3D video endoscope

Abstract

A 3D video endoscope is proposed, comprising an endoscope shaft 2 formed as a flexible or rigid, elongated hollow body, the endoscope shaft 2 having a distal end portion 5 with a geometric end portion - longitudinal axis 8. The endoscope comprises a left optical path having a left optical image transmission system comprising a left objective lens 9 and a left deflection prism 11, and a left image sensor 13, and a right optical path having a right optical image transmission system comprising a right objective lens 10 and a right deflection prism 12, and a right image sensor 14. The deflection prisms 11 and 12 each have two deflection surfaces 16, 17, 21, and 22, on which light rays incident parallel to the geometric end portion - longitudinal axis 8 are deflected by 90° on each of these deflection surfaces so that after the second deflection, the light rays extend perpendicular to the geometric end portion - longitudinal axis 8. In this case, the deflection prisms 11 and 12 are combined into a deflection prism unit at the second deflection surfaces 17 and 22 of each of these deflection prisms. This deflection prism unit is positioned between the left image sensor 13 and the right image sensor 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a 3D video endoscope, the 3D video endoscope comprising an endoscope shaft formed as a flexible or rigid, vertically elongated hollow body, a left optical path, and a right optical path, wherein these optical paths each comprise an objective lens, an image transmission system, and an image sensor, and wherein the objective lenses, the image transmission systems, and the image sensors of the right and left optical paths are arranged within the distal end portion of the endoscope shaft.

Background Art

[0002] These video endoscopes are utilized in the inspection of structures on the surface or within hard-to-access hollow chambers, passages, or depressions, which structures often cannot be analyzed with the naked eye. In the medical field, video endoscopes are used in minimally invasive surgeries for examination purposes or in combination with surgical instruments for surgery under visual inspection. A lighting system can be utilized to illuminate the structure to be inspected. Light generated by an external light source is typically guided through an optical fiber to the structure to be inspected. An image detection system is utilized to capture the information contained in the light reflected from the structure as an image. Often, an imaging device, such as a CMOS or a CCD, is used as a camera or an image sensor. The image sensor, also referred to as an image detector, converts an optical signal into an electrical signal, and these electrical signals are subsequently processed and made visually visible on an image screen or a monitor.

[0003] ​Various methods and devices are known for giving the user as concrete an impression as possible of the location of use of the distal end of the endoscope. A 3D video endoscope has a left optical path and a right optical path. In that case, the left image is accommodated by the left path and the right image is accommodated by the right path. These left and right images are assembled into a three-dimensional image by an image processing device. This three-dimensional image generated by the 3D video endoscope is displayed for the user on a viewing device, for example, a monitor or an image screen. These images are displayed on the viewing device so that the observer receives a three-dimensional impression of the location of use. One image screen displays separate images for the observer's right and left eyes for this purpose. The observer usually requires special glasses, so that the image determined for the observer's left eye is perceived only by the left eye and the image determined for the observer's right eye is perceived only by the right eye. In this regard, for example, polarized filter glasses, color filter glasses, interference filter glasses, and LCD shutter glasses are included. Furthermore, special viewing devices are known, which the user places in the immediate vicinity of the user's eyes in the user's head. These viewing devices of this type are, for example, integrated in a 3D headset. These viewing devices are also referred to as 3D video glasses and have two displays.

