Abstract: The invention is regarding to solid-state imaging device. A solid-state imaging device consistent with the present invention includes, a plurality of unit cells on a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, each unit cell including a photoelectric conversion unit comprising a photodiode having a diffusion layer of a second conductivity type and a signal scanning circuit unit; a trench isolation region for isolating the photoelectric conversion unit from the signal scanning circuit unit, the trench isolation region being formed in the semiconductor substrate; a first element-isolating diffusion layer of the first conductivity type formed under a bottom face of the trench isolation region down to a position deeper than the diffusion layer of the photodiode from the surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A video imaging system including an endoscopic device, a camera, a camera control unit and a light source, the camera coupled to the camera control unit and light source via a single cable connection. The cable is advantageously provided as a pair of wires and a light guide where image data and camera information is transmitted over the pair of wires from the camera to the camera control unit, the data and information being multiplexed on the pair of wires; and command signals are sent from the camera control unit to the camera, the command signals based on the received camera information for control of the camera.

Abstract: An assembly for securing the eyepiece of an endoscope to a digital camera includes a bar that supports the camera and a block that supports the eyepiece. The camera can be secured to the bar using the camera's tripod mounting hole. The block can normally move in three orthogonal linear directions relative to the bar, but can also be locked in a selected position relative to the bar. In this manner, the assembly can be adjusted so that the eyepiece of the endoscope contacts or nearly contacts the end of the barrel of the digital camera secured to the camera bar. Then, the support block can be locked into position to clamp the endoscope to the digital camera. A sheet is attached to one of the components and can be draped over the camera prior to use of the camera in a sterile environment.

Abstract: The invention is regarding to solid-state imaging device. A solid-state imaging device consistent with the present invention includes, a plurality of unit cells on a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, each unit cell including a photoelectric conversion unit comprising a photodiode having a diffusion layer of a second conductivity type and a signal scanning circuit unit; a trench isolation region for isolating the photoelectric conversion unit from the signal scanning circuit unit, the trench isolation region being formed in the semiconductor substrate; a first element-isolating diffusion layer of the first conductivity type formed under a bottom face of the trench isolation region down to a position deeper than the diffusion layer of the photodiode from the surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A videoendoscopic system (1) including an endoscope optical system (2) and a camera portion (3), the endoscope optical system (2) having an elongated shaft (4) through which an optical image guide (5) and a fiber light guide (6) pass, and an end housing (7), which is proximally connected to the shaft (4) and has an image exit window (10) and a light entry window (8) with radiation directions that are parallel to one another and to the axis of the shaft (4). The camera portion (3) includes a camera housing (15), from which an image signal cable (24) and a light guide cable (20) pass out, and an image entry window (18) and a light exit window (19), which are arranged with parallel radiation directions at a distance from the windows (8, 10) in the end housing (7) and the end housing (7). The camera housing (15) is constructed with a rotationally fixedly lockable coupling device (7, 16, 25, 26, 19) for coupling the windows (8, 19; 10, 18) to one another in a centering manner.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: an optical-system holding member for holding an optical system to form an optical image of a subject; an imaging-device holding member for holding an imaging device to obtain the optical image formed by the optical system; a case for hermetically enclosing the optical-system holding member and the imaging-device holding member; a hermetic connector for hermetically sealing the case, the hermetic connector being electrically connected to the imaging device; a power generator for generating a driving force to move either of the optical-system holding member and the imaging-device holding member; and a driving-force transfer member for connecting the power generator and either the optical-system holding member or the imaging-device holding member to transfer the driving force of the power generator to either the optical-system holding member or the imaging-device holding member.

Abstract: An autoclavable endoscopic optical coupler includes the capability to optically couple an endoscope and a camera, so that a focused image will be communicated to the camera head. Furthermore, the coupler has the capability of withstanding multiple autoclave sterilization treatments without allowing moisture to penetrate the interior. The coupler includes a lens holder assembly that has an endobody on one portion and a second portion that is inserted into and coupled to a coupler body. The coupler body has a camera attached at one of its ends. A focus ring is physically coupled to the coupler body, which is coupled to the lens holder assembly. Turning the focus ring causes a translation motion of the lens holder assembly and endoscope with respect to the camera head.

Abstract: The invention concerns a monitoring system for monitoring patients with disturbed motor function. The monitoring system is characterized by at least one observation station (3) with an electronic camera for recording video motion pictures and devices (10) for marking an object field to be covered by the camera (9), a storage device for the digital storage of video pictures of a patient, which are to be recorded at preselected intervals by the camera in the movement station, an image processing system for processing the video pictures recorded in time intervals to obtain a shortened video picture sequence, and a video display device for displaying the video picture sequence.

