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 proposed that the image sensor be arranged on one side of the circuit board opposite the third section.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes a flexible PCB adapted to fold to form a stacked structure with a plurality of spaced layers. The PCB comprises a plurality of units, at least one interconnection interconnecting any two adjacent units, and a plurality of connections connecting to a conductor. Advantageously, the connections can reduce space for mounting electronic devices on the units. Each of the connections has a first section extending from the connected unit, and a second section extending from the first section with a passive electronic component being disposed thereon. Further, a conductor extends from the second section of the connection.

Abstract: A medical image recording system easily obtains information of a device, etc. used at the time of an examination without conscious effort on operator's part, and records image information and the device information, which are obtained at the time of the examination, by making a 1-to-1 association between them. The system comprises at least an image information obtaining unit obtaining an observation image at the time of an examination for a medical treatment, a device information obtaining unit obtaining information of a device used at the time of the examination, and a recording unit recording information composing of the image information obtained by the image information obtaining unit and the device information obtained by the device information obtaining unit, as one associated information.

Abstract: A medical imaging recording and viewing system adapted for use interchangably with a variety of endoscopes. The system includes a portable hand-held device that may be removably placed within a cradle affixed to the endoscope. An interface between an image acquisition device of the endoscope and the portable device permits images to be transmitted to and stored within the portable device. The portable device also may include a viewing screen to permit a user to view the images. A docking station may receive the portable device for transferring images to a separate viewing device and for recharging the battery of the portable device.

Abstract: In a capsule 3 as a medical apparatus inserted into a body cavity, the lengthwise direction of the capsule 3 is used as an insert axis, a manipulation/input device 8, which is magnetized in a direction orthogonal to the insert axis, is disposed at the center position of the insert axis. A magnetic field generation device 4, which is disposed outside of a body, is caused to generate a vibration magnetic field in a direction parallel with the insert axis of the capsule 3 by turning on a vibration (ON/OFF) switch 8f of a manipulation/input device 8 so that couples having lines of action, which are in parallel with the insert axis, are exerted on the capsule 3, thereby the capsule 3 executes a swiveling motion about the insert axis and smoothly travels along a cavity organ.

Abstract: A separable-type endoscope imaging system includes a first body portion, a flexible hollow detection tube, and a second body portion. The first body portion includes an output terminal and a wireless transmitter unit. The flexible hollow detection tube is located at one end of the first body portion and internally provided with a lens assembly for generating an image signal. The second body portion includes an input terminal, a wireless receiver unit, and a display unit. When the output terminal is electrically connected to the input terminal, the image signal is transmitted via the output terminal and the input terminal to the display unit for displaying. On the other hand, when the output terminal is not electrically connected to the input terminal, the image signal is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless transmitter unit to the wireless receiver unit for displaying on the display unit.

Abstract: A medical system has an endoscopy system and an extracorporeal imaging system and a patient positioning device. The endoscopy system includes an intracorporeally movable capsule that is navigable within the body of a patient by a magnetic coil system within a tube-like working volume formed by the magnetic coil system. An encapsulated imaging unit in the endoscopy capsule obtains image data associated with a medical finding. The spatial coordinates of the medical finding identified by the encapsulated imaging unit are relayed to the extracorporeal image acquisition system to allow an extracorporeal image to be obtained based on those spatial coordinates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an endoscope that comprises a telescope, an imaging means, an image sensor for converting optical images produced by the imaging means to electrical signals, and a circuit board for receiving and outputting the electrical signals, the imaging means, image sensor and circuit board being located in the telescope. In some embodiments, the endoscope includes a connector that electrically connects the image sensor and the circuit board to form a first assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an endoscope device in which a portion of the optical system can be changed using an optical adaptor, provided with: an image pickup member for capturing an image that is input from an optical system that incorporates a reference scope or user scope, and an optical adaptor; a first recording medium that records a first information that includes at least distortion parameters of the reference scope which indicate the optical properties of the reference scope; a second recording medium that records a second information that includes at least distortion parameters of the user scope which indicate the optical properties of the user scope; and a distortion correcting member that corrects distortion in the image captured by the image pickup member when the user scope and the optical adaptor are combined, based on the first information which is read out from the first recording medium and the second information which is read out from the second recording medium.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulatable instruments such as surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. The camera instrument is manipulatable by a camera manipulator, which has a first mechanism for pivoting a focal point of the camera instrument about a pivot of the camera instrument and a second mechanism for positioning the pivot within a three-dimensional space in response to translational commands received from one or a coupled pair of input devices. The system also includes a controller which is configured to receive sensed movement of the input devices, and cause actuation of the first mechanism in response to the sensed movement if the system is in an orientational mode and cause actuation of the second mechanism in response to the sensed movement if the system is in a translational mode.

