Abstract: An endoscope system includes an identification unit that identifies the type of an image obtained by image capturing of a photographic subject, a recognition unit that performs a recognition process of recognizing the photographic subject by using the image, and a notification unit that gives a notification of whether the recognition process functions for the image of a specific type identified by the identification unit. The identification unit identifies the type of the image by determining an operation mode, the model of an endoscope used in image capturing of the photographic subject, or whether or not a drug is administered to the photographic subject.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a light source for emitting visible light and infrared light and a camera head unit configured to capture visible light image data so as to generate a visible light image frame and configured to capture infrared image data so as to generate an infrared image frame. A camera control unit is configured to extract a structural data from the visible light image frame. The camera control unit is further configured to apply the structural data to the infrared image frame so as to enhance the infrared image with structural data.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention relates to a device (200) for transporting and controlling light beams comprising a light guide (40) comprising a bundle (50) of uncoupled single-mode optical fibers (Fi), each single-mode optical fiber (Fi) being intended to receive an elementary light beam (B1i) at a proximal end and to emit a light beam (B2i) at a distal end, said bundle of single-mode optical fibers comprising, in operation, a minimum radius of curvature corresponding to a maximum curvature of the bundle of fibers.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for fluorescence imaging with increased dynamic range are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises a plurality of pixels each configurable as a short exposure pixel or a long exposure pixel. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm or electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a light source for emitting visible light and infrared light and a camera head unit configured to capture visible light image data so as to generate a visible light image frame and configured to capture infrared image data so as to generate an infrared image frame. A camera control unit is configured to extract a structural data from the visible light image frame. The camera control unit is further configured to apply the structural data to the infrared image frame so as to enhance the infrared image with structural data.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a light source configured to generate violet light, blue light, green light, and red light, a filter switching mechanism configured to change a spectrum of the green light emitted from the light source, a light amount adjustment circuit configured to respectively adjust light amounts of lights in three colors, that is, the violet light, the blue light, and the red light, an image sensor configured to pick up an image of an object illuminated with the green light including the spectrum changed by the filter switching mechanism and the lights in the three colors respectively including the light amounts adjusted by the light amount adjustment circuit, and a highlighting processing circuit configured to subject an image obtained by image pickup of the object illuminated with the green light including the spectrum changed by the filter switching mechanism to highlighting processing.

Abstract: An endoscope for imaging a fluorescent agent in a patient, the endoscope having a first optical channel communicating light from a first light source and a second light source, the first light source having an excitation wavelength and the second light source having a wavelength different than the wavelength of the first light source; a field stop having a fluorescent indicator; and a second optical channel in optical communication with the first light source and in optical communication with the fluorescent indicator on the field stop. When light from the first light source illuminates the fluorescent indicator on the field stop, the fluorescent indicator is detectable. Image processing components used with the endoscope can identify the fluorescent indicator, or lack thereof, and transmit information to a user.

Abstract: Provided are an endoscope system, a processor device, and an endoscope system operation method capable of adjusting an exposure amount with higher accuracy than in the related art. An endoscope system includes a light source unit that emits illumination light, an image sensor that images an observation target by using the illumination light, an image acquisition unit that acquires plural-color images obtained by imaging the observation target by using the image sensor, and an exposure amount control portion that controls an exposure amount in a case where the image acquisition unit obtains the plural-color images, by using some-color images among the plural-color images.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an imager configured to detect reflected and scattered light of illumination light radiated to an observation object and output an imaging signal, the illumination light including light in three wavelength ranges corresponding to first, second, and third depth regions, and an image processor including an intermediate emphasis image generator configured to generate an intermediate emphasis image, based on a first emphasis image signal generated based on emphasis narrowband light, a first non-emphasis image signal generated based on non-emphasis narrowband, and image signals corresponding to all wavelength ranges not including the first emphasis and non-emphasis image signals, and a display image generator configured to generate a display image based on the intermediate emphasis image.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided having a shaft and an optical system disposed in the shaft. The optical system defines an optical path. The optical system includes a first relay lens and a first meniscus lens positioned in the optical path and between an intermediate image plane and the first relay lens. In one embodiment, a second relay lens and a second meniscus lens, the first relay lens and the first meniscus lens residing on a first side of the intermediate image plane, and the second relay lens and the second meniscus lens residing on a second side of the intermediate image plane, wherein the first and second sides of the intermediate image plane are opposing sides.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting deformation of an elongate body may comprise a light source configured to sequentially provide light of multiple frequencies, an optical receiver configured to receive light from the light source, and a filter disposed between the light source and the optical detector. The filter may comprise multiple segments, each of the segments configured to filter light at one of the frequencies so as to alter the amount of light incident on said optical receiver. A total amount of light detected by the optical receiver may change during the sequence so as to be indicative of deformation of the elongate body.

