An endoscope system includes: a light source unit that alternatingly emits first illumination light and second illumination light; an imaging means for generating a first image signal of a subject illuminated by the first illumination light, and generating a second image signal of the subject illuminated by the second illumination light; a first image signal storing means for storing the first image signals; a second image signal storing means for storing the second image signals; an image evaluation value calculating means for calculating at least one of image evaluation values based on the first image signals and image evaluation values based on the second image signals; an image signal selecting means for selecting a first display image signal and selecting a second display image signal based on the image evaluation values; and a displaying means for displaying a first image and a second image that are based on the first display image signal and the second display image signal respectively.

In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.

Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for obtaining optical images of a targeted object or scene such as a person's organ or tissue based on a fiber bundle having imaging optical fibers and optical phase modulation for improved imaging quality without using an objective lens to receive light from a target. Among its applications is an endoscope that bears no lens at the distal end, which affords miniaturization and bendability, and that has adjustable focal distance.

Apparatus and method for facilitating a microscopic imaging of at least one anatomical structure can be provided. For example, with a spectrally-encoded confocal microscopy (SECM) system, it is possible to provide at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to the anatomical structure(s). In addition, a mobile device can be provided which can communicate with the SECM system. The mobile device can have a sensor arrangement, and with such sensor arrangement, it is possible to receive at least one second electro-magnetic radiation that is based on the first radiation(s) from at least one section of the SECM system. The mobile device can further include a computer arrangement, with which it is possible to display at least one portion of the anatomical structure(s) as a microscopic image based on the second radiation(s) received by the sensor arrangement.

An eyepiece includes a focusing apparatus for positioning the area perceived as in focus by the relaxed human eye and for correcting axial ametropia of an eye of a user of the eyepiece and a correction apparatus for adjustable correction of an astigmatism of an eye of a user of the eyepiece.

An electronic endoscope of the invention includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; a distal end rigid portion including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end rigid portion being made of resin and provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion; a bending tube made of metal and provided continuously with the distal end rigid portion; objective optical systems provided at the distal end rigid portion; an image pickup unit that picks up images formed by the objective optical systems; an illumination lens barrel made of metal, the illumination lens barrel holding an illumination optical system provided at the distal end rigid portion and being extended in a direction of the proximal end portion; and a first conductive portion that establishes electrical conduction between the bending tube and the illumination lens barrel.

Various embodiments comprise endoscopes (e.g., arthroscopes) for viewing inside a cavity of a body. The endoscopes may include a tip, at least one solid-state emitter such as light emitting diode (LED), located at the distal end of the endoscope, an elongated member. The elongated member may include a plurality of lenses for transmitting light received from the tip member and an elongated conducting member for providing electric power to the solid-state emitter. The elongated conducting member may include conducting lines embedded in a flexible elongated insulating membrane. The tip member and the elongated member may be configured to dissipate heat generated by the solid-state emitter.

Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) endoscope devices and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. An endoscope device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode. A relay system includes an opposing pair of rod lens assemblies positioned symmetrically with respect to a central airspace. The rod lens assemblies include a meniscus lens positioned immediately adjacent to a central airspace and with the convex surface facing the airspace, a first lens having positive power with a convex face positioned adjacent to the inner face of the meniscus lens, a rod lens adjacent to the first lens having positive power and an outer optical manipulating structure selected from various designs providing chromatic aberration correction.

Endoscopic camera head devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system. Substantially afocal light from the endoscope is manipulated and split. After passing through focusing optics, another beamsplitter is used to split the light again, this time in image space, producing four portions of light that may be further manipulated. The four portions of light are focused onto separate areas of two image sensors. The manipulation of the beams can take several forms, each offering distinct advantages over existing systems when individually displayed, analyzed and/or combined by an image processor.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for correcting rotational error during use of an oblique-viewing endoscope. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fast calibration process wherein a new approach is employed in estimating a center of rotation of a plane of an image. Moreover, the approach, allows for updating of a camera matrix during use.