Abstract: An endoscope has a shaft, a head disposed at a proximal end of said shaft and a light connection disposed at said head. Optical fibers extend from said proximal light connection to a distal end of said shaft. A sleeve in which a proximal end section of said light fibers is fixed is designed in such a way that it can be introduced in a linear movement without turning it into the light connection. Said sleeve is axially movable in said connecting piece.

Abstract: A light source apparatus, configured to introduce light into an endoscope connected thereto, includes a housing, a plurality of light sources supported movably relative to the housing, the light sources being configured to emit light, a light introducing unit configured to introduce, into the endoscope, the light emitted by an intended one of the light sources which is located in such a position that an optical axis thereof corresponds to an optical axis of the light introducing unit, a detector configured to detect a misalignment between the optical axis of the light introducing unit and the optical axis of the intended light source, and a light source moving unit configured to move the intended light source to such a position that the optical axis of the intended light source corresponds to the optical axis of the light introducing unit when the misalignment is detected by the detector.

Abstract: An image processing circuit includes a spectrum estimating portion for inputting image data, obtaining data required for spectrum estimation from an estimation data supplying portion and estimating spectrums of pixels, a scattering feature calculating portion for calculating several scattering features based on spectrums of pixels from the spectrum estimating portion and data required for feature calculation from the feature calculation data supplying portion, and a color image generating portion for performing a display color calculation based on a scattering feature image from the scattering feature calculating portion and for determining RGB values of respective pixels and outputting RGB images in order to display scattering features as a color image.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a video-scope with an image sensor, a light source, a signal reading processor, a shading member, a driver, and a driving controller. The signal reading processor alternately reads odd-line image-pixel signals and even-line image-pixel signals over one-frame reading interval, when forming a still image on the basis of one frame worth of image-pixel signals generated by a one-time exposure. The shading member blocks the illuminating light. The driver selectively arranges the shading member at a non-shading position that enable the illuminating light to pass and at a shading position that blocks the light. The driving controller controls the driver by a sequence of pulse signals so as to position the shading member at the shading position for a shading-interval in the one-frame reading interval, and so as to position the shading member at the non-shading position for a remaining reading-interval.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a plurality of illumination windows which are disposed in a tip portion of an insertion unit to be inserted into a subject body and which emit light beams supplied from a plurality of light sources and having different spectra toward the subject body. The plurality of illumination windows include: a pair of first illumination windows; and a pair of second illumination windows which are disposed inside the pair of first illumination windows, respectively, and emit light beams having a shorter wavelength than light beams emitted from the pair of first illumination windows. The medical apparatus further includes an observation window through which to observe the subject body.

Abstract: A unit of equipment designed for use in endoscopic surgery includes radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry and a network interface. The RFID circuitry can be used to store information of various types, such as component usage tracking information, user preferences, usage logs, error logs, device settings, etc. The network interface allows the unit to communicate over an external network with a remote server. Information, such as information stored in the RFID circuitry or in a separate memory, may be sent over the network to a desired destination, such as a server operated by the manufacturer of the equipment.

Abstract: A rectoscope has a tube and a handle protruding therefrom. A number of light-emitting elements are arranged circumferentially distributed at the distal end of the tube. The tube includes an inner pipe, an outer pipe and an annular body at the distal ends of the inner and outer pipe. The annular body includes an end ring provided with bores for receiving the light-emitting elements. The annular body also includes an annular flange extending away proximally and having an outside diameter corresponding to a clear inside diameter of the outer pipe. The end ring has an outside diameter corresponding approximately to an outside diameter of the outer pipe.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light source which generates heat when emitting an illumination light from a light-emitting surface, a light guide bundle which has a light-receiving surface opposed to the light-emitting surface of the light source, to receive the illumination light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the light source, and guides the illumination light from the light source received by the light-receiving surface, and a light guide connector which has an end face arranged along the light guide bundle and opposed to the light-emitting surface of the light source, and a contact part in which at least a part of the end face directly contacts the light-emitting surface, and absorbs the heat generated on the light-emitting surface of the light source.

