JP2009207578A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents
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Abstract
Description
本発明は、小型カメラや機器内部や体腔内部等の観察に用いられる内視鏡等に適した撮像装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus suitable for a small camera, an endoscope used for observation inside a device, a body cavity, and the like.
被検体としての機器内部や体腔内を観察する目的の内視鏡は、披検体の像を観察する手段として対物レンズ＋リレーレンズを用いた硬性内視鏡や、対物レンズ＋ファイバーイメージガイドを用いたファイバースコープ、先端部に対物レンズ＋ＣＣＤのような固体撮像素子を組み込んだ電子内視鏡等があり使用目的に応じて使い分けられているが、近年は固体撮像素子の小型化、高性能化に伴って電子内視鏡が広く使われてきている。本発明による撮像装置は電子内視鏡の先端部にそのまま装着可能であり、また一般的な観察で使われる小型カメラの場合にもそのまま利用できるので、主に内視鏡を例に説明する。 Endoscopes for the purpose of observing the inside of a device or body cavity as a subject use a rigid endoscope using an objective lens and a relay lens, or an objective lens and a fiber image guide as means for observing an image of a specimen. There are fiberscopes, electronic endoscopes incorporating a solid-state image sensor such as an objective lens and CCD at the tip, etc., which are used properly according to the purpose of use, but in recent years the solid-state image sensor has been reduced in size and performance Accordingly, electronic endoscopes have been widely used. The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention can be mounted as it is on the distal end portion of an electronic endoscope, and can also be used as it is in the case of a small camera used in general observation. Therefore, an endoscope will be mainly described as an example.
前述したいずれの形態の内視鏡であっても挿入部の一端に対物レンズが装着された先端部、挿入部の他端に設けられた操作部（把持部と呼ぶこともある）から構成されており、対物レンズの周辺には披検体を照明する照明部材が設けられている。 In any of the above-described endoscopes, the endoscope includes a distal end portion in which an objective lens is attached to one end of the insertion portion and an operation portion (sometimes referred to as a grip portion) provided at the other end of the insertion portion. An illumination member for illuminating the specimen is provided around the objective lens.
この照明部材としては、光学ファイバーを多数束にしたライトガイドを使用し外部に設けられた光源部からの照明光を先端部に伝達する構造のものが多いが、近年白色発光ダイオードのような固体発光素子（以下ＬＥＤと記す）の性能が著しく向上するに伴って、内視鏡内部にＬＥＤを装着し先端部まで前記ライトガイドを使用して照明光を伝達する構造のものや、先端部の対物レンズの周辺に直接ＬＥＤを配置した構造を持った提案も見られる。 Many of these illumination members have a structure that uses a light guide in which a large number of optical fibers are bundled to transmit illumination light from a light source provided outside to the tip, but in recent years it has become a solid state like a white light emitting diode. As the performance of a light emitting element (hereinafter referred to as LED) is remarkably improved, an LED is installed inside the endoscope and illumination light is transmitted to the distal end using the light guide. Some proposals have a structure in which LEDs are arranged directly around the objective lens.
本発明は特に電子内視鏡や小型電子カメラに適した、撮像モジュールと照明装置を一体化した撮像装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus in which an imaging module and an illumination device are integrated, particularly suitable for an electronic endoscope and a small electronic camera.
図１に電子内視鏡装置の基本的な構成を示す。図中１０１は電子内視鏡（本体）、１０２は信号処理回路を持ったカメラコントロールユニット（以下ＣＣＵと記す）、１０４は照明用の光源装置、１０３は映像表示手段としてのモニターを示している。 FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus. In the figure, 101 is an electronic endoscope (main body), 102 is a camera control unit (hereinafter referred to as CCU) having a signal processing circuit, 104 is a light source device for illumination, and 103 is a monitor as video display means. .
