Endoscope Optical Waveguide Beam Splitter Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face challenges in achieving bright and homogeneous illumination of tissue regions, especially in fluorescence examinations, due to the small distance from the object field and restricted diameter, which limits the resolution and miniaturization of the imaging and illumination systems.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design incorporates a beam splitter and an optical waveguide with a deflection surface at the distal end, allowing illumination radiation to be coupled into the beam path coaxially with the observation beam, eliminating the need for an optical image transmission system and enabling high-resolution imaging with improved illumination by positioning the image recorder in the image plane for direct recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If illumination light is guided through optical fibers to the distal end of the shaft, then the illumination system can be miniaturized, but the illumination brightness and homogeneity at the object field cannot be sufficiently achieved due to the small distance from the object field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination system and observation system into a single integrated objective unit at the distal end of the shaft. The illumination light is coupled into the observation beam path through a beam splitter, allowing both functions to share the same optical path and miniaturized space while achieving sufficient illumination intensity through optimized light coupling geometry
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary element to couple the illumination light into the observation beam path. This allows the illumination light to be directed onto the object field through the same objective lens used for observation, achieving both miniaturization and sufficient illumination intensity by mediating between the illumination source and the observation path
2Length of moving object
If the admissible external diameter of the endoscope is restricted for insertion into small spaces, then the endoscope can access narrow cavities, but the imaging and illumination systems cannot be sufficiently miniaturized to achieve high resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination system and observation system into a single integrated objective unit, eliminating the need for separate illumination and imaging channels. This integration allows both functions to share optical components and space, achieving high imaging resolution while maintaining a small external diameter suitable for insertion into narrow cavities
Solution Approach 2:
The objective lens serves multiple functions: it acts as both the imaging lens for high-resolution observation and the illumination lens for directing light onto the object field. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, enabling miniaturization while maintaining high imaging resolution
3Use of energy by moving object
If a beam splitter is introduced to couple illumination light into the observation beam path, then illumination efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter is integrated into the objective unit itself, merging the illumination coupling function with the existing observation optics. This integration minimizes additional complexity by using the same optical components for both illumination and observation functions, rather than adding completely separate systems
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 achieves brighter, more uniform illumination and high-resolution imaging while minimizing the endoscope's diameter, allowing for insertion into small spaces and efficient fluorescence observation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide for forwarding illumination radiation from a proximal region of the shaft to the distal end region of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
the beam splitter is arranged and embodied to couple at least some of the illumination radiation forwarded by the emergence portion to the beam splitter into a beam path of the objective
Implementation Method 3
an objective for imaging an object field into an image plane
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope having an elongate shaft, an objective arranged in a distal end region of the shaft for generating an image of an object field in an image plane. The objective having a beam splitter, and an image recorder for recording the image of the object field and an optical waveguide for forwarding illumination radiation from a proximal region to the distal end region of the shaft. The endoscope being embodied as a contact endoscope, a sensor area of the image recorder arranged in the image plane and an emergence portion of the optical waveguide adapted to forward at least some of the illumination radiation to the beam splitter to illuminate the object field.