Endoscope Tip Light Shielding Wall for Stray Light Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face challenges in reducing stray light from light sources entering the image sensor, which causes artifacts in the image produced, affecting optical performance.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope tip part incorporates a frame component with a light shielding wall made of opaque material to shield the image sensor from stray light, along with a light guide part and optical arrangement to minimize light entry, and a method for assembling the vision assembly to ensure precise alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are incorporated in the tip part to illuminate the area in front of the distal tip, then illumination of the field of vision is improved, but stray light enters the image sensor causing artifacts in the image
Solution Approach 1:
The interior cavity is divided into distinct optical zones: an illumination zone where light sources emit light through light guides, and an imaging zone where the image sensor captures reflected light from the object. This spatial segmentation prevents direct light from reaching the sensor while maintaining effective illumination of the target area.
Solution Approach 2:
A light shielding wall made of opaque material is introduced as an intermediary element between the light sources and the image sensor. This shielding structure blocks stray light paths while allowing the light guides to deliver controlled illumination to the object, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of illumination and artifact prevention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tip part structure is designed to accommodate both light sources and image sensor, then functionality is improved, but optical performance deteriorates due to light leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The tip part interior cavity is segmented into functionally distinct regions: an illumination region containing light sources and light guides, and an imaging region containing the image sensor. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist while preventing optical interference between them.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the interior cavity are assigned different optical properties: the illumination zone allows light transmission through light guides, while the imaging zone is protected by opaque shielding walls. This local differentiation of optical characteristics enables simultaneous illumination and imaging functions with high optical performance.
3Illumination intensity
If light guides are used to propagate light from light sources, then illumination distribution is improved, but light may leak into the image sensor path
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of light leakage is extracted and isolated by introducing a dedicated light shielding wall that specifically blocks light paths from the light guides to the image sensor. This allows the light guides to maintain their illumination function while the shielding structure removes the harmful light leakage pathway.
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 significantly reduces stray light entry, enhancing image quality and consistency by effectively shielding the image sensor from light sources, thereby improving the optical performance of the endoscope tip part.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide part comprising at least one light guide, each light guide having a light entry surface and a light exit surface and being configured for receiving light from at least one respective light source of the one or more light sources through its light entry surface and propagating said light through to its light exit surface
Implementation Method 2
a frame component supporting and fixing the imaging subassembly, the one or more light sources, and preferably the electrical circuit, relative to each other, wherein the frame component comprises a light shielding wall being made of an opaque material and extending, preferably longitudinally and circumferentially relative to the optical direction
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope tip part including a tip housing at least partially enclosing an interior cavity and including a window, and a vision assembly accommodated in the interior cavity and including an imaging subassembly including an image sensor viewing in an optical direction through the window of the tip housing, a light source comprising an illumination surface for emitting light, a separate frame component including a light shielding wall made of an opaque material and extending between the image sensor and the light source so as to at least partially shield the image sensor from light emitted from the light source.