Abstract: A video signal selector has a selector switch for selectively outputting one of an endoscopic video signal and an ultrasonic video signal, and a selector control circuit for controlling the selector switch. The selector switch selects the endoscopic video signal by default. The selector control circuit switches the selector switch to the ultrasonic video signal in response to input of an ultrasonic image capture command for commanding to save an ultrasonic image.

Abstract: To realize a simplified image display apparatus that prevents electrical connection between an external monitor and a receiving device when an electric signal generated by the receiving device is transmitted to the external monitor. The simplified image display apparatus includes a photocoupler 23 formed of a light emitting unit 21 electrically connected only to an input terminal 10 and a light receiving unit 22 that receives light output from the light emitting unit 21, a demodulator 24 that demodulates a received radio signal, a switching unit 25 that outputs either one of electric signals from the photocoupler 23 and from the demodulator 24, and a data generator 26 that applies predetermined signal processing to the electric signal input from the switching unit 25 to generate image data, and outputs the image data to a display unit 9 and an output terminal 11.

Abstract: More images than spatial modulation components of a lighting light are acquired, and a least square method is applied to the imaged plurality of images to obtain signal components. Accordingly, a ultra-resolution microscope which uses a spatially-modified lighting light to illuminate a sample, arithmetic-processes acquired images to thereby demodulate a given spatial modulation, and obtains a high-resolution sample image, wherein a high-resolution image reduced in noise components can be obtained.

Abstract: An image-signal generating apparatus comprises a solid-state image pickup device-equivalent load circuit unit including a load approximately equivalent to a solid-state image pickup device such as a charge coupled device, etc. The image-signal generating apparatus further comprises an image-signal generating circuit for generating an image signal corresponding to an output signal output from the solid-state image pickup device through the solid-state image pickup device-equivalent load circuit unit, which is a load to which a driving signal for driving the solid-state image pickup device is applied.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an event production kit is provided that includes storage cases for storing production equipment, such as cameras, monitors, and microphones, and an electronic production equipment case for storing an audio mixer, a video switcher, and computers for encoding and distributing the production. In addition, in one embodiment, the electronic production equipment case includes a vertical panel that includes a plurality of ports that are pre-wired to the audio mixer, video switcher, and the computers for coupling the production equipment together. The storage cases and the pre-wired panel facilitate transporting the kit to the event location and reduce the amount of time and resources required for setting up the equipment prior to the event, according to various embodiments. In addition, the selection of the type of equipment included in the kit, according to one embodiment, provides for a high quality, lower cost production than is currently available.

Abstract: A system for communicating video data is described. The system includes a mobile imaging system, at least one monitor fixed to a room in a medical facility, and a video transmitter assembly coupled to the mobile imaging system to transmit a video signal. The system for communicating video data also includes a video receiver assembly coupled to the at least one monitor to receive the video signal and display the video signal on the at least one monitor.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope apparatus body portion which includes a first connector, and which is connectable to an insertion portion having an image pickup device disposed at a distal end portion. The endoscope apparatus further includes a connection unit which includes a second connector which is removably connectable to the endoscope apparatus body portion by communicating the second connector with the first connector, a non-volatile memory which stores a program for processing image data inputted from the image pickup device via the second connector, a CPU which controls the processing of the image data in accordance with the stored program to produce processed data, and a display data output section configured to output the processed data.

Abstract: An accessory for a portable communicating terminal (T) fitted out with means (C) for processing and acquiring images through at least one optical system (O), an accessory comprising: means (4) for attachment onto the communicating terminal (T), an acquisition window (5) intended to be placed in relationship with the optical system (O) of the communicating terminal (T), illumination means (10) adapted for illuminating an acquisition region included in the field of acquisition of the optical system through the acquisition window (5), means (12) for powering the illumination means, and means (14) for controlling the illumination means.

