Remote imaging apparatus having an adaptive lens
First Claim
1. A method of visualizing and measuring a remote object comprising the steps of:
- providing an endoscope including a display, a hand set, an insertion tube, an optical system and an image sensor, wherein the optical system and the image sensor are located in a distal end of the insertion tube, said optical system comprising at least one adaptive lens;
visualizing on said display at least a portion of a portion of a remote object by placing said insertion tube proximate said object;
adjusting a focal length of said adaptive lens; and
controlling automatically a focus of said adaptive lens by sequentially capturing a plurality of images of said object, storing said plurality of images in a memory buffer, and automatically selecting an optimum image for measurement based at least in part on an image quality criteria.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for making and using endoscopes comprising one or more fluid lenses. An endoscope or bore-scope for various highly accurate imaging, visual inspection and measurement applications is equipped with an adaptive lens operated based on the electrowetting or electro-capillarity phenomenon. The adaptive lens is digitally controlled and is able to provide auto-focusing and optical zooming functions while remaining in a stationary position relative to a distal end section of the endoscope. Endoscopes equipped with these adaptive lenses provide a simpler, more compact design and a faster response while providing high quality images. Several functions needed in a variety of endoscopic imaging, inspection and measurement applications are further enhanced through the addition of a number of improvements of the adaptive lens itself and of the systems incorporating the adaptive lens.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of visualizing and measuring a remote object comprising the steps of:
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providing an endoscope including a display, a hand set, an insertion tube, an optical system and an image sensor, wherein the optical system and the image sensor are located in a distal end of the insertion tube, said optical system comprising at least one adaptive lens;
visualizing on said display at least a portion of a portion of a remote object by placing said insertion tube proximate said object;
adjusting a focal length of said adaptive lens; and
controlling automatically a focus of said adaptive lens by sequentially capturing a plurality of images of said object, storing said plurality of images in a memory buffer, and automatically selecting an optimum image for measurement based at least in part on an image quality criteria. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification