Imaging Scope With Leak Indicator, And Related Imaging System And Method

An imaging system, comprising:

• an imaging scope configured to illuminate an object and capture light reflected from the object, the imaging scope including:
• an internal surface defining an internal cavity;
• a window permitting visual inspection of the internal cavity;
• a fluid in the internal cavity having a pressure different than ambient pressure;
• and
• an indicator positioned within the internal cavity and transitionable between nonvisible and visible through the window when the pressure of the fluid changes toward ambient pressure;
• a camera having a light sensor with a light-sensitive surface configured to receive the captured light from the imaging scope, and generate a digital image representative of the captured light.

A method for detecting a leak in an imaging scope, comprising:

• positioning an indicator within an internal cavity of the imaging scope, the indicator transitionable positioned within the internal cavity and between nonvisible and visible through a window of the imaging scope when pressure of a fluid in the internal cavity changes toward ambient pressure;
• sealing the internal cavity from ambient environment;
• detecting transition of the indicator between nonvisible and visible;
• and based on completion of the detecting step, determining that a leak developed in the imaging scope.