Patent US1706966A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6141037A
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Video camera system and related method
Assignee: Linvatec Corp
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Filing: 1998-03-18
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Granted: 2000-10-31
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Expires: 2018-03-18
Abstract
Abstract A video camera system is provided in which the camera head is powered at least in part by electrical energy converted from optical energy provided by a light source. In one implementation, communication between the camera head and control circuitry thereof occurs by means of a wireless communications interface.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayne Upton
- 👤 Robert Walls
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 14:50
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00002; A61B1/00011; A61B1/00016; A61B1/00025; A61B1/00027; A61B1/00029; A61B1/04; A61B1/042; H; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/50; H04N23/555; H04N23/60; H04N23/65; H04N23/66; H04N23/661; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/908
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
An endoscopic video camera system comprising: an endoscope; control circuitry for processing the electronic image as produced by the imager; a camera head configured for placement along a first optical path extending through the endoscope; a light source; a second optical path extending from the light source to the camera head; the camera head comprising: camera head electronics including an imager for producing an electronic image; and a power source for converting at least a portion of the optical energy as transmitted along the second optical path into electrical energy and using the same to power at least part of the camera head electronics, the power source comprising: a splitter for segregating a portion of the optical energy transmitted along the second optical path; and a converter for converting the segregated portion of optical energy into electrical energy, wherein the converter comprises a plurality of photo voltaic cells arranged over an area which is sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, and the splitter is configured to allow approximately uniform distribution of light over the cells.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
An endoscopic video camera system comprising: an endoscope; control circuitry for processing the electronic image as produced by the imager; a camera head configured for placement along a first optical path extending through the endoscope; a light source; a second optical path extending from the light source to the camera head; the camera head comprising: camera head electronics including an imager for producing an electronic image; and a power source for converting at least a portion of the optical energy as transmitted along the second optical path into electrical energy and using the same to power at least part of the camera head electronics, the power source comprising: a splitter for segregating a portion of the optical energy transmitted along the second optical path; and a converter for converting the segregated portion of optical energy into electrical energy, wherein the converter comprises a plurality of photo voltaic cells arranged over an area which is sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, and the splitter is configured to allow approximately uniform distribution of light over the cells.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a wireless communications interface for allowing wireless communication between the control circuitry and the camera head.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 2 in which the wireless communications interface is bidirectional.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 2 in which the wireless communications interface is unidirectional.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 2 in which the wireless communications interface comprises: a transceiver and antenna within or coupled to the camera head; and a transceiver and antenna within or coupled to the control circuitry.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 1 in which the second optical path comprises a bundle of optical fibers and the splitter comprises at least one of these fibers peeled away from the others.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 in which the second optical path is implemented with a liquid light guide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 in which the light source is located outside a control unit enclosing the control circuitry.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 in which the light source is located within a control unit enclosing the control circuitry.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 in which the imager is a solid state imager.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1 in which the imager is a CCD.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 in which the imager is a CMOS imager.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 in which the imager and camera head electronics are configured on a single chip.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 in which the second optical path extends through the endoscope.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 in which the imager produces an electronic image upon being actuated by the control circuitry.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
181 words
An endoscopic video camera system comprising: an endoscope; control circuitry for processing an electronic image as produced by the imager; a camera head configured for placement along a first optical path extending through the endoscope; a wireless communications interface for allowing wireless communication between the control circuitry and the camera head; a light source; a second optical path extending from the light source to the camera head; the camera head comprising: camera head electronics including a solid state imager for producing an electronic image; and a power source for powering at least a portion of the camera electronics comprising: a splitter for segregating a portion of the optical energy transmitted along the second optical path; and a converter for converting the segregated portion of optical energy to electrical energy, wherein the converter comprises a plurality of photo voltaic cells arranged over an area sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, and the splitter is configured to allow approximately uniform distribution of light over the cells.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
181 words
An endoscopic video camera system comprising: an endoscope; control circuitry for processing an electronic image as produced by the imager; a camera head configured for placement along a first optical path extending through the endoscope; a wireless communications interface for allowing wireless communication between the control circuitry and the camera head; a light source; a second optical path extending from the light source to the camera head; the camera head comprising: camera head electronics including a solid state imager for producing an electronic image; and a power source for powering at least a portion of the camera electronics comprising: a splitter for segregating a portion of the optical energy transmitted along the second optical path; and a converter for converting the segregated portion of optical energy to electrical energy, wherein the converter comprises a plurality of photo voltaic cells arranged over an area sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, and the splitter is configured to allow approximately uniform distribution of light over the cells.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 16 in which the imager produces an electronic image upon being actuated by the control circuitry.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
241 words
An endoscopic video camera system comprising: an endoscope; control circuitry for processing an electronic image as produced by the imager; a camera head configured for placement along a first optical path extending through the imager; a bidirectional wireless communications interface for allowing wireless communication between the control circuitry and the camera head comprising: a transceiver and antenna within or coupled to the camera head; and a transceiver and antenna within or coupled to the control circuitry; a light source; a second optical path implemented with a bundle of optical fibers extending from the light source to the camera head; the camera head comprising: camera head electronics including a CMOS imager integrated on a single chip for producing an electronic image; and a power source for powering at least a portion of the camera electronics comprising: a splitter comprising at least one optical fiber of the bundle forming the second optical path configured to segregate a portion of the optical energy transmitted along the second optical path and distribute the segregated light approximately uniformly over an area; and a plurality of photo voltaic cells placed within the area for converting the segregated portion of optical energy into electrical energy, wherein the area is determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, and the splitter is configured to allow approximately uniform distribution of light over the cells.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
241 words
