Wireless Endoscope Grip and Modulated Illumination for Heat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face challenges in providing an ergonomic user experience, excessive heat, and high power consumption, while existing solutions often come with limitations such as wired connections and cumbersome designs.
Innovation Solution
A wireless endoscopic camera system with a grip region featuring an attachment collar, shoulders, and a ledge, allowing for improved user control and ergonomics, along with a light source integrated into the endoscope that modulates illumination to correct exposure without adjusting camera settings, reducing power consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the camera exposure settings are reduced to correct overexposure, then the exposure becomes proper, but the power consumption increases and heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the illumination parameter (light output) rather than the camera exposure parameter to correct overexposure. The processor detects overexposure and automatically adjusts the illumination source's light output downward, maintaining proper exposure while keeping camera settings optimal for power efficiency and minimal heat generation.
2Illumination intensity
If the camera exposure settings are reduced to correct overexposure, then the exposure becomes proper, but the heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the illumination parameter (light output) rather than the camera exposure parameter to correct overexposure. By adjusting the illumination source's light output downward, the system corrects overexposure while avoiding the increased heat generation that would result from reducing camera exposure settings.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a wired connection is used to power the light source, then the light source can be continuously powered, but the endoscope becomes cumbersome and less ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply function into separate battery modules that can be attached to or removed from the endoscope. This segmentation allows the light source to be continuously powered when needed while enabling wireless, cordless operation that improves ergonomics and mobility during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply configuration is made dynamic, allowing the endoscope to switch between wired and wireless power modes. The system can operate with external power when continuous supply is critical, or switch to battery power for enhanced mobility and ergonomics, adapting to different procedural needs.
4Duration of action of moving object
If larger batteries are used to extend operating time, then the duration of operation increases, but the weight of the endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into modular battery units that can be attached to the endoscope as needed. This allows the system to extend operating time by adding battery modules without permanently increasing the base weight of the endoscope, providing flexible power capacity adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply capacity is made dynamic and adjustable. The system can operate with smaller batteries for shorter duration, lighter procedures, or attach larger battery modules when extended operating time is required, adapting the weight-power ratio to match procedural needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments relate to an endoscopic camera and methods for operating the camera. In one embodiment, the endoscopic camera includes a grip region to facilitate holding by a user. The camera may also include a mechanism for correcting improperly exposed video signals by modulating illumination parameters.