Endoscope assembly with a polarizing filter
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An endoscope assembly, comprising:
- an endoscope comprising a first image sensor, a first light source, and a first polarizing filter, wherein the first polarizing filter is disposed over the first light source; and
an imaging device comprising a second image sensor, a second light source, a second polarizing filter, wherein the second polarizing filter is disposed over the second image sensor, and a curved link configured to extend from a distal end of the endoscope such that the second image sensor and second light source face the first image sensor and first light source, wherein the first and second polarizing filters are configured to reduce light interference between the first light source and the second image sensor, wherein the second polarizing filter blocks light that is transmitted through the first polarizing filter, and wherein there is no polarizing filter over the first image sensor and no polarizing filter over the second light source.
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Abstract
An endoscope includes an imaging device, a first polarizing filter disposed in front of the imaging device, a light source, and a second polarizing filter disposed in front of the light source. The planes of polarization of the first and second polarizing filters are at a substantially 90° angle.
428 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An endoscope assembly, comprising:
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an endoscope comprising a first image sensor, a first light source, and a first polarizing filter, wherein the first polarizing filter is disposed over the first light source; and an imaging device comprising a second image sensor, a second light source, a second polarizing filter, wherein the second polarizing filter is disposed over the second image sensor, and a curved link configured to extend from a distal end of the endoscope such that the second image sensor and second light source face the first image sensor and first light source, wherein the first and second polarizing filters are configured to reduce light interference between the first light source and the second image sensor, wherein the second polarizing filter blocks light that is transmitted through the first polarizing filter, and wherein there is no polarizing filter over the first image sensor and no polarizing filter over the second light source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A major-minor endoscope comprising:
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a major endoscope having a first light source and a first image sensor located at a distal end of the major endoscope, the major endoscope further including a channel along its length; a minor endoscope adapted for insertion into and through the channel of the major endoscope, the minor endoscope including an elongated body with a curved distal portion, a second light source, and a second image sensor located at the distal end of the elongated body, wherein the second image sensor and second light source face the first image sensor and the first light source when the distal end of the minor endoscope exits the channel of the major endoscope; a first polarizing filter disposed over the first light source; and a second polarizing filter disposed over the second image sensor, wherein the first and second polarizing filters are configured to reduce light interference between the first light source and the second image sensor, wherein the second polarizing filter is configured to block light that is transmitted through the first polarizing filter, and wherein there is no polarizing filter disposed over the first image sensor and there is no polarizing filter over the second light source.
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14. A pair of endoscopes adapted for cooperative use within the human body, comprising:
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a first endoscope comprising a first image sensor, a first light source, and a first polarizing filter, wherein the first polarizing filter is disposed over the first light source; a second endoscope comprising a second image sensor, a second light source, and a second polarizing filter, wherein the second polarizing filter is disposed over the second image sensor, wherein the first and second polarizing filters are configured to reduce light interference between the first light source and the second image sensor, wherein the second polarizing filter blocks light that is transmitted through the first polarizing filter, and wherein there is no polarizing filter disposed over the first image sensor and there is no polarizing filter over the second light source.
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Specification