Abstract: Certified Wireless USB 1.0 (CWUSB) defines two different types of association: cable association and numeric association. In the numeric association, the CWUSB host and device use a specific protocol to exchange the security information. At final stage of this information exchange, both host and device need to display a number asking user's feedback. Once this is done, both host and device will be able to generate the connection key as the shared secret for the following secured communication. One problem of this numeric association method is that device needs to be able to display the numbers. For certain class of device that has capability to display an image, there is a natural way to add this function to them. A method for this class of devices is described. Another kind of association, which is not defined in the CWUSB 1.0, is manual association. User needs only to manually type in the Connection Key coming from the CWUSB device.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-purpose imaging apparatus (10) comprising a body (14) and imaging means (36) housed within the body (14). The body (14) is adapted to releasably engage an adaptor (12). The adaptor (12) has an aperture (108) extending therethrough that aligns with the optical axis (X) of the imaging means (36) when so engaged, such that at least a portion of the optical axis (X) is not obscured. The adaptor (12) also has optics for illuminating a subject within the optical axis (X) for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A novel framework for fast and continuous registration between two imaging modalities is disclosed. The approach makes it possible to completely determine the rigid transformation between multiple sources at real-time or near real-time frame-rates in order to localize the cameras and register the two sources. A disclosed example includes computing or capturing a set of reference images within a known environment, complete with corresponding depth maps and image gradients. The collection of these images and depth maps constitutes the reference source. The second source is a real-time or near-real time source which may include a live video feed. Given one frame from this video feed, and starting from an initial guess of viewpoint, the real-time video frame is warped to the nearest viewing site of the reference source. An image difference is computed between the warped video frame and the reference image.

Abstract: A bending device for an endoscope having a camera mounted on one end for photographing the inside of a human body, a machine, a pipe and the like is provided. For flexible bending with the smallest external diameter and the largest extended internal diameter, a plurality of bending plates each having an internal hole (11) are stacked so that the bending device can be bent, each bending plate including a pair of upper protruded portions (12) curved upward at opposite locations; a pair of lower protruded portions (13) formed between the upper protruded portions (12) and curved downward; and adjustment holes (14) punched in the upper protruded portions (12) or the lower protruded portions (13) so that the adjustment wires (20) pass through the adjustment holes (14), and the bending plates are cross-stacked so that the upper protruded portions (12) and the lower protruded portions (13) of the adjacent bending plates are brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: Sterilizable electronic video cameras for an endoscope are provided. The electronic video camera comprises an enclosure, a lens cell, a lens cell holder, an image sensor, a motorized focusing system, and switch control. The enclosure comprises a housing and a cover, the housing defining a cavity therein. The cover has a window disposed therein, the housing and cover adapted for hermetic coupling. The lens cell is slidably disposed in the lens cell holder. The image sensor is in optical communication with the lens cell and window. The motorized focusing system is adapted to axially reciprocally move the lens cell relative to the lens cell holder controlled by the switch. The switch control is activated external to the enclosure and is hermetically sealed therewith. The lens cell, lens cell holder, image sensor, and the motorized focusing system, as an assembly, are coupled to the cover and disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a videoendoscopic system comprising a videoendoscopic equipment unit comprising an image sensor and a video processing circuit linked to the image sensor, and configured to supply synchronization signals and direct voltages, necessary to the operation of the video processing circuit and the image sensor, supply a standardized analog video signal directly usable by a video monitor from electrical signals supplied by the image sensor, on a low-impedance video link of a proximal multicore cable, receive a direct supply voltage through a supply link of the proximal multicore cable, and receive a control signal through a control link of the proximal multicore cable.

Abstract: An endoscope adapter including a light emitting diode includes: a detachable portion to be attached to an adapter attaching portion provided on a distal end portion of an insertion portion, the insertion portion including inside thereof at least one image-forming optical system; an adapter main body including an adapter side observation optical system whose optical axis is coincident with an optical axis of the image-forming optical system; a contact pin which enables power supply to the light emitting diode to be turned on when the detachable portion is attached to the adapter attaching portion; and a resistor arranged in a space formed in the endoscope adapter to determine a type of the endoscope adapter.

Abstract: An endoscope imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit in which an imaging optical unit that contains at least one optical lens in a rigid member the one end side of which is airtightly sealed is airtightly joined to an imaging element unit that contains at least one imaging element in a rigid member the one end side of which is airtightly sealed through a tubular member to which a bellows portion having an elastic force is formed.

Abstract: A main frame adapter is detachably mounted, instead of a camera head, on a camera main frame from which the camera head is separated. The camera head comprises an image taking optical system and an imaging device. The camera main frame is adapted to receive an image signal from the camera head that is detachably mounted on the camera main frame. A head adapter that is detachably mounted, instead of the camera main frame, on the camera head separated from the camera main frame. Both the adapters have each the radio communication section.

Abstract: Modular camcorders are described. According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a modular camcorder includes a digital video camera unit (“camera unit”) and a portable multimedia player (PMP) modular unit (“PMP unit”). The camera unit includes a camera means for capturing images of an object, and a recording means for recording the captured images and associated audio therewith. The PMP unit comprises a display monitor (e.g., LCD) and a storage device (e.g., hard disk). In the standalone mode, the PMP unit is an apparatus such as a MP3 player. When the PMP unit is coupled to the camera unit via a pair of matching connectors, the combined device becomes the modular camcorder. The pair of matching connectors (e.g., a female/male, or male/female) is designed such that one of them is located on the camera unit and the other on the PMP unit.