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: A method for in vivo sensing of a body lumen such as a lumen in the upper GI tract is provided. The method may include, for example, inserting a sensing device into a subject's body lumen, positioning the subject in a horizontal or other suitable position, and receiving data transmitted from the sensing device.

Abstract: A hand-held endoscopic surgical instrument, such as a camera or shaver, comprises an illuminated keypad operable by a user to operate the instrument.

Abstract: A digital imaging endoscope with an elongated shaft has a core member for imparting flexibility and column strength to the shaft. The shaft extends distally from a proximal handle, and at least part of the shaft, or the entire shaft, comprises an inner member, the core member, and an outer member. The inner member defines at least three lumens. A first lumen is for receiving an instrument, a second lumen is for receiving one or more wires for connecting a digital imaging device at a distal portion of the shaft to a display unit, and a third lumen is for receiving the core member. The core member can occupy the space within the shaft that was traditionally occupied by a fiber optic bundle in non-digital imaging endoscopes. The outer member is disposed over the inner member of the shaft, and the outer member defines a lumen through which the inner member extends.

Abstract: Endoscopic surgical instruments, lens elements and methods of treating or ablating tissue such as epicardial surfaces of cardiac tissue. An endoscopic surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft, a lens attached to the distal end of the shaft, and a coupling element extending from or attached to the lens. The distal end of the lens can protrude through the coupling element so that an ablation element, such as a flexible microwave ablation element, held by the coupling element is in the line of sight of the lens. Embodiments can be used to selectively ablate epicardial surfaces to treat atrial fibrillation and form more complete lesions around pulmonary veins without severing or penetrating a pericardial reflection near the superior vena cava.

Abstract: An endoscope main body of an endoscope includes a body cavity insert ion section, at least one operating arm section, a main body operating section, an arm section operating section, and an observation unit attachment/detachment mechanism. The insertion section includes a main body bending portion at the distal end portion of the endoscope main body. The operating arm section includes arm section bending portion connected to the distal end of the insertion section. The main body operating section includes a first operation mechanism provided on the proximal end side of the insertion section. The arm section operating section includes a second operation mechanism provided on the proximal end side of the insertion section. The observation unit attachment/detachment mechanism detachably attaches, to the insertion section, an observation unit provided in the insertion section and having a camera section and a signal transmission section which transmits video data.

Abstract: A battery self-containing body, which self-contains a battery or a battery accommodating body, which accommodates a battery removably is attached to a capsule body including a drive circuit for driving an imaging device and an illuminating device. Thus, the power supply can be turned ON easily. In addition, the inside portion is sealed water-tightly. Thus, the battery self-containing body or a battery can be exchanged easily, which allows the easy reuse. The direction of the visual field of the imaging device is diagonal with respect to the axis of the capsule body. Furthermore, spiral-shape projections are provided on the peripheral surface of the cylinder form. Thus, the rotation allows the surface of canal cavity wall to be examined easily.