Abstract: A solid-state light source includes a semiconductor light source for emitting light and an optical system having a fiber optic element. The fiber optic element has an input for receiving emitted light from the semiconductor light source. The fiber optic element also has an output for emitting light received from the solid-state light source. The semiconductor light source and the fiber optic element in aggregate form an illumination path.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a light source operable to generate coherent incident light, and a plurality of imaging optical fibres that are arranged in a fibre bundle, arranged to receive light at a proximal end of the fibre bundle, and arranged to transmit light to a distal end of the fibre bundle. The endoscope further includes a spatial light phase modulator between the light source and the fibre bundle, and arranged to receive the incident light from the light source and to adjust the relative phase of the incident light entering each of the plurality of imaging optical fibres.

Abstract: An optical element includes a multilayer film which has a first transmittance characteristic in a first wavelength region, and has a second transmittance characteristic in a second wavelength region existing at the side where a wavelength is longer than that of the first wavelength region. The multilayer film has a transmittance characteristic where a first peak with a maximum transmittance exists in the second wavelength region.

Abstract: A low cost camera and radio frequency transmitter are detachably 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 endoscope (1) in which at least two light outlets (7, 10) for illuminating the field of view are provided, each of which forms a light cone (8, 11). The angles of beam spread (9, 12) of the light cones (8, 11) are different and at least the light cone (11) with the smaller angle of beam spread (12) can be switched on and off.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided with an LED illumination module having at least one LED arranged at the distal end of the instrument and having an electrical connection lead attached to this LED. The connection lead is a coaxial cable, which extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the instrument, and is designed for leading away the waste heat produced by the LED. At least one electrical conductor of the coaxial cable is connected to the LED in a heat-conducting manner.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes an insertion unit and a light source which supplies light into the insertion unit. A surface of the insertion unit includes: a first and second irradiation portions, a second irradiation portions, and an observation window. wherein each of the first and second irradiation portions has a pair of irradiation windows which emits the light, wherein when a border line bisects a front end surface of the insertion unit through the center point of the observation window, the pair of the irradiation windows are disposed on the both side of the front end surface sandwiching the border line, and wherein a fluorescent body emitting light by the excitation of the light supplied from the light source unit is disposed behind each of optical paths, and the white light is formed by the light supplied to the first irradiation portions and emission in the fluorescent body.

Abstract: There is provided a confocal scanning endoscope system, which is provided with a light source that emits light, a scanning unit that deflects the light emitted by the light source so that the light scans on a subject in two dimensions, an objective optical system that directs the light deflected by the scanning unit to the subject, an extraction unit that extracts only part of the light returning from a convergence point at which the light is converged by the objective optical system on an object side, an image formation unit configured to form an image based on the part of the light extracted by the extraction unit, and a display area adjustment unit configured to measure Encircled Energy of the part of the light extracted by the extraction unit and to adjust a display area of the image based on the measured Encircled Energy.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is generally directed to an illumination system for staged illumination in an endoscopic procedure. The inventive system generally includes an illumination apparatus supporting a light source that is configured for removable assembly with an endoscope. The assembly is configured for insertion into a natural or artificial passageway in a body. The illumination apparatus has one or more light sources providing a first, relatively high level of illumination suitable for imaging a first, relatively large target area, either alone or in combination with a light source for the endoscope, and after removal of the illumination apparatus from the assembly, the endoscope provides a second relatively lower level of illumination suitable for imaging a relatively small target area.

Abstract: The present optical image viewing fiberoptic otoscope electromagnetically passive. A body portion is connectable to a light source and has mounted to it a fiberoptic cable and an optical viewer. The fiberoptic cable is thin and flexible, and contains separate light and image transmission paths. Its distal end is adapted for emitting and receiving light. The body includes a light source connection for interfacing an external light source. An optical-type image viewer attached to the body is in light communication with the image path for displaying a received image for viewing by a user. One or more tools are mountable to the otoscope body or fiberoptic cable for performing an operation at the distal end of the fiberoptic cable, e.g., removal of a material from the site. Optionally, the otoscope body may be mounted to a headband via an articulated support arm.

Abstract: An endoscopic device providing direct visualization of a surgical procedure, such as a surgical procedure in which there is significant body and/or artificially introduced fluids is provided. This endoscopic device comprises catheter with a lumen in which a transparent gel may be housed. During the surgical operation the transparent gel may be dispensed at the target site to displace the body fluids, such as blood. A visualization tool housed in the catheter may then be inserted into the gel to allow a surgeon to view the target site through the gel. Additionally, the catheter may comprise a surgical tool(s) that a surgeon may use to perform an operation at the target site. After completion of the operation, the gel and tools may be retracted back into the catheter and removed from the patient's body.

