WO1991003201A1

WO1991003201A1 - Endoscope with tv camera

Info

Publication number: WO1991003201A1
Application number: PCT/DE1990/000659
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus Irion; Jürgen RUDISCHHAUSER
Original assignee: Karl Storz Gmbh & Co.
Priority date: 1989-08-28
Filing date: 1990-08-28
Publication date: 1991-03-21
Also published as: DE3943712C2; EP0489774A1; JPH04507305A

Abstract

An endoscope (10) has an endoscope objective mounted on its distal end. The image produced by the objective is directed by an image-conductor unit (2) to the proximal end, at which it can be observed by means of an ocular (1). An illuminating device comprises a fibre optic (4), which conducts the light from a light source to the distal end and which surrounds, at least partly, the image-conductor unit (2). The endoscope has a lateral connecting branch (3) for a fibre optic cable (15) which connects the endoscope to the light source. An element (14) can be placed in the path of the observation beam in front of the ocular (1), so that the observation beam (2) is directed, at least partially, onto the pickup element (11) of a video camera (20).

Description

Endoscope with a television camera

Description

The invention relates to an endoscope with an endoscope objective arranged at the distal end, the image of which guides an image guide unit to the proximal end, at which it can be viewed by means of an eyepiece, and with an illumination device that has a light guide that does Conducts light from a light source to the distal end, and has a lateral connection piece for a light guide cable connecting the endoscope to the light source.

Endoscopes of the type mentioned above are generally known and have long been offered as standard by the large manufacturers of endoscopes, such as, for example, Karl Storz GmbH & Co. If, in such endoscopes, the endoscope image is to be displayed on a monitor, a miniature video camera is attached to the eyepiece cup either directly or via an image divider, which records the "eyepiece image" by means of a lens and an image recorder . Such a video camera is, for example, the "Endopocket" video camera from Karl Storz GmbH & Co.

The known endoscopes with "flanged" video cameras now have certain handling disadvantages in practical operation:

Due to the objective required to image the "eyepiece image", miniature video cameras still have comparatively large dimensions, which can be up to 10 cm in length and up to 5 cm in width.

Furthermore, the length of the endoscope is extended by the video camera and the weight distribution is changed. A changed weight distribution disturbs the balancing of the endoscopic unit inserted in the body and thus changes the handling of the entire unit negatively.

Ultimately, the optical effort required to image an eyepiece image is comparatively great.

The object of the invention is to further develop an endoscope according to the preamble of patent claim 1. to make it possible to display a video image without affecting the usual handling of the endoscope.

An inventive solution to this problem is specified in claim 1.

According to the invention, an element can be introduced into the observation beam path in front of the eyepiece in such a way that the transmission beam of the observation beam is at least partially directed towards an image sensor of a video camera. According to the invention, the video camera is therefore no longer attached to the eyepiece cup or the eyepiece funnel, but in front of the eyepiece. Such a design has a number of advantages: In particular, the optical outlay is less, since it is not an eyepiece image, but the real image generated by the image guide unit that must be imaged on the image recorder of the video camera. In addition, the volume of the endoscope "after the eyepiece" is not increased, so that the operator can handle the endoscope in the usual way. Furthermore, the "lever arm" is lower since the video camera is mounted closer to the center of gravity of the endoscopic unit.

Further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims:

According to claim 2, the element introduced into the observation beam path in front of the eyepiece is a deflection element which at least partially deflects the observation beam onto a second viewing opening, to which the video camera can be attached. This design of the endoscope according to the invention has the particular advantage that when used a partially transparent mirror as a deflecting element (claim 3) is possible to simultaneously display a video image and to view the endoscopic image in the usual way through the eyepiece. The other operating elements for the examiner, such as shut-off cocks of the shaft, surgical instruments, etc., are at the usual distance from the eyepiece funnel or eyepiece cup, since the video camera is attached to the second viewing opening in front of the eyepiece, so that during an Do not carry out the operation "blindly" to change the movements.

It is particularly advantageous if, according to claim 4, at least one further deflection element is provided outside the observation beam path in such a way that a correct image is produced at the second viewing opening. If necessary, however, the further deflection element can also be dispensed with and the "image erection" can be carried out, for example, using electronic means, so that a correct image is displayed on a monitor.

