Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end and an imaging device with a steerable extension. The proximal end of the extension is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end region and a rear-viewing imaging device at least partially disposed inside the distal end region. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end cap, an imaging device, and a link that couples the imaging device to the distal end cap of the insertion tube.

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 system having a first image pickup device including at least one image pickup unit that is capable of picking up an image of an object, a second image pickup device including at least one image pickup unit, the second image pickup device being different from the first image pickup device, a retaining member being provided for retaining the second image pickup device in a body cavity, and including a camera cable that is connected to the second image pickup device and transmits an image pickup signal obtained by the second image pickup device, and a wire connected to the second image pickup device, a signal processing device that is provided outside the body cavity and processes image pickup signals obtained by the first image pickup device and the second image pickup device, and a display device that displays an image signal outputted from the signal processing device.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly with a main imaging device and a first light source is configured to provide a forward view of a body cavity, and further includes a detachable imaging device with an attachment member engageable with the distal end region of the endoscope, a linking member connected to the attachment member, and an imaging element with a second light source, wherein the detachable imaging device provides a retrograde view of the body cavity and the main imaging device. Light interference is reduced by using polarizing filters or by alternating the on/off state of the main imaging device, the first light source, the imaging element and the second light source so that the main imaging device and first light source are on when the imaging element and second light source are off and the main imaging device and first light source are off when the imaging element and second light source are on.

Abstract: A snare device and methods of making and using the same. The snare device may include a sheath having a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a shaft slidably disposed therein. A handle may be coupled to the shaft and disposed adjacent the proximal end region. The snare device may also include a swivel disposed adjacent the distal end region of the sheath and coupled to the shaft and to a snare loop.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a first endoscope that includes a first observation optical system with a first viewing angle; and a second endoscope that includes a second observation optical system with a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle. A second distance from a second distal end face of an insertion portion of the second endoscope to a minimum focal point of the second observation optical system is shorter than a first distance from a first distal end face of a distal end portion of the first endoscope to a minimum focal point of the first observation optical system.

Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.

Abstract: An endoscopy apparatus having high degree of motion freedom and the operating method thereof are disclosed. The endoscopy apparatus having high degree of motion freedom includes a multi-stage endoscopy module and a control module. The multi-stage endoscopy module includes at least a first endoscopy unit and a second endoscopy unit. The first endoscopy unit and the second endoscopy unit can provide a first bending and a second bending respectively. The second bending is larger than the first bending. When the multi-stage endoscopy module moves to a region near a target observing position, the control module will control the second endoscopy unit to generate slight deformation to observe a real-time state of the target observing position.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging catheter is configured for insertion via a longitudinal channel of an endoscopic. The endoscopic imaging catheter includes an optical element, an imaging element, and a rotatable tubular shaft comprises an optical element and an imaging element, which comprise a side-looking imaging component. An endoscopic imaging catheter may alternatively comprise reflecting and optical elements and an imaging element. The reflecting element reflects onto the imaging element through the optical element side and rear views of at least a portion, or the entire 360° view of a wall encircling an intrabody lumen around the axis of said the longitudinal channel.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a side viewing observation section and a forward viewing observation section provided on a distal end side of an insertion portion which is inserted into an observation target for acquiring subject images of an observation target in a circumferential direction and an insertion direction of the insertion portion, respectively, a shielding section located within a viewing field of the side viewing observation section for shielding light from the subject entering the side viewing observation section and a protruding member protruding from the insertion portion arranged in a shielding region formed by the shielding section.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a first endoscope having a first observation optical system with a first viewing angle and a first illumination optical system; and a second endoscope having a second observation optical system with a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle and a second illumination optical system. A second illumination region of illuminating light that is emitted by the second illumination optical system and has a predetermined illuminance is wider than a first illumination region of illuminating light that is emitted by the first illumination optical system and has a predetermined illuminance, at any imaging distance that is pointed in an observation direction from a distal end of an insertion portion of each of the first endoscope and the second endoscope.

Abstract: Systems and methods employing a small gauge steerable catheter (30) including a locatable guide (32) with a sheath (40), particularly as an enhancement to a bronchoscope (14). A typical procedure is as follows. The location of a target in a reference coordinate system is detected or imported. The catheter (30) is navigated to the target which tracking the distal tip (34) of the guide (32) in the reference coordinate system. Insertion of the catheter is typically via a working channel of a convention bronchoscope. Once the tip of the catheter is positioned at the target, the guide (32) is withdrawn, leaving the sheath (40) secured in place. The sheath (40) is then used as a guide channel to direct a medical tool to target.

