Offset Wide Angle Endoscope Lens for Variable Retrograde Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable direction endoscopes face challenges due to complexity, cost, and inferior illumination and image quality, as well as user disorientation from moving parts and lack of retrograde viewing capabilities, leading surgeons to rely on fixed-angle endoscopes despite the limitations of changing instruments mid-procedure.
Innovation Solution
A wide angle lens system with an optical axis offset from the longitudinal axis, combined with image selecting and control circuitry, allows for simultaneous forward and retrograde viewing, reducing moving parts and providing standard viewing angles with improved resolution and orientation assistance through region of interest selection and f-theta optical system for uniform information distribution.
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 manufacturing cost increase
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 varied electronically by selecting different regions of interest (ROIs) from the captured image rather than physically moving optical components, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining variable viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the captured image into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) that correspond to different viewing directions. By segmenting the image into distinct angular regions (e.g., forward, lateral, retrograde views), the system enables variable viewing direction through electronic selection of pre-defined image segments rather than mechanical movement.
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 manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical components (movable image sensors, adjustable optical elements) with a fixed solid-state imager and electronic processing system. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs while achieving the same variable viewing direction capability through software-based region selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple virtual copies of the same image at different viewing angles by electronically selecting and processing different regions of the captured image. Instead of physically moving optical elements to capture different views, the system generates multiple angular views as digital copies from a single captured image, reducing hardware costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If viewing direction is changed relative to the longitudinal axis, then lateral and retrograde viewing is achieved, but user disorientation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates orientation feedback mechanisms that provide visual cues about the endoscope's current viewing direction relative to its longitudinal axis. By displaying orientation information (such as directional indicators or anatomical reference markers) on the monitor, the system helps the user maintain spatial awareness and reduces disorientation when viewing from non-standard angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-defines and pre-orientes regions of interest (ROIs) corresponding to standard viewing angles (e.g., 0°, 30°, 45°, 70°) before the user needs to switch views. This preliminary organization of viewing angles with associated orientation cues allows the user to quickly select appropriate views without experiencing disorientation, as the system anticipates and prepares the appropriate spatial context.
4Adaptability or versatility
If image orientation is changed during procedure, then variable viewing is achieved, but correctability of disorientation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic image orientation control that allows real-time adjustment of the displayed image orientation based on the selected region of interest. When the user switches between different viewing angles, the system dynamically reorients the image and updates orientation cues accordingly, making orientation correction immediate and intuitive rather than difficult and corrective.
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 endoscope with enhanced viewing versatility, improved image quality, and reduced user disorientation, allowing surgeons to safely and efficiently operate with a single instrument providing standard and non-standard viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
a wide angle lens system (165) that transmits an endoscopic image field
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 at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope further includes an imager comprising an imaging surface area that receives at least a portion of endoscopic image transmitted by the wide angle lens system and produces output signals corresponding to the endoscopic image field and image forming circuitry that receives the output signal and produces an image signal.