Endoscope Diffuser Optics for Wide Illumination in Compact Scopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination optical systems for endoscopes are large and have limited light distribution and transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An illumination optical system for endoscopes featuring a light guide with a diffuser that varies light diffusion angle distribution based on incidence angle, adhering to specific conditional expressions to ensure wide light distribution and high transmission efficiency, and optionally includes a light shielding member to reduce central light intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional diffuser is used in the illumination optical system, then the structure is simple, but the light distribution is limited and transmission efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is designed with spatially varying diffusion characteristics where the light diffusion angle distribution varies depending on the incidence angle of incident light. This local quality variation allows different regions of the diffuser to optimize light distribution for specific incident angles, achieving wide light distribution and high transmission efficiency without requiring a complex multi-component structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the diffuser by controlling the relationship between the diffusion angle half-widths (φa and φb) and the geometric parameters (thickness t, outer radius H, light guide radius G). By satisfying specific conditional expressions involving these parameters, the diffuser achieves optimized light distribution characteristics and transmission efficiency without increasing structural complexity
2Volume of moving object
If the illumination optical system is reduced in size, then compactness is improved, but light distribution width may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves wide light distribution in a compact system by optimizing the parameter relationships in the conditional expressions. The controlled diffusion angle distribution and geometric parameter ratios allow the light to spread widely despite the small overall system size, decoupling the relationship between system volume and light distribution width
3Loss of energy
If high transmission efficiency is achieved, then light loss is reduced, but the system may require larger components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the balance between transmission efficiency and diffuser size by controlling the parameter relationships in the conditional expressions. The specific ratios involving thickness t, outer radius H, and light guide radius G allow the diffuser to maintain high transmission efficiency while keeping the overall system compact, preventing light loss without requiring oversized components
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
The system achieves a compact design with wide light distribution and high transmission efficiency while minimizing light absorption and reducing the risk of light coagulation at the illumination window.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser that is disposed on an emission side of the light guide and diffuses light emitted from the light guide
Implementation Method 2
the light diffusion angle distribution on the diffusion surface varies depending on an incidence angle of light incident on the diffusion surface
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination optical system includes a light guide of an endoscope and a diffuser that is disposed on an emission side of the light guide and diffuses light emitted from the light guide. The diffuser includes a substrate and a diffusion surface. A light diffusion angle distribution on the diffusion surface varies depending on an incidence angle of light incident on the diffusion surface. In a case where a half width at half maximum of the light diffusion angle distribution in a case where the incidence angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value is denoted by φa and a half width at half maximum of the light diffusion angle distribution in a case where the incidence angle is less than the threshold value is denoted by φb, the diffusion surface satisfies Conditional Expression represented by “0.1<φa/φb<0.7”.