上記内視鏡は披検体内部に挿入する挿入部１０５と内視鏡を手で保持、操作する操作部１０６から構成されており、挿入部の先端に装着された先端部１０７には対物レンズ１０８とＣＣＤセンサーやＣＭＯＳセンサー等で代表される固体撮像素子１０９を含んだ撮像ユニット１１０が組み込まれており、先端部の端面には対物レンズの視野方向を照明するライトガイド１１１が照明手段として組み込まれている。固体撮像素子１０８からの映像信号はケーブル１１２によってＣＣＵ１０２に連接されており、ライトガイド１１１の他端面は光源装置１０４に連接されている。なお本発明と直接関係を持たない操作部の機構等は表記を省略して示してある。 The endoscope includes an insertion portion 105 that is inserted into the specimen and an operation portion 106 that holds and operates the endoscope by hand. An objective lens 108 is provided at a distal end portion 107 that is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion. In addition, an imaging unit 110 including a solid-state imaging device 109 represented by a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like is incorporated, and a light guide 111 that illuminates the visual field direction of the objective lens is incorporated as an illumination unit on the end surface of the tip. ing. A video signal from the solid-state image sensor 108 is connected to the CCU 102 by a cable 112, and the other end surface of the light guide 111 is connected to the light source device 104. It should be noted that the mechanism of the operation unit that is not directly related to the present invention is not shown.
従来は前記撮像モジュール１１０からの映像信号を処理するＣＣＵ１０２は、その大部分は内視鏡外部に設けられており、先端部１１１や操作部１０６内には信号処理回路等の一部が組み込まれた構成が一般的であったが、近年信号処理回路デバイスの小型化が進み、信号処理回路を操作部１０６内、または先端の撮像モジュール１１０内に組み込まれるものも実用化されている。また小型の高効率のＬＥＤが実用化されるに伴って、ＬＥＤを操作部１０６内に装着し、内視鏡の先端部に装着されたライトガイド１１１に連接するか、ＬＥＤをライトガイド１１１に代わってＬＥＤを直接配置することも可能になって来た。この場合、光源部１０４は不要となりＬＥＤの電源はＣＣＵから供給することが可能となる。 Conventionally, most of the CCU 102 that processes the video signal from the imaging module 110 is provided outside the endoscope, and a part of a signal processing circuit or the like is incorporated in the distal end portion 111 or the operation unit 106. In recent years, the signal processing circuit device has been miniaturized, and a signal processing circuit incorporated in the operation unit 106 or the imaging module 110 at the tip has been put into practical use. As small high-efficiency LEDs are put into practical use, the LEDs are mounted in the operation unit 106 and connected to the light guide 111 mounted on the distal end of the endoscope, or the LEDs are connected to the light guide 111. Instead, it has become possible to place LEDs directly. In this case, the light source unit 104 is not necessary, and the LED power can be supplied from the CCU.
このように、固体撮像素子と対物レンズ系を含んだ撮像モジュールを挿入部の先端に組み込んだ電子内視鏡は種類も多く、機器の内部や、体腔内を観察する目的で産業、医療の分野で広く用いられているが、これまでの電子内視鏡は１個の固体撮像素子と１個の対物レンズ系からなる撮像モジュール１１０の周辺にライトガイド１１１またはＬＥＤが直接組み込まれるものもあるが、形状を小型化するのに限界があるのが現状である。 As described above, there are many types of electronic endoscopes incorporating an imaging module including a solid-state imaging device and an objective lens system at the distal end of the insertion portion. For the purpose of observing the inside of a device or the inside of a body cavity, industrial and medical fields However, there are some electronic endoscopes in which the light guide 111 or the LED is directly incorporated around the imaging module 110 including one solid-state imaging device and one objective lens system. Currently, there is a limit to downsizing the shape.
例えば、照明手段としてのライトガイドを撮像モジュールに一体として組み込む構造としては、図１に示すように撮像ユニット１１０と並列にライトガイド１１１の先端部を組み込む構造や、図２に示すように対物レンズ１０８、固体撮像素子１０９を含んだ撮像モジュール１１０の外周にライトガイド１１１をドーナッツ状の形状１１２で配置した構造がよく用いられる。 For example, as a structure in which a light guide as an illuminating unit is integrally incorporated in the imaging module, a structure in which the tip of the light guide 111 is incorporated in parallel with the imaging unit 110 as shown in FIG. 1, or an objective lens as shown in FIG. A structure in which a light guide 111 is arranged in a donut-like shape 112 on the outer periphery of an imaging module 110 including a solid-state imaging element 109 is often used.
この構造ではライトガイド１１１は、先端部前面は図２で示すようにドーナッツ形状を示しているが、ライトガイドの他の端面は図２１１３で示すように円筒状に形成し光源部に連接するのが一般的である。 In this structure, the front end of the light guide 111 has a donut shape as shown in FIG. 2, but the other end face of the light guide is formed in a cylindrical shape and connected to the light source as shown in FIG. Is common.
