Compact video imaging assembly

摘要

A compact diagnostic video imaging system includes in a cylindrical housing (168) a focusing lens (178), a solid state sensor (174) and support electronics on an IC board (180) for converting the optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal. Preferably, the solid state sensor (174) is a compact low power CMOS video camera. A plurality of white-light producing LEDs (190) preferably disposed adjacent to the solid state sensor (174) and disposed planarly with imaging optics (178) are used to direct light onto the target area. Preferably, the totality of the imaging system including the signal processing electronics (180) and illuminating optics (190) are situated in a space envelope (168) which is not larger than the periphery of the solid state sensor (174), allowing the imaging system to be located within the distal end of an electronic viewing instrument.