Abstract: A photographing system comprising a photographing-method input unit, a temporary exposure time setting unit, and an actual exposure time setting unit. The photographing-method input unit receives input of a photographing method. The temporary exposure time setting unit stores a look-up table in which the kind of photographing method is caused to correspond to a temporary-photographing exposure time that is used to obtain an appropriate actual-photographing exposure time. The temporary exposure time setting unit also obtains the temporary-photographing exposure time in accordance with the kind of input photographing method by making reference to the look-up table and inputs the obtained temporary-photographing exposure time to a camera controller. The actual exposure time setting unit sets an actual-photographing exposure time, based on a temporary-photographing image signal obtained in temporary photographing controlled by the camera controller in accordance with the temporary-photographing exposure time.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and method of operating the same. The endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope portion and a control and display unit. The endoscope portion preferably comprises: (i) a sensor disposed at a distal end of the endoscope portion and providing endoscope data; (ii) one or more electronically controlled actuators (e.g., electroactive polymer actuators) controlling the operation of the endoscope portion based on received control signals; (iii) a first wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor and the one or more electronically controlled actuators, transmitting received endoscope data from the sensor and forwarding received control signals to the one or more electronically controlled actuators; and (iv) a portable power source (e.g., a battery) coupled to the sensor, the first wireless transceiver, and the one or more electronically controller actuators.

Abstract: A television device of a portable endoscope includes an endoscope including an inserted portion and an operating portion coupled to a base end of the inserted portion, a light source for lightening a subject through the inserted portion provided in the endoscope, a radio transmission television camera for obtaining an image of the subject through the inserted portion and radioing the image as the video signal provided in the endoscope, and a power source, which supplies a power for the light source and the radio transmission television camera, provided in the operating portion.

Abstract: A method for the undetected surveillance of structures or vehicles in low light or night time conditions by illuminating the interior with a near infrared light source and viewing the illuminated scene with a standard video camera/monitor.

Abstract: An adaptable, portable hand-held fiber optic camera for producing video images of an object having all of the necessary components for performing fiber optic procedures comprises a power source, a lens system, a light source, and a video camera assembly. The portable fiber optic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of lens systems. The lens system is electrically, removably coupled to the video camera assembly and the light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for metal welding, comprising a shielding element (1) which allows visual monitoring of the working process but protects the eyes from light radiation. The device comprises a video camera (5) which is directable towards the welding zone for recording the welding process in the form of video signals transmitted, via an image processing unit, to a video display unit (7), which the user is able to view and which is placed in or on the inside of the shielding element (1). The image processing unit reads process data from the video signals and presents the same via the video display unit.

Abstract: In a system when a camera head and a signal processing unit connected to each other, the signal processing unit inputs a synchronizing signal from an external device, and transmits reference signals, such as a clock signal, horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals based on the input synchronizing signal to the camera head. Further, the signal processing unit controls the camera head so as to select a predetermined signal and output it via a predetermined signal line. When the predetermined signal received by the signal processing unit, the signal processing unit detects phase difference between phase of the predetermined signal and one of the reference signals corresponding to the predetermined signal, and shifts the one of the reference signals so that the phase difference reduces. Thereby, the camera head and the signal processing unit are synchronized.

Abstract: A universal docking station is provided for a dental operatory to manage a plurality of imaging subsystems. The digitally processed imaging subsystems include video cameras for intra- or extra-oral imaging, video surgical microscopes, x-ray film scanners, digital x-rays and any other type of imaging system that produces an S-video, composite video or digital video signal output. The universal docking station may provide each of the imaging subsystems with operating utilities, such as power and light, and instructions for controlling operation of the subsystem. The universal docking station receives outputs from each of the imaging subsystems for display, processing, recording and/or other uses. The universal docking system provides interfaces for selecting and operating various peripheral systems such as monitors, computers, multiplexers or printers and for digital control and manipulation of images from the imaging subsystems.

Abstract: A video camera head configured for use with an endoscope and having a conductive inner chamber for shielding the imager and imager electronics from electro-magnetic interference is described in which the inner chamber is substantially isolated from contact by a human or conductive fluid through a sealed outer non-conductive housing. Another aspect of the invention involves hermetically sealing the inner chamber, thus facilitating the use of steam autoclave sterilization, including flash sterilization, to sterilize the camera head.

Abstract: A remote inspection device is provided which is ideally suited for law enforcement and firefighting personnel. The remote inspection device includes an elongate housing, camera means and power supply for powering the camera means and video display. The camera means operates in the invisible light spectrum, preferably the infrared (IR) spectrum. The camera means creates an image of an object which is transmitted to the video display for producing a visible light image of the object to be evaluated.

Abstract: A surveillance camera assembly housing is releasably locked to a base for the housing. The base is installed on a ceiling or at another location remote from ground level. A removal tool head, in the form of a hollow cylinder, is provided at the end of a pole. Slots formed in the tool head engage ridges on the camera assembly housing. The assembly housing is twisted to release it from the base and then is brought to ground level while contained within the tool head.

