Patent ID: 6714235
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An electronic endoscope selector comprising:a video signal switching processor that switches video signals, which are output to at least one peripheral device, from first video signals fed from a first electronic endoscope to second video signals fed from a second electronic endoscope; a synchronizing signal switching processor that switches synchronizing signals, which are output to said peripheral device, from synchronizing signals fed from said first electronic endoscope to synchronizing signals fed from said second electronic endoscope; and a switching control processor that drives said video signal switching processor and said synchronizing signal switching processor, and suspends output of said video signals for a predetermined period while the switched synchronizing signals are output, the predetermined period being longer than the time required for the synchronizing signal to synchronize with said peripheral device, wherein: said switching control processor drives said video signal switching processor for a predetermined period after driving said synchronizing signal switching processor, and suspends output of said video signals during said predetermined period; said video signal switching processor comprises: a first buffer circuit that receives said first video signals and controls ON and OFF states for outputting said first video signals, wherein said ON state permits output of said first video signals and said OFF state forbids output of said first video signals; and a second buffer circuit that receives said second video signals and controls ON and OFF states for output of said second video signals, wherein said ON state permits output of said second video signals and said OFF state forbids output of said second video signals; said switching control processor comprises: a first timer that sets said state of said first buffer circuit to said OFF state, which forbids the output of said first video signals, immediately after input of a control signal for setting the output of said first and second buffer circuit to said OFF state; and a second timer that sets said state of said second buffer circuit to said OFF state immediately after input of said control signal and sets said state of said second buffer circuit to said ON state after said predetermined period from completion of said input of said control signal; and a switching of said video signals is controlled by said control signal, which is alternately input to said first and second timer.