Abstract: An image obtained by an electronic endoscope apparatus is changed to an image that is appropriate for observation with suppressed halation and fewer dark areas. Halation detection means detects halation of a predetermined level or higher in an image represented by a signal obtained by an imaging device, based on the signal. Light amount adjustment means decreases an amount of light emitted from illumination means to cause the halation to become a predetermined level or lower. Luminance conversion means processes the signal so as to generate a luminance conversion image wherein only a dark area having a predetermined luminance or lower in the image due to the decrease in the amount of the light is changed to have a higher luminance.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a first endoscope that includes a first distal end portion, a first observation window provided at the first distal end portion, a first objective optical system optically coupled to the first observation window and having a first viewing angle, and a first treatment instrument channel opening positioned at a first distance away from the first observation window; and a second endoscope that includes a second distal end portion, a second observation window provided at the second distal end portion, a second objective optical system optically coupled to the second observation window and having a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle, and a second treatment instrument channel opening positioned at a second distance longer than the first distance.

Abstract: An endoscopic device providing direct visualization of a surgical procedure, such as a surgical procedure in which there is significant body and/or artificially introduced fluids is provided. This endoscopic device comprises catheter with a lumen in which a transparent gel may be housed. During the surgical operation the transparent gel may be dispensed at the target site to displace the body fluids, such as blood. A visualization tool housed in the catheter may then be inserted into the gel to allow a surgeon to view the target site through the gel. Additionally, the catheter may comprise a surgical tool(s) that a surgeon may use to perform an operation at the target site. After completion of the operation, the gel and tools may be retracted back into the catheter and removed from the patient's body.

Abstract: An endoscope having first and second viewing elements provides separate views of the passage being traversed or the organ being inspected. The endoscope is particularly useful for traversing restrictions and forming desired shapes in situ.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: A side viewing endoscope system is discloses that a mother endoscope of a side viewing type provided an endoscopic observation means is disposed on a side surface of a rigid distal end portion, a instrument rising chamber installed of a instrument riser member for rising up or sinking down of a treatment instrument in the rigid distal end portion, a biopsy channel provided through an axial direction of the insertion section being communicated with said instrument rising chamber, a daughter endoscope having a slender insertion section being inserted into the biopsy channel and having a viewing field in a forward direction of the distal end of the slender insertion section, a perforation window formed at the rigid distal end portion and having a viewing field of the forward direction of the biopsy channel, and the distal end portion being introduced through the biopsy channel at a position not to be protruded from the outer surface of the rigid distal end.

Abstract: A mother-baby endoscope includes: a lateral-view mother endoscope housing a treatment instrument raising stand in a distal end portion and including a treatment instrument insertion channel disposed in an insertion portion and opening toward the treatment instrument raising stand; and a baby endoscope including an insertion portion having a bending portion disposed on a distal end side, the insertion portion being inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel of the mother endoscope and guided into a body cavity for observing or treating a region to be inspected. When the insertion portion of the baby endoscope is protruded by approximately 20 millimeters from an observation window of the mother endoscope in an observation direction, a proximal end surface of the bending portion of the baby endoscope is set to be located on a more proximal end side than an opening portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel.

Abstract: An endoscope for treatment suitable to the treatment in a body cavity comprises an elongated soft observing optical unit having at least an observing optical system; and a unit inserting tool having a unit inserting channel in which the observing optical unit is inserted and a treatment tool inserting channel in which a treatment tool is inserted. The unit inserting channel of the unit inserting tool has a branching portion at which the unit inserting channel is branched into a first inserting channel and a second inserting channel. An observing window which is arranged at the end opening of the first inserting channel is provided in a surface at the distal-end and an observing window which is arranged at the end opening of the second inserting channel is provided in a surface at the halfway portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: The next generation colonoscope has multiple dual view modules that are attached along the length of its shaft. Each dual view module comprises of a forward and rear image lens and a forward and rear illumination bulb. Each dual view module is designed and attached to the shaft in a way that when deployed, the forward image lens and the forward illumination bulb face forwards and provide forward view; and the rear image lens and the rear illumination bulb face backwards and provide rear view. An actuator is used to selectively move the housings from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gastrointestinal endoscope, including a deflectable direction-change tube, which consists of plural ring units, each having a hollow section. Adjacent ring units are spaced by a predetermined distance, having opposing end faces between which at least two integrally formed connectors are provided to connect the adjacent ring units together. An end of the deflectable direction-change tube is operatively coupled to a direction-change operation device and an opposite end coupled to a capsule endoscope clamping structure. At least one control wire extends through a bore of the deflectable direction-change tube and connected between the direction-change operation device and the capsule endoscope clamping structure. By operating an operation capstan to have the control wire pulling the capsule endoscope clamping structure, the deflectable direction-change tube is controlled to change direction, thereby changing direction of a capsule endoscope retained by the capsule endoscope clamping structure.