Abstract: A plenoptic otoscope enables three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging of the inside of the ear to assist in improved diagnosis of inflammations and infections. The plenoptic otoscope includes a primary imaging system and a plenoptic sensor. The primary imaging system includes an otoscope objective and relay optics, which cooperate to form an image of an inside of an ear at an intermediate image plane. The plenoptic sensor includes a microimaging array positioned at the intermediate image plane and a sensor array positioned at a conjugate of the pupil plane. An optional filter module may be positioned at the pupil plane or one of its conjugates to facilitate three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography apparatus includes a multi-beam configuration unit comprising at least a first optical path having a first numerical aperture and a second optical path having a second numerical aperture. The multi-beam configuration unit orients the second optical path in a selected orientation in space relative to the first optical path. A scan system illuminates a sample with non-polarized light received from the multi-beam configuration unit and directs light returning from the sample to the first optical path and the second optical path. The multi-beam configuration unit directs light returning from the sample, along the first optical path and the second optical path, to an optical pathway leading to a processing system. The processing system performs optical coherence tomography motion analysis based on interference between light returning from the sample and a first reference signal.

Abstract: A portable device for cervical inspection, comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes comprising a first light-emitting diode group and a second light-emitting diode group, wherein the first light-emitting diode group emits light within a first wavelength range upon operation, and the second light-emitting diode group emits light within a second wavelength range upon operation, wherein the first wavelength range comprises a sub-range of wavelengths shorter than the wavelengths of the second wavelength range, and the second wavelength range comprises a sub-range of wavelengths longer than the wavelengths of the first wavelength range, the portable device further comprising a controller provided for a control of the luminous intensity of the second light-emitting diode group from a first intensity to a second intensity, lower than the first intensity, such that a preferred color rendering for the visual examination of the cervix may be provided.

Abstract: Using a transmittance adjusting device decreasing a transmittance of at least from 460 nm to 500 nm, which is a wavelength range between a point of end of a first optical absorption peak of hemoglobin and a point of start of a second optical absorption peak of hemoglobin, to between 20% and 70% for illuminating light from an illuminating light supply section or reflected light from an object, during observation of the inside of a body cavity, enhanced display of vessels with color reproduction that has no difference from that in observation under visible light, enabling color reproduction similar to that in observation under visible light and further enhanced display of vessels.

Abstract: An endoscope light source apparatus includes a turret provided with a first optical filter and a second optical filter for transmitting an illuminating light, an instruction section in which an operation instruction of the turret is inputted, a drive section that drives the turret, a first detector that detects a position of the turret, a first detected portion for identifying a position of the first optical filter, a second detected portion for identifying a position of the second optical filter, a second detector that optically detects a position of the first or the second detected portion, and a turret control section that outputs a drive signal to the drive section to move the turret until the first or the second detected portion is detected by the second detector and stop the turret in response to the first or the second detected portion being detected.

Abstract: A capsule for determining the blood content of living tissue in vivo in a patient to detect tumors. The capsule includes a light source and a light detector for directing light onto the tissue and for receiving interacted light therefrom. By analyzing the interacted light, a determination can be made of the blood content of that tissue. There are various ways of positioning the capsule so that it contacts the tissue in the desired orientation of the light source and light detector. There is also a system for determining the actual contact between the capsule and the tissue. A calibration system is also used that allows a self calibration that can be carried out easily and accurately just prior to the use of the capsule.

