Abstract: A communication system includes a transmission terminal and a reception terminal. One of the transmission terminal and the reception terminal includes a processor. The processor is configured to calculate an adjustment value indicating a difference between an imaging cycle and a display cycle. The processor is configured to cause the imaging cycle and the display cycle to match each other by adjusting a signal generator on the basis of the adjustment value. A connection history in which adjustment information and identification information of a communicator are associated with each other is recorded on a recording medium. The processor is configured to adjust the signal generator on the basis of the adjustment value indicated by the adjustment information when the first communicator and the second communicator connect to each other again.

Abstract: A distal end frame includes: a distal end frame body including a resin molded product; an image pickup unit housing chamber formed of a bottomed hole with an opening which is formed on a distal end surface of the distal end frame body; a through hole penetrating from a bottom face of the image pickup unit housing chamber to a proximal end side of the distal end frame body; a mounting face formed on the bottom face of the image pickup unit housing chamber; an inclined face that is formed in a region containing a part of an inner wall face of the through hole to be adjacent to the mounting face, and is visible through the opening; and a wiring pattern that is formed of the metal pattern constituting the molded interconnect device, and is continuously formed in a region containing the mounting face and the inclined face.

Abstract: An imaging module includes an electric cable including a plurality of wirings, an imager having an imaging surface intersecting an axial direction of a distal end of the electric cable, and a flexible wiring board configured to electrically connect the imager and the electric cable. The wiring board includes a plurality of extending portions that extend from at least three portions of a connection portion connected with the imager. At least one wiring pad to which at least one of the plurality of wirings of the electric cable is connected is provided in each of the plurality of extending portions.

Abstract: An imaging unit includes: a semiconductor package including an imaging device and having a back surface on which a sensor electrode is formed; a circuit substrate including a connection electrode that is connected to the sensor electrode via a bump; a surrounding part configured to cover the semiconductor package and the circuit substrate; a filler with which a space that is enclosed by the surrounding part is filled to seal a circumference of the semiconductor package and the circuit substrate; and a first cover configured to prevent the filler from infiltrating a joint between the semiconductor package and the circuit substrate.

Abstract: An endoscope camera system and an image signal transmission method thereof are aimed at resolving a problem that an existing endoscope camera system cannot ensure a normal image output. The system may include a camera module, an image processing module, a front panel function switching module, a front panel control module, and a plurality of signal forwarding modules; when image signal transmission between an external monitor and the image processing module is abnormal, a signal forwarding module m is configured as a signal forwarding station that is used for bridging the image signal transmission between the image processing module and the external monitor. After receiving an image signal, the signal forwarding module m reprocesses the image signal and continues to send the image signal to the external monitor, thereby effectively avoiding signal attenuation and signal interference during the image signal transmission, and achieving an effect of ensuring a normal image output.

Abstract: A tip part for a medical insertion vision device, a method of making the tip part, and a visualization system including the medical insertion vision device. The tip part includes an exterior housing having a distal front wall and a circumferential wall, the distal front wall and the circumferential wall enclosing an interior spacing having a camera compartment at a distal end and a potting compartment proximal of the camera compartment; a camera assembly positioned in the camera compartment, the camera assembly comprising an image sensor and a lens stack positioned distally of the image sensor, the image sensor having a proximal end; a sealing material that forms a seal that seals the camera compartment from the potting compartment; and a potting material in the potting compartment, the sealing material preventing the potting material from extending father distally than the proximal end of the image sensor.

Abstract: A plug connection between distal video and proximal cable units, including: a plug; and a connector inserted into the plug, the plug is a glass cast part arranged at a proximal end of the distal video unit; the connector is arranged at a distal end of the proximal cable unit; the plug is connected to a housing of the distal video unit, has electrical feedthroughs and is connected on a distal side to a first flexboard in the distal video unit and has a connector receptacle; the connector is enclosed in a housing formed to fit the connector receptacle; the connector has a plurality of electrical feedthroughs arranged in accordance with an arrangement of the electrical feedthroughs of the plug; and the electrical feedthroughs are connected proximally to a second flexboard having a planar solder pad structure having solder pads, to which signal and connecting cables are soldered.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly transmitting data from an endoscope, comprising an endoscope having a control body, an insertion tube extending from the control body, the distal end of the insertion tube containing an image sensor and a light source, and a control head connected to the control body, which comprises a battery; a light source amplifier connected to the battery, the light source amplifier operable to boost the intensity of the light source; a video processor configured to create compressed video data from a video stream captured via the image sensor; and a wireless communication module configured to negotiate a wireless connection with a mobile device, wherein the wireless communication module is further configured to transmit the compressed video data to the mobile device over the wireless connection, and wherein the wireless communication module comprises a channel discriminator configured to automatically avoid RF interference.

Abstract: An insertion device for a single port robotic surgery apparatus can include an insertion section with first and second camera channels and an instrument channel, the first camera channel configured to facilitate insertion and removal of a primary camera, the second camera channel configured to enclose a secondary camera, and the instrument channel configured to permit insertion and removal of a surgical instrument from the insertion section, The insertion device can include a housing attached to the insertion section, the housing including a passage configured to permit at least a portion of the primary camera to pass through the housing into the first camera channel and exit the first camera channel. The secondary camera can be configured to provide image data of a surgical site to facilitate insertion into the surgical site of at least one of the surgical instrument or the primary camera.

Abstract: A medical visualisation system including a first medical visualisation device having a first device colour identifier, a second medical visualisation device having a second device colour identifier, a third medical visualisation device having a third device colour identifier, and a monitor device, the first device colour identifier being a first colour, the second device colour identifier being a second colour, and the third device colour identifier being a third colour. The first colour has a first hue angle, the second colour has a second hue angle, and the third colour has a third hue angle, wherein the first hue angle and the second hue angle differ by more than 40 degrees, the second hue angle and the third hue angle differ by more than 40 degrees, and the third hue angle and the first hue angle differ by more than 40 degrees.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a barrel having an opening of a through hole on an outer surface; a lens inserted into the through hole and having a distal end surface which protrudes from the outer surface; a first resin disposed between a wall surface of the through hole and a side surface of the lens; and a second resin disposed on a surface of the first resin, a portion of the barrel disposed around the opening, and an entire circumference of an outer peripheral portion of the distal end surface of the lens, the second resin forming a protruding portion which protrudes from the distal end surface of the optical member, containing light blocking particles, and having a larger fracture toughness value than the first resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens unit having a cover member which does not cause deviation in precision and capable of being manufactured efficiently at low cost. In a lens unit 10A, side surfaces of a cover member 14a continuing from a front end surface 29 to a rear end surface located at a lens side are formed in a regular quadrangular prism, at least two of corners of the regular quadrangular prism are in contact with an inner peripheral surface 27 of a housing space 17 of a holder 11a for housing the cover member 14a, a gap 34 is formed between each of the side surfaces of the cover member 14a and the inner peripheral surface 27 of the holder 11a, and an effective area of a light beam is located inside a light receiving area having a regular quadrangular shape surrounded by an outer peripheral edge of the front end surface 29 of the cover member 14a.

Abstract: A video endoscope including: an elongated shaft having an inner shaft tube and an outer shaft tube; and an electrical connecting element extending in a longitudinal direction of the shaft between the inner shaft tube and the outer shaft tube. Wherein the electrical connecting element is configured as a flexible printed circuit board with at least one conducting path which is routed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the electrical connecting element is routed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft at at least one location of the shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, and an image sensor is carried on the distal end of the shaft. A channel extends through at least a distal shaft portion and has a channel diameter, and a section of the channel is re-configurable between a constricted shape and a non-constricted shape to accommodate tools introduced therethrough. The combined diagonal dimension and channel diameter is usually greater than the outer shaft diameter. The image sensor may be connected to a connector on the housing by a first slack flex circuit and a lights source on the shaft may be connected to a connector on the housing by a second slack flex circuit.

