Capsule Endoscope Dual-Direction Imaging with Single Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art capsule endoscopes are inadequate for highly accurate diagnosis of 'Barrett's esophagus' due to limited directional observation capabilities and increased power and size requirements with dual image pickup devices, leading to potential overlooking of lesions during esophageal examinations.
Innovation Solution
A capsule endoscope design that utilizes a single high-frame-rate image pickup device to simultaneously capture and transmit images from both the capsule insertion direction and the opposite direction, reducing power consumption and size while improving diagnostic accuracy by allowing for more frequent image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two image pickup devices are provided to enable observation in both directions, then observation capability is improved, but power consumption and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two image pickup devices into a single device with dual image pickup surfaces. Each surface captures images in different directions (front and back), merging the functionality of two separate devices into one integrated unit. This reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to observe in both directions along the capsule's longitudinal axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by creating an image pickup device with surfaces on both sides of the semiconductor substrate. Instead of using two separate devices positioned at different locations, the patent utilizes the third dimension (thickness of the substrate) to accommodate multiple image pickup surfaces, enabling dual-directional observation with a single device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two image pickup devices are provided to enable observation in both directions, then observation capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two image pickup devices into a single device with dual image pickup surfaces. Each surface captures images in different directions (front and back), merging the functionality of two separate devices into one integrated unit. This reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to observe in both directions along the capsule's longitudinal axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by creating an image pickup device with surfaces on both sides of the semiconductor substrate. Instead of using two separate devices positioned at different locations, the patent utilizes the third dimension (thickness of the substrate) to accommodate multiple image pickup surfaces, enabling dual-directional observation with a single device.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single image pickup device is used to reduce power consumption and size, then power efficiency is improved, but the ability to capture images in both directions simultaneously may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by creating an image pickup device with surfaces on both sides of the semiconductor substrate. Instead of using two separate devices positioned at different locations, the patent utilizes the third dimension (thickness of the substrate) to accommodate multiple image pickup surfaces, enabling dual-directional observation with a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The image pickup device is segmented into two functional surfaces: a first image pickup surface for capturing images in the capsule insertion direction and a second image pickup surface for capturing images in the opposite direction. This segmentation allows the single device to perform dual-directional image capture independently and simultaneously.
4Device complexity
If images are captured sequentially in different directions, then device complexity is reduced, but diagnostic accuracy decreases due to potential lesion overlooking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by creating an image pickup device with surfaces on both sides of the semiconductor substrate. Instead of using two separate devices positioned at different locations, the patent utilizes the third dimension (thickness of the substrate) to accommodate multiple image pickup surfaces, enabling dual-directional observation with a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The image pickup device is segmented into two functional surfaces: a first image pickup surface for capturing images in the capsule insertion direction and a second image pickup surface for capturing images in the opposite direction. This segmentation allows the single device to perform dual-directional image capture independently and simultaneously.
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
Enhances the accuracy of diagnosing 'Barrett's esophagus' by enabling simultaneous capture and transmission of images from both directions, reducing the likelihood of missing lesions and improving overall diagnostic efficiency during esophageal examinations.
Implementation Method 1
an objective optical system 52 faces a dome-shaped transparent cover 51, an image pickup device 53 such as a CMOS is provided at the imaging position of the objective optical system 52
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes first and second objective optical systems for forming images of objects viewed in the capsule insertion direction and in the opposite direction on separate areas of one plane where an image pickup surface of an image pickup device is located. The capsule endoscope also includes illuminators for illuminating the objects, and a deflector or deflectors, such as reflecting prisms, for folding light from the objective optical systems to the image pickup surface so that the image pickup surface is parallel to the capsule insertion direction. The objective optical systems are retrofocus optical systems. The illuminators may have emission surfaces centered on the centers of spheres defined by dome-shaped transparent covers aligned along a central axis of the capsule endoscope. The objective optical systems, the deflector or deflectors, and the image pickup device are arranged completely off the central axis of the capsule endoscope.