Abstract: A surgery equipment holding device comprises a holder for holding surgical equipment, a bar connected to the holder, a brake which operatively engages the bar for stopping movement of the bar, and a pair of switches for switching being an active state and an inactive state of the brake. The surgery equipment holding device is characterized in the operation thereof at the time of disengaging the fixation state, and exhibits excellent operability.

Abstract: Stereoscopic device including at least two apertures, each including a light valve, a multi wavelength light sensor array and a controllable multi wavelength illumination unit, producing at least two alternating beams of light, each of the beams of light is characterized as being in a different range of wavelengths, wherein each light valve is operative to open at a different predetermined timing and wherein the multi wavelength light sensor array detects a plurality of images, each of the images corresponding to a predetermined combination of an open state of a selected one of the light valves and a selected one of the modes.

Abstract: An optical observation device for observing 3-D images of an endoscope is disclosed. The optical observation device includes: an image input means having a rod-shaped front part with a sufficiently small diameter for insertion within a living human being, the rod-shaped front part containing a front optical system for capturing images having parallax in a direction that includes a component in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped front part; a means for detecting at least one of the parallax direction or parallax magnitude of the front optical system; an image conversion means for changing at least one of the parallax direction or parallax magnitude of images received from the image input means so as to form converted images; and a 3-D image observation means for enabling the 3-D observation of the converted images.

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

Abstract: An endoscope comprises a sheath, an articulation section adjacent to its distal tip, and two or more separate optical channels that produce two or more distinct views. Each of the optical channels comprises an objective lens and a means of capturing and/or viewing the image. The objective lens or lenses of the optical channel that produces the first distinct view, is located at a first location on the distal tip. The objective lens or lenses of the optical channel that produces the second distinct view is located at a second location on the proximal end of the articulation section or on the sheath of the endoscope adjacent to or located proximally of the articulation section.

Abstract: The illuminating light transmitted by the light guide inserted through the elongate inserted section is projected out of the distal end surface of the inserted section. The illuminated objects pass through the respective pupils of the two objective lens systems arranged in parallel within the distal end section of the inserted section and their images are formed on the focal surface. The respective images are transmitted to the rear side by one common relay lens system. The transmitted final images are formed respectively on the image taking surfaces of the image taking devices. The respective images photoelectrically converted by the respective image taking devices are processed to be signals, are displayed in the monitor and are stereo-inspected through shutter spectacles.

Abstract: An optical system pair for a stereo endoscope is described which enables adjustment of magnification matching in the production phase with low cost and small size for the resulting stereo endoscope products. The stereo optical systempair for stereo endoscope system includes a right optical system and a left optical system, wherein one of the right and left optical systems includes a lens group which has a refractive power, and which is designed to be moveable axially with a moveable range and has a position within the moveable range at which optical magnification equals to ?1. Also described are optical arrangements of a stereo endoscope incorporating the stereo optical system pair.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus having an insertion part which includes an object optical system in order to conduct measurements or stereoscopic-vision observations, using the object optical system with a moderate parallax, a moderate size of an image can be provided without making an endoscope thick in diameter.

Abstract: Improved optical devices and methods transmit optical images along elongate optical paths with relatively limited cross-sectional dimensions using an improved objective, relay, and ocular systems. In a first aspect, at least one intermediate image formed within an optical component, rather than being formed in a gap between optical components. In a preferred embodiment, a first intermediate image is formed within glass of the most proximal objective lens, with the first intermediate image extending axially along a curved image location within the glass. The last intermediate image may similarly be disposed within a distal lens of the ocular system. By making use of a first and/or last intermediate image disposed in this manner within a lens, endoscopes can exhibit a significantly larger Numerical Aperture than known endoscopes having similar cross-sectional dimensions.

Abstract: A stereo laparoscope for producing a stereoscopic optical image of an intracorporeal region to be viewed through a small incision. The stereo laparoscope included multiple imaging assemblies disposed in a direction non-parallel to the axis of the laparoscope. The imaging assemblies are disposed in a fixed orientation relative. Selection and processing means are included for enabling the user to select a left imaging assembly and a right imaging assembly from three or more imaging assemblies. The left and right views provide three dimensional or stereoscopic viewing, and the distance between at least two assemblies can be greater than the diameter of the laparoscope.

