Endoscope Dual CCD Prism Light Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face a trade-off between reducing the diameter of the distal end portion and achieving high-quality images, as increasing the number of pixels in the CCDs enlarges the device, and existing double CCD structures are costly and inefficient in size reduction.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope employs a prism system with two solid-state image pickup devices arranged in proximity, utilizing a first prism to divide incident light into two optical paths and connect to separate circuit boards, allowing for reduced size without increasing pixel count, and optimizing the placement of CCDs and prisms to minimize the diameter of the distal end portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels in the CCD is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but the size of the CCD and the diameter of the distal end portion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image pickup function into two separate CCDs: one CCD for luminance (brightness) information and another CCD for chrominance (color) information. This segmentation allows each CCD to have fewer pixels, reducing individual CCD size while maintaining overall image quality through combined processing of luminance and chrominance signals.
2Measurement precision
If a double CCD structure is used to improve image quality without increasing pixel count, then image quality is improved and size is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the luminance and chrominance signal processing into a unified image pickup system where two CCDs work together under a single objective lens. The signals from both CCDs are combined in the signal processing unit to generate the final image, simplifying the overall structure compared to separate optical paths while maintaining the benefits of dual-CCD functionality.
3Length of stationary object
If the size of the image pickup apparatus is reduced to minimize distal end diameter, then the diameter is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optimization strategies to different parts of the image pickup system. The luminance CCD uses fewer pixels optimized for brightness detection, while the chrominance CCD uses fewer pixels optimized for color detection. This local quality differentiation allows each component to be smaller while the combination maintains high overall image quality.
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 effectively reduces the size of the image pickup apparatus while maintaining high image quality, making it suitable for endoscopes and other image pickup instruments, and allows for the use of trocars by minimizing the diameter of the distal end portion.
Implementation Method 1
a first solid-state image pickup device that receives light emitted by the prism after being reflected by a interface between the first prism and the second prism
Implementation Method 2
a second solid-state image pickup device that receives light emitted by the prism after passing through the first and second prisms
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope in accordance with the present invention provides an endoscope having an image pickup apparatus and including a first connection portion provided on one side surface of a first solid-state image pickup device to connect the first solid-state image pickup device to a first circuit board, and a second connection portion provided on one side surface of a second solid-state image pickup device to connect the second solid-state image pickup device to a second circuit board, the first solid-state image pickup device and the second solid-state image pickup device being arranged in proximity to each other so that a side surface of the first solid-state image pickup device which does not have the first connection portion lies opposite to a side surface of the second solid-state image pickup device which does not have the second connection portion.