Endoscope with image converter plate - uses semiconductor chip connected by wires to viewing system at operating end

摘要

The endoscope has a flexible tube (1) with a number of channels (2) through it for conveying fluid, housing operating members etc. Light guides also pass through from end to end. At one end is a cold light source, and at the other end is an image converter plate (3). This is an integrated circuit device such as a semiconductor chip which incorporates image converter sensors in matrix form. It also has connection points for conductor wires which pass through the tube to a viewing device at the operating end. Addressing and answering logic devices are integrated in the plate (3). The viewing device includes a data processing system.