Abstract: An endoscope device obtains tissue information of a desired depth near the tissue surface. A xenon lamp (11) in a light source (4) emits illumination light. A diaphragm (13) controls a quantity of the light that reaches a rotating filter. The rotating filter has an outer sector with a first filter set, and an inner sector with a second filter set. The first filter set outputs frame sequence light having overlapping spectral properties suitable for color reproduction, while the second filter set outputs narrow-band frame sequence light having discrete spectral properties enabling extraction of desired deep tissue information. A condenser lens (16) collects the frame sequence light coming through the rotating filter onto the incident face of a light guide (15). The diaphragm controls the amount of the light reaching the filter depending on which filter set is selected.

Abstract: A laryngoscope (10) to assist tracheal intubation on a patient, comprising a body having a handle (14), and a laryngoscope blade (12) extending from the handle (14); a lighting system (21) including a light source integrated in the laryngoscope body and arranged in use to be activated to adopt an operational mode to provide illumination to the patient's throat; control means operative to allow only a single occurrence of the lighting system in the operational mode; and wherein once activated in the operational mode, the lighting system provides illumination for only a limited time.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes an imaging element and a signal processing unit. The imaging element obtains an image of an observation object, and outputs an image signal of the observation object. The signal processing unit alternately repeats obtainment of a partial image signal using a part of a light receiving area of the imaging element and obtainment of a partial image signal using the remaining part of the light receiving area. The signal processing unit also obtains a whole image signal corresponding to an image of the observation object using a partial image signal obtained in the n-th (n is a natural number) obtainment and a partial image signal obtained in the (n+1)th obtainment. Further, a partial component of the n-th partial image signal is extracted by an extraction unit, and the extracted partial component is added to the (n+1)th partial image signal.

Abstract: The number of ACF can be readily counted without overlooking the existence of ACF to achieve reduced observation time. A fluorescence observation apparatus includes a light source unit inserted into a body cavity of a biological organism and emitting excitation light onto an inner wall of the body cavity; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information by acquiring an image of fluorescence generated when a fluorescent probe whose fluorescence characteristic changes by reacting with a molecule existing in an ACF formed in the inner wall of the body cavity is excited by the excitation light; a position control unit that moves the light source unit and the image acquisition unit relative to the inner wall of the body cavity; and a counting section that counts the number of fluorescence generation sites included in the image acquired by the image acquisition unit.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein is related to a system for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid (i.e., scattering) materials utilizing multiple channels of information. The multiple channels of information may be comprised and encompass spatial, angle, spectral and polarization domains. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein is related to methods and apparatus for utilizing optical sources, systems or receivers capable of providing (source), processing (system) or recording (receiver) a multiplicity of channels of spectral information for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid materials. In these methods and apparatus the multiplicity of channels of spectral information that can be provided by the source, processed by the system, or recorded by the receiver are used to convey simultaneously spatial, spectral or polarimetric information relating to the turbid material being imaged tomographically.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an elongated tube. An objective lens system is disposed in the elongated tube, for passing image light from an object. A fiber optic image guide includes plural optical fibers bundled together, has a distal tip, is inserted through the elongated tube, for transmitting the image light focused on the distal tip by the objective lens system in a proximal direction. A displacing device displaces the distal tip laterally and periodically upon receiving entry of the image light being focused by use of a piezoelectric actuator positioned outside the distal tip. An image sensor creates images in plural set positions of the distal tip. First to fourth images among the plural images created consecutively are combined to form a first synthesized image. Then second to fifth images among the plural images without use of the first image are combined to form a second synthesized image.

Abstract: The invention relates to rigid surgical devices formed from rigid ceramics such as zirconium dioxide. In particular, the invention relates to a neurosurgical catheter formed from extruded zirconium dioxide. The invention also relates to an advancement means for advancing or retracting such a device along an axis of insertion into a patient.

