Scanning Endoscope Calibration Tool Abutment Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning endoscopes face challenges in accurately calibrating the scan pattern of illuminating light due to environmental and manufacturing variables, leading to distortion in the acquired images, which existing calibration methods fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A calibration tool with an abutment portion and a chart featuring a calibration pattern is used to contact the illumination window of the scanning endoscope, allowing for precise alignment and calibration of the scan pattern by ensuring the illuminating light beam does not pass through the abutment portions, thus maintaining the integrity of the image acquisition process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing calibration methods are used, then the calibration process can be performed, but image distortion occurs due to environmental and manufacturing variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a calibration tool with a predetermined calibration pattern that is positioned and aligned before the actual imaging procedure. The calibration pattern is pre-configured on the calibration tool, and the tool is inserted into the endoscope in advance to establish the correct spatial relationship between the illumination fiber and the calibration pattern, thereby preventing image distortion before it occurs during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration tool serves as an intermediary device between the illumination fiber and the calibration pattern. It includes a holder that secures the calibration pattern and a positioning mechanism that ensures the calibration pattern is correctly aligned with the illumination fiber's scan path. This intermediary tool mediates the calibration process by providing a stable reference framework that compensates for environmental and manufacturing variables, thereby improving both measurement precision and image quality consistency
2Ease of operation
If the illumination window is contacted without a fixed position mechanism, then the calibration tool can be inserted, but the alignment precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration tool includes a predetermined positioning structure with an abutment portion that contacts the illumination window at a specific location before the calibration pattern is fully engaged. This preliminary contact establishes a reference position that guides the rest of the alignment process, making insertion easier while ensuring manufacturing precision is achieved through the pre-configured geometric relationship between the abutment portion and the calibration pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment portion acts as an intermediary element between the calibration tool and the illumination window. It provides a mechanical interface that ensures the calibration tool is positioned correctly relative to the illumination fiber. The abutment portion mediates the alignment process by creating a stable, reproducible contact point that translates ease of insertion into precise positioning of the calibration pattern, thereby achieving both operational simplicity and manufacturing precision
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration tool for a scanning endoscope includes: an abutment portion that is in contact with and abuts an illumination window provided in a distal end face of an insertion portion of a scanning endoscope and is configured to be in contact with a region of the illumination window other than a region in which an illuminating light beam applied from the illumination window is scanned; and a chart with a calibration pattern drawn thereon, the calibration pattern being provided for calibrating a scan pattern of the illuminating light, the chart being arranged parallel to the distal end face with a predetermined distance from a surface of the illumination window positioned as a result of the illumination window coming into contact with the abutment portion, according to a size of the calibration pattern, whereby image calibration of the scanning endoscope can accurately be performed with a simple configuration.