Abstract: Imaging apparatus, including an imaging unit, which consists of an image sensor, configured to capture images of a region and to output image signals in response to the captured images and an illumination source, configured to illuminate the region. The unit further includes a driver circuit, which is coupled to receive a digital value indicative of a target luminous flux of the illumination source and to generate a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal to drive the illumination source with a duty cycle of the signal determined by the value. The apparatus includes a camera control unit, which is configured to process the image signals so as to generate images of the region and to output the digital value indicative of the target luminous flux based on the images. A single cable connects the imaging unit to the camera control unit so as to convey the image signals and the digital value.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus, including an imaging unit, which consists of an image sensor, configured to capture images of a region and to output image signals in response to the captured images and an illumination source, configured to illuminate the region. The unit further includes a driver circuit, which is coupled to receive a digital value indicative of a target luminous flux of the illumination source and to generate a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal to drive the illumination source with a duty cycle of the signal determined by the value. The apparatus includes a camera control unit, which is configured to process the image signals so as to generate images of the region and to output the digital value indicative of the target luminous flux based on the images. A single cable connects the imaging unit to the camera control unit so as to convey the image signals and the digital value.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of an integrated circuit (IC) die, and a circuit. The IC die includes a semiconductor substrate having a substrate plane face and a substrate edge, an imaging array formed on the substrate plane face, and a plurality of array pads mounted on the substrate plane face and connected to the imaging array. The circuit includes a circuit substrate having a circuit face and a circuit edge butted to the substrate edge, a plurality of circuit pads mounted on the circuit face, and a plurality of traces mounted on the circuit face and connected to the circuit pads. The apparatus further includes a plurality of connectors coupling the array pads to the circuit pads.

Abstract: An endoscope, consisting of an image sensor which is configured to generate an image signal and a control circuit which is mounted on the endoscope. The control circuit is configured to drive the image sensor based on a control signal from a processor. The endoscope includes a connector which is connected to the image sensor and which is configured to detachably connect to the control circuit. In addition, the connector includes a memory storing calibration data with respect to the image sensor. The control circuit adjusts the image signal, based on the calibration data stored in the memory, to form a calibrated image signal, and transmits the calibrated image signal to the processor.

Abstract: A method for assembling an endoscope that includes an imaging subassembly inside an insertion tube having distal and proximal ends. The method includes coupling the imaging subassembly to a plurality of wires, which have respective first and second ends, by fixing the first ends of the wires to the imaging subassembly. A connector is coupled to the wires by fixing the second ends of the wires to the connector. After coupling the imaging subassembly and the connector to the wires, the imaging subassembly is installed in the insertion tube by passing the connector through the insertion tube from the distal end of the insertion tube to the proximal end. After passing the connector through the insertion tube, the connector is inserted in a receptacle.

Abstract: A method for assembling an endoscope that includes an imaging subassembly inside an insertion tube having distal and proximal ends. The method includes coupling the imaging subassembly to a plurality of wires, which have respective first and second ends, by fixing the first ends of the wires to the imaging subassembly. A connector is coupled to the wires by fixing the second ends of the wires to the connector. After coupling the imaging subassembly and the connector to the wires, the imaging subassembly is installed in the insertion tube by passing the connector through the insertion tube from the distal end of the insertion tube to the proximal end. After passing the connector through the insertion tube, the connector is inserted in a receptacle.

Abstract: An endoscope having restricted dimensions and comprising at least one image gatherer, at least one image distorter and at least one image sensor shaped to fit within said limited dimensions, and wherein said image distorter is operable to distort an image received from said image gatherer so that the image is sensible at said shaped image sensor.

Abstract: An endoscope having restricted dimensions and comprising at least one image gatherer, at least one image distorter and at least one image sensor shaped to fit within said limited dimensions, and wherein said image distorter is operable to distort an image received from said image gatherer so that the image is sensible at said shaped image sensor.

Abstract: A method for assembling an endoscope that includes an imaging subassembly inside an insertion tube having distal and proximal ends. The method includes coupling the imaging subassembly to a plurality of wires, which have respective first and second ends, by fixing the first ends of the wires to the imaging subassembly. A connector is coupled to the wires by fixing the second ends of the wires to the connector. After coupling the imaging subassembly and the connector to the wires, the imaging subassembly is installed in the insertion tube by passing the connector through the insertion tube from the distal end of the insertion tube to the proximal end. After passing the connector through the insertion tube, the connector is inserted in a receptacle.

Abstract: An endoscope having restricted dimensions and comprising at least one image gatherer, at least one image distorter and at least one image sensor shaped to fit within said limited dimensions, and wherein said image distorter is operable to distort an image received from said image gatherer so that the image is sensible at said shaped image sensor.