US6043839A — Reduced area imaging devices

Claim 1

Independent Claim 190 words

A reduced area imaging device comprising: an imager sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal; a pre-video conductor for transmitting said pre-video signal, said pre-video conductor having first and second ends, said first end communicating with said image sensor; a first circuit board lying in a second plane and longitudinally aligned with said image sensor, said first circuit board being connected to said pre-video conductor at said second end thereof, said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal for direct reception by a standard video device; a power supply electrically coupled with said image sensor for driving said array of pixels and said timing and control means, and electrically coupled to said first circuit board for driving said circuit board; and a non-removable lens integral with said imaging device for focusing images on said image sensor.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 190 words

A reduced area imaging device comprising: an imager sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal; a pre-video conductor for transmitting said pre-video signal, said pre-video conductor having first and second ends, said first end communicating with said image sensor; a first circuit board lying in a second plane and longitudinally aligned with said image sensor, said first circuit board being connected to said pre-video conductor at said second end thereof, said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal for direct reception by a standard video device; a power supply electrically coupled with said image sensor for driving said array of pixels and said timing and control means, and electrically coupled to said first circuit board for driving said circuit board; and a non-removable lens integral with said imaging device for focusing images on said image sensor.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 39 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said image sensor defines a profile area in said first plane, and said first circuit board being positioned so as not to extend substantially beyond said profile area.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 66 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 1, further including: a second circuit board electrically coupled with said first circuit board and said image sensor for enhancing said pre-video signal prior to reception by said first circuit board, said second circuit board being longitudinally aligned with said first circuit board and said image sensor so as not to extend substantially beyond said profile area.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 25 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first and second planes are offset from and substantially parallel to one another.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 34 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 3, wherein: said second circuit board lies in a third plane which is offset from and extends substantially parallel to said first and second planes.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 135 words

A reduced area imaging device comprising: an image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal; a control box remote from said image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device; a power supply coupled to said control box and said image sensor for providing power thereto; and a non-removable lens integral with said imaging device for focusing images on said image sensor.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 135 words

A reduced area imaging device comprising: an image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal; a control box remote from said image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device; a power supply coupled to said control box and said image sensor for providing power thereto; and a non-removable lens integral with said imaging device for focusing images on said image sensor.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 46 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 6, wherein said control box further includes: a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 64 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes: an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals and an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 159 words

A reduced area imaging device comprising: an array of CMOS pixels defining a profile area and lying in a first plane, said array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon; a circuit board longitudinally aligned with and electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said circuit board lying in a second plane which is offset from said first plane and substantially parallel to said first plane, said circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said timing and control means producing a pre-video signal, said circuit board further including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said timing and control means and converting said pre-video signal to a post-video output signal for direct reception by a video device; a power supply electrically coupled to said array of said CMOS pixels and said circuit board; and a non-removable lens integral with said imaging device for focusing images on said image sensor.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 159 words

A reduced area imaging device comprising: an array of CMOS pixels defining a profile area and lying in a first plane, said array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon; a circuit board longitudinally aligned with and electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said circuit board lying in a second plane which is offset from said first plane and substantially parallel to said first plane, said circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said timing and control means producing a pre-video signal, said circuit board further including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said timing and control means and converting said pre-video signal to a post-video output signal for direct reception by a video device; a power supply electrically coupled to said array of said CMOS pixels and said circuit board; and a non-removable lens integral with said imaging device for focusing images on said image sensor.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 23 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 9 wherein: said array of CMOS pixels includes an array of passive CMOS pixels.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 62 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 9, further including: a supplementary circuit board communicating with said array of CMOS pixels and said circuit board for enhancing said pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board being longitudinally aligned with said array of CMOS pixels and said circuit board, and being positioned so as not to extend substantially beyond said profile area.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 222 words

An endoscope with integral imaging capability for producing images to be viewed on a video device, said endoscope comprising: a tubular portion including a distal end, a proximal end and a central passageway extending therethrough; means for providing light to said distal end to illuminate a surgical site; a CMOS image sensor lying in a first plane and positioned at said distal end of said tubular portion for receiving images of the surgical site, said CMOS image sensor defining a profile area, and said CMOS image sensor producing an image signal; circuitry means electrically coupled to said CMOS image sensor for timing and control of said CMOS image sensor, said circuitry means for timing and control placed within said tubular portion; a video processor board lying in a second plane spaced from and longitudinally aligned with said CMOS image sensor within said tubular portion and adjacent said distal end thereof and communicating with said CMOS image sensor to receive said image signal, said video processor board including circuitry means for processing said image signal and converting said image signal to a post-video signal for direct reception by the video device, said video processor board being positioned so as not to extend substantially beyond said profile area; and a power supply electrically coupled to said CMOS image sensor and said video processor board.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 222 words

