Miniature Camera Head with Non-Perpendicular Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face a trade-off between reducing diameter and improving image quality, as increasing sensor resolution often requires larger sizes, and most endoscopes provide only two-dimensional images, lacking three-dimensional imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A miniature camera head assembly with an image sensor oriented non-perpendicular to the optical axis, utilizing a turning mirror, such as a prism, to reduce the assembly's radial dimensions, allowing it to fit within a smaller endoscope diameter while maintaining high resolution, and incorporating LEDs or external light sources for illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor resolution is increased to improve image quality, then the image quality is improved, but the endoscope diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent orients the image sensor in a plane that is parallel to the optical axis rather than perpendicular to it. This dimensional reorientation allows the sensor to capture images while reducing the radial dimensions of the camera head assembly, enabling high-resolution imaging within a smaller endoscope diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric optical design where the turning mirror (prism) is positioned at a non-standard height above the image sensor. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the optical path to accommodate the parallel-oriented sensor, reducing the overall radial size of the assembly while maintaining image quality.
2Device complexity
If a conventional perpendicular sensor orientation is used, then the optical design is simpler, but the radial dimensions of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
By reorienting the sensor plane to be parallel to the optical axis, the patent reduces the height of the turning mirror above the sensor, thereby reducing the radial dimensions of the assembly. This dimensional change allows the system to fit within smaller endoscope diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the sensor from perpendicular to parallel relative to the optical axis. This parameter change fundamentally alters the spatial arrangement of optical components, reducing radial dimensions while maintaining imaging functionality.
3Length of stationary object
If the turning mirror height is reduced to decrease assembly size, then the endoscope diameter is reduced, but image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent orients the sensor parallel to the optical axis, which changes the geometric relationship between the turning mirror and sensor. This allows for a reduced mirror height while maintaining adequate image quality, as the optical path is reconfigured to accommodate the compact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric positioning of the turning mirror at a reduced, non-standard height above the sensor optimizes the optical path for compact design. This asymmetric configuration maintains image quality despite the reduced dimensions by carefully designing the optical geometry.
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 the creation of endoscopes with smaller diameters and improved image quality, capable of producing high-resolution, potentially stereoscopic images, suitable for minimally invasive surgeries and other imaging applications where size and weight are critical.
Implementation Method 1
A turning mirror, typically a prism, directs the radiation collected by the objective to form a focused image on the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
an objective for collecting optical radiation from an object
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic imaging device (27) includes an optical objective (28) for collecting optical radiation from an object, the objective having an optical axis, and an image sensor (24), including a matrix of optical detectors arranged in a plane that is substantially non-perpendicular to the optical axis, the image sensor having a lateral dimension in the plane. A turning mirror (38) has an optical surface that is positioned so as to reflect the radiation collected by the objective in order to form a focused image in the plane of the image sensor, while a maximum distance from the optical surface to the plane of the image sensor is substantially less than the lateral dimension of the image sensor.