US Patent 7582056 Endoscope system

An endoscope system includes an endoscope having an image pickup device, a control unit, signal lines, a first earth electric wire, a light guide and a scope connector. The scope connector is formed by collecting a first electric contact, a first non-contact power transmitting portion serving as a non-contact electromagnetic induction and coupling device, a first non-contact signal transmitting portion, and a first illumination light transmitting portion. The system further includes an endoscope control device having a multi-connector portion to which the scope connector is detachably connected, a second electrical contact, which is provided in the multi-connector portion and connectable to the first electric contact, a second non-contact power transmitting portion and a second non-contact signal transmitting portion which are provided in the multi-connector portion and connectable to the first non-contact power transmitting portion and the first non-contact signal transmitting portion respectively, and a video signal processing unit for controlling the control unit of the endoscope.