Abstract: A non-flexible endoscope comprises a slender insert section which is capable of being inserted from a leading end thereof into cavities of living bodies, an objective lens system for forming a primary image within the insert section, and a relay lens system for transmitting said primary image so as to form a secondary image, wherein the insert section satisfies the following condition:0.3<D.sub.1 /D.sub.2 <0.7wherein the reference symbol D.sub.1 represents a distance as measured from a first surface of the objective lens system to the primary image and the reference symbol D.sub.2 designates a distance as measure from the first surface of the objective lens system to the secondary image.

Abstract: An endoscope for stereo-optically viewing an object comprises a tubular insertion portion characterized by a pair of adjacent asymmetric optical systems including a primary imaging channel and a secondary imaging channel. Associated with each channel is a solid state electronic imaging means positioned to receive the images relayed by primary and secondary image-relaying means. The optical portion of the primary channel comprises a relatively large objective lens system and a primary image-relaying means designed to provide sharply focussed first images. The optical portion of the secondary channel comprises a relatively small diameter objective lens system and a secondary image-relaying means designed to relay enough light and image information to provide an acceptable stereoscopic capability.

Abstract: A structure of the end portion of a side-looking type electronic endoscope in which an irradiation window is disposed closer to the end than an observation window, thereby enabling a better observation of a deceased part at the time of treatment. The structure also facilitates the removal of a light guide. The observation window is disposed on the side surface of the endoscope, and a solid-state image sensor is attached to the observation window via the objective system member and the rectangular prism. A light guide is disposed in the space formed on the back side of the prism; and an irradiation window which is connected to the light guide is disposed closer to the end of the end portion than the observation window. It is therefore possible to observe the internal body as an object of inspection with the light irradiated from the portion closer to the end than the observation window.

Abstract: An improved hand-held diagnostic dental probe includes a casing that having a hand-holdable body portion, a neck portion that extends from the body portion to a head portion that is formed of a back cover and a front cover. A circuit board assembly in the body portion contains video processing circuitry, and a flexible neck board extends forward from the body portion through the neck portion of the casing to a head board located in the head portion of the casing. A solid state imager and a miniature lamp are disposed on the head board. The front cover contains an adjustable focus lens cell for focusing on the imager an image of a target in the lens cell's field of view. The instrument provides a monitor-ready standard format full color video signal.

Abstract: In accordance with one form of the present invention, a stereoscopic endoscope is provided which has an elongated thin cylindrical barrel with a pair of CCDs mounted transversely within the barrel adjacent the distal end thereof. A pair of objective optics are mounted within the barrel between the distal end thereof and the respective CCDs for focusing an image observed through the endoscope on the CCDs. Image signal transmitting wires connected to each CCD extend longitudinally through the barrel and out the proximal end thereof for transmitting an image signal to a remote location. Light transmitting fibers are tightly packed around the objective optics and the CCDs. A first connector is secured to the proximal end of the wires for connection to a stereoscopic image producing device and a second connector is secured to the proximal of the light transmitting fibers for connection to a light source.