Endoscope Dichroic Mirrors for Simultaneous Multi-Directional Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope apparatuses face issues such as inability to observe two directions simultaneously, complex structures, light loss due to specific polarization direction transmission, and restricted light acquisition due to central holes in quadrangular pyramid mirrors.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a distal end portion featuring a first dichroic mirror that deflects and transmits light in specific wavelength bands, allowing simultaneous observation of light from two directions without polarization-dependent loss, using two image-acquisition units to capture multiplexed light in separate wavelength bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switchable mirror is used to acquire light from two directions, then light acquisition capability is improved, but the structure becomes complex and cannot observe two directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light acquisition function into separate wavelength bands. The first dichroic mirror separates incident light into a first wavelength band (radial direction) and a second wavelength band (longitudinal axial direction), allowing simultaneous observation of both directions without complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength as an additional dimension for light separation. By using dichroic mirrors to separate light based on wavelength bands rather than spatial switching, the system achieves simultaneous multi-directional observation while maintaining a simpler overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate image-forming optical systems are used for light from two directions, then observation capability is improved, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths for different directions by using wavelength-based separation. The first dichroic mirror combines radial and longitudinal axial light into separate wavelength bands that can be processed by a unified optical system, reducing complexity compared to separate image-forming systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical system that handles both radial and longitudinal axial light through wavelength-based routing. The dichroic mirrors and image-acquisition units serve multiple functions by processing different wavelength bands, eliminating the need for dedicated separate optical systems for each direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a polarizing prism is used to multiplex light with different polarization directions, then light multiplexing is achieved, but light loss occurs and image brightness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the multiplexing parameter from polarization direction to wavelength band. By using dichroic mirrors to separate light based on wavelength rather than polarization, the system achieves complete light transmission without the energy loss associated with polarizing prisms that reject certain polarization directions.
4Ease of operation
If a hollow quadrangular pyramid mirror with a central hole is used, then light from longitudinal direction is observed, but light acquisition is restricted and light loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the central hole restriction by using a dichroic mirror without a central opening. The first dichroic mirror transmits and reflects light based on wavelength bands across the entire surface, eliminating the light acquisition restrictions imposed by central holes in quadrangular pyramid mirrors.
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 reduced light loss and simultaneous observation of light from two directions with a simpler structure, allowing for a smaller diameter and improved image acquisition without restricting the examination subject.
Implementation Method 1
a first dichroic mirror, disposed in a distal end portion of the inserted portion, that deflects light in a first wavelength band, which is incident from a radial direction, in a longitudinal axial direction and that transmits light in a second wavelength band, which is incident from the longitudinal axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a second dichroic mirror that splits the light multiplexed by the first dichroic mirror into each wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
The distal end of an inserted portion, having a simple structure, is reduced in diameter, loss of light incident from a body cavity is reduced, and light from two different directions is observed simultaneously and in a separated fashion. Provided is an endoscope apparatus (1) including an inserted portion (2) to be inserted inside a body cavity; a first dichroic mirror (8), disposed in a distal end portion of the inserted portion (2), that transmits light (L4) in a first wavelength band, which is incident from a longitudinal axial direction and that deflects light (L2) in a second wavelength band, which is incident from a radial direction, in the longitudinal axial direction, thereby multiplexing it with the light (L4) in the first wavelength band; a second dichroic mirror (13) that splits the light (L2, L4) multiplexed by the first dichroic mirror (8) into each wavelength band; and two image-acquisition units (16, 17) that respectively acquire the light (L2, L4) in the first and second wavelength bands split by the second dichroic mirror (13).