Abstract: An illumination optical system for endoscopes, which is used by combining the llumination optical system with an objective optical system, where the objective optical system can observe a predetermined area at least ranging from the lateral direction to the backward direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of an endoscope and across the range of 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction of the endoscope, and which is provided with an illumination optical system capable of radiating light to the predetermined area which can be observed by the objective optical system, is formed in such a way that illumination light becomes central darkening along the longitudinal direction of the endoscope and across the range of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the endoscope which can be observed by the objective optical system and that the illumination optical system has a luminous intensity distribution characteristic in which the central-darkening illumination light is radiated to the

Abstract: When a wavelength set for a spectral estimation image is set through an input means, ON/OFF of light emitting devices is controlled based on the set wavelength set. Further, an endoscopic image of a subject illuminated with light of a predetermined wavelength band or bands is obtained by a scope. Matrix operation is performed on the endoscopic image to generate the spectral estimation image.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging tissue autofluorescence through a video endoscope is described, comprising a light source capable of providing both ultraviolet light capable of inducing tissue autofluorescence and visible light which induces little or no autofluorescence, an optical system to deliver both wavelength bands to the tissue with the same apparent spatial and angular intensity distribution, a means for digitally acquiring the resulting, visible fluorescence and visible reflectance images using a single imaging detector at the distal tip of the endoscope and a means for digitally processing said images to generate a final, false-color image for display which indicates regions of tissue dysplasia. This system can either be added on to an existing video endoscope or integrated into its structure. The combined system can be electronically switched between normal white light imaging and fluorescence imaging.

Abstract: Where two axes X and Y using the axial center position as the origin are set on a section orthogonal to the axial line of the distal end hard portion, the observation portion and the treatment equipment lead-out portion are disposed at both side positions between which the Y-axis is placed, the surface on which the solid-state image pickup device of the substrate is incorporated is disposed in a direction parallel to the X-axis, the center of the treatment equipment lead-out port is disposed between a plane parallel to the X-axis including the center of the optical axis of the object lens and a plane including the plane of the substrate, the line connecting the centers of both the illumination portions are roughly parallel to the Y-axis, and is drawn near the center of the optical axis of the object lens, and the distances between the center of the optical axis and both the illumination portions are made as equal to each other as possible.

Abstract: An endoscope light source unit including a light source, for making illumination light incident on a light guide of an endoscope which is disconnectably connected to the endoscope light source unit, the endoscope light source unit includes an aperture device including aperture openings of different opening ratios which are selectively positioned between the incident end face of the light guide and the light source; a reading device for reading endoscope-type information from a memory provided in the endoscope; and a controller for selecting one aperture opening, an opening ratio of which corresponds to the endoscope-type information, for making the selected one aperture opening positioned between the incident end face of the light guide and the light source, and for allowing the light source to be turned ON. The controller prohibits the light source from being turned ON if the reading device cannot read the endoscope-type information.

Abstract: An illumination device for use in an endoscope includes a light source, an optical fiber and a wavelength conversion member. The optical fiber guides light to a tip end of an endoscope insertion portion of the endoscope. The wavelength conversion member is provided at an emission end of the optical fiber. The wavelength conversion member configured to be excited by the light source. The illumination device can provide white illumination light obtained by mixing light emitted from the optical fiber and light obtained by exciting the wavelength conversion member by the light emitted from the optical fiber. Also, the illumination device can provide illumination light being different from the white illumination light, by using other excitation light.

Abstract: A system for transmitting the light required for a medical device is disclosed generally comprising an endoscope body, a light guide for transmitting light from a light source to the instrument body, where the light guide includes a bundle of optical fibers having a tapered portion, and a ceramic housing disposed around at least part of the tapered portion of the bundle. In certain embodiments, the ceramic has a pigment for improving insulation. In some embodiments, the taper and ceramic housing are located in an endoscope handle, which may be coupled to the endoscope body via an input post, and in certain embodiments, the inner diameter of the ceramic housing has an increase substantially equal to the decrease of diameter of the taper.

Abstract: An endoscope processor comprising a signal receiver and a standard value calculator is provided. The signal receiver receives an image signal generated based on an optical image captured at a light receiving surface on an imaging device. The image signal comprises a plurality of pixel signals generated by a plurality of pixels according to amounts of received light. A plurality of the pixels are arranged on the light receiving surface. The standard value calculator calculates a standard value using a focused pixel signal and surrounding pixel signals. The surrounding pixel signals are the pixel signals of surrounding pixels. The surrounding pixels surround the focused pixel. The standard value is used for carrying out signal processing on the focused pixel signal.

