Offset Optical Axis Endoscope with f-Sin-Theta Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable direction of view endoscopes are complex, costly, and suffer from inferior illumination and image quality due to moving parts, leading to user disorientation and limited versatility, with a preference for fixed-angle endoscopes due to reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state endoscope with a wide-angle lens system providing f-sin(theta) distortion, featuring an angularly offset optical axis that spans over 90 degrees, combined with image selecting and control circuitry to maintain standard viewing angles and even information density across the image surface, reducing the need for mechanical parts and enhancing resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable image sensor or optical element is used to vary viewing direction, then variable direction of view is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase while robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical movable image sensor or optical element with a solid-state imager and electronic image processing system. The viewing direction is changed by electronically selecting different regions of interest from the solid state imager rather than physically moving optical components, thereby eliminating mechanical parts while maintaining variable viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic viewing direction control through electronic image processing. The solid state imager captures a wide field of view, and the system dynamically selects and processes different regions of interest to provide variable viewing directions. This dynamic electronic control replaces the static mechanical positioning systems of prior art.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable image sensor or optical element is used to vary viewing direction, then variable direction of view is achieved, but illumination quality and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field of view into multiple regions of interest that can be independently selected and processed. The solid state imager captures the entire wide field of view, and the system then segments this into different viewing directions. This segmentation allows each region to maintain proper illumination and image quality without the compromises of moving optical elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If viewing direction is regularly changed relative to the longitudinal axis, then variable direction of view is achieved, but user disorientation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through electronic image processing that maintain spatial orientation information. The system processes images from the solid state imager to provide consistent orientation references, helping users track spatial relationships even as viewing direction changes. This feedback loop compensates for the disorientation that would otherwise occur with frequent viewing angle changes.
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
The solution enables a robust, cost-effective, and versatile endoscope with improved image quality and reduced user disorientation, allowing for both forward and retrograde viewing with standard endoscopic angles, effectively addressing the limitations of existing variable direction endoscopes.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a lens capable of f-sin(theta) distortion or substantially f-sin(theta) distortion within the transmission system of an endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field, the endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes a transmission system with a lens system having f-sin(theta) distortion or substantially f-sin(theta) distortion that distributes the angle of incidence of the light rays gathered from the endoscopic field of view on to the image surface area in order to even out the information density across the surface area of the imager.