Importance

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Abstract

An endoscope which comprises a distal end portion containing an observation optical system, a flexible tube, a freely bendable section for connecting the distal end portion to the flexible tube and an optical transmission means for conducting an image picked up by the observation optical system to an eyepiece section. The endoscope further comprises a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements spacially mounted on the surface of the optical transmission means which faces the eyepiece section, a bend angle control device for controlling the angle through which the freely bendable section is to be bent in accordance with data obtained from the photoelectric conversion elements in order to direct the tip of the distal end portion to the substantial center of the cross section of, for example, the large intestine to be examined, and whereby, when the endoscope is inserted into the large intestine, the bend angle control device automatically directs the tip of the distal end portion to the substantial center of the cross section of the large intestine in order to prevent said tip of the distal end portion to be forcefully pressed against the inner wall of the large intestine.

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First Claim