DE102011089769A1 - endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

The endoscope (11) has a shaft (12) with an endoscope tip (14) arranged in a distal end region (13) of the shaft (12), an endoscope head (16) adjoining a proximal end region (15) of the shaft (15) a light guide channel (17) which extends from the endoscope head (16) to the endoscope tip (14), wherein in the endoscope tip (14) a projection device (18) is housed, which is connected to the light guide channel (17) and configured thereto and arranged to project an image (B) out of the endoscope tip (14).

Description

The invention relates to an endoscope comprising a shaft with an endoscope tip arranged in a distal end region of the shaft, an endoscope head adjoining a proximal end region of the shaft, and a light guide channel extending from the endoscope head to the endoscope tip. The endoscope can be used in particular as a medically usable device.

DE 10 2009 022 118 A1 discloses an endoscope comprising a shaft having an endoscope tip disposed in a distal end region of the shaft and an endoscope head adjoining a proximal end region of the shaft.

Out US 6,503,195 B1 An endoscope system with an LCD projector and a camera for the deep-resolution display of an object captured by the camera is known. The projector is connected to an endoscope head of a first endoscope, and patterns of light emitted from the projector are irradiated on the object through the first endoscope. A second obliquely arranged endoscope guides light reflected by the object to a camera connected to an endoscope head of the second endoscope. An image evaluation unit connected to the projector and the camera assigns depth information to pixels of an image of the object taken by the camera based on a comparison between the light pattern emitted by the projector and the image pattern picked up by the camera.

It is the object of the present invention to provide improved endoscopic options.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are in particular the dependent claims.

The object is achieved by an endoscope, comprising a shaft with an endoscope tip arranged in a distal end region of the shaft, an endoscope head adjoining a proximal end region of the shaft, and a light guide channel, which runs from the endoscope head to the endoscope tip. Thus, at a proximal light coupling surface, light of a light generating device coupled into the light guide channel can be guided to the endoscope tip and coupled out there at a distal light coupling surface.

At the endoscope, a projection device is further housed in the endoscope tip, which is connected to the light guide channel and designed and arranged to project an image from the endoscope tip out. Consequently, light or light beam (s) coupled out from the distal light-outcoupling surface of the light-guiding channel can be radiated onto the projection device. The projection device generates from the light, in particular, an image which can be emitted from the endoscope tip. In this case, the projection device, at least one optical element such as a lens, etc. and / or a transparent cover plate be connected downstream. The image emitted by the projection device can be used in particular for illumination and / or information presentation.

For increased illumination, the endoscope may have a further illumination device which serves for general illumination and can not generate images, e.g. a light guide with or without attached to a distal end optics, in particular as already known in principle.

By accommodating the projection device in the endoscope tip, a particularly high-resolution image can be radiated out of the endoscope tip, which does not need to pass through the shaft and consequently has no blurring associated with a light pipe through the shaft. Consequently, the light guide channel may be designed to be particularly simple and, in particular, non-imaging. Also, this results in only low transmission losses of the light guide in the endoscope tip and a high luminance.

As a further advantage, any information can be projected on the area or object illuminated by the projection device by means of the projection device. In particular, the information conveyed with the image may be information directly detectable by a viewer (e.g., endoscopist). It is a preferred development that the image transports information in the sense of an "augmented reality" or "augmented reality" ("AR image"). Such information may include, for example, medical information. The information conveyed with the image may in particular include patterns for the plastic appearance of tissue structures, cut lines to which (also manually) is to be operated, an emphasis on certain interesting object areas and / or information presented in alphanumeric form. The highlighting of the particular regions of interest may be coupled with computer-aided image analysis.

An "image" can thus be understood to mean, in particular, an image by means of which information (in particular "readable" by a viewer) can be projected onto the object or area irradiated therewith. In particular, the image can be a picture-pixel-like image, in particular with a matrix-like arrangement of the pixels. The image can therefore be understood in particular as an information-based image, for example, in contrast to a use of a light beam for pixel-like scanning of the object.

The shaft of the endoscope may be flexible or rigid.

It is a development that extends through the shaft at least one electrical supply line for the projection device, via which the projection device is thus electrically operable.

It is an embodiment that the projection device has at least one movable mirror for deflecting light irradiated from the light guide channel. Such a projection device has (especially in comparison to screens equipped with projection devices) a low loss of light and is very compact ausgestaltbar. Both are advantageous for placement in an endoscope tip, in which a space is typically limited.

It is a development that the at least one movable mirror is at least one scanner mirror. As a result, the projection device can be designed as a so-called "scanning beam" or "flying spot" projector. A "flying spot" projector is basically known as an image projector or projector for computers or mobile phones, eg from the WO 2008/058671 , In the case of a "flying spot" projector, in particular (eg red, green and blue) individual beams can be superimposed to form a common light beam, which the scanner mirror scans pixel by pixel over the projection surface. The frequencies are so high that people see a whole picture. The color components per pixel result from the lighting duration of the respective individual beams. This technology does not require expensive screens that need a mirror or crystal per pixel. Therefore, "flying spot" projectors can provide high resolution without requiring them to become larger or more expensive.

The scanner mirror may in particular be a micromechanical (MEMS) mirror. The scanner mirror may in particular be an oscillating mirror.

It is an alternative development that the projection device has at least one micromirror actuator (e.g., digital micromirror device, DMD) which provides a separate movable micromirror for each pixel.

Alternatively, the projection device may be a reflective or transmissive projection device having a screen (e.g., a liquid crystal display), particularly a micro-screen, for image formation.

It is yet an embodiment that a connectable to the light guide light generating means comprises a plurality of light sources which emit at least red, green or blue light. This allows the projected image to be built up as an RGB image. The light generating device can in particular be connected to a proximal end of the light guide channel and there couple light into the light guide channel.

However, for improved adjustment of a sum color location of the superposed light of the plurality of light sources, at least one further light source shining in a different color may be present, e.g. an amber or "amber" glowing light source. In particular, the sum color location can be a color location of a superimposed light beam composed of the individual beams emitted by the light sources.

It is a development that the light generating device is housed in the endoscope head. This results in a high ease of use, since no connected optical fiber needs to be carried along during a movement of the endoscope. The light generating device may in particular be accommodated in a handle assigned to the endoscope head, since a comparatively large installation space is available there.

The light generating device may alternatively be arranged outside the endoscope head and connected thereto e.g. be connected via a flexible light guide.

It is a further embodiment that a light generating device which can be connected to the light guide channel comprises at least one useful light light source.

It is a further embodiment that a light generating device which can be connected to the light guide channel comprises at least one IR light source as a useful light source. This allows the use of IR light or infrared light for cutting or sclerosing, such as tissue or blood vessels. In other words, the endoscope tip can also be used as an IR cutting tool become. The IR light may be passed over the projection device or past the projection device.

It is yet a further embodiment that a light generating device that can be connected to the light guide channel comprises at least one UV light source as a useful light source. By emitting UV light from the endoscope tip, for example, photochemical processes can be stimulated. The UV light may be passed over the projection device or past the projection device.

It is also an embodiment that a light generating device which can be connected to the light guide channel comprises at least one light source with at least one predetermined excitation wavelength as the useful light source (s). The at least one excitation wavelength may in particular be or comprise a wavelength tuned to an excitation of contrast agents. In particular, a spatially resolved excitation of contrast agents as well as an intensity-dependent excitation of contrast agents for image quality improvement is made possible. In particular, the use of several wavelengths for the examination of different contrast agents is possible, in particular excited spatially resolved. Also, such a therapy is made possible by targeted radiation control of light of suitable wavelengths for therapy. The at least one excitation wavelength may then be or include in particular a wavelength tuned to a therapy. The light of the at least one excitation wavelength may be passed over the projection device or past the projection device.

