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 the need for multiple fixed-angle endoscopes, which are cumbersome to switch between.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state endoscope with a wide-angle lens system providing f-sin(theta) distortion, incorporating an angularly offset optical axis to gather light from a field spanning over 90 degrees, combined with image selecting and control circuitry to rotate and adjust the image, allowing for standard viewing angles and improved 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 viewing angles are achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of movable image sensors or optical elements with a fixed optical system that uses a wide-angle lens (e.g., fisheye lens) combined with image processing circuitry. The viewing direction variation is achieved through electronic image selection and processing rather than mechanical movement, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single fixed endoscope with a wide-angle lens that can capture a broad field of view (e.g., 180 degrees or more), allowing the same device to provide multiple viewing angles (forward, lateral, retrograde) through electronic image processing. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized endoscopes or mechanical adjustment mechanisms, achieving multi-functionality with a unified device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable image sensor or optical element is used to vary viewing direction, then variable viewing angles are achieved, but illumination quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical system with a fixed optical system and electronic image processing, the patent eliminates the need for complex light path adjustments associated with movable components. The wide-angle lens is optimized for capturing light across a broad field of view, and the illumination system can be fixed and optimized for the entire field, thereby maintaining high illumination quality while achieving viewing angle variability through electronics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable image sensor or optical element is used to vary viewing direction, then variable viewing angles are achieved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement with a fixed, precision-manufactured wide-angle lens system. The lens and imager are fixed in precise relative positions, eliminating alignment errors and mechanical wear that would degrade image quality. Image processing circuitry then electronically selects and processes regions of interest from the wide field of view, maintaining high image quality across all viewing angles without mechanical adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the optical axis is offset from the longitudinal axis to achieve variable viewing, then viewing flexibility improves, but user spatial orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fixed optical system with a wide-angle lens that captures a comprehensive field of view including both the offset viewing directions and the longitudinal axis. The image processing circuitry can select and present different regions (e.g., 0°, 30°, 45°, 70° viewing angles) while maintaining the user's spatial orientation by showing the full context or providing reference markers, thereby preserving spatial orientation information while achieving viewing flexibility.
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 single, robust, and cost-effective endoscope with improved image quality and reduced disorientation, providing both forward and retrograde viewing without moving parts, enhancing surgical flexibility and diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers light rays from 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
Implementation Method 2
the optical system provides for the f-sin(theta) type distortion
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
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.