3D video endoscope

Abstract

The invention relates to a 3D video endoscope having a flexible or rigid endoscope shaft (2) formed as an elongate hollow body which has a distal end section (5) with a geometric end section longitudinal axis (8). The endoscope comprises a left optical channel, which has a left lens (9), a left optical image-guiding system with a left deflection prism (11) and a left image sensor (13), and a right optical channel, which has a right lens (10), a right optical image-guiding system with a right deflection prism (12) and a right image sensor (14). The deflection prisms (11, 12) are each equipped with two deflection surfaces (16, 17, 21, 22), on which a light beam incident parallel to the geometric end section longitudinal axis (8) is deflected by 90° in each case, in such a way that the light beam extends towards the second deflection perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis (8). The deflection prisms (11, 12) are joined together with a deflection prism unit at their respective second deflection surfaces (17, 22). Said deflection prism unit is arranged between the left image sensor (13) and the right image sensor (14).

Description

[0001] Title: 3D video endoscope

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention is based on a 3D video endoscope with an endoscope shaft designed as a flexible or rigid, elongated hollow body and with a left optical channel and a right optical channel, each having an objective, an image guidance system and an image sensor, wherein the objectives, the image guidance systems and the image sensors of the left and right optical channels are arranged in a distal end section of the endoscope shaft.

[0004] Video endoscopes are used in both technical and medical fields. They are used to examine structures on the surface or in hard-to-reach cavities, channels, or depressions. These structures are often impossible to see with the naked eye. In the medical field, video endoscopes are used in minimally invasive surgery for examination purposes or in combination with surgical instruments for operations under visual control. An illumination system can be used to illuminate the structure to be examined. The light generated by an external light source is usually guided to the structure to be examined via optical fibers. An imaging system is used to capture the information contained in the light reflected from the structure as an image. An image converter chip, for example CMOS or CCD, often serves as a camera or image sensor.The image sensor, also called image generator, converts the optical signals into electrical signals, which are then processed and made optically visible on a screen or monitor.

[0005] Various methods and devices are known to give the user the most vivid impression possible of the location of the distal end of the endoscope. 3D video endoscopes have a left and a right optical channel. Left images are recorded from the left channel and right images from the right channel. These left and right images are combined into three-dimensional images using an image processing device. These three-dimensional images created with the 3D video endoscope are displayed to the user on a viewing device, such as a monitor or screen. The images are presented on the viewing device in such a way that the viewer receives a three-dimensional impression of the location of use. For this purpose, a screen shows separate images for the viewer's right and left eye.The viewer typically requires special glasses so that images intended for the viewer's left eye are perceived only by the left eye, and images intended for the viewer's right eye are perceived only by the right eye. These include, for example, polarized filter glasses, color filter glasses, interference filter glasses, and LCD shutter glasses. There are also special viewing devices that the viewer places on their head in close proximity to their eyes. Such viewing devices are integrated, for example, into a 3D headset. They are also called 3D video glasses and are equipped with two displays.

[0006] The endoscope comprises a flexible or rigid shaft configured as an elongated hollow body. The image sensors are preferably located in a distal end section of the endoscope shaft. The end section of the endoscope shaft has a distal end, a proximal end, and a geometric end section longitudinal axis extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The light reflected from a structure to be examined is coupled in at the distal end via an objective lens and guided to the image sensor via an image guidance system with optical components such as lenses and prisms or through a fiber optic cable.3D video endoscopes have a left and a right optical channel, with each of the two optical channels equipped with a lens, an image guide system, and an image sensor: the left optical channel comprises a left lens, a left image guide system, and a left image sensor, while the right optical channel comprises a right lens, a right image guide system, and a right image sensor. The left optical image guide system transmits the image coupled in via the left lens to the left image sensor. The right optical image guide system transmits the image coupled in via the right lens to the right image sensor. The left and right lenses are usually the same size and arranged next to each other at the distal end of the distal end section of the endoscope shaft. The left and right optical channels are usually identical.The images captured by the left image sensor and the right image sensor are combined by an image processing device into a three-dimensional image and displayed on a display device for the user to see.

