Patent US4862873A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4862873A
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US
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Stereo endoscope
Assignee: Olympus Corp
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Filing: 1988-05-26
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Granted: 1989-09-05
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Expires: 2008-05-26
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus is disclosed which includes a first and a second optical guides inserted in an elongated insertion portion thereof, and which can transmit an optical image, and an optical system with a function of imaging at the end surface of the optical guide. By transmitting an illuminating light from the other end surface to the portion to be observed through one of the optical guides, the portion to be observed is illuminated. While, the optical image transmitted through the other optical guide is introduced into an ocular system or an imaging system. By changing the functions performed by these optical guides, the stereoscopic observation and stereoscopic imaging can be realized.
Inventors
- 👤 Akihiko Yajima
- 👤 Tetsuo Nonami
- 👤 Masahiko Sasaki
- 👤 Masao Uehara
- 👤 Takashi Tsukaya
- 👤 Kenichi Kikuchi
- 👤 Hiroki Hibino
- 👤 Takao Tsuruoka
- 👤 Hiromasa Suzuki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:56
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/06; A61B1/0646; A61B1/00163; A61B1/00165; A61B1/00193; A61B1/04; A61B1/042; A61B1/0655; A61B1/0661; A61B1/0669; A61B1/07; G; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/24; G02B23/2407; G02B23/2415; H; H04; H04N; H04N13/00; H04N13/10; H04N13/106; H04N13/161; H04N13/20; H04N13/204; H04N13/239; H04N13/296; H04N13/30; H04N13/332; H04N13/341; H04N13/167; H04N13/189; H04N13/254; H04N13/398; H04N23/00; H04N23/50; H04N23/555
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 61
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus comprising: an elongated insertion portion; first and second optical guide means inserted into said insertion portion, and through which an optical image can be transmitted; a lens system for imaging said optical image at each front end surface of said first and second optical guides disposed at the front end of said insertion portion; light output means for outputting illuminating light to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; imaging means for imaging said optical image transmitted to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; and illuminating/imaging control means for introducing said optical image transmitted through one of said guide means to said imaging means when said illuminating light output from said light output means is supplied to the other end of said first or second optical guide means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus comprising: an elongated insertion portion; first and second optical guide means inserted into said insertion portion, and through which an optical image can be transmitted; a lens system for imaging said optical image at each front end surface of said first and second optical guides disposed at the front end of said insertion portion; light output means for outputting illuminating light to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; imaging means for imaging said optical image transmitted to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; and illuminating/imaging control means for introducing said optical image transmitted through one of said guide means to said imaging means when said illuminating light output from said light output means is supplied to the other end of said first or second optical guide means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
154 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus comprising: an elongated insertion portion; first and second optical guide means inserted into said insertion portion, and through which an optical image can be transmitted; a lens system for imaging the optical image at each front end surface of said first and second optical guides disposed at the front end of said insertion portion; light output means for outputting illuminating light to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; ocular optical system means for introducing said optical image transmitted to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides into two ocular openings for observing said optical image; and illuminating/observing control means for introducing said optical image transmitted through either of said optical guide means to said ocular opening which corresponds to said optical guide means when said illuminating light is supplied to the other one of said first or second optical guide means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
154 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus comprising: an elongated insertion portion; first and second optical guide means inserted into said insertion portion, and through which an optical image can be transmitted; a lens system for imaging the optical image at each front end surface of said first and second optical guides disposed at the front end of said insertion portion; light output means for outputting illuminating light to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; ocular optical system means for introducing said optical image transmitted to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides into two ocular openings for observing said optical image; and illuminating/observing control means for introducing said optical image transmitted through either of said optical guide means to said ocular opening which corresponds to said optical guide means when said illuminating light is supplied to the other one of said first or second optical guide means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said optical guide means comprises a fiber bundle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said optical guide means comprises a relay optical system in which a plurality of lenses are longitudinally disposed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said optical guide means comprises a refractive index gradient type of lens.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said light output means comprises a lamp outputting white light.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said light output means comprises a face-successive light output means for successively outputting light beams of a plurality of wave ranges.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said light output means is able to selectively output said white light and said face-successive light which successively outputs light beams of a plurality of wave ranges.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said light output means comprises two light source lamps.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said light output means comprises a single light source lamp.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means comprises an imaging optical system and an imaging element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means comprises two imaging optical systems and two imaging elements.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means comprises a single imaging element.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means comprises an imaging element provided with a color filter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means comprises an imaging element having no color filter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means for branching light is provided between said optical guide means and said imaging means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 16, wherein an image guide is provided between said means for branching light and said imaging element.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a light guide is provided in such a manner that one front end surface thereof confronts said means for branching light.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means is detachably provided for said optical guide means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means is integrally formed with said optical guide means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said ocular optical system is integrally formed with said optical guide means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said ocular optical system is detachably provided for said optical guide means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein means for branching light is provided between said optical guide means and said imaging means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an image guide is provided between said means for branching light and said ocular optical system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means is provided separately from said light output means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means is accommodated in one housing together with said light output means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
142 words
A stereo endoscope system comprising: an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, a plurality of optical guide means inserted into said insertion portion through each of which an optical image can be transmitted, and a lens system for imaging an optical image at a first end surface of each said optical guide means at the front end of said insertion portion; light emitting means for supplying illumination light to the other end of a selected one of any of said optical guide means, said light being output from said first end surface for illuminating a subject; imaging means for making visible an optical image of the subject transmitted to the other end surface of each said optical guide means other than that illuminating said subject; illuminating/imaging control means for controlling said light emitting means and introducing said transmitted optical image from said.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
142 words
