Abstract: A capsule endoscope guidance system including a member having an elongated flexible portion which can be guided to a desired position in a body cavity of a patient's body by manipulating a distal end portion of the member wherein the elongated flexible portion bends in accordance with an operation at a proximal end portion of the member, includes a capsule endoscope holding device, provided at a distal end of the elongated flexible portion, for removably holding a capsule endoscope; and a removal/attachment manipulation device provided on the proximal end portion, for manipulating removal and attachment of the capsule endoscope holding device.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises an electronic endoscope, a plurality of types of optical adapters, a control device, and a display device. The electronic endoscope includes an imaging unit. The plurality of types of optical adapters includes a predetermined observational optical system and is freely detachably attached to the distal section of the electronic endoscope. The observational optical system incorporated in each optical adapter includes an identification section with which the type of optical adapter is identified. The control device is electrically connected to the electronic endoscope.

Abstract: A measuring endoscope system includes a menu display module that selects a menu according to display data which is associated in advance with any of a plurality of optical adaptors, and a measuring program for performing measurement according to the result of the selection performed by the menu display module. Consequently, in the measuring endoscope system, when a user designates an optical adaptor using an optical adaptor selection screen image displayed on an LCD by the menu display module, a measuring technique associated with the optical adaptor is automatically selected. When a user wants to perform measurement using the measuring endoscope system, the user should merely press a measurement execution switch included in an endoscopic operation unit. Thus, measurement in which the selected measuring technique is implemented is carried out.

Abstract: In an outer sheathed endoscope, an outer sheath (20) for shielding a flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13) from the outside is disposed to detachably cover the flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13). The basal end of the flexible insertion portion is connected to an operation portion (15). In the outer sheathed endoscope, A break prevention member (100) which is formed by an elastic material is disposed to surround a basal end part of the flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13), and the outer sheath (20) is formed to cover continuously the flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13) and the break prevention member (100).

Abstract: An omnidirectional endoscope device 1 is provided at a distal end part of an insertion section 12 of an endoscope 10 with an omnidirectional light receiving unit 20 for receiving an incident light from all around the periphery in the peripheral direction and reflecting the light toward a relay lens optical system 13. The insertion section 12 slidably pierces through a retaining cylinder 33. A light guide 35 (illumination light transmitting means) is embedded in the retaining cylinder 33, and an outgoing surface at the distal end of this light guide 35 is faced with a distal end face of the retaining cylinder 33. The retaining cylinder 33 can be operated in a sliding manner by a grip 31 disposed at the basal end. By this, the illumination light can strike upon the view field of the omnidirectional light receiving mechanism regardless whether the inside space of an image to be observed is large or small.

Abstract: The insertion part of the endoscope has a cap fixed to the distal end face of a distal end body. A projecting part of the cap is inserted in a receiving hole formed on the distal end face. The inserted projecting part is fixed to the distal end body with a screw inserted in an attachment hole, which is formed on the periphery of the distal end body and connects with the receiving hole. Bending rubber covers the attachment hole as well as the outer periphery of the distal end body.

Abstract: A thin-walled polymeric component that may have a selected complex shape, and a method of forming the component. The method includes heating a portion of a polymeric film to a selected malleable temperature, and forming a protrusion in the heated portion while it is malleable. The protrusion defines a protrusion having a first shape. The method also includes positioning a forming tool in the protrusion's interior and drawing a partial vacuum from within the protrusion so as to exert a force on the protrusion and move the protrusion's sidewalls inwardly into engagement with the forming tool. As the partial vacuum is drawn, the protrusion moves to a second shape that may be different than the first shape and that closely conforms to the selected shape of the forming tool. The protrusion is cooled below the malleable temperature and the forming tool is then removed.

Abstract: An endoscopic optical adapter freely attachable to and detachable from an endoscope according to the present invention includes an adapter-side observational optical system facing an endoscope-side observational optical system provided with a solid-state image device placed in a tip constituent member of the endoscope, a unit body in which the adapter-side observational optical system is fixedly placed, an adapter body on which a first concave portion with the unit body placed therein while being free to rotate and a second concave portion with at least a part of the tip constituent member placed therein are formed, and a positioning portion which is provided in each of the adapter body and the tip constituent member and which adjusts the positional relationship between the tip constituent member and the adapter body to be a predetermined positional relationship.

