Multichannel Endoscope Sensor with Microlens Homogenizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscope systems face challenges in obtaining adequate spectral information, color information under mixed lighting conditions, and suffer from low transmittance and poor uniformity due to the use of conventional diffusers.

Innovation Solution

A multichannel integrated endoscope system is proposed, featuring a light module, an image module, and a multichannel sensor module with a microlens array light homogenizer, which maps irradiance distribution directly onto a multichannel array sensor for improved spectral and color information capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional color image sensor with three color filters (R, G, B) is used, then spatial resolution in imaging is improved, but spectral information becomes inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidspectral information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into multiple zones, with the first zone containing color filters for spatial imaging and the second zone containing spectral filters for spectral measurement. This segmentation allows different regions of the sensor to perform different functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between spatial resolution and spectral information capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spectral dimension to the traditional two-dimensional color image sensor by incorporating multiple spectral filters (e.g., UV, blue, green, red, infrared) in the second zone. This transforms the sensor from capturing only spatial information to capturing both spatial and spectral information in a multi-dimensional framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If a single-zone spectral sensor is integrated into the endoscope system, then spectral information is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral informationVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a diffuser is used as the light homogenizer in a multichannel array sensor system, then irradiance uniformity is improved, but transmittance decreases and outer zone uniformity becomes poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirradiance uniformityVSAvoidtransmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional diffuser (mechanical/optical scattering element) with a microlens array that actively focuses and redirects light. This substitution maintains irradiance uniformity across all zones while significantly improving transmittance, as the microlens array guides light efficiently rather than scattering it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the light homogenizer by using a microlens array with specific focal lengths and lens pitches tailored to different spectral bands. This allows optimization of both uniformity and transmittance for each spectral channel, particularly improving performance in the outer zones where conventional diffusers fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhanced spectral and color information capture with improved irradiance uniformity and reduced crosstalk, addressing the limitations of conventional endoscope systems.

Implementation Method 1

a light homogenizer formed between the multichannel array sensor and the image lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Lens

Implementation Method 2

The color image sensor utilizes three color filters, i.e. R, G, B, having respectively different spectral transmittance characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

light reflected by the surface of the biological tissue can be collected by the image lens and then be imaged by the image sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250025028A1Multichannel Integrated Endoscope System

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A multichannel endoscope system includes a light module configured to emit illumination light on an object, an image module configured to capture an image of the object, and a multichannel sensor module configured to obtain a spectral information of the object. The multichannel sensor module includes an image lens, a light homogenizer and a multichannel array sensor, where the light homogenizer is formed between the multichannel array sensor and the image lens.