Rigid lens device

Abstract

A single solid-state imaging element (92) is disposed with respect to a first optical system (38) and a second optical system (72) provided to a rigid endoscope (12). A first image (60) formed by a first light beam (96) emitted from an observation object (58) via the first optical system (38) and a second image (74) formed by a second light beam (98) emitted from the observation object (58) via the second optical system (72) are formed on an imaging surface (92A) of the solid-state imaging element (92). The solid-state imaging element (92) converts the first image (60) and the second image (74) into electrical signals. On the basis of the electrical signals from the solid-state imaging element (92), a first picture (132) corresponding to the first image (60) and a second picture (134) corresponding to the second image (74) are displayed on a display surface (128A) of a picture display unit (128).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rigid endoscope device.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-168717 describes an invention related to a video scope. In this video scope, an objective lens for the left eye and an objective lens for the right eye are provided in the lens barrel of the endoscope, and the images of the observation target captured by these objective lenses are converted into video signals by an imaging device. Then, this video signal is input to a stereoscopic image signal processing unit, and in the stereoscopic image signal processing unit, a stereoscopic image of the observation target is generated based on this video signal.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the prior art according to the above Patent Document 1, an imaging device is provided for each of the objective lens for the left eye and the objective lens for the right eye, and a stereoscopic image generated by processing the signals from these imaging devices is displayed on an image display unit. For this reason, depending on the signal processing, it is conceivable that the stereoscopic image of the observation target displayed on the image display unit deviates from the actual state of the observation target.

[0004] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a rigid endoscope device capable of observing an observation target in a state closer to the actual state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The rigid endoscope device according to the first aspect is composed of a rigid material, an outer lens barrel extending in a first direction, a first inner lens barrel composed of a rigid material and disposed inside the outer lens barrel and extending in the first direction, and disposed inside the first inner lens barrel and having a first optical axis extending in the first direction etaA first optical system, a second inner lens barrel made of a rigid material and disposed adjacent to the first inner lens barrel within the outer lens barrel and extending parallel to the first inner lens barrel, and a second optical axis disposed within the second inner lens barrel and extending parallel to the first optical axis. eta A second optical system, an imaging surface disposed on one side of the first direction of the first optical system and the second optical system, on which a first image formed by a first ray emitted from an observation object and passing through the first optical system and a second image formed by a second ray emitted from the observation object and passing through the second optical system are formed, and a single solid-state imaging device capable of converting light received by the imaging surface into an electrical signal, and based on the electrical signal , front A first image corresponding to the first image and a second image corresponding to the second image can be displayed. na table An image display unit having a display surface.

[0006] According to the rigid endoscope apparatus according to the first aspect, an outer lens barrel made of a rigid material and extending in the first direction is provided, and a first inner lens barrel and a second inner lens barrel are disposed within the outer lens barrel. The first inner lens barrel and the second inner lens barrel are each made of a rigid material. The first inner lens barrel extends in the first direction, and the second inner lens barrel is disposed adjacent to the first inner lens barrel and extends parallel to the first inner lens barrel.

[0007] In addition, a first optical system having a first optical axis extending in the first direction is disposed inside the first inner lens barrel, and a second optical system having a second optical axis extending parallel to the first optical axis is disposed inside the second inner lens barrel. A solid-state imaging device is disposed on one side of the first direction of the first optical system and the second optical system. Therefore, the observation object can be stereoscopically viewed by using the images formed on the imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device by the first optical system and the second optical system.

[0008] Incidentally, in a configuration where a solid-state imaging device is provided for each of the first optical system and the second optical system, a stereoscopic image of an observation target is generated by processing signals based on images formed on different imaging surfaces. Therefore, depending on how the signal processing is performed, the stereoscopic image of the observation target obtained based on these images may deviate from the actual state of the observation target.

[0009] Here, in the present embodiment, a single solid-state imaging device is arranged with respect to the first optical system and the second optical system. And on the imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device, a first image formed by a first light beam emitted from the observation target and passing through the first optical system and a second image formed by a second light beam emitted from the observation target and passing through the second optical system are formed, and the solid-state imaging device converts the first image and the second image into electrical signals.

[0010] On the other hand, in the image display unit, based on the electrical signals of the solid-state imaging device, a first image corresponding to the first image and a second image corresponding to the second image are displayed on the display surface. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the observer looks at the display surface of the image display unit, the observer can perform stereoscopic viewing of the observation target by the parallel method by using the first image and the second image obtained by similarly signal-processing the first image and the second image.

[0011] The rigid endoscope device according to the second aspect further includes an optical path adjustment unit interposed between the outer lens barrel and the solid-state imaging device in the rigid endoscope device according to the first aspect, and the optical path adjustment unit is configured to cause the first image and the second image not to overlap on the display surface and to cause the reference point of the observation target in the first image and the reference point in the second image to be located at the same height as viewed from the observer. At least one of the first light beam and the second light beam can be adjusted.

