Asymmetric Image Sensor for Compact Endoscope Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical endoscope camera systems face spatial constraints due to the need for compactness, limiting their imaging performance and functionality in tight spaces, such as within the human body, while requiring high-resolution imaging for accurate diagnostics and procedures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an asymmetric image sensor configuration with support electronics located on one side of the pixel array, allowing for a folded imaging path that optimizes space usage and includes a second image sensor for enhanced functionality, enabling more compact and high-performance imaging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera system is made compact to fit within constrained spaces, then the size constraint is satisfied, but the imaging performance and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the support electronics adjacent to one side of the pixel array rather than surrounding it on all sides, utilizing unused spatial dimensions to reduce the overall camera system volume while preserving imaging performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric layout where support electronics are located only on one side of the pixel array, creating an asymmetric image sensor configuration that reduces space requirements compared to symmetric arrangements
2Ease of operation
If support electronics are placed surrounding the pixel array on all sides, then connectivity and control are optimized, but the overall sensor area and camera system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support electronics from the traditional surrounding position and relocates them to only one side of the pixel array, reducing the sensor area while maintaining necessary connectivity through optimized signal pathways
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for use in a spatially constrained location includes an image sensor for capturing an image, wherein the image sensor has (a) a first rectangular area containing a pixel array and connecting circuitry communicatively coupled with the pixel array and (b) a second rectangular area with only one shared side with the first rectangular area and containing support electronics for pixel array control and signal acquisition, where the support electronics is communicatively coupled with the connecting circuitry. An imaging method for use in a spatially constrained location includes (a) forming an image of a scene on a pixel array of an image sensor contained within a first rectangular area having a first side and (b) communicating electrical signals between the pixel array and support electronics located onboard the image sensor and contained within a second rectangular area sharing only one side with the first rectangular area.