Abstract: A magnetic coupled actuator includes a lens which is movable in an optical axis direction AX, a lens frame which is coupled with the lens, a lens barrel which seals and accommodates the movable lens and the lens frame to be airtight, a permanent magnet which is disposed at an outer side of the lens barrel, facing the lens frame, and is disposed to be movable in the optical axis AX direction, and a wire of which, one end is coupled with the permanent magnet, and which moves the permanent magnet in the optical axis AX direction. At least one of the lens frame and the permanent magnet is a magnetic field generating means.

Abstract: To provide a digital camera for taking an image inside the oral cavity without causing a sanitary problem and enabling a dentist to easily monitor an object in the oral cavity of a patient on a screen and the patient to easily view the object on the screen when the camera is used. A digital camera for taking an image inside the oral cavity comprises a camera body (2) including a lens barrel (2a) to be inserted into the oral cavity, an intermediate part continuous to the lens barrel (2a), and a grip (2b) continuous to the intermediate part; and a dental instrument (3) detachably fitted onto the lens barrel (2a). On the intermediate part of the camera body (2) is mounted a liquid crystal display (2c).

Abstract: An imaging device having a CMOS photosensor array for capturing images is described in which the array is also used to input programming and/or data used to control the imaging operations. The data-input can be based upon variations in light color, value, intensity, and patterning, or any combinations of the foregoing, for the download of information to the device.

Abstract: Tissue visualization catheters with imaging systems integrated within the imaging catheter system are described. The tissue-imaging apparatus relates to devices and/or methods to provide visualization of tissue regions within a body lumen such as a heart, which is filled with blood flowing dynamically therethrough. High-resolution images can be obtained by miniaturizing and integrating solid state cameras into the tissue visualization catheter in a number of different off-axis configurations. One or more light sources can also be optionally integrated with the solid state imagers to illuminate the tissue from different angles.

Abstract: A device (10) for laparoscopic or thoracoscopic surgery, the device (10) comprising: a first member (20) to be moved across the body (5) of a patient; and a second member (30) to be placed within the body (5), the second member (30) comprising an image capturing device (32) to capture images from within the body (5) and to transmit the captured images for display; wherein the second member (30) is in magnetic engagement with the first member (20) such that the movement of the second member (30) within the body (5) is in response to movement of the first member (20) across the body (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video system for viewing an object on a body, including an endoscopic lens for capturing an image, an endoscopic camera head attached to the endoscopic lens for transmitting the image, and a camera control unit attached to the endoscopic camera head for receiving the transmitted image. The endoscopic lens has a field of view, where the object is within the field of view. The endoscopic camera lens has a depth of field between approximately 10 mm and approximately 15 mm. The system also has an arm attached to the endoscopic lens for holding the endoscopic lens between approximately 180 mm and approximately 220 mm away from the surgical field. The magnified image is conveniently seen on large high definition screen.

Abstract: An endoscopic device including a control circuit that is detachably connectable to a handle, where the control circuit functions and is compatible with a wide variety of displays. The handle of the endoscopic device is provided with a connector to transmit image data from a distal end to the detachable control circuit. The control circuit may be provided with a keyed outer surface to guide and maintain the control circuit in an engaged position relative to the handle and connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for high-precision or surgical applications of a minimally invasive nature, comprising a distally positioned directable head, a shaft upon which the head is positioned, and a proximally positioned handgrip for operating the head, wherein a ring of cables comprising longitudinally extending cables connects to the head, wherein each cable of the ring of cables is disposed such that at least a part of both sides is in direct contact with another cable of the ring of cables, and wherein the cables are fixedly secured in the radial direction.

Abstract: Optical coherence tomograph (OCT) probe device (1) comprising an endoscope (6) which is adapted to be coupled to a light source (2) and has a distal tip portion (6.2), the tip portion (6.2) including focussing lens means (11) and a window (5) for directing light to a subject (7) to be scanned, and for receiving light scattered at the subject (7), to send the scattered light back through the endoscope (6) so that it may be applied to a detector (3) together with reference light, said OCT probe device (1) comprising a beam splitter (13; 17) to separate said reference light from the remaining light, as well as a reference light reflector (4; 20) for reflecting the reference light back so that it is composed to the light returned from the subject (7); the beam splitter (13; 17) and the reference light reflector (4; 20) are located in the tip portion (6.2) of the endoscope means (6) behind the focussing lens means (11) through which the composed light is sent back.

