Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope that has a solid-state image-pickup device in which charges are accumulated in order to pick up an object image. The endoscope apparatus further comprises a memory in which a plurality of pieces of information on the accumulation period during which charges are accumulated in the solid-state image-pickup device is stored, and a drive unit that controls the accumulation period, during which charges are accumulated in the solid-state image-pickup device, on the basis of the pieces of information on the accumulation period stored in the memory. The endoscope further includes an optical member whose surface is shaped rotationally asymmetric. Correction information stored in a memory and associated with the optical element is used to correct an output signal of the solid-state image-pickup device.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided with an endoscope processor that processes an image signal output by an electronic endoscope, an endoscope controlling system connected to the endoscope processor to control operation of the endoscope processor or a device connected to the endoscope processor, an endoscope server that communicates with the endoscope controlling system through a first network, a service server that communicates with at least one of the endoscope processor and the device connected to the endoscope processor through a second network, and a surveillance circuit that surveys operation of the endoscope processor or the device connected to the endoscope processor, the endoscope controlling system transmits a surveying result to the endoscope server through the first network, and the endoscope server transmits the surveying result of the surveillance circuit to the service server through the second network.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus including: an endoscope unit having: a lens units; a photographing unit for photographing an optical image picked up through the lens unit; and a lens unit driving motor for driving the lens unit for realizing at least one of a zoom function and a focus function; and a control unit having: an image processing circuit for processing an image signal output from the photographing unit, and for outputting the processed image signal to a monitor, wherein: at least one of the endoscope unit and the control unit comprises: a motor driving circuit for controlling the lens unit driving motor; and a motor control circuit for outputting a control signal that controls the motor driving circuit by detecting a switch signal generated by operation of a zoom switch or a focus switch.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises an electric scope, an input apparatus, a processing unit, and a computer. The electric scope has an imaging device. The input apparatus is used for inputting information of a patient. The processing unit outputs first electric signals which are obtained by the imaging device, and second electric signals which are obtained by the input apparatus, as image signals for peripheral devices. The computer is connected to the processing unit. The processing unit separately outputs first image signals corresponding to the first electric signals, and second image signals corresponding to the second electric signals, to the computer.

Abstract: A system, device and method for serializing and authorizing a single use imaging device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a single use imaging device comprising a memory having a stored code that includes a unique serial identifier. In another embodiment, the invention provides a system for authorizing a single use imaging device comprising a single use imaging device with an image of a verification object that includes a serial identifier uniquely associated with the device, a control unit capable of electronically receiving the verification object image, a decoder capable of extracting a serial identifier from the verification object image, a database of authorized serial identifiers, and means for determining if the single use imaging device is authorized.

Abstract: A DVI circuit for generating a digital video signal in accordance with a display standard of a personal computer, etc. is provided for a processor device to which an electronic endoscope is connected. On the output side of the DVI circuit, a high vision system converter which is an adapter unit is connected as arbitrarily attached and removed using a connector. In the processor device, when the fixed state of a fixing screw is detected by a detection switch SW1, and it is determined that the power supply line connected using a connector to the high vision system converter is in the energized state, a live line processing circuit activates a signal line of the connector. Thus, the adapter unit can be easily attached and removed without turning off the processor device.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus which records image data of an object under observation on a recording medium has an image storage memory capable of storing current image data for at least one examination in response to an image capture command and transfers the image data from the image storage memory to the recording medium and erases the image data stored in the image storage memory at the time of the first image capture during the next examination after an electronic scope is turned on. The image data stored in the image storage memory may also be erased at the time of the first image capture after new patient data is inputted or after the number of recorded images is reset.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus, includes: an explosion-proof unit that has an image pickup device that outputs photographed video images as video image signals; and an A/D converter that converts the video image signals into digitalized image signals; a control unit that controls the explosion-proof unit; and an energy limiting circuit that is provided at the control unit and that limits electrical energy of digital signals to satisfy intrinsic safety when sending and receiving of the digital signals, wherein the explosion-proof unit is connected to the control unit via the energy limiting circuit with a signal line.

