Abstract: The present invention provides, according to some embodiments, an in vivo imaging device, comprising a mount having at least one illumination source. The mount may be in electrical communication with the illumination source. The device may further include a circuit board and a contact clip for securing the mount to the circuit board and for providing electrical communication therebetween.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes a capsule and a transparent cover having a central axis and that is located in front of an objective optical system within the capsule. The objective optical system has a depth of field, a field of view, and an image surface that has curvature of field, and is arranged on the central axis of the transparent cover and the capsule. The field of view of the objective optical system includes a spherical surface that is tangent to the transparent cover at a periphery of the field of view, and the near point of the depth of field on the optical axis of the objective optical system is positioned farther from the objective optical system than is the transparent cover. Various conditions are satisfied so as to provide high quality imaging.

Abstract: An image capturing unit for an electronic endoscope, including a solid-state image capturing element, a metallic housing member, which hermetically encloses a circumference of an insulated base and is arranged to cover a front-end portion of the insulated base, at least one connection land, which is connected to at least one signal conductor at a position in vicinity to a rear-end portion of the insulated base outside the housing member, and a conductive cylindrical shield, which surrounds the at least one connection land and the at least one signal conductor and is spaced from the at least one connection land and the at least one signal conductor in a radial direction, is provided. An outer periphery of the rear-end portion of the insulated base is formed to be smaller than the circumference of the insulated base enclosed by the housing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinally-steerable structure, comprising essentially longitudinal actuators made from shape memory alloy, Peltier effect elements with N and P doping and electrical control device. The above is characterized in that the actuators are arranged in pairs in an antagonistic manner, each actuator being connected at the ends thereof with a Peltier effect element with N doping and a Peltier effect element with P doping respectively. The invention further relates to an endoscope comprising at least one such structure.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention is a video camera head comprising an objective lens assembly and a solid state imager (SSI) comprised of a solid state pick up device and additional circuitry adapted to produce an output video signal. The video camera head has a maximum outer diameter of 1.1 mm or less and the length of the objective lens assembly is 2.5 mm or less. In a second aspect the invention is a visualization probe comprising illumination means, an objective lens assembly, and a solid state imager (SSI) comprised of a solid state pick up device and additional circuitry adapted to produce an output video signal. The visualization probe has a maximum outer diameter of 2.8 mm or less. In a third aspect the invention is a medical device comprising a visualization probe comprised of illumination means, an objective lens assembly, and a solid state imager (SSI) comprised of a solid state pick up device and additional circuitry adapted to produce an output video signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a device in vivo. The system and method may utilize a steerable receiver, typically an element that is maneuverable by a magnetic field, for controlling the movement of a device, including the direction, force and velocity of the device movement.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device comprises a solid-state imaging element including a photo-reception portion and electrode pads, and optical glass bonded onto the solid-state imaging element through a bonding layer, wherein penetrating electrodes which reach the rear face of the solid-state imaging element are formed below the electrode pads of the solid-state imaging element.

Abstract: A capsule medical apparatus including: a cylindrical capsule-shaped exterior casing; a plurality of electrical substrates stored in the exterior casing; a connecting member using a plurality of soldering balls or a plurality of pins, the connecting member being electrically conductive and mechanically fixing the electrical substrates adjacent and opposed to one another, in a state where each of the plurality of electrical substrates are arranged in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the exterior casing such that the electrical substrates are substantially parallel to one another; a battery; and a flexible substrate which is provided with a power pattern which is electrically conductive with the battery and transmits power by the battery, and on which the power pattern is connected so as to be electrically conductive at end surfaces of the plurality of electrical substrates opposed to one another in the longitudinal direction of the exterior casing.

Abstract: The endoscope system of the present invention includes: an endoscope that has an image pickup device that picks up an observation image of a test object; an image display unit that converts image pickup signals that have been sent from the image pickup device into images and then displays these images; a first mounting portion that is provided in an operating section of the endoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted; and a second mounting portion that is provided in the operating section of the endoscope and on which the image display unit is mounted in a different position from that of the first mounting portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for obtaining in vivo images. The system contains an imaging system and a transmitter for transmitting signals from a camera to a receiving system located outside a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward miniaturized imaging devices. In one embodiment, the device can include a utility guide having at least one aperture configured for supporting utilities, and an SSID carried by the utility guide. The SSID can include an imaging array on a top surface, and a conductive element on a side surface, wherein the imaging array is electrically coupled to the conductive element. Further, a lens can be optically coupled to the imaging array, and an umbilical, including a conductive line, can be carried by the at least one aperture. The conductive line can be electrically coupled to the conductive element on the side surface of the SSID. Alternatively, the device can include an SSID having, as an integral structure, an imaging array electrically coupled to a conductive pad, wherein the SSID further includes at least one utility aperture passing therethrough.

Abstract: A medical apparatus system includes: an image generating section that generates an image in an observation field of view obtained from an observing section including an objective lens; an information collecting section that collects information of a treatment instrument; a distortion setting section that sets virtual distortion on the outside of the observation field of view from a characteristic of distortion of the objective lens; a distorted image generating section that generates a distorted image on the outside of the observation field of view with respect to the treatment instrument; and an image combining section that generates a combined image such that an image of the treatment instrument on the inside of the observation field of view and a distorted image of the treatment instrument coincide with each other in a boundary of the observation field of view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a CMOS imager with an integrated controller on a common integrated circuit substrate. Also integrated on the common substrate are, a serializer circuit including a dynamic arbiter under the control of the microcontroller core and a set of extended special function registers through which data is passed to allow the microcontroller to control the CMOS imager and the serializer circuit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an observation optical system, a solid state imaging element photoelectrically converting an image from the observation optical system, a flexible board electrically connected to the solid state imaging element, a plurality of electronic components and a plurality of signal cables electrically connected to the flexible board, and a first resin sealing the electronic components and a second resin sealing a connection part of the signal cables. A thixotropic ratio of the first resin is set to be lower than a thixotropic ratio of the second resin. Accordingly, apparatus and an endoscope, which can be made compact, and have high physical and electrical reliability without increasing a size of the imaging apparatus, are provided.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a lens; a solid-state imaging device having, on its top surface, an imaging area in which pixels for converting incident light to a signal are arranged in rows and columns, a vertical scanning circuit located adjacent to the imaging area in a row direction, a peripheral circuit for processing the signal read from the imaging area, and a plurality of terminals; and a prism placed directly on the imaging area for leading the incident light to the imaging area. Light exposure is adjusted by varying brightness of light output from a processor according to a magnitude of the signal output from the solid-state imaging device.

Abstract: A method of reducing data transfer while increasing image information over an 802.15.4 network includes obtaining an image with a sensor, modulating a representation of the image using a first 802.15.4 modem, sending the representation of the image to a coordinator, demodulating the representation of the image using a second 802.15.4 modem, and digitally enhancing at least one of the representation of the image and the image. A system for communication over an 802.15.4 network includes a sensor for obtaining data, the size of the data being at least an order of magnitude greater than the size of an 802.15.4 packet, a first 802.15.4 modem coupled to the sensor, a buffer for temporarily storing the data to allow transmission of portions of the data; the buffer being coupled to the sensor, a coordinator coupled to the sensor, the coordinator being capable of communicating with a computer, and a second 802.15.4 modem coupled to the coordinator.

Abstract: A defect inspection system for the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automated defect inspection system for wafers or other semiconductor or electronic substrates of any kind or type that are transparent, translucent, opaque or otherwise capable of allowing at least some light to pass through.

Abstract: An endoscope system has an electronic endoscope with a solid-state image sensor, a processor device, and an option circuit board detachably connected to the processor device. The electronic endoscope drives the solid-state image sensor based on a clock signal correspondingly to the number of pixels of the solid-state image sensor, and captures images. The processor device generates a first video signal from an image signal. The option circuit board has a measurement pulse generator for generating measurement pulses, a gate pulse generator for generating a gate pulse, a pulse counter for counting the number of the measurement pulses during outputting the gate pulse, and a judgment circuit for obtaining the number of pixels from a count value of the pulse counter. The option circuit board converts the first video signal into a second video signal in consideration of the number of pixels to display the images on a PC monitor.

Abstract: An endoscope control unit including an imaging device controller and a first signal-processing circuit, is provided. The endoscope control unit orders a CMOS imaging device to capture an image and to carry out signal processing for supplying an image signal to a monitor. The CMOS imaging device generates the image signal on the basis of the captured image. The imaging device controller orders the CMOS imaging device to generate a frame's worth of image signal every first period. The first period is shorter than a second period. The image to be displayed on the monitor is refreshed every second period in order to displaying a moving image. The first signal-processing circuit outputs one frame of the image signal generated by the CMOS imaging device to the monitor every second period.

Abstract: Endoscopes and other viewing devices that control the light that contacts a sample and/or that is detected emanating from a sample. The viewing devices are particularly well suited for in vivo imaging, although other uses are also included. The viewing devices, and methods related thereto, comprise a spatial light modulator in the illumination and/or detection light path so that light transmitted to the target via a bundle of light guides or optical system is transmitted substantially only into the cores of the light guide bundle and not into the cladding surrounding the light guides, filler between the light guides in the bundle, or undesired light guides. Also, methods and apparatus for mapping the pixels of the spatial light modulator to the cores of the light guides in the bundle (preferably at least 3 pixels (e.g., at least 3 mirrors for a digital micromirror device) for each core), as well as for mapping the light guides of one light guide bundle to another.

Abstract: An endoscope system, including: an endoscope for picking up an image of a subject and outputting an image pickup signal of the image; an external processor having a post-signal processing circuit which processes the image pickup signal inputted from the endoscope and generates a video signal that can be outputted to a monitor; and an output detecting circuit for detecting the presence or absence of an output of the image pickup signal and the presence or absence of an output of the video signal.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly includes (1) an endoscope that includes a tubular body, a retrograde-viewing imaging device disposed at a distal end region of the tubular body, and a channel extending through the tubular body; and (2) an instrument extending through the channel of the endoscope and exits from a distal opening of the channel.

Abstract: An image pickup module comprises a lens assembly including a lens having a flange part, and a frame component for shading a circumferential surface excluding a neighborhood of a top portion of the flange part in the lens; an image pickup element which the top portion of the flange part touches; and an illumination element arranged around said lens assembly and said image pickup element. It is constituted so that exit light from a luminescence surface of said illumination element may not reach directly to an exposed portion which is not shaded by said frame component of the flange part.

Abstract: Novel capsule imaging devices, systems and methods are provided for in vivo imaging applications, such as for gastrointestinal applications. A swallowable video imaging device, such as a capsule, can be used with a light filter for in vivo illumination of a target tissue that has absorbed a previously administered biological probe. The target tissue can be distinguished in images transmitted from the video imaging device. Quantification of the signal intensity of fluorescence can be used to assess how progressed the target tissue may be. The target tissue can be therapeutically treated to shrink or kill the target tissue.

Abstract: A drive signal from an SSG drives a CCD through a delay circuit and the like. An imaging signal from the CCD is converted to a video signal in a CDS circuit, which is driven by a sample hold signal given through the delay circuit, and is converted to a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor through an A/D converter circuit, a video signal processing circuit and a digital encoder to be output. Here, by correcting phases of the imaging signal and the sample hold signal, length of a signal line is corrected. Also, since the delay circuit is constructed by being incorporated in a DSP for video signal processing, which includes a video signal processing circuit and the like, the construction is simplified. Thus, the number of parts is reduced, and it can be constructed inexpensively.