Abstract: A medical device, comprising: a plurality of video interface cards are used for the medical support control system for converting, when a video signal is input from an external environment, a video signal input from the external environment into a common signal and vice versa, said common signal being different from any video signals input into and output from the video interface cards and said common signal being used commonly in the medical support control system; a switching control card for selecting, from among the video interface cards, a video interface card as an output destination in accordance with an instruction given from an external environment; and a plurality of video processing cards are used for the medical support control system for processing the common signal into a video signal appropriate to the selected video interface card on the basis of a video signal expressed by the common signal.

Abstract: In an endoscope, scopes that include a scope-side memory and a connector are selectively and detachably connected to a processor that includes a processor-side memory and a connection member. A parameter stored in the scope-side memory can be written to the processor-side memory. The connector that is connectable to the connection member is used for connecting the scope to the processor. When the connection member that is movable is in the first position, the connector is detachably connectable to the connection member. When the connection member is in the second position, the subject is observable. When the connection member is moved from the first position to the second position, the parameter is written to the processor-side memory. When the connection member is moved from the second position to the first position, the parameter is written to the scope-side memory.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope including a CCD is detachably connected to a video processor. In the video processor, an output signal from the CCD is A/D converted, white balance is adjusted, an NTSC video signal from a post-process circuit is subjected to processing for generating a basic video signal to be outputted to a monitor, and an option substrate having a connector detachable to a connector for outputting a signal after AGC processing is attached thereto. Thus, user's desired function such as output to the monitor by emphasis processing can easily be realized by attaching the option substrate or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a display device includes a display device to display test patterns, a graphic process unit to supply analog mode signals and digital mode signals to the display device, and a control unit to allow test patterns of an analog testing mode and test patterns of a digital testing mode to be sequentially displayed on the display device upon receiving a control signal from the graphic process unit, and to output a control signal to the display device to sequentially change display characteristics of an image according to an on-screen-display mode testing menus.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for an electronic endoscope system is provided. The connecting mechanism is for detachably connecting a scope and a processor unit of the electronic endoscope system. The connecting mechanism includes a rotational cylinder, a linear movable member, and a sensor. The rotational cylinder locks the scope-side connector section to the processor-side connector section by rotating the rotational cylinder, when the scope-side connector section is docked with the processor-side connector section. The linear movable member is moved linearly along a tangent of the rotational cylinder in cooperation with the rotation of the rotational cylinder. The sensor detects whether the linear movable member has arrived at a predetermined position. The predetermined position corresponds to a locking position where the scope-side connector section and the processor-side connector section are locked together by the rotational cylinder.

Abstract: A DVI circuit for generating a digital video signal in accordance with a display standard of a personal computer, etc. is provided for a processor device to which an electronic endoscope is connected. On the output side of the DVI circuit, a high vision system converter which is an adapter unit is connected as arbitrarily attached and removed using a connector. In the processor device, when the fixed state of a fixing screw is detected by a detection switch SW1, and it is determined that the power supply line connected using a connector to the high vision system converter is in the energized state, a live line processing circuit activates a signal line of the connector. Thus, the adapter unit can be easily attached and removed without turning off the processor device.

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: 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: A cable assembly for a dental video camera system includes a dental video camera with a camera cable and a camera connector, a monitor with a monitor cable and a monitor connector and a power supply with power supply cable and a power supply connector. The cable assembly also includes an input housing, a camera cable with a complement-camera connector and a first connector. The camera cable is electrically coupled to the first connector. The complement camera connector that electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to said camera cable. The cable assembly also an output housing with a complement-monitor connector, a complement-power supply connector and a complement-first connector. The complement-monitor connector and the complement-power supply connector are disposed in the output housing and the complement camera connector electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to the camera cable.

Abstract: A measuring endoscope system includes a menu display module that selects a menu according to display data which is associated in advance with any of a plurality of optical adaptors, and a measuring program for performing measurement according to the result of the selection performed by the menu display module. Consequently, in the measuring endoscope system, when a user designates an optical adaptor using an optical adaptor selection screen image displayed on an LCD by the menu display module, a measuring technique associated with the optical adaptor is automatically selected. When a user wants to perform measurement using the measuring endoscope system, the user should merely press a measurement execution switch included in an endoscopic operation unit. Thus, measurement in which the selected measuring technique is implemented is carried out.