[0004] The endoscope has a flexible or rigid shaft, which is formed as an elongate hollow body. Advantageously, an image sensor is arranged in the distal end portion of the endoscope shaft. The end portion of the endoscope shaft has a distal end, a proximal end, and a geometric end portion - longitudinal axis extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Light reflected from the structure to be inspected enters the distal end 7 through the objective lens and is transmitted to the image sensor through an image transmission system having optical components such as lenses and prisms, and through fiber optic equipment. The 3D video endoscope has left and right optical paths, and each optical path in both optical paths is equipped with an objective lens, an image transmission system, and an image sensor: that is, The left optical path comprises the left objective lens, the left image transmission system, and the left image sensor, while the right optical path comprises the right objective lens, the right image transmission system, and the right image sensor. In this case, the optical image transmission system on the left transmits the image incident through the left objective lens to the left image sensor. The optical image transmission system on the right transmits the image incident through the right objective lens to the right image sensor. In this case, the left and right objective lenses are usually the same size and are positioned at the distal end of the distal terminal portion of the endoscope shaft. Typically, the right optical path and the right optical path are identical. The images captured by the left and right image sensors are combined into a three-dimensional image by an image processing device and displayed on a viewing device for the user.

[0005] When a 3D video endoscope is to be used for inspecting structures in small hollow chambers, the shaft diameter must be as small as possible, especially smaller than the hollow chamber, into which the endoscope should be inserted. With a small shaft diameter, the distance between the left and right objective lenses is small. In that case, despite the small distance between these objective lenses, care should be taken to ensure that the overlap area of ​​the fields of view of both objective lenses is as large as possible, because a three-dimensional representation of the structure is only possible within the overlap area. Furthermore, the small diameter of the shaft necessitates that the diameters of the left and right objective lenses be small, especially smaller than the radius of the shaft. Within the distal terminal portion of the video endoscope, it is also necessary to position both a left-side image sensor and a right-side image sensor. To obtain the best possible resolution and to image the largest possible area, the image sensors need to be of a certain size.

[0006] Within the terminal portion of the endoscope shaft, a relatively small space is available for use, based on its small diameter. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The fundamental problem of this invention is to provide a single 3D video endoscope. In this 3D video endoscope, the left and right image transmission systems and the left and right image sensors are, It is positioned within the distal terminal portion of the endoscope shaft so that a three-dimensional display with high resolution and a large image area can be generated with a small shaft diameter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This problem is solved by a 3D video endoscope having the features of claim 1. The left optical path has a left deflection prism, and the right optical path has a right deflection prism, characterized in that each of the two deflection prisms has two deflection surfaces. In the first deflection plane, a ray incident parallel to the geometrical end portion—the longitudinal axis—is deflected by 90°. The deflected ray is then deflected again by 90° in the second deflection plane, and therefore, after the deflection in the second deflection plane, the ray extends perpendicular to the geometrical end portion—the longitudinal axis. The left and right deflection prisms are combined into a deflection prism unit, with the left deflection prism and the second deflection surface on the right. The left and right image sensors are positioned such that the deflection prism unit is located between the left and right image sensors, parallel to the geometrical end portion—the longitudinal axis. The left and right image sensors are aligned parallel to, rather than perpendicular to, the terminal longitudinal axis. Therefore, these image sensors have a large spread in the direction of the terminal longitudinal axis, but this does not affect the diameter of the terminal portion of the endoscope shaft. This arrangement is made possible by two ray deflections through both deflection prisms within each optical path. The left and right deflection prisms and the left and right image sensors are arranged in a sandwich configuration. Both deflection prisms are combined into a single deflection prism unit along a second deflection plane for each of these deflection prisms, and this deflection prism unit is positioned between both image sensors. It is assembled. This allows for a space-saving, compact structure. The structural unit formed from the left deflection prism, the right deflection prism, the left image sensor, and the right image sensor has a smaller spread in its geometrical end portion—within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis—than one such arrangement where both image sensors are positioned between the left and right deflection prisms. Furthermore, the electrical connections of the left and right image sensors are located on the side of the image sensor opposite the deflection prism, and therefore these electrical connections are accessible from the outside even in the combined structural unit consisting of the image sensor and the deflection prism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The left deflection prism and the right deflection prism are combined such that the second deflection surface of the left prism contacts the second deflection surface of the right prism. Advantageously, the left and right deflection prisms have the same shape and size. These left and right deflection prisms are in perfect contact with each other, as if they were superimposed.

