Abstract: A method and systems for capturing digital intra-oral images, while automatically determining a location of an intra-oral sensor placed within a mouth of a patient, is disclosed. A spatial frame-of-reference is established with respect to teeth within the mouth of the patient. An intra-oral digital imaging sensor is placed within the mouth of the patient adjacent to at least one tooth within the mouth that is to be imaged using the intra-oral sensor. Spatial location information is automatically generated such that the spatial location information defines how the intra-oral sensor is placed with respect to the spatial frame-of-reference. A digital image of at least one tooth is acquired using the intra-oral sensor and the spatial location information is automatically associated with the acquired digital image. The associated spatial location information may be used to automatically correlate the acquired image to a tooth or teeth within the mouth and/or to automatically orient the acquired image for display.

Abstract: An illuminating device is used for oral photography and is connectable to a lens barrel provided on a camera. The illuminating device includes a light-emitting surface that has an arc shape, so that a periphery of a mouth being under a nose of a person being photographed can be exclusively illuminated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address the deficiencies of the art in respect to oral cavity medical assessment and provide a method, system and apparatus for mouth disease diagnosis and treatment. In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for scanning an oral cavity can include a mouth guard spreader that has a partially transparent receiving member that defines a receiving cavity, a first spreader portion and a second spreader portion coupled to the partially transparent receiving member. The apparatus further can include an image capture device for capturing images of the oral cavity disposed within the partially transparent receiving member of the mouth guard spreader. The apparatus yet further can include a storage device coupled to the image capture device for storing each captured image of the oral cavity.

Abstract: A medical inspection device. A housing includes a transparent plate. A circuit board is disposed in the housing. At least one light-emitting element is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The light-emitting element is opposite to the transparent plate. Light from the light-emitting element is output to the exterior of the housing through the transparent plate. An image sensor is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The image sensor is opposite to the transparent plate. An image in the exterior of the housing is received by the image sensor through the transparent plate and converted into an image signal thereby. A grip is detachably connected to the housing. A signal transmission line is detachably connected to the circuit board and fit in the grip and extends to the exterior of the grip, outputting the image signal.

Abstract: To provide a digital camera for taking an image inside the oral cavity without causing a sanitary problem and enabling a dentist to easily monitor an object in the oral cavity of a patient on a screen and the patient to easily view the object on the screen when the camera is used. A digital camera for taking an image inside the oral cavity comprises a camera body (2) including a lens barrel (2a) to be inserted into the oral cavity, an intermediate part continuous to the lens barrel (2a), and a grip (2b) continuous to the intermediate part; and a dental instrument (3) detachably fitted onto the lens barrel (2a). On the intermediate part of the camera body (2) is mounted a liquid crystal display (2c).

Abstract: A method for correcting inherent distortions in a CT or MRI imaging process, or distortions arising from excessive patient movement during the scan by means of a registration device inserted into the mouth of the patient at the time the scan is being performed. The registration device incorporates a set of fiducial markers disposed in a predetermined three-dimensional pattern. The exact positions of the fiducial markers are known with respect to each other, thus providing a three-dimensional reference against which the resulting images can be compared. Additionally, a method whereby three-dimensional CT or MRI images taken prior to an operation, are accurately registered and integrated with real-time tracking positional data of the patient's body part and instruments operating thereon. Application is described for the drilling of a patient's jaw for the placement of dental implants.

Abstract: A method of performing dental work without directly viewing an operative field utilizing an apparatus providing vision enhancement in dentistry. A dental camera apparatus enables the display of a mirror images of an operative field on a video display. A dentist can utilize the video mirror images as a frame of reference when performing dental work. The dental camera apparatus further provides video magnification of an object. The dental camera apparatus also includes adjustable lighting of the operative field. The dental camera apparatus may be recorded. The dental camera apparatus can be easily moved and rotated to any position offering extreme macro close-ups.

