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    • 专利摘要:
    The description refers to an endoscopic system. The endoscopic system may include a single optical fiber. The system may additionally include a light source that transmits light into the single optical fiber. An image sensor may be provided within the endoscopic system and disposed at a distal end of the single fiber optic. The endoscopic system may additionally be equipped with a diffuser at the distal end of the single fiber optic that produces a cone of light that is wider than a single fiber optic output without the diffuser.
    公开号:BR112019013148A2
    申请号:R112019013148
    申请日:2017-12-27
    公开日:2019-12-10
    发明作者:M Wichern Donald；D Henley Jeremiah；D Talbert Joshua
    申请人:Depuy Synthes Products Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Invention Patent Descriptive Report for SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES TO PROVIDE LIGHTING IN AN ENDOSCOPIC IMAGE ENVIRONMENT.
    FIELD OF TECHNIQUE [0001] The present description refers, in general, to endoscopic imaging and, more particularly, it refers to systems, methods and devices for providing lighting in an endoscopic imaging environment.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In endoscopic systems, artificial light needs to be provided for the operation of an image sensor inside an endoscope. Conventional endoscopic systems use a fiber optic bundle to transmit light energy in a scene to provide an image sensor with enough light to capture an image. Unfortunately, conventional endoscopic systems are expensive and therefore need to be used several times to justify the cost of your purchase. At the same time, however, conventional endoscopic systems must also be sterile so that no residue from an anterior patient can infect a posterior patient. Consequently, significant safeguards must be created for reusable endoscopic systems to ensure that any endoscopic system is completely sterilized, further increasing the cost of conventional endoscopic systems.
    [0003] Another significant problem with conventional endoscopic systems is that, due to the fact that at least some parts of an endoscopic system are inserted into a patient, larger diameter parts cause more damage to the surrounding tissue or cause discomfort to the patient. For example, in an arthroscopic environment,
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    2/37 parts of an endoscopic system can be inserted into a patient's knee. Larger diameter parts result in larger injuries that adversely affect the patient's recovery. Similarly, in another environment, a patient may need an endoscopic inspection through a hole in the patient's body. Larger diameter parts result in greater discomfort for the patient, which can result in an inability to complete the exam or images of inadequate quality to verify any exam information.
    [0004] Consequently, it is desirable to provide an endoscopic system with both parts that is inexpensive, and with parts that are as small as they are technically viable. In this way, endoscopic systems can be discarded after a single use and can result in less tissue damage and / or discomfort to a patient. Thus, it is an objective of this description to provide an endoscopic system that includes a single optical fiber to illuminate a scene within a patient's body to reduce both the cost and the diameter of the pieces of an endoscopic system that are inserted into a patient. It is an additional objective of this description to provide an image sensor at a distal end of the single optical fiber. It is also an objective of this description to provide a diffuser, disposed at a distal end of the single optical fiber, which can emit a cone of light that is wider than a single optical fiber outlet without the diffuser.
    SUMMARY [0005] An endoscopic system is presented in the present invention. The endoscopic system may include a single optical fiber. The system may additionally include a light source that transmits light into the single optical fiber. An image sensor can be provided within the endoscopic system and arranged in an
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    3/37 distal end of single optical fiber. The endoscopic system can be additionally equipped with a diffuser at the distal end of the single optical fiber which produces a cone of light that is wider than a single optical fiber outlet without the diffuser.
    [0006] An endoscope can be additionally supplied, which includes a single optical fiber. The endoscope can additionally include an image sensor that can be arranged at a distal end of the single optical fiber. The endoscope may include a diffuser installed at the distal end of the single optical fiber that produces a cone of light that is wider than a single optical fiber outlet without the diffuser. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a system for providing lighting to a poor light environment, according to a modality.
    [0008] Figure 2 is a graphical view of the delay and / or flicker between a control signal and the light emitted, according to a modality.
    [0009] Figure 3 illustrates a cross section of a fiber bundle that has seven fibers with irregular light distribution, according to one modality.
    [0010] Figure 4 is a graphical view of a top hat profile and a Gaussian profile, according to one modality.
    [0011] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a light source that has a plurality of emitters, according to a modality.
    [0012] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a light source that has a plurality of emitters, according to another modality.
    [0013] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a light source that has a plurality of emitters, according to
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    4/37 yet another modality.
    [0014] Figure 8 is a schematic side view that illustrates the light output of an optical fiber, according to one modality.
    [0015] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the direction of the fibers of a bundle of fibers at an outlet end, according to one modality.
    [0016] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the light output using glass fibers, according to one modality.
    [0017] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the light output using a diffuser at an outlet, according to one modality.
    [0018] Figure 12 is a schematic flow diagram that illustrates a method for providing light to an imaging scene in a poor light environment, according to one modality.
    [0019] Figure 13 is a schematic flow diagram that illustrates a method for providing light to an imaging scene in a poor light environment, according to another modality.
    [0020] Figure 14 is a schematic flow diagram that illustrates a method for providing light to an imaging scene in a poor light environment, according to another modality.
    [0021] Figure 15 is a schematic flow diagram that illustrates a method for providing light to an imaging scene in a poor light environment, according to yet another modality.
    [0022] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a single optical fiber emitting through a diffuser at an output according to a modality.
    [0023] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a system for providing lighting to a poor light environment according to a modality.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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    5/37 [0024] Imaging in a poor light environment with optical image sensors (such as visible light CMOS or CCD, or other imaging matrices) generally requires artificial lighting. Regarding endoscopic imaging, an endoscope often includes a tubular member that can be inserted into a patient's body. A tip of the lumen may include an imaging sensor or other optical component to gather light and capture an image of a scene within the patient's body. Endoscopes must be sterile due to their use on a body or during a medical procedure. Endoscopes or endoscopic components with a sufficiently low price can be used as disposable or replaceable components, which can reduce the costs and effort required by hospitals or medical personnel to sterilize or manage the sterilization or state or reusable components.
