Abstract: A method of formation of a thermal spray coating which forms a thermal spray coating on a coating-forming surface, characterized by comprising a thermal spraying step of thermally spraying feedstock powder on the coating-forming surface and a deposition and coating forming step of having the thermally sprayed feedstock powder deposit on the coating-forming surface and solidify to form a coating, in the deposition and coating forming step, when deposited on the coating-forming surface by thermal spraying, the feedstock powder deposits in the solid phase state in 50 to 90%, preferably 70 to 80%, of the whole so as to raise the ratio of the crystallite remaining in the feedstock powder and secure a high heat conductivity.

Abstract: An image picking-up and processing apparatus particularly suitable for use in dental treatment comprises a transmission and conversion section including an image sensor for detecting input light from an object, an objective lens, and a light guide for transmitting illumination light; a control section including a control unit for producing an image signal on the basis of an output signal from the image sensor, and a light source for emitting the illumination light; and an interchangeable image processing section detachably connected to the transmission and conversion section for processing the image signal to reproduce image information in a desired form. An interchangeable image picking-up section, for example, an endoscope including an objective lens, an image fiber for transmitting the input light, and a light guide for transmitting the illumination light is detachably connected to the transmission and conversion section.