Abstract: A portable intra-oral capture and display system, designed for use by a dental practitioner in connection with a patient seated in a dental chair, includes: a handpiece elongated for insertion into an oral cavity of the patient, where the handpiece includes a light emitter on a distal end thereof for illuminating an object in the cavity and an image sensor for capturing an image of the object and generating an image signal therefrom; a monitor interconnected with the handpiece, where the monitor contains electronics for processing the image for display and a display element for displaying the image, where the interconnection between the monitor and the handpiece includes an electrical connection for communicating the image signal from the image sensor in the camera to the electronics in the monitor; and a receptacle on the dental chair for receiving the monitor, wherein the receptacle conforms to the monitor such that the monitor may be withdrawn from the receptacle in order to allow the display element to be

Abstract: An intra-oral camera for producing an axially aligned picture of an intra-oral item of interest permits a rapid taking of pictures, whereby burdensome usage requirements are avoided without, however, suffering any diminishment in the quality of the picture that is taken. A computer-controlled picture taking positioning of the intra-oral camera properly positions the camera for taking pictures of objects of interest. The proper picture taking position of the camera ensures that the picture of an intra-oral object or an area of interest such as, for example, a tooth of a patient, is taken in the desired size, at the desired angle, and at the desired location.

Abstract: A cable assembly for a dental video camera system includes a dental video camera with a camera cable and a camera connector, a monitor with a monitor cable and a monitor connector and a power supply with power supply cable and a power supply connector. The cable assembly also includes an input housing, a camera cable with a complement-camera connector and a first connector. The camera cable is electrically coupled to the first connector. The complement camera connector that electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to said camera cable. The cable assembly also an output housing with a complement-monitor connector, a complement-power supply connector and a complement-first connector. The complement-monitor connector and the complement-power supply connector are disposed in the output housing and the complement camera connector electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to the camera cable.

Abstract: In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention, an image is projected upon a surface. The image can include a pattern having a plurality of individual shapes used to measure and map the surface. The plurality of individual shapes include features that are detectable in a direction parallel to the plane formed by a projection axis of the projected shapes and a point associated with a view axis. The image further comprises a feature containing an encoding information for identifying the plurality of shapes individually. The feature containing encoding information can be a separate feature from each of the plurality of individual shapes, or may be a feature integral to the plurality of individual shapes. The feature containing encoding information is oriented such that the encoding information is retrieved along a line perpendicular to a plane formed by the projection axis and the point along the view axis. The use of the feature is used to perform multiframe reference independent scanning.

Abstract: A portable intra-oral capture and display system includes: (a) a handpiece elongated for insertion into an oral cavity, said handpiece including a light emitter on a distal end thereof for illuminating an object in the cavity and an image sensor for capturing an image of the object and generating an image signal therefrom; (b) a portable, hand-cradled base containing in a single integral enclosure a light source for generating light, electronics for processing the image for display, a display monitor for displaying the image, a storage for storing the image, thereby providing a stored image for subsequent review and access, and an interface for transferring the stored image to a peripheral device; and (c) an optical connection for transmitting the light from the base to the light emitter in the camera, and an electrical connection for communicating the image signal from the image sensor in the camera to the processor in the base.

Abstract: According to the invention, the lens system of a dental or endoscopic camera is designed in the form of a non-telecentric lens in which the field stop or an image thereof is located in the region of the lens arrangement on the converter side of said lens system.

Abstract: A light analyzer with a first light source configured and disposed for irradiating with a first light an object disposed at an object location. A second light source is configured and disposed for irradiating the object with a second light that is preferably polarized along a first axis. A light receiving element is configured and disposed for receiving the first and second light reflected from the object and comprising a sensing device that is configured for sensing and producing an image corresponding to the reflected light. The light receiving element preferably comprises a polarizing filter configured for polarizing the reflected second light along a second axis at an angle to the first axis for reducing glare and reflection.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system includes an electronic endoscope and a processor to which the electronic endoscope is connectable. The processor includes a signal processor for displaying the images captured by the electronic endoscope, while adjusting the color balance thereof, and a memory holding an endoscope database. The processor further includes a CPU that retrieves endoscopic information from a memory of the electronic endoscope, which includes compensation data for white balance adjustment of the processor. The CPU registers the electronic endoscope with the endoscope database by storing the retrieved endoscopic information into the endoscope database when the white balance readjustment of the processor is required.

Abstract: A dental video imaging system includes a housing having a handle portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion has a view port for viewing intra- and extra-oral dental anatomy. An optical system is mounted in the distal end of the housing for acquiring, orienting and transmitting an image of the dental anatomy appearing in said view port. A sensor assembly, mounted in the distal end of the housing, converts images received through the optical system into video data signals. A camera control unit (CCU) is mounted in the handle portion of the housing. The CCU includes a signal processor for receiving the video data image signal from the sensor and then providing a S-video, composite video or digital video signal output of the images.

