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: A structure of the end portion of a side-looking type electronic endoscope in which an irradiation window is disposed closer to the end than an observation window, thereby enabling a better observation of a deceased part at the time of treatment. The structure also facilitates the removal of a light guide. The observation window is disposed on the side surface of the endoscope, and a solid-state image sensor is attached to the observation window via the objective system member and the rectangular prism. A light guide is disposed in the space formed on the back side of the prism; and an irradiation window which is connected to the light guide is disposed closer to the end of the end portion than the observation window. It is therefore possible to observe the internal body as an object of inspection with the light irradiated from the portion closer to the end than the observation window.

Abstract: A multiple view endoscope for providing "on command" images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. A multiplicity of image capturing means are disposed in an array on the distal end to permit the operator to select and view either any one of, or any combination of, the multiple views provided by the multiplicity of image capturing means.