Abstract: According to the endoscope system of the present invention, when the image pickup device of the first endoscope device detects illumination light irradiated from the illumination device of the second endoscope device, the control device performs control so as to reduce light quantity of the illumination device of the second endoscope device based on the level of luminance signal outputted from the solid state image pickup element of the image pickup device, and when the image pickup device of the second endoscope device detects illumination light irradiated from the illumination device of the first endoscope device, the control device performs control so as to reduce light quantity of the illumination device of the first endoscope device based on the level of luminance signal outputted from the solid state image pickup element of the image pickup device.

Abstract: A surgical system according to the present invention comprises: a surgical instrument for medical treatment of an affected portion in the body cavity; an observation device for observing tissue in the body cavity; an image display device for displaying images taken by the observation device; and an indicating-point control device included in at least one of the surgical instrument and the observation device, for controlling the position of an indicating point superimposed on an image displayed on the image display device.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes that utilize multiple light collectors are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager is disclosed. The scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam onto a region of interest of an object. The scanned beam imager further includes a first light collector structured to collect light reflected from the region of interest and a second light collector positionable relative to the scanning tip. The second light collector structured to collect light transmitted through the region of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to endoscope system having means to provide simultaneous forward and rear views of a hollow organ. It comprises of first image assembly comprising of forward image lens and forward illumination source disposed at distal end of the endoscope and; second image assembly comprising of rear image lens and rear illumination source disposed on rear view module operatively engaged with the endoscope. Upon deployment of rear view module, rear image lens and rear illumination source face backwards with respect to the endoscope; and in some embodiments of the invention; face towards forward image lens and illumination source disposed at the distal end of the endoscope. According one aspect of the invention, means is provided to prevent interference between the forward image lens of the endoscope and rear illumination source of the rear view module; and between rear image lens of the rear view module and forward illumination source of the endoscope.

Abstract: In an endoscope, scopes that include a scope-side memory and a connector are selectively and detachably connected to a processor that includes a processor-side memory and a connection member. A parameter stored in the scope-side memory can be written to the processor-side memory. The connector that is connectable to the connection member is used for connecting the scope to the processor. When the connection member that is movable is in the first position, the connector is detachably connectable to the connection member. When the connection member is in the second position, the subject is observable. When the connection member is moved from the first position to the second position, the parameter is written to the processor-side memory. When the connection member is moved from the second position to the first position, the parameter is written to the scope-side memory.

Abstract: A condensing optical system, suitable for a scanning confocal optical system (having a composition for scanning a beam spot on a subject surface by swinging a point source of light) and capable of satisfactorily suppressing various aberrations and reducing loss of light quantity, is provided. The condensing optical system, installed in a scanning confocal optical system for obtaining images of a subject surface by scanning a beam emitted from a point source of light by moving the point source which serves as a pinhole for confocal observation, is configured to satisfy the following condition 0.1<|m×NA|<0.2 where “m” denotes magnification of the condensing optical system and “NA” denotes a numerical aperture of the condensing optical system on its subject surface side.

Abstract: A medical treatment method comprises orally inserting a first endoscope having a first treatment tool provided thereto into a body cavity, inserting a first insertion member insertion support tool from at least one of abdominal and transdermal cavities into the body cavity, inserting a second endoscope having a second treatment tool provided thereto into the body cavity through the first insertion member insertion support tool, grasping a lesioned part by the second treatment tool inserted into the body cavity by the second endoscope, cutting the lesioned part by the first treatment tool inserted into the body cavity by the first endoscope, and collecting the lesioned part.

Abstract: A system for cryoablating target tissue at a treatment site includes a cryo-element mounted at the distal end of a cryo-catheter. A balloon catheter is provided having a U-shaped balloon attached thereon. The cryo-element is threaded onto a pre-positioned guidewire and advanced within the patient's vasculature until the cryo-element is positioned at the treatment site. Next, the balloon is threaded onto the guidewire and advanced within the patient's vasculature using the balloon catheter. At the treatment site, the U-shaped balloon is interposed between the cryo-element and the target tissue. Saline solution is pumped into the balloon causing the U-shaped balloon to expand and contact both the cryo-element and the surrounding target tissue. Next, a refrigerant is expanded to cool the cryo-element, which in turn, freezes the saline solution. The resulting “ice ball” extracts heat from surrounding tissue resulting in the cryoablation of a substantially circumferential portion of tissue.

