Optical Rotator for High-Resolution Wide-Angle Endoscopy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state variable direction of view endoscopes suffer from image performance disadvantages compared to traditional endoscopic systems, as they dedicate a fixed number of pixels to a wide-field view, resulting in lower image resolution and performance.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope design includes a wide-angle objective lens, an optical rotator, and a relay lens system, where the optical rotator rotates the wide-angle field to allow only a portion of the captured light to be detected by the image sensor, enabling image resolution comparable to traditional endoscopy by dedicating pixels to a specific region of interest and using a processor to manipulate image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide-angle objective lens is used to capture a wide viewing field, then the field of view is expanded, but the image resolution deteriorates because the fixed number of pixels must cover the entire wide field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide viewing field into multiple regions by using a rotatable optical system that sequentially presents different portions of the wide field to the image sensor. The optical rotator segments the field of view temporally, allowing the sensor to capture multiple high-resolution images of different regions that are then stitched together to form a complete wide-angle view with high resolution in each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic optical rotator that can rotate to different angular positions to selectively direct different portions of the wide viewing field onto the image sensor. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to maintain high image resolution by dedicating the full sensor resolution to each specific region of interest while still providing access to the entire wide field through sequential capture
2Area of stationary object
If the image sensor captures the entire wide-field view, then the wide viewing field is achieved, but the image resolution and performance deteriorate compared to traditional endoscopy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the image sensor capture only a portion of the wide field at any given time, rather than attempting to capture the entire wide field simultaneously. The optical rotator positions the sensor to capture specific regions of interest with full resolution, and multiple such partial captures are combined to achieve complete wide-field coverage while maintaining high image quality in each captured region
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed number of pixels is dedicated to a wide-field view, then the wide-angle capability is maintained, but the image performance suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical system dynamic by introducing a rotator that can change the angular orientation of the optical path. This allows the system to adapt between capturing wide-field views and high-resolution views of specific regions by rotating to appropriate angles, thereby maintaining wide-angle capability while achieving high image performance when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the image capture process by sequentially capturing multiple regions at different time points. The optical rotator introduces a time-based sequencing where different spatial regions are captured at different moments, allowing the system to achieve both wide coverage and high resolution by combining temporal sequences of high-resolution captures
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 approach enhances image resolution and performance of solid state variable direction of view endoscopes to be comparable to traditional endoscopic systems, providing continuous real-time data and improved ergonomics through the use of an optical rotator and relay lens system.
Implementation Method 1
an optical rotator, rotated to bring a portion of the viewing field into the sensor view
Implementation Method 2
a relay lens system, interposed between the objective lens and the optical rotator, the relay lens system transmitting the captured light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An endoscope and endoscopic surgical system for improving the image resolution/performance of a solid state variable direction of view endoscope. The endoscope and endoscopic surgical system has an optical rotator element that optically rotates the entire wide-angle field so as to make any portion of the wide-angle field visible to an image sensor. (Fig 1)