Abstract: A video endoscope comprises an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, and a handpiece at the proximal end of the shaft, a distal end of the shaft being provided with a lens and, in the proximal direction from the lens, with an electronic image pickup. The image pickup is connected, via an electrical connection extending along the shaft, to an electrical connector piece arranged on the handpiece. The image pickup and the connector piece can rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The electrical connection comprises at least one flexible, elongate circuit board, which is able to twist about its longitudinal direction and has at least one conductor track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable imaging apparatus for imaging an internal area of an object, such as a body cavity, organ or passage of a human or animal. The imaging apparatus comprises an endoscope and a hand holdable image-viewing device releasably connectable to a proximal end of the endoscope. The endoscope comprises an image capture optical pathway and an illumination optical pathway. The image-viewing device comprises an image detector optically couplable to the image capture optical pathway, a display in communication with the detector and a light source optically couplable to the illumination optical pathway. In use, light is transmitted from the light source to the distal end of the endoscope via the illumination optical pathway and illuminates the internal area to be viewed. An optical image of the internal area is transmitted from the distal end of the endoscope to the image-viewing device via the optical image pathway and detected by the detector.

Abstract: What is provided is an endo-surgical tool that includes imaging optics therein, the various components of which, including its tools, electronics and visualization components, can be used in the sterile surgical field. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the cannula portion of the tool is adapted to a particular type of endo-surgical procedure, while the handle, which includes at least a portion of the imaging circuitry for the device, can be used with a plurality of differently adapted cannulas.

Abstract: A microendoscope with a distal probe tip which has, in particular, a diameter of up to approximately 1 mm is provided and inside of which an optical subassembly at least provided with a micro-objective and with an image transmitting element is accommodated. An image transmitting system is connected to the optical subassembly. An image-enlarging coupling element is provided between the optical subassembly of the probe tip and the image transmitting system connected thereto. The image transmitting system connected to the coupling element has a larger active diameter than the optical subassembly that is provided with the distal objective. As a result, the distal probe tip on a handgrip has the necessary small working diameter over the entire working length, and at the beginning or inside the handgrip, the optical coupling element is coupled to an image guide or to an image transmitting system or the like having a higher pixel count and thus a larger active diameter and, therefore, a larger outside diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a memory-type two-section endoscopic system, which includes an endoscope that comprises a light-emitting device, an image-capturing device, a storage module, and a transmission module adapted in a shell. A disconnectable cable connects to the shell, and can depart form the shell. When the endoscope examines the esophagus and the stomach, the disconnectable cable can be used to control the endoscope for obtaining image data of the esophagus and the stomach for the image-capturing device. Then the image data is stored in the storage module or transmitted to the transmission module. When the endoscope examines the intestines, the shell will depart from the disconnectable cable and the endoscope will continue examinations of the intestines without wire control. The image data obtained by examining the intestines is stored to the storage module. Thereby, the esophagus, the stomach, and the intestines can be examined at a time, and the efficiency of an endoscope is enhanced.

Abstract: A system for generating multi-wavelength fluorescence and reflectance images includes a single multi-mode light source for producing both multi-wavelength excitation light for fluorescence imaging and illumination light having red, green and blue components, light source filters positioned stationarily during an imaging mode and transmitting substantially all the multi-wavelength excitation light intensity and selectively transmitting a predetermined portion of one or more of the red, green and blue component intensity. A camera receiving light collected from a tissue sample includes two color image sensors, with spectral filters positioned in front of the color image sensors. The corresponding filters block excitation light and transmit at the first color image sensor reflectance light at wavelengths other than the excitation light, and transmit at the second color image sensor multi-wavelength fluorescence light at wavelengths other than the multi-wavelength excitation light.

