​Advantages And Disadvantages of Side-View Endoscope Camera Module And Direct-View Endoscope Camera Module

Side-view endoscope camera modules excel in flexibility and adaptability. Their lenses can observe from various angles, easily accessing narrow gaps, corners, or complex internal structures that are hard to reach with direct-view endoscopes. For instance, in the inspection of aero-engine fuel nozzles, side-view lenses can capture nozzle blockages instantly when passing through elbows, avoiding the risk of positioning failure in traditional methods. Moreover, side-view imaging probes combined with GRIN fibers and spherical lenses can achieve high-performance imaging over the entire numerical aperture range. However, side-view endoscopes have drawbacks: compared to front-view probes, they require a longer minimum working distance, which further increases if the probe is enclosed in a catheter, limiting the minimum resolution and probe diameter design. Additionally, side-view probes may suffer from fiber surface distortion, adversely affecting image quality.   Direct-view endoscope camera modules boast a wide field of view and direct image transmission, enabling quick capture of abnormalities over a large area, making them highly efficient for initial screening and rapid localization of problem areas. For example, when inspecting engine combustion chambers, axial lenses can observe carbon deposits at the front of flame tubes clearly and intuitively. They are also suitable for observing relatively open internal spaces, such as large pipeline interiors or engine cylinders. Furthermore, direct-view endoscopes are generally easier to operate, allowing novices to master them quickly. Nevertheless, direct-view endoscopes have limitations: they struggle to observe areas beside and behind the probe. When inspecting complex structures, frequent rotation and adjustment of the probe angle may be necessary, and there may even be inspection blind spots due to inaccessible angles, reducing efficiency. For example, when inspecting root defects in pipeline welds, direct-view lenses may fail to observe them directly, requiring alternative methods or switching to side-view lenses for examination.