小型のＬＥＤを先端部に一体として組み込む構造を考えた場合、図２のライトガイド１１１のａで示す結束部分を短くし、ライトガイド１１１の端面１１３に直接ＬＥＤの発光面を装着することが出来るが、ライトガイド１１１を構成する光学ファイバーは小さい曲率半径で急激に曲げることが出来ないので、ａ寸法をあまり小さく出来ず数十ミクロンの光学ファイバーを多数本組み込むためコストも高くなる。 When considering a structure in which a small LED is integrated into the tip portion, the bundling portion indicated by a in the light guide 111 in FIG. 2 can be shortened and the light emitting surface of the LED can be directly attached to the end surface 113 of the light guide 111. However, since the optical fiber constituting the light guide 111 cannot be bent sharply with a small radius of curvature, the dimension a cannot be made very small, and a large number of optical fibers of several tens of microns are incorporated, resulting in an increase in cost.
この様な寸法上、コスト上の障害を少なくする構造として、特開２００４−２９２３５で示されている撮像ユニットの外周をパイプ形状の導光部材で形成し、その端面にＬＥＤを複数個配置する提案がなされているが、複数個のＬＥＤを必要とすることと肉厚の薄いパイプ状の導光部材の断面よりＬＥＤより発光される光を入射させるので、光の利用効率がよくない等の問題がある。 As a structure that reduces the obstacles in cost due to such dimensions, the outer periphery of the imaging unit shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-29235 is formed with a pipe-shaped light guide member, and a plurality of LEDs are arranged on the end face thereof. Proposals have been made, however, it requires a plurality of LEDs, and light emitted from the LEDs is incident from the cross section of the thin pipe-shaped light guide member. There's a problem.
本発明の目的は撮像、ＬＥＤの光の利用効率の高い安価な電子内視鏡や小型カメラに適した照明手段と一体となった撮像装置を提供することである。
内視鏡や小型カメラに使用する固体撮像素子やＬＥＤが容易に利用できるようになってきたが、前述のような従来の構造をとると全体のコストを下げるのは容易ではない。 Although solid-state image sensors and LEDs used for endoscopes and small cameras can be easily used, it is not easy to reduce the overall cost with the conventional structure as described above.
特に最近は、固体撮像素子としてＣＭＯＳ固体撮像素子を用い、対物レンズ、駆動回路、信号処理回路を一体化した小型の撮像モジュールが使用可能になってきている。一例としては１/１０インチのＣＭＯＳ固体撮像素子を用いたものが５×５ｍｍ厚さ３ｍｍ程度の形状で、ＵＹＶＹのデジタル信号が得られるものもある。この様な撮像モジュールは安価であるが、内視鏡に使用しようとすると照明手段がコスト構成上の障害となってくる。 In particular, recently, it has become possible to use a small-sized imaging module in which a CMOS solid-state imaging device is used as a solid-state imaging device and an objective lens, a driving circuit, and a signal processing circuit are integrated. As an example, there is a device that uses a 1/10 inch CMOS solid-state imaging device and has a shape of about 5 × 5 mm and a thickness of about 3 mm and can obtain a UYVY digital signal. Such an imaging module is inexpensive, but if it is used for an endoscope, the illumination means becomes an obstacle to the cost structure.
本発明の目的は、対物レンズと固体撮像素子を含んだ撮像モジュールにコストを極力抑え小型で取扱の容易な照明手段を組み込んだ撮像装置を提供し、内視鏡や小型カメラの開発を容易することである。 An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that incorporates a small and easy-to-handle illumination means in an imaging module including an objective lens and a solid-state imaging device, and that facilitates development of an endoscope and a small camera. That is.
