Endoscope Polarizing Filter Reduces Light Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopes face challenges with light interference between main and auxiliary cameras and light sources, leading to inferior image quality due to glare and over-saturation, especially in confined spaces like the lower gastrointestinal tract, where flexures and tissue folds obstruct complete visualization.

Innovation Solution

The use of polarizing filters, specifically linear or circular polarizing filters, is implemented to reduce light interference by aligning the polarization planes of filters for the main and auxiliary cameras and light sources, ensuring that light from one source does not interfere with the imaging devices of the other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary camera and light source are added to provide multiple viewing angles, then visualization completeness is improved, but light interference increases causing glare and over-saturation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization completenessVSAvoidlight interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A polarizing filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the light sources and cameras. The filter selectively blocks polarized light from interfering with the camera sensors while allowing the desired illumination to pass through, thereby eliminating glare and over-saturation caused by direct light exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If main light source intensity is increased to illuminate dark areas, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but interference with auxiliary camera increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination effectivenessVSAvoidcamera interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The polarizing filter acts as a selective intermediary that allows the high-intensity light from the main source to illuminate dark areas effectively, while simultaneously blocking the polarized portion of this light from reaching the auxiliary camera sensor, thus preventing interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If polarizing filters are added to reduce light interference, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 arrangement enhances image quality by minimizing glare and over-saturation, allowing for better visualization of all areas within the body cavity, including potentially malignant polyps, and facilitates more precise surgical procedures like polypectomy by providing both front and rear views.

Implementation Method 1

A polarizer positioned to polarize light from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarisation: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS8872906B2Endoscope assembly with a polarizing filter

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 PSIP LLC

AI summary

An endoscope includes an imaging device, a first polarizing filter disposed in front of the imaging device, a light source, and a second polarizing filter disposed in front of the light source. The planes of polarization of the first and second polarizing filters are at a substantially 90° angle.