Abstract: An optical system pair for a stereo endoscope is described which enables adjustment of magnification matching in the production phase with low cost and small size for the resulting stereo endoscope products. The stereo optical system pair for stereo endoscope system includes a right optical system and a left optical system, wherein one of the right and left optical systems includes a lens group which has a refractive power, and which is designed to be moveable axially with a moveable range and has a position within the moveable range at which optical magnification equals to −1. Also described are optical arrangements of a stereo endoscope incorporating the stereo optical system pair.

Abstract: In an outer sheathed endoscope, an outer sheath (20) for shielding a flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13) from the outside is disposed to detachably cover the flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13). The basal end of the flexible insertion portion is connected to an operation portion (15). In the outer sheathed endoscope, A break prevention member (100) which is formed by an elastic material is disposed to surround a basal end part of the flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13), and the outer sheath (20) is formed to cover continuously the flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13) and the break prevention member (100).

Abstract: A variable direction-of-view endoscope (74) with a spherical viewing window (34) symmetric about a symmetry plane (52) sealed to a distal end portion (18). The endoscope optical system can be adjusted to vary the direction of a view vector (22) through an unlimited range (50) about a pivot axis (23). The spherical viewing window (34) enables a process that switches the device between an initial configuration (54) and a final configuration (56), both having the same viewing direction (55). In addition to providing the user with an alternative to a possibly unfavorable viewpoint, this redundancy enables a stereo imaging process which captures (66) and displays (72) a stereo image pair (70) affording the user three-dimensional viewing.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus having an insertion part which includes an object optical system in order to conduct measurements or stereoscopic-vision observations, using the object optical system with a moderate parallax, a moderate size of an image can be provided without making an endoscope thick in diameter.

Abstract: A stereo endoscope having right and left optical systems for stereoscopic observation which form the right and left images, respectively. The stereo endoscope further including a third optical system which has a wider field of view and a smaller maximum lens diameter than the right and left optical systems.

Abstract: An armor (111a) of a scope unit (131) and a diaphragm (123) are arranged to be mutually freely turnable. The shape of an outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) and the shape of the inside of a scope joint (130a) of a TV camera unit (130) substantially agree with each other, and the outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) and the inside of the scope joint (130a) engage with each other. In a state in which the outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) and the inside of the scope joint (130a) are engaged with each other, a ring screw (133) is meshed with a thread (130b) so that the scope unit (131) and TV camera unit (130) will unitedly be joined with each other. At this time, since the outer section (123c) of the diaphragm (123) is engaged with the scope joint (130a), the diaphragm and TV camera unit can be turned relative to an objective optical system (119) and relay optical system (121) with the optical axis of the relay optical system (121) as an axis of turning.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus having an insertion part which includes an object optical system in order to conduct measurements or stereoscopic-vision observations, using the object optical system with a moderate parallax, a moderate size of an image can be provided without making an endoscope thick in diameter.

Abstract: An optical observation device for observing 3-D images of an endoscope is disclosed. The optical observation device includes: an image input means having a rod-shaped front part with a sufficiently small diameter for insertion within a living human being, the rod-shaped front part containing a front optical system for capturing images having parallax in a direction that includes a component in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped front part; a means for detecting at least one of the parallax direction or parallax magnitude of the front optical system; an image conversion means for changing at least one of the parallax direction or parallax magnitude of images received from the image input means so as to form converted images; and a 3-D image observation means for enabling the 3-D observation of the converted images.