[0007] If the 3D endoscope is to be used to examine structures in small cavities, the diameter of the shaft must be as small as possible, in particular smaller than the cavity into which the endoscope is to be inserted. With a small shaft diameter, the distance between the left and right lenses is small. Care must be taken to ensure that, despite the small distance between the lenses, the overlap area of ​​the fields of view of the two lenses is as large as possible, since a three-dimensional representation of the structures is only possible in the overlap area. Furthermore, a small shaft diameter means that the diameter of the left and right lenses must be small, in particular smaller than the radius of the shaft. The left image sensor and the right image sensor must also be arranged in the distal end section of the endoscope shaft.To achieve the best possible resolution and to be able to image the largest possible area, the image sensors must be of a certain size. However, due to the small diameter, there is relatively little space available in the end section of the endoscope shaft.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a 3D video endoscope in which the left and right image guide systems and the left and right image sensors are arranged in the distal end section of the endoscope shaft in such a way that three-dimensional images with high resolution and a large image area can be generated with small shaft diameters.

[0009] This object is achieved by a 3D video endoscope having the features of claim 1. It is characterized in that the left optical channel has a left deflecting prism and the right optical channel has a right deflecting prism, wherein each of the two deflecting prisms comprises two deflecting surfaces. At a first deflecting surface, a light beam incident parallel to the geometric end section longitudinal axis is deflected by 90°. The light beam deflected in this way is deflected again by 90° at a second deflecting surface, so that the light beam, after deflection at the second deflecting surface, runs perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis. The left deflecting prism and the right deflecting prism are joined together at the left second deflecting surface and at the right second deflecting surface to form a deflecting prism unit.The left image sensor and the right image sensor are arranged parallel to the geometric longitudinal axis of the end section, with the deflection prism unit located between the left and right image sensors. Since the left image sensor and the right image sensor are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the end section rather than perpendicular, the image sensors can have a large extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the end section without affecting the diameter of the end section of the endoscope shaft. This arrangement is made possible by double beam deflection by the two deflection prisms in each of the two optical channels.The left and right deflection prisms and the left and right image sensors are assembled in a sandwich-like manner, with the two deflection prisms joined along their respective second deflection surfaces to form a deflection prism unit, which is positioned between the two image sensors. This enables a space-saving, compact design. The assembly comprising the left deflection prism, right deflection prism, left image sensor, and right image sensor is smaller in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the end section than an arrangement in which the two image sensors are located between the left deflection prism and the right deflection prism. Furthermore, the electrical connections of the left and right image sensors are located on the side of the image sensors facing away from the deflection prisms, so that they are accessible from the outside even when the assembly comprising the image sensors and deflection prisms is assembled.