Abstract: An introperative surgical probe incorporating both a fiber optic imaging system and multi-element beta/gamma radiation directional indicating system is described.

Abstract: A medical treatment method comprises orally inserting a first endoscope having a first treatment tool provided thereto into a body cavity, inserting a first insertion member insertion support tool from at least one of abdominal and transdermal cavities into the body cavity, inserting a second endoscope having a second treatment tool provided thereto into the body cavity through the first insertion member insertion support tool, grasping a lesioned part by the second treatment tool inserted into the body cavity by the second endoscope, cutting the lesioned part by the first treatment tool inserted into the body cavity by the first endoscope, and collecting the lesioned part.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument used to form an artificial valve for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Abstract: A navigation apparatus comprises a navigation-related information generating section and a display section. The navigation-related information generating section measures the position and orientation of an object and a target in a three-dimensional space and generate navigation-related information to be used for navigating the object toward the target. The display section displays the navigation-related information generated by the navigation-related information generating section in any of different modes depending on the relationship of the position and orientation of the object and that of the target. A surgical operation image acquisition/display apparatus comprises an observation section, an image display section and a specifying section. The observation section includes a plurality of observation sections whose position and orientation is modifiable.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus comprises a navigation-related information generating section and a display section. The navigation-related information generating section measures the position and orientation of an object and a target in a three-dimensional space and generate navigation-related information to be used for navigating the object toward the target. The display section displays the navigation-related information generated by the navigation-related information generating section in any of different modes depending on the relationship of the position and orientation of the object and that of the target. A surgical operation image acquisition/display apparatus comprises an observation section, an image display section and a specifying section. The observation section includes a plurality of observation sections whose position and orientation is modifiable.

Abstract: In an endoscope for ultrasonic examination, an optical examination mechanism is provided on a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope for endoscopic examination forwardly of the insertion portion. A probe insertion channel is disposed along the insertion portion so that a ultrasonic probe is passed therethrough. A probe guiding mechanism is disposed in the insertion portion to guide a distal end of the ultrasonic probe to project from the distal end of the insertion portion laterally of the distal end of the insertion portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of applying radiation through an optical fiber for detecting disease within a plant or animal or imaging a particular tissue of a plant or animal. In addition, fluorescence can be detected and localized within a subject by such application of radiation through an optical fiber. The radiation is effective to promote simultaneous multiphoton excitation. The optical fibers are used alone to examine internal regions of tissue, in conjunction with an optical biopsy needle to evaluate sub-surface tissue, or with an endoscope to evaluate tissue within body cavities.

Abstract: A catheter for diagnosing and performing an interventional procedure on tissue has an elongated catheter shaft, and optical fibers, extending through the catheter shaft, for transmitting light to tissue located at a distal end of the catheter and conveying light back from the tissue for analysis by a spectroscopic diagnosis system to determine whether an interventional procedure should be performed on the tissue. An interventional device is located at the distal end of the catheter for engaging tissue diagnosed by the spectroscopic diagnosis system in order to perform the interventional procedure on the tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope includes: an objective optical system provided at a tip portion of the ultrasonic endoscope; a treatment tool insertion channel provided along the ultrasonic endoscope, the treatment tool insertion channel having an exit opening at the tip portion; a linear-scanning ultrasonic transducer, provided at the tip portion, for scanning a first scanning plane section which lies on a plane including a shaft axis of the tip portion; and a radial-scanning ultrasonic transducer, provided at the tip portion, for scanning a second scanning plane section which lies on a rotational plane about the shaft axis.

Abstract: The present invention includes a stereoscopic fiber optic probe sensor. In one aspect of the invention, the fiber stereoscopic optic probe includes a signal fiber bundle having a plurality of first signal fibers, and an illumination fiber bundle having a plurality of second signal fibers. A drawn fiber optic bundle is contiguous with and formed by a predetermined length of the signal fiber bundle and the illumination fiber bundle. The drawn fiber optic bundle comprises portions of the first and second signal fibers. A plurality of fiber tips terminate the drawn fiber optic bundle. Each fiber tip provides one or more surfaces at which the first signal fibers are terminated and one or more surfaces at which the second signal fibers are terminated. In one embodiment, the sensor includes an imaging sensor. The sensor is operatively coupled to an end of the signal fiber bundle opposite the drawn fiber optic bundle.