    [0025] The present description presents systems, methods and devices that provide lighting in an endoscopic imaging environment that reduce expenses and / or improve image quality for imaging in a light-deficient environment. The methods, systems and devices presented in the present invention can be used in combination with or alternatively to any of the teachings, technology or functionality discussed and presented in one or more of: (1) Patent Application Publication No. US 2014 / 0163319 A1; (2) US patent No. 9,509,917; and (3) US patent No. 9,516,239, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
    [0026] A detailed description of the systems and methods consistent with the modalities of this description is provided below. Although several modalities are described, it should be understood that this description is not limited to any modality, but instead covers numerous alternatives, modifications and
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    6/37 equivalents. In addition, although several specific details are presented in the description below to provide a complete understanding of the modalities presented in the present invention, some modalities can be practiced without some or all of these details. In addition, for the sake of clarity, certain technical materials that are known in the related art have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily overshadowing the description. [0027] Returning to the figures, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system 100 for providing illumination to a poor light environment, as for endoscopic imaging. System 100 includes a light source 102, a controller 104, a bridge waveguide 106, a coupler 108, a lumen waveguide 110, a lumen 112 and an image sensor 114 with attached optical components. The light source 102 generates light that travels through the bridge waveguide 106 and the lumen waveguide 110 to illuminate a scene at a distal end of the lumen 112. The lumen 112 can be inserted into a patient's body to imaging, such as during a procedure or examination. The light is provided as illustrated by the dashed lines 116. A scene illuminated by the light can be captured using the image sensor 114 and displayed to a physician or other medical personnel. Controller 104 can provide control signals to light source 102 to control when lighting is provided to a scene. If the image sensor 114 includes a CMOS sensor, light can be periodically delivered to the scene in a series of pulses of illumination between the reading periods of the image sensor 114 during what is known as a suppression period. In this way, the light can be pulsed in a controlled manner to avoid overlapping in periods of reading of image pixels in a pixel array of image sensor 114.
    [0028] In one embodiment, the lumen waveguide 110 includes a
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    7/37 plurality of optical fibers. Optical fibers can be produced from a low-cost material, such as plastic, to allow disposal of the 110 lumen waveguide and / or other portions of an endoscope. The bridge waveguide 106 can be permanently attached to the light source 102. For example, a bridge waveguide 106 can receive light from an emitter within the light source 102 and supply that light to the waveguide lumen 110 at the location of the coupler 108. In one embodiment, the bridge waveguide 106 may include one or more glass fibers. The bridge waveguide can include any other type of waveguide to guide the light to the lumen waveguide 110. Coupler 108 can couple the bridge waveguide 106 to the lumen waveguide 110 and allow the light within the bridge waveguide 106 passes to the lumen waveguide 110. In one embodiment, the lumen waveguide 110 can be coupled directly to a light source without any intervening bridge waveguide 106.
    [0029] Figure 2 illustrates a graphical view of the delay and / or flicker between a control signal 202 and the emitted light 204. The control signal 202 can represent a signal supplied to a controller or drive circuit, such as controller 104 or a trigger within the light source 102 of Figure 1. As illustrated, there is a delay of t1 between control signal 202 going high (for example, on) and the light being emitted 204. There is a delay of t2 between signal control 202 going low (for example, turning off) and light being emitted 204. For example, delays t1 and t2 may include some constant delay, as well as some non-constant variation resulting from the amount of jitter in a controller and / or driver . The amount of flicker or variation in a system or device is described by the flicker specification (flicker spec). For example, if t1 has a value of 1 microsecond, then t2 can have a value of 1 microsecond more or
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    8/37 minus the controller or driver jitter specification. [0030] As the jitter is not under the control of the system or user, the jitter specification represents the amount of unpredictable time variation that may be present. If the flicker specification is too large in relation to a pulse of light, significant reductions in image quality or variations in image brightness may occur. For example, in an endoscopic video system, different lines or frames within the video or series of images can have a different brightness, causing flicker and a video or image with reduced overall quality. For example, if a controller has a 10% flicker spec of a light pulse, the light pulse can vary from 90% of its desired length to 110% of its desired length. This can lead to variations in brightness between images or lines of an image in a video of up to 1/3. In addition, a large spec of flicker can result in light emission during reading. If light is emitted during reading, significant variations between pixels and lines can reduce the image quality. See, for example, Figure 2D and the associated discussion in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0163319 A1. Thus, if a jitter spec is large enough, a pulse can be limited in size to avoid overlapping over a period of time from reading the image sensor 114. Pulse size limits may require a reduction in the rate of frames (increased time between captured images or longer periods of suppression) or may result in reductions in brightness, which can reduce the ability of an image sensor 114 to capture detailed images.
    [0031] In one mode, controller 104, as in Figure 1, has a flicker spec small enough to reduce variations in brightness or image quality. In one mode, the
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    9/37 trigger must have a flicker tolerance or spec of about 1 microsecond or less. In one embodiment, the tolerance or spec of the flicker of the trigger is about 50 nanoseconds. The reduced flicker spec can be achieved with a higher clock frequency or a more accurate clock on a controller or driver. In one embodiment, the flicker spec is less than the time it takes an image sensor to read a row (for example, row or column). For example, a CMOS array can read pixels from the array row by row or column. In one embodiment, the flicker spec is less than the time it takes an image sensor to read a single pixel. In one embodiment, the jitter spec can be less than or equal to 10% to 25% of the image sensor pixel matrix reading period, or the time it takes an image sensor to read all lines in the matrix of pixel. In one embodiment, the jitter spec can be less than or equal to about 10% to about 25% of the image sensor pixel matrix reading period, or the time it takes an image sensor to read all the lines in the pixel matrix. For example, in a pixel matrix that comprises a total of 400 lines, the jitter specification is less than or equal to the time that is required to read 40 to 100 lines from the 400 lines in the pixel matrix. In this way, the amount of variation in the captured light can be low enough to reduce image flicker and / or provide as much light as possible between reading periods. For example, with a low flicker specification, a control signal to turn off the light output can be provided close to the time when a reading period begins. The reduced jitter specification and the trigger tolerance thus solve the non-tolerated drive problem that causes an artifact in a light pulsation scheme.
    [0032] In one mode, a camera control unit
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    10/37 (CCU) can provide signals to a controller or light source to prevent overlap in a reading period. For example, the CCU can determine a timing to send a signal to a controller or light source to avoid overlap in the reading of pixels that are not optical black pixels within the pixel matrix. In one embodiment, the CCU can maximize the amount of time that the light is emitted without overlapping the reading period.