It is a further development that the light-generating device is adapted to irradiate light of a plurality of predetermined excitation wavelengths onto the projection device (which are projected from the projection device by the projection device from the endoscope tip) and to guide reflected light of these excitation wavelengths into a spectrometer, e.g. through a camera channel. Thus, for example, the ability to spatially resolve a material composition of the illuminated area (e.g., from cells / tissue / blood) without material removal (e.g., tissue sampling) is provided.

It is a preferred embodiment that light emitted by the light-generating device is conducted exclusively via the projection device.

It is a development that the at least one light source directly emits light of the desired color, e.g. a light emitting diode or a laser diode. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one light source may emit broadband light, which is spectrally limited to the desired color by means of a downstream filter.

It is a development which is preferred for generating a high efficiency, a high luminous flux, a compact arrangement and a high durability, that the at least one light source is a semiconductor light source, in particular a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

It is an embodiment, for example, to achieve a compact design, that the light generating means comprises a plurality of semiconductor light sources and the semiconductor light sources are disposed on a common module (e.g., laser diode module), e.g. on a common carrier, e.g. Substrate or circuit board. The module is preferably accommodated in a handle assigned to the endoscope head.

It is a particularly preferred embodiment that a light generating device which can be connected to the light guide channel comprises at least one laser diode. The use of laser diodes (especially red, green and blue laser diodes) enables a precise and bright light feed of a "flying spot" projector.

When laser diodes are used with the endoscope, in particular a requirement for laser safety can be relaxed since a direction of the laser radiation is defined and a viewing of a region or object illuminated by laser radiation takes place via a camera or a screen or monitor connected thereto. Laser safety is also provided by direct observation of the image emitted from the endoscope tip, since laser power is comparatively low and the pixels are also generated as high-frequency moving light points.

It is a further development that the endoscope has a cooling body for cooling the at least one semiconductor light source. The heat sink is preferably accommodated in a handle assigned to the endoscope head.

It is also an embodiment that the light guide channel has at least one optical waveguide (with one or more fibers). This allows a compact and robust light pipe from the light generating device to the projection device.

It is an alternative development that the light guide channel has a lens system for light conduction. Since the image formation is performed by the projection apparatus, the lenses need not be imaging lenses but can non-imaging optics such as comparatively compact Fresnel lenses or concentrators (eg CPC, CHC or CEC), etc. may also be used.

It is also an embodiment that the endoscope is set up to adjust a sum color location of the light emitted by the projection device (in particular a superimposed light beam composed of the individual beams emitted by the light sources) during operation of the endoscope. This allows easy color switching and color temperature adjustment, especially in direct viewing application.

It is still an embodiment that a camera is housed in the endoscope tip. This further improves handling of the endoscope. Alternatively, a camera may be connected to the endoscope, in particular to the endoscope head.

It is a further embodiment that the endoscope is set up to suppress a supply of light to the projection device if a light beam emitted by the projection device is not reflected back at least partially into the camera. This allows suppression of beam emission from the endoscope tip, if it is not focused on a (typically reflective) object, but e.g. in the room or a distant object, is directed. This increases handling safety.

The inhibiting may be accomplished, for example, by turning off or turning off the light generating device or the at least one light source and / or blocking the light path from the light generating device to the projection device, e.g. by means of a movable aperture, done.

It is yet another embodiment that the endoscope is set up to provide a spatially resolved transit time measurement of at least one light beam emitted by the projection device for a three-dimensional representation of an image captured by the camera. The transit time measurement provides a possibility of determining a distance of a specific pixel of the projected light or of a location of the illuminated area or object assigned to a pixel to the endoscope tip. As a result, depth information for the pixels of the projected image can be obtained and consequently converted into a three-dimensional image representation, in particular in real time. For example, with appropriate evaluation software, e.g. In the case of tumor cells, not only their diameter, but their entire volume is determined. By means of the three-dimensional determination of the volume, it is advantageously much more exact and independent for a size estimation of the tissue.

It is a development that the endoscope has a transit time detector for transit time measurement, in particular in or at the endoscope tip.

