Endoscope assembly with a polarizing filter

Abstract

An endoscope includes an imaging device, a first polarizing filter disposed in front of the imaging device, a light source, and a second polarizing filter disposed in front of the light source.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . An endoscope assembly, comprising:
 an imaging assembly including an auxiliary imaging sensor and an auxiliary light source, wherein the imaging assembly is configured to be at least partially disposed within and extendable from a working channel of an endoscope such that the auxiliary imaging sensor exits the working channel and faces toward a distal end of the endoscope;   a first auxiliary polarizing filter disposed over the auxiliary imaging sensor, wherein the first auxiliary polarizing filter is angulation-independent and configured to filter light from the distal end of the endoscope.   
     
     
         19 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 18 , further comprising an endoscope cap with a primary polarizing filter with the opposite orientation of the first auxiliary polarizing filter. 
     
     
         20 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the first auxiliary polarizing filter includes a retarder. 
     
     
         21 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the auxiliary light source is configured to illuminate a field of view of the auxiliary imaging sensor. 
     
     
         22 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the imaging assembly further comprises a second auxiliary polarizing filter that is angulation-dependent. 
     
     
         23 . The endoscope assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the imaging assembly further comprises a second auxiliary polarizing filter that is angulation-independent but comprising an orientation opposite the first auxiliary polarizing filter. 
     
     
         24 . the endoscope assembly of  claim 19 , further comprising an endoscope, wherein the endoscope cap is configured to attach to a distal end of the endoscope.