Encapsulated Imaging Camera With Internal Lens Reorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures for examining organs like the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine require sedation due to the large size and rigidity of traditional endoscopes, causing trauma and incomplete imaging, while wireless capsules offer poor image resolution and lack user control over direction and movement.
Innovation Solution
A tethered, encapsulated optoelectronic imaging system with a movable optical lens inside a capsule allows for controlled, repeatable viewing in various directions without repositioning the entire system, using a slim tether for power and movement control, and optionally incorporating the capsule shell as a lens element for improved imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional endoscopes are used to examine internal organs, then imaging capability is provided, but patient sedation is required and trauma occurs due to large size and rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into separate functional modules: a flexible insertion sheath for navigation, a rigid distal tip housing for camera mounting, and a detachable camera assembly. This segmentation allows the imaging function to be separated from the insertion path, enabling smaller, more flexible probes that can be swallowed without sedation while avoiding trauma to the organ lining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single rigid endoscope structure to a multi-component system where the camera assembly can be positioned and oriented independently in three-dimensional space. This allows the camera to view the organ lumen from multiple angles without requiring the entire endoscope to be rigid and large, thereby eliminating the need for sedation and reducing trauma.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional endoscopes are used, then imaging is achieved, but physical rotation and bending of the distal end causes trauma to tissue
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the camera assembly from the insertion sheath, the system allows the camera to be positioned at the tip while the sheath remains flexible and thin. This segmentation enables the camera to rotate and change viewing direction independently without requiring the entire endoscope to bend and rotate, thereby avoiding trauma to the organ lining while maintaining versatility in viewing directions.
3Ease of operation
If wireless encapsulated cameras are used, then swallowing without sedation is enabled, but image resolution is poor and user control over direction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the imaging function (camera assembly with high-resolution sensor) from the insertion function (flexible thin sheath). This allows the use of a larger, high-resolution camera sensor at the tip while maintaining a thin, swallowable profile. The detachable design enables sophisticated imaging capabilities without compromising the ease of swallowing, as only the thin sheath needs to pass through the esophagus.
4Ease of operation
If wireless capsules are used, then capsule swallowing is simplified, but repeated imaging of the same area is prevented due to lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic control mechanisms through the detachable camera assembly that can be repositioned and rotated relative to the insertion sheath. This dynamic capability allows the camera to return to and repeatedly image the same area of interest multiple times, providing adaptability and versatility while maintaining the simplicity of capsule deployment through the flexible sheath design.
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
Enables high-resolution, spherical viewing of internal organs without sedation, avoiding trauma and improving imaging versatility by allowing multiple views and angles, surpassing traditional endoscopes in safety and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an optical lens (disposed inside the volume in an optical lens holder configured to affix constituent lens elements of the optical lens with respect to one another)
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic apparatus separated from the optical lens by the base portion and configured to tilt the optical lens inside the volume with respect to the shell axis
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging camera containing an encapsulated optical lens enables viewing from inside and imaging of a chosen cavity in/from a variety of directions with the use of an electromagnetic apparatus located inside the encapsulation. A portion of camera's optical system together with light source(s) and optical detector mutually cooperated by housing structure inside the encapsulating shell are moveable/re-orientable within the shell to vary a desired view of the object space without interruption of imaging process. Method(s) of using optical, optoelectronic, and optoelectromechanical sub-systems of the camera.