上記目的を達成するために、円錐台の形状部分を持つ透明な材質の筒状部材の底面部に、少なくとも対物レンズと固体撮像素子を含む撮像モジュールを収納する穴部を設け、該穴部の後方に、該円錐台の母線より傾斜の緩やかな母線を持った円錐状の穴を連続して設け、
該筒状部材の底面部に設けられた該撮像モジュールを収納する穴部に該撮像モジュールを装着し、該筒状部材の上面部に発光ダイオード（ＬＥＤ）を装着したことを特徴とする撮像装置で、ＬＥＤの選択も比較的自由で構造が簡単なため内視鏡や小型カメラに容易に適用できる。
In order to achieve the above object, a hole for accommodating an imaging module including at least an objective lens and a solid-state imaging device is provided on the bottom surface of a cylindrical member made of a transparent material having a truncated cone shape portion. In the rear, a conical hole having a generously inclined bus bar than the bus bar of the truncated cone is continuously provided,
An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging module mounted in a hole portion that accommodates the imaging module provided on a bottom surface of the cylindrical member; and a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on an upper surface of the cylindrical member. Therefore, the selection of the LED is relatively free and the structure is simple, so that it can be easily applied to an endoscope or a small camera.
さらに詳細に説明すると、該筒状部分は円錐台の上面部分に装着したＬＥＤからの照明光を、該筒状部分を形成する外側の側面部分と該穴部を形成する内側の側面部分を反射面とし、該筒状部分の前面に設けられた撮像モジュールを装着する穴部の外周に形成される円環状部分に伝達し、全体として照明部材を構成し、その穴部に撮像モジュールを装着することで照明手段を組み込んだ撮像装置を構成している。 More specifically, the cylindrical portion reflects illumination light from the LED mounted on the upper surface portion of the truncated cone, and reflects the outer side surface portion forming the cylindrical portion and the inner side surface portion forming the hole. The surface is transmitted to an annular portion formed on the outer periphery of the hole portion for mounting the imaging module provided on the front surface of the cylindrical portion, and the illumination member is configured as a whole, and the imaging module is mounted in the hole portion. Thus, an imaging device incorporating the illumination means is configured.
請求項２にかかわる発明は、対物レンズの前面に設けられた透明な入射窓を、対物レンズの撮像に必要な領域と照明に必要な領域に２分し、前記撮像に必要な領域と照明に必要な領域の境界面を光学的に遮断する構造としたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の撮像装置に関するもので、対物レンズの前面に設けられた透明な入射窓を、対物レンズの撮像に必要な領域と照明に必要な領域に２分し、前記撮像に必要な領域と照明に必要な領域の境界面を光学的に遮断することで照明光が迷光として対物レンズに入射するのを防止し、画質の向上を図った請求項１に記載の撮像装置を特徴としている。 The invention according to claim 2 divides a transparent incident window provided on the front surface of the objective lens into an area necessary for imaging of the objective lens and an area necessary for illumination, and the area and illumination necessary for the imaging. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a boundary surface of a necessary area is optically cut off, and a transparent incident window provided in front of the objective lens is used for imaging of the objective lens. Dividing the required area and the area necessary for illumination into two, and optically blocking the boundary between the area necessary for imaging and the area necessary for illumination prevents the illumination light from entering the objective lens as stray light The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that the image quality is improved.
本発明による撮像装置は、撮像ユニットと照明手段を小型で単純な構造で一体化することが出来るので、電子内視鏡を具現化する場合には、内視鏡の挿入部の先端部に簡単に装着出来るのでその利用価値は非常に大きい。また小型カメラを具現化することが容易になることはいうまでもない。 In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the imaging unit and the illumination means can be integrated with a small and simple structure. Therefore, when embodying an electronic endoscope, it is easy at the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The utility value is very large. Needless to say, it is easy to implement a small camera.
以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。なお実施例の説明で使用する図面は本発明を容易に把握、理解出来るよう本発明と直接関係ない機構等の具体的な詳細は省略して示している。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the description of the embodiments, specific details such as mechanisms not directly related to the present invention are omitted so that the present invention can be easily understood and understood.
図３は本発明の実施の一形態を示す撮像装置の概略構成図である。撮像モジュール１１０は、少なくとも対物レンズ１０８とＣＭＯＳのような固体撮像素子１０９を含めて構成されており、目的に応じて構成要素を変えることが出来る。 FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging module 110 is configured to include at least the objective lens 108 and a solid-state imaging element 109 such as a CMOS, and the components can be changed according to the purpose.
