Abstract: An intracorporeal probe for examination and/or treatment, for example of hollow organs or natural or artificially created body cavities in the human or animal body, the probe being in the form of a capsule which can be introduced into the body without external connection elements, has at least one light-emitting element and at least one light-receiving element, the light-receiving element receiving light in another wavelength range than that in which the light-emitting element emits light.

Abstract: In a capsule endoscope illuminating units are disposed around an image capturing unit in such a manner that an optical axis of the illuminating units do not intersect with an optical axis of the observation unit, and illumination areas of the illuminating units overlap at substantially a central portion of an image capturing area of the image capturing unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (24) for use as a borescope or endoscope for viewing an object at a remote or inaccessible location. The apparatus (24) comprises a tube (22) having a proximal end and a distal end and means in the tube for obtaining an image of an object and transmitting it to a viewing device. The apparatus (24) also comprises illumination means comprising an array (20) of light emitting diodes (10) mounted on a substrate (12) and covered by a common protective shield (18) of optically clear material. The array (20) may be mounted at the distal end of the tube (22) adjacent a viewing port (26). Alternatively, the array (20) may be mounted at the proximal end of the tube, adjacent the end face (38) of a bundle of optical fibers which transmit light to the distal end of the tube (22). The arrangement eliminates the need for an external light source ande light guide, thereby reducing light losses and making the apparatus more compact.

Abstract: An endotracheal visualization stylet having a self-contained light source and camera, providing ease of use, economy of manufacture and superior optics.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope apparatus includes an illuminating device, an image pick-up device which picks up an image of an illuminated portion, and a radio transmitting device. The illuminating device in the capsule endoscope apparatus has a switching device which switches two or more light-emitting amount or light-emitting time. The radio transmitting device in the capsule endoscope apparatus transmits by radio waves image data obtained by the image pick-up device upon sequentially switching the two or more light-emitting amount or light-emitting time.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope having an illuminating section in which an LED for illumination that emits illuminating light to illuminate an observed site is provided and a C-MOS image sensor which has an image pickup surface on which an optical image is formed and outputs a video signal.

Abstract: A compact medical diagnostic instrument includes at least one white LED which is coupled to a light guide made up of a single optical fiber or a bundle containing a small number of optical fibers to provide illumination of a medical target, such as the ear canal.

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: Imaging device (40) which is capable for insertion in the intestine has a convex shaped tip (402) of endoscope (400) with an optical window (42) through which the intestine is illuminated, viewed and/or imaged.

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument, in particular an otoscope (1), including a body with a funnel-shaped housing (2), and a base (6) formed integrally on the housing (2), and lighting arranged in the housing or in the base (6). The lighting has a light-emitting diode (10), and the body accommodates adapter electronics (11) which adapt voltage delivered from outside to a voltage required by the light-emitting diode (10).

Abstract: A self-contained surgical, e.g., endoscope, system. The surgical, e.g., endoscope, system may include a sterilizable shaft having a light source and/or an image capture device mounted at the distal end of the shaft or connected to the distal end of the shaft by fiber optics. The light source is a light emitting diode or an array of light emitting diodes, and may have its own power source located at the distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes a working channel, an irrigation/aspiration channel, and an electric cable. The shaft is coupled at its proximal end to a control module having a video processor and an integrally-mounted display screen for displaying image data from the image capture device. The control module may also include an irrigation/aspiration system, a control unit, and a controller. The control module is coupled to a power module. The power module includes steering motors connected to steering cables in the shaft. In addition, the power module includes drive motors and a power source.

Abstract: A steerable endoscopic sheath has a proximal end, a distal end and a working channel lumen disposed therein. A plurality of solid state light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes are positioned near the distal end of the sheath and are selectively energized to illuminate internal body tissues. An imaging device such as a photo diode or CCD array creates an image from light reflected from the tissue. The distal tip of the endoscopic sheath is selectively moveable with a deflection device that is insertable into the sheath. The deflection device includes a tip deflection mechanism that allows a user to move the tip of the deflection device. With the deflection device inserted in the sheath, movement of the distal tip causes a corresponding movement in the distal tip of the sheath. The distal tip of the sheath has a shape retaining mechanism that allows it to retain the shape imparted by the deflection device once the deflection device is removed from the sheath.

