Multi-Sensor Endoscope Imaging for Resolution and View Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face limitations in achieving high resolution imaging due to the size constraints of image sensors, which often require repositioning the distal end to capture different views or angles, and there is a need for improved image manipulation without moving the instrument.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope incorporates multiple image sensors positioned to capture overlapping portions of the optical image, with light directing elements redirecting light to each sensor, and a processing unit combines these images into a high-resolution display, allowing virtual horizon rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single image sensor is used in the distal end of the endoscope, then the device complexity is low, but the image resolution is limited and the field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple image sensors (first and second image sensors) positioned at the distal end of the endoscope. Each sensor captures a portion of the optical image, and the images are combined through image processing to achieve higher resolution than a single sensor could provide. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the resolution limitations of individual sensors while distributing the imaging task across multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions multiple image sensors in different orientations (e.g., perpendicular to each other) to capture images from different dimensions or angles. By combining these multi-dimensional image data, the system achieves higher effective resolution and broader field of view without simply increasing the size of a single sensor.
2Area of stationary object
If the distal end of the endoscope is repositioned to view different areas, then the field of view is expanded, but the procedure time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple image sensors are positioned to capture different portions of the optical image simultaneously. The first image sensor captures a first area while the second image sensor captures a second area, allowing the operator to view multiple regions without physically repositioning the distal end of the endoscope during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines images from multiple image sensors through image processing to create a composite view that encompasses a larger total area. This merging of multiple image sources provides expanded viewing capability while eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning operations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used to increase resolution, then the image resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent image sensors, each contributing to the overall high-resolution image. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, simpler sensors that can be positioned at the distal end, with the complexity of combining their outputs handled through image processing rather than complex optical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical image manipulation systems with electronic image processing. Instead of using mechanical mechanisms to combine or manipulate images from multiple sensors, the system uses digital image processing to combine the sensor outputs, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving high resolution.
4Area of stationary object
If a wide angle lens is used to capture larger area, then the viewing area is expanded, but the image resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single wide-angle lens that compromises resolution, the patent segments the imaging function into multiple sensors that can be positioned to capture different areas. Each sensor can maintain higher resolution by not requiring extreme wide-angle optics, while the combined coverage provides the expanded viewing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges images from multiple sensors to create a composite view that covers a larger total area than any single sensor could capture alone. This combining approach achieves wide-area coverage without sacrificing the resolution quality of individual sensor images.
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 configuration enhances image resolution and enables viewing of larger areas or different angles without repositioning the endoscope, providing a stable horizon through image processing.
Implementation Method 1
An objective lens with negative optical power is positioned in the distal end portion to receive image light from an object space via a single optical channel path and pass the image light toward the proximal side
Implementation Method 2
A first light directing element is positioned in an image space of the optical channel assembly to receive the first portion of the image light from the optical channel assembly and direct said portion toward the first image sensor
Implementation Method 3
First and second image sensors are positioned in the instrument shaft distal end portion, the first image sensor positioned to receive a first portion, but not all, of the image light corresponding to a first area of an optical image
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
An endoscope (100) or other endoscopic instrument (100) is provided with multiple image sensors (214, 216, 218) incorporated into the distal tip (105, 106), each capturing a portion of the image provided from an optical imaging system (205). The output from the multiple sensors (214, 216, 218) is combined and manipulated into a single high resolution image (215) which can then be displayed to the user. A virtual horizon rotation feature is also provided which can rotate a displayed image within a combined field of view including data from the multiple image sensors. Various light directing element designs (212, 213, 222, 224, 402) are provided to direct image light to the multiple sensors (214, 216, 218).