Abstract: A control unit is detachably coupled to a camera and receptive of the imaging data with a plurality of data processing instructions being stored on the camera and/or the control unit such that when the camera is coupled to the control unit, the plurality of data processing instructions transfer the imaging data from the camera to the control unit. The data processing instructions being field upgradeable with a portable upgrading module which may couple directly to either the camera and/or the control unit.

Abstract: A system for automatically identifying a blade that is connected to a hand piece based on data transmitted from the blade to the hand piece. The blade is provided with a first electronic coupler that communicates with a second electronic coupled positioned in the hand piece such that data related to the blade is transmitted to the hand piece and controllers/computers and in the case of reusable blades, updated data is transmitted to the blade to be saved in a memory coupled to the first electronic coupler. The coupling system can be either a hard wired or wireless coupling between the blade and the hand piece.

Abstract: A video imaging system including an endoscopic device, a camera, a camera control unit and a light source, the camera coupled to the camera control unit and light source via a single cable connection. The cable is advantageously provided as a pair of wires and a light guide where image data and camera information is transmitted over the pair of wires from the camera to the camera control unit, the data and information being multiplexed on the pair of wires; and command signals are sent from the camera control unit to the camera, the command signals based on the received camera information for control of the camera.

Abstract: A system for automatically setting video signal processing parameters for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for compensating the display of an image obtained from a video camera system associated with an endoscope as it is moved through various orientations are described. The received optical image is converted to an electrical signal with an image sensor that can be a CCD or a CMOS detector. The endoscope video camera system has an inertial sensor to sense rotations of the received image about the optical axis of the endoscope and the sensor's output signals are used to rotate either the image or the image sensor. In case of rotation of the image sensor the rotation sensor can be a gyroscope or a pair of accelerometers. In case of a rotation of the image obtained with the image sensor the inertial sensor, which can be an accelerometer or a gyroscope, the image is rotated within a microprocessor for subsequent viewing on a video display.

Abstract: A video imaging system is provided including, a camera head for transmitting image data to a camera control unit, a camera control unit for receiving and processing the image data into a usable format, and a storage device accessible by the camera control unit. The retrieved program executes on the camera control unit for enabling the camera control unit to process image data.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for compensating the display of an image obtained from a video camera system associated with an endoscope as it is moved through various orientations are described. The received optical image is converted to an electrical signal with an image sensor that can be a CCD or a CMOS detector. The endoscope video camera system has an inertial sensor to sense rotations of the received image about the optical axis of the endoscope and the sensor's output signals are used to rotate either the image or the image sensor. In case of rotation of the image sensor the rotation sensor can be a gyroscope or a pair of accelerometers. In case of a rotation of the image obtained with the image sensor the inertial sensor, which can be an accelerometer or a gyroscope, the image is rotated within a microprocessor for subsequent viewing on a video display.

Abstract: A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.

Abstract: A video imaging system is provided including, a camera head for transmitting image data to a camera control unit, a camera control unit for receiving and processing the image data into a usable format, and a storage device accessible by the camera control unit. The retrieved program executes on the camera control unit for enabling the camera control unit to process image data.

Abstract: A video imaging system that minimizes the effect of EMI on the image data, provides a small, lightweight easy to use camera head, permitting interchangeable use of a variety of intelligent camera heads with a single camera control unit, and allows the utilization of new camera heads with new functions as they become available without having to replace the existing CCU.

Abstract: In a video imaging system a camera generates image data. A control unit controls the camera and a channel transmits a control signal in the nature of camera operating information and image data from the camera to the control unit. A light guide transmits light to an object, wherein the camera is receptive of light reflected off of the object thereby generating the image data.

Abstract: A video imaging system is provided including a camera head for transmitting image data to a CCU, a CCU for receiving and processing the image data into a usable format, a storage device accessible by the camera control unit, information stored on the storage device, and wherein the information is used by the camera control unit for selecting hardware in the camera control unit to process the image data.

Abstract: A system for automatically setting video signal processing parameters for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.

Abstract: A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.

Abstract: A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.

Abstract: A video imaging system is provided including a camera head for transmitting image data to a CCU, a CCU for receiving and processing the image data into a usable format, a storage device accessible by the camera control unit, information stored on the storage device, and wherein the information is used by the camera control unit for selecting hardware in the camera control unit to process the image data.