It is an alternative or additional embodiment that the endoscope is set up to emit at least one light pattern by means of the projection device and is further configured to display a three-dimensional representation of one of the patterns obtained from a comparison of the pattern emitted by the projection device with a pattern recorded by the camera Camera to capture captured image. This can be done analogously to one of the in US 6,503,195 B1 done methods described.

It is a development that the at least one emitted light pattern has at least one stripe pattern.

It is still a further development that the at least one emitted light pattern has at least one Lissajous figure.

It is a further development that the at least one emitted light pattern has at least one moiré pattern or moiré pattern.

It is also an embodiment that the endoscope is set up to determine a reflectance and / or a light scattering property of an object illuminated by the projection device. From this, for example, an illuminated tissue type can be determined.

It is also a further development that the endoscope has an energy store (for example battery or battery) for the power supply. This can be dispensed with a connection of a power supply cable, which simplifies handling of the endoscope. The energy store is preferably accommodated in a handle assigned to the endoscope head.

It is also a development that the endoscope has at least one electronics. The at least one electronic device can in particular have a driver for controlling the light sources and / or the projection device (video electronics) and / or an image evaluation unit. The electronics are preferably accommodated in a handle assigned to the endoscope head and may be cooled in particular by the heat sink.

In particular, a screen or monitor may be connectable to the endoscope, which in particular can display an image recorded by the camera and optionally further information.

The endoscope can be used for technical purposes, e.g. for inspections of technical equipment or structures. The endoscope can also be used in particular for medical purposes.

The object is also achieved by an endoscope system which has at least one endoscope as described above.

In particular, in addition to the at least one endoscope, the endoscope system may have at least one screen, an image evaluation unit (in particular for calculating three-dimensional images from images which have been recorded by means of the camera) and / or a network-connectable power supply.

The endoscope system may in particular be coupled to the screen, the image evaluation unit, and / or the electronics for controlling the light source (s) and / or the projection device by means of a wireless data connection (which are components of the endoscope system arranged outside the endoscope) can be dispensed with a related entrainment of cables through the endoscope.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following schematic description of an embodiment, which will be described in detail in conjunction with the drawings.

The FIGURE shows a sectional view in side view of an endoscope 11 in a comparatively simple and inexpensive design.

The endoscope 11 has a shaft 12 with one in a distal end region 13 of the shaft 12 arranged endoscope tip 14 one at a proximal end region 15 of the shaft 12 subsequent endoscope head 16 and a Lichtleitkanal in the form of at least one optical waveguide 17 which is from the endoscope head 16 to the endoscope tip 14 runs. In the endoscope tip 14 is a projection device in the form of a "flying spot" projector 18 with an oscillating mirror 28 housed, which to the optical fiber 17 is connected and arranged and arranged, an image B from the endoscope tip 14 project out onto an object O or area. In the endoscope tip 14 is also a camera 19 housed to receive at the object O reflected light R. The camera 19 can be connected to a (not shown) video cable for data transmission and power supply through the shaft 12 runs.

In a handle 20 of the endoscope head 16 is one to the proximal end of the fiber optic cable 17 connected light generating device 21 accommodated, which comprises a plurality of light sources, namely at least one red light r emitting laser diode 22 , at least one green light g emitting laser diode 23 and at least one blue light b emitting laser diode 24 , The laser diodes 22 to 24 are arranged as a module on a common carrier (o.Fig.). The light r, g, b, is superimposed in the optical waveguide 17 coupled.

In the handle 20 is also a heat sink 25 for cooling the laser diodes 22 to 24 and possibly also in the grip 20 housed electronics 26 for controlling the laser diodes 22 to 24 and the Flying Spot Projector 18 available.

In the handle 20 is also an energy storage in the form of a rechargeable battery 27 to power the endoscope 11 accommodated.

During operation of the endoscope 11 become the laser diodes 22 to 24 activated, for the irradiation of the flying spot projector 18 , The activation of the laser diodes 22 to 24 is controlled by the electronics 26 which also has the flying spot projector 18 , in particular its oscillating mirror, drives. From the laser diodes 22 to 24 Waste heat generated is via the heat sink 25 dissipated.

