Endoscope Camera Head Segmentation for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems require image signals to be transmitted externally for processing and display, leading to increased complexity and the need for separate sterilization of heavy components, which complicates the imaging and recording process.
Innovation Solution
A camera head system for endoscopes that integrates an image pickup device, image signal processing, and recording capabilities, with a detachable display device to reduce weight and size, allowing for direct connection to the eyepiece and separate sterilization of the camera head, while enabling image processing, recording, and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If image signal processing and recording devices are integrated into the camera head, then image processing and recording are simplified, but the camera head becomes heavier and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: a lightweight camera head that performs only image pickup, and a separate external device that handles image signal processing and recording. This segmentation allows the camera head to remain small and lightweight while the processing functions are performed externally, resolving the contradiction between integration benefits and weight constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If the camera head is made compact for easy sterilization, then sterilization precision is improved, but image processing capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The camera head is segmented to contain only essential components (lens, image pickup device, and minimal control circuits) that can withstand sterilization. Image processing functions are relocated to an external device that does not require sterilization, allowing the camera head to be made compact and sterilizable while maintaining full image processing capabilities in the external unit.
3Weight of moving object
If image signals are transmitted externally for processing, then the camera head can be lighter, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the image signal processing unit and the recording device. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single external unit, reducing the overall system complexity despite the separation of the camera head from processing functions.
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 configuration simplifies image processing and recording, reduces the size and weight of the camera head, and allows for precise sterilization, enhancing manageability and convenience by enabling on-board image processing and separate display, while maintaining the ability to record and display images effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup device which picks up an observation image from the eyepiece section connected by the connection device
Data Source
AI summary
In a camera head for an endoscope, a camera system for an endoscope, and an endoscope system of the invention, a camera head section has: an adaptor connection section to be connected to an eyepiece section of an endoscope that enables observation of inside of a body cavity of a subject; a CCD which picks up an observation image from the eyepiece section connected by the adaptor connection section; an image signal processing device which processes an image signal of the observation image picked up by the CCD; a cable including a connector as an output device which outputs the image signal from the image signal processing device; and a recording device which records the image signal.