Abstract: A computer-based video recording and management system is provided which is used in conjunction with medical diagnostic equipment. The system allows a physician or medical personnel to record and time-mark significant events during a medical procedure on video footage, to index patient data with the video footage, and then to later edit or access the video footage with patient data from a database in an efficient manner. The system includes at least one input device that inserts a time-mark into the video footage; and a workstation that associates an index with each time-mark, extracts a portion of the video footage at the time-mark beginning just before and ending just after the time-mark, concatenates the portion of the video footage with other portions of video footage, into a shortened summary video clip, and stores both the video footage and summary video clip into a searchable database.

Abstract: An endoscope surgery system is provided, as a medical system, to be easily used by a user who is not used to the operation. An endoscope operation system includes a trolley and a remote controller. The trolley includes a plurality of medical devices (having a TV camera for an endoscope, a light source device, pneumoperitoneum equipment, an electric knife, and a VTR). Further, the trolley includes a system controller for radio communication with the medical devices, and an operation panel and a display panel for operating the system controller. The system controller detects operation states of the plurality of medical devices, determines the medical device to be operated next based on the detection result, and displays, on the operation panel or the display panel, an operation screen of the medical device or a screen for information on the operation state based on the determination result.

Abstract: A personal computer is a main part of an image filing device. In accordance with a release trigger generated by pressing a release switch included in an electronic endoscope, the personal computer records image signals output from an endoscope device, which are associated with examination information relating to endoscope examination input through a keyboard and/or a mouse. Then, the personal computer displays image signals and/or information output from the endoscope device on a monitor. The personal computer searches and displays examination information in accordance with a search condition input by the keyboard and/or the mouse. In addition, the personal computer searches and displays examination information by changing a search range under a predetermined condition with respect to the search condition.

Abstract: When a first-stage operation or first operation of a freeze switch is performed, a still image is stored in image memory and is displayed on a monitor. When an electronic variable power switch is operated in this state, a still image electronically enlarged is formed on the basis of a signal of the above-described image memory. Then, when a second-stage operation or second operation of the freeze switch is performed, the above-described enlarged still image is recorded in a recording device. Owing to this, it is possible to display and record an arbitrary still image that is enlarged and is positioned on optimum conditions. Moreover, by single operation of an electronic variable power switch, an enlarged still image can be formed and can be also recorded simultaneously. Furthermore, even if continuous recording operation is prohibited, the next recording operation can be performed by operating the electronic variable power switch.

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: An endoscope system including a database and a database managing device is disclosed. The database is configured to store a plurality of pieces of endoscope data. Each piece of the endoscope data corresponds to a different endoscope and is associated with ownership information indicating a term for which the corresponding endoscope is allowed to be utilized. The database managing device selects the piece of endoscope data to be replaced based on the ownership information. The ownership information includes information on whether the corresponding endoscope is purchased or not The database managing device selects and replaces the piece of endoscope data related to the endoscope that is not purchased in preference to purchased endoscope data.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope selector that is used in an electronic endoscope system which shares peripheral devices, such as a TV monitor, VCR etc., among a plurality of electronic endoscopes. The electronic endoscope selector comprises switching circuits for switching and selecting video signals and synchronization signals fed from one of the plurality of electronic endoscopes. The selector also comprises amplifiers, gamma correction circuits, a system control circuit and memory. The amplifiers and gamma correction circuits are for adjusting gains and gamma correction of RGB video signals fed from the selected electronic endoscope. Parameters for appropriate gains and gamma correction corresponding to each endoscope are stored in the memory. The system control circuit controls the amplifiers and gamma correction circuits in accordance with the parameters that correspond to the selected electronic endoscope.

Abstract: In an organ-region-indication system incorporated in an electronic endoscope system in which an endoscope image is displayed as a motion image on a monitor in accordance with a video signal produced therein, an organ-region-image data base is formed based on an organ map. A plurality of reference data indicating organ-regions and a plurality of image data representing the organ-region are correspondingly stored in the data base. Still image data is retrieved as referential image data from the video signal at suitable regular time intervals. The data base is searched for image data which coincides with the referential image data after the retrieval of the still image data. Corresponding reference data is displayed on the monitor only when the image data, which coincides with the referential image data, is found by the searching.