Abstract: A video scope has an image sensor, a circuit board, and a digital signal processor mounted on the circuit board. The digital signal processor reads image signals from the image sensor, and processes the read image signals to thereby produce at least two types of video signal. A wiring-pattern is formed on the circuit board to feed a video signal component, included in one of the two types of video signals, from the digital signal processor. The wiring-pattern is cut off at a suitable location. When the wiring-pattern remains as an unused wiring-pattern on the circuit board, the wiring-pattern is treated such that radiation of noise is prevented from going through the unused wiring-pattern.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use with a communication device, such as a wireless/cellular phone. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining image processing circuitry. In a second configuration, all of the image processing circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion near the same location. In the first configuration, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal end of a camera module. In a second configuration, the image sensor is remote from the remaining image processing circuitry wherein available space within the phone is used to house the remaining circuitry. In any of the embodiments, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor.

Abstract: A dental video imaging system includes a housing having a handle portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion has a view port for viewing intra- and extra-oral dental anatomy. An optical system is mounted in the distal end of the housing for acquiring, orienting and transmitting an image of the dental anatomy appearing in said view port. A sensor assembly, mounted in the distal end of the housing, converts images received through the optical system into video data signals. A camera control unit (CCU) is mounted in the handle portion of the housing. The CCU includes a signal processor for receiving the video data image signal from the sensor and then providing a S-video, composite video or digital video signal output of the images.

Abstract: An oral cavity image pickup apparatus having an image pickup device and a holding device including a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is of sufficient length for placement inside an oral cavity at least between left and right molars defining a transverse dimension. The image pickup device has an object lens and an imaging device and is held on at least the first arm between the first and second molars. The second arm has a first part for placement inside the oral cavity and coupled to the first arm. The second arm also has a second part at least as wide in transverse dimension as the first part for extending from both sides of the oral cavity. The image pickup device can image pick up full or partial dentition exposed inside and/or outside the oral cavity and partial bio-tissue at the same time.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and method of operating the same. The endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope portion and a control and display unit. The endoscope portion preferably comprises: (i) a sensor disposed at a distal end of the endoscope portion and providing endoscope data; (ii) one or more electronically controlled actuators (e.g., electroactive polymer actuators) controlling the operation of the endoscope portion based on received control signals; (iii) a first wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor and the one or more electronically controlled actuators, transmitting received endoscope data from the sensor and forwarding received control signals to the one or more electronically controlled actuators; and (iv) a portable power source (e.g., a battery) coupled to the sensor, the first wireless transceiver, and the one or more electronically controller actuators.

Abstract: A portable intra-oral capture and display system, designed for use by a dental practitioner in connection with a patient seated in a dental chair, includes: a handpiece elongated for insertion into an oral cavity of the patient, where the handpiece includes a light emitter on a distal end thereof for illuminating an object in the cavity and an image sensor for capturing an image of the object and generating an image signal therefrom; a monitor interconnected with the handpiece, where the monitor contains electronics for processing the image for display and a display element for displaying the image, where the interconnection between the monitor and the handpiece includes an electrical connection for communicating the image signal from the image sensor in the camera to the electronics in the monitor; and a receptacle on the dental chair for receiving the monitor, wherein the receptacle conforms to the monitor such that the monitor may be withdrawn from the receptacle in order to allow the display element to be

Abstract: In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention, an image is projected upon a surface. The image can include a pattern having a plurality of individual shapes used to measure and map the surface. The plurality of individual shapes include features that are detectable in a direction parallel to the plane formed by a projection axis of the projected shapes and a point associated with a view axis. The image further comprises a feature containing an encoding information for identifying the plurality of shapes individually. The feature containing encoding information can be a separate feature from each of the plurality of individual shapes, or may be a feature integral to the plurality of individual shapes. The feature containing encoding information is oriented such that the encoding information is retrieved along a line perpendicular to a plane formed by the projection axis and the point along the view axis. The use of the feature is used to perform multiframe reference independent scanning.

Abstract: A cable assembly for a dental video camera system includes a dental video camera with a camera cable and a camera connector, a monitor with a monitor cable and a monitor connector and a power supply with power supply cable and a power supply connector. The cable assembly also includes an input housing, a camera cable with a complement-camera connector and a first connector. The camera cable is electrically coupled to the first connector. The complement camera connector that electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to said camera cable. The cable assembly also an output housing with a complement-monitor connector, a complement-power supply connector and a complement-first connector. The complement-monitor connector and the complement-power supply connector are disposed in the output housing and the complement camera connector electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to the camera cable.

