Abstract: Stereoscopic device including a lenticular lens layer and light sensor array, the lenticular lens layer includes a plurality of lenticular elements, the sight sensor array includes a plurality of light sensors, wherein selected ones of the light sensors detect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths and wherein at least selected others of the light sensors detect light at at least another predetermined range of wavelengths and wherein each of the lenticular elements is located in front of a selected group of the light sensors, thereby directing light from different directions to different light sensors within the selected group of the light sensors.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope system, a scope has a solid image sensor provided at a distal end thereof to generate image-pixel signals. An image-signal processing unit produces a video signal based on the image-pixel signals. An alteration system alters a peak-to-peak level of a synchronizing-signal component of the video signal. An manual setting system manually operates the alteration system to perform the alteration of the peak-to-peak level of the synchronizing-signal component.

Abstract: An optical system pair for a stereo endoscope is described which enables adjustment of magnification matching in the production phase with low cost and small size for the resulting stereo endoscope products. The stereo optical system pair for stereo endoscope system includes a right optical system and a left optical system, wherein one of the right and left optical systems includes a lens group which has a refractive power, and which is designed to be moveable axially with a moveable range and has a position within the moveable range at which optical magnification equals to −1. Also described are optical arrangements of a stereo endoscope incorporating the stereo optical system pair.

Abstract: A stereo endoscope having right and left optical systems for stereoscopic observation which form the right and left images, respectively. The stereo endoscope further including a third optical system which has a wider field of view and a smaller maximum lens diameter than the right and left optical systems.

Abstract: An armor (111a) of a scope unit (131) and a diaphragm (123) are arranged to be mutually freely turnable. The shape of an outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) and the shape of the inside of a scope joint (130a) of a TV camera unit (130) substantially agree with each other, and the outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) and the inside of the scope joint (130a) engage with each other. In a state in which the outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) and the inside of the scope joint (130a) are engaged with each other, a ring screw (133) is meshed with a thread (130b) so that the scope unit (131) and TV camera unit (130) will unitedly be joined with each other. At this time, since the outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) is engaged with the scope joint (130a), the diaphragm and TV camera unit can be turned relative to an objective optical system (119) and relay optical system (121) with the optical axis of the relay optical system (121) as an axis of turning.

Abstract: A patient information deleting setting screen is provided to set a condition to delete unnecessary patient information, and a term for which patient information is registered but the endoscope examination has not been performed is set as a deleting condition. The deleting condition is recorded and, upon starting an endoscope image filing system next time, the patient information under the deleting condition is automatically deleted. Thus, the occupation of a database due to the storage of the unnecessary patient information is prevented and the operability is improved to search the patient information for a short time.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes a primary optical system for transmitting a luminous flux, reflected by an object located near a first end of the optical system, to a second end of the optical system. A first image forming system forms a first image of the object in accordance with a first area of the luminous flux, and a second image forming system forms a second image of the object in accordance with a second area of the luminous flux, the second area not overlapping the first area. An imaging device detects the first image and the second image, the image detecting system outputting an image signal.

Abstract: A real-time structured light depth extraction system includes a projector for projecting structured light patterns onto an object of interest. A camera positioned off-axis from the projector samples light reflected from the object synchronously with the projection of structured light patterns and outputs digital signals indicative of the reflected light. An image processor/controller receives the digital signals from the camera and processes the digital signals to extract depth information of the object in real time.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus including: a first endoscope having a first imaging device; and a second endoscope having a second imaging device with a different pixel density and a second drive pulse generation circuit, wherein a processor unit, which connects the two endoscopes, comprises: a first drive pulse generation circuit for driving the first imaging device, a synchronization circuit for generating a synchronizing signal synchronous with the signal of the second drive pulse generation circuit, a switching circuit for activating the synchronization circuit when the second endoscope is connected, and a signal processing circuit for processing the signals obtained by the first imaging device and for processing the signals obtained by the second imaging device based on the synchronizing signal. By this configuration, a single processor unit will suffice even when employing an imaging device with a different pixel density.

Abstract: A video system for providing an operator with a three dimensional stereoscopic image of the oral cavity of a patient is provided. The system includes an imaging unit for providing at least two stereoscopic images of the oral cavity, a pair of switchable shutters for alternatingly blocking the view of the left eye and the right eye of the operator, a synchronizing unit for synchronizing the switching of the pair of switchable shutters with the rate of generation of the two stereoscopic video images by the imaging unit and a video display for displaying the two stereoscopic images.