Abstract: An endoscope front-end structure includes: an imaging module; a frame body that has a through hole and a salient portion, the frame body being configured to hold the imaging module when the imaging module is inserted in the through hole from an insertion opening formed at a proximal end of the frame body; a first adhesive agent that is filled and hardened between a part of outer periphery of a resin seal and a surface of the salient portion; and a second adhesive agent that is filled and hardened in a gap formed between the through hole of the frame body and the imaging module inserted in the through hole.

Abstract: An objective is to achieve an endoscope in which a distal part of an insertion unit has a reduced diameter, yet the endoscope has good pushability so that buckling at the distal part can be avoided. This endoscope is provided with: an imaging unit having a lens and an imaging element; a resin tube which extends from the imaging unit to the proximal side opposite the distal side, and through which a cable conductively connected to the imaging element is inserted; and an elastic wire which has a distal end disposed outwardly of the imaging element, is inserted in and extends through the resin tube, and has flexibility and bending stiffness.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for use with a medical implant includes an antenna that defines at least one turn and an electromagnetic shield.

Abstract: A colonoscope including an egg-shaped image-capturing module and a wiring unit is disclosed. The image-capturing module includes a casing, a first image detector, a vibration motor and a control unit. The casing has first and second ends. The first end is made of a transparent material. The first image detector captures a first image. The vibration motor is configured to vibrate the casing. The control unit controls the first image detector to capture the first image. The control unit controls the vibration of the vibration motor. The wiring unit includes a vent and includes a plurality of lead wires and an air tube. Power can be transmitted to the control unit through the plurality of lead wires. The air tube is configured to convey air, and the vent is configured to output the air to a colon.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a camera including an imaging unit configured to receive light and convert the light into an electric signal; a first cable configured to transmit the electric signal, one end of the first cable being connected to the camera; an operating unit connected to another end of the first cable and including an electrooptic conversion unit configured to convert the electric signal transmitted through the first cable into an optical signal, and a switch configured to receive user operations; a second cable configured to transmit the optical signal, one end of the second cable being connected to the operating unit; and a connector provided to another end of the second cable and configured to connect the other end of the second cable to an external device.

Abstract: A shield box includes a top portion, a bottom portion and a socket. The top portion defines an aperture and includes at least one first ridge and at least one first groove. The bottom portion includes at least one second ridge and at least one second groove. The first ridge of the top portion occupies a second space defined by the second groove of the bottom portion, and the second ridge of the bottom portion occupies a first space defined by the first groove of the top portion. The socket is disposed over the bottom portion and accessible through the aperture of the top portion.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope having an insertion section adapted to be inserted into a subject; an optical member positioned at a distal end portion; a heating section configured to heat the optical member; a first temperature detector configured to detect first temperature information of the distal end portion; a second temperature detector connected in parallel with the heating section and configured to detect second temperature information of the distal end portion; a control unit configured to control the heating section based on the first temperature information; and an abnormality determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of abnormality in the first temperature detector and the second temperature detector based on the first temperature information and the second temperature information.

Abstract: There is provided a routing structure of a circuit body in a rocker formed on a vehicle body. The circuit body routing structure has a recessed housing groove formed along an extending direction of the rocker on a side surface of the rocker at a vehicle interior side, a circuit body that is formed of a long flat conductor having a conductor portion of a flat cross-sectional shape and that is housed in the housing groove and routed on the rocker, and an interior material that is mounted on the rocker so as to cover an upper surface and the side surface of the rocker, and that holds the circuit body in the housing groove.

Abstract: An endoscope has an imaging unit at a distal end portion of an insert section, and a relay board including an imaging signal converter that converts imaging signals output from the imaging unit is provided inside the insert section. Here, a data transmission method of an imaging signal transmitted at least in a section from the imaging unit to the relay board is a low-amplitude differential transmission method.

Abstract: An endoscope having a viewing direction aligned obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis, the endoscope including: a shaft with a cladding tube and a fiber tube arranged therein; an object lens arranged in the shaft; and a prism module arranged in the shaft for deflecting the beam path, wherein the prism module is arranged eccentrically with respect to the object lens.

