Endoscope Oblique Camera Orientation Reduces Shadow Casting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes often suffer from shadow casting due to the orientation of the camera and illumination units relative to the instrument in the working channel, leading to impaired visibility despite large illumination and camera angles.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design features a distal end with inclined windows for the image capturing and illumination devices, creating an acute angle between their optical axes, allowing for grazing light components that highlight tools and provide high-contrast images, while the illumination device is oriented parallel to the working channel to minimize shadowing and enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the camera and illumination units are oriented centrally along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shank, then the structural alignment is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but shadow casting occurs due to the instrument in the working channel, leading to impaired visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is oriented at an oblique angle (e.g., 30-60 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shank, rather than being centrally aligned. This asymmetric orientation positions the camera laterally offset from the center, allowing it to view the operation site from an angle that avoids shadows cast by instruments in the working channel, thereby improving visibility while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is positioned and oriented to capture images from a lateral dimension rather than purely along the longitudinal axis. By viewing the operation site from an oblique angle, the camera captures light reflected from surfaces that would otherwise be in shadow, effectively adding a dimensional perspective that eliminates shadow interference
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis to avoid shadow casting, then visibility is improved, but the structural complexity and device design become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope incorporates a flexible shank that can be bent and shaped to navigate body cavities, with the camera mounted on a segment that can be selectively positioned. This dynamic flexibility allows the camera to achieve optimal oblique viewing angles during use while the overall device structure remains relatively simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The camera, illumination devices, and other components are integrated into a compact distal end assembly that is nested within the endoscope shank. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions into a compact unit, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the necessary oblique camera orientation for shadow-free imaging
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 ensures clear visualization of the operation field and tool activity, allowing for effective tracking of axial movements with high-contrast images and optimal illumination of the operating area, reducing shadow casting and improving overall visibility for the surgeon.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination device comprises one or more LED light sources
Implementation Method 2
The image capturing device comprises an image sensor and an objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a distal end surface having two surface sections that include an obtuse angle therebetween, wherein one surface section is oriented in an inclined manner relative to the longitudinal direction and the other surface section is transverse to the longitudinal direction. An image capturing device includes an objective lens having a light entrance window which is arranged in a flush mounted manner relative to the surface section. The image capturing device is arranged inside a cylindrical longitudinally oriented contour and has a viewing direction oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction. The objective lens includes an optical axis having at least one bend, so that it includes a longitudinally oriented section and an obliquely oriented outer section. An illumination device is longitudinally oriented and includes an emission angle that is larger than an acceptance angle of the objective lens of the image capturing device.