Abstract: A camera controller (1) with an image data stream input (2) and an image data stream output (4), wherein a first image data stream path (3) and a second image data stream path (5) are formed. An image processing unit (6) is arranged in the second image data stream path (5). A switching unit (7) is controlled by a comparison unit (8). The comparison unit (8) compares a first checking data stream (9), which was diverted from an image data stream (1) upstream of the image processing unit (6), and a second checking data stream (10), which was diverted from the image data stream downstream of the image processing unit (6). The image data stream paths are switched via the switching unit (7) if the deviation of the second checking data stream (9) from the first checking data stream (10) exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A novel endoscope includes a camera module, an electrical cable, and an electrical connector. The camera module includes an analog image signal output terminal. The cable includes an analog image signal line having a first end connected to the analog image signal output terminal of the camera module. The electrical connector includes a set of electrical contacts configured to engage a complimentary set of electrical contacts of a host system. The set of electrical contacts includes at least an analog image signal contact connected to a second end of the analog image signal line of the cable.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a power supply section configured to supply first power and second power to a load apparatus provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion from an apparatus body, and a power supply control section configured to control the power supply section by instructing the power supply section to determine a first command signal based on a target voltage and a feedback voltage which is a voltage of the first power fed back from the distal end portion to the apparatus body so as to output the first power in accordance with the first command signal, and instructing the power supply section P to determine a second command signal based on the first command signal so as to output the second power in accordance with the second command signal.

Abstract: Visual impairment, or vision impairment, refers to the vision loss of an individual to such a degree as to require additional support for one or more aspects of their life. Such a significant limitation of visual capability may result from disease, trauma, congenital, and/or degenerative conditions that cannot be corrected by conventional means, such as refractive correction, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, medication, or surgery. According to embodiments of the invention a method of augmenting a user's sight is provided comprising obtaining an image of a scene using a camera carried by the individual, transmitting the obtained image to a processor, selecting an algorithm of a plurality of spectral, spatial, and temporal image modification algorithms to be applied to the image by the processor, modifying the image using the algorithm substantially in real time, and displaying the modified image on a display device worn by the individual.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a video processor device that performs signal processing on an image, and an external device that is removably connected to the video processor device and can record light source correspondence information that corresponds to multiple light sources. The video processor device acquires light source correspondence information from the external device and performs signal processing that corresponds to the light source correspondence information.

Abstract: An arrangement of an image recording apparatus 1 with a storage device (9) on a side of an interface (8) with a camera control unit (2) that faces the camera head (3) and for implementing in the camera control unit (2) a configuration unit (10) with which camera-head-specific information is readable from the storage device (9) and transmittable to an image signal pre-processing unit (4) of the camera head (3) for configuration.

Abstract: There are provided a connector of which manufacture and maintenance are easy and an endoscope system. A connector is a connector for an endoscope that is connected to a light source device. The connector includes a light guide part that guides illumination light, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the light source device, a wireless power receiving unit that wirelessly receives power supplied from the light source device, and a housing that is formed in a flat shape in which a horizontal length is longer than a vertical length in a connection posture where the connector is connected to the light source device. The light guide part, the wireless communication unit, and the wireless power receiving unit are provided on a front surface of the housing, which faces the light source device, so as to be lined up in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting whether an illumination source of an endoscope is in use (inside the body of a patient) versus not in use (outside the body of a patient). The disclosure relies on the fact that the working environment is lit solely by the endoscope and its components. Thus, communication between the illumination or light source controller and the imaging device, such as a surgical camera, is required. When the illumination or light source is turned off and the endoscope is outside the body, a sensor will detect ambient light alerting the illumination source controller that it is outside the body, which then keeps the illumination source off or at a low intensity level. Conversely, when the illumination source is turned off and the endoscope is inside the body, the sensor will not detect any light (or will detect only a very low level of light).

Abstract: The endoscope apparatus includes an image acquisition section (image composition processing section) that acquires a captured image in a zoom observation state in time series, the zoom observation state being an observation state in which a magnification of an optical system is higher than that in a normal observation state, a defocus amount information extraction section (texture extraction section) that extracts defocus amount information from the captured image in the zoom observation state, and a defocus amount correction section (texture correction amount calculation section, texture correction section, and blending section) that corrects the captured image based on the extracted defocus amount information.

