Annular Endoscope Module for Multi-Angle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes are limited in capturing a full picture of a site due to their effective viewing angle range, requiring lens rotation which increases device volume and can lead to misjudgment of the affected area.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope module incorporating an annular prism, annular lens, and annular image sensor to transmit lateral light from the side surface, allowing for a full-image sensing capability and reduced detection time through the use of multiple sub-endoscope modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is rotated to obtain images from different angles, then the viewing angle coverage is improved, but the device volume increases and patient burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope module is divided into multiple independent sub-endoscope modules, each responsible for capturing light from specific angular directions. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-angle imaging without requiring a single large rotating lens mechanism, thus reducing overall device volume while maintaining comprehensive viewing angle coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the lens in a single plane, the patent arranges multiple sub-endoscope modules in three-dimensional space around the inspection site, with each module positioned at different angular locations. This spatial arrangement enables simultaneous capture of images from multiple angles without mechanical rotation, reducing device volume while expanding viewing coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is rotated to obtain images from different angles, then the viewing angle coverage is improved, but image splicing is required which may result in misjudgment
Solution Approach 1:
Each sub-endoscope module is independently positioned and optimized to capture light from its specific angular direction. The modular design allows precise calibration of each module's optical axis, ensuring that images from different angles are captured with accurate spatial registration without requiring complex image splicing operations that could introduce positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sub-endoscope modules simultaneously capture independent copies of the inspection site from different angular perspectives. These copies are then directly combined to form a complete view, eliminating the need for image splicing and subsequent position verification, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining comprehensive viewing angle coverage.
3Device complexity
If only images within effective viewing angle range are obtained, then the device structure is simple, but a full picture of the examined site cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is segmented across multiple sub-endoscope modules, each with a relatively simple single-lens structure optimized for its specific angular range. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive viewing angle coverage while keeping individual module structures simple, as each module only needs to handle light from its designated angular sector.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sub-endoscope modules are arranged to collectively cover the entire angular range of the inspection site, with each module serving multiple functions: capturing images, providing depth information, and contributing to the overall spatial map. This universal arrangement enables full-picture imaging without requiring complex optical systems in each individual module.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick sensing of the entire object with improved imaging quality and reduced detection time by capturing images from both the front and side surfaces simultaneously, minimizing the device's volume and potential for misjudgment.
Implementation Method 1
A lateral light from the side surface is reflected to the annular lens by the annular reflective inclined surface
Implementation Method 2
is then condensed to the annular image sensor by the annular lens
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope module including an annular prism, an annular lens, an annular stop, and an annular image sensor is provided. The annular prism has an annular reflective inclined surface, a light incident surface, and a light emitting surface. The light incident surface faces a side surface and the light emitting surface faces away from a front surface. The annular stop is disposed on a side of the light incident surface of the annular prism and surrounds the annular prism. The annular lens is disposed between the annular prism and the annular image sensor. A lateral light from the side surface is reflected to the annular lens by the annular reflective inclined surface after passing through the annular stop and then entering the annular prism, and is then condensed to the annular image sensor by the annular lens.