METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF ENDOSCOPES

摘要

In a method and apparatus for evaluating the performance characteristics of fiber-optic endoscopes, a beam of light defining a predetermined intensity pattern is transmitted through the endoscope from a tip end through an eyepiece end of the endoscope. The intensity pattern of the beam defines either a uniform intensity, or an intensity which varies sinusoidally in a predetermined direction across the beam. The following tests are performed in order to evaluate both the optical fibers and the lens system of the endoscope, and the intensity pattern is selected in accordance with the requirements of the respective test: (i) a light loss test, (ii) a reflective symmetry test, (iii) a lighted fibers test, (iv) a geometric distortion test, and (v) a MTF test. A video system (22) generates signals indicative of the optical intensity of the beam after transmission through the endoscope at each of the plurality of predetermined locations within the beam. The video signals are in turn evaluated in accordance with the selected tests in order to provide graphical and numerical indicia of the optical performance characteristics of the endoscope.