Abstract: An active optical image enhancer for a microscope, and a method of enhancing an image for a microscope, are provided. The image enhancer has a tube for attachment to a microscope. Photo-detector elements are disposed on an end of the tube remote from an end thereof that is attachable to the microscope. Lens elements are disposed in or on the tube between the photo-detector elements and the end of the tube that is attachable to the microscope. The optical path length of the tube is adjustable via an appropriate device.

Abstract: Combination head-protective helmet which includes a cap and an outwardly extending brim and thermal imaging apparatus which includes an infrared camera for producing an infrared image of a scene or object and a display system which generates a visible image of the scene or object from the infrared image, the camera is mounted underneath the brim of the protective helmet for protection against e.g. falling objects and the display system is mounted on the helmet in a position to permit a person wearing the combination to see the visible image.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus arranged to carry out a predetermined signal processing action including a gamma correction process on a signal outputted from an image sensor and to invert the signal during the process of the signal processing action, a varying circuit is arranged to vary a gamma value to be used for the gamma correction process.

Abstract: A video camera head configured for use with an endoscope and having a conductive inner chamber for shielding the imager and imager electronics from electro-magnetic interference is described in which the inner chamber is substantially isolated from contact by a human or conductive fluid through a sealed outer non-conductive housing. Another aspect of the invention involves hermetically sealing the inner chamber, thus facilitating the use of steam autoclave sterilization, including flash sterilization, to sterilize the camera head.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a lens assembly having a lens barrel for supporting a lens along an optical axis, an optical base having an opening aligned with the optical axis, and a plurality of ramps and a corresponding plurality of reference locators circumferentially arranged around the lens assembly and the opening in the optical base in order to slide against one another. A retaining element biases the lens assembly against the optical base with the ramps and the reference locators likewise biased therebetween against each other. Consequently, the ramps and reference locators provide an arrangement for focusing the lens assembly. The optical assembly also includes a factory focus tab attached to the lens assembly and accessible during the manufacturing operation for focusing the lens assembly by moving the ramps against the reference locators, and a focus adjuster assembly accessible during user focus for focusing the lens assembly by moving the ramps against the reference locators.

Abstract: A tuner is used in common for both terrestrial and satellite television reception. A second mixing stage is switched as a mixer for signal conversion into a second intermediate frequency during terrestrial television reception and is switched as a component of a FM-PLL demodulator during satellite television reception. The tuner is particularly suitable for television receivers and video recorders which receive signals from both a terrestrial antenna/signal source and from a satellite antenna/signal source.

Abstract: An endoscope system has an endoscope equipped with an imaging unit, and a plurality of peripheral equipment used in conjunction with the endoscope; such as, a light source for supplying illumination light to the endoscope and a video signal processor for processing a video signal originating from the endoscope, comprising a centralized operation unit for operating at least the light source and video signal processor and a centralized control for centralizing control of the light source and video signal processor based on a command sent from the centralized operation unit.

Abstract: A video camera head for use with medical diagnostic instrumemts. A connector assembly, positioned at the outlet of the housing of the camera head, allows a video cable including a multi-conductor tightenable connector to be attached to and detached from the fragile internal wiring of the camera head without applying destructively high forces thereto. A mounting assembly, positioned at the inlet of the housing of the camera head, enclose and protects a video imaging chip while securely mounting the same in a predetermined position and orientation within the housing of the camera head.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an optical system for forming an image of an object; a solid-state image sensor for receiving the image formed by the optical system; an illuminating device for irradiating the object with illuminating light; a light control device for changing the brightness of the illuminating light; a stop device whose aperture is variable, disposed in the optical system; a detecting device for detecting the brightness of the image of the object; and a control device for controlling the stop device and the light control device so that the intensity of a signal output from the solid-state image sensor is kept nearly constant in accordance with brightness information derived from the detecting device. In this way, the endoscope apparatus always maintains the optimum brightness of the image and ensures a practical pan-focus state in which a user's operation load is reduced.

Abstract: A band switchable double tuned circuit having a balanced secondary is presented. A primary tunable tank circuit with a plurality of first inductances is tuned to a first frequency by a first capacitor coupled in parallel with the first inductances. A secondary tank circuit with a plurality of second inductances inductively coupled to ones of the first inductances has a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the second inductances for tuning the secondary to the first frequency. The DC reference potential for the secondary circuit is coupled to a nodal junction of the plurality of second inductances with the secondary tank circuit providing a balanced signal output. At least one of the plurality of first inductances and the second inductances are switchable for bandswitching the tuning of the primary and secondary tank circuits to a second frequency.

Abstract: The arrangement of a converging light device array wherein each converging light device increasing a quantity of incident light entering every one or more photoelectric conversion pixel is arranged in front of a photoelectric conversion surface of a solid state imaging device photoelectrically converting an optical image based on an objective optical system substantially ensures that an aperture area of the photoelectric conversion pixel enlarges and the sensitivity improves.