[0010] The left deflection prism and the right deflection prism are joined together such that the left second deflection surface abuts the right second deflection surface. Preferably, the left second deflection surface and the right second deflection surface have the same shape and size. They abut each other so completely that they are congruent.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left image sensor, with its light-sensitive sensor surface, is arranged on the surface of the deflection prism unit such that the light-sensitive sensor surface touches the surface of the deflection prism unit. Furthermore, the right image sensor, with its light-sensitive sensor surface, is arranged such that the light-sensitive sensor surface touches the surface of the deflection prism unit. The surface of the deflection prism unit that the left image sensor touches is the exit surface of the left deflection prism. This is referred to as the left exit surface. The light from the left deflection prism is coupled out at this left exit surface. Since the left image sensor, with its light-sensitive sensor surface, touches the left exit surface, the light passes directly from the left deflection prism into the left image sensor.The same applies to the right deflection prism and the right image sensor: The surface of the deflection prism unit that the right image sensor touches is the exit surface of the right deflection prism. This is referred to as the right exit surface. The light from the right deflection prism is coupled out at this right exit surface. Since the right image sensor touches the right exit surface with its light-sensitive sensor surface, the light passes directly from the right deflection prism to the right image sensor. This minimizes losses and supports a compact design.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left image sensor and the right image sensor are glued to the deflection prism unit.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the deflection prism unit, the left image sensor, and the right image sensor are combined to form a deflection prism-image sensor unit. This deflection prism-image sensor unit can be assembled before installation in the endoscope shaft. This facilitates assembly.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left entrance surface of the left deflection prism faces the left objective lens. Furthermore, the left exit surface of the left deflection prism faces the left image sensor.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left entrance surface of the left deflection prism has the shape of a trapezoid, which includes two right angles ai_ = ßi_ = 90°, an angle with YL = 45°, and an angle with θL = 135°. The side of the trapezoid that forms one side of the angles YL and L defines the left second deflection surface.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the right entrance surface of the right deflection prism faces the right objective lens. Furthermore, the right exit surface of the right deflection prism faces the right image sensor.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the right entrance surface of the right deflection prism has the shape of a trapezoid, which comprises two right angles OR = ßp = 90°, one angle with YR = 45°, and one angle with ÖR = 135°. The side of the trapezoid that forms one side of the angles YR and ÖR delimits the right second deflection surface.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the deflection prism unit, the left entrance surface of the left deflection prism and the right entrance surface of the right deflection prism lie in a common geometric entrance surface plane. The two entrance surfaces together form a rectangle.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left entrance surface of the left deflection prism and the left first deflection surface enclose an angle £L = 45°.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left entrance surface of the left deflection prism and the left second deflection surface enclose an angle qi = 90°.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left entrance surface of the left deflection prism and the left exit surface of the left deflection prism are perpendicular to each other.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the right entrance surface of the right deflection prism and the right first deflection surface enclose an angle £R = 45°. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the right entrance surface of the right deflection prism and the right second deflection surface enclose an angle QR = 90°.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the right entrance surface of the right deflection prism and the right exit surface of the right deflection prism are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the deflection prism unit, the left entry surface of the left deflection prism and the right exit surface of the right deflection prism are parallel to each other.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left first deflection surface and the right first deflection surface in the deflection prism unit are perpendicular to each other.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left entry surface of the left deflection prism is perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis of the 3D video endoscope. Furthermore, the right entry surface of the right deflection prism is perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis of the 3D video endoscope.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the deflection prism unit has the external shape of a mathematical cylinder. This shape supports a compact design.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left deflection prism and the right deflection prism match in shape and size.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left deflection prism ensures total reflection of the light coupled at the entrance surface at the left first deflection surface and at the left second deflection surface. This minimizes losses in the left optical channel.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the right deflection prism ensures total reflection at the right first deflection surface and at the right second deflection surface. This minimizes losses in the right optical channel.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the left and right deflection prisms are glued together. This enables a precise, cost-effective, and easy connection of the two deflection prisms.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the 3D video endoscope is equipped with an image processing device which generates three-dimensional images from left images generated by the left image sensor and from right images generated by the right image sensor.

[0033] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description, the drawings and the claims.

[0034] drawing

[0035] The drawing shows an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Figure 1 3D video endoscope in longitudinal section,

[0037] Figure 2 Deflection prism image sensor unit of the 3D video endoscope according to

[0038] Figure 1 in perspective view, Figure 3 Deflection prism image sensor unit according to Figure 2 in a plan view of the entrance surfaces of the deflection prisms, which corresponds to a view from below,

[0039] Figure 4 Deflection prism unit of the deflection image sensor unit according to Figure 2 in a plan view of the entrance surfaces of the left deflection prism and the right deflection prism, which corresponds to a view from below,

[0040] Figure 5 Deflection prism image sensor unit according to Figure 2 in a side view,

[0041] Figure 6 Top view of the distal end section of the 3D video endoscope according to Figure 1 ,

[0042] Figure 7 Figure 2 in exploded view,

[0043] Figure 8 Deflection prism image sensor unit according to Figure 2 in a view from above, with and without beam path,

[0044] Figure 9 Deflection prism unit according to Figure 4 in a side view, with and without beam path.