An endoscopic video camera system comprising: an endoscope; control circuitry for processing an electronic image as produced by the imager; a camera head configured for placement along a first optical path extending through the imager; a bidirectional wireless communications interface for allowing wireless communication between the control circuitry and the camera head comprising: a transceiver and antenna within or coupled to the camera head; and a transceiver and antenna within or coupled to the control circuitry; a light source; a second optical path implemented with a bundle of optical fibers extending from the light source to the camera head; the camera head comprising: camera head electronics including a CMOS imager integrated on a single chip for producing an electronic image; and a power source for powering at least a portion of the camera electronics comprising: a splitter comprising at least one optical fiber of the bundle forming the second optical path configured to segregate a portion of the optical energy transmitted along the second optical path and distribute the segregated light approximately uniformly over an area; and a plurality of photo voltaic cells placed within the area for converting the segregated portion of optical energy into electrical energy, wherein the area is determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, and the splitter is configured to allow approximately uniform distribution of light over the cells.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 18 in which the imager produces an electronic image upon being actuated by the control circuitry.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of operating an endoscopic video camera system comprising: positioning an endoscope having a distal end so that the distal end is in proximity with a work site; illuminating the work site through optical energy provided from a light source; actuating camera electronics including an imager to produce an electronic image of a target at the work site; segregating at least a portion of the optical energy provided from the light source; converting the segregated portion of optical energy into electrical energy using a plurality of photocells arranged over an area determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, while having the segregated portion of the optical energy approximately uniformly distributed over the photocells; powering at least a portion of the camera electronics with the electrical energy; and processing the electronic image in control circuitry.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of operating an endoscopic video camera system comprising: positioning an endoscope having a distal end so that the distal end is in proximity with a work site; illuminating the work site through optical energy provided from a light source; actuating camera electronics including an imager to produce an electronic image of a target at the work site; segregating at least a portion of the optical energy provided from the light source; converting the segregated portion of optical energy into electrical energy using a plurality of photocells arranged over an area determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, while having the segregated portion of the optical energy approximately uniformly distributed over the photocells; powering at least a portion of the camera electronics with the electrical energy; and processing the electronic image in control circuitry.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method claim 20 further comprising transferring through a wireless communications interface the electronic image to the control circuitry.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 20 further comprising displaying the image on a monitor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 20 further comprising storing the image in a storage device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 20 further comprising transmitting the image.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
187 words
A video camera system comprising: control circuitry for processing the electronic image as produced by the imager; a camera head configured for placement along a first optical path; a light source; and a second optical path extending from the light source to the camera head; the camera head comprising: camera head electronics including an imager for producing an electronic image; and a power source for converting at least a portion of the optical energy as transmitted along the second optical path into electrical energy and using the same to power at least part of the camera head electronics, the power source comprising: a splitter for segregating at least a portion of the optical energy transmitted along the second optical path; and a converter for converting the segregated portion of optical energy into electrical energy, wherein the converter comprises a plurality of photo voltaic cells arranged over an area determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, and the splitter is configured to allow approximately uniform distribution of light over the cells.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
187 words
A video camera system comprising: control circuitry for processing the electronic image as produced by the imager; a camera head configured for placement along a first optical path; a light source; and a second optical path extending from the light source to the camera head; the camera head comprising: camera head electronics including an imager for producing an electronic image; and a power source for converting at least a portion of the optical energy as transmitted along the second optical path into electrical energy and using the same to power at least part of the camera head electronics, the power source comprising: a splitter for segregating at least a portion of the optical energy transmitted along the second optical path; and a converter for converting the segregated portion of optical energy into electrical energy, wherein the converter comprises a plurality of photo voltaic cells arranged over an area determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, and the splitter is configured to allow approximately uniform distribution of light over the cells.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 25 further comprising a wireless communications interface for allowing wireless communication between the control circuitry and the camera head.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 25 further comprising an endoscope wherein the first optical path extends through the endoscope.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of operating a video camera system comprising: providing optical energy from a light source; converting said optical energy into electrical energy using a plurality of photocells arranged over an area determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to camera electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, while having at least of portion of said optical energy approximately uniformly distributed over the plurality of photocells; providing camera electronics including an imager; powering at least a portion of the camera electronics with the electrical energy; actuating the camera electronics to produce an electronic image; and processing the electronic image.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of operating a video camera system comprising: providing optical energy from a light source; converting said optical energy into electrical energy using a plurality of photocells arranged over an area determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to camera electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, while having at least of portion of said optical energy approximately uniformly distributed over the plurality of photocells; providing camera electronics including an imager; powering at least a portion of the camera electronics with the electrical energy; actuating the camera electronics to produce an electronic image; and processing the electronic image.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising passing the electronic image to control circuitry through a wireless communications interface.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of reducing electromagnetic interference in a video camera system comprising: providing optical energy from a light source; converting said optical energy into electrical energy using a plurality of photocells arranged over an area determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to camera electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, while having at least a portion of said optical energy substantially uniformly distributed over the plurality of photocells; providing camera electronics including an imager; powering at least a portion of the camera electronics with the electrical energy; actuating the camera electronics to produce an electronic image; providing control circuitry; and passing the electronic image to the control circuitry through a wireless communication interface.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of reducing electromagnetic interference in a video camera system comprising: providing optical energy from a light source; converting said optical energy into electrical energy using a plurality of photocells arranged over an area determined sufficient to deliver necessary power to camera electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, while having at least a portion of said optical energy substantially uniformly distributed over the plurality of photocells; providing camera electronics including an imager; powering at least a portion of the camera electronics with the electrical energy; actuating the camera electronics to produce an electronic image; providing control circuitry; and passing the electronic image to the control circuitry through a wireless communication interface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-10-31 | 2004-05-01 | 2004-10-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-31 | 2008-05-01 | 2008-10-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-31 | 2012-05-01 | 2012-10-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |