A device for detecting sensitivity of an endoscope camera system

Abstract

This invention discloses a device for detecting the sensitivity of an endoscopic imaging system, comprising a device body with an inlet and at least one outlet. An endoscope mounting component is disposed on the outlet. The device body is configured to attenuate the illuminance of the light beam entering through the inlet, and the mounting component is configured to further attenuate the illuminance of the light beam exiting through the outlet. The beneficial effects of this invention are that, through layered attenuation, the final illuminance entering the endoscope can be reduced to below 3 Lux. Furthermore, even below 3 Lux, the aperture size of the endoscope mount can be freely adjusted, and attenuation plates can be added to further reduce the illuminance. In addition, this device has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to operate. The operator can directly test the device by simply attaching the light source output end and the endoscope interface, without complex adjustments or installations, saving time and effort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of endoscopy technology, and in particular to a device for detecting the sensitivity of an endoscopic imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] One of the main functions of endoscopes and endoscopic imaging systems is to acquire, process, and present images. The "Technical Review Guidelines for the Registration of Endoscopic Imaging Systems" issued by the State Food and Drug Administration of China sets new technical requirements for endoscopic imaging systems, namely sensitivity. Sensitivity, also known as minimum illumination, reflects the degree to which an endoscopic imaging system is sensitive to light; that is, how dark a condition it can be in to produce a usable image. The unit of sensitivity is generally Lux. It is stipulated that the sensitivity of an endoscopic imaging system should be less than 3 Lux.

[0003] When measuring sensitivity, it's essential to first determine the endoscope's focal length, connect the camera to the host unit, and then use a light source with adjustable brightness in a dark room to measure the critical illuminance at which the image can be recognized. During testing, the illuminance of the light source needs to be adjusted to below 3 Lux to meet testing requirements. However, 3 Lux of illuminance is extremely weak, and it's generally difficult to precisely control the illuminance below 3 Lux. For example, using a miniature LED chip, although its luminous intensity is very weak and the light intensity can be changed by altering the current, it has a threshold current. It only emits light when the driving current is above this threshold current, and does not emit light when the current is below it. In other words, the brightness or illuminance at the threshold current is the minimum brightness of the miniature LED, which typically cannot reach 3 Lux or below.

[0004] Furthermore, this indicator needs to be checked as a routine inspection item by the quality department personnel during the factory inspection of endoscopic imaging systems. Existing testing equipment and procedures are relatively complex, increasing the operational difficulty and inspection time for quality inspectors. Therefore, there is a need to invent a device for detecting the sensitivity of endoscopic imaging systems that can meet the testing requirements while also being simple in structure and easy to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by designing a device for detecting the sensitivity of an endoscopic camera system.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is a device for detecting the sensitivity of an endoscope imaging system, comprising a device body, wherein a light inlet is formed on the device body, and at least one light outlet is formed on the device body, and an endoscope coupling member is provided on the light outlet. The device body is configured to attenuate the illuminance of the light beam entering from the light inlet, and the coupling member is configured to further attenuate the illuminance of the light beam emanating from the light outlet.

[0007] As a further description of this technical solution, a light source component is provided on the light inlet.

[0008] As a further description of this technical solution, the light source component is provided with a light entrance hole.

[0009] As a further description of this technical solution, the light source component is provided with a light-emitting light source module.

[0010] As a further description of this technical solution, the interior of the device body is provided with a coating that can absorb or diffusely reflect light.

[0011] As a further description of this technical solution, the endoscope engagement component is configured as an aperture structure with an adjustable opening size.

[0012] As a further description of this technical solution, the device body is configured as a detachable structure.

[0013] As a further description of this technical solution, the device body is provided with at least one light-blocking component, which is configured to attenuate the light beam entering from the light inlet.

[0014] As a further description of this technical solution, the light-blocking component is disposed inside the device body, and the light-blocking component divides the device body into several interconnected and relatively independent spaces.

[0015] As a further description of this technical solution, the light-blocking component is an attenuation plate or made of an opaque material.

[0016] Its beneficial effects are that the invention has a simple structure, strong practicality, and the brightness of the light source can be freely adjusted. The device body absorbs / reflects a portion of the light, and the endoscope connecting component can freely adjust the aperture of the light outlet to limit the intensity of the light. Using this device, through layer-by-layer attenuation, the final illuminance entering the endoscope can be reduced to below 3 Lux. Furthermore, when it is below 3 Lux, the aperture of the endoscope bayonet can be further adjusted and light-blocking components can be added to further reduce the illuminance. In addition, this device has a simple structure, low cost, and simple operation. It does not require use in a specific environment (such as an optical darkroom). The inspection operator can directly test by simply attaching the light source output end and the endoscope interface to the device of this invention, without complicated adjustment and installation, saving time and effort. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure from another perspective of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure from another perspective of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure from another perspective of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 7 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the illuminance meter installation structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the test structure of the endoscopic camera system of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram, 1. Device body; 2. Light inlet; 3. Light outlet; 4. Endoscope mounting component; 5. Light source mounting component; 6. Adapter block; 7. Attenuator; 8. Cover; 9. Handle; 10. Light inlet hole; 11. Shielding plate; 12. First shielding plate; 13. Second shielding plate; 14. Light source; 15. Beam guide; 16. Illuminance meter; 17. Endoscope imaging system; 18. Monitor. Detailed Implementation

[0030] First, let me explain the design intent of this invention. When measuring sensitivity, it is necessary to first determine the focal length of the endoscope, connect the camera to the host, and then use a light source with adjustable brightness in a dark room to measure the critical illuminance at which the image can be recognized. During the test, the illuminance of the light source needs to be adjusted to below 3 Lux to meet the test requirements. However, 3 Lux of illuminance is very weak, and it is usually difficult to accurately control the illuminance to below 3 Lux. For example, if a miniature LED chip is used, although its luminous intensity is very weak and the current can be changed to change the light intensity, it has a certain threshold current. It will only emit light when the driving current is higher than the threshold current, and it will not emit light when it is lower than the threshold current. That is to say, the brightness or illuminance at the threshold current is the minimum brightness of the miniature LED, and this brightness usually cannot reach 3 Lux or below.

[0031] Furthermore, this indicator needs to be inspected as a routine inspection item by the quality department operators during the factory inspection of the endoscope camera system. The existing testing equipment and testing procedures are relatively complex, which increases the difficulty of operation and inspection time for quality inspectors. Therefore, it is necessary to invent a device for detecting the sensitivity of the endoscope camera system that can meet the testing requirements and has a simple structure that is easy to operate.

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, such as... Figures 1-12 As shown, a device for detecting the sensitivity of an endoscope imaging system includes a device body 1, an inlet 2 formed on the device body 1, and at least one outlet 3 formed on the device body 1. To facilitate the free adjustment of the endoscope connection port, a connecting block 6 is provided on the device body 1 to connect the endoscope connection component 4 and the device body 1. The outlet 3 is provided with the endoscope connection component 4, which is configured as an aperture structure with freely adjustable opening size. The device body 1 is configured to attenuate the illuminance of the light beam entering from the inlet 2, and the connection component is configured to further attenuate the illuminance of the light beam emanating from the outlet 3.

[0033] In order to provide a light source for the light inlet 2, a light source component is provided on the light inlet 2. The light source component is provided with a light inlet hole 10 or a light source module. The light emitted by the light source component enters the device body 1 through the light inlet hole 10.

[0034] In order to process the light emitted by the light source component, a coating that can absorb or diffusely reflect light is provided inside the device body 1.

[0035] The main body 1 of this device is configured as a detachable structure. In order to solve the problem of the interface being not secure, a light source connecting component 5 is provided on the main body 1 on the side of the light inlet 2. The light source connecting component 5 is connected to the main body 1 by a fixing member, which is a fixing bolt.

[0036] At least one light-blocking component is provided inside the device body 1, and the light-blocking component is configured to attenuate the light beam entering from the light inlet 2.

[0037] The light-blocking component is disposed inside the device body 1, and the light-blocking component divides the device body 1 into several interconnected and relatively independent spaces.

[0038] The light-blocking component is an attenuation plate 7 or made of an opaque material.

[0039] The light-blocking component can be several attenuation plates 7 arranged in a certain regular pattern inside the device body 1. The purpose of setting the attenuation plates 7 is: ① When the aperture size of the endoscope joint component is adjusted to the minimum, the final output illuminance still cannot reach 3 Lux or below. The final output light can be reduced to below 3 Lux by adding attenuation plates 7; ② Or, even if the illuminance can be reduced to below 3 Lux by the endoscope joint component, in order to measure the final sensitivity value of the endoscope camera system, attenuation plates 7 with different attenuation specifications can be added to continue to reduce the illuminance until the endoscope camera system can no longer detect it.

[0040] To facilitate the installation of the attenuator 7, a detachable cover 8 is provided on the top of the device body 1. A handle 9 is provided on the upper part of the cover 8. The purpose of the cover 8 is to make it easy to remove so that attenuator 7 of different attenuation specifications can be replaced in the device body 1. The handle 9 is for easy gripping.

[0041] Example 1:

[0042] This embodiment is the basic scheme, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a light inlet 2 is provided on one side of the device body 1, and a light outlet 3 is provided on the other side of the device body 1. An endoscope connecting member 4 is provided on the light outlet 3. Inside the device body 1, there is a coating that can absorb light and / or a coating that diffuses light. The surface of the coating is uneven. The color of the coating used to absorb light is dark, preferably black, so as to absorb a portion of the light entering from the light inlet 2. The coating that diffuses light can reflect the light entering from the light inlet 2 in all directions by utilizing the shape of its surface, thereby minimizing the light entering the light outlet 3.

[0043] Example 2:

[0044] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, based on Embodiment 1, a light source component 5 is provided on the device body 1 on one side of the light inlet 2. The light source component 5 is provided with a light inlet hole 10. The light source component 5 is connected to the device body 1 by a fixing member, which is a fixing bolt. An adapter block 6 is provided on the device body 1 to connect the endoscope connecting member 4. An endoscope connecting member 4 is provided on the light outlet 3. The light source component 5 can enhance the stability of the device when connected to the light source output end. The adapter block 6 is more conducive to the free adjustment of the opening size of the endoscope connecting member 4. Moreover, the input port diameter of different endoscope camera systems is not necessarily the same. In order to adapt to the input end of different endoscope camera systems, the endoscope connecting member 4 needs to have different specifications. This embodiment can flexibly design adapter blocks 6 of different specifications to adapt to endoscope connecting members 4 of different specifications, thereby achieving the purpose of testing the sensitivity of different endoscope camera systems.

[0045] Example 3:

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, based on embodiment 2, an attenuation plate 7 is provided inside the device body 1, and a detachable cover 8 is provided on the device body 1. The cover 8 is provided with a handle 9, which can be used to freely remove the cover 8. The attenuation plates inside the device body 1 can be freely matched. For example, during the test, the illuminance value output by this device can be observed, and attenuation plates of different attenuation specifications can be increased or decreased to ensure that the sensitivity or minimum illuminance meets the requirement of less than 3 Lux.

[0047] Example 4:

[0048] like Figure 7 As shown, based on Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3, the light inlet 2 is located on the device body 1 at a position not directly opposite to the light outlet 3. A light source component 5 is provided on the light inlet 2, which is fixed to the device body 1 by a fixing bolt. The light inlet 2 and the light outlet 3 are misaligned, which greatly reduces the light directly shining from the light inlet 2 to the light outlet 3. The light entering from the light inlet 2 can only enter the light outlet 3 after being attenuated by the inner wall of the device body 1 and / or by the layers of attenuation plates, making it very easy for the illuminance to reach below 3 Lux.

[0049] Example 5:

[0050] like Figure 8As shown, based on Embodiments 2 to 4, the light source component 5 and the light inlet 2 are misaligned. Light enters the device body 1 through the area created by the misalignment between the light source component 5 and the light inlet 2. In Embodiments 2 to 4, the light emitted by the light source 14 is completely guided into the interior of the device body 1 after being transmitted through the beam guide 15. However, in this embodiment, through the misalignment between the light source component 5 and the light inlet 2, a portion of the light output from the beam guide 15 is blocked by the outer wall of the device body 1, and only the remaining portion of the light can be input into the interior of the device body 1 through the light inlet, thus achieving attenuation of light illuminance at the light source output end. Furthermore, the amount of light entering depends on the degree of misalignment between the light source component 5 and the light inlet 2, providing great flexibility in free setting and adjustment.

[0051] Example 6:

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, the light inlet 2 and the light outlet 3 are located on the same side of the device body 1. Inside the device body 1, a baffle plate 11 is provided between the light inlet 2 and the light outlet 3. This baffle plate is made of opaque material. There is a certain distance gap between the side of the baffle plate 11 away from the light inlet 2 and the inner wall of the device body 1. Light enters the interior of the device body 1 through the light inlet 2, passes through the gap, and exits from the side of the light outlet 3. Since the light inlet 2 and the light outlet 3 are adjacent, and the light entering from the light inlet 2 has a large emission angle, the light outlet 3 is easily affected by the light entering from the light inlet 2, and the illuminance may be very large. Therefore, a baffle plate 11 is provided between the light inlet 2 and the light outlet 3. In this scheme, the baffle plate 11 can block the direct light or stray light from the light inlet 2, and through the gap reserved on the other side, the light entering from the light inlet 2 can be attenuated layer by layer before entering the light outlet 3, thereby reducing the illuminance at the light outlet 3.

[0053] Example 7:

[0054] like Figure 10As shown, the light inlet 2 and the light outlet 3 are respectively located on opposite sides. Two sets of shielding plates are provided inside the device body 1, namely the first shielding plate and the second shielding plate. The first and second blocking plates are made of dark or opaque materials. Preferably, the first and second blocking plates are made of black and opaque materials. The surfaces of the first and second blocking plates are either flat or uneven. There are several first blocking plates and several second blocking plates. The second blocking plates are staggered with the first blocking plates. There is a certain distance gap between the second blocking plates and the inner wall of one side of the device body 1, and a certain distance gap between the first blocking plates and the inner wall of the other side of the device body 1. Light enters from the light inlet 2, passes through the blocking of the first and second blocking plates, and finally exits from the light outlet 3. As the light passes through the layers of blocking of the first and second blocking plates, some of the light is cut off during propagation, and some of the light is absorbed or diffusely reflected by the inner wall of the device body 1, the first blocking plate, and the second blocking plate. The illuminance decays very rapidly, and only a small amount of light that has been scattered and refracted during propagation can reach the light outlet 3. This embodiment is highly practical, easily reducing the minimum illumination or sensitivity to below 3 Lux. By adjusting the aperture of the endoscope connection component, the minimum illumination or sensitivity can be reduced to below 0.1 Lux, enabling the measurement of the limit sensitivity value of the endoscope imaging system.

[0055] Example 8:

[0056] Based on any embodiment other than Embodiment 1, the light inlet 10 on the light source component 5 is replaced with a miniature light source module, a battery, wiring, and a switch (the battery, wiring, and switch can be installed on the device body 1). The light emitted from the light source module on the light source component 5 enters the device body 1 through the light inlet 2. In the above embodiments, the light entering the device body 1 is guided by the light source 14 through the beam guide 15. The inspection operator needs to use a light source device and a beam guide during testing. However, the solution of this embodiment directly integrates the light source into the device, making it more portable.

[0057] Example 9:

[0058] Based on any embodiment other than Embodiment 1, a connecting member is provided between the light source component 5 and the light inlet 2. The connecting member functions similarly to the endoscope connecting member 4 and is configured as an aperture structure with freely adjustable opening size. In the above embodiments, the illuminance of the light emitted from the light outlet 3 can only be adjusted through the endoscope connecting member 2. However, in this embodiment, a connecting member with an aperture structure is provided at the light inlet 2. Therefore, by changing the opening size of the aperture structure of the connecting member and the endoscope component respectively, the illuminance of the light at the light inlet 2 and the light outlet 3 can be freely adjusted, further increasing the practicality and flexibility of the device.

[0059] The above details the specific structure of this technical solution. The following will explain how to use this technical solution: Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown,

[0060] Step 1: The output end of the light source 14 is connected to the light source bonding component 5 (or light inlet 2) of the main body of the device 1 through the light guide beam 15, and the illuminance meter 16 is connected to the endoscope bonding component 4 of the main body of the device 1.

[0061] Step 2: Turn on the light source 14, adjust the brightness of the light source 14 to the lowest level, adjust the endoscope engagement component 4 to change its opening size, and observe the illuminance value of the illuminance meter 16 until the illuminance value is lower than 3 LUX.

[0062] Step 3: If the requirement of less than 3 Lux cannot be met in the previous step, open the cover 8 of this device and put in attenuation plates 7 of different specifications until the requirement is met;

[0063] Step 4: Remove the illuminance meter 16, connect the input terminal of the endoscope camera system 17 to be tested to the endoscope connecting component 4, and observe whether there is an observable image on the monitor 18. If it can be observed, it means that the endoscope camera system 17 to be tested meets the sensitivity requirements; otherwise, it does not meet the requirements.

[0064] Step 5: Further, if you want to test the limit value of the sensitivity of the endoscope camera system 17, you can put attenuation plates 7 of different specifications inside the device to achieve different levels of illuminance attenuation. For example, if the endoscope camera system just cannot observe the image after adding the T30% specification attenuation plate 7, it means that the illuminance value at this time is the limit sensitivity of the system. The illuminance output by the endoscope connecting component 4 of the device at this time can be measured with an illuminance meter.

[0065] This invention features a simple structure, strong practicality, and freely adjustable light source brightness. The device body absorbs / reflects a portion of the light, and the endoscope mounting components can freely adjust the aperture of the light outlet to limit the intensity of the emitted light. Using this device, through layered attenuation, the final illuminance entering the endoscope can be reduced to below 3 Lux. Furthermore, below 3 Lux, the aperture of the endoscope mount can be further adjusted and light-blocking components can be added to further reduce the illuminance. In addition, this device has a simple structure, low cost, and easy operation, and does not require use in specific environments (such as optical darkrooms). The inspection operator can directly test by simply attaching the light source output end and the endoscope interface to the device of this invention, without complicated adjustments or installations, saving time and effort.

[0066] The above technical solutions only embody the preferred technical solutions of the present invention. Any modifications that may be made by those skilled in the art to certain parts thereof embody the principles of the present invention and fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for detecting the sensitivity of an endoscopic imaging system, characterized in that, The device includes a device body (1), on which a light inlet (2) and at least one light outlet (3) are formed; The axis of the light inlet (2) is misaligned with the axis of the light outlet (3), and a light-blocking component is provided inside the device body (1) in the optical path between the light inlet (2) and the light outlet (3). The light-blocking component divides the device body (1) into several interconnected and relatively independent spaces, so that the light beam entering from the light inlet (2) cannot directly irradiate the light outlet (3). The device body (1) is configured to attenuate the illuminance of the light beam entering from the light inlet (2) by absorbing light through its internal structure. An endoscope engagement component (4) is provided on the light outlet (3). The endoscope engagement component (4) is configured as a mechanical aperture structure with an adjustable opening size, which is used to further attenuate the illuminance of the light beam emitted from the light outlet (3). The light-blocking component divides the device body into several interconnected and relatively independent spaces, including a shield (11) made of opaque material. The shield (11) is located between the light inlet (2) and the light outlet (3), and a gap is left between one side of the shield and the inner wall of the device body (1) for light to pass through.

2. A device for detecting sensitivity of an endoscope camera system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A light source component (5) is provided on the light inlet (2).

3. A device for detecting sensitivity of an endoscope camera system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light source component (5) is provided with a light inlet hole.

4. The device for detecting the sensitivity of an endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device body (1) has a coating inside that can absorb light.

5. The device for detecting the sensitivity of an endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shielding plate (11) includes a first shielding plate (12) and a second shielding plate (13). The first shielding plate (12) and the second shielding plate (13) are distributed in a staggered manner within the device body (1), and they form gaps between themselves and the inner walls of different sides of the device body (1) to allow light to bend and pass through.

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