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.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope comprises an objective lens array having one optical axis, a relay lens array for transmitting an object image produced by the objective lens array, a pupil split element that is located at an entrance pupil position of the relay lens array; that is, a position at which the relay lens array forms an entrance pupil, a position near the entrance pupil position, or a position conjugate with those positions, and that splits an entrance pupil formed by the relay lens array into a plurality of portions, an image formation optical system that receives a beam emanating from the relay lens array and forms a plurality of object images in cooperation with the pupil split element, and imaging devices for receiving the object images.

Abstract: The endoscope image processing apparatus includes a processing apparatus for image-processing as predetermined at least one image signal and a discriminating apparatus for discriminating regions ineffective to image-processing by the processing apparatus or to the result of the image-processing from other effective regions. The image processing apparatus further includes an outputting apparatus for outputting the results of processing images by the processing apparatus only on the effective regions discriminated by the discriminating apparatus and an image forming apparatus forming images based on the results of processing images by the processing apparatus only on the effective regions.

Abstract: In accordance with one form of the present invention, a stereoscopic endoscope is provided which has an elongated thin cylindrical barrel with a pair of CCDs mounted transversely within the barrel adjacent the distal end thereof. A pair of objective optics are mounted within the barrel between the distal end thereof and the respective CCDs for focusing an image observed through the endoscope on the CCDs. Image signal transmitting wires connected to each CCD extend longitudinally through the barrel and out the proximal end thereof for transmitting an image signal to a remote location. Light transmitting fibers are tightly packed around the objective optics and the CCDs. A first connector is secured to the proximal end of the wires for connection to a stereoscopic image producing device and a second connector is secured to the proximal of the light transmitting fibers for connection to a light source.

Abstract: A miniaturized electronic imaging chip has stratified layers wherein a base silicon layer has a peripheral edge defining an area and a thickness which allows passage therethrough of most UV, visible and IR light. A pixel layer is formed on the back side of this first silicon layer. At least one interconnect layer is bonded to the pixel layer. Electric leads are bump bonded to the bonding pads on the outermost interconnect layer and extend away from it within the area for attachment to means for sensing electrical signals generated by an image projected onto the pixel layer through the silicon layer. Preferably, the leads are perpendicular to the chip.

Abstract: A visual information system to capture an input image using a camera 22, manipulate the image using processor 28, and project the processed image using optics 33 to superimpose the processed image on the actual object being observed by a viewer. Processing is done in real-time to allow the viewer to see both the actual and processed images while the viewer moves and changes viewing angles. Areas of interest in the displayed image may be highlighted or include graphical information for the viewer.

Abstract: Arranged within a measuring-light generating unit of an endoscope apparatus for three dimensional measurement, according to the invention, are measuring means, a lamp for outgoing a normal illuminating light, and a laser for outgoing a measuring light. Connected to the measuring means is a signal line which is connected to a CCD. Further, an illuminating light outgone from the lamp is condensed by a condenser lens, and is incident upon an incident end surface of a light guide. Furthermore, the measuring light outgone from the laser is condensed by the condensing lens, and is incident upon the incident end surface of the image guide. Moreover, the incident end of the image guide is connected to scanning means formed by a piezo-electric element, a speaker (voice coil) or the like through a connecting element. The scanning means is operated whereby the incident end of the image guide is reciprocally moved in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the measuring light.

Abstract: The position of the same point on each of the images of a single object formed by the imaging means of an endoscope is detected, and shift maps between the respective images are formed using the detected positions. Each of the imaging positions of the imaging means is estimated from the shift maps, and a relative shape of the object is then estimated from the imaging positions. Since a relative shape of the object is estimated using the correlation between the respective images, a relative shape of the object can be estimated even when not only the imaging means but also the object are moved. An absolute shape of the object can also be estimated using a length as a reference value.

Abstract: A remote endoscopic video camera system is provided which is capable of providing both left and right eye pre-video signals for generating a three-dimensional image. The left and right eye pre-video signals are provided by first and second imagers which are capable of being enclosed in a single camera head, which, in turn, is capable of being coupled to the remaining camera circuitry through a single cable, without causing substantial interference between the two imagers.

Abstract: In accordance with one form of the present invention, a stereoscopic endoscope is provided which has an elongated thin cylindrical barrel with a pair of CCDs mounted transversely within the barrel adjacent the distal end thereof. A pair of objective optics are mounted within the barrel between the distal end thereof and the respective CCDs for focusing an image observed through the endoscope on the CCDs. Image signal transmitting wires connected to each CCD extend longitudinally through the barrel and out the proximal end thereof for transmitting an image signal to a remote location. Light transmitting fibers are tightly packed around the objective optics and the CCDs. A first connector is secured to the proximal end of the wires for connection to a stereoscopic image producing device and a second connector is secured to the proximal of the light transmitting fibers for connection to a light source.

Abstract: A medical system has a detecting device for detecting three dimensional image information about a living body, a signal processing circuit for processing the image signal transmitted from the detecting device, and an object information reproduction device. The object information reproduction device comprises a movable displacement element which is touched by the operator and acts according to the output from the signal processing circuit so as to cause the operator to tactually sense information about the object. Thus, the operator is able to recognize the degree of unevenness in a tactile manner by touching the displacement element. Other embodiments include means for sensing and reproducing hardness and temperature of the object.

Abstract: A video signal generator produces a video signal which contains an endoscope image sensed by an image sensor and a character image comprising an ID code, etc. The video signal generator is connected to an image processing unit via a communication circuit, through which information indicating an arrangement for respective signal areas of the endoscope image and the character image contained in the video signal is transmitted. Based on the information received by the communication circuit, the image processing unit performs different processing for each image area of the endoscope image and the character image contained in the video signal.

Abstract: An endoscope for stereoscopic viewing of surgical procedures, consisting of two solid-state cameras and a bundle of illuminating optic fibers. The width of the optic fiber bundle is approximately equal to that of the endoscope thereby maximizing the amount of light which the bundle can provide. The viewing cameras can be separated to a distance greater than the width of the sheath for enhanced depth perception and greater light delivery, and withdrawn into the sheath for insertion and withdrawal of the endoscope from the surgical cavity. The orientation of the cameras can be controlled to provide off-axis viewing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical apparatus which provides multidimensional views of the internal area of a biological specimen. The apparatus includes an endoscope connected to an operating microscope. The endoscope can be a sleeve formed by a series of collar elements or a rigid rod. The endoscope contains a guide or lens means for transmitting an optical image and an illuminating means for the transmission of light. A moveable prism is positioned on the end of each of the guide or lens means and serves to enlarge the apparatuses field of view as well as enhance stereoscopic imaging.