Abstract: An image-acquisition apparatus includes an objective lens consisting of, in order from an object side, a first group and a second group, an image-acquisition device that converts an optical image of an object formed by the objective lens into an electrical signal, a first holding frame holding the first group of the objective lens inside, and a second holding frame holding the second group of the objective lens and the image-acquisition device inside. The objective lens satisfies specific conditions.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image sensor that is provided at a front end portion of an insertion portion of the endoscope so that an image receiving surface of the image sensor is disposed to cross a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; a sensor holder that surrounds an outer circumference of the image sensor and holds the image sensor; and a circuit board including a sensor connection portion and an electric wire connection portion as defined herein; the image sensor is held by the sensor holder as defined herein; the sensor connection portion and the electric wire connection portion are connected to each other as defined herein; and an outside edge of a connection site between the sensor connection portion and the electric wire connection portion is located as defined herein.

Abstract: An interface device includes first and second connectors adapted to be joined together in an operating position. One or more first optical data conduits extend through the first connector, with each first optical data conduit terminating at a respective first optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective first optical lens. One or more second optical data conduits extend through the second connector, with each second optical data conduit terminating at a respective second optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective second optical lens. Each respective second optical data conduit and respective second optical lens are aligned for optical coupling across a coupling region with one of the first optical conduits and respective first optical lens when the first connector and second connector are joined in the operating position. The interface also includes a wireless or contact-type electrical power transfer arrangement.

Abstract: A first connector for a medical instrument has one or more first channels extending through a first surface, and terminating at respective ends. A second connector has opposing second channels for coupling with the first channels. A first power transfer element is mounted on the first connector, and defines a first cross-sectional shape that encompasses at least one of the one or more first channels and has a first central axis extending through the first surface. A second power transfer element on the second connector defines a second cross-sectional shape that encompasses at least one of the one or more second channels and has a second central axis extending through the second surface. The first power transfer element may instead be on a side surface of the first connector, and may couple with a paired element on a receptacle or extension of the second connector.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a solid-state imaging device for photoelectrically converting optical images formed via an imaging lens, a circuit board electrically connected to the solid-state imaging device, a signal cable electrically connected to the circuit board, an optical member holding section that holds the imaging lens or a prism, and a connection member, one end of which is fastened to the signal cable and other end of which is provided with engaging pawls to be engaged with the optical member holding section, that connects the optical member holding section to the signal cable, a mounting member that is mounted on at least part of an outer periphery of the optical member holding section is provided, and the mounting member is fastened to a body section of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a solid-state imaging device for photoelectrically converting optical images formed via an imaging lens, a circuit board electrically connected to the solid-state imaging device, a signal cable electrically connected to the circuit board, an optical member holding section that holds the imaging lens or a prism, a connection member, one end of which is fastened to the signal cable and other end of which is provided with engaging pawls to be engaged with the optical member holding section, that connects the optical member holding section to the signal cable, and a mounting member that is mounted on at least part of an outer periphery of the optical member holding section, and the mounting member makes contact with the engaging pawls engaged with the optical member holding section to hold at least part of the engaging pawls between the mounting member and the optical member holding section.

Abstract: There are provided an endoscope system capable of suppressing an increase in the size of a first connector of an endoscope and of performing non-contact electric power supply and non-contact signal transmission, an endoscope, and an endoscope connector. A power receiving unit and a power supply unit are disposed opposite to each other along an insertion direction of first and second connectors, and an image signal transmission unit and an image signal receiving unit are disposed opposite to each other along the insertion direction of the first and second connectors. A first circuit board is disposed on the opposite side to the power supply unit with respect to the power receiving unit so as to partially overlap the power receiving unit in the insertion direction. The power receiving unit and the image signal transmission unit are disposed so as not to overlap each other in the insertion direction.

Abstract: The present specification describes a medical endoscope, such as but not limited to a gastroscope, a colonoscope or a bronchoscope. In particular, the present specification describes an endoscope having a supply cable that includes a coupling element dividing the supply cable into a first section and a second section capable of rotating relative to each other, wherein the endoscope system further includes a control unit or endoscope handle and a main connector or supply plug connected to opposite ends of the supply cable.

Abstract: There is provided herein an endoscope assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a side service channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.

Abstract: There are provided a rigid flexible printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same. The rigid flexible printed circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a flexible board including a flexible region, a first rigid region formed at one side of the flexible region, and a second rigid region formed at the other side of the flexible region; a first rigid board formed on the flexible board and formed in the first rigid region and the second rigid region; and a second rigid board formed below the flexible board and formed in the first rigid region.

Abstract: A load voltage control device, comprising: a load disposed in a tip portion; a power supply circuit and a controller disposed in a proximal end portion; and a cable connecting the tip portion with the proximal end portion, the cable comprising a first and second power supply lines, the power supply circuit comprising at least one power supply, wherein the controller operates to: obtain a voltage applied to the load based on a voltage applied to an input point of the first power supply line, a current flowing through the first power supply line, a voltage applied to an input point of the second power supply line and a current flowing through the second power supply line; and adjust the power supply voltage by controlling the at least one power supply so that the voltage applied to the load becomes substantially equal to a predetermined reference voltage.

Abstract: An optical scanning endoscope with an optical fiber, and a fiber driving unit with a plurality of actuators which bend side surfaces of the optical fiber by applying a pressing force. A mounting member is a substantially cylindrical molded interconnect device (MID) component which supports the fiber driving unit. A control circuit supplies driving signals to each of the actuators to control the bending amount and direction of the optical fiber. A wiring member electrically connects wiring patterns on the mounting member with the control circuit. The mounting member has a planar surface section at one proximal-end-surface side of the cylindrical outer-peripheral surface. The wiring patterns include at least first patterns having one end portion disposed on the planar surface section to form soldering lands. The other end portions are electrically connected to the actuators on the proximal-end surface of the mounting member. The wiring member is connected to the soldering lands.

Abstract: A video endoscope including: a tube forming an interior, a window formed at a distal end of the tube; an image sensor; a support in the interior for supporting the image sensor, said image sensor viewing through the window; a conductor arranged on the support, the conductor electrically connecting the image sensor, and a closing wall at a proximal end of the tube through which a pin extends, said pin being in contact with the conductor on the support, wherein the support abuts an inner face of the closing wall such that a surface region of the support on which the conductor is mounted contacts the closing wall at an angle at the point where the pin is located such that a portion of the pin protrudes into the interior and rests in a parallel manner on the surface region of the support and makes contact with the conductor.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing removable and pluggable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and/or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged in on the exterior surface of a device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.

Abstract: There is provided herein a camera assembly for use with a medical probe, such as an endoscope, the assembly comprising a main body configured to be mounted on an endoscope tip section, wherein said main body comprises at least one camera and at least one illumination source.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus, including an imaging unit, which consists of an image sensor, configured to capture images of a region and to output image signals in response to the captured images and an illumination source, configured to illuminate the region. The unit further includes a driver circuit, which is coupled to receive a digital value indicative of a target luminous flux of the illumination source and to generate a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal to drive the illumination source with a duty cycle of the signal determined by the value. The apparatus includes a camera control unit, which is configured to process the image signals so as to generate images of the region and to output the digital value indicative of the target luminous flux based on the images. A single cable connects the imaging unit to the camera control unit so as to convey the image signals and the digital value.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an endoscope and its manufacturing method enabling to reduce a diameter of the endoscope required to have airtightness and facilitate a connecting work between a cable and a connector. A first tube body and a second tube body constituting an airtight container are relatively moved to extend and contract, so that it is possible to extend cables from a proximal end part of the second tube body by contracting the container, thereby enabling a connecting work between the cables and an airtight connector. After the completion of connecting work between the cables and the airtight connector, it is possible to store an extra length of the cables in the second tube body as well as to allow the airtight connector to engage with the proximal end part of the second tube body by extending the first tube body and the second tube body.