The deflection element introduced into the beam path according to the invention can of course be provided in the space between the last optical surface of the image guide unit and the eyepiece cup. In the case of an endoscope in which the image guide unit consists of relay lens systems which have rod lenses, it is preferred according to claim 5 if the deflecting element, which deflects the beam path onto the second viewing opening, into a rod lens is integrated. Such a design not only has the advantage that the deflecting element can in any case be accommodated within the normal length of an endoscope, but also the advantage that it is readily possible to arrange the image recorder of the video camera in the proximal image plane of the last relay lens system without additional intermediate imaging.

Of course, however, it is also possible to provide an intermediate imaging system for the second viewing opening, which intermediate images the image generated by the image guide unit. Such an intermediate imaging system can be provided both when the deflection element according to the image guide unit (claim 6) and when the deflection system is arranged according to claim 5.

In any case, however, it is preferred if the deflecting element (s) and possibly the intermediate imaging system are connected to the video camera and can be removed together with the latter from the endoscope. This ensures that whenever no video image is to be displayed, the size and weight of the endoscope do not exceed the sizes of conventional endoscopes, and the brightness of the visually observed image is not reduced by the divider mirror.

But even if the deflection element that can be introduced into the beam path "is not part of the video camera", it is preferred if the deflection element is not used, i.e. Whenever no video image is to be displayed, it can be removed from the beam path (claim 9), so that the image brightness is not reduced.

For the second viewing opening provided according to the invention, to which the video camera can be attached, there are various possible arrangements: E.g. can be integrated according to claim 10, the second viewing opening in the side connection piece for the illumination light. The light entry surface for the light from the illuminating light source is designed in a ring shape and surrounds the second viewing opening. This arrangement has the advantage that the design of the endoscope is not changed significantly, since even with conventional endoscopes an optical fiber cable is attached to the connecting piece, so that the operator is used to having an element on the side of this side "protrudes" from the endoscope. In this case, it is preferred if the light exit surface of the optical fiber cable surrounds the image recorder of the video camera that can be inserted into the connecting piece, since it is then possible to design the connecting cable for the video camera and the optical fiber cable as a unit.

Of course, it is also possible for the second viewing opening to be arranged next to the connecting piece for the illuminating light (claim 16). This training has the advantage that existing fiber optic cables and fiber optic connectors can be used if necessary. It is preferred if the second viewing opening and the connecting piece for the illumination light are combined to form a structural unit (claim 17).

Alternatively, the second viewing opening can also be arranged opposite the lateral connection piece for the illuminating light (claim 12). Such a design may improve the weight distribution of the endoscope according to the invention compared to conventional endoscopes. - 1 -

Furthermore, the second viewing opening can be arranged in a handle, into which the video camera can be inserted. In technical applications in particular or in the case of comparatively long endoscopes, it is particularly advantageous if a handle is provided for handling the endoscope. This handle, which is not used in known endoscopes, is given the additional function according to the invention that, in addition to handling the endoscope, it is also used to record the video camera.

In this case, it is preferred if, according to claim 14, the optical axis of the video camera forms an angle unequal to 90 ° with the optical axis of the image guide unit, since the handle can then be designed ergonomically.

A further possibility of arranging the second viewing opening is characterized in claim 15, according to which the second viewing opening is arranged parallel to the eyepiece viewing. This design has the advantage that the "lateral protrusion" of the video camera is as minimal as possible, as a rule. the length dimensions are larger than the width dimensions.

Within the basic idea of the invention, it is of course not only possible to introduce a deflecting element into the observation beam path in front of the eyepiece, but it is also possible to insert the image recorder of the video camera directly into the observation beam path in front of the eyepiece 18). It is preferred if the image sensor is arranged directly in the image plane of the last image guide unit (claim 20), with an additional optical element possibly It can be provided that the size of the image of the image guide unit adapts to the size of the image sensor without additional intermediate imaging (claim 21).

This training has the advantage that usually completely on a lens or the like. can be dispensed with for the video camera. The image recorder of the video camera can be arranged on a guide, which can be designed, for example, like a revolver changer, by means of which it can be moved laterally out of the beam path, so that a simple switchover between direct observation via the eyepiece and video display is possible (claim 19).