Abstract: An endoscope device including an insertion part including an observation optical system and a measuring optical system, wherein the endoscope device is provided with a characteristic value comparing circuit 85 which compares previous characteristic values and current characteristic value to identify previous characteristic values corresponding to the current characteristic values, corresponding to the previous characteristic values, identified by the corresponding to the previous characteristic values, identified by the characteristic value comparing circuit 85, are stored in a storage circuit C2 together with various information. According to the invention, for inspection turbine blades of jet engines, automation (labor-saving) of the inspection process by reducing the number of the inspection steps is realized and the difficulty in the inspection of analysis areas is eliminated.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes a capsule and a transparent cover having a central axis and that is located in front of an objective optical system within the capsule. The objective optical system has a depth of field, a field of view, and an image surface that has curvature of field, and is arranged on the central axis of the transparent cover and the capsule. The field of view of the objective optical system includes a spherical surface that is tangent to the transparent cover at a periphery of the field of view, and the near point of the depth of field on the optical axis of the objective optical system is positioned farther from the objective optical system than is the transparent cover. Various conditions are satisfied so as to provide high quality imaging.

Abstract: An image pick-up module, in particular for an endoscope or a miniature camera, has an electronic image sensor, which has a plurality of contact fingers that are arranged in at least one row, and a rigid circuit board to which the contact fingers are electrically contact-connected, the image sensor and the circuit board being arranged approximately parallel to one another, and the contact fingers extending along at least one longitudinal side of the circuit board, which extends approximately transversely to the image sensor, and also a flexible multi-core cable which leads from the circuit board in the direction away from the image sensor and whose cores are likewise electrically contact-connected to the circuit board. The cores are contact-connected at contact-connection points on the circuit board which are closer to the image sensor than that side of the circuit board which is remote from the image sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle customizing system is highly reliable in the event of communication failures. For setting control characteristic values pertaining to functions of control units to control characteristic values favored by the user, the functions and the present control characteristic values set for the functions are displayed on a display unit. The control characteristic values, which are changed using the display unit, are stored in first function information tables of the control units, which directly perform the functions. Even in the event of a communication failure, the control units are capable, on their own, of controlled objects in order to perform the functions thereof based on the control characteristic values stored in the first function information tables.

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 imaging apparatus is provided and includes: a solid-state imaging device that receives image light of an observed portion inside of a coelom to output an imaging signal of the image light; a cover glass disposed above an light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device so that the cover glass and the solid-state imaging device are separated with a space; and a first circuit board disposed at a vicinity of an upper surface of the cover glass and including a peripheral circuit of the solid-state imaging device, the first circuit board having a thermal conductivity lower than that of a reference circuit board whose major component is alumina, the imaging apparatus being included in a front end of an electronic endoscope.

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: A method is provided for characterizing manufacturing variations in a camera and imperfections in its operating environment to allow images captured by the camera to be compensated for these defects. In one embodiment, a method for characterizing a camera includes: (a) illuminating a field of view of the optical elements under a controlled condition; (b) exposing multiple images onto the image sensor under the controlled condition; (c) extracting parameter values of a model for the image provided on the image sensor from the multiple images; and (d) compensating images taken subsequently in the camera using the parameter values. The objects in the field of view may have a predetermined color, contrast or pattern. In one instance, the controlled condition includes an external light source for illuminating the field of view, and the image sensor is sensitive to a plurality of color components. The field of view may be illuminated at a predetermined light intensity for each of the color components.

Abstract: An image forming lens includes a lens element having a flange part that is integral with the lens element. When assembled with an image pickup element to form an image pickup module, an outside perimeter portion of the lens element having a flange part, at a region nearest an image pickup element, is inclined so that outer diameters thereof increase when successively measured at positions nearer to the image pickup element. A frame of the image forming lens according to the invention has an inclined portion on the object side with an outer diameter that becomes smaller when successively measured nearer the object side. Satisfying one or more conditions insures accuracy in assembly and that there will be sufficient room near the object side outside the inclined portion to mount a light source, such as an LED, without having to increase the maximum outer diameter of the image pickup module.