例えば、極力内視鏡の先端部を細くしようとした場合の撮像モジュールは、対物レンズと固体撮像素子とプリアンプ等で構成し、固体撮像素子の駆動回路、信号処理回路等は撮像ユニットから離れた操作部等に配置することで小型化出来る。 For example, the imaging module when trying to make the tip of the endoscope as thin as possible is composed of an objective lens, a solid-state imaging device, a preamplifier, etc., and the drive circuit, signal processing circuit, etc. of the solid-state imaging device are separated from the imaging unit It can be downsized by placing it on the operation unit.
また形状はやや大きくなるが、対物レンズとＣＭＯＳ固体撮像素子とその周辺回路を一体化し、ＵＹＶＹのデジタル出力を取り出せる撮像ユニットが実用化されているのでこの様な撮像ユニットを装着することも可能である。 Although the shape is slightly larger, an imaging unit that integrates the objective lens, CMOS solid-state imaging device and its peripheral circuit and can extract UYVY digital output has been put into practical use, so it is possible to attach such an imaging unit. is there.
図３に示すように本発明による撮像装置の本体部１２０はアクリルのような透明な樹脂材質を使用し、円錐台の形状を持った円錐台部分１２１と、円錐台の底部に設けられた、少なくとも対物レンズ１０８と固体撮像素子１０９を含んだ撮像モジュール１１０を装着する穴部１２３を持った筒状部１２２で構成されており、円錐台部分１２１には筒状部１２２に設けられた穴部１２３に連続して円錐状穴部１２４が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 120 of the imaging device according to the present invention uses a transparent resin material such as acrylic, and is provided at a truncated cone portion 121 having a truncated cone shape, and at the bottom of the truncated cone. The cylindrical portion 122 has a hole portion 123 in which an imaging module 110 including at least the objective lens 108 and the solid-state imaging element 109 is mounted. A hole portion provided in the cylindrical portion 122 is provided in the truncated cone portion 121. A conical hole 124 is provided continuously to 123.
図３において、矢印ａ、矢印ｂで示すように撮像ユニット１１０を本体部１２０に設けられた穴部１２３に装着し、ＬＥＤ１３０の発光面１３１を本体部１２０を構成する円錐台１２０の上面１２５に対面して装着することで本発明による撮像装置を構成する。このような構造では、ＬＥＤの選択も比較的自由でＬＥＤの放熱部材も容易に取り付けることができる。この状態の断面図を図４に示す。なお、図４にいて図３と共通する部位は図３と同じ符号を使用し、以下の説明は図４と図５を参照して進める。 In FIG. 3, as indicated by arrows a and b, the imaging unit 110 is mounted in the hole 123 provided in the main body 120, and the light emitting surface 131 of the LED 130 is placed on the upper surface 125 of the truncated cone 120 constituting the main body 120. The imaging device according to the present invention is configured by mounting facing each other. In such a structure, the selection of the LED is relatively free, and the heat dissipation member of the LED can be easily attached. A cross-sectional view of this state is shown in FIG. 4 that are the same as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3, and the following description will be made with reference to FIGS.
この場合、円錐台１２１の側面１２６と円錐状穴部の側面１２７は反射面として作用し、円錐台部分１２１に連接する円筒部１２２の外面１３２、内面１３３も反射面として作用する機能を持つので、円錐台１２１の上面１２５にＬＥＤ１３０を装着することでＬＥＤよりの射出光は円環状の筒状部前面１３４より照明光１２９として射出するので、本体部１２０はライトガイドとしての機能を発揮する。 In this case, the side surface 126 of the truncated cone 121 and the side surface 127 of the conical hole portion function as reflecting surfaces, and the outer surface 132 and the inner surface 133 of the cylindrical portion 122 connected to the truncated cone portion 121 also function as reflecting surfaces. Since the LED 130 is mounted on the upper surface 125 of the truncated cone 121, the light emitted from the LED is emitted as the illumination light 129 from the annular cylindrical front surface 134, so that the main body 120 functions as a light guide.
ＬＥＤからの光を効率よく前面１３４より射出させるには、円錐台１２１の外側の反射面１２６の母線と内側の反射面１２７の母線の中心軸１４０に対する傾斜の程度は、同程度か内側の反射面１２７の母線の中心軸１４０に対する傾斜が外側の反射面１２６の母線の中心軸１４０に対する傾斜より緩やかなことが必要である。 In order to efficiently emit the light from the LED from the front surface 134, the degree of inclination of the generatrix of the outer reflecting surface 126 of the truncated cone 121 and the generatrix of the inner reflecting surface 127 with respect to the central axis 140 is the same or the inner reflection. It is necessary that the inclination of the bus 127 of the surface 127 with respect to the central axis 140 is gentler than the inclination of the outer reflection surface 126 with respect to the central axis 140 of the bus.