    [0033] Figure 3 illustrates a cross section of a bundle of fibers 300 having seven fibers. The number of fibers is illustrative, as any number of fibers can be used. In one embodiment, the number of fibers is limited to reduce an area in cross section of the fiber bundle. The number of fibers can be based on numerous fibers that provide sufficient light scattering while allowing a small cross-sectional area, since the cross-sectional area of an endoscopic lumen can be important. In one embodiment, the bundle of fibers may include from 2 to 150 fibers. A smaller number of fibers can reduce expenses and / or the cross-sectional area required to transport a bundle of fibers. However, a greater number of fibers improves redundancy. In one embodiment, the bundle of fibers includes from 5 to 100 fibers. In one embodiment, the bundle of fibers includes from 5 to 50 fibers. In one embodiment, the bundle of fibers includes 7 to 15 fibers. In one embodiment, the fiber bundle includes 7 fibers. When fewer fibers are used, it may be desirable for each fiber to receive the same amount of light and / or the same amount of a specific color of light. For example, if the light supplied to the fiber bundle is mainly in the center, the central fiber can receive most of the electromagnetic energy. In this way, an imaging scene can be irregularly illuminated by color or brightness.
    [0034] Figure 3 illustrates a central fiber 302 that has more or most of the electromagnetic energy. Additionally, if more light
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    11/37 enters one fiber than another, the total amount of light (energy) that can be transported in the fibers is reduced. For example, a fiber may have a depletion limit or another limit that may result in the fiber melting or otherwise become inoperative if light above a certain level or intensity of energy is supplied to the fiber. In this way, if the light is distributed more evenly through the fibers, it is possible to increase the power and lighting in a scene.
    [0035] In one embodiment, a light source that provides light to the fiber bundle 300 may mix one or more colors of light before being supplied to a bundle of fibers. For example, light source 102, bridge waveguide 106 and / or coupler 108 can uniformly mix light before supplying light to lumen waveguide 110. In one embodiment, the light source can include a first laser emitter that emits light of a first wavelength and a second laser emitter that emits light of a second wavelength. The light source can mix light by having light from the first laser emitter and the second laser emitter entering the bridge waveguide 106 (or another waveguide) at an equal or substantially equal angle. An equal or substantially equal angle can be obtained by placing the light sources at the same angle to each other. In one embodiment, a dichroic mirror can provide an equal or substantially equal angle when reflecting light of one color (or wavelength) while being transparent to another color (or wavelength) of light. In one embodiment, the light source may include a diffuser, mixing rod, lens or other optical element for mixing light before entering a fiber optic cable, such as the lumen waveguide 110 of Figure 1.
    [0036] In one embodiment, a light source that provides light to the fiber bundle 300 can provide an evenly distributed light intensity to a waveguide. In one modality, the
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    12/37 peak light intensity within a region where light is collected for a waveguide can be substantially equal to or close to the average light intensity over the region. For example, the light supplied to a collection region may have a top hat profile, so that each fiber collects and / or receives an equal or similar light intensity. The light source can provide or approximate a top hat profile by providing laser light at an angle to a surface in a collection region. For example, emitters may have a profile of Gaussian or other non-constant intensity. By placing the emitters at an angle in relation to a collection region, the Gaussian profile can be flattened into a more constant or top hat profile. The top hat profile can also be generated using lenses, diffusers, mixing rods or the like. [0037] Figure 4 graphically illustrates a top hat profile 402 and a Gaussian profile 404. The horizontal axis represents the horizontal distance and the vertical geometric axis represents the light intensity. The 406 lines represent the contours or width of a fiber collection or bundle region. Line 408 represents a level of depletion for a fiber or other waveguide. For example, line 408 may represent a level of depletion for a plastic fiber. With the Gaussian profile 404, most of the light will end up in a central fiber. Since most of the light is in the central fiber, other fibers may be well below the level of depletion. With the top hat profile, all fibers will be at the same level, either close to or below the level of exhaustion. For example, with the top hat profile 402, the total amount of energy carried by a bundle of fibers can be significantly increased because each bundle can be placed close to exhaustion without running the risk of depleting any individual fiber. For example, with the Gaussian profile 404, an increase in the total amount of energy could cause a central fiber to significantly exceed the level of depletion, with the fibers of the
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    13/37 edge far below the level of depletion. Figure 4 clearly illustrates that more energy can be supplied before any of the individual fibers reach depletion using a top hat profile. For example, the Gaussian profile 404 and the top profile 402 can provide the same amount of voltage to the fiber bundle, while the top profile 402 can still be significantly increased before reaching depletion. In this way, a significant improvement in the total amount of light applied using plastic fibers can be achieved. In some cases, a 50% or greater increase in voltage carried by a bundle of fibers can be achieved. In one embodiment, the plastic fibers can have a level of depleting energy for the light / electromagnetic energy emitted by one or more emitters above which damage to the plastic fibers can occur, with the light energy being spread through the plurality of plastic fibers to allow a greater amount of energy to be carried by a bundle of fibers, including plastic fibers without reaching the level of depletion energy in any of the plastic fibers.
    [0038] In one embodiment, the mixture and a top hat profile can be implemented by a light source for use with plastic fiber bundles. For example, light source 102 and / or bridge waveguide 106 may not include plastic waveguides. However, light source 102 can provide mixing and a top hat profile to allow use with a bundle of fibers, such as a bundle of plastic fibers, in the lumen waveguide 110. In one embodiment, the use of mixing and / or a top hat profile can enable greater application of energy in view of the losses that can be incurred when moving light between different materials (for example, from a diffuser to a glass fiber, to a plastic fiber and / or back to a fiberglass or diffuser). For example, the increased use of energy can compensate for losses in
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    14/37 previous or subsequent transitions, so that enough light can still be applied to a scene for illumination.
    [0039] Figures 5-7 are a schematic block diagram illustrating a light source 500 that has a plurality of emitters. Referring to Figure 5, the emitters include a first emitter 502, a second emitter 504 and a third emitter 506. Emitters 502, 504 and 506 can include one or more laser emitters that emit light with different wavelengths. For example, the first emitter 502 can emit a wavelength that is consistent with a blue laser, the second emitter 504 can emit a wavelength that is consistent with a green laser and the third emitter 506 can emit a wavelength that it is consistent with a red laser. The emitters 502, 504 and 506 emit lasers towards a collection region 508, which can be the location of a waveguide, lens or other optical component to collect and / or supply light to a waveguide, such as the guide bridge waveform 106 or lumen waveguide 110 of Figure 1.
    [0040] In the form of Figure 5, emitters 502, 504, 506 each provide laser light for the collection region 508 at different angles. The variation in the angle can lead to variations in which the electromagnetic energy is located in an output waveguide. For example, if light passes immediately into a bundle of fibers (glass or plastic) in the collection region 508, the varying angles can cause different amounts of light to enter different fibers. For example, the angle can result in variations in intensity across the 508 collection region. In addition, the light from the different emitters would not be mixed homogeneously so that some fibers can receive different amounts of light of different colors. As previously discussed, the variation in color or light intensity in different fibers can lead to non-illumination
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    15/37 ideal of a scene. For example, variations in light intensities or light released may result in the scene and captured images.