Abstract: A direct view rigid video-endoscope (11) supported by an articulated and compensated arm (2), equipped with a grip (3) crossed by an air flow (92) originating from a generator (93) upstream of the device. The air flow (92) comes out of small holes (8) made in the distal end (28) of the grip (3), at the base of an optical tube (10).

Abstract: A television device of a portable endoscope includes an endoscope including an inserted portion and an operating portion coupled to a base end of the inserted portion, a light source for lightening a subject through the inserted portion provided in the endoscope, a radio transmission television camera for obtaining an image of the subject through the inserted portion and radioing the image as the video signal provided in the endoscope, and a power source, which supplies a power for the light source and the radio transmission television camera, provided in the operating portion.

Abstract: An invasive imaging apparatus comprising: a flexible catheter with a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being shaped for insertion into a blood vessel along a guide wire thereby to reach remote places in the vasculature or other organs, an optical assembly positioned at the distal end of the catheter comprising an image sensor positioned non-perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the catheter and an illumination sensor, at least one illumination source for illuminating an immediate region beyond the distal end of the catheter, and at least one working channel running from the proximal to the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held endoscopic camera having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means, lens means, light source means, and video camera means. The portable endoscopic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a low wattage light source means. The camera is self-contained. A kit is also provided, the kit having all of the components necessary for performing endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes united therewith lies on a plane containing the longitudinal axis of an insertion unit of an endoscope and its neighborhood. Likewise, part of a first objective surface lies on the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood. As long as the diameter of the insertion unit remains unchanged, the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood provides the largest area for the light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode sub-assembly is therefore placed on the plane, whereby the outer diameter of a distal endoscope part can be made as small as possible.

Abstract: A dental/medical instrument is provided for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body having an integral speculum with a video image capture device or camera, a power supply and a video display. These components, in addition to user actuatable controls, are disposed integrally with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image. The video display is disposed on a display portion of the speculum, while components of the image capture device, such as a lens and light emitter, are disposed on a nose portion of the speculum. The nose portion is modularly replaceable with alternate nose portions sized and shaped to facilitate various discrete medical/dental examination procedures.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope is provided with lighting means for illuminating the interior of a living body, an image pickup means for capturing an image of a site illuminated by the lighting means, and a transparent cover which houses the image pickup means and the lighting means within a sealed, cylindrical-shaped capsule case. The image pickup means includes an objective optical system having a depth of field. An object within the depth of field of the objective optical system is illuminated more evenly than possible with a single lighting means by arranging multiple lighting means at the periphery of the objective optical system and causing the beams from individual lighting means to overlap in specified ways so that a nearly uniform illumination of an object of interest is achieved. Light diffusers may be employed to diffuse the light from the light sources, and a color correction filter may be used.

Abstract: An anoscope for surgery and/or inspection comprising: a tubular body (2) having a distal blind end and a proximal open end; an inner light reflecting surface (7) located at said distal blind end; at least one slot (3) formed in said tubular body; a light source (6) placed in light reflection relationship with said inner reflecting surface (7), and a maneuvering handle (5) arranged to act on said proximal end of said tubular body (2).

Abstract: An anoscope for surgery and/or inspection comprising: a tubular body (2) having a distal blind end and a proximal open end; an inner light reflecting surface (7) located at said distal blind end; at least one slot (3) formed in said tubular body; a light source (6) placed in light reflection relationship with said inner reflecting surface (7), and

Abstract: A video scope has an entry section which can advance into an object; and a grip section which is disposed at the back of the entry section and to be held by an operator, wherein a light reflecting body, an objective lens, a solid-state image pickup device, a light source, a window of incidence for image pickup rays and illumination windows located in the vicinities of the window of incidence are disposed in the entry section, and wherein at least a power source is disposed in the grip section for driving the light source. A portable accommodation case has an accommodation space for accommodating the video scope; and a lid which has a thin display attached thereto, and can rotate freely and stop at an optional position, wherein the thin display is capable of displaying an image which is picked up by the video scope.

