Abstract: An optical head for an endoscope is fitted with an imaging system comprising a solid state imaging sensor and with an illuminating system comprising illuminating means, e.g. LED's. At least one illuminating means is defined by a parameter, which value is different from the value of the same parameter of the remaining illuminating means. Among the parameters are luminous intensity, luminous intensity distribution angle, and direction of the longitudinal axis of the illuminating means.

Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus to be inserted into a subject includes an illumination unit that illuminates an inside of the subject; an imaging device having an effective pixel region that has a predetermined size and on which an optical image of the inside of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit is formed, and having an optical black region at which the optical image is shielded; and a light adjustment control unit that adjusts an amount of light from the illumination unit to the effective pixel region based on pixel values of the effective pixel region of an image signal and pixel values of the optical black region of the image signal.

Abstract: A portable magnifying instrument useful for colposcopy is provided which may include in combination an optical system capable of providing a distortion free clear continuously varying 10× to 15× magnification of a three-dimensional wide object; an integrated energy efficient, low powered and intensity controlled illumination system; a power pack and mounting. The optical system may have an eyepiece lens system and an objective lens system. The illumination system may have a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the power pack; mounted in such a manner that the angle between the LEDs is maintained with respect to the optical axis of the lens system and that the light beam from the said LEDs impinges on the wide object to be observed at the focus of the said lens system.

Abstract: The endoscope diagnostic apparatus includes a light source emitting white light and two or more kinds of excited light with different center wavelengths for emitting two or more kinds of self-fluorescence from a self-fluorescent material, an imaging unit which receives reflected light of white light to image a normal light image, and receives self-fluorescence emitted from the self-fluorescent material to image self-fluorescent images, and a light source control unit which has compensation coefficients for preventing emission intensity from being lowered depending on the volume of blood when the two or more kinds of excited light are absorbed by blood, and compensates the ratios of emission intensity of the two or more kinds of excited light using the calculated compensation coefficients so as to exclude the influence of absorption of light by blood in each of the two or more kinds of excited light.

Abstract: In an endoscope system, a light guide for conducting illumination light from a light source to an endoscope distal end consists of a first fiber bundle and a second fiber bundle. Optical fibers of the first fiber bundle have a smaller numerical aperture than optical fibers of the second fiber bundle. A light volume control mechanism is controlled to project the illumination light only from the first fiber bundle in a close-up inspection mode. In an ordinary inspection mode, the illumination light is projected only from the second fiber bundle. When the volume of light projected from the second fiber bundle toward a target site is insufficient in the ordinary inspection mode, the light volume control mechanism is controlled to let the illumination light be projected from the first fiber bundle.

Abstract: The endoscope light source device includes a semiconductor light source, optical fibers that are inserted into an endoscope, guide first light beams from the semiconductor light source, and are arranged in plural rows in at least an angle portion of the endoscope, an optical coupling circuit that is arranged at a distal end side of the endoscope with respect to the angle portion, and couples the first light beams guided by the optical fibers arranged in the plural rows to obtain a coupled light beam and a wavelength conversion part that is arranged at a distal end side of an endoscope insertion section in the optical coupling circuit, and converts a part or all of the coupled light beam from the optical coupling circuit into a converted light beam having a given wavelength by a phosphor.

Abstract: An illumination channel, a stereoscopic optical channel and another optical channel are held and positioned by a robotic surgical system. A first capture unit captures a stereoscopic visible image from the first light from the stereoscopic optical channel while a second capture unit captures a fluorescence image from the second light from the other optical channel. An intelligent image processing system receives the captured stereoscopic visible image and the captured fluorescence image and generates a stereoscopic pair of fluorescence images. An augmented stereoscopic display system outputs a real-time stereoscopic image comprising a three-dimensional presentation of a blend of the stereoscopic visible image and the stereoscopic pair of fluorescence images.

Abstract: An endoscopic diagnosis system includes first and second narrowband light sources for emitting respectively first and second narrowband lights having a wavelength range different from each other, a first image sensor for receiving reflected light of the first narrowband light illuminating a subject to acquire a narrowband light image in a narrowband light observation mode, a second image sensor for receiving first autofluorescence emitted from the subject as the first narrowband light illuminates the subject to acquire a first autofluorescence image in a first autofluorescence observation mode and receiving second autofluorescence emitted from the subject as the second narrowband light illuminates the subject to acquire a second autofluorescence image in a second autofluorescence observation mode, and a light source controller for increasing emission amounts of the first and the second narrowband light in the first and the second autofluorescence observation mode.