Abstract: A lightguide is configured to transmit a scanned and/or focused processing beam to a target. The processing beam has a wavefront amplitude and phase set by a spatial light modulator. Suitable wavefront characteristics are obtained based on portions of the processing beam returned to a detector through the lightguide. A beam path can be detected at a first, reduced power, and processing along the beam path performed at a second, higher optical power.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus according to the invention has an illumination unit capable of emitting to a subject first narrow band light having a wavelength band in a blue region and second narrow band light having a wavelength band in a green region, an image pickup unit which picks up a first subject image when the subject in the living body is illuminated with the first narrow band light, and picks up a second subject image when the subject in the living body is illuminated with the second narrow band light, a storage unit which stores the first subject image as a green component and a blue component, and stores the second subject image as a red component and a blue component, and a color tone conversion unit which performs predetermined color conversion processing to form an image of a predetermined object as an image having a predetermined first color.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system includes a light source device for sequentially emitting plural kinds of light having different wavelength bands, an electronic endoscope for outputting image data of acquired images corresponding to the plural kinds of light sequentially illuminated to a subject tissue containing blood vessels, a setter for setting a blood vessel characteristics amount from the image data, a setter for setting a region of interest in the acquired image based on the amount, an image producer for producing a first oxygen saturation level image representing a distribution of an oxygen saturation level in the blood vessel from the image data, and an image display for displaying in simulated color a second oxygen saturation level image in which the oxygen saturation level within the region of interest is selectively enhanced.

Abstract: Novel capsule imaging devices, systems and methods are provided for in vivo imaging applications, such as for gastrointestinal applications. A swallowable video imaging device, such as a capsule, can be used with a light filter for in vivo illumination of a target tissue that has absorbed a previously administered biological probe. The target tissue can be distinguished in images transmitted from the video imaging device. Quantification of the signal intensity of fluorescence can be used to assess how progressed the target tissue may be. The target tissue can be therapeutically treated to shrink or kill the target tissue.

Abstract: A highly corrected relay system for medical endoscopes or the like is provided. The system includes a plurality of bonded lenses that are selected to provide color correction from the blue region of the spectrum through to the near infrared region of the spectrum. The system allows co-located visible and near infrared images to be resolved on a single detector.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an image pickup section equipped with a color separation section that picks up an image of returning light from a subject illuminated by an illumination section, an emphasis processing section that performs emphasis processing on sharpness of an image signal generated from the output signal of the image pickup section and a storage section that stores information for modifying processing contents of the emphasis processing, wherein the storage section stores information for setting image signals to be subjected to emphasis processing in first and second observation modes in which images are picked up under illumination of white light and narrow band light respectively to a luminance signal and a color difference signal, and the emphasis processing section performs emphasis processing on the luminance signal with a greater emphasis characteristic than the color difference signal over an entire frequency domain.