The invention is described below by way of example without limitation of the general inventive concept on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing, to which reference is expressly made with regard to the disclosure of all details according to the invention not explained in detail in the text. Show it:

1 shows a first embodiment of the invention with a video camera attached to the side,

2a and 2b variants of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention with a video camera arranged on the side of the light guide connector,

3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the invention with a video camera arranged parallel to the optical axis,

4 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the video camera and the deflecting mirror are combined to form a structural unit,

5a and 5b, a fifth embodiment of the inventions 6d to 6c variants of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the deflecting element is integrated in a rod lens, and FIG. 6d enlarges the design of the deflecting element, in which the video camera can be pushed into a handle, in two positions, FIGS .

In the following description, parts that are the same or functionally the same are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of the individual figures does not relate these parts and only describes the special features.

In particular, only the distal end region of the endoscope 10 is generally shown. The endoscope 10 has an eyepiece 1 for viewing the image of an image guide unit 2 which is only partially shown and which guides the image of an endoscope objective (not shown) to the proximal end. Furthermore, a connecting piece 3 is provided which allows the light from a lighting device (not shown) to be introduced into a light guide 4 which is only shown in part and which guides the light from this light source to the distal end. Typically, the light guide at least partially surrounds the image guide unit. 5 also designates the housing or the wall of the endoscope.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the light guide has so-called rod lens systems 2 ', as are generally used in hard or rigid endoscopes. Of course, it is also possible to use other light guides, such as fiber bundles or the like. 20 denotes the video camera, which has an image pickup 11 and a lens 12. 14 also designates a deflection element, for example a mirror, which deflects at least part of the imaging beam path intensity onto the image sensor 11 of the video camera 20.

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the video camera 20 is attached laterally to the endoscope 10 opposite the connecting piece 3 by means of a suitable flange or connecting piece 13, not shown in detail. The deflection element 14 is designed as a partially transparent mirror which is inserted between the rod lens elements 3 and which directs part of the intensity onto the image sensor 11 of the video camera 20, so that simultaneous observation through the eyepiece 1 and the video image is possible on a monitor (not shown) is.

The "uprighting" of the inverted image of the video camera 20 can be carried out "electronically" or with an image erecting system, for example a Dove prism, which is inserted between the deflecting element 14 and the objective 12.

2a and 2b show variants of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the video camera 20 is arranged on the side of the light guide connector 3. In the variant shown in FIG. 2a, the connection piece for the video camera 20 is integrated in the connection piece 3 for the light guide 4, which concentrically surrounds the image recorder 11 and the lens 12 of the video camera. In contrast, in the variant shown in FIG. 2 b, the connection piece 13 for the video camera 20 next to the connecting piece 3 for the light guide 4 angeord¬ net. In both variants, the connection cable 15 for the video camera can be combined with the light guide cable that connects the endoscope 20 to a lighting device (not shown) to form a uniform cable.

Otherwise, the two variants of the second embodiment correspond to the first embodiment. In particular, the mirror 14 can in turn be designed as a partially transparent mirror, and the image erection can take place electronically or optically.

3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the video camera 20 is arranged “parallel” to the optical axis of the endoscope 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the deflection of part of the intensity of the imaging light bundle again takes place with a partially transmissive mirror 14, to which a full mirror 15 is arranged, so that a correct image is imaged on the image sensor 11 of the video camera 20.

The fourth exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the third exemplary embodiment with regard to its optical structure, but the video camera 20 and the deflecting or deflecting mirror 14 are combined to form a structural unit, so that they can be removed as a whole from the observation beam path. In this way, a brighter image is obtained whenever no video observation is desired, since no partially transparent mirror remains in the beam path for visual observation. 5a and 5b show a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the video camera 20 can be inserted into a handle 6 provided on the endoscope 10. The video camera is in turn combined with a deflection mirror 14 and a further deflection mirror 15 to form a structural unit. In contrast to the fourth exemplary embodiment, in this exemplary embodiment the image pickup 11 of the video camera and the two mirrors are arranged such that, alternatively, the partially transparent mirror 14 or directly the image pickup 11 with the lens 12 connected upstream is in the beam path of the image guide - Unit 2 can be introduced. This means that three operating modes are possible in this exemplary embodiment:

1. Pure video observation with lens 12 and sensor 11 inserted into the beam path, a bright video image resulting from the unnecessary beam splitting.

2. Simultaneous visual observation through the eyepiece 1 and video observation with the splitter mirror 14 inserted into the beam path.