[0010] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left image sensor is positioned such that the light-sensitive sensor surface of the left image sensor is in contact with the surface of the deflection prism unit. Furthermore, the right-side image sensor is positioned such that its light-sensitive sensor surface is in contact with the surface of the deflection prism unit. The surface of the deflection prism unit that the left image sensor contacts is, in this case, the emission surface of the left deflection prism. This emission surface is referred to as the left emission surface. At this left emission surface, light is emitted from the left deflection prism. Since the left image sensor is in contact with the left output surface via the light-sensitive sensor surface of the left image sensor, light is directly transferred from the left deflection prism into the left image sensor. The same can be said for the deflection prism on the right and the image sensor on the right: that is, The surface of the deflection prism unit that the right-side image sensor contacts is the exit surface of the right-side deflection prism. This exit surface is referred to as the right-side exit surface. At this right-side exit surface, light is emitted from the right-side deflection prism. Since the right-side image sensor is in contact with the right-side output surface via the light-sensitive sensor surface of the right-side image sensor, light is directly transferred from the right-side deflection prism into the right-side image sensor. This minimizes losses and allows for a compact structure.

[0011] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left image sensor and the right image sensor are bonded to a deflection prism unit.

[0012] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the deflection prism unit, the left image sensor, and the right image sensor are combined into a deflection prism-image sensor-unit. This deflection prism-image sensor-unit can be assembled prior to its installation in the endoscope shaft. This facilitates assembly.

[0013] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left incident surface of the left deflection prism is directed toward the left objective lens. Furthermore, the left exit surface of the left deflection prism is directed toward the left image sensor.

[0014] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left incident surface of the left deflection prism has a trapezoidal shape, and this trapezoid is at two right angles α L =β L =90° and γ L An angle having =45° and δ L It has an angle of =135°. In that case, angle γ L and δ L The trapezoidal side forming one of its edges demarcates the second deflection plane on the left.

[0015] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the right incident surface of the right deflection prism is directed towards the right objective lens. Further, the right exit surface of the right deflection prism is directed towards the right image sensor.

[0016] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the right incident surface of the right deflection prism has a trapezoidal shape, and this trapezoid has two right angles α R =β R =90°, an angle γ R =45°, and an angle δ R =135°. The side surface of the trapezoid that forms one side of the angle γ R and δ R then delimits the second deflection surface on the left side.

[0017] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, in the deflection prism unit, the left incident surface of the left deflection prism and the right incident surface of the right deflection prism are located in a common, geometric incident surface - plane. In that case, both incident surfaces together form a rectangle.

[0018] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left incident surface of the left deflection prism and the first deflection surface on the left side form an angle ε L =45°.

[0019] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left incident surface of the left deflection prism and the second deflection surface on the left side form an η L =90°.

[0020] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left incident surface of the left deflection prism and the left exit surface of the left deflection prism are perpendicular to each other.

[0021] According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the right incident surface of the right deflection prism and the first deflection surface on the right side form an angle ε R =45°.

[0022] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the right incident plane of the right deflection prism and the second deflection plane on the right are η R It forms a 90° angle.

[0023] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the right-side incident plane of the right-side deflection prism and the right-side exit plane of the right-side deflection prism are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, within the deflection prism unit, the left exit surface of the left deflection prism and the right exit surface of the right deflection prism are parallel to each other.

[0025] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, within the deflection prism unit, the left first deflection surface and the right first deflection surface are perpendicular to each other.

[0026] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left incident plane of the left deflection prism is perpendicular to the geometrically terminal portion of the 3D video endoscope—the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the right-side incident plane of the right-side deflection prism is perpendicular to the geometrically terminal portion of the 3D video endoscope—the longitudinal axis.

[0027] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the deflection prism-image sensor-unit has a mathematically cylindrical outer shape. This shape contributes to a compact structure.

[0028] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left deflection prism and the right deflection prism are identical in shape and size.