    [0041] In one embodiment, an intervening optical element can be placed between a bundle of fibers and the emitters 502, 504, 506 to mix the different colors (wavelengths) of light before entering the fibers. Examples of intervening optical elements include a diffuser, a mixing rod, one or more lenses or other optical components that mix the light so that a given fiber receives an equal amount of each color (wavelength). For example, each fiber in the fiber bundle can have the same color. This mixture can lead to the same color in each fiber, but it can, in some modalities, still result in a different total shine applied to different fibers. In one embodiment, the intervening optical element can also scatter or even block the light over the collection region, so that each fiber has the same total amount of light (for example, see profile profile 402 in Figure 4).
    [0042] Although the collection region 508 is represented as a physical component in Figure 5, the collection region 508 can simply be a region where the light from emitters 502, 504 and 506 is released. In some cases, the collection region 508 may include an optical component such as a diffuser, a mixing rod, a lens or any other optical component intervening between emitters 502, 504, 506 and an output waveguide.
    [0043] Figure 6 illustrates a modality of a light source 500 with emitters 502, 504, 506 that supply light to the collection region 508 at an equal or substantially equal angle. The light is provided at an angle substantially perpendicular to the collection region 508. The light source 500 includes a plurality of dichroic mirrors including a first dichroic mirror 602, a second dichroic mirror 604 and a third dichroic mirror 606. The mirrors
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    Dichroic 16/37 602, 604, 606 include mirrors that reflect a first wavelength of light, but which transmit (or are transparent to) a second wavelength of light. For example, the third dichroic mirror 606 can reflect blue laser light provided by the third emitter, while it is transparent to the red and green light provided by the first emitter 502 and the second emitter 504, respectively. The second dichroic mirror 604 may be transparent to the red light of the first emitter 502, but reflective to the green light of the second emitter 504.
    [0044] Due to the fact that dichroic mirrors allow other wavelengths to be transmitted or passed through, each wavelength can reach the collection region 508 from the same angle and / or with the same center or focal point. Providing light from the same angle and / or the same focal / central point can significantly improve reception and color mixing in the 508 collection region. For example, a specific fiber can receive different colors in the same proportions that were transmitted / reflected by emitters 502, 504, 506 and mirrors 602, 604, 606. The light mix can be significantly improved in the collection region compared to the embodiment in Figure 5. In one embodiment, any optical components discussed here can be used in the collection region 508 to collect light before supplying it to a bundle of fibers.
    [0045] Figure 7 illustrates a modality of a light source 500 with emitters 502, 504, 506 that also supply light to the collection region 508 at an equal or substantially equal angle. However, the light incident in the collection region 508 is displaced in relation to the perpendicular. The angle 702 indicates the angle deviation from the perpendicular (that is, it is a non-perpendicular angle). In one embodiment, laser emitters 502, 504, 506 can have profiles
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    17/37 intensity in cross section that are Gaussian. As previously discussed, the improved distribution of light energy between the fibers can be achieved by creating an intensity profile with a flatter shape or top hat. In one embodiment, as the angle 702 is increased, the intensity across the collection region 508 approaches a top hat profile. For example, a top hat profile can be approached even with a non-flat exit beam by increasing the angle 702 until the profile is sufficiently flat.
    [0046] The top hat profile can also be obtained using one or more lenses, diffusers, mixing rods or any other optical component intervening between emitters 502, 504, 506 and an output waveguide or bundle of optical fibers.
    [0047] Figure 8 is a schematic side view that illustrates the light output of an 802 optical fiber compared to a camera's field of view. In one embodiment, a plastic fiber has a numerical aperture of 0.63 with a field of view of 100 degrees, as indicated by the dashed line 806, and a glass fiber has a numerical aperture of 0.87 with a field of view of 120 degrees, as indicated by the continuous line 804. However, the light emitted within the field of view has an approximately Gaussian profile within a cone of light that is smaller than the field of view. For example, almost all of the light for a plastic fiber can be within an 80 degree cone, as indicated by the dotted line 808. In this way, a central region of an image can be very bright while the edges are too dark. This problem is worse when plastic fiber is used, for example, when the lumen waveguide includes plastic fibers.
    [0048] In one modality, a more uniform distribution of light can be obtained by directing the ends of the fibers where the light comes out
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    18/37 of the fiber bundle. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the direction of fibers, such as plastic fibers, from a bundle of fibers 902 at an outlet end. Directing the fibers away from a center can enlarge the cone in a field of view without loss of light at the exit. One end of each fiber can be held in a desired position to distribute light where the combination of light cones from the fibers provides more uniform illumination. A bundle of fibers 902 includes a plurality of fibers and lines 904 that indicate the orientation of the exit of the cones by the individual fibers. For example, an accessory can be used to keep the ends of the fibers in a physical mold, on a sheet with holes or something similar that can keep the fibers in the desired orientation. The fibers can be oriented in an ideal orientation to uniformly illuminate a scene. The ends of the fibers in the fiber bundle can be located near one end of the scope and can be aimed to spread the light around a region centered on the focal point or axis of the camera lens.
    [0049] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating light output using 1004 glass fibers. Specifically, a lumen waveguide can include plastic fibers 1002 and then transition to glass fibers 1004 in or near an exit. Glass fibers 1004 generally have a higher numerical aperture and a wider field of view than plastic fibers. In this way, a wider and more uniform distribution of light energy can be obtained. The light traveling through the plastic fibers 1002 can be guided to the glass fibers 1004 through the connector 1006 or the waveguide connector. The light output of the glass fibers 1004 may have a wide light cone 1008, compared to the light cone for a plastic fiber, to provide enhanced lighting for a scene. The coupling can take place in a portable part or in a lumen of the
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    19/37 arthroscope. For example, connector 1006 can be positioned in a portable part or in a lumen to limit the amount of 1004 glass fibers used. Moving the plastic fiber through a taper in the handpiece or the lumen to a glass fiber that has a higher numerical aperture (eg, NA of, 84-, 87) can result in the same field of view as a conventional atroscope. However, the loss of light can be significant, such as around 25% compared to the targeting mode, which does not experience any loss of light at the exit.
