US4853773A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Endoscope signal processing apparatus using sequential and synchronous imaging devices
Assignee: Olympus Corp
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Filing: 1988-01-29
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Granted: 1989-08-01
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Expires: 2008-01-29
Abstract
Abstract The endoscope signal processing apparatus is provided with a first signal processing device processing the signal for a field sequential type imaging device and a second signal processing device processing the signal for a synchronous type imaging device. One signal processing device has a circuit partly used in common with the other signal processing device. Both signal processing device have a common video signal output end from which video signals from both signal processing devices are output. This apparatus is further provided with a discriminating device discriminating the imaging system of the endoscope to be connected and an output switching device whereby the video signal transmitted through the video signal processing device corresponding to the imaging system discriminated by this discriminating device is led selectively to the common video signal output.
Inventors
- 👤 Hiroki Hibino
- 👤 Kenji Kimura
- 👤 Teruo Eino
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:12
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/18; H04N7/183; H04N23/00; H04N23/10; H04N23/125; H04N23/50; H04N23/555; H04N25/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus to which an endoscope provided with a field sequential type color imaging means and an endoscope provided with a synchronous type color imaging means can be commonly connected, said endoscope signal processing apparatus comprising: a first processing means for processing a signal for said field sequential type color imaging means; and a second signal processing means for processing a signal for said synchronous type color imaging means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus to which an endoscope provided with a field sequential type color imaging means and an endoscope provided with a synchronous type color imaging means can be commonly connected, said endoscope signal processing apparatus comprising: a first processing means for processing a signal for said field sequential type color imaging means; and a second signal processing means for processing a signal for said synchronous type color imaging means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a light source apparatus outputting an illuminating light, to said field sequential type color imaging means and a white light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first signal processing means and second signal processing means have a common video signal output end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 1 provided with a signal input end common to the field sequential type color imaging means and the synchronous type color imaging means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a discriminating means for discriminating an imaging system of an endoscope to be connected and an output switching means wherein a video signal transmitted through a video signal processing means corresponding to the imaging system discriminated by said discriminating means is led selectively to said common video signal output end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a light modulator converting a video signal from both signal processing means to a light signal and an output end outputting modulated light modulated by said light modulator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising a discriminating means for discriminating an imaging system of an endoscope to be connected and an input switching means wherein a signal from said common signal input end is led selectively to a signal processing means corresponding to the imaging system discriminated by said discriminating means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 7 wherein said discriminating means has a comparing means for determining the imaging system by a characteristic of an output signal of the imaging means which is different depending on the imaging system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein one signal processing means having a circuit partly used in common with the other signal processing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus to which an endoscope provided with a field sequential type color imaging means and an endoscope provided with a synchronous type color imaging means can be connected, said endoscope signal processing apparatus comprising: a first signal processing means for processing a signal for said field sequential type color imaging means; and a second signal processing for processing a signal for said sequential type color imaging means, said first signal processing means having a circuit partly used in common with said second signal processing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
89 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus to which an endoscope provided with a field sequential type color imaging means and an endoscope provided with a synchronous type color imaging means can be connected, said endoscope signal processing apparatus comprising: a first signal processing means for processing a signal for said field sequential type color imaging means; and a second signal processing for processing a signal for said sequential type color imaging means, said first signal processing means having a circuit partly used in common with said second signal processing means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said second signal processing means is separable from said first signal processing means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
43 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein said first signal processing means has a process circuit producing R, G and B three primary color signals from a picture image information signal from said field sequential type imaging means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein said second signal processing means has a process circuit producing a luminance signal and color difference signals from a picture image information signal from said synchronous imaging means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein said circuit used in common is an outline enhancing circuit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
127 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said first signal processing means has a process circuit producing R, G, B three primary color signals from a picture image information signal from said field sequential type imaging means and a matrix circuit converting the three primary color signals from said process circuit to a luminance signal and color difference signals; said second signal processing means has a process circuit producing a luminance signal and color difference signals from a picture image information signal from said synchronous type imaging means; a selecting means selecting a luminance signal and color difference signals from one of said signal processing means is further provided; and the luminance signal from said selecting means is input into said outline enhancing circuit.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein said first signal processing means and second signal processing means have a common video signal output end.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 further comprising a bypass circuit which bypasses said commonly used circuit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein a common signal input end is provided for said field sequential type color imaging means and said synchronous type color imaging means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 18 further comprising an input switching means for leading a signal from said common signal input end selectively to said first signal processing means and said second signal processing means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
