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Abstract

An integrated beam splitter video camera for processing an optical image from an endoscope is shown. The integrated beam splitter video camera includes a housing having a central area which extends therethrough, an optical aperture for passing an optical image to be processed from an endoscope along a predetermined path into the central area of the housing, and a viewing opening for viewing the optical image. A beam splitting surface, located along the predetermined path and within the central area of the housing, receives the optical image and, with a minimum absorption loss in the visible spectrum, transmits a nominal portion of the optical image along a first optical path and reflects the remaining substantial portion of the optical image along a second optical path which is at a selected angle to the first optical path. A viewing optical system is positioned within the central area of the housing and along the first optical path to intercept the nominal portion of the optical image for forming a viewable image of the optical image which is viewable through the viewing opening. An optical image processing system, located within the housing, is positioned relative to the second optical path to receive and process the remaining substantial portion of the optical image. The optical processing system includes a sensor-converter for producing video signals representing the optical image. A method for processing the optical image is also shown.

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