Abstract: An otoscope permitting examination of a patient's ear is defined by an instrument head including a proximal end and a distal insertion portion that is insertable into the ear. The otoscope includes an imaging lens train disposed within the instrument head, wherein each of the imaging lens train, an eyepiece and a distal opening of said insertion portion are aligned along an optical axis. The otoscope further includes a focusing mechanism for selectively moving at least one of the imaging lens train and the optics contained within the eyepiece relative to one another along the optical axis. The imaging lens train and the optics in the eyepiece define an optical system such that an entrance pupil is substantially located in the distal insertion portion of the instrument head, thereby enabling the entire tympanic membrane to be viewed at once by the user.

Abstract: A rotatable endoscope coupler which enables an endoscope to be rotatably attached to a camera and selectively locked in place. The coupler enables single handed rotation of the scope while the camera remains in a fixed orientation. A plurality of ceramic ball bearings riding in a stainless steel race enable the coupler to be repeatedly autoclaved. A locking mechanism allows the scope and camera to be fixed from relative rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head which is equipped with a plurality of function-related units such as an optical/lens system, illuminating elements, rinsing nozzles and the like. The endoscope head substantially comprises a plurality of modular plug-in or click-in function-related supports for receiving and/or forming the function-related units.

Abstract: A video camera unit used with an endoscope is provided with sensors sensing an ambient field to detect rotation of the camera unit about an axis causing rotation of an image generated from the output signal of the camera unit. This output signal is modified to produce a stabilized video signal, producing an image held at a preferred angle. In one embodiment, two ambient fields, such as gravity and a magnetic field are alternately used.

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 foot pedal evacuates debris and fluid from the field of view of a camera during arthroscopic procedures. In a first embodiment, the foot pedal houses a ball check valve to control fluid flow, and includes a base and a foot support hingedly mounted to one another. The foot support includes a valve actuator that opens the ball check valve by distorting the shape of its valve seat. The ball check valve includes a pair of connectors at the ends of the valve adapted to accept irrigation tubing. The connectors are in axial alignment with one another in a first embodiment and in parallel relation to one another in a second embodiment. A third embodiment eliminates the ball check valve and a spring-loaded lever pinches a tube to prevent fluid flow. Depression of the foot support overcomes the bias of the spring so that liquid fluid flows through the tube.

Abstract: An applicator suitable for converting a white-light endoscope into an endoscope for combined white-light/fluorescence imaging is disclosed. The applicator facilitates attachment of an optical element, for example an optical filter, to a distal optical port of an endoscope. The applicator engages with alignment feature on the endoscope's distal end and releasably supports the optical element in an opening that is aligned with the optical port. The optical element is released in a proximal direction by pressing down on an actuator.

Abstract: A localization device display method and apparatus for displaying different views, e.g., of different magnification, based on the proximity of the tip of a pointer tracked by the localization device to a reference location identified by the localization device. The display method and apparatus may be incorporated into a surgical navigation system for use in identifying a location for drilling a femoral tunnel in an ACL repair procedure.

Abstract: A plug-in unit with integral cable connection to the operating part of an endoscope and plug connections for lamps, mechanical, and/or electronic modules is characterized in that a hollow tube extending to the distal end of the endoscope is inserted into the plug-in unit by the integral cable connection and the operating part and has its proximal end positioned so that it is freely movable in the plug-in unit in such a way that can be conducted out of a lockable bore-hole in the wall of the plug-in unit.

Abstract: An endoscope is connected optically removably to a TV camera through an adapter. A plurality of fixing pins is arranged on both sides of an insertion axis of an insertion part of the endoscope. A fixing unit to fix the endoscope removably is provided at the front end of an arm unit of an endoscope holder which supports the endoscope movably. The fixing unit has a claw and a movable claw, and grips the fixing pins of the endoscope releasably between the claw and the movable claw.