[0045] Description of the embodiment

[0046] Figures 1 to 9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a 3D video endoscope 1. The 3D video endoscope 1, shown in side view in Figure 1, comprises an elongated endoscope shaft 2 and an endoscope base body 3. The endoscope shaft 2 is received with its proximal shaft end 4 in the endoscope base body 3. At its other end, the endoscope shaft 2 has a distal end section 5. The distal end section 5 comprises a proximal end section end 6 and a distal end section end 7. A geometric end section longitudinal axis 8 extends from the proximal end section end 6 to the distal end section end 7. In the exemplary embodiment, this geometric end section longitudinal axis 8 extends through the entire endoscope shaft 2.

[0047] Arranged in the distal end section 5 are a left lens 9, a right lens 10, a left deflection prism 11, a right deflection prism 12, a left image sensor 13, and a right image sensor 14. The left lens 9, the left deflection prism 11, and the left image sensor 13 form a left optical channel. The right lens 10, the right deflection prism 12, and the left image sensor 14 form a right optical channel. The left lens 9 and the right lens 10 are shown in Figure 6. The left deflection prism 11, the right deflection prism 12, the left image sensor 13, and the right image sensor 14 form a deflection prism-image sensor unit. This is shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8.

[0048] Light coupled into the left optical channel via the left lens 9 enters the left deflection prism 11 via a left entrance surface 15, is reflected a first time at a left first deflection surface 16, is reflected a second time at a left second deflection surface 17, and finally exits the left deflection prism 11 at the left exit surface 18. The left image sensor 13 with its light-sensitive sensor surface 19 is attached to the left exit surface 18, so that the light emerging from the left deflection prism 11 falls directly onto the light-sensitive sensor surface 19 of the left image sensor 13.

[0049] Light coupled into the right optical channel via the right lens 10 enters the right deflection prism 12 via a right entrance surface 20, is reflected a first time at a right first deflection surface 21, is reflected a second time at a right second deflection surface 22, and finally exits the right deflection prism 12 at the right exit surface 23. The right image sensor 14 with its light-sensitive sensor surface 24 is attached to the right exit surface 23, so that the light emerging from the right deflection prism 12 falls directly onto the light-sensitive sensor surface 24 of the right image sensor 14.

[0050] The left image sensor 13 and the right image sensor 14 are essentially identical. The left deflection prism 11 and the right deflection prism 12 are also essentially identical.

[0051] The left entry surface 15 has the shape of a trapezoid with the sides ai_, bi_, CL and di and with the angles ai_ = ßi_ = 90°, YL = 45° and ÖL = 135°. The longer of the two parallel trapezoid sides ai of the trapezoid forms the boundary to the left exit surface 18. The trapezoid side bi forms the boundary to the left first deflection surface 16. The trapezoid side CL forms the boundary to the left second deflection surface 17. The trapezoid side di is parallel to ai, ai and bi enclose the angle OL = 90°. bi and di enclose the angle ßi = 90°. ai and CL enclose the angle YL = 45°. di and CL enclose the angle ÖL = 135°.

[0052] The left first deflection surface 16 and the left entrance surface 15 form an angle ΣL = 45°. Furthermore, the left entrance surface 15 of the left deflection prism and the left second deflection surface 17 form an angle ΣL = 90°. Furthermore, the left second deflection surface 17 forms an angle ΣL = 45° with the left exit surface 18. This angle is not shown in the drawing. The left entrance surface 15 is perpendicular to the left exit surface 18.

[0053] The same applies to the right deflection prism:

[0054] The right entry surface 20 has the shape of a trapezoid with the sides ap, bp, CR and dp and with the angles OR = ßp = 90°, YR = 45° and ÖR = 135°. The longer of the two parallel trapezoid sides ap of the trapezoid forms the boundary to the right exit surface 23. The trapezoid side bp forms the boundary to the right first deflection surface 21. The trapezoid side CR forms the boundary to the right second deflection surface 22. The trapezoid side dp is parallel to ap, ap and bp enclose the angle OR = 90°. bp and dp enclose the angle ßp = 90°. ap and CR enclose the angle YR = 45°. dp and CR enclose the angle ÖR = 135°.