Abstract: A power supplying method and apparatus. The power supplying apparatus includes: a detection module, connected to a detection pin group of a camera module, and configured to generate a recognition signal according to a detected detection signal on the detection pin group of the camera module; a power supply recognition module, connected to the detection module, and configured to recognize a type of the camera module according to the recognition signal, to determine power supply information corresponding to the type of the camera module; a power-on control module, connected to the power supply recognition module and a power supply module, and configured to control a power supply time sequence of at least three power supply units and a power supply voltage of each of the power supply units, so that the at least three power supply units supply power to the camera module.

Abstract: A processor includes: a data transmission/reception section that reads parameter data unique to a scope from a ROM provided in the scope; a register communication state determination section that determines whether or not the parameter data read from the data transmission/reception section has an error; and a mute control/color bar control section that if a result of the determination by the register communication state determination section indicates that the parameter data has an error, controls an image processing section according to a type of the parameter data having the error.

Abstract: A method of using a scanning microscope to rapidly form a digital image of an area. The method includes performing an initial set of scans to form a guide pixel set for the area and using the guide pixel set to identify regions representing structures of interest in the area. Then, performing additional scans of the regions representing structures of interest, to gather further data to further evaluate pixels in the regions, and not scanning elsewhere in the area.

Abstract: A video imaging system that allows a user to save select image data to at least one detachable storage device, the image data presented on a display for the user, where the user is provided with various control interfaces for saving and appending information to the saved image data. The at least one detachable storage device also including user settings data that is used to adjust the settings of the camera control unit according to the user preferences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for acquiring real-time video images of a terminal, sad method comprising: acquiring light intensity of an existing environment when the terminal acquires the real-time video images; comparing the light intensity of the existing environment with a light intensity threshold value set by the terminal system; acquiring images preset by the terminal and sending the preset images to an existing receiver which is communicating with the terminal if the light intensity of the existing environment is lower than the light intensity threshold value set by the terminal system. The present invention can ensure the quality of video conversation when the light intensity is weak, save power energy, improve the user experience, and is beneficial to promote the video communication terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring and transmitting video image data with parameter data superimposed thereon is provided. The design includes an input device configured to receive said video image data and separately receiving said parameter data, the input device configured to transmit the video image data and parameter data as separate data streams. The design further includes a computing device comprising a computer based utility configured to receive the separate data streams, store the separate data streams, edit at least one data stream, and generate combined video data. Combined video data represents combined video image data and parameter data. The design also includes a display device configured to present the combined video data.

Abstract: The present invention is an endoscope device in which a portion of the optical system can be changed using an optical adaptor, provided with: an image pickup member for capturing an image that is input from an optical system that incorporates a reference scope or user scope, and an optical adaptor; a first recording medium that records a first information that includes at least distortion parameters of the reference scope which indicate the optical properties of the reference scope; a second recording medium that records a second information that includes at least distortion parameters of the user scope which indicate the optical properties of the user scope; and a distortion correcting member that corrects distortion in the image captured by the image pickup member when the user scope and the optical adaptor are combined, based on the first information which is read out from the first recording medium and the second information which is read out from the second recording medium.

Abstract: An electronic endoscopic apparatus includes an endoscopic scope and an image processing processor. The endoscopic scope includes a solid-state imaging device, an imaging-side multiplying unit, and an imaging synchronization signal generating unit. The image processing processor includes a display clock generating unit, a monitor synchronization signal generating unit, a master imaging clock generating unit, a processor-side multiplying/dividing unit, a phase-comparison oscillation control unit, and a display timing adjustment unit.

Abstract: In a processor of a wireless image transmission system that transmits, by radio communication, an image signal obtained by converting an image obtained by an endoscope apparatus, a communication state detection unit monitors a communication state of radio communication. An editing unit edits the image signal according to a mode in which the endoscope apparatus obtains an image when the deterioration of a communication state is detected by the communication state detection unit. A transmission unit transmits the image signal output from the editing unit to a receiver.

