Multi-Focal Endoscope Optics for Zoom Without Orientation Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-camera endoscopes face challenges with zooming in and magnifying objects, leading to visual discomfort and loss of orientation due to limited space constraints at the tip section, and the inclusion of movable lens assemblies complicates the design.
Innovation Solution
A multi-focal, multi-camera endoscope system with at least two optical assemblies and a processing system that allows zooming in on one image while automatically eliminating the display of others, using actuation elements to switch lenses and control illumination, maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens assemblies with movable motor driven lenses are included to enable zooming and magnification, then the ability to magnify objects of interest is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (wide-angle viewing and magnified viewing) into a single optical assembly by incorporating both a first lens for wide-angle capture and a second lens for magnified capture within the same assembly, eliminating the need for separate lens assemblies for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture wide-angle images using the first lens and magnified images using the second lens, making a single assembly universal for both navigation and detailed examination tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens assemblies with movable motor driven lenses are included to enable zooming and magnification, then the ability to magnify objects of interest is improved, but the volume of the endoscope tip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (wide-angle viewing and magnified viewing) into a single optical assembly, reducing the overall volume required at the endoscope tip compared to having separate lens assemblies for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple lenses (first lens and second lens) within a single optical assembly, allowing them to be compactly arranged in a nested or integrated configuration that minimizes the volume of the endoscope tip
3Measurement precision
If zooming in and magnifying an object image is performed while other objects are displayed with lower magnification on multi-screen display, then the ability to examine objects of interest is improved, but visual orientation is lost and visual fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnified image from the multi-screen display and presents it as a dedicated full-screen view, separating the detailed examination function from the overview function to maintain visual orientation and reduce fatigue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between displaying multiple images at lower magnification and displaying a single magnified image, adapting the display configuration based on the operational phase (navigation vs. detailed examination) to maintain visual comfort
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-focal, multi-camera endoscope having a tip section including a first optical assembly for generating a first image of a body cavity; a second optical assembly for generating a second image of a body cavity; at least one illuminator associated with each of the first optical assembly and second optical assembly; and a processing system configured to: zoom the first optical assembly and thereby generate a zoomed first image in place of the first image; and automatically cause a physical display to eliminate a display of the second image and to only display said zoomed first image. To eliminate the display of the second image, the processing system reduces a power supply to the second optical assembly, reduces an illumination intensity of an illuminator associated with the second optical assembly or causes the physical display to power off, darken, or blacken.