Endoscope Optical System with 180-Degree Aperture Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes often fail to detect small polyps and tumors located behind intestinal folds due to their limited field of vision, which is primarily directed ahead, resulting in a high error rate during intestinal exploration.
Innovation Solution
Designing an endoscope with an optical system having an aperture angle of more than 180°, allowing for a rear view while maintaining a view ahead, by arranging optical systems at an angle to the direction of movement, and using a free shape lens to minimize dead ranges in the visual field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the field of vision is directed substantially ahead to monitor and control the inserting movement, then the visual control during insertion is improved, but small polyps and tumors located at the rear of intestinal folds remain undiscovered
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is equipped with multiple image systems having different visual angles and optical parameters. Specifically, at least one image system is arranged to capture images directed laterally or rearwardly, segmenting the visual monitoring function from the detection function. This allows simultaneous forward progression monitoring and comprehensive area examination without requiring the endoscope to be repositioned for different viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the field of vision beyond the conventional forward-directed axis by arranging image systems to capture images in lateral and rearward directions. This dimensional expansion of the visual field allows the endoscope to monitor insertion progress while simultaneously detecting anomalies located at the rear of intestinal folds, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the examination capability.
2Device complexity
If a single optical system is used with field of vision directed ahead, then the device complexity is reduced, but the total image field available to the operator is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple image systems with different visual angles and optical parameters are integrated into a single endoscope device. Each image system serves multiple functions: monitoring insertion progress, detecting anomalies, and providing stereoscopic visualization. This multi-functionality approach allows comprehensive examination capability without requiring separate devices for different examination purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple image systems with different optical characteristics into a unified endoscope platform. The image systems are combined such that their fields of vision are partly overlapping, enabling stereoscopic visualizing and comprehensive area coverage. The merging of these systems allows the operator to access a larger total image field through a single device rather than requiring multiple separate instruments.
Data Source
AI summary
A visual means of an endoscope comprising at least one optical system or composite optical system arranged at a front area of the endoscope. The at least one optical system or the at least one composite optical system realizes an aperture angle of more than 180° and is arranged such that the field of vision thereof reaches both beyond the normal to the direction of movement and beyond the longitudinal axis of the endoscope pointing ahead.