As a result of the ability to manufacture our CMOS imagers and place them into very small packages, the applications in less-invasive surgical procedures become clear. Because CMOS color imagers are manufactured on equipment that is used to produce standard CMOS semiconductor chips, these imagers can be manufactured in high-volumes at very low costs (around 1/20th the cost of CCD's). This allows CMOS cameras to be used as "single-use disposables" or as very low-cost reposable systems when incorporated into medical or industrial endoscopes and surgical instruments. Our CMOS camera system, which is located at the distal tip of the endoscope, will outperform all CCD based rod-lens systems which are priced between $15,000 and $50,000!

This technology also has applications in low-cost, high-resolution Intraoral cameras for dentistry and opens completely new fields for endoscopic procedures in veterinary medicine. A veterinarian will be able to purchase a complete high-resolution, soakable 30º video-endoscope system with camera control module and light source for around $1000!