118 results about "Endoscopic camera" patented technology

The present invention provides video and audio assisted surgical techniques and methods. Novel features of the techniques and methods provided by the present invention include presenting a surgeon with a video compilation that displays an endoscopic-camera derived image, a reconstructed view of the surgical field (including fiducial markers indicative of anatomical locations on or in the patient), and / or a real-time video image of the patient. The real-time image can be obtained either with the video camera that is part of the image localized endoscope or with an image localized video camera without an endoscope, or both. In certain other embodiments, the methods of the present invention include the use of anatomical atlases related to pre-operative generated images derived from three-dimensional reconstructed CT, MRI, x-ray, or fluoroscopy. Images can furthermore be obtained from pre-operative imaging and spacial shifting of anatomical structures may be identified by intraoperative imaging and appropriate correction performed.

In one embodiment, an endoscopic camera for a robotic surgical system includes a stereo camera module mounted to a robotic arm of a patient side cart. The optical and electro-optic components of the camera module are hermetically sealed within a first housing. Signals from an electro-optic component travel through traces in a ceramic substrate forming one side of the hermetically sealed first housing. A second housing surrounds the first housing and optical fibers are dispersed between the housings to provide lighting in a body cavity. The camera module may be sterilized by an autoclave.

A system for automatically setting video signal processing parameters for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.

A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and / or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.

Three-dimensional endoscopic measurements are made by adding an array of reference target points to the scene viewed by an endoscopic camera and characterizing the image formed by the camera when it views the scene from two or more viewing positions. Methods and apparatus are taught which allow one to make accurate measurements with any endoscope, without requiring any modification to the endoscope. Under certain circumstances, the measurements can be made without any pre-calibration of the endoscopic camera.A general measurement reference apparatus comprises a reference target array which is placed near to and fixed with respect to an object of interest inside an enclosure by means of a reference array holding apparatus and a reference array insertion apparatus. This measurement reference apparatus can be used to make either perspective dimensional measurements or to make conventional photogrammetric measurements of the object of interest.A general measurement apparatus to be used with the new methods comprises a reference target array which is placed near to and fixed with respect to an object of interest inside an enclosure by means of a reference array holding apparatus and a reference array insertion apparatus. In a version of this apparatus the reference array holding apparatus may attach the reference array directly to the object of interest and the combination may be inserted into the enclosure by the insertion apparatus. The general measurement apparatus also comprises an endoscopic camera located inside the enclosure. The camera is moved with respect to the object by a camera moving apparatus. Images formed by the camera are measured with an image measurement apparatus. These measurements are supplied to a computing apparatus which computes the desired three-dimensional distances. The measurement results are displayed to the user by a display apparatus.

A rocker switch on an endoscopic camera allows multiple functions from a single Hall effect sensor. The switch features a neutral position between a rocked forward and a rocked back position. When the front of the switch is depressed a dome spring under the front is flattened and the magnet located in the rear is moved away from the sensor. Releasing the switch returns it to the neutral position. Depressing the rear of the switch brings the magnet closer to the Hall effect sensor while depressing another dome spring under the rear of the switch. Again, releasing the switch returns it to the neutral position.

A video camera unit used with an endoscope is provided with sensors sensing an ambient field to detect rotation of the camera unit about an axis causing rotation of an image generated from the output signal of the camera unit. This output signal is modified to produce a stabilized video signal, producing an image held at a preferred angle. In one embodiment, two ambient fields, such as gravity and a magnetic field are alternately used.

A fiber-bundle illumination system of high brightness with reduced optical losses comprises a plurality of light sources that emit lights of different colors and transmit the component lights of different colors to a light mixer through individual optical-fiber light guides assembled into a bundle, which is crimped at least at the inlet and outlet ends. Unique features of the system are optical coupling between the light sources and their respective light guides and mixing colors in a predetermined proportion that results in spatially uniform distribution of the spectrum on the illuminated area. The system may be used in conjunction with optical instruments such as endoscopic cameras, microscopes, etc.

An endoscopic camera system having an imaging device for taking images during an exposure period at a predetermined number of frames per second; an illumination system for providing light for the imaging device; and an illumination controller that supplies a drive current to the illumination system, the illumination controller altering the drive current to the illumination system so light is only provided for a portion of each image frame corresponding to the exposure period and for a second portion of each frame outside of the exposure period.

The present disclosure relates to calibration target devices, assemblies and methods for use with imaging systems, such as a stereoscopic endoscope. A calibration assembly includes: a target surface extends in three dimensions with calibration markers and a body with an interface that engages an endoscope so the markers are within the field of view. A first calibration marker extends along a first plane of the target surface and a second marker extends along a second plane of the target surface. The planes are different and asymmetric relative to the field of view as seen through the endoscope. Three-dimensional targets, in particular, enable endoscopic calibration using a single image (or pair of images for a stereoscopic endoscope) to reduce the calibration process complexity, calibration time and chance of error as well as allow the efficient calibration of cameras at different focus positions.

