Endoscope system and signal transmission method thereof

Abstract

The present application provides an endoscope system and a signal transmission method thereof, and relates to the technical field of medical devices.The endoscope system comprises an illumination device; the endoscope comprises a polarization light splitting part and a camera device; a polarization element is arranged on the 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 and the endoscope are respectively connected in communication through a video transmission optical fiber and a control signal transmission optical fiber.The endoscope system and the signal transmission method thereof can completely realize full optical fiber signal and capacity transmission, fundamentally realize complete electrical isolation, fundamentally avoid the problems of signal transmission interference and electromagnetic radiation, and provide higher transmission bandwidth compared to electrical signal transmission, thereby providing a wider space for further increasing the number and resolution of camera elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to an endoscope system and its signal transmission method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the image resolution of endoscopes, especially those used in surgical robots, has been increasing, requiring higher bandwidth for video transmission links. Traditional electronic signal transmission cables based on coaxial or twisted-pair cables are gradually becoming insufficient to meet these bandwidth requirements.

[0003] In practical applications, endoscopes and surgical robot arms, as application components, come into contact with the human body and require effective electrical isolation from other parts of the system (such as the image processing host). Simultaneously, the transmission of high-speed video signals between the endoscope and components like the image processing host is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, resulting in poor image quality and excessive electromagnetic radiation, which can affect the normal operation of other devices. Furthermore, in surgical scenarios, a liquid film can form on the tissue surface of the surgical area, inevitably causing specular reflection in some areas, resulting in bright spots in the image and hindering the endoscope from achieving high image quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an endoscope system and its signal transmission method, which can fully realize all-fiber signal and capability transmission, fundamentally achieving complete electrical isolation, and fundamentally avoiding interference and electromagnetic radiation problems during signal transmission. At the same time, compared with electrical signal transmission, optical transmission can provide higher transmission bandwidth, providing a wider range of possibilities for further increasing the number and resolution of imaging elements.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an endoscope system, comprising:

[0006] The lighting device is configured to transmit illumination light to the endoscope via an illumination fiber and to direct a portion of the illumination light onto the object being photographed.

[0007] An endoscope, comprising a polarizing beam splitter and an imaging device, wherein the polarizing beam splitter is configured to separate illumination light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light, the first polarized light being incident on a subject; the imaging device comprises an optical lens for imaging by the reflected light illuminating the subject and an imaging element for receiving the image from the optical lens; a polarizing element is provided on the optical axis at the front end of the optical lens, the polarization direction of the polarizing element being configured to intersect with the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected from the specular surface of the subject;

[0008] An energy supply device, comprising a photoelectric energy conversion unit and an energy storage unit for power supply, wherein the photoelectric energy conversion unit is configured to receive the second polarized light and store electrical energy in the energy storage unit based on photoelectric conversion;

[0009] An image processing device is provided, wherein the image processing device and the endoscope are respectively connected via video transmission optical fiber and control signal transmission optical fiber for transmitting video signals and control signals between the two.

[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 fiber used to transmit the first polarized light. The polarization-maintaining fiber extends from the output end of the polarization beam splitter to the far end of the mirror body so that the first polarized light can be incident on the object being photographed.

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

[0014] Furthermore, the angle between the polarization direction of the polarization element and the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected by the mirror of the object being photographed is within the range of approximately 90°.

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

[0016] Both the polarization beam splitter and the energy supply device are located on the handle.

[0017] Furthermore, the polarization beam splitter employs a polarization beam splitter prism or a Nikkor prism.

[0018] Furthermore, the photoelectric energy conversion unit includes a solar panel, which is disposed at the emitting end of the polarization beam splitter for emitting 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 incident perpendicularly onto the solar panel.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes an external power source;

[0022] The external power source is connected to the energy storage unit and is used to provide external electrical energy to the energy storage unit.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a signal transmission method for an endoscope system, comprising the following steps:

[0024] In response to the illumination signal from 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 converted by photoelectric conversion and stored to power the electrical components.

[0025] In response to the acquisition signal of the camera 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 being 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 camera element to obtain a video signal. The video signal is processed and then transmitted to the image processing device through the video transmission optical fiber.

[0026] In response to the control signal of the image processing device, the control signal is processed and then transmitted to the camera element of the endoscope via the control signal transmission optical fiber.

[0027] The endoscope system and signal transmission method provided in this application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0028] The endoscope system provided in this embodiment includes an illumination device that transmits illumination light to the endoscope via an illumination fiber and directs a portion of the illumination light onto the object being photographed. An image processing device is connected to the endoscope via video transmission fiber and control signal transmission fiber, respectively, for transmitting video and control signals between the two. As described above, the illumination device, endoscope, and image processing device in this embodiment can achieve complete fiber optic signal and capability transmission between each other, fundamentally achieving complete electrical isolation and fundamentally avoiding interference and electromagnetic radiation problems during signal transmission. Compared to electrical signal transmission, optical transmission can provide higher transmission bandwidth, offering greater scope for increasing the number and resolution of imaging elements.

