Endoscope Single CCD Dual-Filter Narrowband Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope apparatuses face challenges in generating high-precision narrowband images without changing illumination light and have a wide insertion portion due to the need for multiple CCDs for normal and narrowband image capture.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope with a single solid-state image sensing device equipped with a filter portion having both wideband and narrowband filters arranged two-dimensionally, allowing for simultaneous generation of normal and narrowband images under visible band illumination, while narrowing the insertion portion diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple CCDs are disposed in the distal end portion for normal images and narrowband images, then both types of images can be obtained, but the insertion portion becomes wide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple CCDs into a single CCD by integrating wideband and narrowband filters on the same image sensing device. This merging approach allows both normal and narrowband images to be captured simultaneously using one CCD rather than requiring separate CCDs, thereby reducing the insertion portion diameter while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single CCD is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both wideband and narrowband filters. The same image sensing device can capture both normal images (using wideband filters) and narrowband images (using narrowband filters), making it a universal component that eliminates the need for multiple specialized CCDs.
2Ease of operation
If signal processing is performed to generate narrowband image signals from captured signals, then narrowband images can be obtained without changing illumination light, but precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies narrowband filters to the CCD in advance, before image capture. This preliminary filtering ensures that only narrowband wavelengths reach the sensor during capture, eliminating the need for post-capture signal processing and thereby maintaining high precision while allowing continuous illumination without changes.
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
Enables high-precision narrowband image capture in real-time without illumination switching and reduces the insertion portion diameter, facilitating vascular network observation and diagnosis in body cavities.
Implementation Method 1
a filter portion that is disposed in the vicinity of the image pickup face of the solid-state image sensing device, and that has a first filter having a wideband wavelength transmission characteristic in a visible band and a second filter having a narrowband wavelength transmission characteristic in the visible band two-dimensionally arranged
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an elongated insertion portion having a distal end portion provided with an illumination window and an observation window. A single solid-state image sensing device whose image pickup face is provided at an image forming position of an objective optical system mounted on the observation window. In the vicinity of the image pickup face of the solid-state image sensing device, a filter portion that has a first filter having a wideband wavelength transmission characteristic in a visible band and a second filter having a narrowband wavelength transmission characteristic in the visible band two-dimensionally arranged is disposed.