    [0050] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the light output using a diffuser 1104 at an outlet. Specifically, a lumen waveguide can include plastic fibers 1102 and then transition to diffuser 1104 at or near an outlet. The diffuser 1104 can include any type of optical diffuser, mixing rod or the like. Exemplary diffusers include a holographic diffuser obtained from Edmund®, Luminit® or an Engineered Diffuser ™ from RPC. The diffuser at the outlet can produce an even greater angle than the use of class fibers, but it is less efficient, as it is about 40 to 60% efficient compared to the targeting mode.
    [0051] In one embodiment, plastic fibers 1002 are significantly cheaper than glass fibers 1004. The reduced price can lead to a significantly cheaper lighting system and endoscopic system. Because glass can only be used for a short distance close to an outlet, or cannot be used at all, significant cost savings can be achieved. For example, this plastic cost savings can also be obtained in the form of Figure 10, since the quantity (length and number) of the glass fibers 1004 is significantly reduced. Although significant amounts of light may be lost in the transition from plastic to glass (for example, 25% loss), or
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    20/37 using a diffuser (for example, with 40 to 60% light loss), the use of the top hat profile, or other methods of the present invention, can still allow sufficient illumination to be provided to an imaging region in comparison with other methods or devices. For example, the other methods and devices discussed here can be used in combination to provide a generally cheaper endoscopic lighting system, while maintaining sufficient lighting to provide high image quality. In one embodiment, a portion of the endoscopic system, such as the lumen waveguide 110 of Figure 1, can be disposable or replaceable. [0052] It should be understood that the modalities for emitting light can include a combination of the modalities of Figures 9 to 11. For example, plastic fibers can be transitioned to glass fibers and glass fibers can aim to provide more illumination uniform and enhanced.
    [0053] Figure 12 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an example method 1200 for providing light to an imaging scene in a poor light environment. Method 1200 can be performed by a lighting system, such as system 100 in Figure 1.
    [0054] Method 1200 starts and an image sensor generates and reads in 1202 pixel data from an image sensor for an image based on the light received by the image sensor, with a time interval to read a data line pixel includes a line reading length. An emitter emits 1204 light to illuminate a scene observed by the image sensor. A trigger triggers in 1206 the emission by the emitter, and the trigger includes a jitter specification less than or equal to the line reading length. A controller controls in 1208 the trigger to activate the emitter to generate pulses of light between the reading periods for the
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    21/37 image sensor.
    [0055] Figure 13 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary 1300 method for providing light to an imaging scene in a poor light environment. The 1300 method can be performed by a lighting system, such as the system 100 in Figure 1.
    [0056] The 1300 method begins and a first emitter and a second emitter emit 1302 light which includes a first wavelength and a second wavelength. A plurality of optical fibers guide in 1304 the light generated by the first emitter and the second emitter to a scene in an endoscopic environment. The plurality of optical fibers receives in 1306 a substantially equal amount of light (mixed light) from the first emitter and the second emitter in each optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers.
    [0057] Figure 14 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an example method 1400 for providing light to an imaging scene in a poor light environment. Method 1400 can be performed by a lighting system, such as system 100 in Figure 1.
    [0058] Method 1400 starts and one or more emitters emit light in 1402. A plurality of optical fibers guide in 1404 light from one or more emitters to an endoscopic environment. Each optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers receives in 1406 a substantially equal amount of light from one or more emitters.
    [0059] Figure 15 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary 1500 method for providing light to an imaging scene in a poor light environment. Method 1500 can be performed by a lighting system, such as system 100 in Figure 1.
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 34/67
    22/37 [0060] Method 1500 begins and a plurality of optical fibers guide in 1502 the light for an endoscopic scene. A light scattering member scatters light 1504 light to increase one or more of a uniformity and an area over which the light coming out of the waveguide is distributed.
    [0061] In one embodiment, a single fiber can replace a bundle of fibers (like a bundle of fibers, as in any of Figures 3, 9, 10 or 11). The single fiber may be larger and may be able to support a greater amount of energy than a bundle of smaller fibers for the same area in occupied cross section. The single fiber can extend from a console and through a lumen to provide light for the interior of a body, or other light-deficient environment. For example, the single fiber can operate as a lumen waveguide that extends from a light source 102 or bridge waveguide 106 and through a lumen 112 (see Figure 1). Light can be provided by light source 102 directly to the single fiber with a top hat profile.
    [0062] Due to the fact that a plastic fiber can only have a numerical aperture of, 63 or, 65, most of the light can come out only at an angle of 70 or 80 degrees. In a single fiber outlet (for example, at a distal end of a lumen), a diffuser can be positioned to spread the output light and create more uniform illumination within the field of view of a camera that captures images. In one embodiment, the type of diffuser or the presence of a diffuser can be based on the field of view used by the camera during the examination. For example, laparoscopic procedures or examinations may allow for narrower fields of view (such as 70 degrees), while arthroscopic procedures or examinations may use wider fields of vision (such as 110 degrees). In this way, a diffuser can be used for arthroscopic examinations or lumens,
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 35/67
    23/37 while a diffuser may be absent for laparoscopic examinations or lumens. For example, light can be emitted from the fiber into the interior without passing through a diffuser in the laparoscopic examination or lumen.
    [0063] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a single optical fiber 1602 emitting through a diffuser 1604 at one outlet. In one embodiment, optical fiber 1602 can have a diameter of 500 microns and have a numerical aperture of 65 and emit a 1606 light cone of about 70 or 80 degrees without a 1604 diffuser. With the diffuser, the light cone 1606 can have an angle of about 110 or 120 degrees.
    [0064] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary modality of a 1700 system to provide lighting to a deficient light environment, such as for endoscopic imaging. The 1700 system includes a light source 102, a controller 104, a lumen waveguide 1702, a lumen 112 and an image sensor 114 with attached optical components. In one embodiment, the light source 102 and / or the controller 104 can be located on a console or camera control unit 1704 to which an endoscope comprising the lumen 112 can be attached.
    [0065] The light source 102 generates light or other electromagnetic energy that is provided in the lumen waveguide 1702 using any modality or method discussed in the present invention. Electromagnetic energy travels through the lumen waveguide 1702 to illuminate a scene at a distal end of lumen 112. Lumen 112 can be inserted into a patient's body for imaging, such as during a procedure or examination. The light is provided as illustrated by the dashed lines 1706. A lighted scene can be captured using the image sensor 114 and displayed to a physician or other medical personnel.