[0029] Furthermore, since the endoscope includes a polarization beam splitter and an imaging device, the polarization beam splitter can separate the illumination light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light. One path of the first polarized light can illuminate the object being photographed. Because a polarization element is provided on the optical axis at the front end of the optical lens, and the polarization direction of the polarization element is configured to intersect with the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected from the object's mirror surface, the portion of the light whose polarization direction does not intersect with the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected from the object's mirror surface will pass through the polarization element and the optical lens, and be imaged on the imaging element. The portion of the light whose polarization direction intersects with the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected from the object's mirror surface will not pass through the polarization element, thereby eliminating the light generated by the reflection from the object's mirror surface, attenuating the reflected glare of the illumination light, and thus improving 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 the electrical energy can be stored in the energy storage unit based on photoelectric conversion. The energy storage unit can then power the electrical components, fundamentally solving the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) problem caused by the power cord.

[0030] Furthermore, the endoscope system provided in this embodiment provides polarized illumination through polarized light, while another polarized light can be used for power supply, making reasonable use of the two polarized lights and improving the utilization rate of the illumination light. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the endoscope system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the endoscope system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of an endoscope.

[0035] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart illustrating the endoscope system and its signal transmission method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 A block diagram of an endoscope system and its signal transmission method;

[0037] Figure 6A structural block diagram showing how electrical energy is supplied to the electrical components of the energy storage unit;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of the endoscope system and its signal transmission method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0039] icon:

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

[0041] 100-Lighting devices;

[0042] 200-Endoscope; 210-Endoscope body; 220-Handle; 211-Optical lens; 212-Image sensor; 213-Polarization element; 214-First serialization module; 215-First photoelectric 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 serialization module; 350 - Second photoelectric conversion module;

[0044] 400° polarization beam splitter;

[0045] 500 - Energy supply device; 510 - Photovoltaic energy conversion unit; 520 - Energy storage unit;

[0046] 600 - External power supply. Detailed Implementation

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

[0048] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0049] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0051] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "suspended" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0054] Reference 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 connected by a video transmission optical fiber 20 and a control signal transmission optical fiber 30 for transmitting video signals and control signals between the two.

[0055] Specifically, the lighting device 100 can transmit illumination light to the endoscope 200 through the illumination fiber 10 and direct some of the illumination light onto the object being photographed. The image processing device 300 can communicate with the endoscope 200 through the video transmission fiber 20 and the control signal transmission fiber 30, respectively, to transmit video signals and control signals between the two. Thus, in this embodiment, the lighting device 100, the endoscope 200 and the image processing device 300 can achieve complete fiber optic signal and capability transmission between each other, fundamentally achieving complete electrical isolation, and fundamentally avoiding interference and electromagnetic radiation problems during signal transmission. Compared with electrical signal transmission, optical transmission can provide higher transmission bandwidth, providing more space for further increasing the number and resolution of the imaging elements 212.

[0056] Furthermore, in combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 The endoscope 200 includes a polarization beam splitter 400 and an imaging device. The polarization beam splitter 400 is configured to separate illumination light into first polarized light and second polarized light, with the first polarized light incident on the object being photographed. The imaging device includes an optical lens 211 for imaging by the reflected light from the object being photographed and an imaging element 212 for receiving the image from the optical lens 211. A polarization element 213 is provided on the optical axis at the front end of the optical lens 211, and the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 is configured to intersect with the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected from the specular surface of the object being photographed. The energy supply device 500 includes a photoelectric energy conversion unit 510 and an energy 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 energy storage unit 520 based on photoelectric conversion.

[0057] Since the endoscope 200 includes a polarization beam splitter 400 and an imaging device, the polarization beam splitter 400 can separate the illumination light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light. One path of the first polarized light can illuminate the object being photographed. Since a polarization element 213 is provided on the optical axis at the front end of the optical lens 211, and the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 is configured to intersect with the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected from the mirror surface of the object being photographed, the portion of the light whose polarization direction does not intersect with the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected from the mirror surface of the object being photographed will pass through the polarization element 213 and the optical lens 211, and... When imaging occurs on the imaging element 212, a portion of the light whose polarization direction intersects with that of the polarized light reflected from the mirror surface of the object being photographed will not be able to pass through the polarization element 213. This eliminates the light generated by the reflection from the mirror surface of the object being photographed, attenuates the reflected glare of the illumination light, and thus improves the imaging quality of the endoscope 200. At the same time, another path of second polarized light can be received by the photoelectric energy conversion unit 510, and electrical energy can be stored in the energy storage unit 520 based on photoelectric conversion. The energy storage unit 520 can then power the electrical components, fundamentally solving the EMC problem caused by the power cord.