[0029] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left-side deflection prism causes total internal reflection of light incident at the incident plane in the left-side first deflection plane and the left-side second deflection plane. This minimizes losses in the left-side optical path.

[0030] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the right-side deflection prism causes total internal reflection in the right-side first deflection plane and the right-side second deflection plane. This minimizes losses in the right-side optical path.

[0031] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the left deflection prism and the right deflection prism are bonded to each other. This allows for precise, low-cost, and easy coupling of both deflection prisms.

[0032] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the 3D video endoscopic system comprises an image processing device which generates a three-dimensional image from a left image generated by a left image sensor and a right image generated by a right image sensor.

[0033] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the present invention can be seen from the following description, drawings, and claims.

[0034] One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the figure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a 3D video endoscope. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a fluoroscopic view of the deflection prism-image sensor-unit of a 3D video endoscope. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of the deflection prism-image sensor-unit according to Figure 2, viewed from above the incident surface of the deflection prism, corresponding to the view from below. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of the deflection prism unit of the deflection prism-image sensor-unit according to Figure 2, as viewed from above the incident planes of the left and right deflection prisms, corresponding to a view from below. [Figure 5]This is a diagram of the deflection prism-image sensor-unit according to Figure 2, viewed from the side. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a top view of the distal terminal end of a 3D video endoscope. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is an exploded view. [Figure 8] Figure 2 shows a deflection prism-image sensor-unit in an overhead view, with and without a light ray path. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a deflection prism unit according to Figure 4, in a side view, with and without a light ray path. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Figures 1 through 9 illustrate the 3D video endoscope 1. In Figure 1, the 3D video endoscope 1, shown in a lateral view, comprises a vertically elongated endoscope shaft 2 and an endoscope body 3. The endoscope shaft 2 is housed within the endoscope body 3 at its proximal shaft end 4. At the other end of the endoscope shaft, the endoscope shaft 2 has a distal end portion 5. The distal end portion 5 comprises a proximal end portion 6 and a distal end portion 7. The geometric terminal portion-longitudinal axis 8 extends from the proximal terminal end 6 to the distal terminal end 7. In this embodiment, this geometric terminal portion-longitudinal axis 8 extends across the entire endoscope shaft 2.

[0037] Within the distal terminal portion 5, the left objective lens 9, the right objective lens 10, the left deflection prism 11, the right deflection prism 12, the left image sensor 13, and the right image sensor 14 are arranged. In this case, the left objective lens 9, the left deflection prism 11, and the left image sensor 13 form the left optical path. The right objective lens 10, the right deflection prism 12, and the right image sensor 14 form the right optical path. The left objective lens 9 and the right objective lens 10 are illustrated 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 illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8.

[0038] Light entering the optical path on the left side through the left objective lens 9 enters the left deflection prism 11 through the left incident surface 15, is reflected once by the left first deflection surface 16, is reflected a second time by the left second deflection surface 17, and finally exits from the left deflection prism 11 at the left exit surface 18. On the left-side emission surface 18, the left-side image sensor 13 is fixed by the light-sensitive sensor surface 19 of the left-side image sensor. Therefore, the light emitted from the left-side deflection prism 11 directly strikes the light-sensitive sensor surface 19 of the left-side image sensor 13.

[0039] Light entering the optical path on the right side through the objective lens 10 on the right side enters the deflection prism 12 on the right side through the entry surface 20 on the right side, is reflected once at the first deflection surface 21 on the right side, is reflected a second time at the second deflection surface 22 on the right side, and finally exits from the deflection prism 12 on the right side at the exit surface 23 on the right side. On the right-side emission surface 23, the right-side image sensor 14 is fixed by the light-sensitive sensor surface 24 of this right-side image sensor. Therefore, the light emitted from the right-side deflection prism 12 directly strikes the light-sensitive sensor surface 24 of the right-side image sensor 14.