Abstract: An endoscopic optical adapter freely attachable to and detachable from an endoscope according to the present invention includes an adapter-side observational optical system facing an endoscope-side observational optical system provided with a solid-state image device placed in a tip constituent member of the endoscope, a unit body in which the adapter-side observational optical system is fixedly placed, an adapter body on which a first concave portion with the unit body placed therein while being free to rotate and a second concave portion with at least a part of the tip constituent member placed therein are formed, and a positioning portion which is provided in each of the adapter body and the tip constituent member and which adjusts the positional relationship between the tip constituent member and the adapter body to be a predetermined positional relationship.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image acquisition and display system and associated method, suitable for effective eye-hand co-ordination during videoscopic surgery, is provided. The problems of previous three-dimensional acquisition and display systems are addressed by ensuring that the convergence angle for image acquisition lies within the range of 3 to 16 degrees and that the observer's visual convergence is set within similar limits. Simultaneous display of left and right eye images avoids the problems of field sequential displays. By providing the observer with a displayed image which is sufficiently bright and ensuring that the binocular disparity between corresponding points in the left and right eye images is correct, the system allows the observer to fuse a pair of stereo-images, without causing conflict between visual accommodation and convergence. The location of the displayed image may be adjusted.

Abstract: A 3-D viewing system is disclosed that enables multiple operators to share a common objective element while readily adjusting the orientation of images that are displayed to one or more moveable display units. The orientation of images that are displayed at a movable display unit can be made to automatically depend on the position/orientation of the display unit. Thus greater freedom in viewing postures is provided than previously available in 3-D viewing systems that share a common objective element, and each operator may view a 3-D image with proper perspective for his position/orientation. In order to reduce the number of optical components, the need to adjust optical components, and reduce costs, images from at least two different optical perspectives may be time-division multiplexed onto a single optical detecting device.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes a primary optical system for transmitting a luminous flux, reflected by an object located near a first end of the optical system, to a second end of the optical system. A first image forming system forms a first image of the object in accordance with a first area of the luminous flux, and a second image forming system forms a second image of the object in accordance with a second area of the luminous flux, the second area not overlapping the first area. An imaging device detects the first image and the second image, the image detecting system outputting an image signal.

Abstract: A real-time structured light depth extraction system includes a projector for projecting structured light patterns onto an object of interest. A camera positioned off-axis from the projector samples light reflected from the object synchronously with the projection of structured light patterns and outputs digital signals indicative of the reflected light. An image processor/controller receives the digital signals from the camera and processes the digital signals to extract depth information of the object in real time.

Abstract: An endoscopic optical adapter freely attachable to and detachable from an endoscope according to the present invention includes an adapter-side observational optical system facing an endoscope-side observational optical system provided with a solid-state image device placed in a tip constituent member of the endoscope, a unit body in which the adapter-side observational optical system is fixedly placed, an adapter body on which a first concave portion with the unit body placed therein while being free to rotate and a second concave portion with at least a part of the tip constituent member placed therein are formed, and a positioning portion which is provided in each of the adapter body and the tip constituent member and which adjusts the positional relationship between the tip constituent member and the adapter body to be a predetermined positional relationship.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope optical system which can obtain both a wide angle image for finding an organ and a high resolution image used for a precise treatment. The rigid endoscope optical system has objective optical systems for stereoscopic observation which forms right and left images. The rigid endoscope optical system also has a secondary objective optical system which has a field of view different from the objective optical system for stereoscopic observation, and one relay optical system which transmits the images of the objective optical system for stereoscopic observation and the secondary objective optical system.

Abstract: An endoscope having an endoscope shaft at the distal end of which a solid state image-recording system is disposed which is designed in the manner of lateral-view optics. The image-recording system has at least two image recorders, built in a distal region of the endoscope shaft in such a manner that the viewing directon of the solid state image-recording system being approximately parallel to the axis of a proximal part of the endoscope shaft in one position and being perpendicular to it in another position automatically assumed by the distal region.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope comprises a housing and a flexible tube. A light-transmitting optic fiber and a light-receiving optic fiber are provided in the flexible tube. A light source and an imaging device are provided in the housing. The light source outputs a pulsed distance-measuring light beam, which is transmitted along the light-transmitting optic fiber, and irradiated to a subject. A reflected light beam generated by the subject due to the distance-measuring light beam is transmitted along the light-receiving optic fiber, to enter the imaging device, in which an electric charge corresponding to the subject image (i.e., an image signal of a three-dimensional image) is accumulated. A timing of the accumulating operation of the imaging device is delayed depending on the lengths of the fibers.

