Methods and apparatus for optical imaging and scanning of holes machined, drilled or otherwise formed in a substrate made of composite or metallic material. The method utilizes an optical instrument for imaging and scanning a hole in combination with an image processor configured (e.g., programmed) to post-process the image data to generate one complete planarized image without conical optical distortion. The optical instrument includes an optical microscope with confocal illumination and a conical mirror axially positioned to produce a full 360-degree sub-image with conical distortion. In the post-processing step, a mathematical transformation in the form of computer-executable code is used to transform the raw conical sub-images to planar sub-images. The planarized sub-images may be stitched together to form a complete planarized image of the hole.

A compact single-axis confocal endomicroscope is provided, capable of complying within 2.8 mm diameter endoscope space requirements. The single-axis confocal endomicroscope uses a folded path design achieved between a fixed mirror and a lateral plane scanning mirror thereby producing a high numerical aperture that allows for diffraction-limited resolution with sub-surface depths. The scanning mirror is formed on a fixed-position, scanning MEMS assembly and has a central aperture that allows for illumination beam expansion in the folded path design. A series of spacers are used to retain beam focusing optical elements in fixed positioned relative to the scanning MEMS assembly for coupling with a single mode fiber.

An EDOF signal processing unit performs EDOF signal processing as restoration processing on a special light image acquired by imaging an observation target irradiated with special light, and a setting unit sets a restoration degree of the EDOF signal processing for the EDOF signal processing unit. Then, a parameter for the restoration degree in the EDOF signal processing on the special light image is set so as to make the restoration degree in the EDOF signal processing on the special light image lower than a restoration degree in EDOF signal processing as restoration processing on a normal light image acquired by imaging the observation target irradiated with normal light. The present technology may be applied to, for example, a medical image processing system that performs special light observation.

To improve the imaging while simultaneously simplifying the manufacturing of a rigid endoscope (2), an inversion system (1) is used as a relay optical unit for the image transfer from an objective (3) to a proximally arranged camera unit (4) of the endoscope (2). The inversion system has an odd number of a first type A of rod lenses (7) and an even number of a second type B of rod lenses (7), which are each arranged on half of the inversion system (1) with respect to a center plane (9) of the inversion system (1).

Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A chromatic adjustment assembly, typically implemented with prisms, compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the optical channel. The assembly is placed optically between the most proximal rod lens of the endoscope and the focusing optics, typically at an internal telecentric image space, to improve the chromatic correction. The prism assembly directs incoming light with different spectral content along separate paths which compensate for chromatic aberration.

An apparatus for obtaining information regarding a biological structure(s) can include, for example a light guiding arrangement which can include a fiber through which an electromagnetic radiation(s) can be propagated, where the electromagnetic radiation can be provided to or from the structure. An at least partially reflective arrangement can have multiple surfaces, where the reflecting arrangement can be situated with respect to the optical arrangement such that the surfaces thereof each can receive a(s) beam of the electromagnetic radiations instantaneously, and a receiving arrangement(s) which can be configured to receive the reflected radiation from the surfaces which include speckle patterns.

The invention relates to an endoscope head including a camera, a housing element made from transparent material which surrounds the camera at least laterally and at least in portions and extends to the distal end of the endoscope head, and including at least one illumination unit which is arranged laterally from the camera and/or proximally from the camera. The invention further relates to an endoscope comprising such endoscope head.

In one aspect, a handheld lighting system is disclosed, which comprises a handheld housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a light module disposed at least partially in the housing. The handheld lighting system further includes a removable and replaceable power module that is coupled to the housing (e.g., it is at least partially disposed within the housing) and is electrically coupled to the light module, e.g., through a pair of electrical leads, for providing electrical power thereto. Light intensity from the light module may be controlled from a knob on the power module. Various adapters can allow the lighting system to attach to a multitude of medical, industrial, dental or veterinary endoscopes or other instruments.

An elliptical lens comprises a lens body having a proximal section and a distal section. The proximal section has at least one input surface for receiving light from a light source and the distal section has at least one output surface through which light exits the lens body. The proximal section further comprises a substantially elliptical peripheral surface receiving at least a portion of the light entering the lens body via the at least one input surface and directing at least some of the received light via total internal reflection to the distal section such that at least a portion of the light directed to the distal section exits the lens body through said at least one output surface. Optical assemblies having said elliptical lens may be embedded in medical devices such as endoscopes to provide efficient illumination.

Methods and apparatus for optical imaging and scanning of holes machined, drilled or otherwise formed in a substrate made of composite or metallic material. The method utilizes an optical instrument for imaging and scanning a hole in combination with an image processor configured (e.g., programmed) to post-process the image data to generate one complete planarized image without conical optical distortion. The optical instrument includes an optical microscope with confocal illumination and a conical mirror axially positioned to produce a full 360-degree sub-image with conical distortion. In the post-processing step, a mathematical transformation in the form of computer-executable code is used to transform the raw conical sub-images to planar sub-images. The planarized sub-images may be stitched together to form a complete planarized image of the hole.