Abstract: In a special light mode, first to fourth special images are captured under first to fourth special light being narrow band light. A brightness ratio calculator extracts a blood vessel area containing a blood vessel from each special image. The brightness ratio calculator calculates first to fourth brightness ratios from the special images on every pixel within the blood vessel area. A depth and hemoglobin index calculator calculates the depth of the blood vessel and a hemoglobin index corresponding to the first and second brightness ratios, based on a correlation between the depth of the blood vessel and the hemoglobin index stored in advance. A depth and oxygen saturation calculator calculates an oxygen saturation level corresponding to the third and fourth brightness ratios, based on a correlation between the depth of the blood vessel and the oxygen saturation level stored in advance.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a light source configured to emit normal light toward an object and a rotating filter configured to be positioned in the path of light that passes from the light source to an image sensor. The rotating filter has an optical band-pass filter and a ND filter. The electronic endoscope has further a rotation controller that synchronizes a light-path traverse-interval of the band-pass filter and a light-path traverse-interval of the ND filter with a field/frame interval; and an image generator that generates a normal image from broadband image-pixel signals and generates a spectral image from specific-band image-pixel signals. The image generator has a brightness adjuster that increases a brightness level of the spectral image. Then, the ND filter reduces an amount of light emitted from the light source to an amount of light that corresponds to an increased brightness of the spectral image.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus is adapted to be inserted into an inside of a subject and observe the inside of the subject and includes: an observation optical system which has a first optical path and a second optical path with parallax; an imaging portion on which a light passing through the first optical path and a light passing through the second optical path are formed; a diaphragm portion which selectively blocks out the first optical path or the second optical path; a distance measurement portion which measures a distance to the subject on the basis of parallax between a first image formed on the imaging portion via the first optical path and a second image formed on the imaging portion via the second optical path; a displacement amount detection portion which detects a displacement amount between two first images acquired with a time interval therebetween; and a measurement environment determination portion which determines, on the basis of the displacement amount, whether or not the first image and the secon

Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes a white light source, an excitation light source, an imaging device, and a light amount controller. The white light source emits white light for illuminating a subject. The excitation light source emits excitation light for generating fluorescent light on the subject. The imaging device generates first image signals by receiving reflected light of the white light, and generates second image signals by receiving the fluorescent light. The light amount controller controls the amount of the white light to lower the difference between a reflected light luminance and a fluorescent light luminance, so that a normal image corresponding to the first image signals and a fluorescent image corresponding to the second image signals that are both real-time images representing the same subject at the time of receiving the reflected light and the fluorescent light can be generated.

Abstract: An actuator has a magnet moved together with a moving lens frame, an SMA wire capable of extending and contracting in a moving direction I of the moving lens frame with execution or non-execution of energization thereof, a fixing member made of a magnetic material attached to a distal end of the SMA wire, a pressing spring which urges the fixing member toward the magnet along the moving direction I, and a stopper member and a stopper portion which limits the movement of the magnet along the moving direction I at a first position or a second position.

Abstract: An aperture stop 10A includes a filter area 1 formed on a flat-plate substrate 23, and an aperture area 2 formed inside the filter area 1. The filter area 1 transmits infrared light and reduces or blocks the transmission of visible light. The aperture area 2 transmits light in the wavelength range corresponding to fluorescent light from an observed area of a subject and light in the wavelength range corresponding to illumination light to the subject. The aperture stop 10A does not reduce the light in the wavelength range corresponding to fluorescent light from the observed area of the subject, but variably reduces visible light since the area of the aperture area 2 is variable. Therefore, it becomes possible to simultaneously and clearly observe, with a simple method, a subject image formed by illumination light in the visible light band and an observed image formed by weak fluorescent light from the observed area of the subject in the infrared light band.

Abstract: A light source device includes a light source, a diaphragm blade for adjusting light quantity of illumination light supplied from the light source, a diaphragm driving part for driving the diaphragm blade to perform opening/closing operation, and a diaphragm control circuit part for setting diaphragm drive instruction voltage to be supplied to the diaphragm driving part and control an opening/closing amount of the diaphragm blade. In the diaphragm control circuit part, a fully-opened voltage and a fully-closed voltage at the time the diaphragm blade is fixed at a fully-opened position and a fully-closed position are read, based on the voltages, adjustment data for adjusting the diaphragm drive instruction voltage and the opening/closing positions of the diaphragm blade is set, and based on the adjustment data, a control range of the diaphragm drive instruction voltage is regulated.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus and method of multi-spectral imaging to obtain and analyze information contained in the spectral distribution (reflection, absorption, or emission) of components within the image. The spectral information is captured in a series of images from differing spectral regions. This series of images are then combined into a composite image using re-colorization and image stabilization algorithms for display in real time. The process can be repeated continuously allowing spectral changes over time to be captured and analyzed. In the alternative one sequence of images can be captured for use as a still image.

