Endoscope Image Sensor Segmentation for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes with image pickup units using CCDs have relatively large outer diameters due to the size of the peripheral circuitry around the pixel formation region, which limits the miniaturization and insertability, especially when combined with treatment instrument channels, making it difficult to observe or treat areas with a narrow access point.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design positions the image pickup unit with a MOS or CMOS image sensor such that its pixel formation region's center is shifted towards the treatment instrument channel, allowing the optical axis of the objective lens to be parallel to the treatment instrument channel, thereby reducing the outer diameter of the distal end portion and improving insertability by using a segmentation region for video generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a MOS or CMOS image sensor is used instead of a CCD, then the image pickup device can read out pixel signals from any selected pixel, but the peripheral circuit around the pixel formation region becomes larger, increasing the outer diameter of the distal end portion
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel formation region is divided into a segmentation region for video output and other regions. By positioning the segmentation region at the center of the pixel formation region and shifting the optical axis parallel to the treatment instrument channel, the peripheral circuit can be arranged more efficiently around the pixel formation region, reducing the overall outer diameter while maintaining the random pixel readout capability of MOS/CMOS sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The optical axis of the objective lens is positioned parallel to the treatment instrument channel rather than at the center of the pixel formation region. This asymmetric arrangement allows the segmentation region to be centered for video output while accommodating the treatment instrument channel, thereby reducing the required outer diameter of the distal end portion
2Area of stationary object
If the outer diameter of the distal end portion is reduced for better insertability, then the image pickup unit and treatment instrument channel can be better accommodated, but the treatment instrument may fall out of the visual field
Solution Approach 1:
The optical axis is positioned parallel to the treatment instrument channel rather than perpendicular to it. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the treatment instrument channel remains within the visual field of the segmented region, maintaining visibility while allowing for a reduced outer diameter of the distal end portion
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation region is specifically positioned at the center of the pixel formation region with its center on the optical axis. This localized arrangement ensures that the treatment instrument channel, which runs parallel to the optical axis, remains within the visual field, maintaining operational ease while enabling miniaturization
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 a smaller outer diameter of the distal end portion, enabling easier insertion and maintaining the treatment instrument within the visual field, enhancing the operational ease and miniaturization of the endoscope.
Implementation Method 1
an image pickup device disposed on an image forming surface of the objective lens and having a pixel formation region capable of receiving an optical image of the objective lens and converting the optical image into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an image pickup unit and a treatment instrument channel. The image pickup unit and the treatment instrument channel are adjacent to each other. The image pickup unit includes an objective lens and an image pickup device. In a pixel formation region of the image pickup unit, a segmentation region is set as a region read out as a region for displaying a video. A center of the segmentation region is disposed to be shifted from a center of the pixel formation region toward the treatment instrument channel. An optical axis of the objective lens is parallel to a center axis of the treatment instrument channel. The center of the segmentation region is located on the optical axis.