High-quality video endoscope with simultaneous image display for front and side cameras
This video endoscope is the only model in the PCE-VE 1500 series to be equipped with two cameras. One is positioned at the front, the other at the side. Both are positioned very close together on the camera head. An LED is positioned next to each camera, which can be used to illuminate the field of view when required. Settings on the video endoscope for image display on the screen and for illuminating the camera’s field of view take effect simultaneously for both cameras and both light sources.
The user can choose at any time whether the video endoscope displays the current image from the front camera, the side camera, or both side by side on the large touchscreen display. The simultaneous display of both cameras significantly facilitates orientation during visual inspection. Furthermore, being able to use both the front and side cameras is particularly advantageous in very confined spaces.
However, images and videos cannot be recorded simultaneously with both cameras. When recording in the viewing mode where both cameras are visible, the video endoscope only saves the images from the activated camera. If the user has enabled image captions, these will only appear on the image from the activated camera. By default, the video endoscope offers options under the ‘Watermark’ menu item, such as displaying the date and time or the camera designation as CAM1 or CAM2. The selected labels appear in small red text at the edge of the image for the active camera. If the other camera is to be activated, this is very easy to do on this video endoscope via the touchscreen. Simply double-tap on its image in the view where the images from both cameras are displayed side by side.
The flexible endoscope cable, which is just 3.8 mm thick, is approximately 1.87 metres long from the front edge of the camera head to the rubberised section at the connector. This allows this video endoscope to be used to examine internal surfaces and parts in detail that are only accessible via very narrow openings. The camera head, which can be bent in all directions using a joystick, is 42 millimetres long and has a bending radius of 35 mm at a 90-degree bending angle.
Special features of the PCE-VE 1500 series
Every video endoscope in this series features the same base unit with extensive functions and practical accessories. The individual models differ only in terms of the cameras used and the lengths and diameters of the camera cables. Thanks to function keys, a touchscreen and a joystick on the base unit, these video endoscopes are very easy to operate.
The video endoscope weighs just over two kilograms including the battery and camera unit. The device can be carried easily with one hand. For longer procedures, depending on the environment, the shoulder strap, a magnetic mount or a tripod can also be attached to the designated mounting points. Whilst holding the video endoscope in one hand, the joystick and function buttons on the handle can also be operated with the same hand. These function buttons include the image trigger and the button for adjusting the brightness of the camera’s field of view. The camera cable can be guided with the other hand.
Interchangeable endoscope cables with motor
One of the standard features of these video endoscopes is the motor-assisted movement of the camera head. Consequently, the camera, camera cable and motor are designed as a single unit. This complete camera unit can be easily replaced if necessary. The connection to the video endoscope’s base unit can be secured and released very easily. To increase durability, the cable is sheathed in tungsten braiding and the tip of the camera head is made from a titanium alloy.
Control of the camera head via joystick
To ensure the camera’s field of view precisely captures the areas to be examined, the camera head of the video endoscopes can be moved using the joystick. The articulated camera head can be bent in all directions, in some cases by more than 180 degrees. The joystick is designed and positioned between the handle and the display in such a way that it can be operated effortlessly with just one finger. Touchscreen functions
The video endoscope displays current and stored images on the seven-inch screen, not just individually. Its picture-in-picture function also allows the current image to be compared with a stored one. As a touchscreen, the monitor also offers very simple and quick access to the menu functions. The wide range of functions offered by the video endoscope for marking details and placing annotations on the images would be virtually unusable without the touchscreen.
Both the current and saved images can be digitally zoomed in on the display. To do this, simply double-tap the image or pinch out with two fingers. The zoomed-in section can be moved around on the touchscreen with your finger if required. This allows the entire image to be viewed directly on the video endoscope. On saved images, important details can be immediately circled in colour, marked with arrows or labelled on the touchscreen. These marked images can then be saved under the original name or as additional images.
Using the icons for the additional functions, it is possible to operate the video endoscope largely intuitively via the touchscreen. With the help of the picture-in-picture function, for example, the current live image can be compared with an image that has just been ‘frozen’ or one that was saved earlier. By default, the live image appears as a small window in the top right-hand corner. Tapping twice enlarges it to full screen, and the older image moves to the top right.
Interfaces
The video endoscope has the following ports for data transfer: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, audio, Wi-Fi and a memory card slot for SD cards up to 128 GB. All ports are located on the base unit to the left of the touchscreen, under a cover.
