Light Conditioning Attachment for Endoscope Dual Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual image endoscopic systems are costly and complex due to the need for two sensors and associated electronics, and they often require specialized and customized endoscopes for dual imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a camera head with a light conditioning attachment that splits the image light into two portions, allowing for dual image acquisition using a single camera and endoscope, with the ability to recognize different attachments and enable specific image processing algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual image systems use two sensors and associated electronics to capture dual images, then dual imaging capabilities are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two imaging functions into a single sensor by using a beam splitter to divide incoming light into two optical paths that both reach the same image sensor. This merging approach eliminates the need for two separate sensors and their associated electronics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining dual imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light path using a beam splitter that divides incoming light into two separate optical paths. Each path can be processed differently (e.g., one for visible light, one for infrared) before both paths converge on a single sensor, enabling dual imaging functionality through light path segmentation rather than sensor duplication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual image systems use specialized and customized endoscopes for dual imaging, then dual imaging capabilities are achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal attachment system that can be coupled with existing single-function endoscopes to enable dual imaging. The attachment includes interchangeable light conditioning modules that can be adapted to different endoscope types, allowing a single platform to serve multiple imaging functions without requiring customized endoscopes for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment device that sits between the existing endoscope and the imaging sensor. This mediator component provides the dual imaging functionality through its internal beam splitter and optical path division, allowing existing endoscopes to be upgraded without modification while adding dual imaging capabilities through the intermediate attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual image systems duplicate optical components for two channels, then dual imaging capabilities are achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical component requirements for dual imaging by using a single image sensor for both imaging channels. The beam splitter divides the light paths, but both paths share the same sensor, focusing electronics, and processing system, thereby reducing the total quantity of optical components needed compared to having two complete independent imaging 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
Enables cost-effective dual image acquisition in endoscopy, allows the use of varied existing endoscopes for dual imaging, and effectively detects varied characteristics in the dual images by varying the optical channels.
Implementation Method 1
The collimation lens group is operable to receive image light from the medical scope in a substantially afocal state and increase collimation of the image light through refraction
Implementation Method 2
The optical group is operable to receive the image light from the collimation lens group and with the image light substantially afocal, split the image light into a first portion of image light and a second portion of image light, and direct the first portion of image light along a first optical path and the second portion of image light along a second optical path
Implementation Method 3
The camera further includes a lens aperture sized to receive light from the first and second optical paths, and a lens group operable to focus the first portion of image light on a first area of an image sensor and focus the second portion of image light on a second portion of the image sensor separate from the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
Medical imaging camera head attachment devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. Various camera head attachments are provided with a camera head design and system allowing recognition of the attachments and enabling processing algorithms associated with each. The camera head optics are designed to work with a variety of attachments. Several attachments optical designs are provided.