Abstract: In an objective optical system of a stereoscopic endoscope, a pair of positive lenses are disposed downstream a pair of negative lenses for the right and left eyes at the leading end of the scope so as to respectively correspond thereto, whereby aberrations generated by the pair of negative lenses are corrected favorably. Successively from the object side, a negative lens pair 1, a positive lens pair 2, and a positive lens group 3 are disposed, whereby an incident luminous flux from the object side is caused to form an image on an imaging surface 6 of a CCD. The image-surface-side planar surfaces of the lenses L2 in the second lens pair 2 are respectively formed with stops 5 which are attached thereto or deposited thereon.

Abstract: An optical adaptor for an endoscope enabling an optically highly precise arrangement consists of a first frame member, a second frame member, and a distance restriction member. The first frame member is located at the distal part of the optical adaptor. A plurality of objective optical systems is stowed and held in the first frame member. The second frame member is located behind the plurality of objective optical systems. A relay optical system that transmits optical images formed by the objective optical systems and teams with an imaging optical system located in front of an imaging device in an endoscope to form an image transmission optical system is stowed and held in the second frame member. The distance restriction member is interposed between the first frame member and second frame member and thus sets the distance between the members to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system includes a combined system of a stereoscopic endoscope unit and a camera unit. The stereoscopic endoscope unit has an insertion part and an observation part. The insertion part includes an objective lens and a relay lens in order from an object side, where the objective lens has a pair of first optical system and a second optical system which are arranged in parallel in an insertion direction, and a third optical system arranged in the insertion direction. The first optical system and the second optical system are for a stereoscopic vision observation, and the optical system has a viewing angle larger than that of the first and the second optical systems for observing a wider range than a that of the stereoscopic vision observation. The relay lens is arranged on the camera unit side of the objective lens.

Abstract: An adapter uses a monocular endoscope with a stereoscopic observing portion. The observing portion includes a system that divides light transmitted by the monocular endoscope into two light beams, and a pair of optical systems, each of the optical systems receiving one of the light beams and forming an image of the object. The images formed by each of the optical systems forming a stereoscopic image of the object, the adapter comprising a system that connects the observing portion to the monocular endoscope.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for ophthalmologic microsurgery for improving the drainage of the aqueous humor in the eye of a living being, wherein the device has an endoscope connected to a monitor screen and includes a tube-shaped probe adapted for insertion into an eye, and one or more channels co-axially disposed therein and provided with optical elements for focusing and transmitting images from the viewing field in the eye, and wherein the probe houses a surgical tool which is movable in axial direction and about the longitudinal axis so that by means of the oscillating and/or vibrating tool a passageway can be opened in the tissue of the trabecular meshwork for connecting the anterior chamber with the Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The illuminating light transmitted by the light guide inserted through the elongate inserted section is projected out of the distal end surface of the inserted section. The illuminated objects pass through the respective non-superimposed pupils of the two objective lens systems arranged in parallel within the distal end section of the inserted section and their images, which are not equal to each other are formed on the focal surface. The respective images are transmitted to the rear side by one common relay lens system having a single optical axis. The transmitted final images are formed respectively on the image taking surfaces of the image taking devices. The respective images photoelectrically converted by the respective image taking devices are processed to be signals, are displayed in the monitor and are stereo-inspected through shutter spectacles.

Abstract: A front end structure of a stereoscopic endoscope comprises a lens barrel main body 3 having a pair of lens barrel portions 31R, 31L for holding and accommodating a pair of objective optical systems 32R, 32L so as to make them project toward an object, respectively; and a front end part main body 2 formed with a pair of holes 21R, 21L for receiving the respective lens barrel portions 31R, 31L, while the image-side end portion of the front end part main body 2 is formed like a cylinder surrounding the lens barrel main body 3. The left and right side portions 41R, 41L of the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel main body 3 are inscribed in the cylindrical portion 26 of the front end part main body 2, so that the lens barrel main body 3 and the front end part main body 2 slidably mate with each other. As a consequence, the front end part main body 2 and the lens barrel main body 3 can be assembled to each other while in a state positioned with respect to each other with a high accuracy.