Abstract: A stereoscopic video image is observed by displaying to left and right display devices arranged in front of the left and right eyes of an observer, left and right images formed on an image pick-up device by using a stereoscopic optical system. Then, a read address of image data stored in a memory is changed by operating a display position adjusting pick or the like, thereby simply variably adjusting the display positions of the left and right images. As a consequence, it is possible to respond to the case in which a parallax of the observer is varied.

Abstract: The instrumentation endoscope apparatus mainly includes an image pick-up device, an endoscope insertion portion to which a plurality of stereo instrumentation optical adaptors and a normal instrumentation adaptor are detachable, a control unit for accommodating the endoscope insertion portion, a face mounted display for stereoscopically viewing a normal endoscope image or stereoscopically viewing the endoscope image as a pseudo stereo image, and the like. The control unit includes a CPU for controlling the execution of various functions based on a main program, a ROM, a RAM, a PC card I1F, a USB I/F, an RS-232CI/F, an audio signal processing circuit, and a video signal processing circuit. The control unit can be connected externally to a PC. By re-instrumentation under a correct instrumentation environment with simple operation, the re-instrumentation can promptly be performed without consideration of the instrumentation environment and the operability can be improved.

Abstract: An optical system of an endoscope for investigation and observation of spaces in medicine and engineering. The construction permits the panoramic observation of the internal surface of the space or channel. The endoscope contains a tube in which a lens is installed along the axis of symmetry and coaxial along the entire internal surface of the tube a longitudinal fiber illumination light guide is installed. A lateral observation nozzle is installed on the tube with the possibility of unlimited rotation around the tube. The nozzle is provided with a unit of two reflection prisms, one is meant for lateral observation and the other for lateral illumination. The lateral observation prism is incorporated into the body of the lateral illumination prism. A diaphragm overlapping the face of the lateral observation prism presented to the lens is arranged, on the nozzle.

Abstract: A processing unit includes a positional relationship information extracting unit for extracting first information on a positional relationship of an optical adaptor by performing the image processing of a signal transmitted from the image pick-up unit upon capturing the image of a predetermined subject, a storing device for storing the first information on the positional relationship, a of comparing and determining unit for comparing the first information on the positional relationship stored in the storing device with second information on the positional relationship which is extracted again by the extracting unit when replacing the optical adaptor by using the tip of an endoscope insertion portion, and a notifying unit for notifying a determination result based on determination information from the comparing and determining unit.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope optical system which can obtain both a wide angle image for finding an organ and a high resolution image used for a precise treatment. The rigid endoscope optical system has objective optical systems for stereoscopic observation which forms right and left images. The rigid endoscope optical system also has a secondary objective optical system which has a field of view different from the objective optical system for stereoscopic observation, and one relay optical system which transmits the images of the objective optical system for stereoscopic observation and the secondary objective optical system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope.

Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: An endofluorescence module is utilized with an interventional device insertible in a body to provide at least one fluorescence excitation source. The module can be attached to the distal end of an endoscope, cystoscope or other optical imaging device. One or more filters are utilized to enhance the fluorescence response from the tissue under examination. A light shutter controls the exposure of an optical channel during operation. The adaptability and small size of the module correspond with low cost and disposability.

Abstract: An optical adaptor for an endoscope enabling an optically highly precise arrangement consists of a first frame member, a second frame member, and a distance restriction member. The first frame member is located at the distal part of the optical adaptor. A plurality of objective optical systems is stowed and held in the first frame member. The second frame member is located behind the plurality of objective optical systems. A relay optical system that transmits optical images formed by the objective optical systems and teams with an imaging optical system located in front of an imaging device in an endoscope to form an image transmission optical system is stowed and held in the second frame member. The distance restriction member is interposed between the first frame member and second frame member and thus sets the distance between the members to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A device for testing and/or adjusting a PDD or PDT system and/or for training on such a system comprises an illumination system emitting light which serves at least to stimulate a fluorescent dye and which may be directed to this end onto a tissue zone to be diagnosed and/or therapeutically treated, and an imaging unit which images the light arriving from the stimulated tissue zone. The invention is characterized by the provisions that a target is provided which reflects the light of the illumination system, and that the target comprises at least one light source which emits light within the wavelength range of the fluorescence spectrum of the dye.