52 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a discriminating means for discrimination an imaging system of an endoscope to be connected, said switching means selecting the signal processing means for an imaging means of the endoscope to be used based upon a discriminating output of said discriminating means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein said first signal processing means has a first memory means for storing a video signal.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
35 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said commonly used circuit is a second memory means for inputting a video signal from said first memory means and for storing said video signal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 22 further comprising a picture quality adjusting means between said first memory means and said second memory means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 22 further comprising a line interpolating means in rear part of said second memory means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
40 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 22 further comprising a first output means for outputting the video signal from said first memory means and a second output means for outputting a video signal from said second memory means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said first memory means consists of a plurality of frame memories respectively storing signals imaged in response to respective illuminating lights of field sequential type.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
62 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 26 further comprising a mixing means for mixing the video signal from said first output means and the video signal from said second output means and for displaying on one monitor an image by the video signal from said first output means and an image by the video signal from said second output means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 26 further comprising a picture quality adjusting means between said first memory means and said first output means and second memory means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
167 words
An endoscope system comprising: a first endoscope comprising an elongate insertable part having an observing window in a tip part and a first imaging means for receiving and for color-imaging in a field sequential type a light from an object incident from said observing window; a second endoscope comprising an elongate insertable part having an observing window in a tip part and a second imaging means for receiving and for color-imaging in a synchronous type a light from an object incident from said observing window; an illuminating means for feeding illuminating light to said first endoscope and said second endoscope; a signal processing apparatus having a first signal processing means for processing a signal for said first endoscope and a second signal processing means for processing a signal for said second endoscope; and a color monitor inputting video signals from said respective signal processing means and color-displaying an object image, one signal processing means having a circuit partly used in common with the other signal processing means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
167 words
An endoscope system comprising: a first endoscope comprising an elongate insertable part having an observing window in a tip part and a first imaging means for receiving and for color-imaging in a field sequential type a light from an object incident from said observing window; a second endoscope comprising an elongate insertable part having an observing window in a tip part and a second imaging means for receiving and for color-imaging in a synchronous type a light from an object incident from said observing window; an illuminating means for feeding illuminating light to said first endoscope and said second endoscope; a signal processing apparatus having a first signal processing means for processing a signal for said first endoscope and a second signal processing means for processing a signal for said second endoscope; and a color monitor inputting video signals from said respective signal processing means and color-displaying an object image, one signal processing means having a circuit partly used in common with the other signal processing means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
161 words
An endoscope system comprising: a first endoscope comprising an elongate insertable part having an observing window in a tip part and a first imaging means for receiving and for color-imaging in a field sequential type a light from an object incident from said observing window; a second endoscope comprising an elongate insertable part having an observing window in a tip part and a second imaging means for receiving and for color-imaging in a synchronous type a light from an object incident from said observing window; an illuminating means for feeding illuminating light to said first endoscope and said second endoscope; a first signal processing means for processing a signal for said first endoscope; a second signal processing means for processing a signal for said second endoscope; a color monitor inputting video signals from said respective signal processing means and color-displaying an object image, said first signal processing means and said second signal processing means having a common video signal output end.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
161 words
An endoscope system comprising: a first endoscope comprising an elongate insertable part having an observing window in a tip part and a first imaging means for receiving and for color-imaging in a field sequential type a light from an object incident from said observing window; a second endoscope comprising an elongate insertable part having an observing window in a tip part and a second imaging means for receiving and for color-imaging in a synchronous type a light from an object incident from said observing window; an illuminating means for feeding illuminating light to said first endoscope and said second endoscope; a first signal processing means for processing a signal for said first endoscope; a second signal processing means for processing a signal for said second endoscope; a color monitor inputting video signals from said respective signal processing means and color-displaying an object image, said first signal processing means and said second signal processing means having a common video signal output end.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
59 words
An endoscope system according to claim 30 further comprising a discriminating means for discriminating an imaging system of an endoscope to be connected and an output switching means wherein a video signal transmitted through a video signal processing means corresponding to the imaging system discriminated by said discriminating means is led selectively to said common video signal output end.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
39 words
