Video endoscopic probe with a distal color ccd sensor

Abstract

A video endoscopic probe has a distal terminal utilizing an objective, a color CCD sensor, and an electrical interface microcircuit. The probe utilizes a continuous bundle of optical fibers which is coupled to a light source. The probe also has a video processor coupled to an electrical interface microcircuit. This video processor is adapted to supply and synchronize electrical signals from the color CCD sensor, to process the electrical signal generated by said color CCD sensor, and to produce a video signal. The color video monitor is adapted to receive the video signal produced by the video processor. The probe also has a tubular probe coupled to the distal terminal and a control handle adapted to include the video processor and the color video monitor. A multiconductor electrical is used to couple the video processor to the electrical interface microcircuit. A regulated power supply is also used and is adapted to deliver stabilized direct current voltages for operating the video processor, video monitor, electrical interface microcircuit, and said color CCD sensor. An electrical cable is coupled to the video processor and is adapted to supply a direct current electrical voltage to said power supply. The power supply is adapted to output a direct current supply voltage through the electrical cable which is variable around a nominal value. A cylindrical piece is fixedly coupled to the control handle. The control handle is a hand-held handle having one end arranged to fixedly surround a cylindrical piece and the other end has an interface coupling. The cylindrical piece has a first longitudinal opening, adapted to pass the bundle of optical fibers, and a second longitudinal opening adapted to pass the electrical cable.