Endoscope Illumination Optical System for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope illumination systems face challenges in providing uniform illumination when multiple light sources are independently controlled, leading to uneven light distribution and difficulty in maintaining consistent illumination patterns.
Innovation Solution
The proposed illumination optical system includes a condenser lens, a first light guiding member, a pupil generating lens, and a second light guiding member, which work together to condense and guide light from multiple sources, ensuring uniform spatial intensity distribution through reflection within a rod integrator, and then provide Kohler illumination to the light guide, maintaining consistent light distribution regardless of the positions and angles of the light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are arranged at different positions to provide illumination, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the uniformity of light distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A rod integrator is introduced as an intermediary component between multiple light sources and the light guide. The rod integrator receives light from multiple sources at its first end face, internally mixes and uniformizes the light through total internal reflection, and outputs uniformly distributed light at its second end face, thereby resolving the contradiction between coverage and uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light sources are merged into a single illumination path through the rod integrator. Instead of allowing light from different sources to directly illuminate the subject separately, they are combined and mixed within the rod integrator, creating a unified, uniform light output that maintains both coverage and distribution consistency
2Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are arranged at different positions and angles, then the adaptability of illumination is improved, but the complexity of maintaining consistent illumination patterns worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The rod integrator performs self-service by automatically mixing and uniformizing light from multiple sources with different positions and angles. The internal structure of the rod integrator (through total internal reflection) inherently performs the function of light uniformization without requiring external control mechanisms, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing operational complexity
3Productivity
If collimator lenses and condenser lenses are used to form and condense light, then the light guidance efficiency is improved, but the uniformity of illumination at the light guide entrance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rod integrator is positioned between the condenser lens and the light guide entrance as an intermediary. It receives the condensed light, uniformizes it through internal reflection, and then feeds uniform light to the light guide, thereby resolving the contradiction between guidance efficiency and illumination uniformity
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 solution ensures that the illumination remains uniform and consistent even when multiple light sources are independently controlled, preventing uneven light distribution and allowing for effective in-vivo imaging in endoscope systems.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser lens configured to condense plural light fluxes incident on different positions on a surface of the condenser lens
Implementation Method 2
the first light guiding member being configured to guide the light input to the first entrance end face by reflecting the light inside the condenser lens, and output the light from the first exit end face
Implementation Method 3
a pupil generating lens to which the light output from the first exit end face is input, the pupil generating lens being configured to generate a pupil with the first exit end face serving as an object surface
Implementation Method 4
the second light guiding member being configured to guide the light input to the second entrance end face by reflecting the light inside the second light guiding member, and output the light from the second exit end face
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination optical system includes: a condenser lens; a first light guiding member configured to guide the light input to a first entrance end face by reflecting the light inside the condenser lens, and output the light from a first exit end face; a pupil generating lens configured to generate a pupil with the first exit end face serving as an object surface; and a second light guiding member configured to guide the light input to a second entrance end face by reflecting the light inside the second light guiding member, and output the light from a second exit end face.