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 36/67
    24/37 [0066] In one embodiment, the lumen waveguide 1702 may include a single plastic optical fiber of about 500 microns. Plastic fiber can be inexpensive, but the width can allow the fiber to carry a sufficient amount of light for a scene, with coupling, diffuser or other losses. The lumen waveguide 110 includes a plurality of optical fibers. The lumen waveguide 1702 can receive light directly from the light source or through a bridge waveguide (for example, see bridge waveguide 106 in Figure 1). A diffuser can be used to extend the light output 1706 to a desired field of view of the image sensor 114 or other optical components.
    Examples [0067] The following examples refer to additional modalities. [0068] Example 1 is an endoscopic system that includes an image sensor. The image sensor includes a pixel matrix and is configured to generate and read pixel data for an image based on the electromagnetic radiation received by the pixel matrix. The pixel matrix includes a plurality of lines for reading pixel data, a time interval for reading the entire plurality of lines of pixel data in the pixel matrix comprises a reading period. The endoscopic system includes an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation to illuminate a scene observed by the image sensor. The endoscopic system includes an electromagnetic radiation trigger configured to trigger emissions by the emitter, and the electromagnetic radiation trigger includes a jitter specification that is less than or equal to about 10% to about 25% percent of the period reading of the pixel matrix of the image sensor.
    [0069] In Example 2, the endoscopic system of Example 1 additionally includes a controller configured to control the trigger
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 37/67
    25/37 electromagnetic radiation to drive the emitter to generate one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation between a reading period for the image sensor.
    [0070] In Example 3, the controller of Example 2 is additionally configured to determine a timing for signals to the electromagnetic radiation trigger to pulse electromagnetic radiation to illuminate a scene in an endoscopic environment without overlapping the reading period for the sensor. Image.
    [0071] In Example 4, the reading period as in any of Examples 2 to 3 begins after reading a row or column of optical black pixels and the reading period ends with the reading of a row or column of black pixels optical.
    [0072] In Example 5, a time interval for reading pixel data for a single pixel in any of Examples 1 through 5 is a pixel reading length, with the jitter specification of the electromagnetic radiation trigger being less than than or equal to the pixel reading length of the image sensor.
    [0073] In Example 6, the image sensor, as in any of Examples 1 to 5, includes a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.
    [0074] In Example 7, the CMOS image sensor, as in any of Examples 1 to 6, is monochrome.
    [0075] In Example 8, the CMOS image sensor, as in any of Examples 1 to 6, has color separating filters.
    [0076] In Example 9, the emitter, as in any of Examples 1 to 8, includes one or more pulsating lasers.
    [0077] In Example 10, the jitter specification of the electromagnetic radiation trigger, as in any of Examples 1 to 9, is about 1 microsecond or less.
    [0078] In Example 11, the driver jitter specification
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 38/67
    26/37 of electromagnetic radiation, as in any of Examples 1 to 9, is about 50 nanoseconds or less.
    [0079] In Example 12, the image sensor, as in any of Examples 1 to 5, includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor.
    [0080] In Example 13, the CCD image sensor, as in any of Examples 1 to 5 and 12, is monochrome.
    [0081] In Example 14, the CCD image sensor, as in any of Examples 1 to 5 and 12, has color separating filters. [0082] In Example 15, the emitter, as in any of Examples 1 to 14, emits a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation, with each successive pulse being a different range of wavelengths of electromagnetic energy.
    [0083] In Example 16, the system, as in any of Examples 1 to 15, includes an endoscope comprising a lumen with a distal end, the image sensor being located within the distal end of the lumen of the endoscope.
    [0084] In Example 17, the system is as in any of Examples 1 to 4 and 6 to 16, in which a period of time to read a single line of pixel data comprises a line reading length, the jitter specification is less than or equal to the line reading length.
    [0085] Example 18 is a method for endoscopic imaging that can be used alone or with any of Examples 1 to 17. The method includes generating and reading pixel data for an image based on the electromagnetic radiation received by a pixel matrix of an image sensor. The pixel matrix comprises a plurality of lines for reading pixel data, a time interval for reading the entire plurality of lines of pixel data in the pixel matrix comprises a reading period. The method also includes issuing
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 39/67
    27/37 electromagnetic radiation using an emitter. The method also includes illuminating a scene observed by the image sensor with the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter. The method also includes triggering the emission by the emitter using an electromagnetic radiation trigger, with the electromagnetic radiation trigger comprising a jitter specification that is less than or equal to about 10% to about 25% percent of the reading period of the pixel matrix of the image sensor.
    [0086] In Example 19, the method as in Example 18 further includes controlling the electromagnetic radiation trigger to drive the emitter to generate one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation between a reading period for the image sensor using a controller.
    [0087] In Example 20, the method is, as in any of Examples 18 and 19, in which the controller determines a timing for signals to the electromagnetic radiation trigger to pulse electromagnetic radiation to illuminate a scene in an endoscopic environment without overlapping the reading period for the image sensor.
    [0088] In Example 21, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 20, in which the reading period starts after reading a row or column of optical black pixels and the reading period ends with reading a row or column of optical black pixels. [0089] In Example 22, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 21, in which a time interval for reading pixel data for a single pixel is a pixel reading length, the jitter specification being less than or equal to the pixel reading length of the image sensor.
    [0090] In Example 23, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 22, where the image sensor comprises a sensor
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 40/67
    28/37 image of metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).
    [0091] In Example 24, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 23, where the CMOS image sensor is monochrome.
    [0092] In Example 25, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 23, in which the CMOS image sensor is filtered by color. [0093] In Example 26, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 25, in which the emitter comprises one or more pulsating lasers.
    [0094] In Example 27, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 26, in which the jitter specification of the electromagnetic radiation trigger is about 1 microsecond or less. [0095] In Example 28, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 27, in which the jitter specification of the electromagnetic radiation trigger is about 50 nanoseconds or less.
    [0096] In Example 29, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 22 and 26 to 28, where the image sensor is an image sensor of a charge-coupled device (CCD).
    [0097] In Example 30, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 22 and 26 to 29, where the CDD image sensor is monochrome.
    [0098] In Example 31, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 22 and 26 to 29, in which the CDD image sensor is filtered by color.
    [0099] In Example 32, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 31, and additionally includes emitting a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with the emitter, each successive pulse being a different range of energy wavelengths electromagnetic.
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 41/67
    29/37 [0100] In Example 33, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 32, in which the image sensor is located within a distal end of an endoscope lumen.
    [0101] In Example 34, the method is as in any of Examples 18 to 21 and 23 to 33, in which a period of time to read a single line of pixel data comprises a line reading length, the jitter specification is less than or equal to the line reading length.