Abstract: A video scope for simultaneously imaging a portion of the interior of an oral cavity from multiple directions. An entering portion, at its tip end, is bent. The tip end has a U-shaped pickup holding portion having a central portion and two wing portions. An inner wall of the central portion has an incident window capable of guiding image pickup light. There is a CCD unit, an objective lens, and an LED as a light source inside the central portion and the wings. A camera circuit in the grip of the scope operates the CCD unit and a video output cable is connected from the grip portion to a display such as a TV monitor.

Abstract: A video camera and imaging system having signal processing circuitry configured to change the black level (pedestal) of a video signal in response to comparing an overall system gain (for instance, a gain value and the electronic exposure time of the image sensor) to a threshold value. The change helps to automatically obtain brighter and more detailed images, particularly with imaging systems which are optimized for intraoral (dental) imaging but are also used to capture a headshot of the patent's smile or face.

Abstract: A portable intra-oral capture and display system includes (a) a handpiece elongated for insertion into an oral cavity, the handpiece including a light emitter on a distal end thereof for illuminating an object in the cavity and an image sensor for capturing an image of the object and generating an image signal therefrom; (b) a portable, hand-cradled base containing, in a single integral enclosure, electronics for processing the image for display and a display monitor for displaying the image; (c) an electrical interface for communicating the image signal from the image sensor in the camera to the electronics in the base; and (d) a contamination control device for the portable, hand-cradled base comprising a pouch enclosing the single integral enclosure and having a transparent front panel that is positioned adjacent the display monitor. In addition, the electronics includes a touch screen interface for providing a plurality of touch screen controls that appear on the screen of the display monitor.

Abstract: An imaging assembly includes a miniature electronic image sensor including an imaging substrate having a plurality of pixels and a microlens array aligned with corresponding pixels on said imaging substrate and focusing optics for focusing an optical image of a target onto the imaging substrate including at least one adaptive lens element. The focusing optics have a first exit pupil distance defining a first field of view and the miniature electronic image sensor has a second exit pupil distance defining a second field of view which is different than the first exit pupil distance. The adaptive lens element directs light onto said imaging substrate through said microlens array while maintaining the first field of view.

Abstract: A portable intra-oral capture and display system includes: (a) a handpiece elongated for insertion into an oral cavity, said handpiece including a light emitter on a distal end thereof for illuminating an object in the cavity and an image sensor for capturing an image of the object and generating an image signal therefrom; (b) a portable, hand-cradled base containing in a single integral enclosure a light source for generating light, electronics for processing the image for display, a display monitor for displaying the image, a storage for storing the image, thereby providing a stored image for subsequent review and access, and an interface for transferring the stored image to a peripheral device; and (c) an optical connection for transmitting the light from the base to the light emitter in the camera, and an electrical connection for communicating the image signal from the image sensor in the camera to the processor in the base.

Abstract: Cylindrical support 20 having dope prism 2 built therein is rotatably fitted in barrel 23 as a constituent of stomatocamera frame 11. The support 20 has pin 22 erected on its periphery, and the barrel 23 is furnished with guide channel 4 formed along its circumference. The pin 22 pierces the guide channel 4 and protrudes from the periphery of the barrel 23. Protrudent end of the pin 22 is locked to locking channel 6 of operating ring 5 fitted to the periphery of the barrel 23. The dope prism 2 built in the camera frame is rotated by revolving the operating ring 5. Thus, the image can be rotated without the need to revolve the CCD camera frame.

Abstract: A video system for providing an operator with a three dimensional stereoscopic image of the oral cavity of a patient is provided. The system includes an imaging unit for providing at least two stereoscopic images of the oral cavity, a pair of switchable shutters for alternatingly blocking the view of the left eye and the right eye of the operator, a synchronizing unit for synchronizing the switching of the pair of switchable shutters with the rate of generation of the two stereoscopic video images by the imaging unit and a video display for displaying the two stereoscopic images.

Abstract: A self-contained dental camera uses white diodes to provide sufficient illumination for dental imaging without unduly depleting battery power. The illuminated dental work is imaged by a camera, preferably a CCD, and the resulting video signal is transmitted to a base station for display on a monitor. The camera unit may be disposed in a holder on a base station to recharge the battery.