Abstract: An imaging system having at least two surgical systems, each surgical system having a camera control unit with a network port; a camera head coupled to the camera control unit; and a monitor coupled to the camera control unit; a network is coupled to the network port of each camera control unit; and a server is coupled to the network, the server having a storage device with a user database and a case database; and wherein the server is configured as a web server to provide data, video and images from the camera control units to users connected to the network.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes an independently exchangeable first circuit board that has an electric component and a non-volatile first storage unit; a second circuit board that has an electric component, a non-volatile second storage unit, and a third storage unit; and a controller that accumulates and stores information corresponding to an imaging count in the third storage unit at a first timing that corresponds to imaging performed by the image capture apparatus, and causes information corresponding to the information stored in the third storage unit to be stored in the first or second storage unit at a second timing that occurs at a longer interval than the first timing. The controller stores the information corresponding to the imaging count in the third storage unit after comparing information regarding the imaging count stored in the first and second storage units.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of modifying an image in a video that includes the step of capturing a visible light image of an area, where the visible light image captured at a first frame rate. The method in addition includes the step of capturing a corresponding infrared light image of an area, the infrared light image being captured when the area is illuminated with an infrared light source, the infrared light image captured at the substantially the same frame rate as the visible light image. Based on the infrared light image, at least a subset of the human perceptible characteristics of the captured visible light image are modified.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores data of a plurality of medical images at different imaging angles or different imaging positions with respect to the same region, a display unit which displays the data of the medical image read out from the storage unit, and a control unit which controls the storage unit and the display unit to play back the plurality of medical images as moving images and pause playback of the medical image.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a reading unit which reads video data and control data from a recording medium, the recording medium containing the video data including a plurality of image data and the control data used to control a measurement operation; a measuring unit which performs the measurement operation on the basis of the image data of the video data read by the reading unit; and a control unit which controls the measuring unit on the basis of the control data read by the reading unit.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a special light image acquisition section that acquires an image including an object image that includes information in a specific wavelength band as a special light image, an attention area detection section that detects an attention area based on a feature quantity of each pixel of the special light image, a disappearance determination section that determines whether or not the attention area has disappeared from a display target area based on a detection result for the attention area, the display target area being an area displayed on an output section, a guide information generation section that generates guide information about the attention area that has disappeared based on a determination result of the disappearance determination section, and an output control section that controls output of information including the guide information generated by the guide information generation section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conversion of signals from a first type of image sensor to a second type of camera control unit is presented. A first interface is provided for enabling electrical communication between the conversion module and an image sensor, the image sensor being interchangeable between a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor. A second interface is provided for enabling electrical communication between the conversion module and a camera control unit (CCU). Also provided is conversion circuitry in communication with the first interface and the second interface, the conversion circuitry receiving signals of a first type from the first interface, converting the signals of a first type to signals of a second type and providing the signals of a second type to the second interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote-head imaging system with a camera control unit capable of supporting multiple input devices. The camera control unit detects an input device to which it is connected and changes the camera control unit's internal functionality accordingly. Such changes include altering clock timing, changing video output parameters, and changing image processing software. In addition, a user is able to select different sets of software program instructions and hardware configuration information based on the head that is attached. The remote-head imaging system utilizes field-programmable circuitry, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), in order to facilitate the change in configuration.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes an insertion portion including an insulative distal end hard portion main body at a distal end thereof, an operation portion provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion and including a connector connection electrically connected to a ground portion, a ground metal member provided between the main body and the operation portion, forming a structure of the insertion portion, and being electrically conductive to the ground portion through the connector connection, an observation optical system including an optical element and a frame member having conductive properties and holding the optical element, and being extended from the distal end of the insertion portion toward the operation portion, and a conductive connecting portion allowing the frame member of the observation optical system to become electrically conductive with respect to the ground metal member.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly powering various devices positioned on an endoscope, including, for example, a light source, various electronics including an imager and/or a memory device. The system is further provided such that video signal processing parameters are automatically set 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: This is an endoscope apparatus which has an endoscope which picks up an image of a sample using a solid state image pickup element and outputs an image pickup signal, and a processor which processes the above-mentioned image pickup signal, generates HDTV and SDTV serial digital video signals, switches one side of those selectively, and performs a serial output, in which the serial digital video signal switched selectively by the above-mentioned processor is output through a first connector, the above-mentioned processor is equipped with a discrimination signal generating section which is linked with selection switching of the above-mentioned HDTV or SDTV serial digital video signal to generate an HDTV/SDTV discrimination signal which can discriminate the above-mentioned HDTV or SDTV serial digital video signal, and the discrimination signal is output through a second connector different from the above-mentioned first connector.

Abstract: A method for reducing an effect of a video artifact includes adjusting a phase of a second imaging device's video clock signal so that a phase of the second imaging device's video synchronization signal matches a phase of a first imaging device's video synchronization signal. An endoscopic system includes a first imaging device, a second imaging device, a light source, and a controller that reduces an artifact in an image produced by the first imaging device. In some embodiments, the first imaging device faces the light source.

Abstract: A processor includes: a data transmission/reception section that reads parameter data unique to a scope from a ROM provided in the scope; a register communication state determination section that determines whether or not the parameter data read from the data transmission/reception section has an error; and a mute control/color bar control section that if a result of the determination by the register communication state determination section indicates that the parameter data has an error, controls an image processing section according to a type of the parameter data having the error.

