Multi-Camera Endoscope Zoom Without Tip Size Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-camera endoscopes face challenges in providing comfortable and efficient magnification of objects of interest while maintaining a compact size, leading to visual discomfort and orientation loss due to significant space requirements for movable lens assemblies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-focal, multi-camera endoscope system with multiple optical assemblies and a processing system that allows zooming in on one image while automatically disabling or dimming other images, reducing power to optical assemblies or illuminators to maintain a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable motor driven lens is included in each optical assembly to enable magnification, then the ability to zoom in on objects of interest is improved, but the size and complexity of the endoscope tip increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical assemblies share a common movable motor driven lens mechanism. Instead of each camera having its own motorized lens, the patent combines the lens assembly with the motor drive into a single shared component that can be selectively positioned in front of different cameras, reducing overall complexity while maintaining magnification capability across multiple viewing elements
Solution Approach 2:
The single movable motor driven lens assembly serves multiple functions by being able to position itself in front of different cameras (first camera, second camera, third camera) to provide magnification for different viewing angles. This universal lens mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate lens assemblies, one for each camera
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical assemblies with movable lenses are used to provide multi-view capability, then the field of view and ability to identify objects is improved, but the limited space at the endoscope tip is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths and viewing elements into a compact arrangement where a single movable lens assembly serves multiple cameras. This consolidation allows the endoscope tip to maintain a small volume while still providing multi-view capability through strategic positioning of the shared lens in front of different cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temporal dimension by sequentially positioning the movable lens assembly in front of different cameras rather than having all lenses present simultaneously. This allows multiple viewing angles to be captured through a single physical aperture at any given time, reducing the spatial requirements at the endoscope tip
3Measurement precision
If zooming in on one image while displaying other images at lower magnification is implemented, then detailed examination of objects is improved, but visual orientation and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
When magnification is required, the system extracts or removes the display of non-magnified images from the multi-screen display. The processing system selectively displays only the magnified image from the active optical assembly on the relevant screen, eliminating the need for operators to simultaneously view both magnified and non-magnified views and reducing visual discomfort
Data Source
AI summary
A method may generate, by the medical device system, a first image of a body cavity from the first optical assembly and a second image of the body cavity from the third optical assembly. A method may simultaneously displaying, by the medical device system, the first image and the second image on the physical display. A method may cause the composite optical assembly to transition from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation, wherein the second mode of operation deactivates the first optical assembly and activates the second optical assembly. A method may generate, by the medical device system, a third image from the second optical assembly. A method may automatically causing the physical display to eliminate a display of the second image by the medical device system, wherein eliminating the display of the second image is enabled by cutting off or reducing power of a power supply of an imager of the third optical assembly or powering off a portion of the physical display.