Abstract: An endoscope light source unit for making illumination light incident on a light guide, includes a rotary aperture plate, aperture openings of different opening ratios and an auxiliary-light aperture opening of a maximum opening ratio formed in the rotary aperture plate; a rotating device; an auxiliary light; a first sensing portion and a plurality of second sensing portions formed in the rotary aperture plate in association with the auxiliary-light aperture opening and the aperture openings; a first sensor which detects the first sensing portion; a second sensor which detects the first sensing portion and detects the second sensing portions; and a controller which controls the rotary aperture plate in accordance with the first and/or second sensors. When the auxiliary light is in the retracted position, the controller drives the rotary aperture plate while the second sensor detects the first sensing portion.

Abstract: Multimodal optical imaging is disclosed. Possible devices include a filter assembly that is capable of rotary action during real time image acquisition. Systems are disclosed that include such filter assemblies, which are detachable or integrated in the systems. Various techniques for capturing image targets using multiple light sources such as white light and fluorescent light are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multimodal optical imaging is disclosed. Possible devices include a filter assembly that is capable of rotary action during real time image acquisition. Systems are disclosed that include such filter assemblies, which are detachable or integrated in the systems. Various techniques for capturing image targets using multiple light sources such as white light and fluorescent light are also disclosed.

Abstract: Imaging techniques. Radiation is directed from a source onto a sample using an endoscope having cellular or subcellular resolution. The endoscope includes one or more fibers. The fibers have a proximate end and a distal end, and the distal end is lensless. A focal plane of the endoscope is substantially at a tip of the distal end. Radiation from the sample is directed onto a detector to diagnose or monitor the sample.

Abstract: An endoscopic microscopic system for collecting and processing a sequence of images.

Abstract: A catheter based defocusing imaging system for 3-D tomography reconstruction of endovascular features of interest is disclosed. Without limitation, target sites for imaging include heart valves, calcified heart valves, calcium plastered valve on the heart valve or plaque on the inner wall of the blood vessel of a patient.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and light sources. In one embodiment, an endoscopic adaptor is provided for viewing fluorescent nanoparticles. The adaptor can be configured to removably mate to a portion of an endoscope, such as an eyepiece, and it can be adapted to contain a filter for filtering light received through the viewing lumen of the eyepiece. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter is configured to transmit fluorescent light while blocking visible light, to thereby enable a structure containing one or more fluorescent nanoparticles to be viewed through the endoscope.

Abstract: A blood sensor including a base (12), a detection part (16) disposed on the base (12), a blood collection needle (13) disposed at a front end (12a) of the base (12), a negative pressure generation part (17) for applying negative pressure to a portion of the blood collection needle (13), and a supply path (15) for supplying blood collected by the blood collection needle (13) to a detection part (16).

Abstract: A swing prism endoscope with adjustable viewing direction includes a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a window of a transparent material that seals an opening on the distal end of the shaft so that it is fluid-tight. In addition the swing prism endoscope includes a pivotable prism on the distal end of the shaft for adjustable diversion of light that falls through the window into the shaft of the swing prism endoscope onto an object lens, where the pivotable prism is made of diamond.

Abstract: An endoscope spectral image system is provided and includes: an image recording apparatus for recording a color image provided by using a scope; and a processor apparatus, in which spectroscopic characteristic information including a spectroscopic characteristic of CCD is output from the processor apparatus to the image recording apparatus along with color image data. At the image recording apparatus, matrix data in correspondence with the spectroscopic characteristic information is selected to be read from a plurality of matrix data stored in a memory, matrix operation by the matrix data and color image data is carried out at a spectral image-forming circuit, and a spectral image formed by signals of arbitrarily selected wavelength regions is provided.

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: A body-introducable apparatus includes: a light source unit having a first light source that outputs first light and a second light source that outputs second light in a wavelength band different from that of the first light; a light distribution matching unit that matches distributions of the first light and the second light; an illuminating control unit that illuminates the inside of the subject by driving the light source unit; and an imaging unit that captures an image of the inside of the subject.