Abstract: A multi-function image capture unit for use in an endoscopic camera system is provided. The image capture unit includes a touch-screen LCD display for generating a graphical user interface and for receiving associated user inputs. The image capture unit is configured to be coupled to an endoscopic camera, an external monitor, and a network. The image capture unit receives live video generated by the endoscopic camera, displays the video on the external monitor and the LCD display, and stores the live video within the image capture unit. Prior to recording, the video is buffered and compressed. The image capture unit can also store the live video in a remote computer system via the network. The image capture unit can also capture and store still images based on the live video as well as store the still images in the remote computer system. “One-touch” network login and storage allows these operations to be performed in response to a single touch by the user.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system is provided with an outputting device specifying tool and a database having tables. In the tables, compensation data, for compensating image signals generated by the system in accordance with outputting devices, are recorded. When the model of outputting device is specified by the specifying tool, the tables are searched using the name of the specified model of outputting device as a search key, so that compensation data for compensating the image signals in accordance with the characteristics of the connected outputting device can be obtained. The image signals are output to the connected outputting device, after being compensated based on the compensation data.

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: An electronic endoscope system that shares peripheral devices, such as a TV monitor, VCR etc., among a plurality of electronic endoscopes via an electronic endoscope selector. Each of the electronic endoscopes is connected to the electronic endoscope selector and the electronic endoscope selector selectively switches between video signals of the electronic endoscopes and feeds them to the TV monitor. Further the electronic endoscope selector comprises image memories and is able to store an image captured by the electronic endoscopes. A stored image may be comparatively displayed on the screen of the TV monitor with the live video being captured by the selected endoscope units. Further, the comparative display is controlled by control buttons on the electronic endoscope. The electronic endoscope selector also comprises a memory for storing image parameters for each electronic endoscope, and adjusts images on the screen by utilizing the parameter for each electronic endoscope.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope selector that is used in an electronic endoscope system which shares peripheral devices, such as a TV monitor, VCR etc., among a plurality of electronic endoscopes. The electronic endoscope selector comprises switching circuits for switching and selecting video signals and synchronizing signals fed from one of the plurality of electronic endoscopes in the system. The selector also comprises ON/OFF switches and a timer. The ON/OFF switch controls output of the selected video signals. When the switching circuits switch between the plurality of electronic endoscope and switch video signals and synchronizing signals to that of a newly selected electronic endoscope, the output of video signals are suspended during a predetermined period, by the timer. On the other hand, the synchronizing signals are output simultaneously with the above switching.

Abstract: This electric mask generating apparatus reads mask bit string generation data, which has a configuration of one pixel per bit and is set in ROM, by a microcomputer, develops the mask bit string generation data in RAM, and thereafter writes the mask bit string generation data in mask generation memory. This electric mask generating apparatus reads a mask signal in this mask generation memory by a microcomputer, and mixes an image signal of an object with the above-described mask signal by using a shift register or the like in a mask-mixing circuit. According to the mask signal having this configuration of one pixel per bit, since it is possible to write the mask signal in the above-described mask generation memory during the time that is one-eighth of conventional write time, it becomes possible to quickly display an image to which a normal mask or a scaled mask is given.

Abstract: A nonvolatile, programmable memory is incorporated in an endoscope. Endoscope-related data closely relevant to the endoscope, such as, an endoscope model name and the number of power feeds are stored in the nonvolatile memory. The endoscope is connected to an external image processing apparatus, and endoscope-related data is read from the nonvolatile memory. Based on the read endoscope-related data, the use situation of the endoscope is grasped or the endoscope is managed. The number of power feeds is varied depending on the use situation of the endoscope, and written in the nonvolatile memory. Thus, the endoscope-related data is used to maintain the endoscope and reduce a load to be incurred by the external image processing apparatus that is a connected apparatus. Consequently, the endoscope can be managed and maintained easily using a small software system.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system that shares peripheral devices, such as a TV monitor, VCR etc., among a plurality of electronic endoscopes via an electronic endoscope selector. Each of the electronic endoscopes is connected to the electronic endoscope selector and the electronic endoscope selector selectively switches between video signals of the electronic endoscopes and feeds them to the TV monitor. Further the electronic endoscope selector comprises image memories and is able to store an image captured by the electronic endoscopes. A stored image may be comparatively displayed on the screen of the TV monitor with the live video being captured by the selected endoscope units. Further, the comparative display is controlled by control buttons on the electronic endoscope. The electronic endoscope selector also comprises a memory for storing image parameters for each electronic endoscope, and adjusts images on the screen by utilizing the parameter for each electronic endoscope.

