OmniVision Technologies introduces the world's first medical RGB-IR image sensor that reduces the size of endoscopes

     OmniVision Technologies has released the OH02A1S. This is the world's first RGB-IR medical image sensor that enables both white RGB capture and infrared monochromatic light capture in a single CMOS image sensor. Surgeons use IR light to perform endoscopic pre-cancer detection and cancer detection procedures, while they also use RGB light to confirm any abnormalities detected using infrared.

     In the past, this could only be achieved by integrating two separate image sensors, which increased the size, cost and power consumption of the endoscope, resulting in excessive temperatures at the tip of the endoscope. With the new OH02A1S, designers of chip-on-tip endoscopes for cancer detection eliminate the need for a second image sensor, overcoming the disadvantages of dual-imager designs. These improvements have contributed to the development of small OD endoscopes for cancer detection and diagnostic procedures, such as indocystic green (ICG), fluorescence, pigment, and virtual endoscopes.

     "Until now, the size and heat output of endoscopes have been too large for many parts of the body due to the need to use two image sensors. In addition, the added cost is prohibitive for disposable endoscopes, "said Tehzeeb Gunja, OmniVision's Director of medical marketing. "The OH02A1S significantly increases the number and range of endoscopy procedures that can be performed, while reducing design complexity, enabling RGB-IR image sensors to be used for disposable endoscopes for the first time at a lower cost."

     With OmniVision's OH02A1S image sensor, IR and RGB images can now be captured using a single chip, allowing surgeons to switch between high-quality RGB and IR images in real time, or display two images simultaneously on one monitor (overlapping mode) or two monitors (side-by-side mode). In addition, the new endoscope, which is smaller in size and heat generation, can enter deeper parts of the body than the previously used dual imager design with a larger outer diameter. Designers can also use the extra space to add more or stronger lighting (fiber or LED) to the endoscopic tools, or to provide a larger working channel.