Split Image Sensor for High Dynamic Range Endoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic camera systems for dual image acquisition are costly and inflexible due to the need for multiple sensors and optical components, limiting their ability to detect varied characteristics in dual images effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system that uses a beamsplitter to split afocal light into two paths, with a polarizing optical element manipulating the polarization properties of the light to control the relative intensity of the images, allowing them to be focused onto a common image sensor and processed for high dynamic range imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual image acquisition is implemented using two independent sensors and optical components, then versatility and image quality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate imaging paths into a single image sensor by using a beamsplitter to divide the incoming light and direct portions to different regions of the same sensor. This merging approach maintains the versatility of dual-image acquisition while reducing system complexity and cost by eliminating the need for two separate sensors and their associated electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing different image types (e.g., visible light and near-infrared, or different polarization states) in different regions simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve dual-image acquisition capabilities without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function.
2Device complexity
If a beamsplitter is placed in the image space to capture multiple images from a single chip, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility in positioning optical elements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the beamsplitter in the afocal optical path rather than in the image space, and directs the split beams to different spatial regions (e.g., different quadrants or portions) of the same image sensor. This dimensional arrangement in the optical path allows flexibility in positioning optical elements while still achieving multi-image capture from a single sensor chip.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for dual image acquisition, then detection of varied image characteristics is improved, but cost increases due to duplication of optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function for multiple image types into a single image sensor, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble two separate sensor assemblies with their associated optical components. This reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the capability to detect varied image characteristics such as different wavelengths, polarizations, or depth information in different sensor regions.
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
Enables cost-effective dual image acquisition in endoscopic cameras, allowing the use of existing endoscopes for varied imaging applications and enhancing the detection of image characteristics, resulting in improved image quality with higher dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
a beamsplitter optically arranged to receive single optical image light in an afocal state and split the single optical image into a first portion of light directed along a first optical path and a second portion of light directed along a second optical path
Implementation Method 2
A polarizing optical element is located upstream of the second optical group and operates to manipulate one or more of the single optical image light, the first portion of light and the second portion of light, the polarizing optical element capable of manipulating the polarization of the light entering it to produce an effect of controlling the relative intensity of the first image with respect to the second image
Implementation Method 3
refractive elements optically arranged to receive the first and second portions of light from the beamsplitter and focus the first portion as a first image onto a first area of a first image sensor and focus the second portion as a second image onto either a second area of the first image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Medical imaging camera head devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. Afocal light from the scope is manipulated and split by a beamsplitter. At least one polarizing optical element manipulates the polarization properties of one or both of the beams. The resulting first and second beams are passed through focusing optics to different image sensor areas to produce images with different intensity. The resulting images are combined with high dynamic range techniques.