Catadioptric Endoscopy for Panoramic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic devices face challenges in capturing sharp, panoramic images of large areas surrounding the endoscope and efficiently transmitting these images to the proximal end, with existing solutions often suffering from contamination, brightness, and contrast issues due to external contaminants and limited field of view.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic device equipped with a catadioptric imaging system featuring two rotationally symmetrical reflective surfaces and a light refracting interface, combined with a second imaging device, allows for simultaneous capture of two overlapping annular regions, using CCD or CMOS sensors, and an image processing system to stitch images together, providing enhanced image quality and depth information through optical coherence tomography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single imaging device is used to capture the surrounding region, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging devices (first imaging device with catadioptric lens and second imaging device) into a single integrated system. The first imaging device captures a first annular image while the second imaging device captures a second annular image, and these images are merged to create a comprehensive panoramic view that overcomes the field of view limitations of a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple specialized imaging devices, each with specific functions. The first imaging device uses a catadioptric lens for capturing annular images with specific optical properties, while the second imaging device captures complementary views. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing a complete panoramic coverage.
2Device complexity
If traditional imaging systems are used, then the structure is simple, but brightness and contrast are poor due to external contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing device as an intermediary that receives images from both imaging devices and processes them to enhance brightness and contrast. This intermediary component compensates for image quality degradation caused by external contaminants by algorithmically improving the visual characteristics of the captured images.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing device applies parameter changes to the captured images, adjusting brightness, contrast, and other visual parameters to overcome the deteriorating effects of external contaminants. By dynamically modifying these parameters, the system maintains high image quality despite adverse environmental conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices are used to capture overlapping annular regions, then image quality and depth information improve, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality where the first imaging device with catadioptric lens serves dual purposes: capturing annular images and providing depth information through its optical coherence tomography capability. The second imaging device complements this by capturing additional annular regions. This universal design allows the system to achieve high measurement precision while managing complexity through integrated multi-functional components.
4Area of stationary object
If images from multiple devices are stitched together, then complete panoramic visualization is achieved, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing device acts as an intermediary that automatically performs the complex task of stitching images from multiple imaging devices. This intermediary component handles the computational complexity of aligning, merging, and integrating the first annular image and second annular image into a complete panoramic visualization, relieving the user from manual processing complexity.
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 solution enables high-quality, panoramic imaging with improved brightness and contrast, resistant to contamination, and provides depth information, allowing for complete visualization of internal surfaces and structures, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the first imaging means comprises a catadioptric imaging device having a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
a light refracting interface
Implementation Method 3
a first image sensor for detecting said first image and for producing a first image signal representative of said first image, second imaging means in said housing for detecting light emanating from objects in a predetermined second ambient region
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic device comprising a housing, first imaging means in the housing for detecting light emanating from objects from a predetermined first surrounding region annularly surrounding the endoscopic device and for producing a first image of the first surrounding region, a first image sensor for detecting the first image and for producing a first image signal, a first image sensor for sensing the first image and for generating a first image signal representing the first image, a second imaging means in the housing for sensing light emanating from objects in a predetermined second surrounding region and for generating a second image of the second surrounding region, and a second image sensor for sensing the second image and for generating a second image signal representing the second image. The first imaging device comprises a catadioptric imaging system with a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a light refracting interface.