[0058] Furthermore, the endoscope system provided in this embodiment provides polarized illumination through polarized light, while another polarized light can be used for power supply, making reasonable use of the two polarized lights and improving the utilization rate of the illumination light.

[0059] It should be noted that the aforementioned "the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 is configured to intersect with the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected by the specular surface of the subject" can also be seen as the first polarization direction of the first polarized light intersecting with the polarization direction of the polarization element 213; specifically, when the first polarized light with the first polarization direction is incident on the subject, the polarization direction of the polarized light generated by specular reflection remains basically unchanged. Therefore, the aforementioned configuration can ensure the elimination of the light generated by specular reflection of the subject.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 or Figure 2 The endoscope 200 includes a body 210 and a handle 220 connected to the proximal end of the body 210; the polarization beam splitter 400 and the energy supply device 500 are both disposed on the handle 220 so that there is enough space for the installation of the polarization beam splitter 400 and the energy supply device 500, thereby making reasonable use of the internal space of the handle 220.

[0061] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 The illumination fiber 10 includes a first fiber segment 11 and a second fiber segment 12. The first fiber segment 11 is connected between the illumination device 100 and the incident end of the polarization beam splitter 400. The second fiber segment 12 is a polarization-maintaining fiber used to transmit the first polarized light. The polarization-maintaining fiber extends from the emitting end of the polarization beam splitter 400 to the far end of the mirror body 210 so that the first polarized light can be incident on the object being photographed.

[0062] Among them, polarization-maintaining fiber is a type of fiber that can transmit light while essentially maintaining the polarization state of the light, so that the polarization state of the first polarized light will not change during transmission, which is beneficial for eliminating specular reflection light.

[0063] For example, the polarization beam splitter 400 adopts a polarization beam splitter prism or a Nikkor prism, but it can also be other forms, as long as it can split the beam into two polarized lights with different directions, it is within the protection scope of this application.

[0064] Specifically, a polarizing beam splitter, based on the characteristics of polarized light, splits an incident beam into two beams with mutually perpendicular propagation directions, namely, a first polarized beam and a second polarized beam. In this embodiment, the polarizing beam splitter can be made by gluing or photopolymerizing the inclined sides of two right-angle prisms, and a polarizing beam splitting film is coated on the inclined surface. 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 all the incident and exit surfaces of the beams are coated with an anti-reflection film.

[0065] A Nikkor prism is made of a pair of identical calcite prisms bonded together. When incident natural light is incident, birefringence occurs. One path of light has a high refractive index in the material and is totally reflected when it encounters the bonded surface (i.e., second polarized light), while the other path of light has a lower refractive index and can pass through the bonded layer and exit (i.e., first polarized light).

[0066] In this embodiment, the intersection angle between the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 and the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected by the mirror of the object is within the range of approximately 90°. For example, the intersection angle can be 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, 91°, 92°, or 93°, etc. When the intersection angle is 90°, the polarization direction of the polarization element 213 is set perpendicular to the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected by the mirror of the object, which is the optimal solution. At this time, the mirror reflection component can be sufficiently attenuated, thereby sufficiently attenuating the reflected glare of the illumination light. Of course, the same effect can be achieved within the range of approximately 90°.

[0067] In this embodiment, the photoelectric energy conversion unit 510 includes a solar panel, which is disposed at the emitting end of the polarization beam splitter 400 for emitting second polarized light; the solar panel receives the second polarized light and can realize photoelectric conversion to generate electrical energy.

[0068] Furthermore, the polarization beam splitter 400 has a planar exit surface for emitting the second polarized light; the solar panel is configured to be arranged parallel to the planar surface so that the second polarized light is incident perpendicularly onto the solar panel. This arrangement ensures that the solar panel has a sufficiently large light-receiving area within a limited space, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0069] Reference Figure 4 This embodiment also provides a signal transmission method for an endoscope system, 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 light inside the endoscope 200. One polarized light provides polarized illumination to be incident on the object being photographed (corresponding to the aforementioned first polarized light), and the other polarized light is stored after photoelectric conversion to power 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 out from the polarized light reflected from the object 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 be imaged at the imaging element 212 to obtain a video signal. The video signal is processed and then transmitted to the image processing device 300 through the video transmission optical fiber 20.

[0072] In response to the control signal from the image processing device 300, the control signal is processed and then transmitted to the camera element 212 of the endoscope 200 via the control signal transmission optical fiber 30.