Abstract: In an endoscope, an aspirated mucosa movement regulating portion (11) is provided in a position intermediate between the distal end and the bottom of a tip hood (10) for ensuring that the mucous membrane aspirated from the distal end of the tip hood (10) toward an aspiration port (4) will not get to viewing window (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having an orifice covered by an optical device (3), which is to be prevented from being dirtied. For that reason the device comprises a housing (1), in which a ring-shaped socket (2) supporting the optical device is rotatably journalled by means of a bearing arranged around the periphery of a socket (2). Moreover, the socket (2) is provided with a rim turbine blades (8) against which one or more jets of pressure air from nozzles (10, 11) in the housing (1) are directed.

Abstract: An objective optical system comprising, in order from the object side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, wherein the second lens unit is moved along an optical axis for changing a magnification. This objective optical system is configured to be compact and have favorable optical performance by adequately selecting an airspace between the first lens unit and the second lens unit as well as a power for the first lens unit.

Abstract: A test apparatus is used in combination with a fiberoptic scope, which scope includes an eyepiece, an elongate scope body connected to and generally optically aligned with the eyepiece and a plurality of generally optically aligned lenses disposed within the scope body and optically communicating with the eyepiece. The apparatus includes a holder that supports the scope such that the eyepiece of the scope is exposed by the holder. A focusing member is telescopically interengaged with the holder. An inspection eyepiece assembly is mounted within the focusing member and includes an magnifying lens that faces and optically communicates with the eyepiece of a scope supported by the holder. The focusing member and the holder are telescopically adjusted relative to one another to focus the inspection eyepiece assembly on a selected lens of the scope. As a result, an image of the selected lens is transmitted through the inspection eyepiece assembly and examined.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus of the present invention comprises an endoscope with a built-in solid state imaging device at a distal end portion of an insertion tube and a distal end optical adapter detachably connected to the distal end portion of the insertion tube of the endoscope. At least one objective optical system is provided in said distal end optical adapter and an optical image formed on said solid state imaging device through the distal end optical adapter is displayed on a TV monitor through a control device.

Abstract: An endoscopic sheath comprising a tubular sheath section having a distal end portion and a hole which extends throughout the length of the sheath section and through which an insert section of an endoscope having observation device can be passed, at least the distal end of the distal end portion opening, and at least the distal end portion being formed of a transparent material, and positioning device for positioning the insert section of the endoscope in the sheath section so that at least part of the distal end portion of the sheath section can be within the view range of the endoscope. A method of securing a cavity includes introducing the sheath and transparent distal end portion into an incision and detaching first and second tissues using the sheath and transparent distal end portion.

Abstract: An imaging instrument includes a compact hand-held housing having an electronic imaging element supported within a housing, and a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads separably attachable to the housing. Each of the instrument heads includes an optical system disposed in alignment with the electronic imaging element along an instrument viewing axis. Preferably, the instrument further includes an integral display for displaying at least one captured or real-time video image as viewed through the instrument head of choice. The instrument includes a controller with sufficient programmable logic to capture and store a plurality of imaging images which can be transferred along with audio and/or annotation data relating to a captured image. Corresponding video and audio data can be then transferred using a receiving cradle to a computer which contains software which organizes the stored data for further processing.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a insertion tube which is inserted into a human body, an imaging device, an object optical system which forms image on the imaging device, a detachable unit accommodating the imaging device and the object optical system. The detachable unit is detachably mounted to a mounting portion of the insertion tube. At least one first contact is provided to the detachable unit. At least one second contact is provided to the mounting portion. The first and second contacts are electrically connected when the detachable unit is mounted to the mounting portion. A waterproof arrangement is provided to prevent water from entering a connecting potion of the first and second contacts.

Abstract: An illumination beam director for use with a diagnostic instrument having an optical lens system including a camera aperture for observing along an optical viewing axis passing through the camera aperture, and an illuminator including an illuminator aperture for projecting illumination along a first illumination axis passing through the illumination aperture. The light beam director includes a pair of opposed redirecting surfaces which receive the light from the illuminator along a first illumination axis and redirect the light onto a second illumination axis, wherein the second illumination axis is closer to the optical axis than is the first illumination axis to overcome shadowing effects on the viewing axis.