Abstract: An optical adaptor for an endoscope enabling an optically highly precise arrangement consists of a first frame member, a second frame member, and a distance restriction member. The first frame member is located at the distal part of the optical adaptor. A plurality of objective optical systems is stowed and held in the first frame member. The second frame member is located behind the plurality of objective optical systems. A relay optical system that transmits optical images formed by the objective optical systems and teams with an imaging optical system located in front of an imaging device in an endoscope to form an image transmission optical system is stowed and held in the second frame member. The distance restriction member is interposed between the first frame member and second frame member and thus sets the distance between the members to a predetermined value.

Abstract: An adapter uses a monocular endoscope with a stereoscopic observing portion. The observing portion includes a system that divides light transmitted by the monocular endoscope into two light beams, and a pair of optical systems, each of the optical systems receiving one of the light beams and forming an image of the object. The images formed by each of the optical systems forming a stereoscopic image of the object, the adapter comprising a system that connects the observing portion to the monocular endoscope.

Abstract: A light scanning device has a tip structure which includes a light scanning part connected to a light source, and which is insertable into a body cavity and is formed so as to be water-tight. A controlling part controls the light scan through the tip structure, and the tip structure and the controlling part are also connected to each other in a water-tight manner by a slender tube through which a plurality of electrical cables pass. An electric connector is fixed with the proximal end portion of the tube in a water-tight manner, and is electrically connectable so as to be water-tight with and removable from this controlling part.

Abstract: A light image is conveyed from a biological tissue through a flexible optical system to an image receiver, where it is converted to a form which may be entered into a computer. The computer segments the image by generating a segmentation mask defining the boundary of a region of interest in at least one spectral band, estimates at least one rotationally and translationally invariant statistical measure of coefficient distributions of the multiscale wavelet maxima representations of the digital images in at least one spectral band, characterizes the condition of the tissue based on the estimated values, and outputs the characterization of the condition of the tissue.

Abstract: System for producing a stereoscopic image of an object, and displaying the stereoscopic image, the system including a capsule and a control unit, the capsule including a sensor assembly, a processor connected to the sensor assembly, a capsule transceiver connected to the processor, a light source, and a power supply for supplying electrical power to the capsule transceiver, the processor, the light source and to the sensor assembly, the control unit including a control unit transceiver, and an image processing system connected to the control unit transceiver, wherein, the sensor assembly detects the stereoscopic image, the processor captures the stereoscopic image, the capsule transceiver transmits the stereoscopic image to the control unit transceiver and the image processing system processes the stereoscopic image.

Abstract: An armor (111a) of a scope unit (131) and a diaphragm (123) are arranged to be mutually freely turnable. The shape of an outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) and the shape of the inside of a scope joint (130a) of a TV camera unit (130) substantially agree with each other, and the outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) and the inside of the scope joint (130a) engage with each other. In a state in which the outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) and the inside of the scope joint (130a) are engaged with each other, a ring screw (133) is meshed with a thread (130b) so that the scope unit (131) and TV camera unit (130) will unitedly be joined with each other. At this time, since the outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) is engaged with the scope joint (130a), the diaphragm and TV camera unit can be turned relative to an objective optical system (119) and relay optical system (121) with the optical axis of the relay optical system (121) as an axis of turning.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope system, a scope has a CCD image sensor provided at a distal end thereof to generate image-pixel signals, an image-signal processing unit produces a video signal based on the image-pixel signals, and a monitor displays an endoscope-image according to the video signal output from the processing unit. A scene-changing system changes a scene on the monitor between an endoscope-image-display scene and a patient-data-list-display scene. A storage system stores patient data forming a patient list which should be displayed on the monitor when the scene on the monitor is changed from the image-display scene to the list-display scene by the scene-changing system. A selection system selects individual patient data from the patient data list displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope system, a scope has a solid image sensor provided at a distal end thereof to generate image-pixel signals. An image-signal processing unit produces a video signal based on the image-pixel signals. An alteration system alters a peak-to-peak level of a synchronizing-signal component of the video signal. An manual setting system manually operates the alteration system to perform the alteration of the peak-to-peak level of the synchronizing-signal component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for correcting for optical misalignment of the dual (left and right) images produced by a stereo electronic endoscope, or of the corresponding dual images produced by coupling electronic imaging devices to each of two monocular teaching ports of a stereo optical endoscope. The stereo image alignment technique comprises electronically capturing the video image data of the dual images, and subsequently processing that data electronically to correct for optical alignment errors. The method involves digitizing the electronic data and digitally performing the equivalent of vertical image shift, and/or image size change, and/or image rotation as required to correct for any visual image misalignment.