Abstract: An endoscope processor comprising a signal receiver, an average calculator, a difference calculator, an emphasizer, a synthesizer, and an output block is provided. The signal receiver receives an image signal generated by an imaging device. The image signal comprises a plurality of pixel signals. The average calculator calculates a signal average value. The difference calculator calculates a signal difference value. The emphasizer calculates an emphasized value by multiplying the signal difference value by a predetermined gain. The synthesizer generates an emphasized image signal, in which the pixel signal for each pixel is replaced with the sum of the emphasized value for each pixel and the signal average value.

Abstract: A site to be observed, such as a lesion, is easily observed by means of bright fluorescence images without increasing the output of a light source. Provided is a fluorescence imaging apparatus (1) including a wideband excitation portion (7) that radiates wideband excitation light capable of exciting a plurality of fluorescent substances contained in a subject (A); a narrow-band excitation portion (8) that radiates narrow-band excitation light capable of exciting at least one fluorescent substance among the fluorescent substances; an excitation-band switching unit (9) that performs switching between the wideband excitation portion (7) and the narrow-band excitation portion (8); and a fluorescence detector (15) having a detection wavelength band enabling detection of any kind of fluorescence from the subject (A) caused by the wideband excitation light and the narrow-band excitation light.

Abstract: An endoscopic system with at least one light source for generating at least partially coherent light, for exciting fluorescent light, with at least one light-conducting element, where the at least one light source and the at least one light-conducting element are positioned in a proximal supply unit. It is further provided with an optical radiance transmission link in an insertion part and with at least one fluorescence converter for conversion into white light. According to the invention, at least one actuator is present, which is coupled with at least one light-conducting element and/or with the at least one light source and/or with the at least one fluorescence converter. With the help of the actuator, perturbations or fluctuations concerning the at least one light-conducting element and/or the at least one light source and/or the at least one fluorescence converter are generated and thereby reduce the speckles in the endoscopic image.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope includes a capsule body having a cylindrical section, and a transparent cover. In the capsule endoscope, a reflective optical system, an image forming optical system, LEDs, and an image sensor are contained. The cylindrical transparent cover is disposed in the middle of the cylindrical section in a longitudinal direction. Through the transparent cover, light is transmittable in 360 degrees around a central axis of the capsule body. The reflective optical system reflects the light that has entered the capsule body through the transparent cover to the image forming optical system. The image forming optical system forms a 360 degree image around the whole circumference of the cylindrical section on the image sensor. The 360 degree image is circular in shape.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical system and an optical system module, coupled to a distal end of a fluorescence emission endoscope apparatus, an optical waveguide-based fluorescence emission endoscopy system, and a method for remotely-controlled, multi-magnification imaging of a target or fluorescence emission collection from a target with a fluorescence emission endoscope apparatus. An exemplary system includes an objective lens disposed in a distal end of an endoscope apparatus. The lens is adapted to transmit both a visible target illumination and a fluorescence-emission-inducing target illumination as well as fluorescence-emission and visible light from the target. The system can thus simultaneously provide low magnification, large field of view imaging and high magnification, high-resolution multiphoton imaging with a single lens system.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging device with a curved reflective element and for example a concave portion of an outer shell of such device. Such curved reflective element may for example reflect onto an image sensor light rays from an object where such light rays before reflection are substantially parallel to the plane of the image sensor. An in vivo imaging device with a reflective surface situated at an angle to an image sensor of such imaging device. Such an angle may be for example a 45 degree angle so that light rays that are substantially parallel to a plain of an image sensor of an imaging device may for example be reflected by the reflective surface onto the image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscope, more specifically to an endoscope that provides both forward view and rear view of a hollow body organ. It comprises of a rear view module that contains a rear image lens and a rear illumination bulb. The rear view module is designed and is attached to a conventional endoscope in a way that when deployed, the rear image lens and the rear illumination bulb face backward. In this position, the rear image lens provides a rear view and the rear illumination bulb illuminates the area under view of the rear image lens. The present invention enables the operator to obtain forward and rear views of a hollow organ either separately or simultaneously. The ability to obtain forward and rear view at the same time enables the operator to perform a complete examination of a hollow organ that includes both forward and rear view in a single insertion.

Abstract: When light enters a first small diameter fiber at an incident angle of 0°, exit light from the first small diameter fiber has a substantially convex light amount distribution in a diameter direction. When light enters a second small diameter fiber at an incident angle of 12°, exit light from the second small diameter fiber has a substantially concave light amount distribution in a diameter direction. The exit light from the first and second small diameter fibers enters a large diameter fiber and is combined therein, making the light amount distribution uniform in the large diameter fiber. The large diameter fiber has a tapered core and a tapered clad in a light exit section. The light in the large diameter fiber is output from a light exit surface thereof and also leaked from the tapered clad.