Abstract: A measuring endoscope system including an optical adaptor freely attachable or detachable to or from a distal portion of an endoscope and having two objective lenses. Two images are taken by the two objective lenses and are formed at different positions on an imaging device incorporated in a main endoscope unit. A measuring unit for reading information from a recording medium on which optical data specific to the optical adaptor is recorded, correcting the optical data on the basis of an error in position of an imaging system in the main endoscope unit, performing coordinate conversion on images used for measurement on the basis of the corrected optical data, and calculating three-dimensional coordinates of any points by matching the two images having undergone coordinate conversion.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope with a semiconductor image sensor (CCD chip) for receiving the images received by an objective and with an The electronic circuit, wherein the endoscope substantially comprises a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end, and the objective and CCD chip are arranged at the distal end, and the proximal end is held in a housing which holds the shaft and encloses the glass-fiber optical connection. The electronic endoscope is wherein the component parts of the CCD chip unit arranged behind the objective, namely the crystal filter, IR cutoff filter and CCD chip, are arranged so as to be spaced from one another.

Abstract: A measuring adapter allows a viewing instrument, such as an otoscope or other imaging device, to perform surface examinations without significant modification thereto. The adapter is releasably attachable to the instrument housing and includes a distal optical element retained by an adapter housing which is suitably aligned with the distal tip opening of the diagnostic instrument, when attached thereto, for allowing a target to be viewed at a predetermined distance from the viewing system. According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter includes a baffle which causes illuminated light from the distal tip opening to obliquely impinge onto the optical element in order that a reflected image of the illumination optics is not directed to the viewing system. According to another preferred embodiment, the optical element is skewed relative to the illumination axis of the viewing instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope with a built-in solid state imaging device at a distal end portion of an insertion tube and a distal end optical adapter detachably connected to the distal end portion of the insertion tube of the endoscope. At least one objective optical system is provided in said distal end optical adapter and an optical image formed on said solid state imaging device through the distal end optical adapter is displayed on a TV monitor through a control device.

Abstract: An endofluorescence module is utilized with an interventional device insertible in a body to provide at least one fluorescence excitation source. The module can be attached to the distal end of an endoscope, cystoscope or other optical imaging device. One or more filters are utilized to enhance the fluorescence response from the tissue under examination. A light shutter controls the exposure of an optical channel during operation. The adaptability and small size of the module correspond with low cost and disposability.

Abstract: An optical fibers bundle 30 for the use of illumination light transmission is received in a second receiving space 14 of an insert portion 10, and an objective unit 40 is received in a distal end portion of a first receiving space 13. A holder 60 is slidably inserted in the first receiving space 13. An image sensor 65 is supported on a distal end portion of the holder 60. Signal lines 66 from the image sensor 65 extends through the holder 60 and is introduced outside. The objective unit 40 and the holder 60 are threadingly connected with each other.

Abstract: An objective optical system for endoscopes to be disposed in a tip of an endoscope in an axial direction thereof and in parallel with a bundle of illumination system, and comprising an optical system which is to be disposed in the tip of the endoscope and has a diameter smaller than that of another optical system to be disposed on the image side thereof.

Abstract: A front end hood for an endoscope allows an observation image of a portion which is transmitted through the transparent front end hood to be less distorted, and produces an excellent observation image even in a periphery of a wide visual field. An optically transparent front end hood projects from a front end insertion portion of an endoscope so that an observation port located in the front end face of the front end insertion portion is positioned inside the front end hood. A portion of the front end hood may be formed into a spherical shape, the diameter of which decreases toward the opening end of the front end hood.

Abstract: An illumination beam director for use with a diagnostic instrument having an optical lens system including a camera aperture for observing along an optical viewing axis passing through the camera aperture, and an illuminator including an illuminator aperture for projecting illumination along a first illumination axis passing through the illumination aperture. The light beam director includes a pair of opposed redirecting surfaces which receive the light from the illuminator along a first illumination axis and redirect the light onto a second illumination axis, wherein the second illumination axis is closer to the optical axis than is the first illumination axis to overcome shadowing effects on the viewing axis.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by arranging along the lengthwise direction within a lens barrel: a side view mirror or prism which reflects in the lengthwise direction of said lens barrel the optical image incident from a translucent window that opens to the tip side surface; an image focusing optical system which focuses that optical image; and a CCD element which captures the optical image focused by said image focusing optical system; and is characterized by mounting in the light route reaching from aforementioned side view mirror or prism to said CCD element optical image inversion mirror or prism which reflects the optical image inverted by said side view mirror or prism such that it faces said CCD element in a reinverted state.