The present disclosure relates to calibration assemblies and methods for use with an imaging system, such as an endoscopic imaging system. A calibration assembly includes: an interface for constraining engagement with an endoscopic imaging system; a target coupled with the interface so as to be within the field of view of the imaging system, the target including multiple of markers having calibration features that include identification features; and a processor configured to identify from first and second images obtained at first and second relative spatial arrangements between the imaging system and the target, respectively, at least some of the markers from the identification features, and using the identified markers and calibration feature positions within the images to generate calibration data.

A video processor for endoscopic camera or for videoendoscopic probe associated with a color video sensor, the video processor comprising: a signal preprocessing circuit designed to be remotely connected to the video sensor through an electrical link without any intermediate connection device, the preprocessing circuit comprising a first signal processor for generating from image signals output by the video sensor raw video signals comprising a brightness signal and a color signal, these signals being not usable directly because they are phase shifted and are noisy due to synchronization residues, and a synchronizing circuit for synchronizing the video sensor and the first signal processor; and a remote auxiliary circuit comprising a second signal processor connected to the first signal processor through a low impedance electrical link providing good immunity to interference, the second signal processor generating from said raw video brightness and color signals at least one useful video signal according to an international video standard.

A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and / or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.

The invention belongs to the technical field of measurement, and provides a structured light vision method for measuring the three-dimensional profile of a restricted space. A miniature structured light vision measurement system is used to enter the restricted space and perform three-dimensional profile measurement. The miniature structured light vision measurement system consists of a structured light projector 1, a structured light sensor 2, an imaging control unit, an image acquisition card and a computer, wherein the structured light projector 1 consists of a projector, a telecentric imaging lens 3, an optical fiber image bundle 4 and a projection lens 5; and the structured light sensor 2 consists of the projection lens 5 of the structured light projector 1, an endoscopic camera 6, a plane reflector 7 and a plane reflector 8. The measurement method comprises the following steps that: the computer generates a sinusoidal structured light pattern; the projector, the telecentric imaging lens 3, the optical fiber image bundle 4 and the projection lens 5 project the pattern onto the surface of an object to be measured; the endoscopic camera 6 shoots a modulated structured light stripe image; and the three-dimensional information of the surface of the object to be measured is calculated according to a measurement model. The method realizes the miniaturization of the structured light sensor, and provides an effective technical means for realizing the off-line and on-line measurement of the three-dimensional profile of the restricted space.

There is provided an endoscopic camera module package including: a lens part including at least one lens arranged along an optical axis; a flexible printed circuit board having an image sensor mounted thereon, the image sensor allowing light passing through the lens part to form an image; and a housing including an image sensor supporting frame allowing the image sensor to be supported at a rear of the lens part while the flexible printed circuit board is bent.

The present disclosure relates to calibration assemblies and methods for use with an imaging system, such as an endoscopic imaging system. A calibration assembly includes: an interface for constraining engagement with an endoscopic imaging system; a target coupled with the interface so as to be within the field of view of the imaging system, the target including multiple of markers having calibration features that include identification features; and a processor configured to identify from first and second images obtained at first and second relative spatial arrangements between the imaging system and the target, respectively, at least some of the markers from the identification features, and using the identified markers and calibration feature positions within the images to generate calibration data.

An apparatus and technique for compensating the display of an image obtained from a video camera system associated with an endoscope as it is moved through various orientations are described. The received optical image is converted to an electrical signal with an image sensor that can be a CCD or a CMOS detector. The endoscope video camera system has an inertial sensor to sense rotations of the received image about the optical axis of the endoscope and the sensor's output signals are used to rotate either the image or the image sensor. In case of rotation of the image sensor the rotation sensor can be a gyroscope or a pair of accelerometers. In case of a rotation of the image obtained with the image sensor the inertial sensor, which can be an accelerometer or a gyroscope, the image is rotated within a microprocessor for subsequent viewing on a video display.

A rotatable endoscope coupler which enables an endoscope to be rotatably attached to a camera and selectively locked in place. The coupler enables single handed rotation of the scope while the camera remains in a fixed orientation. A plurality of ceramic ball bearings riding in a stainless steel race enable the coupler to be repeatedly autoclaved.

An autoclavable endoscopic optical coupler includes the capability to optically couple an endoscope and a camera, so that a focused image will be communicated to the camera head. Furthermore, the coupler has the capability of withstanding multiple autoclave sterilization treatments without allowing moisture to penetrate the interior. The coupler includes a lens holder assembly that has an endobody on one portion and a second portion that is inserted into and coupled to a coupler body. The coupler body has a camera attached at one of its ends. A focus ring is physically coupled to the coupler body, which is coupled to the lens holder assembly. Turning the focus ring causes a translation motion of the lens holder assembly and endoscope with respect to the camera head.