[0040] The left image sensor 13 and the right image sensor 14 are essentially identical. Similarly, the left deflection prism 11 and the right deflection prism 12 are essentially identical.

[0041] The left-side incident surface 15 is side a L , b L , c L and d L And, angle α L =β L =90°, γ L =45° and δ L It has a trapezoidal shape with an angle of =135°. In that case, both parallel trapezoidal sides a L The longer trapezoidal side of the trapezoidal side b forms a boundary with the left exit surface 18. L This forms a boundary with the first deflection surface 16 on the left side. Trapezoidal side c L This forms a boundary with the second deflection surface 17 on the left side. Trapezoidal side d L is, a L It is parallel to [the given value]. a L and b L This refers to angle α L = 90°. L and d L This refers to angle β L = It forms a 90° angle. L and c L This refers to angle γ L It forms a 45° angle. L and c L This refers to the angle δ L It forms an angle of 135°.

[0042] The angle between the left first deflection plane 16 and the left incident plane 15 is ε L It forms a 45° angle. Furthermore, the left incident surface 15 of the left deflection prism and the left second deflection surface 17 are η L It forms a 90° angle. Furthermore, the second deflection surface 17 on the left side is connected to the left exit surface 18, θ LThe angle is 45°. This angle is not shown in the figure. The left incident surface 15 is perpendicular to the left exit surface 18.

[0043] The same can be said for the deflection prism on the right side: that is, The right-side incident surface 20 is side a R , b R , c R and d R And, angle α R =β R =90°, γ R =45° and δ R It has a trapezoidal shape with an angle of =135°. In that case, both parallel trapezoidal sides a R The longer trapezoidal side of the structure forms a boundary with the right-side exit surface 23. Trapezoidal side view b R This forms a boundary with the first deflection surface 21 on the right side. Trapezoidal side c R This forms a boundary with the second deflection surface 22 on the right side. Trapezoidal side d R is, a R It is parallel to [the given value]. a R and b R This refers to angle α R = 90°. R and d R This refers to angle β R = It forms a 90° angle. R and c R This refers to angle γ R It forms a 45° angle. R and c R This refers to the angle δ R It forms an angle of 135°.

[0044] The angle between the first deflection plane 21 on the right and the incident plane 20 on the right is ε R It forms a 45° angle. Furthermore, the right incident surface 20 of the right deflection prism 12 and the right second deflection surface 22 are η R It forms a 90° angle. Furthermore, the second deflection surface 22 on the right side is connected to the right exit surface 23, θ RThe angle is ε = 45°. The right-side incident surface 20 is perpendicular to the right-side exit surface 23. R、 η R , and θ R It is not shown in the figure.

[0045] The left deflection prism 11 and the right deflection prism 12 are combined into a deflection prism unit such that the left incident surface 15 and the right incident surface 20 extend within a common geometric plane and together form a single rectangle. Furthermore, the left deflection prism 11 and the right deflection prism 12 are combined such that the second deflection surface 17 on the left and the second deflection surface 22 on the right are adjacent to and in contact with each other. The second deflection surface 17 on the left and the second deflection surface 22 on the right are both rectangular in shape and of the same size. They are congruent and in contact with each other. Consequently, there are no protrusions on the deflection surfaces 17 and 22. Since total internal reflection occurs between the second deflection surface 17 on the left and the second deflection surface 22 on the right, no light reaches the right deflection prism 12 from the left deflection prism 11, and vice versa.

[0046] Figure 8 shows the deflection prism-image sensor-unit in a view from above. In this figure, the upper ceiling surface 25 to the left of the left deflection prism 11 and the upper ceiling surface 26 to the right of the right deflection prism 12 are recognizable. In that case, the upper ceiling surface 25 on the left side is parallel to the incident surface 15 on the left side. Furthermore, the upper ceiling surface 26 on the right side is parallel to the incident surface 20 on the right side.

