Technology modules

3D HD Endoscopes

We have successfully manufactured serial 3D endoscopes for 15 years. We were, and remain today, the driving force in the transition from 2D to 3D visualization. As technological leader, we offer our own video platform with camera, endoscope, and the corresponding light source. Our systems do not cut corners when it comes to image quality and offer key benefits to the user for the best possible, intuitive working in three-dimensional space. We offer devices with classic rod lenses as well as modern chip-in-tip and chip-in-scope systems. The relevance of these technologies is undisputed, since it is estimated that in 10 years 80 % of all minimally invasive operations will be carried out in 3D.

Microlenses & Lens Assemblies

Our activities range from raw glass to the finished objective lens. In this context, we develop, manufacture, and coat lenses from 0.25 mm to 19 mm in size and assemble complex objective lenses and assemblies. When developing objective lenses, we have the ability to optically calculate and simulate them. When assembling complex objective lenses, we adjust lenses and image sensors in six axis to achieve the highest level of precision.

Rigid HD Endoscopes

HD image quality is state-of-the-art at SCHÖLLY and available for all endoscopic applications, whether in 2D or 3D. In this context, HD quality applies to all functional units, which means endoscope, endocoupler, and camera. As one of the pioneers in this technology, we can refer to many years of experience and are already working on the next technological leap today – 4K image quality.

2D and 3D Chip-in-Tip Systems

Decreasing image sensors are allowing the endoscope and camera to increasingly grow together into one unit. Current 2D and 3D chip-in-scope and chip-in-tip systems are making use of this development. In this context, the placement of the image sensors always presents new challenges to our design engineers, such as the smallest possible objective lenses or thermal management. Combined with intelligent and affordable cables for light, communication, and data transmission, these systems represent one more benchmark for the entire industry.

LED Light Sources and Fiber Optics

The development of powerful light sources and the corresponding fiberoptic cables have been one of SCHÖLLY’s core area of expertise since the company’s foundation. Lighting possibilities range from xenon to LED to laser light, regardless of whether they are built in close to the endoscope – for example, directly into the handgrip, into the camera unit, or in a separate lighting unit. We can offer the right mixture and wavelength for every medical application. Our own fiber applications and a wide range of products – from standard fiber optics to complex, integrated light and data transmission cables – provide optimal lighting, even with smallest diameters.

OR-Integrated Video Technology

Through the development of open, integrated SCHÖLLY interfaces, we have the ability to logically and efficiently integrate our products into existing operating room procedures. Device controls using third-party systems or tablet computers are just as possible today as professional video management and the easy storage of images and videos. This allows operating room processes to be perfectly tailored to one another and significantly increases user and patient safety.

Micro-Endoscopy starting from 0.35 mm

We offer microendoscopes and customized camera systems starting at a diameter of 0.35 mm for special minimally invasive procedures. In this context, we place great importance on the devices quality, a robust design, and ideal ergonomics. All endoscopes can either be sterilized (reposable) or are avail able as disposable systems. These microsystems have open ed up completely new possibilities in diagnostics and treatment – for example, through tiny natural ports like a tear duct or in local drug delivery, particularly in cancer treatment.

Disposable Endoscopic Accessories

Combining high-quality visualization systems and perfectly matched disposable accessories is the best choice for many fields of medicine. Today, SCHÖLLY offers many disposable solutions that perfectly fulfill the latest regulations governing hygiene in hospitals. This is the only way to combine top image quality with economical use of resources. New ways of making sterile tools available and lower maintenance costs offer additional benefits and help reduce general cost pressure.

Flexible Endoscopes

Our controllable, flexible, and semiflexible endoscopes stand out thanks to being incredibly ergonomic and easy to handle, as well as for their wide variety of innovative features. Working channels, light sources integrated into the hand grip, exporting video and images at the touch of a button, our patented Deep-View-Technology, and 2D or 3D chip-in-tip systems are only a few examples. Specially mixed lighting fibers make defined spectral applications possible using flexible endoscopes.

Video Processing & Algorithms

SCHÖLLY’s own camera-board platform and the company’s close scientific relationship with hospitals and surgeons from all over the world allow us to offer users and OEM partners many new clinical features using special video algorithms.

Some of these additional features are:

• Dynamic contrast enhancement
• Selective video color enhancement
• Color and shape correction
• Selective wavelength illumination
• UV-Vis and IR imaging
• Image rotation in HD quality
• And many more

Micromechanics

In the field of micromechanics, SCHÖLLY carries out nearly all production and processing steps in-house, even with the high standards for medical devices. This means we have an outstanding position in terms of flexibility, speed, and quality. As a result, our experienced production specialists can mill, cut, weld, deform, and assemble whenever necessary. In addition, we use every material imaginable that is suitable for use in medical technology. Our own jig manufacturing, even for adjusting the smallest of optics, rounds out our range of services.

Ergonomics

Ergonomic considerations have long been an important aspect of the working world. Simple and comfortable handling and an appealing product design not only make it easier to use the devices, but also in crease the user’s feelgood factor when doing so. That’s why we actively involve users, industrial designers, and engineers in the development process. In our inhouse operating room, we test our rapid prototyping design models to analyze intended handling in a realistic setting.

Individual Customer Design

From simple color adjustments to customized housing designs on the basis of existing functional units – when it comes to individual customer design, almost anything is possible. Existing modules ensure that validation and registration times remain short, which ultimately accelerates the time to market. We can also implement further changes through the use of exclusive functional parameters. Internal validation options and our long-term experience in drawing up internationally valid IEC reports make faster product developments possible, even with a customized design.

Modern Housing Conception

We take the rough and tumble of daily industrial operations into account when developing our housing. Consequently, maximum carrying convenience, simple transportation, and the size and weight of the devices are key prerequisites for working ergonomically. Based on the principle of “design follows function,” we develop designs that satisfy the requirements of the application situation in terms of arrangement and the choice of interfaces. After all, it is good and attractive industrial design in particular that makes work enjoyable.

Visualization in Critical Enviroments

We develop and manufacture special visualization solutions for internal monitoring and inspection in critical environments in accordance with our customers’ specifications. Our borescopes solutions are adapted to the conditions in question, be they temperatures of up to 2,000°C, high pressure, aggressive chemical substances, or highly dusty or damp environments, and are integrated into complex systems according to the requirements. Our borescopes can also be used in radioactive environments thanks to specially designed light guides and optical systems. An air purge system makes sure that polluted ambient air does not lead to the buildup of deposits.

Multi-Optical Systems

Multiple optical systems make it possible to simultaneously inspect a number of areas within a component, thereby contributing to process efficiency. Polyp systems with up to 20 thin usually flexible or semirigid borescopes allow to view an object from various perspectives during optoelectronic inline controls. In addition, the results can be evaluated quickly and easily by attaching an image-processing system. These systems are used to inspect complex components in mass production and for safety applications.

Videoscopes

Our controllable videoscopes stand out thanks to being incredibly ergonomic and easy to use with one hand with a light source integrated into the handle, and also due to the exporting of video and images for quality documentation at the touch of a button, patented Deep View technology, and chip-in-tip 2D and 3D cameras. The use of state-of-the-art CMOS image sensors in conjunction with SCHÖLLY’s own camera platform leads to the best possible results. Suitably modified video algorithms increase inspection reliability and optimally solve inspection tasks. Our development work is driven by ever smaller diameters and ever greater image resolutions.

An Array of Probes

There are many visual inspection applications, and they are put to use in a variety of different industries and for different tasks. This is reflected in the wide array of probes that are needed, all of which are defined by different parameters. The aspects that can be tailored to specific needs include, for example, a probe’s length, its viewing direction, image angle, depth of field, and the materials used, not forgetting the design type (flexible, semiflexible, or rigid). We give consideration to this diversity in our standard program by optimally balancing availability and frequency of use.