Abstract: An endoscope is described, in which a shaft is included with inner and outer sheath pipes (1, 2) multiple illumination units (10) with LED's (25) provided for producing illumination light cascade-like, axially sequentially. The illumination units (10) consist of light transmissive carriers, upon which the LED's (25) are bonded. The light produced by the sequentially arranged illumination units (10) is emitted at the distal end with a high intensity of illumination, preferably after reflection from a mirror (11) provided at the proximal end.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a tip portion with a tip end. This electronic endoscope comprises an imaging element provided in the tip portion; an imaging optical system provided in the tip portion at a position closer to the tip end than the imaging element; and a plurality of light-emitting elements for emitting light, each of which is provided in the tip portion at a position closer to the tip end than the imaging element. Each of the light-emitting elements is arranged such that a part of the light-emitting element is seen so as to overlap with the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction of the imaging optical system. According to this arrangement, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the tip portion of the electronic endoscope. Further, when such an electronic endoscope is used as a medical endoscope, it becomes possible to relieve the pain that patients may feel.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for internal inspection of an object includes an endoscope extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end to be inserted into the object and a proximal end and an illumination assembly attached to the proximal end of the endoscope. The illumination assembly includes a solid-state light source. The endoscopic system also includes an optical system positioned distally from the solid-state light source to receive and convey light to the distal end.

Abstract: At the tip of an insert portion of an endoscope, LEDs are provided. An air and liquid supply unit is mounted on a handle portion of the endoscope. The air and liquid supply unit is provided with a tank, a pump, and a battery. Liquid, which is supplied to the tip, is stored in the tank. The battery supplies driving current to the pump and the LEDs. The pump takes in the surrounding air. In accordance with the manipulation of the buttons provided on a grip portion of the endoscope, the pump sends either the liquid or the air to the tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (24) for use as a borescope or endoscope for viewing an object at a remote or inaccessible location. The apparatus (24) comprises a tube (22) having a proximal end and a distal end and means in the tube for obtaining an image of an object and transmitting it to a viewing device. The apparatus (24) also comprises illumination means comprising an array (20) of light emitting diodes (10) mounted on a substrate (12) and covered by a common protective shield (18) of optically clear material. The array (20) may be mounted at the distal end of the tube (22) adjacent a viewing port (26). Alternatively, the array (20) may be mounted at the proximal end of the tube, adjacent the end face (38) of a bundle of optical fibers which transmit light to the distal end of the tube (22) The arrangement eliminates the need for an external light source and light guide, thereby reducing light losses and making the apparatus more compact.

Abstract: A substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes united therewith lies on a plane containing the longitudinal axis of an insertion unit of an endoscope and its neighborhood. Likewise, part of a first objective surface lies on the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood. As long as the diameter of the insertion unit remains unchanged, the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood provides the largest area for the light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode sub-assembly is therefore placed on the plane, whereby the outer diameter of a distal endoscope part can be made as small as possible.

Abstract: A substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes united therewith lies on a plane containing the longitudinal axis of an insertion unit of an endoscope. Likewise, part of a first objective surface lies on the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope. As long as the diameter of the insertion unit remains unchanged, the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope provides the largest area for the light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode sub-assembly is therefore placed on this plane, so that the outer diameter of a distal endoscope part can be made as small as possible.