[0047] Within the distal terminal portion 5, the deflection prism-image sensor-unit is installed such that the left incident surface 15 and the right incident surface 20 are aligned perpendicular to the geometric terminal portion-longitudinal axis 8.

[0048] In Figures 7, 8, and 9, the ray path of the left ray is illustrated. This ray enters the left deflection prism 11, passing through the left objective lens 9 parallel to the geometrical endpoint—longitudinal axis 8—as shown in Figure 1. It is deflected twice and then directed towards the left image sensor 13. Furthermore, in Figures 7, 8, and 9, the ray path of the right-hand ray is illustrated. This ray enters the right-hand deflection prism 12, passing through the right-hand objective lens 10 parallel to the geometrical termination portion—longitudinal axis 8—as shown in Figure 1, where it is deflected twice and then directed towards the right-hand image sensor 14. The ray path is illustrated in Figures 7, 8, and 9 by a dashed line with an arrow. The left-side ray, incident parallel to the geometrical end portion—the longitudinal axis 8—enters the left-side deflection prism 11 at the left-side incident surface 15, and this left-side incident surface is perpendicular to the geometrical end portion—the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the left-side ray is not deflected in any way at the left-side incident surface 15. The light ray on the left is deflected by 90° the first time at the left first deflection surface 16, and then deflected by 90° the second time at the left second deflection surface 17. After the second deflection, the light ray exits from the left deflection prism 11 at the left exit surface 18 and reaches the left image sensor 13. In Figure 9, the portion of the light ray after the second deflection on the second deflection surface 17 on the left is illustrated as a circle with a point at its center. This illustration clearly shows that this portion of the light ray extends perpendicular to the illustrated plane and in the direction of the observer. Between the left first deflection surface 16 and the left second deflection surface 17, the left ray extends perpendicular to the geometrical end portion - longitudinal axis 8. Between the left second deflection surface 17 and the left image sensor 13, the left ray extends perpendicular to the geometrical end portion - longitudinal axis 8, and also perpendicular to the left ray portion between the left first deflection surface 16 and the left second deflection surface 17. The same can be said for the right-side light ray incident parallel to the geometrical endpoint—the longitudinal axis 8—in relation to the right-side deflection prism 12 and the right-side image sensor 14: that is, Geometric endpoint - The light ray on the right, incident parallel to the longitudinal axis 8, enters the right-side deflection prism 12 without deflection at the right-side incident surface 20. The light ray on the right is deflected by 90° the first time on the right-side first deflection surface 21, and then deflected by 90° the second time on the right-side second deflection surface 22. After the second deflection, the light ray is emitted from the right-side emission surface 23 and reaches the right-side image sensor 14. The light ray on the right is deflected by 90° the first time at the first deflection surface 21 on the right, and then deflected by 90° the second time at the second deflection surface 22 on the right. After the second deflection, the light ray exits from the right deflection prism 12 at the right exit surface 23 and reaches the right image sensor 14. In Figure 9, the portion of the ray after the second deflection on the second deflection surface 22 on the right is shown as a circle with an "X" mark. This illustration clearly shows that this portion of the ray extends perpendicular to the illustrated plane and in the direction opposite to the observer. Between the right-side first deflection surface 21 and the right-side second deflection surface 22, the left-side ray extends perpendicular to the geometrical end portion - longitudinal axis 8. Between the right-side second deflection surface 22 and the right-side image sensor 14, the right-side ray extends perpendicular to the geometrical end portion - longitudinal axis 8, and also perpendicular to the right-side ray portion between the right-side first deflection surface 21 and the right-side second deflection surface 22.