    [0102] Example 35 is an endoscopic light source that can be used alone or with any of Examples 1 to 34. The endoscopic light source includes a first emitter that emits light of a first wavelength in a first dichroic mirror which reflects light from the first wavelength to a plurality of optical fibers. The endoscopic light source also includes a second emitter that emits light of a second wavelength in a second dichroic mirror that reflects light from the second wavelength to the plurality of optical fibers. The first dichroic mirror is transparent to the light of the second wavelength.
    [0103] In Example 36, the first dichroic mirror, as in Example 35, reflects light of the first wavelength in the plurality of optical fibers at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the first emitter.
    [0104] In Example 37, the second dichroic mirror, as in any of Examples 35 and 36, reflects light from the second wavelength in the plurality of optical fibers through the first dichroic mirror at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the second emitter.
    [0105] In Example 38, the first dichroic mirror, as in any of Examples 35 to 37, reflects light of the first wavelength in the plurality of optical fibers at an angle that is
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 42/67
    30/37 offset in relation to the perpendicular.
    [0106] In Example 39, the second dichroic mirror, as in any of Examples 35 to 38, reflects light from the second wavelength in the plurality of optical fibers at an angle through the first dichroic mirror at an angle that is offset from perpendicular.
    [0107] In Example 40, the endoscopic light source, as in any of Examples 35 to 39, additionally includes a third emitter that emits light of a third wavelength in a third dichroic mirror that reflects the light of the third wavelength. wave for the plurality of optical fibers.
    [0108] In Example 41, the first dichroic mirror and the second dichroic mirror, as in any of Examples 35 to 40, are transparent to the light of the third wavelength.
    [0109] In Example 42, the third dichroic mirror, as in any of Examples 35 to 41, reflects light from the third wavelength in the plurality of optical fibers at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the third emitter.
    [0110] In Example 43, the third dichroic mirror, as in any of Examples 35 to 42, reflects light from the third wavelength in the plurality of optical fibers at an angle that is offset from the perpendicular.
    [0111] In Example 44, the light of the third wavelength reflected by the third dichroic mirror, as in any of Examples 35 to 43, is reflected in the plurality of optical fibers through the first dichroic mirror.
    [0112] In Example 45, the light of the third wavelength reflected by the third dichroic mirror, as in any of Examples 35 to 43, is reflected in the plurality of optical fibers through the second dichroic mirror.
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 43/67
    31/37 [0113] In Example 46, the endoscopic light source, as in any of Examples 35 to 45, additionally includes an intervening optical component, the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength pass through the intervening optical component before entering the plurality of optical fibers.
    [0114] In Example 47, the intervening optical component, as in any of Examples 35 to 46, includes a diffuser.
    [0115] In Example 48, the intervening optical component, as in any of Examples 35 to 46, includes a mixing rod.
    [0116] In Example 49, the plurality of optical fibers, as in any of Examples 35 to 48, includes a plurality of plastic optical fibers and the intervening optical component includes a plurality of glass fibers.
    [0117] In Example 50, the endoscopic light source, as in any of Examples 35 to 49, additionally includes a third emitter that emits light of a third wavelength which is reflected by a third dichroic mirror through the first dichroic mirror and the second dichroic mirror, the light of the first wavelength, the light of the second wavelength and the light of the third wavelength being mixed by the intervening optical component to provide substantially homogeneous colored light for each of the plurality of fibers optics.
    [0118] In Example 51, the first emitter, as in any of Examples 35 to 50, includes a first laser emitter and the second emitter includes a second laser emitter.
    [0119] In Example 52, the third emitter, as in any of Examples 35 to 51, includes a third laser emitter.
    [0120] In Example 53, the plurality of optical fibers, as in any of Examples 35 to 52, includes between 2 and 150 fibers.
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 44/67
    32/37 [0121] In Example 54, one of the first emitter, the second emitter and the third emitter, as in any of Examples 35 to 53, emits a red light, and one of the first emitter, the second emitter and the third emitter emits a green light, and one of the first emitter, the second emitter and the third emitter emits a blue light.
    [0122] Example 55 is an endoscopic system that can be used alone or with any of Examples 1 to 54. The endoscopic system can include a single optical fiber. The endoscopic system can include a light source that transmits light to the single optical fiber. In addition, the endoscopic system may include an image sensor arranged at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [0123] In Example 56, the system, as in Example 55, includes a diffuser disposed at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [0124] In Example 57, the diffuser, as in any of Examples 55 and 56, provides a cone of light that has an angle between 110 degrees and 120 degrees.
    [0125] In Example 58, the single optical fiber, as in any of Examples 55 to 57, provides a cone of light between 70 degrees and 80 degrees.
    [0126] In Example 59, the single optical fiber, as in any of Examples 55 to 58, is a plastic optical fiber.
    [0127] In Example 60, the single optical fiber, as in any of Examples 55 to 59, has a numerical aperture of 0.63.
    [0128] In Example 61, the single optical fiber, as in any of Examples 55 to 59, has a numerical aperture of 0.65.
    [0129] In Example 62, the single optical fiber, as in any of Examples 55 to 61, has a diameter between 475 and 525 and microns.
    [0130] In Example 63, the system, as in any of Examples 55 to 62, additionally includes a light source controller.
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 45/67
    33/37 [0131] In Example 64, the light source and the light source controller, as in any of Examples 55 to 63, are located in a camera control unit.
    [0132] In Example 65, the single optical fiber, as in any of Examples 55 to 64, is attached to a plurality of optical fibers between the distal end of the single optical fiber and an endoscope.
    [0133] In Example 66, the plurality of optical fibers, as in any of Examples 55 to 64, is attached to the camera control unit through the endoscope.
    [0134] In Example 67, light or other electromagnetic energy, as in any of Examples 55 to 65, is transmitted through the single optical fiber to illuminate a scene at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [0135] In Example 68, the single optical fiber, as in any of Examples 55 to 66, is attached to an endoscope.
    [0136] Example 69 is an endoscope that can be used alone or with any of Examples 1 to 68. The endoscope can include a single optical fiber, an image sensor arranged at a distal end of the single optical fiber and a diffuser arranged at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [0137] In Example 70, the diffuser, as in Example 69, provides a cone of light between 110 and 120 degrees at the distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [0138] In Example 71, the endoscope, as in any of Examples 69 and 70, includes a light source and a light source controller.
    [0139] In Example 72, the light source and the light source controller, as in any of Examples 69 to 71, are located in a camera control unit.