Abstract: An optical fibers bundle 30 for the use of illumination light transmission is received in a second receiving space 14 of an insert portion 10, and an objective unit 40 is received in a distal end portion of a first receiving space 13. A holder 60 is slidably inserted in the first receiving space 13. An image sensor 65 is supported on a distal end portion of the holder 60. Signal lines 66 from the image sensor 65 extends through the holder 60 and is introduced outside. The objective unit 40 and the holder 60 are threadingly connected with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic sheath for protecting and/or changing an angle of view of an endoscope. The sheath has a distal portion configured to engage a distalmost portion of an endoscope imaging optics. The distal portion houses structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope. In a preferred embodiment, this structure includes a prism. The distal portion may additionally house structure for changing the angle of illumination of an illumination portion of an endoscope. This structure may be a prism or a curved light guide or at least one angled optical fiber. Both the structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope and the optical member for changing the angle of illumination of an endoscope may be positioned within the distal portion to align with the respective imaging or illumination elements of the endoscope.

Abstract: A trocar obturator includes a hollow tube having a substantially solid, optically clear tip attached thereto. A distal cutting end of the tip is formed by a pair of opposing, angularly oriented surfaces which converge to a line at that point with a cutting element disposed along the line. For electrosurgical operation, an electrode is positioned along the line. The tip serves as a viewing window and defines a viewing port at its proximal end for an endoscope inserted into the hollow obturator tube for viewing a tissue wall as it is penetrated. The trocar obturator tip may include an axial bore extending between its proximal and distal ends with a viewing rod within the bore for viewing the area ahead of the tip. Here again, the distal cutting end of the tip may be formed by a pair of opposing angularly oriented surfaces which converge to a line. Two cutting elements extend linearly along the distal end of the tip, one on either side of the bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic sheath for protecting and/or changing an angle of view of an endoscope. The sheath has a distal portion configured to engage a distalmost portion of an endoscope imaging optics. The distal portion houses structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope. In a preferred embodiment, this structure includes a prism. The distal portion may additionally house structure for changing the angle of illumination of an illumination portion of an endoscope. This structure may be a prism or a curved light guide or at least one angled optical fiber. Both the structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope and the optical member for changing the angle of illumination of an endoscope may be positioned within the distal portion to align with the respective imaging or illumination elements of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope having a longitudinally-slotted probe that is connected to a guidance part for an optical system which extends in an axially movable fashion through the guidance part into the probe and the view of which is directed toward the longitudinal slot of the probe. The axial adjustment of an associated optical system is operated by a drive, which is connected to the guidance part and can be operated by hand. The instrument can be held by an operator using one hand and, as this is done, the optical system can be securely brought into position. The optical system can be adjusted using this same hand, thus permitting the operator to use the other hand to guide a surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic sheath for protecting and/or changing an angle of view of an endoscope. The sheath has a distal portion configured to engage a distalmost portion of an endoscope imaging optics. The distal portion houses structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope. In a preferred embodiment, this structure includes a prism. The distal portion may additionally house structure for changing the angle of illumination of an illumination portion of an endoscope. This structure may be a prism or a curved light guide or at least one angled optical fiber. Both the structure for changing the angle of view of an endoscope and the optical member for changing the angle of illumination of an endoscope may be positioned within the distal portion to align with the respective imaging or illumination elements of the endoscope.

Abstract: An objective optical system for endoscopes comprising a plurality of lens components and an aperture stop, and configured so as to permit adjusting a distance to an object to be observed simply by exchanging a lens component disposed in the vicinity of the aperture stop with another lens component having a focal length different from that of the lens component disposed in the vicinity of the aperture stop. This objective optical system for endoscopes can have an optimum depth of field by changing a diameter of the aperture stop along with the exchange of the lens component disposed in the vicinity of the aperture stop.

Abstract: A coupling cartridge and end cap for protecting an endoscope from contamination during use. The coupling cartridge provides fluid communication between a pair of external fluid conduits and respective channels formed in an endoscope insertion tube, and between a biopsy channel port projecting from the cartridge and an additional insertion tube channel. In one embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by an external fluid control unit that is electrically controlled by respective switches mounted on the control handle of the endoscope. In another embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by a valve mechanism in the coupling cartridge that is controlled by either an actuator on the cartridge or an actuator on the control handle that is mechanically coupled to the valve mechanism. The coupling cartridge may be removed from endoscope after an endoscopic procedure for disposal or rigorous cleaning.