An endoscope with integral imaging capability for producing images to be viewed on a video device, said endoscope comprising: a tubular portion including a distal end, a proximal end and a central passageway extending therethrough; means for providing light to said distal end to illuminate a surgical site; a CMOS image sensor lying in a first plane and positioned at said distal end of said tubular portion for receiving images of the surgical site, said CMOS image sensor defining a profile area, and said CMOS image sensor producing an image signal; circuitry means electrically coupled to said CMOS image sensor for timing and control of said CMOS image sensor, said circuitry means for timing and control placed within said tubular portion; a video processor board lying in a second plane spaced from and longitudinally aligned with said CMOS image sensor within said tubular portion and adjacent said distal end thereof and communicating with said CMOS image sensor to receive said image signal, said video processor board including circuitry means for processing said image signal and converting said image signal to a post-video signal for direct reception by the video device, said video processor board being positioned so as not to extend substantially beyond said profile area; and a power supply electrically coupled to said CMOS image sensor and said video processor board.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 33 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said CMOS image sensor includes an array of CMOS pixels, and wherein individual CMOS pixels within said array of CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 19 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of passive CMOS pixels.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 60 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of passive CMOS pixels, and wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said plurality of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals, and an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 26 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said circuitry means for timing and control is placed on said first plane adjacent said CMOS image sensor.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 29 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said circuitry means for timing and control is placed on said second plane adjacent said circuitry means for processing and converting.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 24 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 12, further including: a handle connected to said proximal end of said tubular portion for grasping by surgeon.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 37 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 12, further including: a lens positioned at said distal end of said tubular portion and distally of said CMOS image sensor for producing a modified image on said CMOS image sensor.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 18 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said power supply is a battery attached to said handle.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 21 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said second plane is offset from and substantially parallel to said first plane.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 148 words

An endoscope comprising: a tubular portion including a central passageway extending therethrough, a proximal end and a distal end; a CMOS image sensor positioned at said distal end of said tubular portion for receiving images of a surgical site, said CMOS imager defined by an array of CMOS pixels and, said CMOS imager lying in a first plane; circuitry means for timing and control of said CMOS image sensor placed adjacent to said CMOS image sensor on said first plane; a control box remote from said tubular portion and coupled to said CMOS image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving a pre-video signal from said CMOS image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device; and a power supply coupled to said control box and said CMOS image sensor for providing power thereto.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 148 words

An endoscope comprising: a tubular portion including a central passageway extending therethrough, a proximal end and a distal end; a CMOS image sensor positioned at said distal end of said tubular portion for receiving images of a surgical site, said CMOS imager defined by an array of CMOS pixels and, said CMOS imager lying in a first plane; circuitry means for timing and control of said CMOS image sensor placed adjacent to said CMOS image sensor on said first plane; a control box remote from said tubular portion and coupled to said CMOS image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving a pre-video signal from said CMOS image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device; and a power supply coupled to said control box and said CMOS image sensor for providing power thereto.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 17 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 22, wherein: said power supply is located in said control box.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 25 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 22, further including: a handle connected to said proximal end of said tubular portion for grasping by a surgeon.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 33 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 22, further including: a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing said pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board electrically coupled to said circuitry means for receiving and converting.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 22 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 22, further including: a lens positioned at said distal end of said tubular portion of sensor.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 18 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 22, wherein: said power supply is a battery attached to said handle.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 183 words

A reduced area imaging device comprising: an array of CMOS pixels defining a profile area and lying in a first plane, said array of said CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon; a circuit board longitudinally aligned with and electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said circuit board lying in a second plane which is offset from said first plane and substantially parallel to said first plane, said circuit board including timing and control means for controlling the release of information from said array of CMOS pixels, said timing and control means producing a pre-video signal; a control box remote from said array of said CMOS pixels and said circuit board, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device; a power supply coupled to said control box, said array of CMOS pixels and said timing and control means for providing power thereto; and a non-removable lens integral with said imaging device for focusing images on said array of CMOS pixels.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 183 words

A reduced area imaging device comprising: an array of CMOS pixels defining a profile area and lying in a first plane, said array of said CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon; a circuit board longitudinally aligned with and electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said circuit board lying in a second plane which is offset from said first plane and substantially parallel to said first plane, said circuit board including timing and control means for controlling the release of information from said array of CMOS pixels, said timing and control means producing a pre-video signal; a control box remote from said array of said CMOS pixels and said circuit board, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device; a power supply coupled to said control box, said array of CMOS pixels and said timing and control means for providing power thereto; and a non-removable lens integral with said imaging device for focusing images on said array of CMOS pixels.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 64 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 28, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes: an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 40 words

A reduced area imaging device, as claimed in claim 28, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes: an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 20 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 22, wherein: individual pixels within said array of CMOS pixels each include an amplifier.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 63 words

An endoscope, as claimed in claim 22, wherein: said array of CMOS pixels includes a plurality of passive CMOS pixels, and wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said plurality of passive CMOS pixels each include a photo diode for producing photo electrically generated signals, and an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photo electrically generated signals.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-03-28	2003-09-27	2004-03-28	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-03-28	2007-09-27	2008-03-28	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-03-28	2011-09-27	2012-03-28	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Reduced area imaging devices

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