Patent ID: 6606113
Filing Date: 2003-08-12
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
An imaging system for an endoscope, comprising:a scope unit including an elongated insertion unit insertable in a narrow region; and a TV camera unit, wherein said TV camera unit has a first mount portion for operably connecting said TV camera, in an alternative manner, to: (a) a stereoscopic scope unit, having a second mount portion, used for three-dimensional observation that has an elongated insertion unit insertable in a narrow region and that emits a plurality of light beams for stereoscopic observation, and (b) a two-dimensional scope unit, having a third mount portion, used for two-dimensional observation that has an elongated insertion unit insertable in a narrow region and that emits a single light beam, said first mount portion being operably connectable to said second and third mount portions for permitting said TV camera to operate with said stereoscopic scope unit and said two-dimensional scope unit, said stereoscopic scope unit includes an observation optical system having a single optical axis, said TV camera unit includes a single image formation optical system, a means for splitting an aperture stop of said image formation optical system, and a single imaging means for photoelectrically transforming images formed by said image formation optical system, said means for splitting an aperture stop transmits a first polarized light component of light entering one of two areas constituting said aperture stop of said image formation optical system, and transmits a second polarized light component, which is different from said first polarized light component, of light entering the other area, said TV camera unit includes a coupling section that can be mounted on said stereoscopic scope unit and two-dimensional scope unit, and said imaging means picks up light beams transmitted through said two areas, wherein said means for disuniting light beams is a composite polarizer made by juxtaposing numerous first polarizing devices for intercepting said second polarized light component and transmitting said first polarized light component and numerous second polarizing devices for intercepting said first polarized light component and transmitting said second polarized light component, and said composite polarizer is placed on the incident side of one imaging device, and wherein said first polarized light component and said second polarized light component are orthogonal to each other.