[0049] All features of this invention can be essential to the invention, both individually and in appropriate combinations of each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1. 3D video endoscope 2 Endoscope shaft 3 Endoscope body 4. Proximal shaft end 5. Distal terminal portion 6. Proximal terminal end portion 7. Distal terminal end portion 8 Geometric Terminus - Longitudinal Axis 9. Left objective lens 10 Right objective lens 11. Left deflection prism 12 Right-side deflection prism 13 Left image sensor 14 Right-side image sensor 15 Left side of the incident plane 16. The first deflection plane on the left side. 17. The second deflection plane on the left side. 18 Left side exit surface 19. Light-sensitive sensor surface 20 Right-side incident plane 21 First deflection plane on the right side 22 The second deflection plane on the right side 23 Right-side exit surface 24 Light-sensitive sensor surface 25 Upper left ceiling surface 26 Upper ceiling surface on the right side

Claims

1. This is a 3D video endoscope, and this 3D video endoscope is The endoscope has a shaft (2) formed as a flexible or rigid, elongated hollow body, The endoscope shaft (2) has a distal terminal portion (5), and this distal terminal portion is It comprises a proximal terminal end (6), a distal terminal end (7), and a geometric terminal portion-longitudinal axis (8) extending from the distal terminal end (7) to the proximal terminal end (6), It has an optical path on the left side, which comprises a left objective lens (9) at the distal terminal end (7), a left optical image transmission system located within the distal terminal (5), and a left image sensor (13) located within the distal terminal (5), wherein the left optical image transmission system is formed to transfer the image received by the left objective lens (9) to the left image sensor (13). It has a right-side optical path, which comprises a right-side objective lens (10) at the distal terminal end (7), a right-side optical image transmission system located within the distal terminal (5), and a right-side image sensor (14) located within the distal terminal (5), wherein the right-side optical image transmission system is formed to transfer the image received by the right-side objective lens (10) to the right-side image sensor (14). The left optical image transmission system includes a left deflection prism (11), which deflects a light ray incident parallel to the geometric end portion - longitudinal axis (8) by 90° on the left first deflection surface (16) and then by 90° on the left second deflection surface (17), such that the light ray extends perpendicular to the geometric end portion - longitudinal axis (8) after being deflected on the left second deflection surface (17). The right-side optical image transmission system includes a right-side deflection prism (12), which deflects a light ray incident parallel to the geometric end portion—longitudinal axis (8) by 90° on the right-side first deflection surface (21) and by 90° on the right-side second deflection surface (22), such that the light ray extends perpendicular to the geometric end portion—longitudinal axis (8) after being deflected on the right-side second deflection surface (22). The left deflection prism (11) and the right deflection prism (12) are combined into a deflection prism unit at the left second deflection surface (17) and the right second deflection surface (22). The left image sensor (13) and the right image sensor (14) are arranged parallel to the geometrical end portion - longitudinal axis (8), and, The deflection prism unit is positioned between the left image sensor (13) and the right image sensor (14). A 3D video endoscope characterized by the following features.

2. The left image sensor (13) is positioned such that its light-sensitive sensor surface (19) is in contact with the surface of the deflection prism units (11, 12), and The right-side image sensor (14) is positioned such that its light-sensitive sensor surface (19) contacts the surface of the deflection prism unit (11, 12), and the light-sensitive sensor surface (24) of the right-side image sensor contacts the surface of the deflection prism unit (11, 12). A 3D video endoscope according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The deflection prism units (11, 12), the left image sensor (13), and the right image sensor (14) are combined into a deflection prism-image sensor-unit. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The left incident plane (15) of the left deflection prism (11) is directed towards the left objective lens (9), and, The left exit surface (18) of the left deflection prism (11) is directed towards the left image sensor (13). A 3D video endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. The left incident surface (15) of the left deflection prism (11) has a trapezoidal shape, and this trapezoid is at two right angles α Ｌ = β Ｌ = 90° and γ Ｌ = An angle having 45°, and δ Ｌ It has an angle of 135°, and angle γ Ｌ and δ Ｌ The trapezoidal side forming one of its sides demarcates the second deflection plane on the left. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The right-side incident plane (20) of the right-side deflection prism (12) is directed towards the right-side objective lens (10), and, The right-side exit surface (23) of the right-side deflection prism (12) is directed towards the right-side image sensor (14). A 3D video endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. The right incident surface (20) of the right deflection prism (12) has a trapezoidal shape, and this trapezoid has two right angles α Ｒ = β Ｒ = 90° and γ Ｒ = 45° angles and δ Ｒ = 135° angles, and angle γ Ｒ and δ Ｒ The trapezoidal side forming one of its sides demarcates the second deflection plane on the left. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