A stereo endoscope system comprising: an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, a plurality of optical guide means inserted into said insertion portion through each of which an optical image can be transmitted, and a lens system for imaging an optical image at a first end surface of each said optical guide means at the front end of said insertion portion; light emitting means for supplying illumination light to the other end of a selected one of any of said optical guide means, said light being output from said first end surface for illuminating a subject; imaging means for making visible an optical image of the subject transmitted to the other end surface of each said optical guide means other than that illuminating said subject; illuminating/imaging control means for controlling said light emitting means and introducing said transmitted optical image from said.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said optical guide means comprises three optical guide means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said optical guide means comprises two optical guide means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
55 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said stereo endoscope apparatus further comprises an ocular unit constituted by: an ocular optical system which is detachably provided for said endoscope, and which confronts said plurality of optical guide means; and light guide means disposed confronting one of a plurality of said optical guide means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
57 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said ocular unit further comprises an imaging unit constituted by: a pair of imaging optical systems which can be fitted to said endoscope, and which confronts a plurality of said optical guide means; and light guide means which confronts one of a plurality of said optical guide means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said optical guide means is disposed in the circumferential direction at a uniform angle relative to the center of said insertion portion.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
49 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said ocular unit is rotatably provided whereby a pair of said ocular optical system confronting a plurality of said optical guide means and said light guide means confronting one of a plurality of said optical guide means can be replaceable.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
49 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said imaging unit is rotatably provided, whereby a pair of said imaging optical system confronting a plurality of said optical guide means and said light guide means confronting one of a plurality of said optical guide means can be replaceable.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
55 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said stereo endoscope apparatus further comprises an ocular unit constituted by: a pair of ocular optical systems which can be fitted to said endoscope, and which can confront said two optical guide means; and single light guide means which can confront said two optical guide means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
57 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said stereo endoscope apparatus further comprises an ocular unit constituted by: a pair of imaging optical systems which is able to be fitted to said endoscope, and which can confront said two optical guide means; and single light guide means which can confront said two optical guide means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
77 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said stereo endoscope apparatus further comprises an ocular unit constituted by: a pair of means for branching light which is able to be fitted to said endoscope, and which confronts said two optical guides; a pair of ocular optical systems which confronts one end of said means for branching light; and a pair of light guide means which confronts the other end of said means for branching light.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
85 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said stereo endoscope apparatus further comprises an imaging unit constituted by: a pair of means for branching light which is able to be fitted to said endoscope, and which confronts said two optical guides; a pair of imaging optical systems which confronts one end surfaces of a pair of said means for branching light; and a pair of light guide means which confronts the other end surfaces of a pair of said means for branching light.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said imaging unit includes a signal cable extending from said imaging unit.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
A stereo endoscope apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said imaging unit includes no signal cable extending from said imaging unit.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
208 words
A stereo endoscope system comprising: an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, first and second optical guide means inserted into said insertion portion, and through which an optical image can be transmitted, a lens system for imaging the optical image at each front end surface of said first and second optical guides disposed at the front end of said insertion portion; light output means which can be fitted to one end portions of said first and second optical guides of said endoscope, and which supplies illuminating light to said end portions; light output means for outputting illuminating light to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; imaging means for imaging said optical image transmitted to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; illuminating/imaging control means for introducing said optical image transmitted through one of said optical guide means to said imaging means when said illuminating light output from said light output means is supplied to the other one of said first or second optical guide means; signal processing means for generating image signals by signal-processing the signals which have been optically converted by said imaging means; and monitor means for color-displaying said image signals output by said signal processing means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
208 words
A stereo endoscope system comprising: an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, first and second optical guide means inserted into said insertion portion, and through which an optical image can be transmitted, a lens system for imaging the optical image at each front end surface of said first and second optical guides disposed at the front end of said insertion portion; light output means which can be fitted to one end portions of said first and second optical guides of said endoscope, and which supplies illuminating light to said end portions; light output means for outputting illuminating light to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; imaging means for imaging said optical image transmitted to the other end surfaces of said first and second optical guides; illuminating/imaging control means for introducing said optical image transmitted through one of said optical guide means to said imaging means when said illuminating light output from said light output means is supplied to the other one of said first or second optical guide means; signal processing means for generating image signals by signal-processing the signals which have been optically converted by said imaging means; and monitor means for color-displaying said image signals output by said signal processing means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said optical guide comprises a fiber bundle.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said optical guide comprises a relay optical system in which a plurality of lenses are longitudinally disposed.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said optical guide comprises a refractive index gradient type of lens.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said light output means comprises a lamp which issues white light.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said light output means comprises face-successive light output means for outputting light of a plurality of wave ranges.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said light output means comprises two light source lamps.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said light output means comprises a single light source lamp.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said imaging means comprises imaging elements provided with color filters.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said imaging means comprises imaging elements having no color filter.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
16 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said imaging means comprises two imaging elements.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said imaging means comprises a single imaging element.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
29 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein means for branching light is provided between the other end surface of said optical guide means and said imaging element.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 53, wherein an image guide is provided confronting one end surface of said means for branching light.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 54, wherein a light guide is provided confronting the other end surface of said means for branching light.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said imaging means is provided separately from said light output means.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stereo endoscope system according to claim 41, wherein said imaging means is integrally formed with said light output 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) | 1992-09-04 | 1993-03-06 | 1993-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-04 | 1997-03-06 | 1997-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-04 | 2001-03-06 | 2001-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |