The MKC-301 is a state-ol-the-art, high-performance color camera, employing high-density CCDs to deliver unmatched image quality. Developed by lkegami in its search for excellence in the field of medical imaging, the MKC-301 incorporates precision RGB prism optics and FT (frame transfer) CCDs with approximately 400,000 pixels in its image sensing device. These work together to yield superior color fidelity and image quality with enhanced sensitivity. lkegami's sophisticated video technology has been fully utilized to reproduce true-to-reality scenes of the most advanced medical techniques. The surgical microscope camera system, with the MKC-301 at its core, represents the optimum system configuration for the surgical microscope. This system provides a reproduction on the monitor of the precise images being viewed through the microscope by the operating surgeon. Since all personnel in the operating theater can see every detail of the ongoing surgical operation, more accurate surgery can be smoothly performed. Vivid color pictures captured by the MKC-301 during an operation can be recorded on a VTR together with sound or filmed on 35-mm still photographs, while hard copies can also be printed out of the images being viewed. The character display function allows various data such as the patient's name, date, and doctor's name to be displayed on the screen, so that patient cases and surgical techniques can be retained more accurately as valuable records. The MKC-301 will open up new opportunities for medical staff at all types of hospitals and research institutes.

• High-Density CCD Pickup Device
  High-quality image for clear-definition pictures
  The FT CCDs, containing about 400,000 pixels, and the precision optics work in tandem to yield clear-definition images with 600 lines of horizontal resolution and an S/N ratio of 61 dB or more. Since the pixel staggering method is not employed, excellent color fidelity is en- sured with a minimum of color drift and shading. There- fore, minute details of the location being operated on can be reproduced clearly with exceptional color rendition.
  High sensitivity
  The high-sensitivity FT CCDs ensure optimum performance with a standard sensitivity of 2,000 lux at f5.6+1/2 and a minimum illumination of 15 lux at fl.2. The high-performance of the CCDs solves the problem of low sensitivity, a weak point of conventional tube cameras, enabling sharp, crisp pictures to be reproduced.
  Simple maintenance and ease of operation
  The CCD imaging device substantially reduces complex, time-consuming adjustment and maintenance procedures that are required by conventional camera tubes, and offers the following advantages.

  1. Elimination of the need for registration adjustment before operation.
  2. Freedom from sticking, ensuring a minimum of after-image.
  3. Excellent resistance to vibration and shock.
  4. Immunity from the effects of strong electrical or mag- netic fields.
  5. A compact and lightweight structure, with low power consumption.
  6. Long service life.

  These features help to substantially reduce strain on the operator, thus enhancing ease of use.
• Ikegami's Advanced Video Processing Techniques Achieve the Purest Image Possible.
  Image enhancer incorporating newly-developed ultra-compact supersonic delay The 2H-DfL and soft-DfL ensure sharp image enhancement with a superior S/N ratio.
  Auto highlight compression circuit
  Even for highlight shooting, natural-looking pictures are assured with no "washed out" appearance.
  Auto flare compensation circuit
  The amount of flare is automatically detected to deliver crisp images without any fogging or white noise.
  Chroma aperture and RGB DTL-KNEE
  Picture contours with white glare are softened to provide natural-Iooking images with superior color fidelity.
  Anti-noise measures
  The MKC-301 incorporates anti-noise measures to prevent noise appearing on the screen, even when an instrument such as an electrocautery is used near the camera.
  Auto white balance/auto black balance are standard on this camera.
• Versatile Functions with Emphasis on Operational Flexibility
  Character display (option)
  Since characters can be superimposed on the image be- ing filmed, data related to the on-screen image can be referred to at all times. Up to 16 sets of character images can be stored. Pictures can also be recorded on a VTR or in the form of hard copy with the preset characters super- imposed on them. This feature of recording images together with various data provides a useful tool for studying patient cases and surgical techniques. The fol- lowing characters can be superimposed on the image.

  1. PATIENT NAME/NO.
  2. AGE
  3. M/F
  4. DATE, TIME
  5. DOCTOR
  6. HOSPITAL
  7. FREEZE COUNTER
  8. Freeze function

  Single frame images, can be frozen, providing the advan- tages of close observation ofca particular shot as well as a print out for retention as hard copy.
  Electronic shutter
  The MKC-301 incorporates a variable-speed electronic shutter, with a range from 1/100 to 1/2000 of a second, to capture rapidly-moving objects with stunning clarity and control.
  Auto light control circuit
  A xenon (CLV-10) or halogen (CLE-10) light source can be automatically controlled so that the amount of light falling on the camera is continually adjusted for optimal image reproduction.
  Other operational functions

  Arrow indicator (option)

  Level indicator

  Auto genlock (color lock)

• A Design Philosophy Giving full Consideration to Ease of Operation
  Separate design
  The compact and lightweight camera head is designed as a separate unit from the CCU. This substantially improves ease of operation and facilitates sterilization and main- tenance of the system components.

• One-touch, water-proof connectors
  Tight-fitting one-touch connectors of water-proof con- struction are employed for simplicity of operation and high dependability.
• Slender camera cable
  The camera cable connecting the camera head with the CCU is made as thin as possible for maximum con- venience. It is terminated with connectors on both ends to facilitate cable replacement.

• A Full Line of Applications Comprising the MKC-30l Surgical Microscope Camera System
  Surgical microscope TV adaptor
  Two types of dedicated adaptors are available to enable the MKC-301 to capture images of the scene being viewed through the surgical microscope. The CZA-2 is a single adaptor which provides an interface for observing images on the monitor or recording them on a VTR. The CZA-6 is a two-way adaptor for 35-mm still photographs as well as for video monitoring and VTR recording.
  Quality-image color monitor
  This color monitor employs a fine-pitch CRT to deliver sharp images with more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution. It also incorporates a comb filter so that clear, crisp pictures can be reproduced with full color fidelity. Various video sources can be accommodated, including not only NTSC signals but also Y/C separate signals and RGB signals.

• SP U-matic VTR
  The VO-9600 employs the SP U-matic format which offers improved picture quality over conventional U-matic VTRs. Incorporating the frame code system, the VO-9600 offers a host of functions such as accurate search and random access.