Abstract: A universal docking station is provided for a dental operatory to manage a plurality of imaging subsystems. The digitally processed imaging subsystems include video cameras for intra- or extra-oral imaging, video surgical microscopes, x-ray film scanners, digital x-rays and any other type of imaging system that produces an S-video, composite video or digital video signal output. The universal docking station may provide each of the imaging subsystems with operating utilities, such as power and light, and instructions for controlling operation of the subsystem. The universal docking station receives outputs from each of the imaging subsystems for display, processing, recording and/or other uses. The universal docking system provides interfaces for selecting and operating various peripheral systems such as monitors, computers, multiplexers or printers and for digital control and manipulation of images from the imaging subsystems.

Abstract: A reduced area-imaging device is provided for use with a miniature hand-held computer referred to in the industry as a PDA. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining image processing circuitry. In a second configuration, all of the image processing circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion near the same location. In the first configuration, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal end of a camera module. In a second configuration, the image sensor is remote from the remaining image processing circuitry wherein available space within the PDA is used to house the remaining circuitry. In any of the configurations, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor.

Abstract: In a microbe and cell function control device, a primary electromagnetic wave radiation member is provided to radiate electromagnetic wave on microbes and cells within a predetermined wave length range thereof. An electromagnetic wave measuring member measures an intensity of a predetermined range of the electromagnetic wave permeated or reflected from the microbes and cells. An absorption intensity distinction member determines wavelength the microbes and cells absorb based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave measured by the electromagnetic wave measuring member. A secondary electromagnetic wave radiation member radiates the electromagnetic wave absorbed by the absorption intensity distinction member on the microbes and cells.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. In a first embodiment of the invention, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. In a second embodiment, the image sensor is remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and wherein a control box can be provided which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. In another embodiment, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes.

Abstract: A video scope, has a grip portion to be held by an operator;

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. In a first embodiment of the invention, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. In a second embodiment, the image sensor is remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and wherein a control box can be provided which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes.

Abstract: An oral cavity image pickup apparatus, has image pickup means having at least an object lens and an imaging device; and holding means of holding the image pickup means inside and/or outside an oral cavity, wherein the image pickup means is capable of image-picking up full or partial dentition exposed inside and/or outside the oral cavity and partial bio-tissue at a time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging teeth includes illuminating a surface of a tooth and electronically imaging the tooth from a non-illuminated surface of the tooth with an electronic camera. Automatic control of the intensity of illumination is preferably provided to avoid saturation of the camera. The camera may include a charge-coupled-device and the resulting digital images are preferably enhanced by wavelet analysis. If a video camera is used, the images may be digitized and then enhanced. Current images of the tooth may be compared to prior images of the same tooth to monitor changes in the tooth over time. The images can be used to detect dental caries and other dental conditions. A handpiece for illuminating the tooth and receiving the light passing through the tooth for reception by the camera in a reproducible manner, is also described.

Abstract: A videoscope for dental or oral use comprises a grip portion, an insert portion, a light window formed in the wall of the insert portion for illuminating an object, an acceptance window formed in the wall of the insert portion for receiving reflected light from the object, an image sensor disposed in the tip of the insert portion for receiving the light from the object to generate an electric signal corresponding to the object image, a light source disposed in the grip portion, and a light guide for guiding light rays from the light source to the light window. The light guide is made of a transparent plastic material. The light guide has a condensing portion that condenses the light rays emitted by the light emitting member, a guiding portion in which the light rays can propagate by total reflection, and a shedding portion that sheds the propagated light rays through the light window.

Abstract: An endoscope and camera are described with which a display observed through the optics in the endoscope is rotated to a desired orientation using an accelerometer. The accelerometer generates a signal indicative of the local vertical and is used in the particular embodiment to rotate a CCD image sensor aligned with the optical axis of the endoscope so as to maintain a desired orientation of a display of the image on a monitor.

Abstract: An dental imaging apparatus and a corresponding method is disclosed. The imaging apparatus includes an image sensor, a lamp for providing illumination, and an image processor for processing the image in accordance with either a first stored white balance related to a characteristic of the lamp illumination or a second stored white balance. Preferably, the first stored white balance is used when the lamp is on, and the second stored white balance is used when the lamp is off.