Abstract: A front end lens 11 of a pair of objective lenses 32R, 32L disposed the object-side end face of a front end part 1 of a stereoscopic endoscope has a so-called D-cut lens form in which both side portions of a spherical lens are cut off, whereby spaces for arranging illumination windows 13, lens surface washing nozzles 15, and heads of fastening screws 14 for fastening the front end part 1 to a front end part main body 2 are secured at the front end face of the front end part 1, while keeping its function of yielding a sufficient angle of convergence .theta.. A positioning pin 16 formed in the front end part main body 2 is inserted into a pin insertion groove 17 formed in a protrusion 12 of the front end part 1 at an eccentric position of the protrusion 12, whereby both members 1, 2 are inhibited from rotating relative to each other, and the relative positional relationship between the front end lens 11 and the pair of objective optical systems 32R, 32L can reliably be fixed.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system for producing images that can be perceived in three dimensions. An endoscope apparatus includes a sheath carrying a light source and two independent fixed lens endoscopes. Collimated light from the proximal ends of each endoscope are directed along folded optical paths to independent video cameras. The images generated by the video cameras energize monitors in a virtual reality display device that can be positioned proximate an observer's eyes. Adjustable mirrors and the provision of the rotation of at least one of the video cameras on its axis facilitate the alignment of the images for maximum effect.

Abstract: A stereo-endoscope, by which two perspective views of an objective field are viewed, is provided. A divergent optical arrangement, positioned between the object field and two objective lenses, each of which forms a respective image of the object field, reduces the disparity between corresponding points in the two image fields, where such disparity is caused by distortion of the image formed.

Abstract: A measuring endoscope system including an optical adaptor freely attachable or detachable to or from a distal portion of an endoscope and having two objective lenses. Two images are taken by the two objective lenses and are formed at different positions on an imaging device incorporated in a main endoscope unit. A measuring unit for reading information from a recording medium on which optical data specific to the optical adaptor is recorded, correcting the optical data on the basis of an error in position of an imaging system in the main endoscope unit, performing coordinate conversion on images used for measurement on the basis of the corrected optical data, and calculating three-dimensional coordinates of any points by matching the two images having undergone coordinate conversion.

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

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope is provided having a primary optical system for forming an image of an object, a device for dividing the light transmitted by the primary optical system into two light beams, and a pair of optical systems for detecting the image formed by the primary optical system. Each of the secondary optical systems may receive one of the light beams and form an image of the object on a corresponding imaging device. The stereoscopic endoscope may also include a device for adjusting a position of the light dividing device relative to an optical axis and an exit pupil of the primary optical system, and a device for detecting a position of the light dividing device in accordance with each of the output image signals.

Abstract: A stereo laparoscope for producing a stereoscopic optical image of an intracorporeal region to be view through a small incision. The stereo laparoscope includes a conventional elongate tubular casing having an illuminating window and left and right observation windows disposed in a distal extremity thereof, said distal extremity for insertion within the human body. At least two separate optical imaging assemblies are disposed within the casing to produce a stereoscopic optical image. At least one of the optical imaging assemblies is moveable relative to the other. Focusing devices are synchronized with variation in depth perception to permit variation in image distance responsive to variation in depth perception.

Abstract: In an objective optical system of a stereoscopic endoscope, a pair of positive lenses are disposed downstream a pair of negative lenses for the right and left eyes at the leading end of the scope so as to respectively correspond thereto, whereby aberrations generated by the pair of negative lenses are corrected favorably. Successively from the object side, a negative lens pair 1, a positive lens pair 2, and a positive lens group 3 are disposed, whereby an incident luminous flux from the object side is caused to form an image on an imaging surface 6 of a CCD. The image-surface-side planar surfaces of the lenses L.sub.2 in the second lens pair 2 are respectively formed with stops 5 which are attached thereto or deposited thereon. Each of the lenses L.sub.1 constituting the first lens pair 1 and its corresponding lens L.sub.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging device is described that attaches to an instrument, such as an endoscope or a borescope, which is characterized by an exit pupil in the vicinity of its proximal region. The imaging device includes a dual aperture plate and an optical switch that are disposed within a housing that attaches to the proximal region of the instrument. The dual aperture plate defines right and left, spaced-apart apertures respectively disposed at symmetric locations substantially in the plane of the exit pupil of the instrument. The optical switch alternately blocks light received from the instrument and passing through the right and left optical channels so that a stereoscopic view can be generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a percutaneous visualization system for direct, stereoscopic visualization of a body cavity during minimally-invasive surgical procedures. The visualization system includes a cannula having a distal end, a proximal end, and a passage extending therebetween. The passage is configured to allow stereoscopic vision therethrough, and is preferably tapered from the proximal end to the distal end. A sleeve is positionable in the passage of the cannula, the sleeve having an optical passage also configured to allow stereoscopic vision, preferably by tapering. A lens may be disposed in the optical passage of the sleeve for wide-angle viewing. Magnification means may be positioned in optical alignment with the optical passage to provide a magnified image of a surgical site.

