Endoscope Shielding Section for Side Viewing Field Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with wide-angle side viewing fields face interference from protruding members like nozzles and treatment instruments, which degrade the light adjustment function and image quality by appearing in the side viewing field, necessitating effective shielding to prevent these elements from being captured in the image.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus incorporates a support portion with a shielding section that optically shields protruding members, such as nozzles and treatment instruments, to prevent them from entering the side viewing field, using a combination of mechanical and optical shielding mechanisms to maintain clear images and effective light adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a nozzle for cleaning the forward viewing observation window is provided near the side viewing observation window, then the forward viewing observation window can be cleaned effectively, but the nozzle enters into the side viewing field and interferes with observation
Solution Approach 1:
A light-shielding member is introduced as an intermediary element between the nozzle and the side viewing observation window. This shielding member selectively blocks light from the nozzle while allowing light from the observation target to reach the side viewing observation window, thereby preventing the nozzle from appearing in the side viewing field image while maintaining cleaning functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the treatment instrument is protruded from the channel for treatment, then treatment can be performed, but the treatment instrument appears on the side viewing field image and decreases the light adjusting function
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding member acts as a mediator that selectively blocks light from the protruded treatment instrument while permitting light from the observation target to reach the side viewing observation window. This prevents the treatment instrument from appearing in the side viewing field image, thereby maintaining accurate luminance measurement and light adjustment function
3Area of stationary object
If a wide-angle side viewing field covers the entire sideward perimeter, then comprehensive inspection is enabled, but protruding members appear in the image and degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding member is positioned to selectively block light paths from protruding members to the side viewing observation window while maintaining the wide-angle coverage of the side viewing field. This allows comprehensive inspection of the tubular organ inner wall while preventing protruding members like nozzles and treatment instruments from appearing in the captured images
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 ensures that the side viewing field image is not compromised by protruding members, allowing for improved inspection and treatment without deteriorating the light adjustment function, enabling clear and focused endoscope images even when these elements are present.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding section that shields light from a range (predetermined range) in which at least the protruding member within the side viewing field passes so as not to enter the side viewing field
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscope includes a side viewing observation section and a forward viewing observation section provided on a distal end side of an insertion portion which is inserted into an observation target for acquiring subject images of an observation target in a circumferential direction and an insertion direction of the insertion portion, respectively, a protruding member that passes within a viewing field of the side viewing observation section and protrudes closer to the distal end side than the side viewing observation section; and a shielding section located within a viewing field of the side viewing observation section, which shields light entering the side viewing observation section in a range in which the protruding member passes.