Patent ID: 6141037
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: A61B,H04N,Y10S

Abstract:
An endoscopic video camera system comprising:an endoscope;control circuitry for processing the electronic image as produced by the imager;a camera head configured for placement along a first optical path extending through the endoscope;a light source;a second optical path extending from the light source to the camera head;the camera head comprising:camera head electronics including an imager for producing an electronic image; anda power source for converting at least a portion of the optical energy as transmitted along the second optical path into electrical energy and using the same to power at least part of the camera head electronics, the power source comprising:a splitter for segregating a portion of the optical energy transmitted along the second optical path; anda converter for converting the segregated portion of optical energy into electrical energy,wherein the converter comprises a plurality of photo voltaic cells arranged over an area which is sufficient to deliver necessary power to the camera head electronics given the efficiency of the cells and the intensity of the incident light, and the splitter is configured to allow approximately uniform distribution of light over the cells.