[0073] Specifically, in response to the illumination signal from the illumination device 100, the illumination device 100 provides illumination for imaging of the endoscope 200 via the illumination fiber optic cable 10, combined with... Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 After the illumination fiber 10 enters the handle 220 of the endoscope 200, a portion 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 fiber 10 into electrical energy to charge the energy storage unit 520. The energy storage unit 520 supplies power to various electronic modules 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. The other portion of the illumination light (i.e., the first polarized light) is used to illuminate the object being photographed.

[0074] In response to the acquisition signal of the imaging element 212 of the endoscope 200, combined with Figures 4 to 6 The endoscope 200 is also equipped with a first serial module 214 and a first photoelectric conversion module 215. The camera 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 via the video transmission optical fiber 20.

[0075] In response to the control signal received by the image processing device 300, after receiving the serial optical digital signal, the image processing device 300 converts it into a serial electronic digital signal through the first electro-optical conversion module 310. The serial electronic digital signal is then converted into a MIPI digital signal through the first deserialization module 320. The MIPI digital signal is transmitted to the processor 330 within 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 through the second serialization module 340. The second photoelectric conversion module converts the serial electronic digital signal into a serial optical digital signal. The serial optical digital signal is transmitted to the endoscope 200 via the control signal transmission fiber optic 30. The second electro-optical conversion module 216 inside the endoscope 200 converts the serial optical digital signal into a serial electronic digital signal. The serial electronic digital signal is then converted into an electronic control signal through 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] Example 2

[0077] This second embodiment also provides an endoscope system, which differs from the first embodiment in that the endoscope system also includes an external power supply 600.

[0078] Reference Figure 7 An external power supply 600 is connected to the energy storage unit 520 to provide external electrical energy to the energy storage unit 520.

[0079] For example, the energy storage unit 520 can be connected to an external power source 600 via a power supply line to charge the energy storage unit 520 and meet the power demand of the power-consuming components.

[0080] In practical applications, when the electricity stored in the solar panel is insufficient to meet the power demand of the electrical components, i.e., when the energy storage capacity of the energy storage unit 520 is insufficient, the external power supply 600 can be activated to supply power to the energy storage unit 520, so as to ensure that the electrical components are not interrupted and improve the safety of the equipment.

[0081] Furthermore, the energy storage unit 520 is equipped with an energy detection element for detecting its energy storage capacity.

[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 and is used to display the amount of power stored in 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 provide power.

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

Claims

1. An endoscope system, characterized in that, include: The illumination device is configured to transmit illumination light to the endoscope via an illumination fiber and to direct a portion of the illumination light onto the object being photographed. An endoscope, comprising a polarizing beam splitter and an imaging device, wherein the polarizing beam splitter is configured to separate illumination light into a first polarized light and a second polarized light, the first polarized light being incident on a subject; the imaging device comprises an optical lens for imaging by the reflected light illuminating the subject and an imaging element for receiving the image from the optical lens; a polarizing element is provided on the optical axis at the front end of the optical lens, the polarization direction of the polarizing element being configured to intersect with the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected from the specular surface of the subject; An energy supply device, comprising a photoelectric energy conversion unit and an energy storage unit for power supply, wherein the photoelectric energy conversion unit is configured to receive the second polarized light and store electrical energy in the energy storage unit based on photoelectric conversion; An image processing device is provided, wherein the image processing device and the endoscope are respectively connected via video transmission optical fiber and control signal transmission optical fiber for transmitting video signals and control signals between the two.

2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lighting optical fiber includes a first optical fiber segment and a second optical fiber segment; The first optical fiber segment is connected between the illumination device and the incident end of the polarization beam splitter; The second optical fiber segment is a polarization-maintaining fiber used to transmit the first polarized light. The polarization-maintaining fiber extends from the output end of the polarization beam splitter to the far end of the mirror body so that the first polarized light can be incident on the object being photographed.

3. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polarization direction of the polarization element is set 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 angle between the polarization direction of the polarization element and the polarization direction of the polarized light reflected by the mirror of the object being photographed is within the range of approximately 90°.

5. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope includes a body and a handle connected to the proximal end of the body; Both the polarization beam splitter and the energy supply device are located on the handle.

6. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polarization beam splitter uses a polarization beam splitter prism or a Nikkor prism.

7. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoelectric energy conversion unit includes a solar panel, which is disposed at the emitting end of the polarization beam splitter for emitting second polarized light.

8. The endoscope system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The exit surface of the polarization beam splitter for emitting 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 incident perpendicularly onto the solar panel.

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

10. A signal transmission method for an endoscope system, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: 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 light inside the endoscope. One polarized light provides polarized illumination to be incident on the object being photographed, and the other polarized light is stored after photoelectric conversion to power the electrical components. In response to the acquisition signal of the camera 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 being 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 camera element to obtain a video signal. The video signal is processed and then 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 then transmitted to the camera element of the endoscope via the control signal transmission optical fiber.

Images