Abstract: An endoscope of the type having in its imaging system a solid state imaging device provided in its insertable section into a cavity of a living body for receiving an optical image and converting it into electrical signals which are processed and then transmitted to a monitor to be visualized thereon. The endoscope comprises an operating part having an insertable section into a cavity which includes therein a solid state imaging device for receiving an optical image and converting it into electrical signals, a control unit for providing driving signals for the solid state imaging device and processing the signals from the solid state imaging device to provide a video signal and a display for receiving the video signal from the control unit to be visualized as, for example, a television picture. The operating part further includes an adjusting means for modifying levels of the driving signals corresponding to the characteristics of the solid state imaging device.

Abstract: A color video endoscope system having a control unit compatible with various endoscopes. Each endoscope generates unique signals to the control unit to optimize the clocking out of data from the solid state image sensor, to optimize the processing of data received from the image sensor, and to identify the size and location of the image formed on the image sensor so as to control the image formed on the monitor. The control unit generates alternating fields of red, green and blue light through the endoscope light guide with blank fields between the color fields, during which time data is clocked out of the image sensor, thereby preventing image "smear" caused by immediately successive color fields.

Abstract: An endoscope used for observing the interior of a cavity and the like of a living human body. The endoscope according to the present invention is of such an arrangement that an image sensor is provided in the forward end of an insertion section and an object of interest can be displayed on a screen of a television set in response to a video signal obtained from the image sensor. According to the present invention, a control unit is provided therein with a circuit for producing an image standstill command and a shutter release command depending on a time or times of operation, or a step or steps in press-in value of a single push in switch provided a control section of the endoscope, so that the provision of a single control button makes it possible to make a monitored image stand still and to release a shutter of a camera.

Abstract: An endoscope includes in the viewing head of its insertable section into a cavity of a living body an image sensor for generating a video signal which in turn is transmitted to a television display to be visualized thereon as a television picture. The image sensor with a shape such as a plate is located in a plane containing the longitudinal center line of the viewing head. The location permits to keep the shape of the viewing head unchanged. In addition, the image sensor thus located the interior of the viewing head into two spaces, one accommodating therein a forceps channel, and the other accommodating therein an objective lens assembly, resulting in a most efficient arrangement of essential elements for endoscope.