Endoscope System with Variable Channel Distance for Projection Consistency
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems with wide-angle objective optical systems cause discomfort for operators due to differences in the physical relationship between the treatment instrument and the observed region, leading to misunderstandings about the treatment instrument's projection, especially with fixed focus systems where the surrounding area becomes out of focus, affecting the clarity and comfort of operation.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system includes two endoscopes with different viewing angles and corresponding treatment instrument channel openings, where the distance between the objective optical system and the treatment instrument channel is adjusted based on the viewing angle to ensure consistent projection and clarity, using a combination of standard and wide-angle endoscopes with specific optical systems and solid imaging elements to maintain accurate image representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide-angle objective optical system is used to observe difficult-to-reach regions, then the observation capability is improved, but the physical relationship between the treatment instrument and observed region becomes distorted, causing operator discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the distance parameter between the treatment instrument channel opening and the objective optical system based on the viewing angle. For wide-angle systems, the channel opening is positioned farther away, while for standard-angle systems, it is positioned closer. This parameter change compensates for the distortion caused by wide-angle optics, maintaining consistent perceived instrument projection for operators.
2Device complexity
If the treatment instrument channel opening is positioned closer to the observation window, then the structure is simplified, but the instrument projection appears inconsistent when switching between different viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a systematic parameter relationship where the distance between the treatment instrument channel opening and the objective optical system is determined by the viewing angle of the optical system. This creates a standardized configuration that maintains instrument projection consistency across different endoscope types while providing a clear design guideline for structural arrangement.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed focus optical system is used to simplify the optical design, then the manufacturing is easier, but the surrounding area becomes out of focus, affecting image clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the treatment instrument channel opening at a specific distance from the objective optical system that corresponds to the focal plane of the fixed focus system. This local positioning ensures that the treatment instrument remains in focus within the observed region, compensating for the limited depth of field of fixed focus optics and maintaining image clarity where it is most needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes a first endoscope that includes a first distal end portion, a first observation window provided at the first distal end portion, a first objective optical system optically coupled to the first observation window and having a first viewing angle, and a first treatment instrument channel opening positioned at a first distance away from the first observation window; and a second endoscope that includes a second distal end portion, a second observation window provided at the second distal end portion, a second objective optical system optically coupled to the second observation window and having a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle, and a second treatment instrument channel opening positioned at a second distance longer than the first distance.