Abstract: A portable intra-oral capture and display system includes (a) a handpiece elongated for insertion into an oral cavity, the handpiece including a light emitter on a distal end thereof for illuminating an object in the cavity and an image sensor for capturing an image of the object and generating an image signal therefrom; (b) a portable, hand-cradled base containing, in a single integral enclosure, electronics for processing the image for display and a display monitor for displaying the image; (c) an electrical interface for communicating the image signal from the image sensor in the camera to the electronics in the base; and (d) a contamination control device for the portable, hand-cradled base comprising a pouch enclosing the single integral enclosure and having a transparent front panel that is positioned adjacent the display monitor. In addition, the electronics includes a touch screen interface for providing a plurality of touch screen controls that appear on the screen of the display monitor.

Abstract: A measurement endoscope system includes: an image pick-up device, an endoscope insertion portion to which a plurality of stereo measurement optical adaptors and a normal measurement adaptor are detachably attachable, a control unit for accommodating the endoscope insertion portion, a face mounted display for stereoscopically viewing a normal endoscope image or stereoscopically viewing the endoscope image as a pseudo stereo image, and the like. The control unit includes a CPU for controlling the execution of various functions based on a main program, a ROM, a RAM, a PC card, a USB port, an RS-232 port, an audio signal processing circuit, and a video signal processing circuit. The control unit can be connected externally to a PC. The measurement endoscope system allows taking image re-measurements under a correct measurement environment simple operation, with the re-measurements being performed promptly without consideration of the measurement environment.

Abstract: In an organ-region-indication system incorporated in an electronic endoscope system in which an endoscope image is displayed as a motion image on a monitor in accordance with a video signal produced therein, an organ-region-image data base is formed based on an organ map. A plurality of reference data indicating organ-regions and a plurality of image data representing the organ-region are correspondingly stored in the data base. Still image data is retrieved as referential image data from the video signal at suitable regular time intervals. The data base is searched for image data which coincides with the referential image data after the retrieval of the still image data. Corresponding reference data is displayed on the monitor only when the image data, which coincides with the referential image data, is found by the searching.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use with a communication device, such as a wireless/cellular phone. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining image processing circuitry. In a second configuration, all of the image processing circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion near the same location. In the first configuration, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal end of a camera module. In a second configuration, the image sensor is remote from the remaining image processing circuitry wherein available space within the phone is used to house the remaining circuitry. In any of the embodiments, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a digital camera that can retain its optical performance and have a particularly slim closed status. The digital camera 1 includes two lens groups 51, 52 installing in a collapsible lens barrel 3a, a focus lens 44, and a CCD 42 generating an image. An evading mechanism carrying front parts of the lens groups to rotate about a rotary axis parallel to the optical axis and locating front parts beside the image sensor When the collapsible lens barrel 3a is retracted in the housing of the digital camera 1, the first lens group 51 and the second lens group 52 are rotated around a central axis J2 parallel to the optical axis J1 and are located beside the CCD 42. Thus, the invention prevents the axes of the first, second lens groups 51, 52 from offset, and obtains a thin digital camera 1.

Abstract: When a digital camera is used on the side of a C-mount section of a microscope, the digital camera is attached to the C-mount section of the microscope with a C-mount adapter and an optical adapter between them. When the digital camera is used on the side of an ocular section of the microscope, the digital camera is attached to the ocular section of the microscope with the optical adapter between them.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes position sensors which detect not only the position, but also the orientation, of both an endoscope (or endoscopes) and at least one instrument. The endoscope system includes an assessment and control unit which displays symbols which indicate, in addition to the position, the orientation of the instrument or instruments and possibly of the endoscopes relative to a displayed image.

Abstract: A video-processor in an electronic endoscope apparatus is connectable to a plurality of video-scopes. The video-processor has a memory that is capable of storing plural series of scope-data associated with a signal process, and an adjusted scope-data setter that sets manually adjusted scope-data that is modified specific scope-data in a selected series of scope-data corresponding to a selected video-scope. The video-processor also has an automatic adjustment scope-data setter that changes given scope-data that correspond to a recently connected video-scope, to automatically adjusted scope-data. The automatic adjustment scope-data setter calculates the automatically adjusted scope-data on the basis of at least one manually adjusted scope-data and at least one initial specific scope-data corresponding to the at least one manually adjusted scope-data.

Abstract: A cable assembly for a dental video camera system includes a dental video camera with a camera cable and a camera connector, a monitor with a monitor cable and a monitor connector and a power supply with power supply cable and a power supply connector. The cable assembly also includes an input housing, a camera cable with a complement-camera connector and a first connector. The camera cable is electrically coupled to the first connector. The complement camera connector that electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to said camera cable. The cable assembly also an output housing with a complement-monitor connector, a complement-power supply connector and a complement-first connector. The complement-monitor connector and the complement-power supply connector are disposed in the output housing and the complement camera connector electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to the camera cable.