Abstract: A low cost camera and radio frequency transmitter are coupled to an endotracheal tube to obtain an image in real time of tissue at the distal end of the endotracheal tube. The image recorded by the camera is transmitted to a low cost radio frequency receiver nearby and conveyed to a video monitor to display the image. The use of a wireless transmission system avoids the presence of wires and cords that otherwise might become entangled and cause the endotracheal tube to be inadvertently repositioned or pulled out of the patient.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a medical device comprises a photo-interrupter that can designate specified functional operations, an air-tight unit that can accommodate this photo-interrupter air-tightly, a moving member which is disposed inside the air-tight unit, and which moves between a position in which the photo-interrupter designates an operation and a position in which the photo-interrupter does not designate an operation, a coil spring which directly or indirectly biases the moving member to the position in which no operation is designated, an operating member which is disposed on the outside of the air-tight unit, and which can be operated by an operator, and a pair of magnets which transmit a magnetic force that moves the moving member into the position in which an operation is designated against the elastic force of the coil spring in accordance with the operation of the operating member.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for use in medical apparatuses, includes an airtight unit being able to retain airtight therein, a first magnet provided outside the airtight unit, an operation unit provided outside the airtight unit and being able to move the first magnet with respect to the airtight unit, a second magnet provided in the airtight unit and being able to receive a force from the first magnet in accordance with a position of the first magnet, and a switch unit provided in the airtight unit and being able to be switched on and off by using a force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet.

Abstract: This endoscope system comprises image pickup means having an image pickup device, illumination light ejecting means having an illumination light ejection portion, an endoscope having an insertion portion and having an illumination light incident portion and an optical image ejection portion for ejecting subject light, a first connection portion for attaching the endoscope to the image pickup means so that the subject light can be captured, a second connection portion for attaching the endoscope to the illumination light ejecting means so that the light from the illumination light ejection portion can enter the illumination light incident portion, an optical path having a first adapter connection portion attachable to the first connection portion and a second adapter connection portion attachable to the second connection portion for capturing the subject image, and an adapter having an illumination optical system for guiding the illumination light to the image pickup region.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for compensating the display of an image obtained from a video camera system associated with an endoscope as it is moved through various orientations are described. The received optical image is converted to an electrical signal with an image sensor that can be a CCD or a CMOS detector. The endoscope video camera system has an inertial sensor to sense rotations of the received image about the optical axis of the endoscope and the sensor's output signals are used to rotate either the image or the image sensor. In case of rotation of the image sensor the rotation sensor can be a gyroscope or a pair of accelerometers. In case of a rotation of the image obtained with the image sensor the inertial sensor, which can be an accelerometer or a gyroscope, the image is rotated within a microprocessor for subsequent viewing on a video display.

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

Abstract: System for producing a stereoscopic image of an object, and displaying the stereoscopic image, the system including a capsule and a control unit, the capsule including a sensor assembly, a processor connected to the sensor assembly, a capsule transceiver connected to the processor, a light source, and a power supply for supplying electrical power to the capsule transceiver, the processor, the light source and to the sensor assembly, the control unit including a control unit transceiver, and an image processing system connected to the control unit transceiver, wherein, the sensor assembly detects the stereoscopic image, the processor captures the stereoscopic image, the capsule transceiver transmits the stereoscopic image to the control unit transceiver and the image processing system processes the stereoscopic image.

Abstract: An assembly is described for connection to a borescope to simultaneously provide a virtual image for direct viewing by an observer and a video image for viewing on a display. The assembly (10) comprises a body (12) with a distal end for connection to an insertion tube of a borescope and a proximal end providing an eye piece into which an observer may look. The body contains a relay lens (16) and an ocular lens (18). A beam splitter (28) is mounted in the optical path between the relay lens (16) and the ocular lens (18) and diverts a proportion of light received from the relay lens (16) to an image-to-video conversion device (30) mounted laterally to the optical path. The ocular lens (18), beam splitting device (28) and the image-to-video conversion device (30) are all located in a common mounting (38) which can be translated in a direction parallel to the optical path to allow for focussing.