Imaging Apparatus with Dual Optical Systems for Endoscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope systems face challenges in simultaneously acquiring and processing multiple types of images, such as polarized and normal images, with existing technologies requiring complex structures and multiple imaging elements, which can increase the diameter of the endoscope tip and complicate the imaging process.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates a first and second optical system with different polarization characteristics and focal lengths, allowing for arbitrary selection of pixels for image acquisition, using a CMOS sensor to read pixel information from specific regions, enabling the simultaneous capture and processing of multiple image types without the need for multiple imaging elements or complex switching mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging elements are provided for different image types, then multiple image types can be acquired, but the diameter of the endoscope tip increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making a single imaging element perform multiple functions through electronic configuration. The imaging element can be arbitrarily set to read out pixel information for different regions (first region for first image type, second region for second image type) without requiring multiple physical imaging elements. This resolves the contradiction by achieving multi-functionality through software/control configuration rather than hardware multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple imaging elements into a single imaging element. By providing one imaging element with multiple regions and arbitrary pixel reading capability, the system combines what would traditionally require separate imaging elements into one unified component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to acquire multiple image types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging elements are provided for different image types, then multiple image types can be acquired, but the diameter of the endoscope tip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single imaging element is designed to serve multiple purposes by arbitrarily setting read target pixels for different regions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate imaging elements, thereby preventing an increase in endoscope tip diameter while still enabling acquisition of multiple image types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional aspect by dividing the imaging element into multiple regions (first region, second region) and enabling arbitrary pixel selection within these regions. This spatial dimensioning within a single element allows multiple image types to be captured without adding more elements, thus avoiding diameter increase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switching mechanisms or adjustment mechanisms are provided, then different images can be acquired with one imaging element, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms or adjustment mechanisms with an electronic pixel reading control system. Instead of physically switching between imaging elements or adjusting optical components, the system arbitrarily sets which pixels to read out electronically. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical parts while maintaining the capability to acquire different image types.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element itself performs the differentiation function through its multi-region structure and arbitrary pixel reading capability. Rather than requiring external switching mechanisms to direct different images to different elements, the single imaging element serves itself by selectively reading pixels from different regions based on the desired image type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If arbitrary pixel reading is implemented, then multiple image types can be acquired with one imaging element, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing the imaging element into multiple regions (first region, second region) with distinct optical systems focused on them. This preliminary spatial organization simplifies the subsequent arbitrary pixel reading process, as the system only needs to select which pre-defined region to read from, rather than processing entirely arbitrary pixel selections without any structural guidance.
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 allows for the effective acquisition and display of multiple image types, including polarized and normal images, with improved brightness adjustment and reduced complexity, thereby simplifying the endoscope structure and enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit that includes a first region on which the light emitted from the first optical system is incident and a second region which is different from the first region and on which the light emitted from the second optical system is incident, can output, as pixel information, an electric signal after photoelectric conversion from pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a first and second optical systems that focus and emit incident light, a transparent wavelength, and a focal length of them being different from each other; an imaging unit that includes a first region on which the light emitted from the first optical system is incident and a second region on which the light emitted from the second optical system is incident, can output, as pixel information, an electric signal after photoelectric conversion from pixels arbitrarily set as read targets; a setting unit that can arbitrarily set the read targets in at least one of the first region and the second region; a reading unit that reads the pixel information from the read targets; a control unit that changes the read targets according to an acquisition target image; and an image processing unit that generates the acquisition target image.