Mini-scope for multi-directional imaging
First Claim
1. A mini-scope for multi-directional imaging, comprising:
- an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end;
means for propagating a single beam of optical energy from the distal end of the elongate body;
at least two selective mirrors disposed at the distal end of the elongated body and along an optical path of the beam, the mirrors being configured to selectively and differentially pass and reflect different portions of the beam of optical energy based on optical characteristics of the beam of optical energy, wherein the at least two selective mirrors are configured transverse to one another; and
a solid state imaging device adapted to image illumination reflected by an external object from the beam of optical energy, the illumination having passed through or reflected from one of the at least two selective mirrors to the solid state imaging device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mini-scope for multi-directional imaging is disclosed. The mini-scope includes an elongated mini-scoped body. An emissions aperture is disposed on the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body, which can be configured to emit a beam of optical energy propagating through a flexible optical conductor. A selective mirror is also positioned at the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body and is configured to selectively pass or reflect the beam of optical energy based on the optical characteristics of the beam. A solid state imaging device is further disposed on the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body for imaging illumination reflected by an external object in response to the beam of optical energy. This illumination is directed to pass through or reflect from the selective mirror to the camera based on optical characteristics of the beam.
333 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A mini-scope for multi-directional imaging, comprising:
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an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end; means for propagating a single beam of optical energy from the distal end of the elongate body; at least two selective mirrors disposed at the distal end of the elongated body and along an optical path of the beam, the mirrors being configured to selectively and differentially pass and reflect different portions of the beam of optical energy based on optical characteristics of the beam of optical energy, wherein the at least two selective mirrors are configured transverse to one another; and a solid state imaging device adapted to image illumination reflected by an external object from the beam of optical energy, the illumination having passed through or reflected from one of the at least two selective mirrors to the solid state imaging device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A mini-scope having multi-directional imaging capabilities, comprising
means for optically conducting a beam of optical energy, said means having a distal end and a proximal end; -
means for propagating the beam of optical energy from the distal end of the means for optically conducting; at least two selective mirrors disposed at the distal end of the mini-scope and along an optical path of the beam of optical energy, the mirrors being configured to selectively and differentially pass and reflect the beam of optical energy based on optical characteristics of the beam of optical energy, wherein the at least two selective mirrors are configured transverse to one another; and means for imaging optical energy reflected from the target, said means disposed about the distal end of the mini-scope. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification