DE102019111097B4 - Endoscope devices, endoscope and endoscopy system - Google Patents

Abstract

Endoscope device, in particular video endoscope device, with at least one shaft (10a), with at least one image capture unit (11a) arranged at least partially in the shaft (10a), which defines a field of view (14a, 14b, 14c) for image capture and with at least one illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) arranged at least partially in the shaft (10a), which is designed to provide an illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) that homogeneously illuminates the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c), characterized in that in at least one operating state, the illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) projects the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) onto the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c) in such a way that a projection (20a, 20b, 20c) of the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) on a plane (24a, 24b, 24c) perpendicular to an illumination direction (22a) of the illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) has a non-equilateral format, wherein the illumination unit (15) is at least partially rotatably mounted relative to the shaft (10a).

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to an endoscope device.

An endoscope device according to the preamble of claim 1 is already known from the prior art.

The documents also reveal US 2018/0249901 A1 , US 2016/0195706 A1 , US2013/0121005 A1 , US 5 121 213 A and US 4 952 040 A how a rectangular illumination field can be provided.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to the visualization of objects in the field of view, in particular with regard to lighting. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1 and patent claim 15, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on an endoscope device, in particular a video endoscope device, with at least one shaft, with at least one image capture unit arranged at least partially in the shaft, which defines a field of view for image capture, and with at least one lighting unit arranged at least partially in the shaft, which is designed to provide an illumination field that homogeneously illuminates the field of view.

It is proposed that in at least one operating state, the lighting unit images the lighting field onto the field of view in such a way that a projection of the lighting field onto a plane perpendicular to an illumination direction of the lighting unit has a scalene format.

This can advantageously improve the visualization of objects in the field of view. In particular, the visibility of objects in the field of view can be improved because, on the one hand, a larger portion of a field of view can be illuminated and, on the other hand, objects in a field of view that has an unequal-sided format, such as 4:3, 16:9, 21:9 or the like, can be homogeneously illuminated. User-friendliness can also be improved advantageously because commercially available display units, such as widescreen displays, use unequal-sided formats to visualize image information, which an operator is familiar with. Flexibility can be increased particularly advantageously because, in particular, a field of view can be adapted to various unequal-sided formats.

An “endoscope device” is to be understood in particular as a preferably functional component, in particular a subassembly and/or a construction and/or a functional component of an endoscope, in particular a video endoscope. Preferably, the endoscope device can form the endoscope, in particular the video endoscope, at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent and particularly preferably completely. The endoscope device is designed to be introduced at least partially and preferably at least to a large extent into a particularly artificial and/or natural cavity, in particular a body cavity, in particular in order to examine it. The endoscope device can be a medical and/or industrial endoscope device. “Designed” is to be understood in particular as specially programmed, set up, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is designed for a specific function is to be understood in particular as meaning that the object fulfills and/or carries out this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state. The expression “at least to a large extent” is to be understood in particular as at least 55%, preferably at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and very particularly preferably at least 95% and advantageously completely, in particular with reference to a volume and/or a mass of an object.

The endoscope is preferably designed as a video endoscope and particularly preferably as a stereo video endoscope. The endoscope is in particular part of an endoscopy system which preferably comprises, in addition to the endoscope, at least one display unit which is designed to display the field of view of the image capture unit, in particular objects lying in the field of view. A "display unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit which is designed to optically display image information. The display unit is preferably designed in at least one operating state to display the image information with an unequal-sided format, in particular image format. "Image information" is to be understood in particular as at least one individual image but also moving images, as in for example a video. The display unit has in particular a display, preferably a touch display. The display unit can be designed as a screen, in particular a flat screen. The display unit can particularly preferably be part of a handheld device or a handheld device itself, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch or the like. The endoscopy system can in particular have at least two and preferably several display units, which in particular can be designed differently from one another. The display units could be arranged at different positions within a location of use of the endoscopy system, such as an operating room. The display unit is connected in particular in terms of data technology at least for the transmission of image information to the endoscope device, in particular the image acquisition unit and/or the lighting unit. An endoscopy system, of which the endoscope device is a component, furthermore has in particular at least one control unit, which is preferably designed to carry out a method for operating the endoscope device. Alternatively or additionally, the endoscope device itself could comprise a control unit. A “control unit” is to be understood in particular as an electrical and/or electronic unit with at least one control electronics. The term “control electronics” is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one processor and with at least one memory. Furthermore, the control electronics in particular comprise at least one operating, control and/or regulating program which is stored in the memory, wherein the processor is designed to execute the operating, control and/or regulating program. The control unit is in particular connected to the image capture unit, the lighting unit and/or the display unit for control. The control unit and the display unit are preferably arranged in a common housing and form a basic device, preferably in the form of a control device for the endoscopy system.

Furthermore, the endoscope device has in particular at least one handle. The handle is designed in particular for manual operation of the endoscope device. The handle comprises approximately at least one handle and/or at least one operating element, such as a switch, button or the like, which is preferably arranged on the handle. The control unit could be arranged at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent and particularly preferably completely in the handle. The handle is arranged in particular on the proximal end section of the shaft.

A “shaft” is to be understood in particular as an elongated part of the endoscope which is designed to be introduced into a particularly artificial and/or natural cavity, in particular a body cavity. An “elongated part” is to be understood in particular as an object whose main extension is at least a factor of five, preferably at least a factor of ten and particularly preferably at least a factor of twenty larger than a largest extension of the object perpendicular to its main extension, i.e. in particular a diameter of the object. A “main extension” of a component is to be understood in particular as its longest extension along its main extension direction. A “main extension direction” of a component is to be understood in particular as a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the component. The shaft has in particular a diameter of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and particularly preferably at least 8 mm. Furthermore, the shaft in particular has a diameter of at most 18 mm, preferably at most 16 mm and particularly preferably at most 12 mm. The shaft most preferably has a diameter of at least substantially 10 mm. “At least substantially” is to be understood in particular as meaning a maximum deviation of at most 10%, preferably of at most 5% and particularly preferably of at most 2%. The shaft is in particular at least partially flexible. The shaft consists in particular at least partially, preferably at least largely and particularly preferably completely of a plastic. Alternatively, the shaft could also be at least partially rigid. The shaft consists in particular at least partially, preferably at least largely and particularly preferably completely of metal, in particular steel, preferably stainless steel, and/or titanium. The shaft in particular has a distal end section and a proximal end section. An “end section” of a component is to be understood in particular as a section which extends from one end of the component to the middle of the component by a maximum of 10 cm, preferably by a maximum of 5 cm and particularly preferably by a maximum of 3 cm. A “distal end section” of a component is to be understood in particular as an end section which extends from a distal end of the component in the proximal direction. A “distal end section” of a component is to be understood in particular as an end section which extends from a distal end of the component in the distal direction. “Distal” is to be understood in particular as especially when being operated, it should be understood as facing a patient and/or facing away from an operator. In particular, proximal is the opposite of distal. “Proximal” should be understood as facing away from a patient and/or facing away from an operator.

The image capture unit is preferably arranged at least to a large extent and particularly preferably completely in the shaft. In the event that the image capture unit is arranged completely in the shaft, the endoscope is designed in particular as a video endoscope. The image capture unit is arranged in particular at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent and particularly preferably completely in the distal end section of the shaft. An “image capture unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which is designed to image at least one object lying in the field of view. A “field of view” is to be understood in particular as an area in the angle of view of an image capture unit within which objects, events or changes to these can be examined. A “direction of view” is to be understood in particular as a direction of expansion of the field of view along an optical axis of the image capture unit. The direction of view points in particular in the distal direction, wherein the direction of view when operating the endoscope device preferably points from the distal end of the shaft in the direction of a patient and/or away from an operator of the endoscope device. Particularly preferably, the viewing direction is at least substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the shaft and/or to the distal direction. “At least substantially parallel” is to be understood here in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction and the reference direction enclose an angle of 0°, in particular taking into account a maximum deviation of less than 8°, advantageously of less than 5° and particularly advantageously of less than 2°.

The lighting unit is preferably arranged at least to a large extent and particularly preferably completely in the shaft. The lighting unit is preferably arranged at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent and particularly preferably completely on the distal end section of the shaft. A "lighting unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit which is designed to illuminate at least one object lying in the field of view. A "lighting field" is to be understood in particular as an area in the illumination angle of a lighting unit within which objects can be illuminated. A "lighting direction" is to be understood in particular as a direction of propagation of the lighting field along an optical axis of the lighting unit. The lighting direction points in particular in the distal direction, wherein the lighting direction preferably points from the distal end of the shaft in the direction of a patient and/or away from an operator of the endoscope device when operating the endoscope device. The lighting direction is particularly preferably at least substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the shaft. Alternatively, the lighting direction could be at an angle to the main extension axis of the shaft. The direction of illumination points in particular in the same direction as the direction of view. Preferably, the direction of illumination and the direction of view are at least substantially parallel. An “operating state of the lighting unit” is to be understood in particular as a state of the lighting unit in which it provides an illumination field. A “homogeneous illumination” is to be understood in particular as an illumination of the field of view by the illumination field in which a brightness distribution occurs which has a brightness at every point within the field of view which deviates by at most 25%, preferably by at most 15% and particularly preferably by at most 5% from an average brightness value averaged over the entire field of view. Particularly preferably, the illumination field and the field of view at least substantially and particularly preferably completely match each other.

A “scale-on-scale format” is to be understood in particular as having a scale-on-scale size ratio, with a length and a width deviating from one another approximately. In particular, the length and width of a scale-on-scale format deviate from one another by at least 15%, preferably by at least 25% and particularly preferably by at least 35%. The projection of the illumination field preferably has a scale-on-scale format in the form of an ellipse and/or a rectangle. It is also conceivable that the illumination unit, at least in a further operating state, projects the illumination field onto the field of view in such a way that a projection of the illumination field onto the plane perpendicular to the direction of illumination has an equilateral format. A “scale-on-scale format” is to be understood in particular as having a scale-on-scale size ratio, with a length and a width being at least substantially equal. The projection of the illumination field preferably has an equilateral format in the form of a circle and/or a square.

It is further proposed that the lighting unit comprises at least one lighting module which is designed to provide the lighting field. Visualizability can be further improved. In particular, flexible lighting can be achieved. The image capture module has in particular at least one light emitter, which is preferably arranged on the distal end section of the shaft. The light emitter is in particular at least partially, preferably at least largely and particularly preferably formed by an end section of at least one optical waveguide and preferably by an optical waveguide bundle which comprises a plurality of optical waveguides. In particular, the light emitter is optically coupled to a light source which is preferably part of the base unit. The light source is in particular a halogen lamp, preferably a xenon lamp. Furthermore, the light source could be an LED, a laser diode or the like. Alternatively, the light emitter itself could be designed as a light source, preferably in the form of an LED, OLED or the like. The lighting module can in particular have a plurality of light emitters which could be arranged in an array, for example. The illumination field of the lighting unit is in particular, at least partially influenced by a radiation behavior of at least one light emitter of the lighting module. The illumination direction is in particular at least substantially parallel to a main radiation direction of the at least one light emitter of the lighting module. The “main radiation direction” of a light emitter is to be understood as the direction in which a light emitter emits light with the highest intensity. It is conceivable that the main radiation direction of the light emitter is arranged at an angle to the main extension direction of the shaft. The light emitter could be pivotably mounted, whereby different illumination directions could advantageously be realized. Furthermore, the lighting module has in particular at least one illumination optics for imaging the illumination field. The illumination optics images in particular light provided by the light emitter according to a projection onto the plane perpendicular to the illumination direction of the lighting module. The illumination optics preferably comprise at least one optical component, such as at least one objective, a lens, a prism, an optical waveguide or the like. Viewed in the direction of illumination, the illumination optics are arranged in front of the light emitter.

It is further proposed that the image capture unit and/or the lighting unit is/are mounted so that it can rotate at least partially relative to the shaft and in particular relative to one another. Visualizability can advantageously be further improved. In particular, this can achieve flexible adaptation of the visualizability. The fact that an object is "mounted so that it can rotate at least partially" is to be understood in particular to mean that at least part of the object is mounted so that it can rotate. For example, as part of the lighting unit, the lighting module can be mounted so that it can rotate relative to the shaft and/or relative to the image capture unit. In particular, the lighting unit and/or the image capture unit is/are decoupled from a rotation of the shaft, so that an orientation of the image field and/or the lighting field preferably remains the same relative to one another, in particular even when the shaft is rotated during operation. It is conceivable that only the lighting unit is mounted so that it can rotate and the image capture unit can be virtually rotated by controlling its pixels in order to keep an orientation relative to one another the same.

It is also proposed that the lighting module has at least one mount in which the lighting optics are movably mounted relative to the shaft. This can advantageously further improve the flexibility of a visualization. The mount in particular mounts at least part of the lighting module, preferably at least the lighting optics of the lighting module, in a rotationally movable manner. It is also conceivable that the mount is designed to rotatably mount the lighting module relative to the shaft. The mount can also be designed to linearly mount the lighting module relative to the shaft. The mount in particular has at least one guide, such as a threaded guide, preferably in the manner of a bayonet guide, and/or a linear guide. The guide can be actuated in particular via an actuating element, such as a rod, a pull cable or the like, wherein in particular a linear movement of the actuating element can be converted into a rotary movement of the lighting optics by means of the guide, in particular a combination of linear guide and threaded guide. Furthermore, the endoscope device could comprise at least one actuator for driving the rotary movement of the lighting optics. The actuator could be an electric motor, a piezo motor or the like. In particular, the image capture module, at least partially, and in particular at least one image capture sensor of the image capture module, could be mounted so as to be movable relative to the shaft in an equivalent manner.

In order to further improve the visualizability by means of a more homogeneous illumination, it is advantageously proposed that the lighting op tics is designed to convert an original illumination field, which is different from an illumination field of unequal-sided format, into the illumination field of unequal-sided format when projected onto the field of view. In particular, the light emitter provides an original illumination field of equilateral format before being transferred by the illumination optics, the illumination optics converting this into the illumination field of unequal-sided format when projected onto the field of view.

It is further proposed that the lighting module for imaging the lighting field comprises at least one lighting optic, in particular the aforementioned lighting optic, which comprises at least one lighting lens designed as an aspherical lighting lens. Visualizability can advantageously be further improved. In particular, such an aspherical lens has a low scattering component, as a result of which little light is lost when the lighting field is transferred and thus intensity losses can be avoided. A distribution of illuminance can be particularly advantageously improved by more degrees of freedom in the design of such an illumination lens. An "aspherical lighting lens" is to be understood in particular as a lens which has at least one light-refracting surface section deviating from a spherical and/or planar shape and in particular has an at least substantially homogeneous optical density. The aspherical lens preferably has a first radius of curvature along a first cutting plane and a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature along a second cutting plane arranged perpendicular to the first cutting plane. In particular, at least one of the radii of curvature should have a value that is different from zero and infinite. In particular, in a cutting plane that runs parallel to the optical axis of the illumination lens, a shape of an aspherical illumination lens corresponds to that of a conic section, such as a circle, an ellipse, parabola or hyperbola, preferably taking into account at least one aspherical correction polynomial, wherein in particular coefficients of the correction polynomial of different mutually perpendicular cutting planes of the lens can differ from one another. In this case, the illumination lens designed as an aspherical illumination lens can be a cylindrical lens. It is also conceivable that the illumination optics comprise two illumination lenses designed as aspherical illumination lenses. In particular, the illumination optics could comprise a first illumination lens designed as an aspherical illumination lens and a second illumination lens designed as an aspherical illumination lens, which are arranged one behind the other along an optical axis in order to advantageously image the illumination field provided by the light emitter onto the field of view.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the lighting module for imaging the illumination field comprises at least one illumination optics, in particular the aforementioned illumination optics, which has at least one illumination lens designed as a toric illumination lens, in particular the aforementioned illumination lens. Visualizability can advantageously be further improved. In particular, the toric lens has low scattering losses, which hardly influences the illumination intensity. In this way, a particularly compact arrangement of the lighting module can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner. In particular, a "toric lens" is to be understood as an aspherical lens which has a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature, which have values between zero and infinity.

It is further proposed that the lighting module for imaging the illumination field comprises at least one illumination optic, in particular the aforementioned illumination optic, which has at least one illumination lens designed as a switchable, in particular liquid illumination lens, in particular the previously mentioned illumination lens. The flexibility of the illumination can advantageously be further increased. The illumination lens is switchable in particular with regard to its optical properties, for example by applying a voltage and/or a current. The illumination lens could preferably comprise a shape memory material. In particular, the illumination lens can form an aspherical, preferably toric illumination lens in one operating state and a spherical illumination lens in another operating state, and/or can be converted into one another, depending on an operating state and preferably on a switching of the latter.

It is also proposed that in at least one further operating state, the lighting module projects the lighting field onto the field of view in such a way that a projection of the lighting field onto a plane perpendicular to the lighting direction of the lighting module is different from a scalene format. Visualizability can advantageously be further improved. In particular, user-friendliness and flexibility can be further improved in this way, since in one operating state a scalene sided projection and a further operating state one of equilateral projection, which can be selected by an operator according to need or preference. Preferably, the format different from a non-equilateral format is an equilateral format. By switching the switchable lighting lens, it is advantageous to switch back and forth between the operating state in which the lighting module images the lighting field according to an equilateral format and the further operating state in which the lighting module images the lighting field in a format different from an equilateral format.

It is also proposed that the lighting unit comprises at least one further lighting module. Visualizability and flexibility can advantageously be further improved. The further lighting module is preferably designed to be at least substantially identical to the lighting module. “At least substantially identical” is to be understood to mean identical except for manufacturing and/or assembly tolerances, but preferably also completely identical. Light emitters of the lighting modules are preferably designed to be at least substantially identical. However, it is also conceivable that the light emitters are designed differently and could in particular be coupled to different light sources. It is particularly preferably proposed that the further lighting module is arranged perpendicular to the lighting direction of the lighting unit, offset from the lighting module, in order in particular to improve illumination.

It is further proposed that in the operating state in which a projection of the illumination field is imaged onto the field of view on a plane perpendicular to an illumination direction of the illumination unit, the illumination module and the further illumination module are arranged at least substantially parallel or at an angle to one another. Visualizability and flexibility can advantageously be further improved. The fact that the illumination module and the further illumination module are arranged parallel or at an angle to one another is to be understood in particular to mean that the first cutting planes, the second cutting planes and/or the main extension directions of the illumination lenses of the illumination modules are arranged parallel or at an angle to one another. The term “at an angle” is to be understood in particular as different from at least substantially perpendicular. The term "at least substantially perpendicular" is to be understood here as meaning in particular an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction and the reference direction form an angle of 90°, in particular taking into account a maximum deviation of less than 8°, advantageously of less than 5° and particularly advantageously of less than 2°. In particular, the lighting module and the further lighting module are arranged in the operating state rotated at an angle of at least substantially 0°, 180° or 360° to one another.

It is further proposed that in the further operating state in which a projection of the illumination field is imaged onto the field of view on a plane perpendicular to an illumination direction of the illumination unit, the illumination module and the further illumination module are arranged at least substantially perpendicular to one another. Visualizability and flexibility can advantageously be further improved. The fact that the illumination module and the further illumination module are arranged at least substantially perpendicular to one another is to be understood in particular as meaning that the first cutting planes, the second cutting planes and/or the main extension directions of the illumination lenses of the illumination modules are arranged at least substantially perpendicular to one another. In particular, the illumination module and the further illumination module are arranged at an angle of at least substantially 90° or 270° to one another in the further operating state.

It is further proposed that in the operating state the lighting module and the further lighting module are arranged so that they can rotate relative to one another. This can advantageously further improve visualizability and flexibility. In particular, at least one of the lighting modules is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the shaft and at least one further lighting module is mounted so that it cannot rotate relative to the shaft, so that by rotating one of the lighting modules the lighting modules can be rotated relative to one another. It is also conceivable that both lighting modules are mounted so that they can rotate relative to the shaft. Alternatively or additionally, a rotational movement of one of the lighting modules could be coupled to a rotational movement of the further lighting module. The lighting modules can be mounted so that they can rotate relative to one another by means of a mount, as already described above.

Furthermore, it is proposed that a projection of the field of view on a plane perpendicular to a viewing direction of the image acquisition unit image acquisition module has an at least substantially chen has an unequal-sided format. Visualizability can advantageously be further improved since homogeneous illumination can be ensured in particular by a match between the formats of the illumination field and the field of view. The image capture unit has in particular at least one image capture module which is designed to provide the field of view. The image capture module comprises, for example, at least one image capture optics which is designed to image the field of view. The image capture optics comprise in particular at least one optical component, such as a lens. Furthermore, the image capture optics can comprise further optical elements, such as lenses, prisms, optical fibers or the like. In particular, the image capture module has at least one image capture sensor system. The image capture sensor system in turn has in particular at least one image capture sensor, which is preferably designed as a CCD sensor or CMOS sensor. The image capture optics are preferably arranged in front of the image capture sensor system when viewed in the direction of the image capture module. The image capture sensor system preferably has at least one further image capture sensor, which in particular is designed at least substantially identically to the image capture sensor. The further image capture sensor is particularly preferably arranged perpendicular to the main extension direction of the shaft, offset from the image capture sensor. In particular, for the preferred case in which the image capture sensor system of the image capture module has two image capture sensors arranged offset from one another, the endoscope device is designed as a stereo video endoscope. The field of view of the image capture unit is defined in particular by the image capture optics and/or the image capture sensor system. The field of view is preferably defined by the design of the image capture sensor system and thus in particular by the arrangement of all pixels of the image capture sensor located in an image area of an image capture sensor, preferably by the arrangement of the pixels of the image capture sensor of the image capture sensor system read out during an image. The viewing direction is in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the image capture sensor system. Alternatively, the viewing direction could be at an angle to the main extension axis of the shaft. It is conceivable that the image capture sensor is installed at an angle to the main extension direction of the shaft or is additionally mounted so that it can pivot. In particular, a format of a projection of the field of view on a plane perpendicular to a viewing direction of the image capture module is the same as the format of the projection of the illumination field which, in the operating state, maps the field of view on a plane perpendicular to an illumination direction of the illumination module. It is conceivable that a portion of all pixels of the image capture sensor can be read out in an image, which in particular allows advantageous adaptability of the field of view. For example, in the case of an equilaterally arranged pixel of an image capture sensor, only unequilaterally arranged pixels of all pixels of the image capture sensor could be read out in an image, which advantageously makes it possible to define an unequilateral field of view even when all pixels are equilaterally arranged. Alternatively, if the pixels of the image sensor are arranged on unequal sides, only all of the pixels of the image sensor that are arranged on an equal side could be read out in an image, which advantageously makes it possible to define an equilateral field of view even if all of the pixels are arranged on unequal sides. It is also conceivable that the image capture module has an image capture optics that converts an original field of view that is different from an at least essentially unequal side field of view into the unequal side field of view. This is useful, for example, if the image area of the image capture sensor has a format that is different from an unequal side format. Such an image capture optics could be designed to correspond to the illumination optics.

It is also proposed that the image capture module has at least one image capture sensor with a non-equilateral format, which at least essentially defines the field of view. Visualizability can advantageously be further improved, since it can be ensured that a field of view is also at least essentially non-equilateral and thus homogeneous illumination can be achieved. Preferably, the image capture sensor itself has a non-equilateral shape, which defines the field of view. Preferably, a projection of the field of view with a non-equilateral format can be achieved by arranging pixels of the image capture sensor on non-equilateral sides. Particularly preferably, the image capture sensor has an image surface with a non-equilateral format, in which the pixels are arranged.

In a further aspect of the invention, an endoscope, in particular a video endoscope, with at least one endoscope device, in particular the previously mentioned endoscope device, is proposed. This can improve the visualization of an endoscope. It is conceivable that the endoscope can comprise at least two or more endoscope devices.

In an additional aspect of the invention, an endoscopy system is provided with at least one endoscope, in particular the aforementioned endoscope, and with at least one display unit, in particular the aforementioned display unit, which is designed to display objects in the field of view and which has at least one unequal-sided format in at least one operating state. This can improve the visualizability of an endoscopy system.

A further aspect of the invention is based on a method for operating an endoscope device, in particular the aforementioned endoscope device, in which a field of view which is defined by at least one image capture unit arranged at least partially in the shaft is at least partially homogeneously illuminated by at least one illumination field which is provided by at least one illumination module arranged in the shaft.

It is proposed that in at least one method step the illumination field is imaged by the illumination module onto the field of view in such a way that a projection of the illumination field onto a plane perpendicular to an illumination direction of the illumination module is of unequal format. This can advantageously improve visualization and user-friendliness.

The endoscope device, endoscope, endoscopy system and/or the method for operating the endoscope device according to the invention should not be limited to the endoscope device, endoscope, endoscopy system and/or the method for operating the endoscope device described above. In particular, the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units as well as method steps that differs from the number stated herein in order to fulfill a function described herein. In addition, in the value ranges stated in this disclosure, values within the stated limits should also be considered disclosed and can be used as desired.

It is particularly pointed out that all features and properties described in relation to the device, but also procedures, can be transferred to the method according to the invention and can be used in the sense of the invention and are considered to be disclosed. The same applies in the opposite direction. This means that structural features mentioned in relation to the method, i.e. device-related features, can also be taken into account, claimed and also counted as part of the disclosure within the scope of the device claims.

If there is more than one example of a particular object, only one of them is provided with a reference symbol in the figures and in the description. The description of this example can be transferred accordingly to the other examples of the object.

Drawings

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. The drawings show embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further useful combinations.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Endoskopiesystems mit einer Endoskopvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Teils der Endoskopvorrichtung in einer Draufsicht,
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Bilderfassung mittels einer Bilderfassungseinheit der Endoskopvorrichtung,
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Beleuchtung mittels einer Beleuchtungseinheit der Endoskopvorrichtung,
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Teils der Beleuchtungseinheit zur drehbaren Lagerung eines Beleuchtungsmoduls der Beleuchtungseinheit in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,
• 6 einen schematischen Ablaufplan eines beispielhaften Verfahrens zum Betrieb der Endoskopvorrichtung,
• 7 einen Teil einer weiteren Ausgestaltung einer Endoskopvorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung, und
• 8 einen Teil einer alternativen Ausgestaltung einer Endoskopvorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung.

They show:

• 1 a schematic representation of an endoscopy system with an endoscope device in a perspective view,
• 2 a schematic representation of a part of the endoscope device in a plan view,
• 3 a schematic representation of an image acquisition by means of an image acquisition unit of the endoscope device,
• 4 a schematic representation of an illumination by means of a lighting unit of the endoscope device,
• 5 a schematic representation of a part of the lighting unit for the rotatable mounting of a lighting module of the lighting unit in a perspective representation,
• 6 a schematic flow chart of an exemplary method for operating the endoscope device,
• 7 a part of a further embodiment of an endoscope device in a schematic representation, and
• 8 a part of an alternative embodiment of an endoscope device in a schematic representation.

Description of the embodiments

1 shows a schematic representation of an endoscopy system 54a in a perspective view. The endoscopy system 54a comprises at least one endoscope 52a. The endoscope 52a is designed in the present case as a video endoscope. The endoscope 52 comprises at least one endoscope device. The endoscope device completely forms the endoscope 52a in the present case. The endoscope device is designed in the present case for a medical application, such as for an assessment of tissue, organs or the like. The endoscope device is designed to be at least partially introduced into an artificial and/or natural body cavity in order to inspect an artificial and/or natural body cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the endoscope device could be designed for industrial applications, such as for inspecting cavities of technical components, engines, turbines or the like.

The endoscopy system 54a also has a base unit 60a. The base unit 60a is designed separately from the endoscope 54a. The base unit 60a is designed as a control unit for the endoscope 54a.

To display image information, the base unit 60a has a display unit 56a. The display unit 56a is designed as a screen. Furthermore, the display unit 56a could also be a screen designed separately from the base unit. The endoscopy system 54a could also have several display units, which could be installed, for example, at different positions within an operating room. It is also conceivable that the display unit 56a is part of a handheld device, such as a smartphone, a tablet or the like. Alternatively, the display unit 56a could be part of the endoscope 54a.

The display unit 56a is designed to display the image information in an unequal-sided format. To display image information, the display unit 56a has a display 108a, in particular a touch display. The display 108a has an unequal-sided format. A length of the display 108a is greater than a width of the display 108a. The display 108a has an image format of 16:9. The display 108a is designed as a widescreen display. Furthermore, the display 108a could also have other unequal-sided image formats. Alternatively, it is conceivable that only part of an image area of the display 108a is used for a display, as is the case with a program window, for example, so that depending on an operating state, it is possible to switch back and forth between an equilateral and unequal-sided format for displaying image information in order to advantageously achieve optimal reproduction of image information.

To operate the endoscope device, the base unit 60a has a control unit 92a. The control unit 92a has at least one control electronics. The control electronics comprise at least one memory. An operating program is stored in the memory. The control electronics also have at least one processor. The processor is designed to execute the operating program. The control unit 92a is connected at least to the display unit 56a. The control unit 92a is also connected to the endoscope device. Alternatively or additionally, the control electronics can comprise further regulation and/or control programs.

The base unit 60a comprises at least one light source 62a, in particular a cold light source. The light source 62a provides light for illumination to the endoscope device. The light source 62a is designed as a xenon lamp. Furthermore, the light source 62a can be designed as an LED, a laser or the like. Alternatively, the light source 62a could be dispensed with if the endoscope 52a itself has a light source.

The base unit 60a comprises an energy source 64a. The energy source 64a is connected to an external power supply via a power pack. Alternatively or additionally, the energy source 64a could have a battery, for example if the endoscopy system 54a is designed as a mobile deployment system. The energy source 64a supplies other components of the endoscopy system 54a with electrical energy, such as in particular the display unit 56a, the control unit 92a and the endoscope device.

The endoscope device has an endoscope cable 66a. The endoscope cable 66a is designed to connect the endoscope device to other components of the endoscopy system 54a. The endoscope cable 66a connects the endoscope device to the base unit 60a. The endoscope cable 66a connects the endoscope device to the light source 62a. The endoscope cable 66a connects the endoscope device to the control unit 92a. It is conceivable that the endoscope cable 66a can be dispensed with, for example, in the case of a wireless connection of the endoscope device to the base unit 60a. For this purpose, the endoscope device itself could have a power source, a display unit and/or a control unit.

The endoscope device has at least one handle 68a. The handle 68a is designed for manual operation of the endoscope 52a. The handle 68a comprises at least one handle 70a. Furthermore, the handle 68a has at least one operating element 72a. The operating element 72a is arranged on the handle 70a.

The endoscope device comprises at least one shaft 10a. The shaft 10a is designed as an elongated element. The shaft 10a has at least one tool channel 78a. Furthermore the shaft 10a has at least one flushing channel 80a. The shaft 10a has a proximal end section 74a. The shaft 10a also has a distal end section 76a. The shaft 10a is connected to the handle 68a. The proximal end section 74a of the shaft 10a is connected to the handle 68a. In the present case, the shaft 10a is designed to be flexible. A curvature of the shaft 10a, in particular of the distal end section 76a, can be adjusted by means of the operating element 72a. Alternatively, the shaft 10a could be designed to be rigid.

2 shows a schematic representation of a part of the endoscope device in a top view. The endoscope device comprises at least one image capture unit 11a. The image capture unit 11a is at least partially arranged in the shaft 10a. In the present case, the image capture unit 11a is arranged completely in the shaft 10a. The image capture unit 11a is connected to the base unit 60a, in particular by means of the endoscope cable 66a. The image capture unit 11a is connected to the display unit 56a. The image capture unit 11a is connected to the control unit 92a.

The image acquisition unit 11a defines a field of view 14a (cf. 3 ). The image capture unit 11a has a viewing direction 28a. The viewing direction 28a is the direction of propagation of the field of view 14a along an optical axis of the image capture unit 11a. The viewing direction 28a points in the distal direction 96 of the endoscope device. When operating the endoscope device, the viewing direction 28a points from the distal end of the shaft 10a in the direction of a patient and/or away from an operator of the endoscope device.

To capture image information, the image capture unit 11a has at least one image capture module 12a. The image capture module 12a is at least partially arranged in the distal end section 76a of the shaft 10a. In the present case, the image capture module 12a is arranged completely in the distal end section 76a. Furthermore, the image capture unit 11a can have at least two image capture modules 12a, which are arranged offset from one another. In this case, the endoscope 52a is designed as a stereo video endoscope.

The image capture module 12a comprises at least one image capture sensor 32a. The image capture sensor 32a has at least one image capture sensor 82a. In the present case, the image capture sensor 82a is designed as a CMOS sensor. Alternatively, the image capture sensor 82a could also be designed as a CCD sensor. The image capture sensor 32a has a non-equilateral format. An image area 94a of the image capture sensor 82a of the image capture sensor 32a has a non-equilateral format. Pixels of the image capture sensor 82a are arranged in the image area 94 in a non-equilateral format.

The viewing direction 28a is at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the image capture sensor 32a. Furthermore, the viewing direction 28a is at least substantially parallel to the main extension direction 90a of the shaft 10a. Alternatively, the viewing direction 28a could also be at an angle to the main extension direction 90 of the shaft 10a. This would be the case, for example, if the image capture sensor 32a were installed at an angle to the main extension direction 90a of the shaft 10a and/or were additionally pivotably mounted, whereby different viewing directions 28a could advantageously be realized.

The image capture optics 84a are arranged in front of the image capture sensor system 32a when viewed in the viewing direction 28a of the image capture module 12a. The image capture optics 84a have at least one lens 86a. Furthermore, the image capture optics 84a could include further optical elements, such as prisms, lenses or the like.

3 shows a schematic representation of an image capture using the image capture module 12a. The image capture module 12a has at least one image capture optics 84a (cf. 2 ). In at least one operating state, the image capture optics 84a forms a projection 26a of the field of view 14a on a plane 30a perpendicular to the viewing direction 28a of the image capture unit 12a, so that this projection 26a has a non-equilateral format.

The endoscope device comprises at least one lighting unit 15a (cf. 2 ). The lighting unit 15a is at least partially arranged in the shaft 10a. The lighting unit 15a is at least partially arranged in the distal end section 76a of the shaft 10a.

4 shows a schematic representation of an illumination by means of the image capture unit 15a. The illumination unit 15a provides an illumination field 18a for at least partially homogeneous illumination of the field of view 14a. The illumination unit 15a has an illumination direction 22a. The illumination direction 22a is the propagation direction of the illumination field 18a along an optical axis of the illumination unit 15a. The illumination direction 22a points in the distal direction. The illumination direction 22a points when the endoscope device is operated from the distal end of the shaft 10a towards a patient and/or away from an operator of the endoscope device.

In at least one operating state, the lighting unit 15a projects the lighting field 18a onto the field of view 14a in such a way that a projection 20a of the lighting field 18a onto a plane 24a perpendicular to a lighting direction 22a of the lighting module 16a is of unequal format.

For illumination, the illumination unit 15a has at least one illumination module 16a. The illumination module 16a is arranged at least partially in the distal end section 76a of the shaft 10a. The illumination module 16a comprises at least one optical waveguide 88a. The optical waveguide 88a is coupled to the light source 62a. In the present case, the illumination module 16a has a plurality of optical waveguides 88a. The optical waveguides 88a together form an optical waveguide bundle 100a of the endoscope device.

The lighting module 16a has at least one light emitter 48a. A distal end of the optical waveguide 88a partially forms the light emitter 48a. In the present case, the proximal ends of all optical waveguides 88a of the optical waveguide bundle 100a together form the light emitter 48a. Alternatively, the light emitter 48a could be designed as an LED, which is connected in particular via the shaft 10a and/or the endoscope cable 66a to the energy source and/or the control unit.

The illumination module 16a comprises at least one illumination optics 34a. The illumination optics 34a are designed to image the illumination field. The illumination optics 34a are further designed to convert an original illumination field that is different from an illumination field 18a of unequal-sided format into the illumination field 18a of unequal-sided format when imaged onto the field of view 14a. The illumination optics 34a are arranged in front of the light emitter 48a when viewed in the illumination direction 22a.

The illumination optics 34a comprises at least one illumination lens 35a. In the present case, the illumination lens 35a is an aspherical illumination lens 36a. In the present case, the illumination lens 35a is even designed as a toric illumination lens 38a.

The lighting unit 15a is mounted at least partially rotatably. In the present case, the lighting unit 15a is mounted at least partially rotatably relative to the shaft 10a. Furthermore, the lighting unit 15a is mounted rotatably relative to the image capture unit 11a. In the present case, the image capture unit 11a itself is connected to the shaft 10a in a rotationally fixed manner. Alternatively or additionally, the image capture unit could also be mounted rotatably relative to the shaft and/or the lighting unit 15a. As part of the lighting unit 15a, the lighting module 16a is mounted at least partially rotatably, in particular the lighting optics 34 of the lighting module.

5 shows a part of the lighting unit 15a for rotatably supporting the lighting module 16a. For at least partially rotatably supporting the lighting module 16a, the lighting unit 15a has at least one mount 40a. The lighting optics 34a are movably mounted in the mount 40a relative to the shaft 10a. The mount 40a has a sleeve 104a. The lighting optics 34a are arranged in the sleeve 104a. The mount 40a has a guide 110a. The guide 110a is formed by a recess in the sleeve 104a. The guide 110a is designed as a threaded guide, in particular in the manner of a bayonet guide.

Furthermore, the holder 40a has a further sleeve 106a. The holder 40a has a further guide 112a. The further guide 112a is formed by a recess, in particular a full recess, of the further sleeve 106a. The further guide 110 is designed as a linear guide. The sleeve 104a is arranged in the further sleeve 106a. The sleeve 104a is rotatably mounted in the further sleeve. If the sleeve 104a is arranged in the further sleeve 106a, the guide 110a and the further guide 112a are arranged partially overlapping.

The lighting unit 15a also has an actuating element 114a. In the present case, the actuating element 114a is designed as a rod. The rod can be actuated with a Bowden cable of the endoscope device, particularly if the shaft 10a is designed to be flexible. The actuating element 114a is designed to actuate the mount 40a when the lighting optics 34a is rotated. The actuating element 114a engages in the guide 110a and the further guide 112a. A linear movement of the actuating element 114a is converted into a rotational movement of the sleeves relative to one another by the interaction of the guides.

6 shows a schematic flow chart of an exemplary method for operating the endoscopy system. The operating method is part of an operating program stored in the control unit.

The method comprises at least one method step 120a. In method step 120a, the shaft 10a is introduced into an artificial and/or natural cavity, in particular a body cavity.

The method comprises at least one further method step 122a. In the further method step 122a, the illumination field 18a is provided by the illumination unit 15a. The field of view 14a defined by the image capture unit 11a is at least partially homogeneously illuminated by the illumination field 18a. The illumination field 18a is imaged by the illumination module 16a onto the field of view 14a in such a way that a projection 20a of the illumination field 18a onto a plane 24a perpendicular to an illumination direction 22a of the illumination module 16a is of unequal format.

In the 7 and 8 Further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to identically designated components, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference is also generally made to the drawings and/or the description of the other embodiments, in particular the 1 to 6 To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is added to the reference numerals of the embodiment in the 1 to 6 In the examples of the 7 and 8 the letter a is replaced by the letters b and c.

7 shows a schematic representation of a part of an alternative embodiment of the endoscope device in a perspective view. The present embodiment differs from the previous one essentially by a design of a lighting unit 15a of the endoscope device.

The lighting unit 15b has at least one lighting module 16b. The lighting module 16b has an illumination optics 34b. The illumination optics 34b comprises a switchable illumination lens 35b. The illumination lens 35b is a liquid lens. An imaging property and/or design of the illumination lens 35b depends on an operating state and a further operating state of the lighting unit 15b. The illumination lens 35b can be switched back and forth between the two operating states and the further operating state.

In the operating state, the illumination lens 35b has a configuration of an aspherical illumination lens, in particular a toric illumination lens 38b (cf. 7a) . Due to this, in the operating state, the illumination module 16b images an illumination field 18b onto a field of view 14b of an image capture unit of the endoscope device in such a way that a projection 20b of the illumination field 18b onto a plane 24b perpendicular to the illumination direction 22b of the illumination module 16b has a non-equilateral format.

In the further operating state, the illumination lens 35b has a design of a spherical illumination lens (cf. 7b) . Due to this, in the operating state, the lighting module 16b projects the lighting field 18b onto the field of view 14b in such a way that a projection 20b of the lighting field 18b onto a plane 24b perpendicular to the illumination direction 22b of the lighting module 16b is different from a scalene format.

8 shows a schematic representation of a part of a further embodiment of the endoscope device in a perspective view. The present embodiment differs from the previous one essentially in a design of a lighting unit 15c of the endoscope device.

In the present case, the lighting unit 15c has a lighting module 16c and a further lighting module 17c. The further lighting module 17c is at least substantially identical to the lighting module 16c.

The further lighting module 17c is arranged offset from the lighting module 16c. The lighting module 17c is arranged offset from the lighting module 16c at least substantially perpendicular to a lighting direction 22c of the lighting unit 15c.

The lighting module 16c is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the shaft. The lighting module 17c is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the shaft. The lighting module 16c and the lighting module 17c are thus mounted so that it can rotate relative to one another. Alternatively or additionally, only one of the lighting modules could be mounted so that it can rotate relative to the shaft.

Furthermore, the further lighting module 17a has at least one further light emitter (not shown). In the present case, the further light emitter is designed to be at least substantially identical to a light emitter of the lighting module 16a. Alternatively, the light emitters could be designed differently. In particular, the light emitter and the further light emitter could be designed to emit different light spectra from The light emitter and the further light emitter could be coupled to different light sources.

In an operating state of the lighting unit 15c, in which a projection 20c of an illumination field 18c on a plane 24c of unequal format perpendicular to an illumination direction 22c of the lighting module 16c is imaged on a field of view 14c of an image capture unit of the endoscope device, the lighting module 16c and the further lighting module 17c, and in particular their illumination lenses, are arranged at least substantially parallel or obliquely rotated to one another (cf. 8a) In the present case, the lighting module 16c and the further lighting module 17c are arranged rotated to one another at an angle of at least substantially 0°, 180° or 360°.

In the further operating state of the lighting unit 15c, in which a projection 20c of the lighting field 18c on a plane 24c of unequal-sided format perpendicular to a lighting direction 22c of the lighting module 16c is imaged differently on the field of view 14c, the lighting module 16c and the further lighting module 17c are arranged at least substantially perpendicular to one another. In the present case, the lighting module 16c and the further lighting module 17c, and in particular their lighting lenses 35c, are arranged at an angle of at least substantially 90° or 270° to one another.

List of reference symbols

10

shaft

11

Image capture unit

12

Image acquisition module

14

Field of view

15

Lighting unit

16

Lighting module

17

Additional lighting module

18

Lighting field

20

projection

22

Lighting direction

24

level

26

projection

28

Viewing direction

30

level

32

Image capture sensors

34

Lighting optics

35

Illumination lens

36

aspherical illumination lens

38

toric illumination lens

40

Version

48

Light emitter

52

endoscope

54

Endoscopy system

56

Display unit

60

Base unit

62

Light source

64

Energy source

66

Endoscope cable

68

Handle

70

Handle

72

Control element

74

Proximal end section

76

Distal end section

78

Tool channel

80

Flushing channel

82

Image capture sensor

84

Image acquisition optics

86

lens

88

Optical fiber

92

Control unit

94

Image area

96

Distal direction

98

Proximal direction

100

Optical fiber bundle

104

Sleeve

106

Additional sleeve

108

Display

110

guide

112

Further guidance

114

Actuator

120

Process step

122

Further process step

Claims (19)

Endoscope device, in particular video endoscope device, with at least one shaft (10a), with at least one image capture unit arranged at least partially in the shaft (10a) unit (11a) which defines a field of view (14a, 14b, 14c) for image capture and with at least one illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) arranged at least partially in the shaft (10a), which is designed to provide an illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) which homogeneously illuminates the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c), characterized in that in at least one operating state the illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) images the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) onto the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c) in such a way that a projection (20a, 20b, 20c) of the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) onto a direction of illumination (22a) of the illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) vertical plane (24a, 24b, 24c) has a scalene format, wherein the lighting unit (15) is at least partially rotatably mounted relative to the shaft (10a). Endoscope device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the image capture unit (11a) is at least partially rotatably mounted relative to the shaft (10a) and in particular relative to the illumination unit (15). Endoscope device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the lighting unit (15a, 15b, 15c) comprises at least one lighting module (16a, 16b, 16c) which is designed to provide the lighting field (18a, 18b, 18c). Endoscope device according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the lighting unit (15a, 15b, 15c) has at least one socket (40a) in which the lighting module (16a, 16b, 16c) is at least partially movably mounted relative to the shaft (10a). Endoscope device according to Claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the illumination module (16a, 16b, 16c) for imaging the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) comprises at least one illumination optics (34a) which is designed to convert, in the at least one operating state, an original illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) which is different from the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) of unequal-sided format into the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) of unequal-sided format when imaging the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c). Endoscope device according to one of the Claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that the illumination module (16a, 16b, 16c) for imaging the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) comprises at least one illumination optics (34a), which comprises at least one illumination lens (35a, 35b, 35c) designed as an aspherical illumination lens (36a). Endoscope device according to one of the Claims 3 until 6 , characterized in that the illumination module (16a, 16b, 16c) for imaging the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) comprises at least one illumination optics (34a) which has at least one illumination lens (35a) designed as a toric illumination lens (38a). Endoscope device according to one of the Claims 3 until 7 , characterized in that the illumination module (16a, 16b, 16c) for imaging the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) comprises at least one illumination optics (34a) which has at least one illumination lens (35c) designed as a switchable, in particular liquid, illumination lens. Endoscope device according to one of the Claims 3 until 8 , characterized in that in at least one further operating state, the lighting unit (15a, 15b, 15c) images the lighting field (18a, 18b, 18c) onto the field of view (14b) in such a way that a format of a projection (20a, 20b, 20c) of the lighting field (18a, 18b, 18c) onto a plane (24a, 24b, 24c) perpendicular to the illumination direction (22) of the lighting module (16a, 16b, 16c) is different from a scalene format. Endoscope device according to one of the Claims 3 until 9 , characterized in that the lighting unit (15c) comprises at least one further lighting module (17c). Endoscope device according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the further lighting module (17c) is arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the illumination direction of the lighting unit (15c) offset from the lighting module (16c). Endoscope device according to Claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that in the at least one operating state in which a projection (20c) of the illumination field (18c) on a plane (24c) perpendicular to an illumination direction of the illumination module (16c) is imaged onto the field of view (14c) in such a way that it has a non-equilateral format, the illumination module (16c) and the further illumination module (17c) are arranged at least substantially parallel or rotated obliquely to one another. Endoscope device according to Claim 9 and one of the Claims 10 until 12 , characterized in that in the further operating state in which a projection (20c) of the illumination field (18c) on a direction of illumination of the lighting module (16c) is imaged onto the field of view (14c) in such a way (24c) that it has a format which is different from a scalene format, the lighting module (16c) and the further lighting module (17c) are arranged rotated at least substantially perpendicular to one another. Endoscope device according to one of the Claims 10 until 13 , characterized in that the lighting module (16c) and the further lighting module (17c) are at least partially rotatably mounted relative to one another. Endoscope device, in particular video endoscope device, with at least one shaft (10a), with at least one image capture unit (11a) arranged at least partially in the shaft (10a), which defines a field of view (14a, 14b, 14c) for image capture and with at least one illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) arranged at least partially in the shaft (10a), which is designed to provide an illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) that homogeneously illuminates the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c), wherein in at least one operating state the illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) projects the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) onto the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c) in such a way that a projection (20a, 20b, 20c) of the Illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) on a plane (24a, 24b, 24c) perpendicular to an illumination direction (22a) of the illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) has a non-equilateral format, wherein the illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) comprises at least one illumination module (16a, 16b, 16c) which is designed to provide the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c), wherein in at least one further operating state the illumination unit (15a, 15b, 15c) images the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) onto the field of view (14b) in such a way that a format of a projection (20a, 20b, 20c) of the illumination field (18a, 18b, 18c) on a plane (24a, 24b, 24c) perpendicular to the illumination direction (22) of the illumination module (16a, 16b, 16c) is different from a scalene format, wherein the illumination unit (15c) comprises at least one further illumination module (17c) and wherein in the further operating state in which a projection (20c) of the illumination field (18c) on a plane perpendicular to an illumination direction of the illumination module (16c) is imaged (24c) onto the field of view (14c) in such a way that it has a format which is different from a scalene format, the illumination module (16c) and the further illumination module (17c) are arranged rotated at least substantially perpendicular to one another. Endoscope device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one operating state, a projection (26a) of the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c) onto a plane (30a) perpendicular to a viewing direction (28a) of the image acquisition unit (12a) has a non-equilateral format. Endoscope device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image acquisition unit (11a) has at least one image acquisition module (16a, 16b, 16c) which comprises a scalene format and at least substantially defines the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c). Endoscope (52a), in particular video endoscope, with at least one endoscope device according to one of the preceding claims. Endoscopy system (54a) with at least one endoscope (52a) according to Claim 18 and with at least one display unit (56a) which is designed to display objects lying in the field of view (14a, 14b, 14c) and which has at least one unequal-sided format in at least one operating state.

Images