An image capture device in an endoscopic imaging system receives a video stream generated by an endoscopic video camera. In response to automatic recognition of a spoken utterance while the video stream is being received from the endoscopic video camera, the image capture device associates with the video stream an annotation that corresponds to the spoken utterance. The image capture device provides the video stream to a display device for display, such that the annotation can be overlaid on one or more frames of the video stream displayed on the display device.

An articulated hand-held medical instrument is provided. The instrument is primarily intended to be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The articulated instrument comprises a master-slave architecture whereby user hand movements on a proximal handle element are replicated on a distal end-effector. The proximal handle comprises a number of handle links joined by handle joints that correspond to a number of end-effector links joined by end-effector joints. The articulated hand-held medical instrument can be used in standard laparoscopic procedures in various port arrangements and through the use of standard equipment such as trocars, and movements inside the patient's body may be tracked using available endoscopic cameras.

A cleaning and sterilizing apparatus which provides alkaline-water-cleaning removing organic matter adhered to the surface of an endoscopic camera instrument, and effectively exhibiting bacteria-killing and virus-killing effects of acidic water, is provided. The apparatus uses as cleaning bath an alkaline-water-producing bath 2 of an electrolysis bath 1 partitioned by a separating membrane 6 and having electrodes 7 and 8 on both sides, and the apparatus is configured to conduct preliminary cleaning of an endoscopic camera instrument 4 inserted in the cleaning bath by ultrasonic cleaning with city water, subsequently provides saline solution to the electrolysis bath to conduct electrolysis, conduct ultrasonic cleaning with alkaline water obtained by the electrolysis, introduce acidic water in the acidic water generation bath 3 and conduct sterilization-cleaning, and further, conduct ultrasonic cleaning with city water. Then, the apparatus dries the endoscopic camera instrument 4 with warm air as the case requires.

An articulated hand-held medical instrument is provided. The instrument is primarily intended to be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The articulated instrument comprises a master-slave architecture whereby user hand movements on a proximal handle element are replicated on a distal end-effector. The proximal handle comprises a number of handle links joined by handle joints that correspond to a number of end-effector links joined by end-effector joints. The articulated hand-held medical instrument can be used in standard laparoscopic procedures in various port arrangements and through the use of standard equipment such as trocars, and movements inside the patient's body may be tracked using available endoscopic cameras.

Medical software tools platform utilizes a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or tools, that can assist those in the operating room, such as a surgeon or surgical team, with a surgery. In particular, an optical sensor located within an endoscopic camera may register subtle differences in color characteristics reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit the information to a medical image processing system. Moreover, the new tools are intended to help surgeons better determine the boundaries between healthy and diseased regions during surgical procedures. Various tools are intended to be used in procedures where indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent dye is used. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging is commonly used during minimally invasive procedures to enable surgeons to visualize tissue perfusion and anatomical structures. The term perfusion refers to the passage of blood and tissue fluid through the capillary bed. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging can also be used to improve visualization of vessels and structures, which, in turn, may reduce the risk of complications during minimally invasive surgeries.

The invention concerns an imaging system to monitor at least one surgical instrument in an operative site inside a volume of the body of an animal, comprising:at least one endoscopic camera to obtain endoscopic data on the operative site,at least one ultrasound imaging device to obtain ultrasound data on the operative site,a processing device to process the endoscopic and ultrasound data,characterized in that it further comprises at least three markers intended to be positioned in the operative site, said markers being mobile relative to the instrument, each marker being adapted to be detected both by the endoscopic camera and by the ultrasound imaging device, so as to permit cross-mapping of the endoscopic and ultrasound data by the processing means.

A rotatable endoscope coupler which enables an endoscope to be rotatably attached to a camera and selectively locked in place. The coupler enables single handed rotation of the scope while the camera remains in a fixed orientation. A plurality of ceramic ball bearings riding in a stainless steel race enable the coupler to be repeatedly autoclaved. A locking mechanism allows the scope and camera to be fixed from relative rotation.

The present disclosure relates to surgical port assemblies including a plurality of inflatable members for applying a force to a portion of a shaft of a surgical instrument which is inserted through an interior space of the surgical port assembly, and to surgical systems including a surgical port assembly, an endoscopic camera, and a control mechanism for controlling inflation and deflation of the plurality of inflatable members of the surgical port assembly.

A surgical navigation system employs an endoscope (30) and an imaging unit (80). The endoscope (30) include an electromagnetic tracker (40) within a working channel of endoscope (30) for generating electromagnetic sensing signals indicative of one or more poses of the endoscope (30) within an anatomical region, and an endoscopic camera (50) within an imaging channel of the endoscope (30) for generating endoscopic images of the anatomical region. The imaging unit (80) executes an intraoperative calibration of the electromagnetic tracker (40) and the endoscopic camera (50) as a function of an image registration between the preoperative scan image of a calibration site within the anatomical region and one or more endoscopic images of the calibration site within the anatomical region.