Abstract: A multiview three-dimensional image display system comprises an image projection screen, two image generation components, a bifold mirror, an spatial light modulator, and projection optics. Each of the image generation components generates successive finite time sequences of time-multiplexed multiview images and thus form a channel of multiview images. Each of the reflecting surfaces of the bifold mirror reflects a different one of the two channels of multiview images. The spatial light modulator comprises a plurality of strip-like shutters, each of which transmits a different one of the finite time sequences of time-multiplexed multiview images. The projection optics projects the images through the spatial light modulator onto the image projection screen, where the spatial light modulator is imaged to make a single viewing zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing stereo-image pairs, typically for use in endoscopy. A birefringent optical component creates two virtual pupils to provide spaced view points of an object field through a single real pupil, the light from each of the two view points having a respectively different polarization. The birefringent component may be in the form of a calcite slab or comprise liquid crystal material. By suitable orientation of two such components with respect to each other, the path lengths for the two polarizations of light may be made equivalent and rotation of the planes of polarization of this light through 90 degrees by means disposed between the birefringent components can improve the performance of the system. The rotation device may comprise a half-wave plate or a layer of liquid crystal material. By tilting the slab of calcite, the observer may be provided with a change in view point and, thereby, some motion parallax.

Abstract: A stereoscopic viewing system provides stereoscopic viewing using a two dimensional lens system and without having to have two cameras. The system may be used over a wide range of frequencies, in fact all frequencies that can be used for producing or reproducing an image. The viewing system has an opaque leaf positioned between the two dimensional lens system and a camera in a single image path, the opaque leaf is movable laterally in the single image path from a left position to a right position to provide a left image perspective and a right image perspective of the image path to the camera. A switching device moves the opaque leaf between the two positions and retains the leaf stationary in each position for a sufficient time for the camera to view each image perspective.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system for producing images that can be perceived in three dimensions. An endoscope apparatus includes a sheath carrying a light source and two independent fixed lens endoscopes. Collimated light from the proximal ends of each endoscope are directed along folded optical paths to independent video cameras. The images generated by the video cameras energize monitors in a virtual reality display device that can be positioned proximate an observer's eyes. Adjustable mirrors and the provision of the rotation of at least one of the video cameras on its axis facilitate the alignment of the images for maximum effect.

Abstract: An improved system of perspective dimensional measurement uses complementary reference surfaces on a camera and on a camera translating unit to provide a repeatable relative orientation between the perspective displacement and the camera's measurement coordinate system while still allowing a rotational and an optional translational degree of freedom for alignment of the camera with an object of interest. In one set of embodiments the rotational axis is accurately aligned with the translation axis. In a second set of embodiments, the geometry of the system is determined in an expanded alignment calibration procedure, the rotation of the camera about the rotational axis is measured, and these additional data are incorporated into the perspective measurement procedure.

Abstract: An image display system which provides first and second images such that the right eye and the left eye of an observer see the first and second images at different times, respectively. The image display system comprises a camera for taking a picture of the observer and then outputting an image of the observer; a liquid crystal display device transparent to light, for displaying the first and second images at the different times, respectively; a back-lighting device which displays back light images to illuminate the liquid crystal display device from a back side thereof, at the different times; and an optical element for giving directivity to back light emitted by the back-lighting device so that the back-lighting device provides back light illuminations of the LCD device for the right and left eyes at the different times. The apparatus detects centroids or contours of images of the observer taken by the camera, and generates the back-light images on the basis of the centroids or contours.

Abstract: A stereo-endoscope, by which two perspective views of an objective field are viewed, is provided. A divergent optical arrangement, positioned between the object field and two objective lenses, each of which forms a respective image of the object field, reduces the disparity between corresponding points in the two image fields, where such disparity is caused by distortion of the image formed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the recording and reproduction of stereoscopic video images of scenes being observed, as well as a device for carrying out the method. The method makes it easier to record or reproduce images using conventional recording media. A half-image detection procedure is carried out before and/or after recording takes place to determine the association of a half-image with the corresponding frames of a left-hand or right-hand channel, or the association with each other of two frames in parallel channels.