Abstract: A large diameter fiber is composed of a multimode optical fiber and provided with a fiber body having a constant diameter in an optical axis direction XA and a tapered section tapered in diameter toward a light exit surface. An adhesive member attaches the large diameter fiber inside a retaining hole of a tubular housing such that an outer circumferential surface of a tapered clad of the tapered section is entirely exposed to air to a predetermined depth from the light exit surface. A light passing space is a ring-like space formed between the exposed outer circumferential surface of the tapered clad and an inner circumferential surface of the tubular housing. Light in the tapered section is output from the light exit surface and partially leaked to the tapered clad. A part of the leaked light is released from the light passing space.

Abstract: A light source apparatus for an endoscope includes an exciting laser light source, a monitor sensor, an indicator, a shutter mechanism, an optical system, and a controller. The controller intermittently turns on the exciting laser light source for testing and controls the shutter mechanism so as to close the optical path of the exciting light, during a period after laser irradiation is permitted until the monitor sensor outputs the turn-on enable signal. The controller controls the shutter mechanism so as to open the optical path of the exciting light and controls the indicator so as to indicate to the effect that the exciting laser light source is ready for immediate emission, when the monitor sensor outputs the turn-on enable signal. Further, the controller turns on the exciting laser light source when an exciting light turn-on signal is input, thereby making the exciting light incident upon the light guide.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system according to the present invention has a video-scope that has an image sensor, and a light source unit that is capable of selectively emitting normal-light and excitation-light. The electronic endoscope system further has a signal processor and a display processor. The signal processor generates normal color image signals, which corresponds to the normal color image, on the basis of the normal image-pixel signals. Similarly, the signal processor generates auto-fluorescent image signals corresponding to the auto-fluorescent image on the basis of the auto-fluorescent image-pixel signals, and generates diagnosis color image signals corresponding to the diagnosis color image on the basis of the normal color image signals and the auto-fluorescent image signals.

Abstract: Light from a light source enters a first small diameter fiber at an incident angle of 0°. Exit light from the first small diameter fiber has a substantially convex light intensity distribution in a diameter direction. Light from a light source enters a second small diameter fiber at an incident angle of 12°. Exit light from the second small diameter fiber has a substantially concave light intensity distribution in a diameter direction. The exit light from the first and second small diameter fibers enters a large diameter fiber via a fiber connector. Light inside the large diameter fiber has a substantially uniform light intensity distribution in a diameter direction with a light intensity not less than a predetermined value. The light is radiated as illumination light from a light exit section of the large diameter fiber.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an adaptor detachably mounted on a distal end of an insertion section; a mounting base provided in said adaptor; illumination section attached to the front of said mounting base; front electrode terminals provided at the front end of the mounting base and connected to the illumination section; rear electrode terminals provided at the back of the mounting base, connected to the front electrode terminals, and abutting electrode terminals provided at the distal end of the insertion section when the adaptor is mounted on the distal end of the insertion section; and insulating plates where the front and rear electrode terminals are provided in a manner such that they are exposed from the surface and coupling lines to couple the front and rear electrode terminals are embedded.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope comprising a light transmitter, a first actuator, a weight, and a second actuator, is provided. The light transmitter emits a beam of the light exiting the first emission end. The light transmitter is flexible. The first actuator is mounted near the first emission end. The first actuator bends the light transmitter in a second direction by pushing a side of the light transmitter toward the second direction. The weight is movable from the first actuator to the first emission end along the first direction. The weight changes a position of the center of mass of a protruding section by moving in unison with the light transmitter in the second direction when the first actuator bends the light transmitter. The second actuator moves the weight in either direction along the first direction.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope apparatus, comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, a first optical filter, a second optical filter, a second transmitter, a first photo-detection unit, and a position determiner, is provided. The first transmitter transmits light to a first emission end. The actuator moves the first emission end. The first optical filter reflects the light of the first band. The second optical filter transmits the light of the first band at a transmittance that varies according to the position. The second transmitter transmits the light of the first band from a second incident end to a second emission end. The first photo-detection unit detects an amount of the light of the first band. The position determiner determines a position of the first emission end on the basis of the amount of the light of the first band.