An endoscope system according to claim 31 wherein said discriminating means has a comparing means for determining the imaging system by a characteristic of an output signal of an imaging means which is different depending on the imaging system.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
71 words
An endoscope system according to claim 31 wherein a light source apparatus having said illuminating means and connected with said first signal processing means only when said first endoscope is used and said discriminating means has a connection sensing means for discriminating the imaging system of the endoscope to be used by sensing whether said light source apparatus and said first signal processing means are connected with each other or not.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
46 words
An endoscope system according to claim 31 wherein said first endoscope and said second endoscope have respectively discriminating information generating means for generating information showing the imaging system and said discriminating means inputs information generated by said discriminating information generating means to discriminate the imaging system.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
50 words
An endoscope system according to claim 34 wherein said discriminating information generating means has two terminals, each terminal has a different resistance depending on the imaging system and said discriminating means has a sensing means for sensing a resistance value between the two terminals of said discriminating information generating means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
60 words
An endoscope system according to claim 34 wherein said discriminating information generating means has a discriminating part provided in a connector part connected to said first and second signal processing means which is different in form depending on the imaging system and said discriminating means has a sensing means for sensing a difference of the form of said discriminating part.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
49 words
An endoscope system according to claim 36 wherein said sensing means has a light emitting means, a light receiving means opposed to said light emitting means with said discriminating part held therebetween and a light amount sensing means for sensing a received light amount of said light receiving means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
92 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus to which an endoscope, provided with one of a field sequential type color imaging means and a synchronous type color imaging means, can be connected, said endoscope signal processing apparatus comprising: at least a signal processing means for processing a signal for said one of said color imaging means, said signal processing means being provided within an integral apparatus; and said signal processing means having a circuit sued partly in common with the other color signal processing means processing a signal for the other color imaging means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
92 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus to which an endoscope, provided with one of a field sequential type color imaging means and a synchronous type color imaging means, can be connected, said endoscope signal processing apparatus comprising: at least a signal processing means for processing a signal for said one of said color imaging means, said signal processing means being provided within an integral apparatus; and said signal processing means having a circuit sued partly in common with the other color signal processing means processing a signal for the other color imaging means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 38 wherein said signal processing means processes the signal for the field sequential type color imaging means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
41 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 39 wherein said signal processing means has a processing circuit producing three primary color signals of R, G and B from a picture image information signal from the field sequential type imaging means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 38 wherein said signal processing means processes the signal for the synchronous type color imaging means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
39 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 41 wherein said signal processing means has a processing circuit producing a luminance signal and color difference signals from a picture image information signal from the synchronous type color imaging means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 38 wherein said commonly used circuit is an outline enhancing circuit.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 38 wherein said signal processing means has a video signal output end usable in common with the other color signal processing means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
20 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 38 further comprising a bypass circuit which bypasses said commonly used circuit.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
34 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 38 further comprising a light source apparatus which can output an illuminating light to the field sequential type color imaging means and a white color light.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
24 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 39 wherein said signal processing means has a first memory means for storing a video signal.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
35 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 47 wherein said commonly used circuit is a second memory means for inputting a video signal from said first memory means and for storing said video signal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
42 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 48 further comprising a first output means which can output a video signal from said first storage means and a second output means which can output a video signal from said second memory means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
32 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 49 wherein said first memory means is a plurality of frame memories respectively storing signals imaged in response to respective field sequential illuminating light.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
58 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 50 further comprising a mixing means wherein a video signal from said first output means and a video signal from said second output means are mixed and the video signal from the first output means and the video signal from the second output means can be displayed on one monitor.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
31 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 50 further comprising a picture quality adjusting means provided between said first memory means and the first output means and second memory means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
27 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 48 further comprising a picture quality adjusting means provided between said first memory means and said second memory means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to claim 48 further comprising a line interpolating means provided in a rear part of said second memory means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-31 | 1993-01-30 | 1993-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-31 | 1997-01-30 | 1997-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-01-30 | 2001-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |