Endoscope system and signal transmission method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an endoscope system and a signal transmission method thereof, and relates to the technical field of medical instruments. The endoscope comprises a polarization beam splitting part and a camera device. A polarization element is arranged on a front-end optical axis of the optical lens; the energy supply device comprises a photoelectric energy conversion part and an electricity storage part; the image processing device is in communication connection with the endoscope through a video transmission optical fiber and a control signal transmission optical fiber. According to the endoscope system and the signal transmission method thereof, all-fiber signal and capability transmission can be completely achieved, complete electrical isolation is fundamentally achieved, meanwhile, the problems of interference and electromagnetic radiation in the signal transmission process are fundamentally avoided, meanwhile, compared with electric signal transmission and optical transmission, higher transmission bandwidth can be provided, and the transmission efficiency is improved. And a wider space is provided for further increasing the number of the camera elements and the resolution ratio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular, to an endoscope system and a signal transmission method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the image resolution transmitted by endoscopes, especially those applied to surgical robots, has become higher and higher, and the transmission bandwidth requirements of the video transmission link have become higher and higher. Traditional coaxial or twisted pair electronic signal transmission cables are gradually difficult to meet the bandwidth requirements.

[0003] In practical applications, the endoscope and the robotic arm of the surgical robot come into contact with the human body as application components and need to be effectively electrically isolated from other parts of the system (such as the image processing host, etc.); at the same time, during the transmission of high-speed video signals between the endoscope and components such as the image processing host, it is easily affected by electromagnetic interference, resulting in poor image quality and easy problems such as excessive electromagnetic radiation, which affects the normal operation of other devices; in addition, in the application scenario of the endoscope, a liquid film can be formed on the tissue surface of the surgical area, and inevitably, specular reflection will occur in some areas, resulting in high bright spots in the imaging picture, which is not conducive to the endoscope obtaining high imaging quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide an endoscope system and a signal transmission method thereof, which can fully realize the transmission of all-fiber signals and capabilities, fundamentally achieve complete electrical isolation, and at the same time fundamentally avoid signal interference and electromagnetic radiation problems during signal transmission. At the same time, compared with electrical signal transmission, optical transmission can provide a higher transmission bandwidth, providing a broader space for further increasing the number and resolution of imaging elements.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an endoscope system, including:

[0006] A lighting device configured to transmit illumination light to the endoscope through an illumination optical fiber and make part of the illumination light incident on the object to be photographed;

[0007] An endoscope, the endoscope includes a polarization beam splitting part and an imaging device, the polarization beam splitting part is configured to split the illumination light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light, and the first polarized light is incident on the object to be photographed; the imaging device includes an optical lens that forms an image with the return light illuminating the object to be photographed and an imaging element that receives the image of the optical lens; a polarization element is provided on the front optical axis of the optical lens, and the polarization direction of the polarization element is configured to be cross-set with the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed;

[0008] An energy supply device, which includes a photoelectric energy conversion unit and a power storage unit for power supply. The photoelectric energy conversion unit is configured to receive the second polarized light and store electrical energy in the power storage unit based on photoelectric conversion.

[0009] An image processing device, which is communicatively connected to the endoscope through a video transmission optical fiber and a control signal transmission optical fiber respectively. The image processing device and the endoscope are communicatively connected through a video transmission optical fiber and a control signal transmission optical fiber respectively, and are used to transmit video signals and control signals between them.

[0010] Furthermore, the illumination optical fiber includes a first optical fiber segment and a second optical fiber segment;

[0011] The first optical fiber segment is connected between the illumination device and the incident end of the polarization beam splitter;

[0012] The second optical fiber segment is a polarization-maintaining optical fiber for transmitting the first polarized light. The polarization-maintaining optical fiber extends from the exit end of the polarization beam splitter towards the distal end of the endoscope body, so that the first polarized light can be incident on the object to be photographed.

[0013] Furthermore, the polarization direction of the polarization element is set perpendicular to the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed.

[0014] Furthermore, the crossing angle between the polarization direction of the polarization element and the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed is within a range close to 90°.

[0015] Furthermore, the endoscope includes an endoscope body and a handle connected to the proximal end of the endoscope body;

[0016] The polarization beam splitter and the energy supply device are both arranged in the handle.

[0017] Furthermore, the polarization beam splitter uses a polarization beam splitting prism or a Nicol prism.

[0018] Furthermore, the photoelectric energy conversion unit includes a solar panel, and the solar panel is arranged at the exit end of the polarization beam splitter for emitting the second polarized light.

[0019] Furthermore, the exit surface of the polarization beam splitter for emitting the second polarized light is a plane;

[0020] The solar panel is configured to be arranged parallel to the plane, so that the second polarized light is perpendicularly incident on the solar panel.

[0021] Furthermore, an external power supply is also included;

[0022] The external power supply is connected to the electricity storage unit and is used to provide external electric energy to the electricity storage unit.

[0023] In a second aspect, an endoscopic system signal transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0024] In response to the illumination signal of the illumination device, the illumination light emitted by the illumination device is transmitted through the illumination optical fiber and is separated into two polarized lights inside the endoscope. One polarized light is stored after being photoelectrically converted for powering the electrical components.

[0025] In response to the acquisition signal of the imaging element of the endoscope, the polarization component perpendicular to the polarization direction of the polarization element is filtered from the reflected light of the object to be photographed by the polarization element. The reflected light parallel to the polarization direction of the polarization element can pass through the polarization element and be imaged at the imaging element to obtain a video signal. By processing the video signal, the processed video signal is transmitted to the image processing device through the video transmission optical fiber.

[0026] In response to the control signal of the image processing device, by processing the control signal, the processed control signal is transmitted to the imaging element of the endoscope through the control signal transmission optical fiber.

[0027] The endoscopic system and its signal transmission method provided by the embodiment of the present application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0028] For the endoscopic system provided in this embodiment, the illumination device can transmit the illumination light to the endoscope through the illumination optical fiber and make part of the illumination light incident on the object to be photographed. The image processing device can be communicatively connected to the endoscope through the video transmission optical fiber and the control signal transmission optical fiber respectively for transmitting the video signal and the control signal between the two. As can be seen from the foregoing, the illumination device, the endoscope, and the image processing device in this embodiment can completely achieve full-fiber signal and energy transmission between each other, fundamentally realizing complete electrical isolation, and at the same time fundamentally avoiding the problems of signal interference and electromagnetic radiation during the signal transmission process. Compared with the electrical signal transmission, the optical transmission can provide a higher transmission bandwidth, providing a broader space for further increasing the number and resolution of the imaging elements.

[0029] In addition, since the endoscope includes a polarization beam splitter and an imaging device, where the polarization beam splitter can separate the illumination light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light, and one path of the first polarized light can irradiate the object to be photographed. Since a polarization element is provided on the front optical axis of the optical lens, the polarization direction of the polarization element is configured to be cross-set with the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed. Therefore, a part of the light that is not cross-set with the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed will pass through the polarization element, the optical lens, and be imaged on the imaging element, while the part of the light that is cross-set with the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed will not pass through the polarization element, thereby being able to eliminate the light generated by the specular reflection of the object to be photographed, attenuate the reflection glare of the illumination light, and further improve the imaging quality of the endoscope. At the same time, the other path of the second polarized light can be received by the photoelectric energy conversion unit, and based on photoelectric conversion, electrical energy is stored in the electricity storage unit, and the electricity storage unit supplies power to the electrical components, fundamentally solving the EMC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility) problem brought by the power cord.

[0030] In addition, for the endoscope system provided in this embodiment, while providing polarized illumination through polarized light, the other path of polarized light can be used for power supply, reasonably utilizing the two paths of polarized light and improving the utilization rate of the illumination light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the endoscope system provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the endoscope system provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the endoscope;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a schematic flow diagram of the endoscope system and its signal transmission method provided in the first embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 5 It is a structural block diagram of the endoscope system and its signal transmission method;

[0037] Figure 6Structural block diagram for providing electrical energy to the electrical components of the electricity storage part

[0038] Figure 7 Structural block diagram of the endoscope system and its signal transmission method provided in the second embodiment of the present application

[0039] Icon:

[0040] 10 - Illumination optical fiber; 20 - Video transmission optical fiber; 30 - Control signal transmission optical fiber; 11 - First optical fiber segment; 12 - Second optical fiber segment

[0041] 100 - Illumination device

[0042] 200 - Endoscope; 210 - Mirror body; 220 - Handle; 211 - Optical lens; 212 - Imaging element; 213 - Polarizing element; 214 - First serial module; 215 - First optoelectronic conversion module; 216 - Second electro - optical conversion module; 217 - Second deserialization module

[0043] 300 - Image processing device; 310 - First electro - optical conversion module; 320 - First deserialization module; 330 - Processor; 340 - Second serial module; 350 - Second optoelectronic conversion module

[0044] 400 - Polarizing beam splitter section

[0045] 500 - Energy supply device; 510 - Photo - electric energy conversion section; 520 - Electricity storage section

[0046] 600 - External power supply Detailed implementation manners

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0048] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present invention, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] It should be noted that: Similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the present invention is customarily placed during use. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0051] In addition, terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "hanging" do not mean that the component is required to be absolutely horizontal or hanging, but can be slightly inclined. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly inclined.

[0052] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "installed", "connected", "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0053] The following will describe in detail some embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Without conflict, the following embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0054] Refer to Figure 1 , this embodiment provides an endoscope system, which includes an illumination device 100, an endoscope 200, and an image processing device 300; wherein, the illumination device 100 and the endoscope 200 are connected by an illumination optical fiber 10; the endoscope 200 and the image processing device 300 are respectively communicatively connected by a video transmission optical fiber 20 and a control signal transmission optical fiber 30 for transmitting video signals and control signals therebetween.

[0055] Specifically, the lighting device 100 can transmit illumination light to the endoscope 200 through the illumination optical fiber 10 and make part of the illumination light incident on the object to be photographed. The image processing device 300 can be communicatively connected to the endoscope 200 through the video transmission optical fiber 20 and the control signal transmission optical fiber 30 respectively, for transmitting video signals and control signals between them. It can be seen that the lighting device 100, the endoscope 200 and the image processing device 300 in this embodiment can completely achieve all-fiber signal and capacity transmission between each other, fundamentally realizing complete electrical isolation, and at the same time fundamentally avoiding the problems of signal interference and electromagnetic radiation during signal transmission. Compared with electrical signal transmission, optical transmission can provide a higher transmission bandwidth, providing a broader space for further increasing the number and resolution of the imaging elements 212.

[0056] Further, in combination with Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the endoscope 200 includes a polarization beam splitting unit 400 and an imaging device. The polarization beam splitting unit 400 is configured to separate the illumination light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light, and the first polarized light is incident on the object to be photographed; the imaging device includes an optical lens 211 that forms an image with the return light of the illuminated object to be photographed and an imaging element 212 that receives the image of the optical lens 211; a polarization element 213 is provided on the front optical axis of the optical lens 211, and the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 is configured to be cross-set with the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed; the energy supply device 500 includes a photoelectric energy conversion unit 510 and a power storage unit 520 for power supply. The photoelectric energy conversion unit 510 is configured to receive the second polarized light and store electrical energy in the power storage unit 520 based on photoelectric conversion.

[0057] Since the endoscope 200 includes a polarization beam splitting unit 400 and an imaging device, wherein the polarization beam splitting unit 400 can separate the illumination light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light, and one path of the first polarized light can irradiate the object to be photographed. Since a polarization element 213 is provided on the front optical axis of the optical lens 211, and the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 is configured to be cross-set with the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed, therefore, part of the light whose polarization direction is not cross-set with the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed will pass through the polarization element 213 and the optical lens 211 and form an image on the imaging element 212, and part of the light whose polarization direction is cross-set with the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed will not pass through the polarization element 213, so that the light generated by the specular reflection of the object to be photographed can be eliminated, attenuating the reflection glare of the illumination light, and thus improving the imaging quality of the endoscope 200; at the same time, the other path of the second polarized light can be received by the photoelectric energy conversion unit 510, and electrical energy can be stored in the power storage unit 520 based on photoelectric conversion, and the power storage unit 520 supplies power to the electrical components, which can fundamentally solve the EMC problem brought by the power cord.

[0058] In addition, in the endoscope system provided in this embodiment, while providing polarized illumination through polarized light, another polarized light can be used for power supply, reasonably utilizing the two polarized lights and improving the utilization rate of the illumination light.

[0059] It should be noted that the statement "the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 is configured to be cross - set with the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed" mentioned above can also be regarded as the first polarization direction of the first polarized light being cross - set with the "polarization direction of the polarization element 213; specifically, when the first polarized light with the first polarization direction is incident on the object to be photographed, the polarization direction of the specularly reflected polarized light remains basically unchanged. Therefore, the foregoing setting can ensure the elimination of the light generated by the specular reflection of the object to be photographed.

[0060] Referring to Figure 1 or Figure 2 , the endoscope 200 includes a lens body 210 and a handle 220 connected to the proximal end of the lens body 210; both the polarization beam splitting unit 400 and the energy supply device 500 are disposed in the handle 220, so as to have sufficient space for the installation of the polarization beam splitting unit 400 and the energy supply device 500, thereby reasonably utilizing the internal space of the handle 220.

[0061] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 , the illumination optical fiber 10 includes a first optical fiber segment 11 and a second optical fiber segment 12; the first optical fiber segment 11 is connected between the illumination device 100 and the incident end of the polarization beam splitting unit 400; the second optical fiber segment 12 uses a polarization - maintaining optical fiber for transmitting the first polarized light, and the polarization - maintaining optical fiber extends from the exit end of the polarization beam splitting unit 400 to the distal end of the lens body 210, so that the first polarized light can be incident on the object to be photographed.

[0062] Among them, the polarization - maintaining optical fiber is an optical fiber that can transmit light while basically maintaining the polarization state of the light, so that the polarization state of the first polarized light will not change during the transmission process, which is beneficial to the elimination of the specularly reflected light.

[0063] Exemplarily, the polarization beam splitting unit 400 uses a polarization beam splitting prism or a Nicol prism. Of course, it can also be in other forms, as long as it can split the light beam into two polarized lights with different directions, it is within the protection scope of this application.

[0064] Specifically, based on the characteristics of polarized light, the polarization beam splitting prism splits an incident light beam into two light beams with perpendicular propagation directions, namely the first polarized light and the second polarized light; in this embodiment, the polarization beam splitting prism can be formed by gluing or optical gluing the hypotenuses of two right - angled prisms, with a polarization beam splitting film plated on the inclined surface. Among them, the P - polarized light in the incident light is transmitted (i.e., the first polarized light), while the S - polarized light is reflected (i.e., the second polarized light), and antireflection films are plated on all the incident and exit surfaces of the light beam.

[0065] The Nicol prism is formed by gluing a pair of identical calcite prisms. For incident natural light, double refraction occurs. One beam of light has a large refractive index inside the material. When it encounters the glued surface, it is totally reflected (i.e., the second polarized light), while the other beam of light can pass through the glued layer and emerge because its refractive index is smaller (i.e., the first polarized light).

[0066] In this embodiment, the crossing angle between the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 and the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed is within a range close to 90°. Exemplarily, the crossing angle can be 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, 91°, 92°, or 93°, etc. When the crossing angle is 90°, the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the polarized light specularly reflected by the object to be photographed, which is the optimal solution. At this time, the specular reflection component can be fully attenuated, thereby fully attenuating the reflected glare of the illumination light. Of course, a substantially same effect can also be achieved within a range close to 90°.

[0067] In this embodiment, the photoelectric energy conversion unit 510 includes a solar panel, and the solar panel is disposed at the output end of the polarization beam splitting unit 400 for outputting the second polarized light. The solar panel receives the second polarized light and can achieve photoelectric conversion to generate electric energy.

[0068] Furthermore, the output surface of the polarization beam splitting unit 400 for outputting the second polarized light is a plane; the solar panel is configured to be arranged parallel to the plane so that the second polarized light is perpendicularly incident on the solar panel. With such a setting, it can ensure that the solar panel has a sufficiently large light-receiving area within a limited space and improve the power generation efficiency.

[0069] Referring to Figure 4 , this embodiment further provides an endoscope system signal transmission method, including the following steps:

[0070] In response to the illumination signal of the illumination device 100, the illumination light emitted by the illumination device 100 is transmitted through the illumination optical fiber 10 and is separated into two polarized lights inside the endoscope 200. One polarized light provides polarized illumination to be incident on the object to be photographed (corresponding to the aforementioned first polarized light), and the other polarized light is stored after photoelectric conversion for powering the electrical components (corresponding to the aforementioned second polarized light);

[0071] In response to the acquisition signal of the imaging element 212 of the endoscope 200, the polarization component perpendicular to the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 is filtered from the polarized light reflected by the object to be photographed by the polarization element 213. The reflected light parallel to the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 can pass through the polarization element 213 and then be imaged at the imaging element 212 to obtain a video signal. By processing the video signal, the processed video signal is transmitted to the image processing device 300 through the video transmission optical fiber 20;

[0072] In response to the control signal of the image processing device 300, by processing the control signal, the processed control signal is transmitted to the imaging element 212 of the endoscope 200 through the control signal transmission optical fiber 30.

[0073] Specifically, in response to the illumination signal of the illumination device 100, the illumination device 100 provides illumination for the imaging of the endoscope 200 through the illumination optical fiber 10. Combining Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , after the illumination optical fiber 10 enters the handle 220 of the endoscope 200, a part of the illumination light (i.e., the second polarized light) is separated to provide illumination for the photoelectric energy conversion unit. The photoelectric energy conversion unit converts the light energy provided by the illumination optical fiber 10 into electric energy to charge the power storage unit 520. The power storage unit 520 supplies power to each electronic module inside the endoscope 200, such as the imaging element 212, the first serial module 214, the second deserialization module 217, the first photoelectric conversion module 215, and the second electro-optical conversion module 216; another part of the illumination light (i.e., the first polarized light) is used for the illumination of the object to be photographed.

[0074] In response to the acquisition signal of the imaging element 212 of the endoscope 200, combining Figures 4 to 6 , the inside of the endoscope 200 is also provided with a first serial module 214 and a first photoelectric conversion module 215. The imaging element 212 converts the optical image captured by the optical lens 211 into a MIPI digital signal. The first serial module 214 converts the MIPI digital signal into a serial electronic digital signal. The first photoelectric conversion module 215 converts the serial electronic digital signal into a serial optical digital signal. The serial optical digital signal is transmitted to the image processing device 300 through the video transmission optical fiber 20.

[0075] In response to the control signal received by the image processing device 300, after the image processing device 300 receives a serial optical digital signal, it is converted into a serial electronic digital signal by the internal first electro-optical conversion module 310. The serial electronic digital signal is then converted into a MIPI digital signal by the first deserialization module 320, and the MIPI digital signal is transmitted to the processor 330 in the image processing device 300 for image processing and distribution. The electronic control signal sent by the image processing device 300 to the endoscope 200 is converted into a serial electronic digital signal by the second serial module 340. The second optoelectronic conversion module converts the serial electronic digital signal into a serial optical digital signal, and the serial optical digital signal is transmitted to the endoscope 200 via the control signal transmission optical fiber 30. The second electro-optical conversion module 216 inside the endoscope 200 converts the serial optical digital signal into a serial electronic digital signal, and the serial electronic digital signal is then converted into an electronic control signal by the second deserialization module 217. The electronic control signal is transmitted to the imaging element 212 for the image processing device 300 to control the imaging element 212.

[0076] Embodiment 2

[0077] This Embodiment 2 also provides an endoscope system, which is different from Embodiment 1 in that: the endoscope system further adds an external power supply 600.

[0078] Referring to Figure 7 , the external power supply 600 is connected to the power storage unit 520 for supplying external electric energy to the power storage unit 520.

[0079] Exemplarily, the power storage unit 520 can be connected to the external power supply 600 through a power supply line to charge the power storage unit 520 to meet the power consumption requirements of the power-consuming components.

[0080] In practical applications, when the electric energy stored in the solar panel is not enough to meet the power consumption requirements of the power-consuming components, that is, when the power storage capacity of the power storage unit 520 is insufficient, the external power supply 600 can be started to supply power to the power storage unit 520 to ensure that the power-consuming components are not interrupted, improving the use safety of the device.

[0081] Furthermore, the power storage unit 520 is provided with a power detection element for detecting its power storage.

[0082] In this embodiment, a display can be provided at the handle 220 of the endoscope 200. The display is electrically connected to the power detection element for displaying the power storage of the power storage unit 520. When the power storage is insufficient and the device is in use, the external power supply 600 can be manually connected to supply power.

[0083] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope system, characterized in that: include: an illumination device configured to transmit illumination light to the endoscope through an illumination optical fiber and to make a portion of the illumination light incident on a subject; An endoscope, the endoscope comprising a polarization splitter and an imaging device, the polarization splitter being configured to separate the illumination light into a first polarization light and a second polarization light, the first polarization light being incident on a photographed object; the imaging device comprising an optical lens for imaging the return light of the photographed object and an imaging element for receiving the imaging of the optical lens; a polarization element being arranged on the front optical axis of the optical lens, the polarization direction of the polarization element being arranged to cross the polarization direction of the polarization light reflected by the mirror surface of the photographed object; an energy supply device, the energy supply device comprising a photoelectric energy conversion unit and a power storage unit for supplying power, the photoelectric energy conversion unit being configured to receive the second polarized light and store electrical energy in the power storage unit based on photoelectric conversion; The image processing device is connected to the endoscope through a video transmission optical fiber and a control signal transmission optical fiber, respectively, for transmitting video signals and control signals between the two.

2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The illumination optical fiber comprises a first optical fiber segment and a second optical fiber segment; The first optical fiber segment is connected between the lighting device and the incident end of the polarization splitting unit; The second optical fiber segment adopts a polarization-maintaining optical fiber for transmitting the first polarized light. The polarization-maintaining optical fiber is extended from the output end of the polarization splitting part to the far end of the mirror body so that the first polarized light can be incident on the object.

3. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The polarization direction of the polarization element is arranged perpendicular to the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected by the mirror surface of the object being photographed.

4. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crossing angle between the polarization direction of the polarization element and the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected by the mirror surface of the object is within a range close to 90°.

5. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The endoscope comprises a body and a handle connected to the proximal end of the body; The polarization splitting unit and the energy supply device are both arranged on the handle.

6. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The polarization splitting unit adopts a polarization splitting prism or a Nicol prism.

7. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photoelectric energy conversion unit includes a solar cell panel, and the solar cell panel is arranged at the output end of the polarization splitting unit for emitting the second polarized light.

8. The endoscope system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The output surface of the polarization splitting unit for emitting the second polarized light is a plane; The solar cell panel is configured to be arranged parallel to the plane so that the second polarized light is vertically incident on the solar cell panel.

9. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes an external power supply; The external power source is connected to the power storage unit and is used to provide external electric energy to the power storage unit.

10. A signal transmission method for an endoscope system, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: In response to the illumination signal of the illumination device, the illumination light emitted by the illumination device is transmitted through the illumination optical fiber and is separated into two polarized lights inside the endoscope, one polarized light provides polarized illumination to be incident on the object, and the other polarized light is stored after photoelectric conversion for powering the electrical components; In response to the acquisition signal of the imaging element of the endoscope, the polarization component perpendicular to the polarization direction of the polarization element is filtered out from the reflected light of the object through the polarization element, and the reflected light parallel to the polarization direction of the polarization element can be imaged at the imaging element after passing through the polarization element to obtain a video signal, and the video signal is processed and the processed video signal is transmitted to the image processing device through the video transmission optical fiber; In response to the control signal of the image processing device, the control signal is processed, and the processed control signal is transmitted to the imaging element of the endoscope via the control signal transmission optical fiber.

Images