Abstract: The invention comprises an instrument which is placed in relation to the designated object and which is capable of sending information about the object to a computer. Image processing methods are used to generated images of the object and determine positional information about it. This information can be used as input to robotic devices or can be rendered, in various ways (video graphics, speech synthesis), to a human user. Various input apparatus are attached to the transmitting or other used instruments to provide control inputs to the computer.

Abstract: A pupil division type stereoscopic endoscope includes a relay lens system, a pupil dividing stop unit, and a camera head. The relay lens system includes by an image-forming lens for forming an image of an object, and a relay lens portion for transmitting the image formed by the image-forming lens, and has one optical axis. The pupil dividing stop unit divides an object image transmitted by the relay lens system to obtain a plurality of object images which are to be subjected to stereoscopic observation. The camera head receives the plurality of object images that are formed through division by the pupil dividing stop unit and performs stereoscopic observation. The relay lens system and the pupil dividing stop unit constitute an integral optical, system yet are axially movable relative to one another. The main body of the optical lens system side and the camera head can be attached with and detached from each other.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope comprises an elongate inserted section, an illuminating light system, an objective optical system at the distal end of the inserted section for forming a plurality of images having parallax between them through a plurality of incident pupils, and a common relay lens system for transmitting the plurality of images to the proximal end of the inserted section. The objective optical system includes a plurality of front lens groups and a rear lens group, wherein the plurality of front lens groups comprise two negative lens units arranged in parallel with each other and the rear lens group comprises a single positive lens group. The two negative lens units are arranged to be substantially symmetrically concentric about an optical axis of the single positive lens group and spaced to be afocal.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for connecting a stereoscopic endoscope having intertwined stereo beam paths to electronic documentation devices. The adapter has a releasable connection to the endoscope at a location at which the stereoscopic component images are not yet completely separated. A second releasable connection between the first releasable connection and the end of the adapter can be provided which faces toward the electronic documentation devices in order to provide a variable adaptation to different optics diameters of the stereoscopic endoscope.

Abstract: A cover for a laryngoscope which includes a generally elongated cylindrical handle, a branch member and an insertion member. The cover generally comprises an end sheath, a Y-branch portion connected to the end sheath and two cylindrical sleeves connected to the Y-branch portion. The tapered sheath covers the insertion member and has a closed end. The Y-branch portion covers an area adjacent the joint between the handle and the branch member and preferably comprises an expandable structure. Each of the cylindrical sleeve covers the handle and the branch member, respectively. As a result, the laryngoscope itself is shielded from the contact with the interior of the mouth and the larynx. Once the cover is used, the cover may be discarded. Accordingly, cleaning and sterilization of the laryngoscope are substantially facilitated and hygienic operation of the laryngoscope is improved.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus has an endoscope having an image guide (103) for guiding first and second image light components which have a parallax and can be separated from each other, a memory for storing a predetermined coefficient (a) on the basis of the shape, length, and the like of the image guide, and CCDs for converting the first and second image light components into first and second image signals (A, B). The apparatus performs image processing for generating first and second image data (L, R) by performing proportional distribution processing of the first and second image signals in accordance with the predetermined coefficient.

Abstract: A stereo laparoscope for producing a stereoscopic optical image of an intracorporeal region comprises an elongate tubular casing having side walls in which an illuminating window and left and right observation windows are disposed. A single, elongate, image transmitting optical fiber bundle is disposed within the casing, as are light emitting fibers for illuminating the intracorporeal region through the illuminating window. Left and right images are collected from the observation windows and alternately passed along the casing to the fiber bundle by a relay means comprising objective lenses, mirrors, a polarizing beam splitter and an optical switch. The left and right images are carried one at a time by the fiber bundle to a video display means which displays them to a viewer. Optical valves provide that the left image is viewed by the viewer's left and the right image is view by the viewer's right eye, to thereby produce a stereoscopic optical image.

Abstract: An endoscope for stereo-optically viewing an object comprises a tubular insertion portion characterized by a pair of adjacent asymmetric optical systems including a primary imaging channel and a secondary imaging channel. Associated with each channel is a solid state electronic imaging means positioned to receive the images relayed by primary and secondary image-relaying means. The optical portion of the primary channel comprises a relatively large objective lens system and a primary image-relaying means designed to provide sharply focussed first images. The optical portion of the secondary channel comprises a relatively small diameter objective lens system and a secondary image-relaying means designed to relay enough light and image information to provide an acceptable stereoscopic capability.

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 tier 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: An endoscope includes a first tube having a proximal end and distal end, a second tube having a proximal end and distal end, and a control rod movably coupled to the first tube and secured to the second tube for allowing the second tube to be rotated out of lengthwise alignment with and axially movable with respect to the first tube. The first tube includes concentrically disposed optical fibers with ends terminating at the distal end of the first tube. The second tube includes separate concentrically disposed optical fibers with ends terminating at both the proximal and distal ends of the second tube. When the first and second tubes are longitudinally aligned, at least some of the optical fibers in the second tube are substantially aligned with those in the first tube such that light is coupled therebetween. Both of the first and second tubes are capable of receiving imaging means.

Abstract: A stereo endoscope has a shaft containing two optical systems which extend through the shaft and are arranged in close proximity to each other and a housing on the proximal end of the shaft for containing an interior holding assembly for a stereo optical device which provides a stereo view into the optical systems. The stereo optical device has on each side a duplicate, mirror-image arrangement having a first deviating prism aligned coaxially with its the associated optical system, a second deviating prism which follows the first prism and again aligns the optical axis of the associated optical system parallel to the direction of observation, and a transparent protective element in the direction of observation. The holding assembly includes a first holding part, which extends transverse to the optical axis of the two optical systems of the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: A stereo endoscope according to the present invention includes 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 displacements of display points of right and left object images resulting from variations of zooming magnifications.

Abstract: An instrument is described for the penetration of body tissue with a hollow shaft, the point of which is formed as a conical, beveled, or tapered window. An optic with a lighting unit is brought into the point through the hollow shaft. The optic ends at an axial distance behind the summit of the point. The instrument can be inserted within view. In so doing, the entry of the point can observed over the entire surface area thereof. Preferably, a second optic is run to the summit of the point, which in addition enables improved observation of the area lying directly in front of the point.