Endoscope for investigation and location of tumours - has miniature infrared picture sensor of opto-electric type at distal end

摘要

The picture sensor comprises a picture-producing optical system and an opto-electrical picture converter with an electrical picture signal transmission lead running to the proximal endoscope end. The picture sensor (104) is formed as an infrared sensor, contg. a picture converter in the form of a ferro- or pyroelectrical detector mosaic (106). A video sensor is provided including a detector mosaic (32) for the visible wavelength range. The two sensor parts have simultaneously scanned picture fields. The two detector mosaics (32, 106) incorporate a common optical system (108) effective in both the visible and infrared wavelength ranges, with a radiation divider for wavelength-dependent splitting of the light beams into visual and infrared picture sections. The optical system (108) is formed bi-prismatically (34) for radiation division, and the optical axis of the infrared sensor is inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope. ADVANTAGE - Accurate location and assessment as to size and severity of tumours and other tissue changes in human body.