Project Overview and Objectives

Miniaturized Stereoscopic Distal Imaging Sensor for Minimally Invasive Surgery (“MiniSurg”) is a project whose aim is to research convergence of miniaturized imaging sensor technologies, in order to perform advanced Minimally Invasive Surgeries (MIS). The project aspires to overcome the limitations in cross talk, packaging and manufacturing of current CMOS-based miniaturized units, and create an integrated unit of higher performances. The goal is to provide natural stereoscopic surgery visualization based on CMOS sensor which will be integrated into an endoscope for clinical evaluations.
In MiniSurg, we aim to accomplish our performance-related goals by special pixel design and specific on-chip optical design. Using unique packaging design will enable to minimize the overall dimensions and the application as distal camera in a medical endoscope.
The system will be based on a chip of 7.5mm in diagonal, and will be designed to maximize area utilization, by minimizing peripherals and electrical contact areas. The stereoscopic imaging performances will be achieved after researching and designing a pixel array of 2300 (horizontal) over 1150 (vertical) that provides a miniature, stereoscopic, high quality greater then two-mega pixel array with a reduced cross talk level.

Major Objectives

To research and develop MiniSurg CMOS sensor based on key specifications like 7.5 mm diagonal, >2MB pixels.
Low level of optical and electronic cross-talk.
Compact and high accuracy packaging and assembly.
Designing an endoscope based on MiniSurg CMOS chip to be used in clinical evaluation of stereoscopic endoscopy.

Further Derived Challenges:

Based on the key specifications, to research and design the sensor for the best Signal-to-Noise-Ratio and dynamic range results.
Design a miniature pixel architecture that maximise dynamic range while keeping the electrical cross talk at a very low level.
To research and test the use of CMOS technology including its adaptation to implement a specialized micro lens technology and colour filters for medical imaging.
On chip high-throughput digital output, without increasing the die size.
Design and manufacture, on-chip microlens array, to maximize light sensitivity and minimize inter channel cross talk.
To manage clinical tests for evaluating the new Imaging Sensor performances at clinical conditions.