Abstract: In an image managing apparatus connected to: an image processing apparatus receiving an image signal from an imaging apparatus capturing a medical examination image; and an image recording apparatus recording a captured image, an apparatus information storage stores an image processing apparatus type. An apparatus ID acquiring unit acquires an image processing apparatus identifier from the connected image processing apparatus. An apparatus type acquiring unit reads out the type of the connected image processing apparatus based on the image processing apparatus identifier acquired by the apparatus ID acquiring unit. If the image processing apparatus type read by the apparatus type acquiring unit indicates that the apparatus can transmit an image file directly to the image recording apparatus, a file acquiring unit reads out from the image recording apparatus an image file that the image processing apparatus stores directly in the image recording apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the central control of devices used during an operation, comprising a first control unit for control of said devices. The system is characterized in that a second control unit is provided which is connected to the first control unit for exchange of information. The first control unit may be embodied as closed system for control of at least those devices which carry out safety-related functions (safety-related devices), and the second control unit may be embodied as open system for control of the remaining devices which carry out non safety-related functions (non safety-related devices). The invention further relates to a method for the central control of devices.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes: an image pickup apparatus mounted at a distal end portion of an insertion portion; an operation portion provided consecutively at the insertion portion, with a frame member incorporated therein; and an electrical cable extended from the operation portion for connection with an external device. In the electronic endoscope apparatus, the frame member has a circuit board portion which establishes electrical connection between shields of the insertion portion and the electrical cable, and on which various electronic parts for exchanging signals with the image pickup apparatus are mounted. In spite of the arrangement of the image pickup apparatus that can acquire high-quality images at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, a size of the apparatus, in particular, a diameter of the insertion portion, can be prevented from being increased.

Abstract: An endoscope having a color space conversion circuit performs a matrix calculation according to RGB signals and matrix data respectively corresponding to signals in wavelength ranges is provided with a wavelength memory section having a default data memory area, which stores a default value representing a wavelength range selected by a wavelength selection section, and a changed-wavelength saving area that stores a wavelength range selected by the wavelength selection section after changed from the wavelength range represented by the default value. Subsequently, at least a part of the wavelength range stored in the changed-wavelength saving area is rewritten by a reset section into the default value stored in the default data memory area.

Abstract: A control unit is connected to an endoscopic video camera, which is connected to an endoscope. Image data representing an image is received by the control unit from the video camera. Based on a characteristic of the received image which is indicative of a physical characteristic of the endoscope, the endoscope is recognized and/or and the value of a parameter for processing or display of images acquired by the camera is then automatically selected.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope is swallowed by a patient, to capture images from inner wall surfaces of patient's digestive tract, while detecting imaging positions of the capsule endoscope. A doctor observes the images captured by the capsule endoscope, to select an aimed point image that contains a portion suspected of a lesion, and some images that represent pass points on an insertion route of a balloon endoscope. While a probing tip of the balloon endoscope is being inserted into the patient for the sake of thorough examination of the suspected portion, a degree of similarity between an image captured by the balloon endoscope and an image of a destination point, which is one of the pass points and the aimed point, is detected to judge by the similarity whether the probing tip has reached the destination point or not. So the doctor can get the probing tip to the aimed point easily.

Abstract: A method for reducing an effect of a video artifact includes adjusting a phase of a second imaging device's video clock signal so that a phase of the second imaging device's video synchronization signal matches a phase of a first imaging device's video synchronization signal. An endoscopic system includes a first imaging device, a second imaging device, a light source, and a controller that reduces an artifact in an image produced by the first imaging device. In some embodiments, the first imaging device faces the light source.

Abstract: A multiple capsule camera apparatus is disclosed to enhance the rate of detection and/or extend the overall imaging period. The multiple capsule camera apparatus coordinates the operations of the camera according to a schedule so that one camera may enter an active mode when the other camera is anticipated to have a low battery level. The capsule cameras may also coordinate their operations by communication with each other through a wireless link. A base station may also be used to coordinate the capsule camera operations with a wireless link established between the base station and each capsule camera.

