Miniature Video Camera Heads Using Solid-State Imagers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic devices face challenges in achieving a balance between minimizing patient trauma and maintaining image quality due to their large diameter, which is exacerbated by the need for expensive high-quality cameras and complex assembly processes, making them costly and difficult to produce as disposable devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of a video camera head and visualization probe with a solid state imager and objective lens assembly using wafer level technology, through silicon vias, and back side illumination, achieving a maximum outer diameter of 1.1 mm or less, and incorporating an articulation section without hinges, enabling efficient maneuvering through small openings with minimal trauma and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional high-quality cameras and complex assembly processes are used, then image quality is improved, but device diameter and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical camera assemblies with solid-state imaging technology. The solid-state imager integrates the imaging function into a miniaturized electronic component, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical camera housings, lenses, and associated mechanics, thereby achieving high image quality in a sub-1.1mm diameter device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental imaging parameter from conventional camera sensors to solid-state imaging technology, enabling dramatic size reduction while maintaining or improving image quality. This parameter change allows the device to fit through natural orifices and small incisions
2Measurement precision
If conventional cameras and assembly processes are used, then image quality is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging sensor, circuitry, and housing into a single integrated solid-state imager component. This consolidation eliminates multiple separate parts and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the visualization probe to be manufactured as a disposable device by using solid-state imaging technology that can be produced cheaply at scale. The simplified solid-state construction allows for cost-effective mass production, making single-use disposal economically viable
3Object-affected harmful factors
If device diameter is reduced to minimize trauma, then patient trauma is reduced, but image quality and maneuverability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical camera systems with solid-state imaging, enabling the device to be reduced to 1.1mm diameter while maintaining image quality. This allows insertion through natural orifices and small incisions, minimizing patient trauma
4Object-affected harmful factors
If device diameter is reduced to minimize trauma, then patient trauma is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (imaging sensor, circuitry, housing) into a single solid-state imager unit. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts and assembly steps, making the device easier to produce despite its small 1.1mm diameter
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 solution allows for the creation of compact, cost-effective endoscopic devices that can navigate small openings with high image quality, reducing patient trauma and production costs while maintaining the necessary components for medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a solid state imager (SSI) comprised of a solid state pick up device and additional circuitry adapted to produce an output video signal
Implementation Method 2
back side illumination
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect the invention is a video camera head comprising an objective lens assembly and a solid state imager (SSI) comprised of a solid state pick up device and additional circuitry adapted to produce an output video signal. The video camera head has a maximum outer diameter of 1.1 mm or less and the length of the objective lens assembly is 2.5 mm or less. In a second aspect the invention is a visualization probe comprising illumination means, an objective lens assembly, and a solid state imager (SSI) comprised of a solid state pick up device and additional circuitry adapted to produce an output video signal. The visualization probe has a maximum outer diameter of 2.8 mm or less. In a third aspect the invention is a medical device comprising a visualization probe comprised of illumination means, an objective lens assembly, and a solid state imager (SSI) comprised of a solid state pick up device and additional circuitry adapted to produce an output video signal. The medical device has a maximum outer diameter of 3.2 mm or less.