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, an average calculator, a difference calculator, an emphasizer, a synthesizer, and an output block is provided. The signal receiver receives an image signal generated by an imaging device. The image signal comprises a plurality of pixel signals. The average calculator calculates a signal average value. The difference calculator calculates a signal difference value. The emphasizer calculates an emphasized value by multiplying the signal difference value by a predetermined gain. The synthesizer generates an emphasized image signal, in which the pixel signal for each pixel is replaced with the sum of the emphasized value for each pixel and the signal average value.

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: A scanning endoscope apparatus, comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, a first optical filter, a second optical filter, a second transmitter, a first photo-detection unit, and a position determiner, is provided. The first transmitter transmits light to a first emission end. The actuator moves the first emission end. The first optical filter reflects the light of the first band. The second optical filter transmits the light of the first band at a transmittance that varies according to the position. The second transmitter transmits the light of the first band from a second incident end to a second emission end. The first photo-detection unit detects an amount of the light of the first band. The position determiner determines a position of the first emission end on the basis of the amount of the light of the first band.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope used for lighting and visualizing the fields of an object in cavities. The inventive endoscope comprises a lighting unit and an image transmitting system provided with an optical lens on the distal side thereof and with an optical eyepiece or a filming unit which are used as an observation system on the proximal side thereof. Said endoscope is characterized in that an optical dividing element for complementary light polarization or for wavelength bands and the complementary polarization is inserted between the lighting unit, the image transmitting system, and the visualizing system in such a way that the light emitted by the lighting unit can be injected into the image transmitting system. The dividing element for the complementary light polarization is combined with a quarter-wave plate which is arranged before the lens on the distal side thereof.

Abstract: A diagnosis supporting system acquires a reference image signal of a subject illuminated with visible light and a fluorescent image signal of the subject excited by irradiation with excitation light. The diagnosis supporting system calculates a difference between a brightness level of a pixel in the reference image signal and a brightness level of a pixel in the fluorescent image signal at the corresponding position for target pixels. An observation image signal is generated by converting the pixels in the reference image signal with differences larger than a predetermined value into red pixels. In the case a ratio of the red pixels in the observation image signal is higher than a predetermined level, more pixels become the target pixels to be processed than in the other case.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and method are disclosed wherein first and second light beams, each having different center wavelengths, illuminate an object. A detector and a light receiver optical system are provided that receive back-scattered light from first and second illumination devices. A processor is provided that calculates a value corresponding to the size of particles that back-scatter light of the first and second light beams that are incident onto the object, with the calculated value being independent of the concentration of the particles. The first illumination device and the second illumination device are arranged in a specified manner so that a specified condition is satisfied.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system 1 with two modalities, the system has a catheter 40 with an optical lens system 50 situated at an end of the catheter and optically connected to optical guide means 15 a. The lens system has a numerical aperture which is changeable between a first 1NA and second 2NA numerical aperture, 2NA being larger than 1NA. The imaging system also has an imaging unit 5 being arranged for optical imaging with the catheter 40. A first imaging modality 1IM and a second imaging modality 21IM are optically connectable with the optical lens system 50 of the catheter 40. The imaging system can change between imaging in two modes: (1) the first numerical aperture 1NA of the optical lens system 50 and the first imaging modality 1IM of the imaging unit 5, and (2) the second numerical aperture 2NA of the optical lens system 50 and the second imaging modality 2IM of the imaging unit 5.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing an image enhancing effect for a photographic image of a target region within an intravascular environment. The image enhancing effects may be a physical process based upon the nature of the detected light or based upon different aspects of expected light reflection behavior, for example, by running predefined image reconstruction algorithms. The apparatus has a plurality of different embodiments, each of which reduces the ambient “noise” detected along with the light reflected from the target region in order to increase the signal/noise ratio, thereby to enhance the quality of the image produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope light source safety system including visible light transmitted along an illumination path; a source for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path; an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation; a first reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for reflecting at least a portion of the radiation received by said illumination attenuator; a combiner for combining the radiation from said source into the illumination path; and a detector for receiving at least a portion of the radiation reflected from said first reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.

