Active pixel sensor (CMOS Sensor)

An active-pixel sensor (APS), also commonly written active pixel sensor, is an image sensor consisting of an integrated circuit containing an array of pixel sensors, each pixel containing a photodetector and an active amplifier. There are many types of active pixel sensors including the CMOS APS used most commonly in cell phone cameras, web cameras and in some DSLRs. Such an image sensor is produced by a CMOS process (and is hence also known as a CMOS sensor), and has emerged as an alternative to charge-coupled device(CCD) imager sensors.

 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Comparison to CCDs

The APS pixel solves the speed and scalability issues of the passive-pixel sensor. They consume far less power than a CCD, have less image lag, and can be fabricated on much cheaper and more available manufacturing lines. Unlike CCDs, APS sensors can combine both the image sensor function and image processing functions within the same integrated circuit. APS sensors have become the technology of choice for many consumer applications, most significantly, the burgeoning mobile-phone camera market. However, adoption of APS image sensors has also found inroads in many other growing fields of photography and imaging. These include digital radiography, military ultra high speed image acquisition, high resolution 'smart' security cameras, optical mice, as well as many other consumer applications.

A number of semiconductor manufacturers offer APS sensors of various types. These include Aptina Imaging, Samsung, STMicroelectronics, Toshiba, OmniVision Technologies, Sony, among others.

Unlike in most professional fields, Active pixel cameras are rarely used in the medical applications. Evan the most demanding industry, the Hollywood motion picture industry has shifted into using CMOS cameras. Knowing the huge advantages of the CMOS technology, we focused on exclusively using this new technology in the field of ridged chip-on-the-tip laparoscopy, enabling us to provide latest camera technology and best image quality to our OEM costumers around the industry.

LED lighting

In the last decade LED lighting is becoming a increasingly substantial alternative to traditional illumination tasks. Huge R&D efforts by well-known companies increase the pace of innovations hitting the market. Using LEDs, instead of the traditional Xenon Light-sources in the endoscopy, enables us to participate from these rapid developments. The obvious benefits of LED illumination, as drastically reduced heat generation, long lifetime and cost effectiveness are ideal for endoscopy. 

Optical competence

A camera system, especially in the endoscopic field, can only be as good as its optical system. Traditional endoscopes haves reached quality levels, unforeseen several years ago. Nether the less, endoscopes are still fragile and build with the endoscopic camera head and the need objective (video adapters) complex and in many cases undefined systems.A chip-on-the-tip video-scope reduces this complex and undefined system, enabling a even better image quality. Calculating and manufacturing high quality and precision optical systems is a craft, needing year long experience and long trained skills. We are happy to have these specialized and dedicated companies - mostly from Germany and Switzerland - in our network.

Autoclavibility

Sterilizing reusable medical products is daily routine in hospitals throughout the wold. Struggling with leaking scopes as well. Therefor outstanding autoclavibility - as clear quality indication - is top priority for all our products.  

Please contact us for further details.