Patent ID: 6407773
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An image sensing apparatus comprising:a camera head unit which comprises: image forming optical member for forming an optical image of an object; image sensor for converting the optical image formed by said image forming optical member into an electrical image signal; and transmitter for transmitting characteristic information on said camera head unit; and an expansion unit selectively inserted into or detached from an external computer, which comprises: signal processor, connected with said camera head unit via a communication line, for performing predetermined processing on the electrical image signal provided by said camera head unit; bus connector for selectively connecting said expansion unit with said external computer while said expansion unit is inserted in said external computer; and controller for controlling an image pickup operation of said camera head unit by providing communication between said camera head unit and said external computer in accordance with both of said characteristic information on said camera head unit and a signal from said external computer when said expansion unit is inserted in said external computer.