Camera Head Light-Guiding Layout for Uniform Distal Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera heads are large in size, limiting their applicability in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A camera head design with two or more light source units positioned farther from the leading end than the camera module, emitting different wavelengths, and a light guide unit disposed radially outside the camera module to irradiate the imaging area, with optical fibers spaced apart in the circumferential direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are disposed around the imaging element at equal intervals, then the imaging area can be uniformly irradiated, but the camera head diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (multiple light sources around the imaging element in a circular pattern) to a one-dimensional arrangement (light sources disposed at different positions along the longitudinal direction). This dimensional change allows achieving uniform illumination through longitudinal distribution rather than radial distribution, thereby reducing the camera head diameter while maintaining illumination uniformity
2Length of stationary object
If light sources are disposed behind the imaging module, then the camera head diameter can be reduced, but the light guide structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light guide function into multiple independent optical fibers, each extending from a light source to the distal end. This segmentation simplifies the overall light guide structure by eliminating the need for complex light guide lenses and coupling mechanisms, while still achieving effective light delivery to the imaging area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers as intermediary elements to transmit light from the light sources disposed behind the imaging module to the distal end. This intermediary approach simplifies the direct light path requirements and reduces the complexity of light guide structures while maintaining compact camera head dimensions
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
The design allows for a smaller camera head capable of uniformly irradiating the imaging area with multiple wavelengths, facilitating easier manufacturing and reducing the overall diameter.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide unit includes two or more optical fibers respectively corresponding to at least two light source units of the two or more light source units
Data Source
AI summary
In some cases, it is desirable for a camera head to be small. A camera head has an elongated shape, and is used for imaging an imaging area located in a vicinity of a leading end portion in a longitudinal direction. The camera head includes: a camera module; two or more light source units disposed at positions farther from the leading end portion than the camera module is in the longitudinal direction; and a light guide unit disposed radially outside an outer surface of the camera module and configured to guide light emitted from each of the two or more light source units to the vicinity of the leading end portion so that the imaging area is irradiated with the light, and at least two light source units of the two or more light source units are located at different positions in the longitudinal direction. With such a configuration, the camera head can be made even smaller.