Abstract: A three-dimensional video signal is generated by an objective lens, a stereo lens optical system, such as a stereo doublet lens for example, one or more image-to-signal converters, and a multiplexer. A three-dimensional monitor or two head mounted monitors may be used to render (e.g., display) the three dimensional video signal.

Abstract: An endoscope has two or more branches and each branch may include a source of illumination and a lens train, fiber optic bundle, or solid state image receiving device. Each branch end is independently manipulable or steerable and thus produces an image from a distinct point of view within the body (e.g., front and side views); the images are juxtaposed on a video monitor for simultaneous viewing by the surgeon. Each branch also includes an operating channel or cannula through which various surgical instruments are passed. A first branch may be used to pass an instrument to the situs of a surgical procedure and a second branch may be used to view that situs from a second, separate point of view. Additionally, the second branch may be used to introduce a second surgical instrument through the second branch cannula to approach the situs of the procedure from the angle of the second branch.

Abstract: In a system and method for use in endoscopy and endosurgery, at least one link is pivotally connected between first and second cannulas through which first and second endoscopic devices are inserted into a body part through first and second points of entry in the surface of the body part. Angular movement of the first device about the first point of entry induces angular movement of the second device about the second point of entry. When the first and second devices are respectively an endosurgical instrument and an endoscope, the field of view of the endoscope is caused to track the moving tip of the endosurgical instrument by proper adjustment of the linkage. Thereby, a surgeon may operate an endoscopic surgical instrument while, without conscious effort, the endoscope tracks the instrument tip. According to one embodiment, coupling members are utilized to connect to cannulas of existing design.

Abstract: A biological fluorescence diagnostic apparatus having a device for irradiating a biological tissue with light which excites the tissue to generate fluorescent light, and a device for taking a fluorescence image of the biological tissue passing through an ocular optical system of an endoscope. The apparatus further has a television camera unit including a television camera for taking an ordinary endoscopic observation image passing through the ocular optical system, and a television camera with an image intensifier for taking a fluorescence observation image passing through the ocular optical system after amplifying the light intensity of the image. An optical path switching system which includes a reflective surface is selectively inserted and withdrawn from the optical path of light passing through the ocular optical system so as to selectively produce ordinary and fluorescence images in the television camera unit.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a carrier which can be inserted into a living examination subject, having a distal end which is advanced into the subject, the carrier carrying an optical examination apparatus by means of which an image from the interior of the subject can be obtained and transmitted to the exterior of the subject, and the carrier also carrying a source of therapeutic ultrasound at the distal end. A body region exhibiting a pathology which is treatable with therapeutic ultrasound can thus be insonified with the therapeutic ultrasound in the same surgical intervention which is used to obtain the endoscopic images.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for improved viewing of a surgical site by a surgeon from the perspective of a working element of the instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft with a distal operating portion extending at least about one-fourth of the length of the shaft. A working element is disposed on a distal end of the shaft. An elongated fiberoptic assembly is included, having image fibers with a distal end with an objective lens for defining a predetermined field-of-view, and a coupling device at a proximal end for coupling same to a viewing system. A mounting device is utilized for mounting the fiberoptic assembly to the shaft along the length of the distal operating portion thereof. The distal end of the image fibers is positioned with a predetermined portion of the working element within the field-of-view of the fiberoptic assembly.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus has an imaging unit separable from the distal end portion of an endoscope and is capable of easily handling and operating the separated imaging unit. In the apparatus, the imaging unit having an imaging device is arranged as a separate member so that the imaging unit can be separated from the distal end portion of the endoscope, and the imaging unit is held in the accommodating pocket of the endoscope by holding means such as, for example, an electromagnet or the like. Therefore, the imaging unit is separated from the distal end portion of the endoscope by turning off the electromagnet when the endoscope is inserted into a desired position of an observing subject and can carry out picking-up operation as an imaging unit independently of the endoscope. An electric signal is transmitted between an endoscope main body and the imaging unit as a radio wave through antennas.

Abstract: A multiple view endoscope for providing "on command" images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. A multiplicity of image capturing means are disposed in an array on the distal end to permit the operator to select and view either any one of, or any combination of, the multiple views provided by the multiplicity of image capturing means.