    [0140] In Example 73, the single optical fiber, as in any
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 46/67
    34/37 of Examples 69 to 72, is attached to a plurality of optical fibers between the distal end of the single optical fiber and the light source.
    [0141] In Example 74, light or other electromagnetic energy, as in any of Examples 69 to 73, is transmitted through the single optical fiber to illuminate a scene at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [0142] In Example 75, the plurality of optical fibers, as in Example 73, includes from 5 to 100 fibers.
    [0143] Example 76 is an apparatus that includes means for executing a method or implementing an apparatus as in any of Examples 1 to 75.
    [0144] Example 77 is a modality that comprises any combination of elements, functionality or devices of Examples 1 to 76.
    [0145] Various techniques, or certain aspects or parts thereof, may take the form of program code (ie instructions) embedded in tangible media, such as floppy disks, CD-ROMs, hard drives, a computer-readable storage medium non-transitory or any other machine-readable storage medium in which, when the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes a device for executing the various techniques. In the case of executing program code on programmable computers, the computing device may include a processor, a processor-readable storage medium (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device and at least one output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements can be a RAM, an EPROM, a flash drive, an optical drive, a magnetic hard drive or other means of storing electronic data. One or more
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 47/67
    35/37 programs that can implement or use the various techniques described here can use an application programming interface (API), reusable controls and the like. Such programs can be implemented in a high-level procedure or in an object-oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program (s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.
    [0146] It should be understood that many of the functional units described in this specification can be implemented as one or more components, which is a term used to emphasize more particularly its independence of implementation. For example, a component can be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom high-scale integration circuits (VLSI) or gate arrays, single semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors or other distinct components. A component can also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable door arrays, programmable matrix logic, programmable logic devices or the like.
    [0147] The components can also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified component of executable code can, for example, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which can, for example, be organized as an object, a procedure or a function. However, the executables of an identified component need not be physically located together, but can understand disparate instructions stored in
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 48/67
    36/37 different locations that, when logically joined to each other, comprise the component and achieve the stated purpose for the component.
    [0148] In fact, a component of executable code can be a single instruction, or many instructions, and can even be distributed across several different code segments, between different programs, and across multiple memory devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated here in the components, and can be incorporated in any suitable form and organized into any suitable type of data structure. Operational data can be collected as a single data set, or it can be distributed in different locations, including different storage devices, and can exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. Components can be passive or active, including functional agents to perform desired functions.
    [0149] Reference, throughout this specification, to an example means that a specific feature, structure or feature described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment of the present description. Thus, the occurrence of the phrase in a modality in several parts of this specification does not necessarily refer to the same modality.
    [0150] For use in the present invention, a plurality of items, structural elements, composition elements and / or materials can be presented in a common list, for reasons of convenience. However, these lists must be interpreted as if each member of the list was individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of that list should be interpreted as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely on the basis of its presentation in a group.
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 49/67
    37/37 common, without instructions to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and examples of the present description can be mentioned here together with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such modalities, examples and alternatives should not be interpreted as actually equivalent to each other, but should be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present description.
    [0151] Although the above has been described in some detail for reasons of clarity, it will be evident that certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the same. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways to implement both the processes and the apparatus described in the present invention. Consequently, these modalities should be considered illustrative and not restrictive.
    [0152] Those skilled in the art will understand that many changes can be made to the details of the modalities described above without departing from the underlying principles of the description.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [1]
    1. Endoscopic system, characterized by comprising: a single optical fiber;
    a light source that transmits light into the single optical fiber; and an image sensor disposed at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [2]
    2. Endoscopic system according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a diffuser arranged at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [3]
    3. Endoscopic system according to claim 2, characterized in that the diffuser provides a cone of light that has an angle between 110 degrees and 120 degrees.
    [4]
    4. Endoscopic system according to claim 1, characterized by the unique optical fiber providing a cone of light between 70 degrees and 80 degrees.
    [5]
    5. Endoscopic system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the single optical fiber is a plastic optical fiber.
    [6]
    6. Endoscopic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the single optical fiber has a numerical aperture of 0.63.
    [7]
    7. Endoscopic system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the single optical fiber has a numerical aperture of 0.65.
    [8]
    8. Endoscopic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the single optical fiber has a diameter between 475 and 525 microns.
    [9]
    Endoscopic system according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a light source controller.
    [10]
    10. Endoscopic system according to claim 9, characterized in that the light source and the light source controller are
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 51/67
    2/3 located in a camera control unit.
    [11]
    11. Endoscopic system according to claim 10, characterized in that the single optical fiber is attached to a plurality of optical fibers between the distal end of the single optical fiber and an endoscope.
    [12]
    12. Endoscopic system, according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of optical fibers is attached to the camera control unit through the endoscope.
    [13]
    13. Endoscopic system according to claim 1, characterized in that light or other electromagnetic energy is transmitted through the single optical fiber to illuminate a scene at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [14]
    14. Endoscopic system, according to claim 10, characterized in that the single optical fiber is attached to an endoscope.
    [15]
    15. Endoscope, characterized by comprising:
    a single optical fiber;
    an image sensor arranged at a distal end of the single optical fiber; and a diffuser disposed at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [16]
    16. Endoscope according to claim 15, characterized in that the diffuser provides a cone of light between 110 and 120 degrees at the distal end of the single optical fiber.
    [17]
    17. Endoscope according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises a light source and a light source controller.
    [18]
    18. Endoscope according to claim 15, characterized in that the light source and the light source controller are located in a camera control unit.
    [19]
    19. Endoscope, according to claim 18,
    Petition 870190058596, dated 06/25/2019, p. 52/67
    3/3 characterized by the single optical fiber being attached to a plurality of optical fibers between the distal end of the single optical fiber and the light source.
    [20]
    20. Endoscope according to claim 15, characterized in that light or other electromagnetic energy is transmitted through the single optical fiber to illuminate a scene at a distal end of the single optical fiber.
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    法律状态:
    2021-04-20| B11A| Dismissal acc. art.33 of ipl - examination not requested within 36 months of filing|
    2021-07-06| B11Y| Definitive dismissal - extension of time limit for request of examination expired [chapter 11.1.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-10-13| B350| Update of information on the portal [chapter 15.35 patent gazette]|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201662439330P| true| 2016-12-27|2016-12-27|
    US201762522239P| true| 2017-06-20|2017-06-20|
    PCT/US2017/068584|WO2018125937A1|2016-12-27|2017-12-27|Systems, methods, and devices for providing illumination in an endoscopic imaging environment|
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