Distal CMOS Sensor Placement in Endoscope Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes are costly and mechanically delicate, with image sensors placed at the proximal end, requiring complex optical components and frequent repairs, making them unsuitable for cost-effective and durable medical use, especially in reduced light environments.
Innovation Solution
Placing the image sensor at the distal end of the endoscope with a reduced pixel array and utilizing optical black pixels and columns to minimize size and complexity, along with digital signal processing to maintain image quality and reduce the need for repair and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image sensor is placed at the proximal end of the endoscope, then the image quality can be maintained with sufficient light sensitivity, but the device complexity and cost increase due to complex optical components and precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional endoscope architecture by placing the image sensor at the distal end (tip) rather than the proximal end (handpiece). This inversion eliminates the need for complex optical transmission components along the endoscope shaft, as the sensor directly captures light at the distal end. The simplification allows for fewer optical elements and reduced alignment requirements while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex optical transmission system from the endoscope structure. By placing the sensor distally, the patent eliminates the need for lenses, mirrors, and other optical components that would otherwise be required to transmit light from the distal end to the proximal sensor, thereby simplifying the overall device.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the image sensor is placed at the proximal end of the endoscope, then the light transmission can be optimized, but the manufacturing cost increases due to expensive optics and labor-intensive assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional endoscope architecture by placing the image sensor at the distal end (tip) rather than the proximal end (handpiece). This inversion eliminates the need for complex optical transmission components along the endoscope shaft, as the sensor directly captures light at the distal end. The simplification allows for fewer optical elements and reduced alignment requirements while maintaining image quality.
3Measurement precision
If the image sensor is placed at the proximal end of the endoscope, then the optical system can be optimized for image quality, but the device becomes mechanically delicate and requires frequent repair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex optical transmission system from the endoscope structure. By placing the sensor distally, the patent eliminates the need for lenses, mirrors, and other optical components that would otherwise be required to transmit light from the distal end to the proximal sensor, thereby simplifying the overall device and reducing mechanical delicacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the endoscope to be designed as a single-use or limited-use disposable device. By simplifying the structure with the distal sensor placement and eliminating complex optics, the device can be manufactured at lower cost and disposed of after a single use or limited sterilization cycles, eliminating repair requirements entirely.
4Ease of manufacture
If the pixel array area is reduced to lower cost, then the sensor can be placed at the distal end, but the light sensitivity decreases in reduced light environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional endoscope architecture by placing the image sensor at the distal end (tip) rather than the proximal end (handpiece). This inversion eliminates the need for complex optical transmission components along the endoscope shaft, as the sensor directly captures light at the distal end. The simplification allows for fewer optical elements and reduced alignment requirements while maintaining image quality.
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 approach reduces the cost and complexity of endoscope manufacturing, allows for single-use or recyclable endoscopes, and maintains high-quality video streams in reduced light environments by minimizing pixel count and using digital signal processing to compensate for reduced sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging sensor that may be disposed near the tip portion of the lumen comprising: an array of pixels for sensing electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for digitally imaging with area limited image sensors, such as within a lumen of an endoscope.