Pivotable Endoscope Imaging Unit With Deflection Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes with variable viewing directions are limited by the size of the electronic image sensor due to space constraints within the distal end section of the shaft, restricting the achievable resolution and field of view.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable imaging unit is designed where the electronic image sensor is arranged parallel to the optical axis of the objective lens system, with a deflection element that allows the sensor to be larger than the shaft diameter, enabling increased resolution and a wider field of view without compromising image quality, by maintaining a fixed relationship between the lens system, deflection element, and sensor during pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electronic image sensor is made larger to increase resolution, then the achievable resolution is improved, but the device cannot be inserted into narrow shafts due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a conventional configuration where the image sensor is perpendicular to the optical axis to a configuration where the image sensor is parallel to the optical axis. This dimensional reorientation allows the sensor to be positioned in a plane that extends along the shaft axis rather than across it, effectively resolving the space conflict and enabling larger sensor area without increasing the shaft diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that redirects light from the objective lens to the image sensor. This intermediary component enables the light path to be deflected at 45 degrees, allowing the image sensor to be positioned parallel to the optical axis while still receiving focused light, thus solving the spatial constraint problem.
2Area of stationary object
If the electronic image sensor is made larger to increase field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image sensor mounting mechanism with the existing optical assembly structure. The image sensor is integrated into the distal end section housing alongside the objective lens and beam splitter, eliminating the need for separate complex mounting mechanisms. This consolidation reduces device complexity while enabling larger sensor area for improved field of view.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable-direction-of-view endoscopes use pivotable optical assemblies to change viewing direction, then the adaptability is improved, but imaging errors such as astigmatism or distortion change with variation of viewing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pivotable optical assemblies with a fixed optical configuration that uses a beam splitter to achieve variable viewing direction. Instead of mechanically pivoting lenses and mirrors, the system uses a fixed beam splitter at 45 degrees to redirect light to the image sensor, eliminating the mechanical complexity that causes imaging errors while maintaining viewing direction adjustability through the imaging unit's pivotable mounting.
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 configuration allows for a high-resolution image sensor and objective lens system to be integrated, providing a variable direction of view with improved image quality and a larger field of view, even in narrow shafts, enabling more flexible and effective observation within internal cavities.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens system (13) and an electronic image sensor (14) arranged for picking up an image generated by the objective lens system (13)
Implementation Method 2
the imaging unit (12) comprises a deflection element (20) arranged for deflecting object light exiting from the objective lens system (13) at an image end to an image pick-up surface (26) of the image sensor (14)
Data Source
AI summary
An observation instrument has a shaft and an imaging unit, the imaging unit comprising an objective lens system and an electronic image sensor arranged for picking up an image generated by the objective lens system, the imaging unit being pivotably arranged in a distal end section of the shaft, a pivot axis of the imaging unit being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the distal end section of the shaft, wherein the image sensor is arranged substantially parallel to an optical axis of the objective lens system and the imaging unit comprises a deflection element for deflecting light exiting from an image end of the objective lens system to an image pick-up surface of the image sensor. The invention also relates to a video imager arrangement for an observation instrument.