Mini-scope Multi-directional Imaging Segmented Optical Fibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mini-scope technologies face limitations in achieving multi-directional imaging without the need for rotation or bulky directional devices, as they often require complex mechanisms to redirect optical beams for simultaneous forward and lateral imaging.
Innovation Solution
The mini-scope employs a flexible optical conductor with a selective mirror at its distal end, capable of selectively passing or reflecting optical energy based on its characteristics, allowing for simultaneous imaging in multiple directions without the need for rotation or increased size, utilizing dichroic mirrors, polarizing beam splitters, and prisms to direct optical energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms are used to redirect optical beams for simultaneous forward and lateral imaging, then multi-directional imaging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical conductor is divided into multiple independent optical fibers (first optical fiber for forward imaging, second optical fiber for lateral imaging). Each fiber operates independently to capture images in different directions, eliminating the need for complex rotating mechanisms while achieving multi-directional imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-direction optical path to multi-directional imaging by utilizing the spatial dimension. Multiple optical fibers are arranged in different orientations (forward and lateral directions) within the same scope body, enabling simultaneous imaging in multiple dimensions without mechanical movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotation mechanisms are added to achieve multi-directional imaging, then imaging versatility is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scope is segmented into multiple fixed optical fibers with different orientations. Instead of rotating a single optical path, the system uses multiple stationary fibers (first optical fiber for forward direction, second optical fiber for lateral direction) to achieve the same multi-directional imaging effect without any moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical imaging paths are merged into a single integrated scope body. The first and second optical fibers are combined within the same elongated body, allowing simultaneous forward and lateral imaging from one compact device without requiring separate rotating components.
3Device complexity
If fixed optical conductor orientation is used, then device simplicity is improved, but imaging directionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical path is segmented into multiple independent optical fibers, each fixed in a specific orientation. The first optical fiber is oriented for forward imaging while the second optical fiber is oriented for lateral imaging, allowing the simple fixed-structure design to achieve multi-directional imaging capability.
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 enables the mini-scope to provide both forward and lateral images efficiently, reducing the complexity and size of the device while maintaining effective imaging capabilities, suitable for various medical and optical applications.
Implementation Method 1
A selective mirror is also disposed at the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body. The selective mirror is configured to selectively pass and/or reflect the beam of optical energy based on the optical characteristics of the beam of optical energy
Implementation Method 2
utilizing dichroic mirrors, polarizing beam splitters, and prisms to direct optical energy effectively
Implementation Method 3
utilizing dichroic mirrors, polarizing beam splitters, and prisms to direct optical energy effectively
Implementation Method 4
an elongated mini-scope body having a flexible optical conductor. The flexible optical conductor has a distal and a proximal end
Data Source
AI summary
A mini-scope for multi-directional imaging is disclosed. The mini-scope includes an elongated mini-scoped body. An emissions aperture is disposed on the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body, which can be configured to emit a beam of optical energy propagating through a flexible optical conductor. A selective mirror is also positioned at the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body and is configured to selectively pass or reflect the beam of optical energy based on the optical characteristics of the beam. A SSID is further disposed on the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body for imaging illumination reflected by an external object in response to the beam of optical energy. This illumination is directed to pass through or reflect from the selective mirror to the camera based on optical characteristics of the beam.