Endoscope Optical Fiber Core Diameter Segmentation for Signal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems face challenges in maintaining high-speed and large-capacity signal transmission while reducing the diameter of the insertion part, and in stabilizing optical beam transmission to prevent attenuation due to misalignment or dirt adhesion at optical connectors.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system employs a transmission module with a first photoelectric element converting imaging signals to optical signals, transmitted through a first optical fiber, and a second optical fiber with a larger core diameter, held by a second optical connector, which includes a communication mode stabilizing unit and correction optical systems to maintain signal integrity and prevent attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If optical fibers with smaller core diameters are used to reduce insertion part diameter, then the diameter of the insertion part is reduced, but signal transmission becomes more susceptible to attenuation and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transmission path is segmented into multiple sections with different core diameters. The first optical fiber has a smaller core diameter for compactness, while the second optical fiber has a larger core diameter for stable signal transmission. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between small diameter and transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication mode stabilizing unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the two optical fibers with different core diameters. This stabilizing unit includes optical elements that condition the light beam, ensuring stable coupling between the smaller core fiber and the larger core fiber, thereby preventing signal attenuation and maintaining transmission reliability.
2Ease of operation
If optical connectors are used for removable connection, then ease of operation is improved, but misalignment and dirt adhesion cause signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The communication mode stabilizing unit performs preliminary action by conditioning and stabilizing the optical beam before it enters the removable connector interface. By pre-correcting potential alignment issues and optimizing the beam profile, the system maintains stable signal transmission even when connectors are repeatedly connected and disconnected, reducing the impact of misalignment and dirt adhesion.
3Productivity
If high-speed large-capacity signal transmission is achieved, then productivity is improved, but maintaining signal quality becomes more difficult due to transmission losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of core diameter along the transmission path, transitioning from a smaller core diameter in the first optical fiber to a larger core diameter in the second optical fiber. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high-speed, large-capacity transmission while compensating for transmission losses and maintaining signal quality through the larger mode field area in the second 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
This configuration ensures stable optical beam transmission and prevents signal attenuation even with misalignment or dirt adhesion, maintaining signal intensity and quality, allowing for effective image processing and display in endoscope systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first photoelectric element configured to convert an imaging signal output from the image sensor into an optical signal and output the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a first optical fiber configured to transmit the optical signal output from the first photoelectric element
Implementation Method 3
a second optical fiber configured to transmit the optical signal output from the first optical fiber
Implementation Method 4
a second photoelectric element configured to convert the optical signal transmitted by the second optical fiber into an electrical signal and output the electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes: an image sensor; a transmission module; a first optical fiber; a first optical connector; a second optical connector; a communication mode stabilizing unit configured to smooth an optical beam; a second optical fiber having a core diameter larger than a core diameter of the first optical fiber; a reception module; a first correction optical system including a first lens and configured to increase a beam diameter of an optical signal output from an end of the first optical fiber, and a second lens configured to convert the optical signal whose beam diameter is increased by the first lens into parallel light; and a second correction optical system. The second optical fiber is a step index optical fiber, and the communication mode stabilizing unit smoothes the optical beam by using a larger area of a core of the first optical fiber.