Endoscope Image Pickup Unit with Segmented Light Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope image pickup units face challenges in reducing size while minimizing external light interference, particularly flare issues, due to the larger external shape of optical members which hinder miniaturization and image quality.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rectangular or square cover glass with a circular optical member of smaller diameter, a holding frame with a circular fitting hole, and strategically placed light blocking members to block external light reflections, allowing for a reduced size and improved image pickup unit while suppressing flare effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the external shape of the optical member is reduced to minimize size, then the image pickup unit size is reduced, but external light reflections more easily enter the pixel formation region causing flare
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking function is segmented into two distinct members: a first light blocking member positioned at the front of the optical member to block reflections from the holding frame's inner wall, and a second light blocking member positioned between the optical member and cover glass to block reflections from the optical member's side surface. This segmentation allows each member to address specific reflection sources independently, effectively suppressing flare while maintaining a compact optical member design.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second light blocking members act as intermediary elements introduced into the optical path to intercept and block harmful reflected light before it reaches the pixel formation region. These intermediaries are strategically positioned to catch reflections from specific surfaces (holding frame inner wall and optical member side surface) without interfering with the normal optical path for image formation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light blocking member is disposed on the surface behind the optical member to block reflected light, then flare is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first light blocking member is integrated with the holding frame structure, and the second light blocking member is integrated with the optical member or its mounting structure. By merging the light blocking function with existing structural components rather than adding completely separate elements, the design reduces overall device complexity while still achieving effective flare suppression through multiple blocking positions.
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 enables a reduction in the size of the image pickup unit and effectively blocks external light interference, enhancing image quality by minimizing flare impacts.
Implementation Method 1
block visual field external light reflecting on an inner wall surface of the projecting section
Implementation Method 2
block the visual field external light reflecting on a side surface of the optical member
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup unit includes an objective lens unit, cover glass fixed on a light receiving surface of an image pickup device, a circular optical member stuck to a front end face of the cover glass and having a diameter smaller than a diagonal line length of the cover glass, a holding frame having a circular fitting hole in which the optical member is fit from a rear, a first light blocking member disposed in a front of the optical member, and a second light blocking member disposed between a rear end face of the optical member and a front end face of the cover glass.