Abstract: A normal light CCD 11 is driven via a normal light CCD control section 25 by a timing signal from a timing circuit section 29 of a video processor 20. At the same time, a fluorescence CCD 12 is driven via a fluorescence CCD control section 26. Then, an image pickup signal according to an RGB frame sequential method from the normal light CCD 11 is processed by a normal light image video circuit section 27 and a normal color image is created while an image pickup signal from the fluorescence CCD 12 is processed by a fluorescence image video circuit section 28, and an image pickup signal of a subject excited by blue illumination light and transmitted through a fluorescence transmitting filter 13 is extracted to create a fluorescence image of the subject.

Abstract: Endoscopes and other viewing devices that control the light that contacts a sample and/or that is detected emanating from a sample. The viewing devices are particularly well suited for in vivo imaging, although other uses are also included. The viewing devices, and methods related thereto, comprise a spatial light modulator in the illumination and/or detection light path so that light transmitted to the target via a bundle of light guides or optical system is transmitted substantially only into the cores of the light guide bundle and not into the cladding surrounding the light guides, filler between the light guides in the bundle, or undesired light guides. Also, methods and apparatus for mapping the pixels of the spatial light modulator to the cores of the light guides in the bundle (preferably at least 3 pixels (e.g., at least 3 mirrors for a digital micromirror device) for each core), as well as for mapping the light guides of one light guide bundle to another.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope apparatus includes: a light source; first and second polarization sections; third and fourth polarization sections; a first wavelength separation section; a second wavelength separation section; a first detection section; and a second detection section.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus, a first color separation section separates an image picked up by an image pickup section into a first luminance signal and a first color difference signal, then a first color conversion section and a second color separation section convert the first luminance signal and the first color difference signal to first three primary color signals and second three primary color signals respectively, a signal intensity ratio calculation circuit calculates a signal intensity ratio among the first three primary color signals, matrix coefficients of the second color separation section are changed based on the calculated signal intensity ratio and the second color separation section converts the first luminance signal and the second color difference signal to the second three primary color signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter switching device for a fluorescence endoscopic television camera system, and more particularly, to a filter switching device for a fluorescence endoscopic television camera system, which selectively transmits light to a detector sensor of a television camera according to the white light condition or the fluorescence condition to diagnose patients using a fluorescence endoscope. The present invention provides a filter switching device for a fluorescence endoscopic television camera system, which is configured to conveniently switch filters according to the rotational movement of the camera head, by inducing a change of magnetic forces according to the rotation of the camera head by magnetic substances disposed therein while maintaining a sealed structure inside the camera head connecting between a fluorescence endoscope and a television camera and thus allowing the frame of the camera head mounted with two types of filter to move upward and downward.

Abstract: An endoscope light source apparatus includes a turret provided with a first optical filter and a second optical filter for transmitting an illuminating light, an instruction section in which an operation instruction of the turret is inputted, a drive section that drives the turret, a first detector that detects a position of the turret, a first detected portion for identifying a position of the first optical filter, a second detected portion for identifying a position of the second optical filter, a second detector that optically detects a position of the first or the second detected portion, and a turret control section that outputs a drive signal to the drive section to move the turret until the first or the second detected portion is detected by the second detector and stop the turret in response to the first or the second detected portion being detected.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes: a white LED that emits light including a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band; a violet LED that emits light in a third wavelength band, and a rotating disk including a filter that transmits light in the first wavelength band. The light source apparatus also includes a rotating disk drive section that changes a position of the rotating disk so that if a normal observation mode is selected, the filter is retracted from an optical path of the light emitted from the white LED, if a narrow band observation mode is selected, a filter is continuously inserted in the optical path of the light emitted from the white LED, and if a twin mode is selected, the filter is intermittently inserted in the optical path of the light emitted from the white LED.