図４において、ＬＥＤ１３０よりの射出光線の一部を点線１２９で示しているが、ＬＥＤ１３０よりの射出光線は円錐台の外側の反射面と内側の反射面の間で反射を繰り返しながら前方に進んでいく。この場合、外側の反射面１２６の母線の中心軸１４０に対する傾斜が内側の反射面１２７の母線の中心軸１４０に対する傾斜より緩やかになると、言い換えれば反射面の間隔が光の進む前方に向かって狭くなると、ＬＥＤからの射出光線の一部は前方に到達しなくなる割合が高くなる。なお、図中穴１３５は撮像モジュール１１０よりのケーブルを外部に引き出すものである。 In FIG. 4, a part of the emitted light from the LED 130 is indicated by a dotted line 129, but the emitted light from the LED 130 advances forward while being repeatedly reflected between the outer reflecting surface and the inner reflecting surface of the truncated cone. Go. In this case, when the inclination of the outer reflection surface 126 with respect to the central axis 140 of the bus is gentler than the inclination of the inner reflection surface 127 with respect to the central axis 140, in other words, the interval between the reflection surfaces becomes narrower toward the front in which light travels. As a result, the proportion of the part of the light emitted from the LED that does not reach the front increases. In addition, the hole 135 in the figure is for drawing out the cable from the imaging module 110 to the outside.
この様子を図５で説明する。図５は対面する反射面が相対的に異なった傾斜を持つ場合の光の進行状況を説明するためのもので反射面はアルミ等の金属膜を用いた全反射面を想定している。図５（ａ）は基準反射面１４２に対して対面する反射面１４３が光の進行方向に向かって間隔が狭くなるような角度で設定された場合を示し、図５（ｂ）は基準反射面１４２に対して対面する反射面１４４が光の進行方向に向かって間隔が広くなるような角度で設定された場合を示している。この反射面にある角度を持って入射する光線１４５の進み具合を見ると、図５（ａ）の場合は、反射の回数を繰り返すにしたがって反射面に入射する入射角（反射面の法線とのなす角ａで定義する）が小さくなり、やがて前方にすすまなくなる。これに対して図５（ｂ）の場合は、反射の回数を繰り返すにしたがって反射面に入射する入射角（反射面の法線とのなす角ｂで定義する）が大きくなり容易に前方に進むことが出来る。 This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is for explaining the progress of light when the facing reflecting surfaces have relatively different inclinations. The reflecting surface is assumed to be a total reflecting surface using a metal film such as aluminum. FIG. 5A shows a case where the reflecting surface 143 facing the reference reflecting surface 142 is set at an angle such that the interval becomes narrower in the light traveling direction, and FIG. 5B shows the reference reflecting surface. The case where the reflecting surface 144 facing 142 is set at an angle such that the interval becomes wider in the light traveling direction is shown. Looking at the progress of the light ray 145 incident on the reflecting surface at an angle, in the case of FIG. 5A, the incident angle incident on the reflecting surface as the number of reflections is repeated (the normal of the reflecting surface and (Defined by the angle a formed by), and becomes less forward. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 5B, as the number of times of reflection is repeated, the incident angle incident on the reflecting surface (defined by the angle b formed with the normal of the reflecting surface) increases and easily advances forward. I can do it.
このような理由から円錐台１２１の外側の反射面の傾斜と、内側の円錐状の穴による半斜面の傾きが設定されており、円錐台１２１に続く円筒部１２２の外面１３２、内面１３３も反射面として作用するので、この反射面も少なくとも光の進行方向に向かって間隔が狭くならないように設定することがこのましい。 For this reason, the inclination of the reflecting surface on the outer side of the truncated cone 121 and the inclination of the half slope due to the inner conical hole are set, and the outer surface 132 and the inner surface 133 of the cylindrical portion 122 following the truncated cone 121 are also reflected. Since this acts as a surface, it is preferable to set the reflecting surface so that the interval does not become narrower at least in the light traveling direction.
