Segmented Beam Splitter for Multimode Endoscope Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical imaging devices face challenges in providing reliable and efficient illumination, particularly for multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, with conventional beam splitters causing spectral alteration and increased complexity, and there is a need for improved illumination systems that minimize radiation losses and scattered light.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a combination unit using a beam splitter element that has a reflective and transmitting area to combine illumination spectra without alteration, allowing for efficient and compact illumination with reduced complexity and cost, especially for fluorescence excitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional beam splitters are used to combine illumination spectra, then multiple imaging modes can be supported, but spectral fragmentation and radiation losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport multiple imaging modesVSAvoidspectral integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The beam splitter element is segmented into a first area with first optical properties (reflective) and a second area with second optical properties (transmissive), allowing different spectral ranges to be directed through different areas without spectral fragmentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different areas of the beam splitter element have different optical properties tailored to specific spectral ranges, with the first area optimized for reflecting certain wavelengths and the second area optimized for transmitting other wavelengths, maintaining spectral integrity for each imaging mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources and optical elements are used to support different imaging modes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination modesVSAvoidnumber of light sources and optical elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam splitter element serves multiple functions by combining illumination for different imaging modes (white light imaging, multispectral imaging, fluorescence imaging) through a single optical component with spatially varying optical properties, eliminating the need for separate optical paths for each mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple illumination functions are merged into a single beam splitter element that handles both reflective and transmissive optical paths, reducing the number of separate light sources and optical elements needed to support multiple imaging modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If conventional illumination systems are used, then basic lighting is provided, but radiation losses and scattered light increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebasic lightingVSAvoidradiation losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The optical properties of the beam splitter element are optimized for specific spectral ranges, with the first area having high reflectivity for certain wavelengths and the second area having high transmissivity for other wavelengths, minimizing radiation losses by matching optical properties to the required spectral ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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 reliable and efficient illumination with minimized spectral fragmentation and radiation losses, achieving a more natural color appearance and reduced complexity, while supporting multiple imaging modes with a small number of light sources and optical elements.

Implementation Method 1

a beam splitter element which has a first area that is essentially reflective for illumination and a second area that is essentially transmitting for further illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a beam splitter element which has a first area that is essentially reflective for illumination and a second area that is essentially transmitting for further illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4706497A1Illumination device for a medical imaging device such as an endoscope, exoscope and/or microscope

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

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AI summary

Illumination device (10), in particular for a medical imaging device (11) such as an endoscope, exoscope and/or microscope, comprising: - an illumination unit (14) configured to provide illumination with an illumination spectrum (54), - a further illumination unit (60) configured to provide further illumination with a further illumination spectrum (56), and - a combination unit (65) configured to combine at least part of the illumination and at least part of the further illumination to form a combination illumination, wherein the combination unit (65) comprises a beam splitter element (66) having a first area (40) that is substantially reflective for the illumination and a second area (42) that is substantially transmitting for the further illumination,which is arranged next to the first area (40) and is preferably at least partially surrounded by the first area (40).