[0055] The right first deflection surface 21 and the right entrance surface 20 form an angle ER = 45°. Furthermore, the right entrance surface 20 of the right deflection prism 12 and the right second deflection surface 22 form an angle QR = 90°. Furthermore, the right second deflection surface 22 forms an angle θR = 45° with the right exit surface 23. The right entrance surface 20 is perpendicular to the right exit surface 23. The angles ER, QR, and θR are not shown in the drawing.

[0056] The left deflection prism 11 and the right deflection prism 12 are joined to form the deflection prism unit in such a way that the left entrance surface 15 and the right entrance surface 20 extend in a common geometric plane and together form a rectangle. Furthermore, the left deflection prism 11 and the right deflection prism 12 are joined in such a way that the left second deflection surface 17 and the right second deflection surface 22 lie adjacent to one another and touch each other. The left second deflection surface 17 and the right second deflection surface 22 are both rectangular and of the same size. They lie congruently against one another. Thus, there is no overhang at the deflection surfaces 17 and 22. Since total reflection occurs at the left second deflection surface 17 and at the right second deflection surface, no light passes from the first deflection prism 11 into the second deflection prism 12 and vice versa.

[0057] Figure 8 shows the deflection prism image sensor unit in a top view. This illustration shows the upper left cover surface 25 of the left deflection prism 11 and the upper right cover surface 26 of the right deflection prism 12. The upper left cover surface 25 is parallel to the left entrance surface 15. Furthermore, the upper right cover surface 26 is parallel to the right entrance surface 20.

[0058] In the distal end section 5, the deflection prism image sensor unit is inserted such that the left entry surface 15 and the right entry surface 20 are aligned perpendicular to the end section longitudinal axis 8.

[0059] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show the beam path of a left-hand light beam, which is incident parallel to the geometric end section longitudinal axis 8 according to Figure 1 via the left lens 9 into the left deflecting prism 11, is deflected twice, and is directed onto the left image sensor 13. Furthermore, Figures 7, 8, and 9 show the beam path of a right-hand light beam, which is incident parallel to the geometric end section longitudinal axis 8 according to Figure 1 via the right lens 10 into the right deflecting prism 11, is deflected twice, and is directed onto the right image sensor 14. The beam path is shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9 by dashed lines with an arrow. The left light beam incident parallel to the geometric end section longitudinal axis 8 enters the left deflection prism 11 at the left entrance surface 15, which is perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis.Therefore, the left light beam is not deflected at the left entrance surface 15. The left light beam is deflected a first time by 90° at the left first deflection surface 16 and a second time by 90° at the left second deflection surface 17. After the second deflection, the light beam exits the left deflection prism 11 at the left exit surface 18 and reaches the left image sensor 13. In Figure 9, the section of the light beam after the second deflection at the left second deflection surface 17 is shown as a circle with a dot in the center. This representation is intended to clarify that this section of the light beam runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and in the direction of the observer. Between the left first deflection surface 16 and the left second deflection surface 17, the left light beam runs perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis 8.Between the left second deflection surface 17 and the left image sensor 13, the left light beam runs perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis 8 and perpendicular to the left light beam section between the left first deflection surface 16 and the left second deflection surface 17. The same applies to the right light beam incident parallel to the geometric end section longitudinal axis 8 with respect to the right deflection prism 12 and the right image sensor 14: the right light beam incident parallel to the end section longitudinal axis 8 enters the right deflection prism 12 at the right entrance surface 20 without deflection. It is deflected a first time by 90° at the right first deflection surface 21 and a second time by 90° at the right second deflection surface 22. After the second deflection, the light beam exits at the right exit surface 23 and reaches the right image sensor 14.The right-hand light beam is deflected a first time by 90° at the right-hand first deflection surface 21 and a second time by 90° at the left-hand second deflection surface 22. After the second deflection, the light beam exits the right-hand deflection prism 12 at the right-hand exit surface 23 and reaches the right-hand image sensor 14. In Figure 9, the section of the light beam after the second deflection at the right-hand second deflection surface 22 is shown as a circle with a cross. This illustration is intended to clarify that this section of the light beam runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and in the direction opposite to the viewer. Between the right-hand first deflection surface 21 and the right-hand second deflection surface 22, the right-hand light beam runs perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis 8.Between the right second deflection surface 22 and the right image sensor 14, the right light beam runs perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis 8 and perpendicular to the right light beam section between the right first deflection surface 21 and the right second deflection surface 22.