Abstract: A video recording and image capture device for documenting surgical procedures that includes a main board for executing a plurality of software, a multimedia interface operable to receive a video signal and process it into an MPEG layer stream, the video interface connected on a first bus to the main board, a hard drive to record an MPEG layer stream as a file, an optical media drive to write an MPEG layer stream as a file, the hard drive and the optical media drive operably connected on a second bus, the bus being vertically stacked and connected to the main board, and a touchscreen interactive for user control, connected to the main board on a second bus to control the video interface.

Abstract: A video endoscope including: an elongated housing; an image sensor unit arranged in the elongated housing; an optical transmitting unit arranged in the elongated housing and connected to the image sensor unit; and a through contact device, wherein the optical transmitting unit is arranged at a proximal end of the elongated housing on the through-contact device, the through-contact device penetrates through a wall of the elongated housing and the through-contact device is arranged such that it is mounted in a hermetically sealed manner in the wall of the elongated housing.

Abstract: One end of a cable connecting fitting is fixed to a transmission cable. After a locking claw provided on the other end of the cable connecting fitting is locked to the tip surface of a mounting tube portion of a prism holder, the mounting tube portion and the cable connecting fitting are fixed to each other. An image area sensor is close to the inner circumferential surface of a distal end hard portion, and a camera module is disposed in the distal end hard portion. The cable connecting fitting can be disposed at a free space between the inner circumferential surface of the distal end hard portion and the image area sensor. The size of the cable connecting fitting can be increased within a range of the free space, connection strength is secured, and separation of the prism or junctions and rupture of the transmission cable can be suppressed.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus in which an imaging element and a circuit board to which the imaging element is connected are provided inside a distal end of an insertion part, disconnection between the circuit board and a signal wiring line is prevented. In an endoscope apparatus including an insertion part to be inserted into the body, an imaging element, a circuit board electrically connected to the imaging element and arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion part, and a signal wiring line electrically connected to the circuit board and extending in the longitudinal direction are provided within the insertion part, and a connecting portion between the circuit board and the signal wiring line is provided with a easing member that eases a force applied to the connecting portion.

Abstract: A signal transmission device includes a transmission unit, a first connection unit, a second connection unit, and a reception unit. The transmission unit sends a transmission signal. The first connection unit includes a first electrode electrically connected to the transmission unit. The second connection unit includes a second electrode that engages with the first connection unit, and, when engaged with the first connection unit, is statically coupled with the first electrode. The reception unit is electrically connected to the second electrode and receives the transmission signal.

Abstract: An insertion portion, an operation portion, a signal cable, a plate-shaped member, an electric board, and a fixing member are included. The fixing member is formed into a U-shape in which a bottom surface, a top surface, a side surface and a fitting port are formed, and has a stopper for a surplus portion that is fitted in an inside formed, a distance between the bottom surface and the top surface is set to be slightly larger than a diameter in the surplus portion, and the surplus portion is configured not to be disposed in layers in a height direction of the side surface when the surplus portion is housed between the bottom surface and the top surface of the fixing member.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. The imaging device is provided in various configurations, and connections between the imaging device elements and a video display may be achieved by wired or wireless connections. A connector assembly located near the imaging device interconnects the imaging device to an image/power cable extending through the endoscope. The connector provides strain relief and stabilization for electrically interconnecting the imager to the cable. The connector also serves as the structure for anchoring the distal ends of steering wires extending through the body of the endoscopic device. The connector includes a strain relief member mounted over a body of the connector. The connector allows a steering wire capability without enlarging the profile of the distal tip of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing removable, pluggable and disposable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and/or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged onto the exterior surface of another medical device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.

Abstract: An endoscopic device having a one-handed, either-handed steering mechanism is presented. The endoscopic device includes some components that are sterile and used on only a single patient. The single-use components are medically disposed of after exposure to a non-sterile environment such as an internal body cavity of a patient. The endoscopic device also includes some reusable components that are not exposed to a non-sterile environment.