Patent ID: 9192290
Filing Date: 2015-11-24
Classification: A61B,H04N

Abstract:
1. An illumination apparatus for an image sensor at a distal end of an endoscope, comprising: an illumination carrier which extends along a geometrical axis at the distal end of the endoscope, and an array of micro LEDs each comprising a main surface comprising a maximum width of less than 500 μm from which emission is made, and which are arranged on the illumination carrier such as to illuminate, with electrical excitation, at least some portions of an environment of the distal end of the endoscope; wherein the illumination carrier includes a support region, an opening region, and an illumination region, the opening region extending along the geometrical axis between the illumination region and the support region to form a window region extending along the geometrical axis in a lateral direction, wherein the micro LEDs are arranged at the illumination region and the support region is arranged at the distal end of the endoscope, so that an optical image of the environment at the distal end of the endoscope may be sensed through the window region in the lateral direction; and the illumination carrier comprises a transparent tube or a plurality of ribs arranged between the illumination region and the support region to mechanically connect the illumination region to the support region.