Abstract: In a 3D video endoscope, two lenses are disposed at the front end of a shank portion at a certain squint angle providing for two separate beam paths in each of which an optical switch is disposed and the switches are so controlled that they are alternately transparent and opaque, one being transparent, while the other is opaque, and a beam deflection arrangement is disposed in the beam paths for directing the beams along a single axis into an opto-electronic camera which provides electrical output signals representing alternately the pictures generated by the two front lenses.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a node rotatably mounted within a restraining structure at the distal end of a shaft. The node can be rotated allowing manipulation and orientation of a surgical tool extending from the node at the distal end of the shaft through control remote from the distal end of the shaft. Cameras may also be located at the distal end of the shaft allowing stereoscopic imaging to be conveyed to an operator.

Abstract: An endoscope which reduces the volume needed by the imaging part thereof, maintains resolution of a wide diameter optical system, while increasing tool access, and allows stereographic or interferometric processing for depth and perspective information/visualization. Because the endoscope decreases the volume consumed by imaging optics such allows a larger fraction of the volume to be used for non-imaging tools, which allows smaller incisions in surgical and diagnostic medical applications thus produces less trauma to the patient or allows access to smaller volumes than is possible with larger instruments. The endoscope utilizes fiber optic light pipes in an outer layer for illumination, a multi-pupil imaging system in an inner annulus, and an access channel for other tools in the center. The endoscope is amenable to implementation as a flexible scope, and thus increases the utility thereof.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image of an object is focused on an image pickup device based on the degree to which left and right images of the object are coincident on the image pickup device. Signals produced by the image pickup device that represent the left and right images are compared with each other to develop a control signal that indicates the coincidence of the left and right images on the image pickup device, and the spacing between the image pickup device and an optical element that directs the images onto the device is changed in response to the control signal to increase the coincidence. Two alternative types of comparison are performed, each of which indicates the degree of coincidence (and hence the quality of focus) of the left and right images on the image detector. In one approach, the left and right images are compared to determine their cross correlation on the image pickup device, and the spacing is changed to maximize the correlation.

Abstract: An endoscopic probe for viewing difficult to reach surfaces is provided. The system utilizes a pair of image transmission elements. The first image transmission element passes a low resolution, wide field of view image of the surface to be examined to one eyepiece. The second image transmission element passes a high resolution, narrow field of view image of a portion of the same surface to a second eyepiece. Thus the viewer receives low resolution, wide field of view information in one eye and high resolution, narrow field of view information in the other eye. The overlapped, low resolution information from the wide field-of-view scene is suppressed by the brain, thus resulting in the two images being combined. The combined image contains both the low resolution, wide field-of-view information and the high resolution, narrow field-of-view information. The endoscopic probe may contain one or more illumination sources in order to provide sufficient light intensity for the imaging system.

Abstract: A stereo endoscope including a pair of objective optical systems, a pair of relay optical systems, an imagery optical system having a single optical axis, and a pair of imaging devices. The imagery optical system is a zoom optical system or a varifocal optical system. For example, an encoder is used to detect a magnitude of moving lenses in the zoom optical system. Based on the detected magnitude, a control unit allows the two imaging devices to approach or depart from each other. Thus, the stereo endoscope attains the coincidence between observation points of right and left fields of view against the displacement points of right and left object images resulting from variations of zooming magnifications.