Endoscope Pivotable Reflecting Surface Illumination Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with adjustable viewing directions face inefficiencies in light distribution, leading to wasted light, potential tissue damage, and reduced image contrast due to scattered illumination, and irregular illuminance patterns that can be irritating to medical personnel.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a combination of fixed and pivotable curved reflecting surfaces that collimate and shape the illuminating light bundle, allowing for precise alignment and adaptation to the viewing direction, reducing light waste and improving illuminance uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If illuminating light is distributed to illuminate the entire field of view in all adjustable viewing directions, then the field of view is sufficiently illuminated regardless of viewing direction, but light output is wasted and significantly higher light output is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the reflecting surface pivotable about a pivot axis, allowing the illumination direction to dynamically adjust with the viewing direction. The pivotable reflecting surface changes its orientation based on the selected viewing direction, ensuring that illuminating light is directed only where needed rather than being statically distributed to all possible directions. This dynamic adjustment eliminates light waste while maintaining sufficient illumination of the active field of view.
2Illumination intensity
If high-intensity illuminating light is used to ensure sufficient illumination, then the field of view is well illuminated, but photothermal or photochemical damage to tissue or other objects can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by concentrating the illuminating light precisely where it is needed - in the currently active field of view - rather than distributing it uniformly across all possible viewing directions. The pivotable reflecting surface ensures that high-intensity light is localized to the specific area being observed, preventing photothermal or photochemical damage to tissue or objects outside the field of view while maintaining sufficient illumination within the active viewing area.
3Illumination intensity
If illuminating light is emitted outside the field of view, then the entire area is illuminated, but scattered or reflected light enters the observation beam path reducing contrast and object distinguishability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by dynamically aligning the illuminating light direction with the active viewing direction through the pivotable reflecting surface. As the viewing direction changes, the reflecting surface pivots to direct light only into the current field of view, preventing light from being emitted outside the field of view. This eliminates scattered or reflected light entering the observation beam path, thereby maintaining high image contrast and object distinguishability while still providing sufficient illumination.
4Illumination intensity
If the illuminance is constant in the vertical direction, then the entire field of view is uniformly illuminated, but the constant illuminance can be perceived as irritating to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by allowing the illumination parameters (direction and distribution) to change dynamically based on the active viewing direction. Instead of maintaining constant illuminance in all directions, the system adjusts the illumination parameters to match the current viewing orientation, creating a more natural and comfortable lighting pattern that varies appropriately with the viewing direction rather than being uniformly constant in all directions.
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 solution enhances light efficiency, reduces tissue damage risk, and provides comfortable and clear illumination that adapts to the field of view, improving image quality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a fixed reflecting surface for reflecting illuminating light from a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope in a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the viewing direction
Implementation Method 2
a pivotable reflecting surface for reflecting illuminating light from a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the viewing direction in the viewing direction
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the fixed reflecting surface and the pivotable reflecting surface is curved
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The endoscope (10) has an adjustable viewing direction (21,22), where the viewing direction is pivotable around a pivot axis (28). A stationary reflective surface is provided for reflecting the illumination light from a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (18) of the endoscope in a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the viewing direction. An independent claim is also included for a method for illuminating a view field in a viewing direction of an endoscope.