Abstract: The endoscope apparatus includes a wavelength switching unit for switching emission wavelengths of a first illumination light including at least broadband light and a second illumination light including only plural kinds of narrowband light, an imaging unit for capturing an image of a subject by the first illumination light or the second illumination light having the switched emission wavelength in each imaging frame, an acquisition unit for acquiring biological information relating to form and/or function of a biological object serving as the subject and a mode switching unit for switching at least two diagnosis modes based on the biological information. The number of imaging frames by the imaging unit in which the emission wavelengths of the first and second illumination light are switched varies depending on the diagnosis mode.

Abstract: A stroboscope module has a coupling with which the stroboscope module can be connected to a light connection of an endoscope. The coupling comprises a sleeve and a base, with the base being arranged in the sleeve displacable in an axial direction between a first position and a second position. An elastically deformable cuff having an internal diameter is arranged within the sleeve, into which cuff the light connection of the endoscope can be inserted in the first position. The sleeve and the base compress the cuff in the second position such that the internal diameter of the cuff is reduced and the light connection of the endoscope is locked in the coupling. The sleeve and the base can be locked in the second position.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for delivery, then photo-activation of photo sensitive material has a photo-sensitive substance-delivery part and an activation part. The catheter delivers substances such as biomaterials to a target site, followed by illumination of the target using optics located at the distal tip of the catheter which are optically coupled to an extracorporeal light source. In another aspect a deployable light-delivery catheter is disclosed that can illuminate a large area of tissue.

Abstract: A medical device, configured for insertion into a body, may include an elongate member extending from a proximal end to a distal end, where the distal end may be configured to be positioned inside the body. The medical device may also include an imaging device positioned at the distal end. The medical device may further include a plurality of light sources positioned at the distal end, wherein a characteristic of light delivered through a first light source may be controlled independent of the characteristic of light delivered through a second light source.

Abstract: The endoscope system includes an endoscope, a control unit, a beam source control unit and a type check unit. The endoscope has a radiation optical system for radiating a beam from a beam source onto a subject and an imaging optical system including an imaging device. The endoscope is removably connected to the control unit. The beam source control unit controls the emission beam intensity of the beam source according to a beam quantity specified value input from the control unit. The type check unit checks a type of the imaging device mounted on the endoscope. The beam source control unit has a plurality of control patterns representing a relationship between the beam quantity specified value and a control output value, switches to any one of the control patterns according to the check results, and controls the emission beam intensity according to the switched control pattern.

Abstract: The endoscope beam source apparatus includes a beam source for emitting a radiation beam to be supplied to the endoscope, and a beam source control unit for controlling the emission beam intensity of the beam source according to a beam quantity specified value input therein. The beam source control unit specifies the emission beam intensity corresponding to the beam quantity specified value based on at least three of control amounts. The control amounts include a control amount corresponding to pulse number modulation (PNM) control for changing lighting time of the beam source, a control amount corresponding to pulse width modulation (PWM) control for changing a plus width which indicates the lighting or lighting-out time within a control cycle, a control amount corresponding to pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) control for changing the lighting intensity, and a control amount corresponding to pulse density modulation (PDM) control for changing a lighting interval.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes an optical coupler, an image pickup module, a second bundle of optical fibers, a photodetector and an image processing module. The optical coupler has an input end optically coupled to a light source, a first output end and a second output end. The image pickup module includes a lens module and a first bundle of optical fibers. A end of the first bundle of the optical fibers is optically coupled to the output end of the optical coupler. An opposite end of the first bundle of the optical fibers is configured for emitting the light to illuminate an object. The second bundle of optical fibers has a end optically coupled to an image side of the lens module. An opposite end of the second bundle of the optical fibers and the second output end of the optical coupler are optically coupled to the photodetector.

Abstract: A fluorescent endoscope apparatus according to the present invention comprises an excitation light irradiation means which irradiates excitation light to a living body, a wavelength selection and transmission means which selects and transmits light from the living body, a photo detector means by which the selected and transmitted light is photoelectrically converted, a wavelength selection control means which controls the wavelength selection and transmission means so that the wavelength selection and transmission means selects and transmits light in a plurality of fluorescence detection wavelength regions and light in spectrum acquisition wavelength regions in a predetermined wavelength range that includes at least one fluorescence detection wavelength region, a fluorescent image compounding means in the fluorescence detection wavelength regions, a display means for displaying the synthesized image, and an intensity distribution obtaining means which acquires the intensity distribution of light in the predet

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus which includes a light projection unit for projecting light of a different wavelength range emitted from each of a plurality of light sources onto an observation area administered with a fluorescent agent, an imaging unit for receiving light emitted from the observation area irradiated with each light to capture an image corresponding to each light, and a light intensity ratio change unit for changing the light intensity ratio of light emitted from each of the light sources.

Abstract: In a surgical system, a system controller executes a video signature identification and image control routine to maintain quality of a video image taken by a video camera located at a surgical site and provided on a video display. The system includes a video camera/light source handpiece for insertion into a patient body. A tool is inserted separately into the surgical site. Fluid input into the surgical site is provided by a liquid pump or by an insufflator. Video signals are analyzed and fluid input/output, fluid pressure, and/or tool operation is automatically controlled to maintain image quality of the surgical site without manual adjustments.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal body observation device which includes an ordinary observation light source, an ordinary observation irradiation optical system, a special observation light source, a special observation irradiation optical system, an observation optical system for transmitting the light from an observation target, a detection means configured to detect the light transmitted from the observation optical system as a detection signal, and a processing unit for separating the detection signal in the respective light sources and making the detection signal into images, wherein the light from any one of the ordinary observation light source and the special observation light source is modulated, and the modulated light can be radiated to the observation target together with the light from the other light source, and the detection signal detected by the detection means is separated by the processing unit based on the frequency of the modulation.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a video-scope with an image sensor, a light source, a signal reading processor, a shading member, a driver, and a driving controller. The signal reading processor alternately reads odd-line image-pixel signals and even-line image-pixel signals over one-frame reading interval, when forming a still image on the basis of one frame worth of image-pixel signals generated by a one-time exposure. The shading member blocks the illuminating light. The driver selectively arranges the shading member at a non-shading position that enable the illuminating light to pass and at a shading position that blocks the light. The driving controller controls the driver by a sequence of pulse signals so as to position the shading member at the shading position for a shading-interval in the one-frame reading interval, and so as to position the shading member at the non-shading position for a remaining reading-interval.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods involving an endoscope system having a plurality of different illumination sources. Such illumination sources can be controlled to provide various illumination effects. In certain embodiments, illumination sources can be controlled so that resulting outputs can be combined to yield, for example, an intensity profile that approximates a desired source such as a Xenon lamp. In certain embodiments, illumination sources can be activated in sequence so as to allow, for example, use of a monochromatic detector to generate a color image. In certain embodiments, illumination sources can be controlled so as to allow switching between two or more illumination modes.

Abstract: An endoscope device is proposed for dealing with an erroneous operation of a surgeon. An endoscope device has an endoscope and a processor, wherein the endoscope has a switch unit and the processor has a CPU and an operating panel. In the event that the CPU of the processor detects that, of a first instruction signal transmitted from the switch unit and a second instruction signal transmitted from the operating panel, the instructions for performing the predetermined operation are not performed normally with one of the instruction signals, and instructions for performing an operation other than the predetermined operation is performed normally with the other instruction signal, the CPU stops the transmission of one of the instruction signals, and validates the operation content instructed by the other instruction signal.

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: A medical apparatus includes an insertion unit and a light source which supplies light into the insertion unit. A surface of the insertion unit includes: a first and second irradiation portions, a second irradiation portions, and an observation window. wherein each of the first and second irradiation portions has a pair of irradiation windows which emits the light, wherein when a border line bisects a front end surface of the insertion unit through the center point of the observation window, the pair of the irradiation windows are disposed on the both side of the front end surface sandwiching the border line, and wherein a fluorescent body emitting light by the excitation of the light supplied from the light source unit is disposed behind each of optical paths, and the white light is formed by the light supplied to the first irradiation portions and emission in the fluorescent body.

Abstract: An endoscope 100 includes a first light source 45 that emits white illumination light, a second light source 47 that emits narrow-band light and an imaging section that has an imaging device 21 having plural detection pixels and images a region to be observed. The imaging section is caused to output a captured image signal including both a return light component of the white illumination light from the region to be observed by and a return light component of the narrow-band light the white illumination light. From the captured image signal, the return light component of the narrow-band light is selectively extracted, and a brightness level of the extracted return light component of the narrow-band light is changed by changing a light amount of light emitted from the second light source 47.

Abstract: An endoscope 100 includes a first light source 45 that emits white illumination light, a second light source 47 that emits narrow-band light and an imaging section that has an imaging device 21 having plural detection pixels and images a region to be observed. The imaging section is caused to output a captured image signal including both a return light component of the white illumination light from the region to be observed by and a return light component of the narrow-band light the white illumination light. From the captured image signal, the return light component of the narrow-band light is selectively extracted, and a brightness level of the extracted return light component of the narrow-band light is changed by changing a light amount of light emitted from the second light source 47.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises an electric scope and a light source apparatus. The light source apparatus has a light source and a light control apparatus. The light control apparatus adjusts a quantity of light that is incident to the electric scope, based on a comparison between a scope characteristic that indicates a relative value of the quantity of light that can be incident to the electric scope and a light source total characteristic that indicates a relative value of the quantity of the light radiated from the light source to the electric scope.

Abstract: An endoscope light source unit includes an aperture device having aperture openings of different opening ratios, for selectively positioning one of the aperture openings between the incident end of a light guide and a light source; a driving device for moving the aperture device; an index detection device for detecting whether a specific aperture opening of the aperture device is positioned between the incident end face and the light source; an aperture opening position detection device for detecting whether any one of the aperture openings lies between the incident end face and the light source; a measuring device for measuring a driving amount of the driving device with respect to a position of the specific one of the aperture openings; and a controller for driving the driving device based on measurements from the index detection device, the aperture position detection device, and the measuring device.

Abstract: An endoscope light source unit including a light source, for making illumination light incident on a light guide of an endoscope which is disconnectably connected to the endoscope light source unit, the endoscope light source unit includes an aperture device including aperture openings of different opening ratios which are selectively positioned between the incident end face of the light guide and the light source; a reading device for reading endoscope-type information from a memory provided in the endoscope; and a controller for selecting one aperture opening, an opening ratio of which corresponds to the endoscope-type information, for making the selected one aperture opening positioned between the incident end face of the light guide and the light source, and for allowing the light source to be turned ON. The controller prohibits the light source from being turned ON if the reading device cannot read the endoscope-type information.

Abstract: An endoscope processor comprising a signal receiver and a standard value calculator is provided. The signal receiver receives an image signal generated based on an optical image captured at a light receiving surface on an imaging device. The image signal comprises a plurality of pixel signals generated by a plurality of pixels according to amounts of received light. A plurality of the pixels are arranged on the light receiving surface. The standard value calculator calculates a standard value using a focused pixel signal and surrounding pixel signals. The surrounding pixel signals are the pixel signals of surrounding pixels. The surrounding pixels surround the focused pixel. The standard value is used for carrying out signal processing on the focused pixel signal.

Abstract: An endoscope light source unit for making illumination light incident on an incident end face of a light guide connected thereto, includes an aperture device having aperture openings of different opening ratios, for selectively positioning one of the aperture openings between the incident end face of the light guide and the light source; a reading device for reading information on an illumination light quantity limit from a memory provided in a scope connected to the endoscope light source unit; and a controller for selecting an opening ratio of the aperture device in accordance with the information on the illumination light quantity limit read by the reading device, wherein the controller controls the aperture device so as not to position any of the aperture openings, which have an opening ratio higher than the selected opening ratio, between the incident end face of the light guide and the light source.

Abstract: An endoscope, at least a part of which is introduced into an object to be observed to image an internal subjects includes; an illuminating device which illuminates the front side and is disposed so that a normal line M is perpendicular to an introduction direction (X direction); and an imaging unit which images the front side and is disposed parallel to the illuminating device. The illuminating device includes an organic light emitting layer which is interposed between two electrodes, a light shielding portion which blocks first light proceeding in a direction of the normal line among the light generated from the organic light emitting layer, and a light extracting portion which is provided at the tip end of the organic light emitting layer and extracts second light proceeding in an in-plane direction of the organic light emitting layer from the tip end among the generated light to emit the second light to the front side.

Abstract: A light source apparatus for an electronic endoscope includes a light source; a rotary shutter including a pair of aperture controlling rotary plates; a first planetary gear mechanism including a first internal tooth gear, a first sun gear rotated with one aperture controlling rotary plate, and a first planet gear engaged with the first internal tooth gear and the first sun gear; a second planetary gear mechanism including a second internal tooth gear, a second sun gear rotated with the other aperture controlling rotary plate, and a second planet gear engaged with the second internal tooth gear and the second sun gear; and a carrier device which holds the first and second planet gears. An endless timing belt is installed on an output gear of a phase-difference motor and an input tooth portion of the second internal tooth gear, and includes a meshing portion.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods herein provide light sources and endoscopy systems that can improve the quality of images and the ability of users to distinguish desired features when viewing tissues by providing methods and apparatus that improve the dynamic range of images from endoscopes, in particular endoscopes that have dynamic range limited because of small image sensors and small pixel electron well capacity, and other optical systems.

Abstract: Compactness and easier assembly, as well as desired spectral characteristics, are achieved without requiring an accurate assembly process, by accurately detecting the spacing between optical substrates. A variable spectroscopy element (1) is provided, which includes two optical substrates (4a and 4b) that face each other with a spacing therebetween; optical coatings (3) provided on opposing surfaces of the optical substrates (4a and 4b); an actuator (4c) that adjusts the spacing between the two optical substrates (4a and 4b); and a capacitance sensor (6) that has sensor electrodes (6a and 6b) respectively provided on the two optical substrates (4a and 4b) and detects the spacing between the optical substrates (4a and 4b). The sensor electrode (6b) provided on one optical substrate (4b) is included within a region of the optical substrate (4b) onto which the sensor electrode (6a) provided on the other optical substrate (4a) is projected.

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: An endoscope light source system including first and second light sources and an adjustment circuit is provided. The first and second light sources make first and second lights incident on an incident end of a light guide mounted in an endoscope, respectively. The first and second lights have first and second wavelength bands, respectively. The adjustment circuit adjusts the incident amounts of the first and/or second lights to satisfy a first relation if the first and second lights are simultaneously made on the incident end. The incident amounts of the first and second lights are the amounts of the first and second lights made incident on the incident end.

Abstract: A medical wireless imaging device comprises an image sensor, a transmitter, a receiving device, and a plurality of light sources. The transmitter transmits data through a wireless communication link to a processing device. The receiving device wirelessly receives control data from a control unit. Each light source is configured to be individually controlled according to the control data. A reference image is stored for each light source. Intensities of each light source are calculated based on a reference image and on an input image.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope including an insertion portion which is insertable into a living body; an illumination section which emits illumination light to an observation target region side in the living body; a light amount control section which performs light amount control to at least decrease an amount of light in a red wavelength range in the illumination light which excites a photosensitizing substance which is administered to the observation target region; and a signal processing section which, in response to the light amount control, performs signal processing to increase a luminance level of a red color signal that corresponds to a red wavelength range in picking up an image under the illumination light.

Abstract: A normal light CCD 11 is driven via a normal light CCD control section 25 by a timing signal from a timing circuit section 29 of a video processor 20. At the same time, a fluorescence CCD 12 is driven via a fluorescence CCD control section 26. Then, an image pickup signal according to an RGB frame sequential method from the normal light CCD 11 is processed by a normal light image video circuit section 27 and a normal color image is created while an image pickup signal from the fluorescence CCD 12 is processed by a fluorescence image video circuit section 28, and an image pickup signal of a subject excited by blue illumination light and transmitted through a fluorescence transmitting filter 13 is extracted to create a fluorescence image of the subject.

Abstract: An in-vivo image acquiring apparatus includes an imaging unit which is introduced inside a subject and picks up image information inside the subject, an illuminating unit which illuminates an imaging portion imaged by the imaging unit, a transmission processing unit which performs a process to wirelessly transmit the image information acquired by the imaging unit to an external apparatus. A light-control unit determines light-control amount information based on brightness of the image information acquired by the imaging unit, and performs a control of light control of the illuminating unit according to the light-control amount information. Further, the transmission processing unit performs a process to wirelessly transmit the image information acquired by the imaging unit along with the light-control amount information used for the control of light-control.

