Brightness-controlled endoscope illumination system

摘要

An illumination system for endoscopes having a light source of which the brightness is controlled by a control unit. A hook-up cable containing a bundle of optic fibers is provided to transmit the light from the light source to a light guide situated in the endoscope and extending to a distal end of the endoscope. At least one fiber of the bundle of fibers is optically coupled at one end near the light source with a light sensor. The light sensor cooperates with the control unit to control the brightness of the light source.