Abstract: An improved three-dimensional imaging system for imaging an object having a number of resolvable elements including: an amplitude modulated radiation source for transmitting radiation to the object; at least one photoelectric image detector; a gating circuit for synchronously enabling at least one of the detectors during at least three portions of the period of the modulated radiation source for detecting radiation reflected from the object; and a 3-dimensional image computer having a first routine for calculating the phase angle between the transmitted radiation and the reflected radiation and a second routine, responsive to the calculated phase angle, for calculating the range of the number of elements of the object with respect to each other.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope is provided having a primary optical system for forming an image of an object, a device for dividing the light transmitted by the primary optical system into two light beams, and a pair of optical systems for detecting the image formed by the primary optical system. Each of the secondary optical systems may receive one of the light beams and form an image of the object on a corresponding imaging device. The stereoscopic endoscope may also include a device for adjusting a position of the light dividing device relative to an optical axis and an exit pupil of the primary optical system, and a device for detecting a position of the light dividing device in accordance with each of the output image signals.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging device is described that attaches to an instrument, such as an endoscope or a borescope, which is characterized by an exit pupil in the vicinity of its proximal region. The imaging device includes a dual aperture plate and an optical switch that are disposed within a housing that attaches to the proximal region of the instrument. The dual aperture plate defines right and left, spaced-apart apertures respectively disposed at symmetric locations substantially in the plane of the exit pupil of the instrument. The optical switch alternately blocks light received from the instrument and passing through the right and left optical channels so that a stereoscopic view can be generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for correcting the tone of color pictures recorded by a video camera, in particular an endoscope camera. A control device, which may also be part of a digital video camera, comprises a memory for storing a table which indicates a characteristic adjusting curve for tone correction values. The control device may further comprise an interface for inputting one or more characteristic adjusting curves according to the field of application of the device according to the invention. A simple rotary transducer which is connected via a lead to a control device serves as the input medium for the tone correction. After activating an automatic white balancing by way of a key connected to the control device, the correction values lies at the white point. The white point is always located on the adjusting curve and serves as a starting point.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging arrangement comprises a) an optical device (1) having an objective (2) and further lens means (3) located remotely from but in the optical path of the objective and b) a stereoscopic imaging device (4) arranged to receive light from said further lens means and form an image on a photosensitive image plane (7), the stereoscopic imaging device having shutter means (5) arranged to selectively occlude light exiting from left and right regions of said further lens means to form right and left images on said image plane and having means for combining said right and left images to form a stereoscopic representation of the field of view of said objective. The image may be displayed on a monitor (9) and viewed stereoscopically with switching spectacles (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for correcting the tone of color pictures recorded by a video camera, in particular an endoscope camera. A control device works in combination with a preferably triangular keyboard so that a free tone correction of the three ground colors of the video picture may be effected independently of the color temperature of the recorded object, i.e. in particular, independently of the light source employed. The switching surface is in the form of a surface PAD keyboard which allows the evaluation of the location of a finger tip or likewise at any position on the triangle, and thus represents a very effective input medium for the tone correction according to the invention. A similarly provided automatic white balancing function permits the white point of the camera color space to lie in the surface center of the surface PAD keyboard.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image of an object is focused on an image pickup device based on the degree to which left and right images of the object are coincident on the image pickup device. Signals produced by the image pickup device that represent the left and right images are compared with each other to develop a control signal that indicates the coincidence of the left and right images on the image pickup device, and the spacing between the image pickup device and an optical element that directs the images onto the device is changed in response to the control signal to increase the coincidence. Two alternative types of comparison are performed, each of which indicates the degree of coincidence (and hence the quality of focus) of the left and right images on the image detector. In one approach, the left and right images are compared to determine their cross correlation on the image pickup device, and the spacing is changed to maximize the correlation.

Abstract: Two objective lens systems are disposed at a forward end of an elongated insertion part in spaced relation to the left and right so as to have a parallax in left- and right-hand directions. Images of an object due to respective objective lens systems are image-formed respectively onto CCDs. Image signals which are photoelectrically converted by the respective CCDs are converted into left- and right-hand image signals by a stereo-image-signal processing circuit and are displayed in time division on a monitor. The image signals are observed through left- and right-hand liquid crystal spectacles, whereby it is possible to stereoscopically view the image signals.

Abstract: An endoscopic probe for viewing difficult to reach surfaces is provided. The system utilizes a pair of image transmission elements. The first image transmission element passes a low resolution, wide field of view image of the surface to be examined to one eyepiece. The second image transmission element passes a high resolution, narrow field of view image of a portion of the same surface to a second eyepiece. Thus the viewer receives low resolution, wide field of view information in one eye and high resolution, narrow field of view information in the other eye. The overlapped, low resolution information from the wide field-of-view scene is suppressed by the brain, thus resulting in the two images being combined. The combined image contains both the low resolution, wide field-of-view information and the high resolution, narrow field-of-view information. The endoscopic probe may contain one or more illumination sources in order to provide sufficient light intensity for the imaging system.

Abstract: A stereoscopic viewing system provides stereoscopic viewing using a two dimensional lens system and without having to have two cameras. The system may be used over a wide range of frequencies, in fact all frequencies that can be used for producing or reproducing an image. The viewing system has an opaque leaf positioned between the two dimensional lens system and a camera in a single image path, the opaque leaf is movable laterally in the single image path from a left position to a right position to provide a left image perspective and a right image perspective of the image path to the camera. A switching device moves the opaque leaf between the two positions and retains the leaf stationary in each position for a sufficient time for the camera to view each image perspective.

Abstract: N lines of line-shaped light are projected onto the object by means of a measuring light projecting lens. The light carrying the image of the object is passed through the eyepiece lens 17 in an endoscope 6 and the auxiliary lens 30 in a measuring head 11 and split into two beamlets by a beam splitter 31, with one beamlet being focused at a position coinciding with the entrance end faces of measuring light's position detecting fibers 33(l) to 33(m). The line-shaped light images of the object thus formed in positions coinciding with the entrance end faces of measuring light's position detecting fibers 33(l) to 33(m) are scanned linearly by those linearly aligned fibers as they are oscillated and driven by a fiber scanner 36. The scanned line-shaped light images are then subjected to the necessary signal processing in a signal processor circuit 35 such as to measure the three-dimensional configuration of the object.

Abstract: A stereo endoscope including a pair of objective optical systems, a pair of relay optical systems, an imagery optical system having a single optical axis, and a pair of imaging devices. The imagery optical system is a zoom optical system or a varifocal optical system. For example, an encoder is used to detect a magnitude of moving lenses in the zoom optical system. Based on the detected magnitude, a control unit allows the two imaging devices to approach or depart from each other. Thus, the stereo endoscope attains the coincidence between observation points of right and left fields of view against the displacement points of right and left object images resulting from variations of zooming magnifications.

Abstract: A medical video endoscope system for allowing high-resolution three-dimensional images to be viewed has a stereoscopic endoscope for converting optical images of an object to left and right video image signals. An electronic processor module controls the stereoscopic endoscope and processes the left and right video image signals into time-multiplexed signals representative of high-resolution three-dimensional images having stereoscopic depth. The time-multiplexed signals are provided to a monitor which displays high-resolution video images based on the signals. A viewing device is provided which allows a viewer to see high-resolution three-dimensional video images having stereoscopic depth on the monitor. A rigid sheath assembly with an angled distal tip can be placed over a barrel of the endoscope and rotated with respect thereto in order to change the viewing direction of the stereoscopic endoscope.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope including an objective lens system for forming an image of an object which objective lens system is arranged at the front end of an inserting section and has a single optical axis; an image transmission device coaxially arranged with the objective lens system and adapted to transmit the image formed by the objective lens system; a pupil dividing device for dividing the image transmitted through the objective lens system and the image transmission device so as to obtain left and right images of the object; an image sensing device for picking up the left and right images obtained by the pupil dividing device; a first support structure containing at least the objective lens system; and a second support structure containing at least the pupil dividing device and the image sensing device, wherein the first and second support structures are rotatable relative to each other around an axis extending along the longitudinal dimension of the endoscope.