Abstract: An endoscope is described, in which a shaft is included with inner and outer sheath pipes (1, 2) multiple illumination units (10) with LED's (25) provided for producing illumination light cascade-like, axially sequentially. The illumination units (10) consist of light transmissive carriers, upon which the LED's (25) are bonded. The light produced by the sequentially arranged illumination units (10) is emitted at the distal end with a high intensity of illumination, preferably after reflection from a mirror (11) provided at the proximal end.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera includes an image sensor, a sheath, and a housing. A first end of the sheath is closed to form a cavity to accommodate the image sensor, and the housing is adapted to mate with a second end of the sheath. One of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one tab, and the other of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one slot, the at least one tab being adapted to mate with the at least one slot when the housing is mated with the second end of the sheath to inhibit the second end of the sheath from rotating with respect to the housing. In another embodiment, a camera includes a sheath, an image sensor, and a support.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising a shaft comprises an imaging system arranged in the shaft and an illuminating system which allows light emitted by a light source to emerge at the distal end of shaft, wherein the light source comprises at least one light emitting diode. The light source comprises at least two light emitting diodes which emit light in different spectral ranges, and the light of the at least two light emitting diodes emerges spectrally additively mixed from the illuminating system.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held endoscopic camera having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means, lens means, light source means, and video camera means. The portable endoscopic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a low wattage light source means. The camera is self-contained. A kit is also provided, the kit having all of the components necessary for performing endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: The present application relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus for forming a preferable static image by controlling blurring of an image at the time of picking up the image by using a variable-power mechanism. This endoscope emits stroboscopic light by a stroboscopic light emission circuit when a freeze button is pressed and sets a high shutter speed shorter than an exposure time for a dynamic image by an electronic shutter circuit. Moreover, observation distances can be changed by moving a movable lens through a variable-power motor section and a linear transmission member in accordance with operation of a variable-power switch. Therefore, a static image is formed trough short-time image pickup by strong illumination light and image blurring is eliminated which becomes remarkable in particular when the image is enlarged through variable-power operation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera includes an image sensor, a sheath, and a housing. A first end of the sheath is closed to form a cavity to accommodate the image sensor, and the housing is adapted to mate with a second end of the sheath. One of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one tab, and the other of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one slot, the at least one tab being adapted to mate with the at least one slot when the housing is mated with the second end of the sheath to inhibit the second end of the sheath from rotating with respect to the housing. In another embodiment, a camera includes a sheath, an image sensor, and a support.

Abstract: A lighting device, particularly suited for medical examination purposes and suited to be attached to a medical examination device such as a vaginal speculum, includes a power source and a flexible, preferably malleable arm extending from the power source with a nondirectional light source at its end. The arm has a small diameter allowing it to be used with medical instruments without blocking the viewing area provided by such instruments and allowing it to be inserted through tubes commonly used in medical, dental, or veterinary procedures. For medical, dental, or veterinary use, the outside temperature of the light source is controlled to keep such temperature below a temperature that would damage living tissue.

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: A dental/medical instrument is provided for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body having an integral speculum with a video image capture device or camera, a power supply and a video display. These components, in addition to user actuatable controls, are disposed integrally with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image. The video display is disposed on a display portion of the speculum, while components of the image capture device, such as a lens and light emitter, are disposed on a nose portion of the speculum. The nose portion is modularly replaceable with alternate nose portions sized and shaped to facilitate various discrete medical/dental examination procedures.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope with a picture sensor located at its distal end and with several illumination units (LEDs) integrated in the endoscope, for producing illumination light irradiated at the distal endoscope end. The illumination units are arranged as a linear and axial array of LEDs in a space, of an enveloping tube, connecting proximally to the picture sensor. To the LEDs there are allocated fiber-optics into which the light irradiated by the LEDs may be coupled. The fiber-optics run up to the distal endoscope end and here are grouped together to a bundle.

Abstract: A portable tissue spectroscopy apparatus includes at least one light source, at least one light detector, a power source and a controller module all disposed inside a housing that is insertable inside a body. The housing may be in the form of a hand-holdable probe or in the form of a capsule that can be swallowed or implanted in the body. The probe further includes a display mounted at a proximal end of the housing for displaying tissue characteristics. The capsule further includes a transmitter mounted inside the capsule and a receiver placed outside the body for transmitting signals representative of tissue characteristics to a remote receiver.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a tip portion with a tip end. This electronic endoscope comprises an imaging element provided in the tip portion; an imaging optical system provided in the tip portion at a position closer to the tip end than the imaging element; and a plurality of light-emitting elements for emitting light, each of which is provided in the tip portion at a position closer to the tip end than the imaging element. Each of the light-emitting elements is arranged such that a part of the light-emitting element is seen so as to overlap with the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction of the imaging optical system. According to this arrangement, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the tip portion of the electronic endoscope. Further, when such an electronic endoscope is used as a medical endoscope, it becomes possible to relieve the pain that patients may feel.