8. In a deflection prism unit, The left incident plane (15) of the left deflection prism (11) and the right incident plane (20) of the right deflection prism (12) are located in a common geometric incident plane-plane, and Both incident surfaces (15, 20) form a rectangle. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 6 or 7, which is dependent on claim 4 or 5, characterized by the above.

9. The angle between the left incident plane (15) of the left deflection prism (11) and the left first deflection plane (16) is ε Ｌ = forming a 45° angle. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 4 or 5, or any one of claims 6 to 8 dependent on claim 4 or 5.

10. The left incident plane (15) of the left deflection prism (11) and the left second deflection plane (17) are η Ｌ = forming a 90° angle. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 4, 5, or 9, or any one of claims 6 to 8 dependent on claim 4 or 5.

11. The left incident surface (15) of the left deflection prism (11) and the left exit surface (18) of the left deflection prism (11) are perpendicular to each other. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 4, 5, 9, or 10, characterized by, or according to any one of claims 6 to 8 dependent on claim 4 or 5.

12. The angle between the right incident plane (20) of the right deflection prism (12) and the right first deflection plane (21) is ε Ｒ = forming a 45° angle. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 6, 7, or 8, characterized by, or according to any one of claims 9 to 11 dependent on any one of claims 6, 7, or 8.

13. The right incident plane (20) of the right deflection prism (12) and the right second deflection plane (22) are, η Ｒ = forming a 90° angle. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 6, 7, 8, or 12, characterized by, or according to any one of claims 9 to 11 dependent on any one of claims 6, 7, or 8.

14. The right-side incident plane (20) of the right-side deflection prism (12) and the right-side exit plane (23) of the right-side deflection prism (12) are perpendicular to each other. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 6, 7, 8, 12, or 13, characterized by, or according to any one of claims 9 to 11 dependent on any one of claims 6, 7, or 8.

15. Within the deflection prism unit, The left exit surface (18) of the left deflection prism (11) and the right exit surface (23) of the right deflection prism (12) are parallel to each other. A 3D video endoscope according to claim 6 or 7, or claim 8, which is dependent on claim 4 or 5, characterized by the above.

16. Within the deflection prism unit, The first deflection plane on the left (16) and the first deflection plane on the right (21) are perpendicular to each other. A 3D video endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by the above.

17. The left incident plane (15) of the left deflection prism (11) is perpendicular to the geometrical end portion—the longitudinal axis (8), and, The right-side incident plane (20) of the right-side deflection prism (12) is perpendicular to the geometrical end portion - longitudinal axis (8). A 3D video endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by the above.

18. The deflection prism-image sensor-unit has a mathematically cylindrical outer shape. A 3D video endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by the above.

19. The deflection prism (11) on the left causes total internal reflection between the first deflection surface (16) on the left and the second deflection surface (17) on the left. A 3D video endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by the above.

20. The deflection prism (12) on the right side causes total internal reflection between the first deflection surface (21) on the right side and the second deflection surface (22) on the right side. A 3D video endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by the above.

21. The second deflection surface on the left (17) is the same size as the second deflection surface on the right (22), and The left deflection prism (11) and the right deflection prism (12) are combined such that the second deflection surface (17) on the left side is in complete contact with the second deflection surface (22) on the right side. A 3D video endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by the above.

22. 3D video endoscopic systems are equipped with image processing devices. The image processing device generates a three-dimensional image from the left image generated by the left image sensor (13) and the right image generated by the right image sensor (14). A 3D video endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by the above.

Images