Abstract: A video camera of the type in which the camera head is detached from the camera control unit, and coupled to the same with a cable is provided. The driving circuitry for the imager is situated at the camera head. Compensation circuitry is included to adjust the phase relationship between the timing signals passed to and from the camera control unit over the cable to at least partly compensate for delay through the cable.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus has an illumination unit for irradiating light of red, light of green and light of blue on an object for photographing in predetermined order at a predetermined period; an image signal generation unit for receiving reflection light from the object, generating a field sequential image signal on the basis of the received reflection light and delivering the field sequential digital image signal; a first memory unit for forming a predetermined look up table; a red data memory unit for storing data of a red image signal by one field; a green data memory unit for storing data of a green image signal by one field; a blue data memory unit for storing data of a blue image signal by one field, one field from the first memory unit being stored in one of the data memory unit for red, green and blue in synchronism with the order and the predetermined period of color illumination by the illumination unit; a switching unit for reading data from one of said data memory unit in synchronism wi

Abstract: A stereoscopic video telecommunication system includes a fiberoptic based wideband switching network interconnecting wideband subscriber stations and narrowband subscriber stations. A wideband station includes a stereoscopic video receiver along with a stereophonic audio receiver for respectively displaying and playing stereo video and audio signals received by way of the network. The wideband station may also include a stereoscopic video source such as a pair of stereoscopic video cameras along with a stereophonic pair of microphones. The wideband station may also include narrowband devices such as a conventional telephone, a computer, and a facsimile machine. Connections between stations on the network are established by dialing another station and transferring the desired signal, including stereoscopic video signals. Preferably, the signals are converted to a digital format and, especially for stereoscopic video signals, data compressed to conserve network overhead.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus has an endoscope having an image guide (103) for guiding first and second image light components which have a parallax and can be separated from each other, a memory for storing a predetermined coefficient (a) on the basis of the shape, length, and the like of the image guide, and CCDs for converting the first and second image light components into first and second image signals (A, B). The apparatus performs image processing for generating first and second image data (L, R) by performing proportional distribution processing of the first and second image signals in accordance with the predetermined coefficient.

Abstract: A cursor control apparatus includes an operable control mounted on a housing for moving a cursor depicted on a video monitor. In one embodiment of the invention, the control and housing is formed of components which may be sterilized without affecting the mechanical and electrical properties of the apparatus. In a second embodiment, a sterilizable flexible and resilient covering covers the top portion of the housing and encases the operable control. The cursor control housing is provided with apparatus for securing the housing to the drape utilized to cover a patient in surgery.

Abstract: In image combining method of phototaking an object to be photographed by using a plurality of image taking systems with portions of fields of view thereof overlapping, and forming combined image information by combining pieces of image information obtained by the image taking systems, coordinates changing processing is performed by using the distance information of an object to be photographed, and image signals output from the respective image taking systems are compensated in accordance with the changed coordinates. One of the compensated image signals is selected with respect to a region where a far-distance portion of the object is concealed by a near-distance object, of the overlapping region of a combined image signal.

Abstract: An endoscope for stereo-optically viewing an object comprises a tubular insertion portion characterized by a pair of adjacent asymmetric optical systems including a primary imaging channel and a secondary imaging channel. Associated with each channel is a solid state electronic imaging means positioned to receive the images relayed by primary and secondary image-relaying means. The optical portion of the primary channel comprises a relatively large objective lens system and a primary image-relaying means designed to provide sharply focussed first images. The optical portion of the secondary channel comprises a relatively small diameter objective lens system and a secondary image-relaying means designed to relay enough light and image information to provide an acceptable stereoscopic capability.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope including an objective lens system for forming an image of an object which objective lens system is arranged at the front end of an inserting section and has a single optical axis; an image transmission device coaxially arranged with the objective lens system and adapted to transmit the image formed by the objective lens system; a pupil dividing device for dividing the image transmitted through the objective lens system and the image transmission device so as to obtain left and right images of the object; an image sensing device for picking up the left and right images obtained by the pupil dividing device; a first support structure containing-at least the objective lens system; and a second support structure containing at least the pupil dividing device and the image sensing device, wherein the first and second support structures are rotatable relative to each other around an axis extending along the longitudinal dimension of the endoscope.

Abstract: A three-dimensional vision endoscopic apparatus according to the present invention comprises a pair of optical systems for transmitting an image of a subject as two subject images having a parallax between them, a pair of imaging devices for picking up subject images transmitted by the optical systems, at least one visual field mask, a display unit for displaying the two subject images alternately or concurrently, an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of one or both of the imaging devices so that the display images will become consistent on the screen of the display unit, and an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the relative position of the visual field mask.