3. Pure visual observation with a bright image due to the lack of beam splitting through the eyepiece 1, the video unit being removed from the handle 6 at least to such an extent that neither the beam controller 14 nor the image sensor 18 are in the beam path.

6a to 6c show two variants of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the deflecting element is integrated in a rod lens 2 '. 6a and 6b show a (partially perspective) side view and top view of a first variant in which the deflection element 14 is integrated in a rod lens 2. In the illustrated ^'embodiment of the Bildaufneh¬ mer 11 is a Fra e-trans er-chip. It is particularly advantageous that the comparatively large chip can be accommodated in the thickened middle part of the endoscope without any problems.

6c shows a second variant, with three image recorders 1 111--1111-- vvoorrggeesseehheenn ssiinndd ,, ddiiee jjeewweeiill, s record a color separation of a colored video image.

6d shows a side view and a top view of a possibility of obtaining a right-sided image by using two mirrors 14 and 15 when the deflecting element 14 is arranged in a rod lens 2.

The invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. Of course, the most varied of embodiments are possible within the general inventive concept: for example, in a modification of the fifth embodiment, it is possible to dispense entirely with the mirrors and to design the video unit 20 and the corresponding connecting piece 13 on the endoscope in such a way that the Video unit can be inserted directly into the observation beam path, so that alternatively only visual observation or video observation is possible. Furthermore, the divider mirror 14 can also be designed as a full mirror.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Endoscope with an endoscopic lens arranged at the distal end, the image of which guides an image guide unit to the proximal end, at which it can be viewed by means of an eyepiece, and with an illumination device which has a light guide which transmits the light from a light source to the distal end conducts, and which at least partially surrounds the image guide unit, and has a lateral connection piece for a light guide cable connecting the endoscope to the light source, characterized in that an element of this type is located in the observation beam path in front of the eyepiece can be introduced that the observation beam is directed at least partially with respect to its transmission to at least one image sensor of a video camera.

2. Endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the element is a deflecting element that deflects the observation beam onto a second viewing opening, to which the video camera can be attached.

3. Endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that the deflecting element inserted into the beam path is a partially transparent mirror.

4. Endoscope according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that outside the observation beam path at least one further deflection element is provided in such a way that a correct image is generated at the second viewing opening.

5. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the image guide unit consists of relay lens systems having rod lenses, characterized in that the deflecting element, which deflects the beam path to the second viewing opening, is integrated in a rod lens.

6. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the deflecting element, which deflects the beam path onto the second viewing opening, is arranged after the image guide unit.

7. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that an intermediate imaging system is provided for the second viewing opening, the intermediate image generated by the image guide unit.

8. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the deflecting element or elements and optionally the intermediate imaging system are connected to the video camera and can be removed together with it.

9. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the deflecting element which can be brought into the beam path can be removed from the beam path when not in use.

10. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the second viewing opening is integrated in the lateral connection piece for the illuminating light, and that the light entry surface for the light of the illuminating light source is annular and surrounds the second viewing opening.

11. Endoscope according to claim 10, characterized in that the light-traversing surface of the light guide cable surrounds the image sensor of the video camera which can be used in the connecting piece.

12. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the second viewing opening is arranged opposite the lateral connection piece for the lighting light.

13. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to, characterized in that the second viewing opening is arranged in a handle into which the video camera can be inserted.

14. Endoscope according to claim 13, characterized in that the optical axis of the video camera includes an angle # 90 ° with the optical axis of the image guide unit.

15. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the second viewing opening is arranged parallel to the eyepiece.

16. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the second viewing opening is arranged next to the connecting piece for the illuminating light.

17. Endoscope according to claim 16, characterized in that the second viewing opening and the connecting piece for the illuminating light are combined to form a structural unit.

18. Endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the element which can be introduced into the observation beam path in front of the eyepiece is the image recorder of the video camera.

19. Endoscope according to claim 18, characterized in that the image sensor is arranged on a guide, by means of which it can be moved laterally out of the beam path.

20. Endoscope according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the image sensor is arranged directly in the image plane of the last image guide unit.

21. Endoscope according to claim 20, characterized in that an additional optical element is provided which adjusts the size of the image of the image guide unit to the size of the image sensor.

22. Endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that alternatively a part-permeable deflecting element or the image recorder of the video camera can be introduced into the observation beam path.

23. Endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that three image recorders are provided, each of which records a color separation of a colored video image.