Abstract: A personal computer is a main part of an image filing device. In accordance with a release trigger generated by pressing a release switch included in an electronic endoscope, the personal computer records image signals output from an endoscope device, which are associated with examination information relating to endoscope examination input through a keyboard and/or a mouse. Then, the personal computer displays image signals and/or information output from the endoscope device on a monitor. The personal computer searches and displays examination information in accordance with a search condition input by the keyboard and/or the mouse. In addition, the personal computer searches and displays examination information by changing a search range under a predetermined condition with respect to the search condition.

Abstract: A video-signal processing device is connectable to an electronic endoscope designed to output at least one kind of electric analog video signal, and comprises: an analog-to-digital converter for converting the electric analog video signal into a parallel electric digital video signal; and a parallel-to-serial converter for converting the parallel electric digital video signal into a serial electric digital video signal, whereby the electric analog video signal outputted from the electronic endoscope is fed outside from said device as the serial electric digital video signal.

Abstract: A still-picture acquisition section in a computer selects a brightness-periodically-varying portion of image data of a living cell like a cardiac cell, as a sample, which makes a self-ordered periodic motion, monitors a change in brightness, generates a trigger signal at the timing at which the value of the brightness exceeds a specific threshold value, causes a camera body to repeatedly pick up the image of the living cell after a predetermined delay time, and then averages the picked-up images. This makes it possible to acquire as high-quality still pictures the instantaneous status of a living cell which varies with time in accordance with the application of external stimulation or the in-vivo order.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a use of a medical video endoscope (1), comprising a processing system (4) having an input for receiving color data signals (5), comprising a set of color data components, said processing system (4) comprising a color analysis unit (21), provided for selecting at least one of said color data components, and for determining for each of said selected color data components an intensity value, said processing system further comprising a memory (10-12) for storing at least a first color value reference range, indicating first color intensity values obtained upon use of said endoscope, said memory being connected to an input of a verification unit (25), said verification unit being provided for determining a second color value on the basis of said intensity values, and for verifying if said second value is within said first color value reference range, said verification unit being also provided for generating a flag, indicating said use, upon establishing that said second color value is with

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided with an endoscope processor that processes an image signal output by an electronic endoscope, an endoscope controlling system connected to the endoscope processor to control operation of the endoscope processor or a device connected to the endoscope processor, an endoscope server that communicates with the endoscope controlling system through a first network, a service server that communicates with at least one of the endoscope processor and the device connected to the endoscope processor through a second network, and a surveillance circuit that surveys operation of the endoscope processor or the device connected to the endoscope processor, the endoscope controlling system transmits a surveying result to the endoscope server through the first network, and the endoscope server transmits the surveying result of the surveillance circuit to the service server through the second network.

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: A system and method for wide angle imaging of body lumens are provided. The system comprises at least one imager and an optical system having a plurality of optical paths for imaging images from within the body lumen onto the at least one imager. The system may be incorporated in or attached onto a device that is configured to be inserted into and pass through body lumens such as an endoscope a needle or a swallowable capsule.

Abstract: A method for interfacing a digital set-top box with a digital television in accordance with Electronics Industries Association standard 775A. According to one embodiment, a multiple program transport stream is received and filtered. The filtering process produces a single program transport stream based on a program selected by a user. The single program transport stream is provided to the digital television over a 1394 bus in accordance with EIA standard 775A. The program association information associated with the single program transport stream is also provided to the digital television. In one embodiment, the invention contains a component performing on-screen display function for user interface information displayed on a DTV.

