The Advantages of Wide-Angle Lenses in Endoscope Camera Modules

Wide-angle lenses have become increasingly important in modern endoscopic systems, offering several key benefits for medical imaging and diagnostics. Here are the primary advantages:

Enhanced Field of View

Wide-angle lenses provide significantly larger viewing angles compared to standard lenses. A study demonstrated a lens module with 150° angle of view (AOV) designed for disposable endoscopy, though the actual measured diagonal field of view was 110°. This expanded coverage allows clinicians to examine larger tissue areas with fewer adjustments, reducing procedure time and improving efficiency.

Improved Diagnostic Capability

The broader perspective enables better detection of lesions and abnormalities. Research shows that wider views combined with advanced imaging techniques like surgical polarimetric endoscopy (SPE) can generate about one-order-of-magnitude greater contrast than conventional white-light endoscopy. This enhanced visualization is particularly valuable for detecting laryngeal cancer and other pathologies.

Miniaturization Potential

Wide-angle designs can be implemented in compact form factors. One prototype camera module measures just 5.5 × 5.5 × 22.3 mm while maintaining good optical performance. Similarly, metasurface-based wide-angle lenses have been developed with angle-of-view larger than 60° × 60° in extremely flat form factors.

Cost-Effectiveness

The use of all plastic injection-molded lenses and commercial CMOS image sensors in wide-angle designs helps reduce manufacturing costs. This is particularly important for disposable endoscopy applications where cost containment is crucial.

Patient Comfort

Wider views reduce the need for extensive maneuvering of the endoscope within the body. This is especially beneficial in capsule endoscopy systems where magnetic control systems help navigate the wide anatomical structures of the stomach.

Specialized Applications

In action camera technology (which shares some optical requirements with endoscopy), wide-angle lenses are valued for their ability to capture more of a scene without moving the camera. This principle translates well to endoscopic applications where stable, comprehensive imaging is required.

While wide-angle endoscope cameras offer these advantages, they may require additional optical corrections to minimize distortion at the edges of the frame. Advanced designs using metasurface doublets have demonstrated nearly diffraction-limited image quality across wide fields of view, suggesting continued improvements in this important medical imaging technology.