[0060] All features of the invention can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination. Reference numbers

[0061] 1 3D video endoscope

[0062] 2 endoscope shaft

[0063] 3 Endoscope base body

[0064] 4 proximal shaft end

[0065] 5 distal end section

[0066] 6 proximal end section end

[0067] 7 distal end section end

[0068] 8 geometric end section longitudinal axis

[0069] 9 left lens

[0070] 10 right lens

[0071] 11 left deflection prism

[0072] 12 right steering prism

[0073] 13 left image sensor

[0074] 14 right image sensor

[0075] 15 left entrance area

[0076] 16 left first deflection surface

[0077] 17 left second deflection surface

[0078] 18 left exit surface

[0079] 19 light-sensitive sensor surface

[0080] 20 right entrance area

[0081] 21 right first deflection surface

[0082] 22 right second deflection surface

[0083] 23 right exit surface

[0084] 24 light-sensitive sensor surface

[0085] 25 left upper deck area

[0086] 26 right upper deck area

Claims

A N S P R Ü C H E 1 . A 3D video endoscope with an endoscope shaft (2) designed as a flexible or rigid, elongated hollow body, with a distal end section (5) of the endoscope shaft (2), which has a proximal end section end (6), a distal end section end (7), and a geometric end section longitudinal axis (8) extending from the distal end section end (7) to the proximal end section end (6), with a left optical channel comprising a left lens (9) at the distal end section end (7), a left optical image transmission system arranged in the distal end section (5), and a left image sensor (13) arranged in the distal end section (5), wherein the left optical image transmission system is designed to transmit an image received by the left lens (9) to the left image sensor (13), with a right optical channel comprising a right lens (10) at the distal end section end (7),a right optical image guide system arranged in the distal end section (5) and a right image sensor (14) arranged in the distal end section (5), wherein, the right optical image guidance system is designed to forward an image received by the right lens (10) to the right image sensor (14), wherein the left optical image guidance system comprises a left deflection prism (11) which deflects a light beam incident parallel to the geometric end section longitudinal axis (8) by 90° at a left first deflection surface (16) and deflects it by 90° at a left second deflection surface (17), such that the light beam, after deflection at the left second deflection surface (17), runs perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis (8), wherein the right optical image guidance system comprises a right deflection prism (12) which deflects a light beam incident parallel to the geometric end section longitudinal axis (8) by 90° at a right first deflection surface (21) and deflects it by 90° at a right second To deflect the deflection surface (22) by 90°, such that the light beam, after deflection at the right-hand second deflection surface (22), runs perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis (8), wherein the left-hand deflection prism (11) and the right-hand deflection prism (12) are joined together at the left-hand second deflection surface (17) and at the right-hand second deflection surface (22) to form a deflection prism unit, wherein the left-hand image sensor (13) and the right-hand image sensor (14) are arranged parallel to the geometric end section longitudinal axis (8), and wherein the deflection prism unit is arranged between the left-hand image sensor (13) and the right-hand image sensor (14).

2. 3D video endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the left image sensor (13) is arranged with its light-sensitive sensor surface (19) on the surface of the deflection prism unit (11, 12) in such a way that its light-sensitive sensor surface (19) touches the surface of the deflection prism unit (11, 12), and that the right image sensor (14) is arranged with its light-sensitive sensor surface (24) in such a way is that its light-sensitive sensor surface (24) touches the surface of the deflection prism unit (11, 12).

3. 3D video endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the deflection prism unit (11, 12), the left image sensor (13) and the right image sensor (14) are combined to form a deflection prism image sensor unit.

4. 3D video endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a left entry surface (15) of the left deflection prism (11) faces the left objective (9) and that a left exit surface (18) of the left deflection prism (11) faces the left image sensor (13).

