Endoscopic Image Pickup Device Multiple Illumination Directions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face issues with image clarity when using wide-angle lenses, as the illumination range is insufficient to cover the entire image pickup area, leading to brighter center areas and darker borders, and side view attachments require high-quality reflectors that are prone to contamination affecting picture quality.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic image pickup device with multiple illumination directions, featuring a first light source and a second light source positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the first, providing additional illumination beyond the initial range to enhance image clarity and reduce the impact of reflector contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide-angle lens is used to increase the image pickup range, then the image pickup range is improved, but the illumination range becomes insufficient causing brighter center and darker border areas
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple light sources with different illumination directions. The first light source provides illumination in the image pickup direction, while the second light source provides illumination in a direction deviated by a predetermined angle, together covering the entire wide-angle image pickup range with uniform illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination approach transitions from a single-direction (one-dimensional) light source to multi-directional (multi-dimensional) light sources. By adding a second light source with a predetermined angle deviation, the illumination covers the expanded wide-angle field of view uniformly without compromising the image pickup range
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reflector is used in the side view attachment to capture side images, then the image pickup versatility is improved, but the picture quality is sensitive to reflector coating quality and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent window is introduced as an intermediary component between the second light source and the target. This allows light to pass through to illuminate the target from a direction that does not directly strike the reflector, reducing the impact of reflector coating quality and contamination on picture quality while maintaining side image pickup capability
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 enhances image clarity by providing extra illumination, reduces the risk of picture quality interference from reflector contamination, and allows for greater tolerance in reflector coating quality, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a second light source installed in the tubing and having an illumination range deviated from the illumination range of the first light source a predetermined angle
Implementation Method 2
The reflector reflects incident light passing through the transparent window onto the lens for image pickup
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic image pickup device includes a tubing, an image pickup module consisting of a lens and an image sensor and installed in one end of the tubing, a first light source installed in the same end of the tubing relative to the image pickup module and having an illumination range directly intersected with the image pickup range of the image pickup module, a second light source installed in the tubing and having an illumination range deviated from the illumination range of the first light source a predetermined angle and intersected with the illumination range of the first light source directly or indirectly, and a light source control means adapted for controlling on and/or off of said first light source and/or said second light source. Subject to the design that the illumination direction of the second light source is deviated from that of the first light source, the invention provides an extra illumination range, enhancing image clarity.