これまでに説明してきた本体部に設定された反射面は、光線の臨界角を利用した全反射面でも良いが反射面への入射角が臨界角を超えると外部に漏れるので、反射面は外側、内側すべてをアルミのような金属膜等の反射膜をつけることで全反射させ、外部に光が漏れないようにすることが実用上必要である。 The reflection surface set for the main body described so far may be a total reflection surface using the critical angle of the light beam, but if the incident angle on the reflection surface exceeds the critical angle, it will leak to the outside. In addition, it is practically necessary that the entire inner side is totally reflected by attaching a reflective film such as a metal film such as aluminum so that light does not leak outside.
以上説明してきた本発明による撮像装置の本体部１２０は、透明な樹脂等でモールド品として成型でき、撮像ユニットやＬＣＤの取り付けも簡単なのでコストの安い撮像装置を容易に提供できる。 The main body 120 of the imaging device according to the present invention described above can be molded as a molded product with a transparent resin or the like, and the imaging unit and the LCD can be easily attached, so that an inexpensive imaging device can be easily provided.
以上の説明は、撮像ユニットを外形が円筒状のものとして説明してきたが、撮像ユニットとしては方形状のものが装着可能になるよう、撮像モジュールを装着する穴部を方形状にすることは容易で本発明の範囲に含まれる。この場合撮像モジュールを装着する穴部と、この穴部に連接して設けられる円錐状の穴部の接続部分には形状的な段差が生じるが、光は全反射面での反射を繰り返し伝達されるので大きな支障は生じない。 In the above description, the imaging unit has been described as having a cylindrical outer shape. However, it is easy to make the hole portion for mounting the imaging module square so that a rectangular imaging unit can be mounted. It is included in the scope of the present invention. In this case, there is a step in the connection between the hole for mounting the imaging module and the conical hole connected to the hole, but light is repeatedly transmitted from the total reflection surface. Therefore, no major hindrance occurs.
図6は本体部１２０の前面に窓ガラス１５０を装着した状態を示している。このように本体部１２０に窓ガラスをつけると撮像モジュール部分を外部に対して遮蔽することが出来気密構造をとる場合等に有効であるが、照明光の一部が窓ガラス１５０内で内面反射を起こし、迷光１５８として対物レンズ１０８に入射しフレアー等の原因となる場合がある。 FIG. 6 shows a state in which the window glass 150 is attached to the front surface of the main body 120. When the window glass is attached to the main body 120 in this manner, the imaging module portion can be shielded from the outside and is effective when an airtight structure is adopted. However, a part of the illumination light is internally reflected in the window glass 150. May be incident on the objective lens 108 as stray light 158 and cause flare or the like.
図７は本発明による撮像装置を、小型カメラの筐体、または内視鏡等の先端部に組込んだ状態を示している。図中１５０は窓ガラス、１５５は小型カメラ、または内視鏡先端部の筐体の一部を示している。１５６は撮像モジュールからのケーブルを示している。このように窓ガラスと本発明による撮像装置を一体に組込む場合には、本発明による撮像装置にはこれまで説明したように本体部に照明光のライトガイド機能を持たせているので、窓ガラス内で照明光が反射し、反射した光線が対物レンズに迷光として入射し画質の低下を招く恐れがある。 FIG. 7 shows a state in which the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is incorporated in a housing of a small camera or a distal end portion of an endoscope or the like. In the figure, reference numeral 150 denotes a window glass, 155 denotes a small camera, or a part of a casing of an endoscope distal end portion. Reference numeral 156 denotes a cable from the imaging module. As described above, when the window glass and the image pickup device according to the present invention are integrated, the image pickup device according to the present invention has a light guide function for illumination light in the main body as described above. In this case, the illumination light may be reflected, and the reflected light may enter the objective lens as stray light, leading to a reduction in image quality.
この迷光を防止するために、請求項２に提案するように窓ガラス１５０を、対物レンズの撮像に必要な領域の窓ガラス１５２と照明に必要な領域の窓ガラス１５３に2分し、それぞれ別体の窓ガラス１５２、１５３として製造し、この境界面にクローム等を蒸着して光学的な遮蔽部１５４を形成させた上で窓ガラス１５２と窓ガラス１５３接着することで一体としている。このような構造の窓ガラス１５０を本体部１２０にあわせて用いることで本発明の撮像装置の画質を向上させ利用価値を高くすることが出来る。 In order to prevent this stray light, the window glass 150 as described in claim 2 is divided into a window glass 152 in an area necessary for imaging the objective lens and a window glass 153 in an area necessary for illumination. It is manufactured as a body window glass 152, 153, and chromium or the like is vapor-deposited on the boundary surface to form an optical shielding part 154, and then the window glass 152 and the window glass 153 are bonded together. By using the window glass 150 having such a structure together with the main body 120, the image quality of the imaging apparatus of the present invention can be improved and the utility value can be increased.
