Endoscope Image Pickup Module Optical Waveguide Plate Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution image pickup devices in endoscopes face challenges in transmitting large amounts of optical signals through thin optical fibers due to invasiveness concerns, requiring a compact and efficient optical signal multiplexing/demultiplexing solution to reduce the diameter and size of the image pickup module at the distal end portion.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup module incorporating a polymer optical waveguide plate with parallel waveguides and a Y-shaped branch portion, coupled with VCSEL devices and an optical fiber, utilizing reflection surfaces for efficient optical signal multiplexing and demultiplexing, along with conductive wires and a ferrule for compact integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical signal transmission through a thin optical fiber is used, then the amount of image pickup signals can be increased and invasiveness is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for optical multiplexing/demultiplexing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical multiplexing/demultiplexing function with the image pickup device by integrating an optical waveguide plate directly into the device structure. This integration combines multiple functions (image pickup, optical signal multiplexing, and demultiplexing) into a single compact module, reducing the number of separate components while enabling high-capacity optical signal transmission through a thin optical fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both an optical multiplexer and demultiplexer, and is integrated into the image pickup device structure. This multi-functional component enables the system to handle large amounts of image pickup signals while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for thin optical fiber transmission.
2Volume of moving object
If the diameter and size of the image pickup module are reduced, then invasiveness of the endoscope is mitigated, but the device complexity increases due to the need for compact optical signal multiplexing/demultiplexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the optical waveguide plate is integrated within the image pickup device housing. The optical multiplexing/demultiplexing components are nested within the same housing as the image pickup device, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces the overall module size while containing all necessary optical signal processing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the optical multiplexing/demultiplexing function with the image pickup device by integrating an optical waveguide plate directly into the device structure. This integration merges multiple functions into a single compact module, reducing the number of separate components while enabling high-capacity optical signal transmission through a thin optical fiber.
3Loss of information
If an image pickup device including a large number of pixels is used, then the information amount of image pickup signals is increased, but the device complexity increases due to the need for optical signal multiplexing/demultiplexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical multiplexing/demultiplexing function with the image pickup device by integrating an optical waveguide plate directly into the device structure. This integration combines multiple functions (image pickup, optical signal multiplexing, and demultiplexing) into a single compact module, reducing the number of separate components while enabling high-capacity optical signal transmission through a thin optical fiber.
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 solution enables efficient transmission of high-resolution image signals with reduced module size and invasiveness, maintaining high bonding reliability and optical signal integrity, thus addressing the challenge of transmitting large image pickup signals through a single optical fiber.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer optical waveguide plate that includes a first main surface and a second main surface, and includes a first waveguide, a second waveguide, and a third waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a first optical device and a second optical device mounted on the optical waveguide plate
Implementation Method 3
one optical fiber disposed perpendicularly to the second main surface of the optical waveguide plate
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup module includes: an optical waveguide plate that includes a first waveguide, a second waveguide, and a third waveguide optically coupled to the first waveguide and the second waveguide through a branch portion; an image pickup device; a first optical device and a second optical device both mounted on the optical waveguide plate; an optical fiber; a ferrule into which the optical fiber is inserted; and a plurality of conductive wires. The ferrule includes a notch on a front surface, and distal end portions of the conductive wires are held between the optical waveguide plate and a surface of the notch of the ferrule. The other components are disposed within a plane of projection of the image pickup device.