information of the viewing area. [17] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized byan evaluation unit (903) which is set up to evaluate the first image and / or the second image with respect to a hemoglobin index, a water index, an oxygen index or an oxygen infrared index, so that a hemoglobin content, a water content, an oxygen concentration and / or the presence of an auxiliary substance, in particular a fluorescent substance, can be determined. [18] Medical imaging device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a display unit (930) which is configured for the continuous, parallel, simultaneous, superimposed and / or correlated display of the first image information, the second image information, the dual image information, the stereoscopically formed spatial image information and / or the additional image information.

Images