Abstract: A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.

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: In an endoscopic imagining system, a signal representing an object image produced by a scope and projected by a camera head is processed by a CCU and displayed as an endoscopic image on a TV monitor. The object image is stored as digital image data on a memory in the CCU, read as image data of a still image, and recorded on a PC card mounted in a PC card slot. The PC card slot is formed in the front panel or the like of the CCU. A lid member or the like functioning as an anti-liquid invasion member and shield can be located at an opening of the slot.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided with an endoscope and an image display section that displays the image of a subject captured by an image pick-up element provided in this endoscope. The endoscope is provided with a connector whereby a serial communication cable is detachably connected and a signal processing circuit that converts the image captured by the image pick-up element to a signal capable of being transmitted through the serial communication cable. The image display section is a screen displayed on a display device of a terminal device connected to the serial communication cable; and the screen is provided with an image display region used for display of an image captured by the image pick-up element and a display region for control purposes whereby control of the endoscope is performed.

Abstract: An image pick-up module, especially for an endoscope, comprises an electronic image sensor, a single-piece circuit board which is electrically bonded to the image sensor, with at least one cable leading away from the circuit board being further electrically bonded to the circuit board. The circuit board has at least three sections, with a first section and a second section extending in spaced relation one to the other and obliquely or crosswise to the image sensor and a third section being arranged between the first and the second section. In order to provide for strain relief of the at least one cable, it is pro prosed that the image sensor be arranged on one side of the circuit board opposite the third section.

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 connection system for an electronic endoscope, including a flexible scope and a video-signal processing unit, is utilized to establish a detachable connection between the scope and the unit. The scope has a solid image sensor to produce image-pixel signals, and the unit has a processor for processing the image-pixel signals to produce a video signal. The scope includes a first power line, a first group of signal lines and a first ground line which are utilized to feed said image-pixel signals to the unit, and the unit include a second power line, a second group of signal lines and a second ground line which are utilized to receive the image-pixel signals from the scope. A transistor is provided in one of the first and second power lines, and is usually in an OFF-state.

Abstract: When a digital camera is used on the side of a C-mount section of a microscope, the digital camera is attached to the C-mount section of the microscope with a C-mount adapter and an optical adapter between them. When the digital camera is used on the side of an ocular section of the microscope, the digital camera is attached to the ocular section of the microscope with the optical adapter between them.

Abstract: A picture display method and apparatus in which a light source is lengthened in service life and optimum color reproduction is realized, while the light utilization efficiency is improved to reduce the power consumption and the size of the apparatus. The red, green and blue illuminating light beams radiated from the light-emitting diodes 12R, 12G and 12R, are illuminated via relay lenses and field lenses on picture display light bulbs 11R, 11G and 11B and spatially modulated in intensity so as to be synthesized by a synthesis prism 10 and so as to be projected to an enlarged scale on a screen 17. The profile of the light radiating portions of the light-emitting diodes 12R, 12G and 12B are set so as to be the same or similar to the profile of a picture display area of each of the picture display light bulbs 11R, 11G and 11B in order that the profile of the light beam illuminated on the picture display area will be in keeping with the profile of the picture display area.

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: An endoscope apparatus of the present invention comprises an endoscope with a built-in solid state imaging device at a distal end portion of an insertion tube and a distal end optical adapter detachably connected to the distal end portion of the insertion tube of the endoscope. At least one objective optical system is provided in said distal end optical adapter and an optical image formed on said solid state imaging device through the distal end optical adapter is displayed on a TV monitor through a control device.

Abstract: A camera control unit for processing a signal output from an imaging device incorporated in an endoscope is provided with an analog video signal output terminal through which a video signal is output to a monitor, and a digital video signal output terminal to which a still image-specific or motion picture-specific expansion unit is coupled in a freely detachable manner. By handling a release switch, a still image or motion picture can be recorded digitally. Even when the recorded image data is edited or subjected to any other processing, deterioration of image quality can be prevented. An imaging system having these advantages can be realized on a small scale.

Abstract: A camera control unit for processing a signal output from an imaging device incorporated in an endoscope is provided with an analog video signal output terminal through which a video signal is output to a monitor, and a digital video signal output terminal to which a still image-specific or motion picture-specific expansion unit is coupled in a freely detachable manner. By handling a release switch, a still image or motion picture can be recorded digitally. Even when the recorded image data is edited or subjected to any other processing, deterioration of image quality can be prevented. An imaging system having these advantages can be realized on a small scale.