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: An image recording apparatus which includes a time-serial image recording arrangement for recording time-serial images of an object. The apparatus also includes an outputting arrangement capable of outputting an image information data of at least a part of the time-serial images to be recorded or having been recorded by the time-serial image recording arrangement, which is used as a standard for observing variations in the time-serial images of the object which occur with lapse of time. The outputting arrangement includes an extracting arrangement for extracting a selected feature of at least one image among the time-serial images as the image information to be a standard of the position and a composing arrangement for composing and outputting image information of the selected feature extracted by the extracting arrangement and for composing and outputting the time-serial images.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope selector that is used in an electronic endoscope system which shares peripheral devices, such as a TV monitor, VCR etc., among a plurality of electronic endoscopes. The electronic endoscope selector comprises switching circuits for switching and selecting video signals and synchronizing signals fed from one of the plurality of electronic endoscopes in the system. The selector also comprises ON/OFF switches and a timer. The ON/OFF switch controls output of the selected video signals. When the switching circuits switch between the plurality of electronic endoscope and switch video signals and synchronizing signals to that of a newly selected electronic endoscope, the output of video signals are suspended during a predetermined period, by the timer. On the other hand, the synchronizing signals are output simultaneously with the above switching.

Abstract: An endoscopic image display system has a recording apparatus for recording an endoscopic image signal, a retrieval apparatus connected with the recording apparatus so as to retrieve an image recorded in the recording apparatus, the retrieval apparatus generating a retrieval-character image signal for an operation to effect such a retrieval, a hi-vision monitor for displaying an endoscopic image from the recording apparatus which has been retrieved by the retrieval apparatus; and an image display control apparatus for outputting to the hi-vision monitor a retrieval-character image signal from the retrieval apparatus, and for controlling the outputting of a plurality of image signals in such a manner that a retrieval-character image is displayed together with the endoscopic image by the monitor on the same screen.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system includes an endoscope unit, a video processing unit, a display device. The video processing unit is provided with a device for changing parameters referred to for controlling illumination light and an image display condition. A registration ID (identification) code and the displaying parameters are stored in a non-volatile memory. A hard key is detachably coupled to the video processing unit. The hard key stores an ID code intrinsic thereto, and the displaying condition is adjusted in accordance with the displaying parameters stored in the memory if the ID code of the hard key coincides with the registration ID code. While, the display condition is adjusted in accordance with a predetermined reference displaying parameters if the ID code of the hard key does not coincide with the registration ID code.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope selector that is used in an electronic endoscope system which shares peripheral devices, such as a TV monitor, VCR etc., among a plurality of electronic endoscopes. The electronic endoscope selector comprises switching circuits for switching and selecting video signals and synchronization signals fed from one of the plurality of electronic endoscopes. The selector also comprises amplifiers, gamma correction circuits, a system control circuit and memory. The amplifiers and gamma correction circuits are for adjusting gains and gamma correction of RGB video signals fed from the selected electronic endoscope. Parameters for appropriate gains and gamma correction corresponding to each endoscope are stored in the memory. The system control circuit controls the amplifiers and gamma correction circuits in accordance with the parameters that correspond to the selected electronic endoscope.

Abstract: A video-signal processing device is connectable to an electronic endoscope designed to output at least one kind of video signal, and comprises a character-information signal producer for producing a character-information signal on the basis of character-code data, and an adder for adding the character-information signal to the video signal outputted from the electronic endoscope, whereby the video signal carrying the character-information signal is fed outside from the device. When the endoscope further outputs a control signal in response to a turning-ON of a function switch thereof, the device comprises a memory for storing fixed character-code data; and a memory-reader for reading the fixed character-code data from the memory in response to the control signal outputted from the endoscope. The character-information signal producer produces a fixed character-information signal on the basis of the fixed character-code data read from the memory.

Abstract: An endoscope system, having an exchangeable endoscope device, for outputting an image data and a video processing device. The endoscope device is provided with a memory for storing data related to an endoscope type. The video processing device reads the data related to the endoscope type, and transmits the data to a peripheral device. The video processing device has a display, and is capable of displaying an image on the display in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of magnification ratios. The selected magnification ratio is also transmitted to the peripheral device.

