OMNIVISION OV6948 and Precision Optics’ Microprecision™ Lenses Enable Endoscopic Solutions for Very Small Surgical Procedures
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — JUNE 13, 2017 — OMNIVISION Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, together with Precision Optics Corp., a leader in optical technology for medical devices, announced a collaboration to develop a miniaturized, high-quality optical solution based on OMNIVISION’s OV6948 image sensor technology integrated with three Precision Optics Microprecision™ lenses. This camera solution enables the design and manufacture of very small diameter endoscopes, which can be used for medical procedures previously performed “blind” or with suboptimal visualization technologies, such as fiber optics.
Minimally invasive surgical procedures are a growing trend globally. Frequently, these include complicated procedures with limited access, that call for smaller instruments with improved visualization for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Often these procedures require devices that will work through very small incisions, even down to 1mm or smaller. This is particularly true in the disciplines of ophthalmology, cardiology and neurology, for example.
“Developing lenses that overcome the challenges of ultra-small image sensors has been a significant challenge for medical device manufacturers, limiting the ability to integrate high-quality visualization technologies into their devices used for minimally invasive surgeries in small spaces,” said Tehzeeb Gunja, senior product marketing and business development manager at OMNIVISION. “By collaborating on the development of ultra-small image sensors and lenses, OMNIVISION and Precision Optics Corp. have enabled new applications for small outer diameter, high quality endoscopes.”
“OMNIVISION and Precision Optics Corp. share a common goal of reducing the size and cost of medical devices with visualization capabilities that have the highest image quality,” said Joe Forkey, CEO, Precision Optics Corp. “We are pleased to work with a company like OMNIVISION, with which we can combine our enabling technologies in optics as well as product design to advance the quality of health care, particularly for minimally invasive surgery.”
Built with OmniBSI+™ pixel technology, OMNIVISION’s ultra-compact OV6948 integrates easily into the subassembly and offers the highest resolution of 200 x 200 pixels at 30 frames per second (FPS) in a 1/36-inch optical format and dimensions of 0.575 x 0.575 mm. Additionally, the sensor’s low power consumption and high sensitivity reduce heat at the distal tip of the endoscope. Precision Optics’ Microprecision™ lenses available for these subassemblies are available in 76°, 90° and 103° fields of view, and are designed to couple with the OV6948 to achieve the smallest possible footprint, while taking advantage of the 200 x 200 pixel resolution.
Precision Optics Corporation has developed its Microprecision™ lens technology to address the challenges associated with the design and fabrication of very small lenses, optics and optical systems. As the size of lenses and other optical elements gets smaller than a couple millimeters, traditional procedures, tooling and fixturing for fabricating glass and polymer lenses become impractical. Similarly, better alternatives to traditional approaches to the design and manufacture of optical systems and the associated mechanics need to be explored. The Microprecision™ lens technology is based on a new paradigm, developed for the design, fabrication and assembly of very small optical elements and systems, while maintaining high image quality and low cost. This technology has enabled the manufacture of some of the smallest individual optical components and endoscopes in the world – 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm, respectively.
To learn more about this collaboration, visit OMNIVISION and Precision Optics during MD&M East, June 13-15, 2017 at booths 2162 and 1349, respectively.