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

Abstract: An endoscope system has a light source apparatus and an endoscope including an illumination optical system and an objective optical system. At least the objective optical system of the endoscope is provided with an adjustable diaphragm, and in a light path in one of the light source apparatus, the illumination optical system, and the objective optical system, an insertable/retractable filter for observation for special light is provided. The adjustable diaphragm performs a closing operation or an opening operation only when the filter for observation for special light is inserted into the light path.

Abstract: The diagnosability of diseased parts is improved by precisely correcting fluorescence images without being affected by specular reflection and without being affected by thick blood vessels.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a multi-color output of an image of a medical object for assisting medical personnel, the medical object is illuminated with light with an illumination spectrum. By means of an image sensor, image data are acquired for a group of one or more color channels. Image information concerning an additional color channel, which is not among the group of one or more color channels, is generated depending on the acquired image data. An image output device for multi-color output of the image is controlled depending on the acquired image data and the acquired image information.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an elongated insertion portion having a distal end portion provided with an illumination window and an observation window. A single solid-state image sensing device whose image pickup face is provided at an image forming position of an objective optical system mounted on the observation window. In the vicinity of the image pickup face of the solid-state image sensing device, a filter portion that has a first filter having a wideband wavelength transmission characteristic in a visible band and a second filter having a narrowband wavelength transmission characteristic in the visible band two-dimensionally arranged is disposed.

Abstract: Provided are a decompression mechanism capable of performing a desired pressure reduction by simple operation and having improved operability, a puncture device, a blood analysis device, and a sensor mounting mechanism. A needle puncturing device (100) is provided with: a piston (121) having at one end thereof an end part (121a) for forming a part of a sensor mounting mechanism (130) and at the other end an end part (121b) for slidably supporting a rod (112) of a lancet section (111); a cylinder (122) for slidably containing therein the end section (121b) of the piston (121); and packing (125) mounted to the inner periphery of the end part (121b) of the piston (121) and maintaining the air-tightness of the outer periphery of the rod (112).

Abstract: An endoscope system of the invention includes: a first endoscope capable of picking up an image of a subject; a first illuminating section capable of emitting first illuminating light; a second endoscope capable of picking up an image of the subject illuminated by the first light from a direction different from the first endoscope; a second illuminating section capable of emitting second illuminating light; a video signal processing section for generating a video signal based on a signal picked-up by the second endoscope; a display section for displaying an image of the subject obtained by the video signal processing section; an emphasis instructing section for instructing an emphasis on an image obtained based on the first light; and an emphasis control section for controlling to emphasize the subject image obtained based on the first light according to an operation of the emphasis instructing section.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes a first rotational filter section that can place a blue filter, a green filter and a magenta filter in a light path, a second rotational filter section that can place a yellow filter in the light path and a band selection filter section that can place an NBI filter that limits blue and green light to a narrow band, wherein the first and the second rotational filter sections are controllable so that in the case of normal light imaging, the yellow filter is placed in the light path when the magenta filter is placed in the light path and in the case of narrow band imaging, the NBI filter is placed in the light path LP and the yellow filter is placed in the light path when the green filter is placed in the light path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for imaging the vascular structure and vascular blood flow of an organ or tissue and, in particular, relates to a selective wavelength epi-illumination endoscopic imaging apparatus to image vascular tissues and real time capillary blood flow in vivo. The invention also relates to determining the blood oxygen content of the organ or tissue.

Abstract: A switching filter is provided in a light source device. The switching filter has a first dichroic filter which transmits illumination light in a first wavelength band from a lamp and a fluorescence observation filter which transmits at least illumination light in a second wavelength band and is rotatably provided such that the first dichroic filter and the fluorescence observation filter pass through an illumination light optical axis. An LED portion has a blue LED which emits illumination light in the first wavelength band toward the switching filter. A second dichroic filter capable of transmitting illumination light from the lamp and reflecting illumination light from the LED portion to a condenser lens is also arranged at the switching filter.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end and an imaging device with a steerable extension. The proximal end of the extension is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end region and a rear-viewing imaging device at least partially disposed inside the distal end region. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end cap, an imaging device, and a link that couples the imaging device to the distal end cap of the insertion tube.