Abstract: A first video signal is produced in a video signal processing circuit within a video processor by an imaging device provided in an endoscope, is put into a switching circuit, has the tone and the like corrected by a picture image correcting circuit within an outer peripheral apparatus provided outside the video processor and is converted to a second video signal electrically different from the first video signal. The second video signal is recorded and is displayed in a color monitor through a switching circuit. In case the outer peripheral apparatus is abnormal and a normal picture image is not displayed in the color monitor, by the operation of a forcibly set switch, the first video signal produced in the video signal processing circuit within the video processor will be quickly displayed in the color monitor without being passed through the outer peripheral apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscope examination system of the present invention consisting of a centralized controlling apparatus, a plurality of auxiliary functioning apparatuses and a plurality of workstations. The centralized controlling apparatus comprises a computer which controls each of the auxiliary apparatuses or the like and a switching apparatus which controls a changeover of picture image information transmitted to the auxiliary functioning apparatuses. The plurality of auxiliary functioning apparatuses comprise a computer which exchanges control information with the computer of the centralized controlling apparatus and with the workstations, a switching apparatus which exchanges picture image information with the switching apparatus of the centralized controlling apparatus and with the workstations, and a VTR which records the picture image information.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use with a video fluoroscope generating a video output signal in NTSC video format and a video endoscope generating a video output signal in RGB video format. The two video output signals are input into a photo archiving computer video component for archiving and storing still video images on a suitable storage medium. The photo archiving computer is capable of operating in either RGB mode, in which it is capable of processing video signals in RGB video format, or in NTSC video mode, in which it is capable of processing video signals in NTSC video format. The photo archiving computer has a keyboard associated with it and is responsive to a predetermined keyboard sequence for selecting from between RGB and NTSC video modes for operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic apparatus which creates image information based on picture signals from an electron endoscope and has a memory device for storing the image information.

Abstract: A medical instrument interfacing apparatus including a video instrument for outputting a video signal on which the pattern information of at least one of a character and device is superimposed, a video signal transmitting apparatus for transmitting the video signal of the video instrument, a pattern discriminating apparatus for extracting the pattern information from the video signal transmitted from the video signal transmitting apparatus and a controlled instrument in which the signal of the pattern discriminating apparatus is input.

Abstract: An endoscope image recording apparatus comprises a video endoscope having, at a forward end of an inserting section, an image pickup element, for image-picking-up the interior of a body cavity or the like, an image control unit for signal-processing a picture signal from the video endoscope, to generate an image signal, a portable IC memory card for recording the image signal from the image control unit as image data, a digital audio tape (DAT), a monitor for displaying the image signal from the image control unit or image data recorded on the IC memory card or the DATA, and indication means for indicating control operation to the image control unit. The IC memory card and the DAT tape record a serial number of the image, an INDEX image of the image, patient data, and image data. The IC memory card records an ID number of the DAT tape, while the DAT tape records an ID number of the IC memory card.

Abstract: A video processor which forms an endoscope apparatus is capable of selecting an image signal of a plurality of modes outputted from a signal processing circuit which performs signal processing with respect to an image pickup element of an endoscope, and image signals of a plurality of modes outputted from peripheral devices such as a VTR and the like, by a changing-over switch to output the image signals of the plurality of modes from a plurality of signal output ends. The plurality of output ends are connected to a plurality of input ends of an image display apparatus for performing image display. The image display apparatus is provided with a plurality of signal processing systems corresponding to the image signal of the mode inputted from the respective input ends, and is capable of selecting a single signal processing system by a changing-over switch to output the single signal processing system to a CRT.

Abstract: An endoscope having at the tip of its inserting section a detecting device for detecting physical or chemical changes allows transmission of signals from the detecting device without requiring a dedicated signal line for this detecting device. For example, an electronic endoscope apparatus of the type which has an inserting section extending from an operating section, includes: a detecting device for detecting physical and chemical changes, such as a humidity sensor or a gas sensor, provided at a tip of the inserting section; a notifying device for notifying of the detection results of the detecting device by, for example, displaying them through a monitor; an image-sensing device, such as a CCD, for forming an image signal having a blanking period; and a signal line. A switching device transmits the signals from the detecting means time-sequentially with and during the blanking period of the signals from the image sensing means.