5. 3D video endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that the left entrance surface (15) of the left deflection prism (11) has the shape of a trapezoid which comprises two right angles ai_ = ßi_ = 90°, an angle with YL = 45° and an angle with ÖL = 135°, and that the side of the trapezoid which forms one leg of the angles YL and ÖL delimits the left second deflection surface.

6. 3D video endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a right entrance surface (20) of the right deflection prism (12) faces the right objective (10) and that a right exit surface (23) of the right deflection prism (12) faces the right image sensor (14).

7. 3D video endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that the right entrance surface (20) of the right deflection prism (12) has the shape of a trapezoid which comprises two right angles OR = ßp = 90°, an angle with YR = 45° and an angle with ÖR = 135°, and that the side of the trapezoid which forms one leg of the angles YR and ÖR delimits the right second deflection surface.

8. 3D video endoscope according to claim 6 or 7, insofar as these are dependent on claim 4 or 5, characterized in that in the deflection prism unit the left entry surface (15) of the left deflection prism (11) and the right entry surface (20) of the right deflection prism (12) lie in a common geometric entry surface plane, and that the two entry surfaces (15, 20) together form a rectangle.

9. 3D video endoscope according to claim 4 or 5 or according to one of claims 6 to 8, insofar as these are dependent on claims 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the left entry surface (15) of the left deflection prism (11) and the left first deflection surface (16) enclose an angle £L = 45°.

10. 3D video endoscope according to claim 4, 5 or 9 or according to one of claims 6 to 8, insofar as these are dependent on claims 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the left entry surface (15) of the left deflection prism (11) and the left second deflection surface (17) enclose an angle qi = 90°.

11. 3D video endoscope according to claim 4, 5, 9 or 10 or according to one of claims 6 to 8, insofar as these are dependent on claims 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the left entry surface (15) of the left deflection prism (11) and the left exit surface (18) of the left deflection prism (11) are perpendicular to one another.

12. 3D video endoscope according to one of claims 6, 7 or 8 or according to one of claims 9 to 11, insofar as these are dependent on one of claims 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the right entry surface (20) of the right deflection prism (12) and the right first deflection surface (21) enclose an angle £R = 45°.

13. 3D video endoscope according to one of claims 6, 7, 8 or 12 or according to one of claims 9 to 11, insofar as these are dependent on one of claims 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the right entry surface (20) of the right deflection prism (12) and the right second deflection surface (22) enclose an angle QR = 90°.

14. 3D video endoscope according to one of claims 6, 7, 8, 12 or 13 or according to one of claims 9 to 11, insofar as these are dependent on one of claims 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the right entry surface (20) of the right deflection prism (12) and the right exit surface (23) of the right deflection prism (12) are perpendicular to one another.

15. 3D video endoscope according to claim 6 or 7, insofar as these are dependent on claim 4 or 5, or according to claim 8, characterized in that in the deflection prism unit the left entry surface (18) of the left deflection prism (11) and the right exit surface (23) of the right deflection prism (12) are parallel to one another.

16. 3D video endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the deflection prism unit the left first deflection surface (16) and the right first deflection surface (21) are perpendicular to each other.

17. 3D video endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the left entry surface (15) of the left deflection prism (11) is perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis (8), and that the right entry surface (20) of the right deflection prism (12) is perpendicular to the geometric end section longitudinal axis (8).

18. 3D video endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflection prism unit has the outer shape of a mathematical cylinder.

19. 3D video endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the left deflection prism (11) has a total reflection on the left first deflection surface (16) and on the left second deflection surface (17).

20. 3D video endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the right deflection prism (12) has a total reflection on the right first deflection surface (21) and on the right second deflection surface (22). 21 . 3D video endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the left second deflection surface (17) is the same size as the right second deflection surface (22) and that the left deflection prism (11) and the right deflection prism (12) are joined together in such a way that the left second deflection surface (17) lies completely against the right second deflection surface (22).

22. 3D video endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with an image processing device which generates three-dimensional images from left images generated by the left image sensor (13) and from right images generated by the right image sensor (14).

Images