Abstract: The invention is an imager assembly for a miniature camera head. The assembly comprises an imaging sensor having conductive leads; an objective lens system placed on top of the sensor; circuitry, mounted beneath the imaging sensor, for driving the sensor and amplifying the electrical signals; and conductive wires electrically linking the internal components of the assembly and for linking the assembly to remote locations. The conductive leads are bent and the circuitry and conductive wires are arranged and mounted such that the dimensions in a plane parallel to the sensor plane of the camera head are approximately equal to or less than the dimensions in the plane of the sensor. The circuitry is capable of delivering signals produced by the imaging sensor for further processing and the components of the imager, except for the imaging surface of the sensor and the objective lens system, are encapsulated by an isolating material.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insert section, a CCD is mounted at the end of the insert section, and a CCU for producing a video signal is arranged in a control unit connected to a proximal end of the insert unit. The CCU includes a general-purpose DSP board having the function of producing a standard video signal, and a function adjustment/expansion circuit board for correcting a signal delay due to the length of a signal line connected to the CCD. The DSP boards and the function adjustment/expansion circuit boards, respectively remaining the same in circuit arrangement, are used for a plurality of types of endoscopes having insert sections having different insertion lengths.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) for deployment of a sensor chip of an optical head of an endoscope is described. The PCB comprises at least one layer defined by a front surface, a rear surface and a recess provided on said front surface. The recess has a depth dimension and the sensor chip has a thickness corresponding to said depth dimension of the recess. The sensor chip is receivable within the recess so as to be essentially flush with the front surface of the PCB. The PCB comprises at least one bonding pad located at a predetermined distance from the sensor chip and is electrically connectable with the sensor chip.

Abstract: An endoscope 2 has a CCD 9 incorporated in the distal part of an insertion unit 6 thereof. The sensitivity of the CCD 9 can be varied by applying a plurality of pulsating driving signals so as to change an electron multiplication rate. The endoscope 2 is connected to a processor 3 so that it can be disconnected freely. Information representing a type of endoscope stored in advance in a ROM 48 is transmitted to a controller 21 incorporated in the processor 3. The control means 21 uses a CCD sensitivity control means 12 to control the sensitivity of the CCD 9 according to the type of connected endoscope 2. Consequently, a view image of proper brightness can be produced irrespective of the type of endoscope 2.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus which records image data of an object under observation on a recording medium has an image storage memory capable of storing current image data for at least one examination in response to an image capture command and transfers the image data from the image storage memory to the recording medium and erases the image data stored in the image storage memory at the time of the first image capture during the next examination after an electronic scope is turned on. The image data stored in the image storage memory may also be erased at the time of the first image capture after new patient data is inputted or after the number of recorded images is reset.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus, includes: an explosion-proof unit that has an image pickup device that outputs photographed video images as video image signals; and an A/D converter that converts the video image signals into digitalized image signals; a control unit that controls the explosion-proof unit; and an energy limiting circuit that is provided at the control unit and that limits electrical energy of digital signals to satisfy intrinsic safety when sending and receiving of the digital signals, wherein the explosion-proof unit is connected to the control unit via the energy limiting circuit with a signal line.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endoscope image sensing apparatus which can switch suitable color matrixes in accordance with the type of observation region, the type of light source used, or the like, and obtain good color reproduction corresponding to the type of observation region or the type of light source used. This apparatus uses a one-chip color CCD as an image sensing means. A CPU reads out corresponding color matrix coefficients from a ROM, and outputs the coefficients to a color separation circuit. The color separation circuit executes a matrix computation based on the color matrix to convert luminance and color difference signals into primary color signals.

Abstract: An image processing device for an endoscope, wherein a wavelength band filter for shielding at least a part of the blue wavelength band is disposed in front of an image pickup element built into the endoscope, for image processing the signal output by said image pickup element includes means for generating color image signals whilst switching between a normal-light image mode using white light and a fluorescence image mode including fluorescence information and adjusting means for adjusting the gain of a prescribed color signal of said color image signals.

