Camera head with digital memory for storing information about the image sensor

Apparatus for representing an optical image as video signals suitable for display on a display device, said apparatus comprising:

• a device operable to produce electrical signals representative of an optical image of a region to be viewed, said device including:
• a portion operable to be inserted into said region to be viewed for developing an optical image of said region,
• an imager operable to generate electrical signals that represent said optical image, and
• a digital memory storing information about said device;
• and
• a processor connected by a cable to said device, said processor being operable to receive said electrical signals from said imager over said cable, to access said digital memory and read said information from said digital memory over said cable, and to convert said electrical signals using said information to video signals that represent said optical image and are suitable for display, wherein said received electrical signals are distinct from said information from said digital memory.

Apparatus for providing electrical signals that represent an optical image to a processor for conversion to video signals suitable for display on a display device, said apparatus comprising:

• a device operable to be inserted into a region to be viewed for developing an optical image of said region,
• an imager supported by said device and operable to generate electrical signals that represent said optical image,
• a digital memory supported by said device and storing information identifying variations in luminance reproduction of said imager relative to nominal luminance reproduction for use by the processor in converting the electrical signals produced by said imager to video signals, and
• said device being adapted for connection to the processor so that the processor can receive said electrical signals from said imager and obtain said information from said digital memory for use in converting the electrical signals from said imager to video signals, wherein said electrical signals from said imager are distinct from said information from said digital memory.

Apparatus for providing electrical signals that represent an optical image to a processor for conversion to video signals suitable for display on a display device, said apparatus comprising,

• a device operable to be inserted into a region to be viewed for developing an optical image of said region,
• an imager supported by said device and operable to generate electrical signals that represent said optical image,
• a digital memory supported by said device and storing information identifying variations in color reproduction of said imager relative to nominal color reproduction for use by the processor in converting the electrical signals produced by said imager to video signals, and
• said device being adapted for connection to the processor so that the processor can receive said electrical signals from said imager and obtain said information from said digital memory for use in converting the electrical signals from said imager to video signals, wherein said electrical signals from said imager are distinct from said information from said digital memory.

An endoscope for providing electrical signals that represent an optical image of an object, comprising,

• a housing, at least a portion of which is configured to be inserted into a region to be viewed for developing an optical image of said region,
• an imager mounted in said housing and operable to generate electrical signals that represent said optical image,
• a digital memory mounted in said housing and storing information identifying variations in said electrical signals relative to nominal values of said electrical signals, and
• circuitry operable to provide said electrical signals and said information to an output of said endoscope, wherein said electrical signals from said imager are distinct from said information from said digital memory.