Capsule Endoscope Flare Prevention via Dome Cover Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capsule endoscopes experience flare due to reflection of illumination light from the inner surface of the dome-shaped transparent cover, which is not effectively prevented without trial-and-error adjustments in the positional relation between the dome-shaped transparent cover and the illumination unit.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes an objective optical system, an illuminator positioned differently from the objective optical system, and a dome-shaped transparent cover, where specific conditional expressions (0.5<θ/ω<0.95 and (−0.13×LP+0.86×DR)<DL<0.95×DR) are satisfied to optimize the angle of view, radius of curvature, and distance relationships, thereby preventing flare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the illumination unit is disposed close to the objective optical system in a capsule endoscope, then the device size is reduced, but flare occurs due to reflection of illumination light from the inner surface of the dome-shaped transparent cover
Solution Approach 1:
A light shielding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the illumination unit and the objective optical system. This member selectively blocks reflected illumination light that would otherwise reach the optical system and cause flare, while allowing object light to pass through to the image sensor, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and flare prevention
2Area of moving object
If the dome-shaped transparent cover has a large radius of curvature to maintain a wide field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the distance relationships become difficult to control for preventing flare
Solution Approach 1:
The invention establishes specific parameter relationships (conditional expressions) between the radius of curvature of the dome-shaped transparent cover, the distance from the light-emitting region to the entrance pupil, and the distance from the inner surface of the cover to the entrance pupil. By defining these parameter ranges, the invention enables flare prevention while maintaining a wide field of view, transforming a precision control problem into a parameter specification problem
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional arrangements are used to prevent flare, then trial-and-error adjustments are required, but this increases manufacturing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary design by establishing specific conditional expressions that define the optimal parameter ranges for the dome-shaped transparent cover and light shielding member positions. This preliminary specification of design parameters eliminates the need for trial-and-error adjustments during manufacturing, as components can be directly fabricated within the specified parameter ranges to achieve flare prevention
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
This design effectively prevents flare in capsule endoscopes without the need for trial-and-error position adjustments, ensuring clear imaging by controlling the positional relationship between the dome-shaped transparent cover and the illumination unit.
Implementation Method 1
a dome-shaped transparent cover transparent in a range of field of view and sealing an object side of the objective optical system and the illuminator
Implementation Method 2
an objective optical system
Implementation Method 3
an illuminator having a light-emitting region and the illuminator disposed at a position different from the objective optical system
Implementation Method 4
part of illumination light emitted from the illumination unit is reflected by the inner surface of the dome-shaped transparent cover and is incident as unnecessary light on the pupil of the objective optical system to cause flare
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an objective optical system, an illuminator having a light-emitting region and the illuminator disposed at a position different from the objective optical system, and a dome-shaped transparent cover transparent in a range of field of view and sealing the object side of the objective optical system and the illuminator. The following Conditional Expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 0.5<θ/ω<0.95 (1), (−0.13×LP+0.86×DR)<DL<0.95×DR (2).