Endoscope Scattering Element Illumination Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face challenges in providing simultaneous wide-angle forward and lateral observation with efficient illumination, often resulting in ring-shaped light patches that distract from the subject, especially when observing moist biological tissues.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a ring-shaped scattering element with specific scattering properties and plastic multicore light guide fibers, which are strategically positioned to distribute illumination light non-uniformly, reducing back-scattering and enhancing light utilization efficiency while maintaining a narrow profile for insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a ring-shaped scattering element is used to provide uniform illumination, then illumination distribution is improved, but ring-shaped light patches are generated that distract from the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the scattering properties of different regions within the scattering element. Specifically, the scattering coefficient is made non-uniform across the scattering element, with different regions having different scattering strengths. This creates localized variations in light distribution that eliminate the uniform ring-shaped pattern while maintaining overall illumination coverage, thereby reducing distracting ring artifacts while preserving illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scattering parameter (scattering coefficient) spatially across the scattering element. By adjusting the scattering coefficient to vary in different regions rather than being uniform, the light distribution pattern is modified to prevent the formation of distracting ring-shaped patches while still achieving effective illumination of the observation field.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple light guide fibers are used to distribute illumination light, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light guide fibers into a single integrated scattering element structure. Instead of treating each light guide fiber as a separate component requiring individual alignment and positioning, the patent integrates their functions into one unified scattering element with spatially varying scattering properties. This merging approach maintains the light distribution benefits of multiple fibers while simplifying the overall device structure and reducing complexity.
3Length of moving object
If the insertion section is made narrow for better insertability, then ease of insertion is improved, but space for components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the scattering element is positioned within the insertion section in a space-efficient manner. The scattering element is integrated into the existing structural framework of the insertion section, nesting multiple functional components (illumination system, observation system, scattering element) within the constrained narrow space. This allows the narrow insertion section to accommodate all necessary components without compromising their functionality.
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 allows for improved illumination distribution, reducing ring-shaped light patches and increasing the utilization of illumination light, enabling clear and undistracted observation of subjects with enhanced light efficiency and biocompatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The scattering element is constituted by dispersing one or more kinds of particles in a homogenous medium composed of a material different from the particles, and satisfies conditional expressions: 0.06≤μs≤100 where μs indicates a scattering coefficient (1/mm) of the scattering element
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope according to the present invention includes an insertion section, a forward observation window and a forward illumination system disposed at a distal end surface of the insertion section, a lateral observation window and a lateral illumination system disposed toward a proximal end, and an image capturing element captures an image of light. The forward illumination system includes a scattering element surrounding the forward observation window, and light guide fibers that cause illumination light from a light source to enter, toward a distal end, input locations arranged in a circumferential direction at a proximal end of the scattering element. The scattering element is constituted by dispersing particles in a homogenous medium, and satisfies the conditional expressions 0.06≤μs≤100 and 0.7≤g<1, where μs indicates a scattering coefficient (1/mm) of the scattering element and g indicates an anisotropy parameter of the particles.