That of the laser diodes 22 to 24 generated red, green and blue light r, g, b is brought together (eg by means of a corresponding optics) and through the optical waveguide 17 to the flying spot projector 18 guided. The flying spot projector 18 generates from this a pixel-like constructed image B, which illuminates the object O and can possibly provide information.

It is another embodiment that the endoscope 11 is configured to provide a light supply to the flying spot projector 18 to prevent, if a projected by the projection device light beam or image B is not at least partially from an object O with non-negligible strength in the camera 19 is reflected back. The inhibition happens here by switching off the laser diodes 22 to 24 ,

The endoscope 11 is particularly suitable for medical purposes.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the illustrated embodiment, the invention is not so limited and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

So may the endoscope tip also have multiple cameras.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 1020090221 A1 [0002]
• US 6503195 B1 [0003, 0043]
• WO 2008/058671 [0015]

Claims (14)

Endoscope ( 11 ), comprising - a shaft ( 12 ) with one in a distal end region ( 13 ) of the shaft ( 12 ) arranged endoscope tip ( 14 ), - one at a proximal end region ( 15 ) of the shaft ( 15 ) subsequent endoscope head ( 16 ) and - a light guide channel ( 17 ), which of the endoscope head ( 16 ) to the endoscope tip ( 14 ), wherein - in the endoscope tip ( 14 ) a projection device ( 18 ) is housed, which at the Lichtleitkanal ( 17 ) and is configured and arranged for this, an image (B) from the endoscope tip ( 14 to project out). Endoscope ( 11 ) according to claim 1, wherein the projection device ( 18 ) at least one movable mirror ( 28 ) for deflecting from the Lichtleitkanal ( 17 ) radiated light (r, g, b) has endoscope ( 11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the Lichtleitkanal ( 17 ) connectable light generating device ( 21 ) several light sources ( 22 - 24 ) emitting at least red light (r), green light (g), and blue light (b), respectively. Endoscope ( 11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the Lichtleitkanal ( 17 ) connectable light generating device ( 21 ) comprises at least one IR light source. Endoscope ( 11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the Lichtleitkanal ( 17 ) connectable light generating device ( 21 ) comprises at least one UV light source. Endoscope ( 11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the Lichtleitkanal ( 17 ) connectable light generating device ( 21 ) comprises at least one light source having a predetermined excitation wavelength. Endoscope ( 11 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light generating device ( 21 ) radiated light (r, g, b) exclusively via the projection device ( 18 ). Endoscope ( 11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the Lichtleitkanal ( 17 ) connectable light generating device ( 21 ) at least one laser diode ( 22 - 24 ). Endoscope ( 11 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light guide channel ( 17 ) has at least one optical waveguide. Endoscope ( 11 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the endoscope ( 11 ) is arranged to provide a sum color location of that of the projection device ( 18 ) radiated light (r, g, b) during operation of the endoscope ( 11 ) to adjust. Endoscope ( 11 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the endoscope tip ( 14 ) a camera ( 19 ) is housed. Endoscope ( 11 ) according to claim 11, wherein the endoscope ( 11 ) is adapted to supply a light to the projection device ( 18 ), if one of the projection device ( 18 ) emitted light beam (B) at least partially into the camera ( 19 ) is reflected back. Endoscope ( 11 ) according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the endoscope ( 11 ) is adapted to a spatially resolved transit time measurement of at least one of the projection device ( 18 ) emitted light beam (B) for a three-dimensional representation of one of the camera ( 19 ) image (R). Endoscope ( 11 ) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the endoscope ( 11 ) is set up, by means of the projection device ( 18 ) to emit at least one defined light pattern and is further adapted to be determined from a comparison of the by means of the projection device ( 18 ) radiated pattern with a by means of the camera ( 19 ) is a three-dimensional representation of one of the camera ( 19 ) image (R). Endoscope ( 11 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the endoscope ( 11 ) is arranged to have a reflectance and / or a light-scattering property of a projection device ( 19 ) illuminated object (O).

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