Movable Birefringent Mask for Endoscope Depth of Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extended depth of field (EDOF) optical systems for medical devices like endoscopes face challenges in noise generation and reduced modulation transfer function when attempting to extend the depth of field, making it difficult to adjust the depth of field effectively for various medical scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with multiple optical elements, at least one of which is movable, utilizing birefringent masks with rotatable polarizing elements to control the depth of field by adjusting the relative angles of the polarizing elements, allowing for flexible extension or elimination of the EDOF effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If an EDOF optical system is used to extend the depth of field, then the depth of field is increased, but noise is generated in the image and the modulation transfer function is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making optical elements (birefringent masks) movable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically adjust the depth of field effect by moving the birefringent mask to different positions or removing it from the optical path. This allows the system to adapt to different medical observation scenarios, extending the depth of field when needed while maintaining normal image quality when the EDOF effect is not required, thus resolving the contradiction between extended depth of field and image quality.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the depth of field is extended using conventional EDOF optical systems, then the depth of field increases, but the system cannot be adjusted for different medical scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses movable birefringent masks that can be positioned or removed from the optical path to dynamically adjust the depth of field effect. This enables the system to adapt to different medical observation scenarios, providing extended depth of field when needed and normal imaging when the EDOF effect is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and position of the birefringent mask as a parameter to control the depth of field effect. By moving the mask to different positions or removing it entirely, the system can adjust the optical parameters to achieve different imaging modes, thereby improving adaptability for various medical scenarios.
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 medical image processing system to capture images with an extended depth of field while minimizing noise and image deterioration, providing clearer and more suitable images for medical observations by adaptively controlling the EDOF effect.
Implementation Method 1
An optical system with multiple optical elements, at least one of which is movable, utilizing birefringent masks with rotatable polarizing elements to control the depth of field
Implementation Method 2
utilizing birefringent masks with rotatable polarizing elements to control the depth of field by adjusting the relative angles of the polarizing elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a medical image processing system including a light source that irradiates an observation target with light; an image capturing control unit that controls capturing of an image of the observation target irradiated with the light and an endoscope including a scope having a tubular shape and made from a rigid or flexible material, a camera head including an imaging element that captures an image, and an optical element insertion unit provided between the scope and the camera head. Further, the optical element insertion unit includes two or more optical elements having the effect of extending the depth of field, and at least one of the optical elements is movable.