Reduced area imaging device incorporated within endoscopic devices

摘要

A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. The imaging device is provided in various configurations, and connections between the imaging device elements and a video display may be achieved by wired or wireless connections. A connector assembly located near the imaging device interconnects the imaging device to an image/power cable extending through the endoscope. The connector provides strain relief and stabilization for electrically interconnecting the imager to the cable. The connector also serves as the structure for anchoring the distal ends of steering wires extending through the body of the endoscopic device. The connector includes a strain relief member mounted over a body of the connector. The connector allows a steering wire capability without enlarging the profile of the distal tip of the endoscopic device.

主权项

1. An imaging device comprising:
a housing; an image sensor mounted in said housing, said image sensor including a first circuit board having a length and a width thereto, wherein said length and width of said first circuit board define a first plane, said first circuit board including an array of CMOS pixels thereon, wherein a plurality of CMOS pixels within said array of CMOS pixels each include an amplifier, said first circuit board further including timing and control circuitry thereon, said timing and control circuitry being coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal; a second circuit board mounted in said housing, said second circuit board being electrically coupled to said first circuit board, said second circuit board having a length and a width thereto, wherein said length and width of said second circuit board define a second plane, said second circuit board including circuitry thereon to convert said pre-video signal to a post-video signal, said second circuit board being offset from said first circuit board, said second plane of said second circuit board being substantially parallel to said first plane of said first circuit board; a lens mounted in said housing, said lens being integral with said imaging device, said lens focusing images on said array of CMOS pixels of said image sensor; a video screen, said video screen being electrically coupled to said second circuit board, said video screen receiving said post-video signal and displaying images from said post-video signal; and a power supply mounted in said housing, said power supply being electrically coupled to said first circuit board to provide power to said array of CMOS pixels and said timing and control circuitry, said power supply also being electrically coupled to said second circuit board to provide power thereto.