Abstract: An objective optical system for endoscopes is provided for the purpose of carrying out a fluorescence observation. At least two excitation light cutoff filters in which the transmittance of excitation light in its wavelength band is 0.1% or less are arranged and an optical element with power is interposed between arbitrary two of the excitation light cutoff filters. Whereby, the leakage of the excitation light caused by oblique incidence on the excitation light cutoff filter can be effectively prevented and even the feeble fluorescent light can be observed without flare with respect to the excitation light.

Abstract: An endoscope light source safety system, including visible light transmitted along an illumination path, one or more sources for providing radiation along at least a portion of the illumination path, an optical element for combining the radiation from said one or more sources into the illumination path, an illumination attenuator connectable to the illumination path for receiving said visible light and the radiation, a reflector connected to said illumination attenuator for transmitting said visible light and returning at least a portion of the radiation, and one or more detectors for receiving the returned radiation from said reflector and for generating a signal indicative of the receipt of visible light by said illumination attenuator.

Abstract: A fiberscope device is disclosed which is suitable for video imaging, laser Raman spectroscopy and laser Raman spectroscopic (i.e. chemical) imaging. The fiberscope design minimizes fiber background interference arising from the laser delivery fiber optic and the coherent fiber optic light gathering bundle while maintaining high light throughput efficiency through the use of integrated spectral filters. In the fiberscope design, the laser delivery fiber optic is offset from the coherent fiber optic light gathering bundle. The laser delivery field is captured entirely by the light gathering field of view of the coherent fiber bundle. The fiberscope incorporates spectral filter optical elements that provide environmental insensitivity, particularly to temperature and moisture.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system has a housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the housing member. A tissue stabilizing member is coupled to the housing. A penetrating member sensor is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. The penetrating member sensor is configured to provide information relative to a depth of penetration of a penetrating member through a skin surface.

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 endoscope includes an elongated insertion portion having a distal end portion provided with an illumination window and an observation window. A single solid-state image sensing device whose image pickup face is provided at an image forming position of an objective optical system mounted on the observation window. In the vicinity of the image pickup face of the solid-state image sensing device, a filter portion that has a first filter having a wideband wavelength transmission characteristic in a visible band and a second filter having a narrowband wavelength transmission characteristic in the visible band two-dimensionally arranged is disposed.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: When illumination light in an ultraviolet region and a visible light region is emitted from a light source lamp, a light quantity of the illumination light is adjusted by a first diaphragm mechanism and a second diaphragm mechanism, and sequentially irradiated to an observation target via a rotating filter. At this time, the first diaphragm mechanism adjusts the light quantities of excitation light and RGB light of a wavelength band of the illumination light, and the second diaphragm mechanism has a transmission property for light in the ultraviolet region and adjusts the light quantity of the RGB light without influencing the light quantity of the excitation light. Thereby, the light quantities of both the excitation light and RGB light emitted form one light source lamp are controlled, and optimal brightness balance can be obtained.

Abstract: A capsule type endoscope includes an illumination device, an imaging device, and a transparent cover covering the illumination device and the imaging device. The imaging device has an objective optical system and an image sensor. When the objective optical system satisfies Condition (1) described below and a white cylinder with a reflectance of 90%, satisfying Condition (3) described below, is observed, illuminance of the imaging surface of the image sensor satisfies Condition (2) described below, in a state where a longitudinal center axis of a capsule coincides with the center axis of the white cylinder with a reflectance of 90%. ??50° ??(1) T1×0.5?T2 ??(2) D=1.

Abstract: An autonomous in vivo sensing device may include a polarizing filter to polarize light emitted by an illumination unit, and to block light specularly reflected from a turbid media from reaching an imager of such device. An autonomous in vivo sensing device with monochromatic illumination units to alternatingly illuminate a target area with light of different wavelengths, and to subtract an image illuminated by light in a first wavelength from an image illuminated by light in a second wavelength, to produce an image of a sub-surface layer of such target area.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoscope system, a portion of which is adapted to be inserted inside a body cavity of a living organism for acquiring images of an acquisition target inside the body cavity, including a light source unit for selectively emitting excitation light with different spectral characteristics; an image acquisition unit, having a filter which blocks each excitation light, and having sensitivity in a wavelength band of fluorescence; a storage unit for storing information regarding a relation between intensity of fluorescence generated and concentration of each fluorescent agent; and a concentration-information calculating unit for calculating and outputting concentration information of each fluorescent agent on the basis of the fluorescence intensity of images acquired by the image acquisition unit and the information regarding the relation stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: Spectral characteristics are controlled with high accuracy using a variable-spectrum device provided at the tip of a long insertion portion of an endoscope, thereby acquiring a sharp observation image. An endoscope system, at least a portion of which is to be inserted into the body cavity of a living organism and which acquires an image of an observation target in the body cavity, includes, at a leading end of the portion inserted into the body cavity, a variable-spectrum device whose spectral characteristics are changed by changing a gap between two facing optical elements that are separated by the gap; an actuator that changes the gap between the two optical elements in accordance with an input driving signal; a sensor that detects the gap between the two optical elements; and an electrical circuit to which the output of the sensor is input, which includes an active device, and which outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the output of the sensor.

Abstract: An applicator suitable for converting a white-light endoscope into an endoscope for combined white-light/fluorescence imaging is disclosed. The applicator facilitates attachment of an optical element, for example an optical filter, to a distal optical port of an endoscope. The applicator engages with alignment feature on the endoscope's distal end and releasably supports the optical element in an opening that is aligned with the optical port. The optical element is released in a proximal direction by pressing down on an actuator.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an spouting portion spouting a fluorescent agent and a cleaning liquid, a light source portion emitting excitation light and irradiation light having different spectral characteristics, an optical system transmitting the excitation light or the irradiation light to the object, an image capture portion disposed in a section inserted into the coelom and picking up fluorescence and light having a different spectrum band that are emitted from the object, a spectroscopic portion disposed in an optical pass between the image capture portion and an end of the inserted section and restraining light having the same spectrum band as the excitation light from entering the image capture portion, and a control portion allowing the light source portion to emit excitation light at least once after the spouting portion spouts the fluorescent agent onto the object and before the spouting portion spouts the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: An endoscope light source unit including a light source lamp and an infrared-cut filter for cutting out light rays with wavelengths of a near-infrared region which are included in illumination light emitted from the light source lamp, the endoscope light source unit includes a transparent conductive coating formed on at least one of front and rear surfaces of the infrared-cut filter; at least one pair of electrode portions provided on the one of the front and rear surfaces of the infrared-cut filter in a vicinity of a rim thereof on opposite sides of the transparent conductive coating, respectively, to be electrically connected to the transparent conductive coating; and an electrical-characteristic detector which measures an electrical characteristic of the pair of electrode portions to detect whether the electrical characteristic exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus has a light source, a luminance calculator, a controller, and a brightness adjuster. The light source illuminates an object. The luminance calculator calculates a luminance level indicating a brightness of an object image on the basis of image-pixel signals corresponding to the object image. The controller calculates and outputs a manipulated value in accordance with a luminance-difference between the luminance level and a reference luminance level indicating a standard brightness of the object image. The controller sets a non-sensitive band including a standard point corresponding to the reference luminance level. The brightness adjuster adjusts the brightness of the object image in accordance with the manipulated value. When the manipulated value is inside the non-sensitive band, the controller outputs a non-activating manipulated value so as not to activate the brightness adjuster.

Abstract: A fiberscope device is disclosed which is suitable for video imaging, laser Raman spectroscopy and laser Raman spectroscopic (i.e. chemical) imaging. The fiberscope design minimizes fiber background interference arising from the laser delivery fiber optic and the coherent fiber optic light gathering bundle while maintaining high light throughput efficiency through the use of integrated spectral filters. In the fiberscope design, the laser delivery fiber optic is offset from the coherent fiber optic light gathering bundle. The laser delivery field is captured entirely by the light gathering field of view of the coherent fiber bundle. The fiberscope incorporates spectral filter optical elements that provide environmental insensitivity, particularly to temperature and moisture.

Abstract: Endoscopes and other viewing devices that control the light that contacts a sample and/or that is detected emanating from a sample. The viewing devices are particularly well suited for in vivo imaging, although other uses are also included. The viewing devices, and methods related thereto, comprise a spatial light modulator in the illumination and/or detection light path so that light transmitted to the target via a bundle of light guides or optical system is transmitted substantially only into the cores of the light guide bundle and not into the cladding surrounding the light guides, filler between the light guides in the bundle, or undesired light guides. Also, methods and apparatus for mapping the pixels of the spatial light modulator to the cores of the light guides in the bundle (preferably at least 3 pixels (e.g., at least 3 mirrors for a digital micromirror device) for each core), as well as for mapping the light guides of one light guide bundle to another.