Abstract: An endoscopic visualization apparatus has a first imaging system and at least one second imaging system, a first image field being covered by the first imaging system, and a second image field being covered by the second imaging system. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are arranged in a common housing. The first imaging system and the second imaging system are significantly different with regard to at least one optical parameter, and the first image field and the at least one second image field overlap one another only partially.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device comprises a solid-state imaging element including a photo-reception portion and electrode pads, and optical glass bonded onto the solid-state imaging element through a bonding layer, wherein penetrating electrodes which reach the rear face of the solid-state imaging element are formed below the electrode pads of the solid-state imaging element.

Abstract: When a first-stage operation or first operation of a freeze switch is performed, a still image is stored in image memory and is displayed on a monitor. When an electronic variable power switch is operated in this state, a still image electronically enlarged is formed on the basis of a signal of the above-described image memory. Then, when a second-stage operation or second operation of the freeze switch is performed, the above-described enlarged still image is recorded in a recording device. Owing to this, it is possible to display and record an arbitrary still image that is enlarged and is positioned on optimum conditions. Moreover, by single operation of an electronic variable power switch, an enlarged still image can be formed and can be also recorded simultaneously. Furthermore, even if continuous recording operation is prohibited, the next recording operation can be performed by operating the electronic variable power switch.

Abstract: An imaging element for an electronic endoscope is disclosed. The electronic endoscope has an elongated tubular main body. At the tip end portion of the main body, there are provided an optical imaging system comprising a convex lens, a concave lens and an optical low-pass filter, a CMOS type imaging element having a CMOS sensor, and a pair of light distribution lenses. The imaging element includes the CMOS sensor, a signal processing circuit for processing a signal outputted from the CMOS sensor, and a signal control circuit for timing control for extracting a signal from the CMOS sensor. In this imaging element, the signal processing circuit and the signal control circuit are arranged along the periphery of the light-receiving surface of the CMOS sensor so that a center of the base of the sensor on the light-receiving surface is substantially aligned with a center of an effective imaging region of the image sensor.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In a first embodiment of the endoscope, connections between imaging device elements and between a video display is achieved by hard-wired connections. In a second embodiment of the endoscope, wireless transmission is used for communications between imaging device components, and/or for transferring video ready signals to a video display. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. The entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. Alternatively, the image sensor can be placed remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and control box is used which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for obtaining in vivo images. The system contains an imaging system and an ultra low power radio frequency transmitter for transmitting signals from the CMOS imaging camera to a receiving system located outside a patient. The imaging system includes at least one CMOS imaging camera, at least one illumination source for illuminating an in vivo site and an optical system for imaging the in vivo site onto the CMOS imaging camera.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus using a charge multiplying solid-sate imaging device for use with an endoscope system, etc., capable of providing an output signal with an improved S/N ratio by reducing the dark noise. The full well size of the CCD imaging device is reduced to 1/M of the number of electrons corresponding to a maximum amount of light which may be received by the individual pixel determined by the technical specifications of the system, and the signal charges are read out N times in a prescribed time period corresponding to a time for a single frame in a TV frame rate. The system satisfies the relation, nd (1?1/M)>nr2(N2?1), assuming that nd is the dark noise and nr is the readout noise contained in single reading from a reference solid-state imaging means having a full well size equivalent to the number of electrons described above.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided which utilizes selected charge integration periods. Various configurations of the imaging device are provided which locate the elements of the imagine device at desired locations. Regardless of the particular arrangement or configuration of the imaging device, selected charge integration periods are incorporated. The imaging device can be defined as a CMOS-CID device wherein a user may select an appropriate integration period in order to enhance the viewed image to a desired level of brightness. Particularly in fluorescence guided endoscopy and fluorescence assisted surgery, the ability to vary and select particular charge integration periods improves these processes.