Abstract: An endoscope system, including: an endoscope for picking up an image of a subject and outputting an image pickup signal of the image; an external processor having a post-signal processing circuit which processes the image pickup signal inputted from the endoscope and generates a video signal that can be outputted to a monitor; and an output detecting circuit for detecting the presence or absence of an output of the image pickup signal and the presence or absence of an output of the video signal.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes a receiver, a signal processor, an identifying unit, and a processing determining unit. The receiver receives serial data transmitted from a body-insertable apparatus, the serial data including a payload portion that indicates actual content of the serial data and an additional portion that is added to the payload portion as a signal indicating a position to start processing and contains attribute information that varies according to each type of body-insertable apparatus. The signal processor performs predetermined signal processing on the payload portion of the serial data. The identifying unit identifies a type of the body-insertable apparatus based on the attribute information contained in the additional portion of the serial data. The processing determining unit selects a mode of signal processing performed on the payload portion by the signal processor based on an identification result obtained by the identifying unit.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system is provided that includes an RGB transformer, an R-signal amplifier, and a GB-signal amplifier. The RGB transformer transforms image signals to RGB signals. The R-signal amplifier changes the amplitude of the R signals of the RGB signals to a predetermined gain value. The GB-signal amplifier nonlinearly changes the amplitude of the G signals and B signals of the RGB signals.

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: An endoscope signal processor to which an endoscope having an image pickup device is detachably connected has a phase-locked loop circuit in which a phase comparator compares a phase of a variable clock with that of a reference clock output from the image pickup device to generate a variable clock phase-synchronized with the reference clock. The processor includes a gate section opened or closed to input of the reference clock to the phase comparator, an operation control signal generation section which generates an operation control signal for setting the phase-locked loop circuit in a closed loop operable state during intermittent periods, and a sync timing setting section which synchronizes a timing of starting the generation of the operation control signal with a timing of input of the variable clock to the phase comparator at least within a predetermined time period shorter than the cycle of the variable clock.

Abstract: An endoscope in accordance with the present invention provides an endoscope having an image pickup apparatus and including a first connection portion provided on one side surface of a first solid-state image pickup device to connect the first solid-state image pickup device to a first circuit board, and a second connection portion provided on one side surface of a second solid-state image pickup device to connect the second solid-state image pickup device to a second circuit board, the first solid-state image pickup device and the second solid-state image pickup device being arranged in proximity to each other so that a side surface of the first solid-state image pickup device which does not have the first connection portion lies opposite to a side surface of the second solid-state image pickup device which does not have the second connection portion.

Abstract: A video imaging system that allows a user to save select image data to a detachable storage device, the image data presented on a display for the user, where the user is provided with various control interfaces for saving and appending information to the saved image data. The detachable storage device also including user settings data that is used to adjust the settings of the camera control unit according to the user preferences.

Abstract: A method for displaying images includes adjusting at least one characteristic of an image from a first imaging device of an endoscope to match at least one corresponding characteristic of an image from a second imaging device of the endoscope. The at least one characteristic may be one or more of color, contrast and brightness. An endoscopic system includes an endoscope including a first imaging device and a second imaging device, and a display device that displays an image from the first imaging device of the endoscope and an image from the second imaging device of the endoscope, wherein the images are sized so that an object, when placed at the same distance from the imaging devices, appears to have about the same size in the images.

Abstract: An endoscope signal processing apparatus has a first video signal generating circuit and a second video signal generating circuit which respectively generate a first video signal and a second video signal offering different resolutions depending on a first image capturing device and a second image capturing device respectively which are mounted in an endoscope removably connected to an endoscope connecting portion. The first and second video signals can be selectively output to an exterior through a common video signal output connector.

Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive image acquisition apparatus capable of capturing not only an image of a still object, but also an image of a moving object with the use of an appropriate quantity of illumination light. The image acquisition apparatus includes a head section incorporating an image acquisition device therein and including a lens module and an illuminating part, a main body section including an illumination light source, an image acquisition control part and an image processing part, and a cable section connecting between the main body section and the head section. The lens module is one of a first lens module incorporating therein a lens for high-speed observation and a second lens module incorporating therein a lens for enlargement observation, which is selectively attached to the head section.

Abstract: An endoscope system, including a plurality of processor devices, each of which having a detachably attached endoscope, and a controller device, which is communicably connected with the plurality of processor devices, is provided. The controller device is capable of outputting at least one of an activating signal to activate at least one of the processor devices and an inactivating signal to inactivate at least one of the processor devices to the at least one of the processor devices. Each of the plurality of processor devices includes a first power supplying unit to supply the processor device with activating power, a power supply controlling unit, which is driven by preparatory power and is capable of at least one of switching on the first power supplying unit and switching off the first power supplying unit, and a second power supplying unit to supply the preparatory power to the power supply controlling unit.