Abstract: A video endoscope system including a light guide for transmitting light emitted from a light source to illuminate an observation field of an endoscope, and a device for controlling the luminous flux of light supplied to the light guide from the light source. A solid-state imaging device forms an image of the observation field, and a processor processes an image signal output from the solid-state imaging device. In addition, a color tone correcting device divides the image to be processed by the processor into a plurality of regions and makes color tone correction with respect to each of the regions according to the control condition of the luminous flux control device.

Abstract: A combination electronic iris and connector for use with a light source, an optical fiber and a CCD, which is optically coupled to the optical fiber, includes a socket, a plug, a heat sink and an electronic iris. The socket has a threaded bore and is mechanically coupled to the light source. The plug is adapted to be coupled to the socket and has a bore for receiving the optical fiber. The heat sink has a disc-shaped portion having a bore for receiving the optical fiber and a threaded stem portion having a bore for receiving the optical fiber. The disc-shaped portion of the heat sink is slidably coupled to the light source and disposed adjacent to the socket. The threaded stem portion of the heat-sink is threadedly coupled in the threaded bore of the socket. The optical fiber is optically coupled to the light source. The electronic iris is disposed within the light source and axially aligned with the optical fiber. The electronic iris is controlled by feedback from the CCD from a feedback circuit.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus is of a field-sequential imaging type, comprising an illuminating unit for illuminating an object by sequentially emitting color illumination rays with a plurality of different wavelengths and an imaging device for photoelectrically transforming the object image formed with the color illumination rays emanating from the illuminating unit. The electronic endoscope includes a drive circuit for driving the imaging device so as to read the locations in the imaging device associated with only one of two fields, image memories for storing video signals representing the object image formed with the color illumination rays and having been read from the imaging device, and memory control units for reading color video signals from the image memories in synchronization with a vertical-synchronizing signal.

Abstract: A dental video camera includes a housing which has an elongated cavity with a distal end and a proximal end, an adjustably focusing lens, a CCD camera system which is disposed within the elongated cavity of the housing, a fixed focusing lens system and an electrically adjustable iris. The adjustably focusing lens provides a focusing adjustment between a near field o:f focus and a far field of focus. The CCD camera system is optically coupled to the adjustably focusing lens and and is disposed in the elongated cavity of the housing adjacent to the distal end thereof. The electrically adjustable iris is optically coupled to the adjustably focusing lens and CCD camera system. The adjustable iris is adjusted between a nearly closed opening and a wide open opening in response to the focusing adjustment between the near field of focus and the far field of focus.

Abstract: A compact and light-weight video scope camera offering easy magnification changing operations. A hollow insert portion continuous to a grip to be held by an operator is provided with an imaging system at the leading end. Operating an operation switch on the grip allows operational movement of a selection mechanism in the insert portion to cyclically or selectively select, from plural preset distance values, a distance between a lens and an image pickup device in the imaging system, corresponding to which distance, the lens or the image pickup device is moved relative to each other by an imaging system component of mechanism to set any one of predetermined magnification modes. This results a compact, light-weight video scope camera offering easy magnification changing operations. The invention is applicable to various video scope cameras for diagnosis and/or treatment in dentistry and orthopedics and also for industrial or educational use.

Abstract: A dental video camera includes a housing which has an elongated cavity with a distal end and a proximal end, an adjustably focusing lens and CCD camera system which is disposed within the elongated cavity of the housing, a fixed focusing lens system and an adjustable iris. The adjustably focusing lens and CCD camera system provides a focusing adjustment between a near field of focus and a far field of focus. The fixed focusing lens system is optically coupled to the adjustably focusing lens and CCD camera system and is disposed in the elongated cavity of the housing adjacent to the distal end thereof. The adjustable iris is optically and mechanically coupled to the adjustably focusing lens and CCD camera system. The adjustable iris is adjusted between a nearly closed opening and a wide open opening in response to the focusing adjustment between the near field of focus and the far field of focus.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus, an image processing unit for an endoscope, and a method of emphasizing an endoscope image, conversion processing is performed in which an amount of pigment, such as a hemoglobin pigment, is calculated from the endoscope image which is detected by the use of the endoscope, by a pigment calculating circuit. The amount of pigment is substituted for an amount of pigment in which an amount of shift from a value such as average of the amount of pigment is enlarged, and the amount of pigment is returned to the endoscope image having an amount of pigment in which the amount of shift from an average is enlarged, whereby tone of most parts having the amount of pigment of the average is not changed to an original endoscope image, but the endoscope image in which tone of a portion having the amount of pigment which is shifted from the average is emphasized is generated.