Abstract: An adjusting method for endoscope systems comprises a first adjusting step, a second light adjusting step and a storing step. The first adjusting step compares video signals, which are produced from illumination light rays that are reflected from an object and whose wavelengths fall within first, second, and third ranges, with one another, and regulates a lamp current that flows into a light source lamp. The second light adjusting step adjusts a diaphragm that controls an amount of light which is emitted from the light source lamp and which is irradiated to the object. The storing step stores the lamp current regulated at the first adjusting step and a light limiting level adjusted at the second adjusting step.

Abstract: An endoscope system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes an endoscope with a monochrome image pickup device for capturing reflected light and fluorescence from the body cavity, an excitation light cut filter which is installed in front of the image pickup device for shielding excitation light, and an endoscope ID which includes information on the type of the endoscope. A light source unit includes a first switching filter that irradiates light including excitation light for a fluorescent image mode and a filter for generating continuous light for a normal-light image mode. The filters switch based between the fluorescent image mode and the normal-light image mode. A second switching filter with a limiting filter that limits certain wavelengths of excitation light of the first switching filter is provided. The limiting filters are switched according to the endoscope ID or observation state in the fluorescence mode.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope having an insertion tube; a main light source; an auxiliary light source; and a fiber-optic light guide provided in the insertion tube, the fiber-optic light guide being provided with an incident end face which selectively faces one of the main light source and the auxiliary light source, and an exit end face which faces an illuminating optical system provided at a distal end of the insertion tube. The auxiliary light source is a white LED.

Abstract: A light source apparatus for an endoscope including a main light source; a light guide member whose incident end face is opposed to the main light source and which guides light incident thereon to an emission end face thereof; an auxiliary light source which is activated to emit light when no light is emitted from the main light source and which is supported to move between a stand-by position in which the auxiliary light source is located out of a main light path between the main light source and the incident end face and an operative position in which the auxiliary light source is located in the main light path and is opposed to the incident end face when the main light source is inoperative; and an auxiliary light source emission control device for driving the auxiliary light source at a continuous emission mode to emit light of a predetermined intensity or at an intermittent emission mode to emit light of an intensity higher than the predetermined intensity.

Abstract: A light source device enables manual and automatic light regulation performed on illumination light that is irradiated to an object. A set value of a light regulation level for light emanating from a light source which is determined for use of an endoscope 11 is stored in a memory. When the driving power supply of the endoscope 11 is turned on again in order to reuse the endoscope, the stored and previously determined set value of the light regulation level is compared with a threshold value. When the previously determined set value of the light regulation level is equal to or larger than the threshold value, a diaphragm 26 is adjusted so that the light regulation level is set to a predetermined value. When the previously determined set value of the light regulation level is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the diaphragm 26 is adjusted so that the light regulation level will be set to the previous determined set value.

Abstract: An endoscope system has an electronic endoscope, a signal processing section and a data transmitting and receiving section. The electronic endoscope has an image pickup element at a distal end portion of an insert section thereof to be inserted in a body. The other end portion of the endoscope is located outside the body. The signal processing section processes an image signal obtained by the image pickup element. The data transmitting and receiving section transmits and receives data to and from a network environment by radio.

Abstract: A light source device for use in an image capturing device such as an endoscope capable of reducing size and cost, and preventing heat generation at an illuminated position. An illumination unit of the endoscope includes LED light sources for emitting ultraviolet light, fluorescent fibers for generating red, green and blue light respectively by irradiation of the ultraviolet light, a sampling light source, and an excitation light source. Upon capturing a normal image, the ultraviolet light is emitted sequentially from the LED light sources to cause the fluorescent fibers to generate the red, green and blue light. The light of each color is passed through a light guide and irradiated on an observation area of a living body. Thereafter, reflected images attributable to the light of each color are captured with a CCD image capturing element of a charge multiplying type, and captured images are displayed on a monitor.