本発明による撮像装置は、対物レンズと固体撮像素子を含んだ撮像モジュールと照明手段を低いコストで小型に一体化することで、内視鏡や小型カメラの開発が容易となり、これまで大きさやコストの問題で使用を見合わせていた産業用分野で利用可能性も非常に大きい。 The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention integrates an image pickup module including an objective lens and a solid-state image pickup element and an illumination unit in a small size at a low cost, thereby facilitating the development of an endoscope and a small camera. Therefore, the applicability is very large in the industrial field where the use of the product has been forgotten.
１０１ 電子内視鏡
１０２ カメラコントロールユニット
１０３ モニター
１０４ 光源装置
１０８ 対物レンズ
１０９ 固体撮像素子
１１０ 撮像モジュール
１２０ 本体部
１２１ 円錐台部
１２２ 筒状部
１２４ 円錐状穴部
１２６ 円錐台の外側の反射面
１２７ 円錐台の内側の反射面
１３０ 発光ダイオード
１５０ 窓ガラス
１５８ 迷光
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Electronic endoscope 102 Camera control unit 103 Monitor 104 Light source device 108 Objective lens 109 Solid-state image sensor 110 Imaging module 120 Main body part 121 Conical part 122 Cylindrical part 124 Conical hole part 126 Reflection surface 127 outside a truncated cone Reflective surface 130 inside the table Light-emitting diode 150 Window glass 158 Stray light
Claims (2)
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| JP2008051489A JP2009207578A (en) | 2008-03-03 | 2008-03-03 | Imaging apparatus |
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| JP2008051489A JP2009207578A (en) | 2008-03-03 | 2008-03-03 | Imaging apparatus |
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| JP2009207578A true JP2009207578A (en) | 2009-09-17 |
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Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2013197955A (en) * | 2012-03-21 | 2013-09-30 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Radiation-resistant camera |
| WO2019003508A1 (en) * | 2017-06-29 | 2019-01-03 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
| WO2020099997A1 (en) * | 2018-11-12 | 2020-05-22 | Zilinska Univerzita V Ziline | Swallow capsule endoscope |
| CN112566541A (en) * | 2018-08-21 | 2021-03-26 | 奥林巴斯株式会社 | Endoscope device |
| JP7418425B2 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2024-01-19 | Hoya株式会社 | Endoscope tip and endoscope with housing element made from translucent material |
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2008
- 2008-03-03 JP JP2008051489A patent/JP2009207578A/en active Pending
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2013197955A (en) * | 2012-03-21 | 2013-09-30 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Radiation-resistant camera |
| WO2019003508A1 (en) * | 2017-06-29 | 2019-01-03 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
| JP6523587B1 (en) * | 2017-06-29 | 2019-06-05 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
| CN110799087A (en) * | 2017-06-29 | 2020-02-14 | 奥林巴斯株式会社 | Endoscope with a detachable handle |
| US11099374B2 (en) | 2017-06-29 | 2021-08-24 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope |
| CN112566541A (en) * | 2018-08-21 | 2021-03-26 | 奥林巴斯株式会社 | Endoscope device |
| JPWO2020039622A1 (en) * | 2018-08-21 | 2021-08-10 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope and endoscope insertion part |
| US11980339B2 (en) | 2018-08-21 | 2024-05-14 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope and insertion portion thereof |
| CN112566541B (en) * | 2018-08-21 | 2024-05-28 | 奥林巴斯株式会社 | Endoscope device and insertion portion of endoscope |
| JP7418425B2 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2024-01-19 | Hoya株式会社 | Endoscope tip and endoscope with housing element made from translucent material |
| WO2020099997A1 (en) * | 2018-11-12 | 2020-05-22 | Zilinska Univerzita V Ziline | Swallow capsule endoscope |
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