Abstract: A visual cervical inspection apparatus for visual inspection of a cervix has a housing having a cavity. The housing has a proximal viewing aperture located in a proximal end of the housing and a distal aperture at a distal end of the housing. A light source is attached to the housing and is adapted to illuminate the cervix with light sufficient to visibly enhance the definition between cancerous and healthy cervical tissue. Magnification optics are disposed within the cavity of the housing which provide for magnified viewing of the illuminated cervix. The visibly enhanced definition between cancerous and healthy cervical tissue can thus be more easily viewed by a user of the visual cervical inspection apparatus. Light emitting diodes of the appropriate light wavelength can be used to provide the necessary illumination of the cervix. Krypton, xenon or other similar bulbs may also be used when filtered to produce light of approximately between 480-580 nanometers.

Abstract: A video scope has an entry section which can advance into an object; and a grip section which is disposed at the back of the entry section and to be held by an operator, wherein a light reflecting body, an objective lens, a solid-state image pickup device, a light source, a window of incidence for image pickup rays and illumination windows located in the vicinities of the window of incidence are disposed in the entry section, and wherein at least a power source is disposed in the grip section for driving the light source. A portable accommodation case has an accommodation space for accommodating the video scope; and a lid which has a thin display attached thereto, and can rotate freely and stop at an optional position, wherein the thin display is capable of displaying an image which is picked up by the video scope.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dental/medical instrument for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body including an integral speculum with a video image capture device or camera, a power supply and a video display. These components, in addition to user actuatable controls, are disposed integrally with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image.

Abstract: A portable endoscope having a light guide for transmitting light to illuminate an object. The light guide has an entrance end portion disposed in a control part. An illuminating light supply unit contains a power supply for supplying the illuminating light to the light guide. The illuminating light supply unit is detachably connected to the control part. A lamp serving as a light source of the illuminating light is provided such that when the illuminating light supply unit is detached from the control part, the lamp is left in the control part.

Abstract: An eyepiece optical system, an illuminating lamp, and a battery 2 are housed in an operation unit 2. An insertion unit in which an image transmitting optical fiber bundle and an illumination light transmitting optical fiber bundle are incorporated is detachably coupled with the operation unit through a coupling unit. The insertion unit is bent using a bending wire attached to the distal end thereof and coupled to the operation unit by a wire operating mechanism. An anti-clouding material can be disposed on a surface of the distal end of the insertion unit to protect it against clouding.

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: A pass-through duodenal enteroscopic device utilizes the natural contraction wave of the small intestine to propel the device through the small intestine at about the same speed as any other object therein. The exterior of the device is streamlined over the greater portion thereof with a video camera and illumination source at the forward end of the device. Covering the camera lens and illumination source is a transparent inflatable balloon adapted to gently expand the small intestine immediately forward the camera for better viewing. A small diameter communication and power cable is wound within the device and unwinds through an aperture in the rear of the device as the device moves through the small intestine. Upon completion of movement through the small intestine the cable is automatically separated from the device permitting the cable to be withdrawn through the stomach and intestine. The device continues through the large intestine and passes from the patient through the rectum.

Abstract: A handheld dental video camera and a corresponding method is disclosed. The dental video camera includes a window for receiving light. In some aspects of the invention, a lamp is mounted distally beyond the window and aimed to illuminate a subject. In other aspects of the invention, a white LED is used to illuminate the subject.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held endoscopic camera having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means, lens means, light source means, and video camera means. The portable endoscopic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a highly efficient means for focusing the illumination of the light source. The lens means includes a fiber bundle and the light source means includes a bulb. The bulb is positioned in an abutting relationship with the fiber bundle, thereby focusing light into the fiber bundle. The camera is selectively operable in a cordless and cord-operated mode.