Abstract: An endoscope of the present invention includes an insertion section including a distal end portion, an objective lens placed in the distal end portion, an illumination lens which is placed in the distal end portion adjacently to the objective lens and emits illumination light from a light source, and a wall portion which is placed between the objective lens and the illumination lens, and shields the illumination light, and thereby, secures a sufficient illumination range for an image pickup range with a wide field of view, can obtain a favorable endoscope image and can reduce the diameter.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an outer tube having a sharpened distal end and a retractable sleeve slidably disposed in the outer tube. An image conduit is attached to the distal end of the retractable sleeve for imaging any object in contact with the distal tip of the image conduit.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: a first illumination window through which a first illumination light from a first light source is irradiated to a subject; a second illumination window at different position than the first illumination window, through which a second illumination light from a second light source is irradiated to the subject; an electronic image pickup section which picks up subject images; an image creation section which generates observation images based on image pickup signals obtained by the electronic image pickup section; a light adjustment section which synchronously adjusts respective amounts of illumination lights irradiated from the first and second illumination windows; and a control unit which controls the light adjustment section or image creation section to maintain color tone of the observation image to a predetermined one according to increase/decrease of the illumination light amount from the first illumination window.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes an optical coupler, an image pickup module, a second bundle of optical fibers, a photodetector and an image processing module. The optical coupler has an input end optically coupled to a light source, a first output end and a second output end. The image pickup module includes a lens module and a first bundle of optical fibers. A end of the first bundle of the optical fibers is optically coupled to the output end of the optical coupler. An opposite end of the first bundle of the optical fibers is configured for emitting the light to illuminate an object. The second bundle of optical fibers has a end optically coupled to an image side of the lens module. An opposite end of the second bundle of the optical fibers and the second output end of the optical coupler are optically coupled to the photodetector.

Abstract: This endoscope apparatus comprises an insertion section to be inserted into a space to be inspected, a light emitting device for illuminating inside of the space, a fluorescent member provided at a tip-end of the insertion section and emitting fluorescent light with light from the light emitting device as excitation light, a light guide transmitting the light from the light emitting device to the fluorescent member, a light branching member for branching a part of the fluorescent light returned from the fluorescent member, and an optical sensor for detecting light from the light branching member, and when the illumination light becomes dark due to a failure or removal of the tip-end section of the endoscope, an image with low luminance is not displayed, glare at replacement of the tip-end section can be reduced to improve workability and the diameter of the insertion section can be thinned.

Abstract: An endoscopic device of the present invention comprises: an endoscope having an image pickup unit that outputs a picked up an image of a subject as an image pickup signal; an image pickup signal amplification unit; a light source unit; a light intensity control unit that controls an amount of light; a spectral unit that penetrates light in a band based on predetermined characteristics; a brightness control unit that controls a brightness of an image displayed on a display unit; and a mode switching unit that switches a first mode for emitting first illumination light and a second mode for emitting second illumination light having a band narrower than the first illumination light, wherein the brightness control unit controls the light intensity control unit and then controls the image pickup signal amplification unit in the second mode.

Abstract: The endoscope apparatus of the present invention comprises an insertion section inserted into a space to be inspected, a light emitting device for emitting excitation light, a fluorescent member for emitting illumination light obtained by mixing the excitation light and fluorescent light excited by the excitation light into the space from the tip end of the insertion section, an optical sensor for detecting return light, a part of the illumination light, a light guide for light detection provided with one end facing the fluorescent member and the other end facing the optical sensor for transmitting the return light emitted from the fluorescent member to the optical sensor, a wavelength limiting member provided between the other end of the light guide and the optical sensor for limiting the wavelength of the return light, and a light detection portion for detecting intensity of the return light detected at the optical sensor.

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 system includes an image pickup device provided at a distal end of an insertion portion; an image signal processing device; a main light source; an auxiliary light source which emits less amount of light than the light emitted from the main light source; and a light guide member which guides illumination light emitted from one of the main light source and the auxiliary light source to the distal end of the insertion portion to thereby emit the illumination light from the distal end. When the auxiliary light source emits the illumination light instead of the main light source, the image signal processing device sets the gain of the signal output from the image pickup device to a value higher than the gain of the signal when the main light source emits the illumination light, in order to process the image signal.