[0012] According to the rigid endoscope device according to the second aspect, an optical path adjustment unit is interposed between the outer lens barrel and the solid-state imaging device. And the optical path adjustment unit adjusts at least one of the first light beam that has passed through the first optical system and the second light beam that has passed through the second optical system. As a result, on the display surface of the image display unit, the first image and the second image are displayed so as not to overlap each other and the reference point of the observation target in the first image and the reference point in the second image are at the same height when viewed from the observer.

[0013] The rigid endoscope device according to the third aspect is the rigid endoscope device according to the second aspect, wherein the optical path adjustment unit is capable of adjusting the first light beam and the second light beam, and is disposed on one side of the first optical system in the first direction. A first lens prism capable of refracting the first light beam to the one side in the second direction along a straight line passing through the first optical axis and the second optical axis when viewed from the first direction, on the opposite side of the second optical system with respect to the first optical system in the second direction; a first position adjustment lens system for adjusting the first light beam refracted by the first lens prism so that the first image is formed at a predetermined position; a first focus adjustment lens system disposed on one side of the first position adjustment lens system in the first direction and for adjusting the focal position of the first optical system; a second lens prism capable of refracting the first light beam that has passed through the first focus adjustment lens system to the other side in the second direction; a third lens prism disposed on one side of the second optical system in the first direction and capable of refracting the second light beam to the other side in the second direction; a second position adjustment lens system for adjusting the second light beam refracted by the third lens prism so that the second image is formed at a predetermined position; a second focus adjustment lens system disposed on one side of the second position adjustment lens system in the first direction and for adjusting the focal position of the second optical system; and a fourth lens prism capable of refracting the second light beam that has passed through the second focus adjustment lens system to the one side in the second direction.

[0014] According to the rigid lens device according to the third aspect, the optical path adjustment unit adjusts the first light beam that has passed through the first optical system and the second light beam that has passed through the second optical system. Specifically, the optical path adjustment unit includes a first lens prism through which the first light beam passes, a first position adjustment lens system, a first focus adjustment lens system, and a second lens prism, and also includes a third lens prism through which the second light beam passes, a second position adjustment lens system, a second focus adjustment lens system, and a fourth lens prism.

[0015] The first lens prism is disposed on one side in the first direction of the first optical system, and the first light beam that has passed through the first optical system is refracted by the first lens prism and travels toward the first position adjustment lens system. Then, in the first position adjustment lens system, the first light beam is adjusted so that the first image is formed at a predetermined position on the imaging surface.

[0016] The first light beam that has passed through the first position adjustment lens system travels toward the first focus adjustment lens system disposed on one side in the first direction of the first position adjustment lens system. In the first focus adjustment lens system, the focal position of the first optical system is adjusted so that the first light beam converges at a predetermined point. Then, the first light beam that has passed through the first focus adjustment lens system travels toward the imaging surface through the second lens prism.

[0017] On the other hand, the third lens prism is disposed on one side in the first direction of the second optical system, and the second light beam that has passed through the second optical system is refracted by the third lens prism and travels toward the second position adjustment lens system. Then, in the second position adjustment lens system, the second light beam is adjusted so that the second image is formed at a predetermined position on the imaging surface.

[0018] The second light beam that has passed through the second position adjustment lens system travels toward the second focus adjustment lens system disposed on one side in the first direction of the second position adjustment lens system. In the second focus adjustment lens system, the focal position of the second optical system is adjusted so that the second light beam converges at a predetermined point. Then, the second light beam that has passed through the second focus adjustment lens system travels toward the imaging surface through the fourth lens prism.

[0019] Incidentally, in a configuration where the first light beam travels linearly along the first direction from the first optical system toward the first position adjustment lens system, it is conceivable that it becomes impossible to secure a space for arranging the first position adjustment lens system and the first focus adjustment lens system. On the other hand, in a configuration where the first light beam travels linearly along the first direction from the first focus adjustment lens system toward the solid-state imaging device, it is conceivable that the degree of freedom in the shape and size of the solid-state imaging device is reduced.

[0020] Further, in a configuration where the second light beam travels linearly along the first direction from the second optical system toward the second position adjustment lens system, it is conceivable that it becomes impossible to secure a space for arranging the second position adjustment lens system and the second focus adjustment lens system. On the other hand, in a configuration where the second light beam travels linearly along the first direction from the second focus adjustment lens system toward the solid-state imaging device, it is conceivable that the degree of freedom in the shape and size of the solid-state imaging device is reduced.

[0021] Here, in the present aspect, the first lens prism refracts the first light beam to one side in the second direction on the opposite side of the second optical system with respect to the first optical system along a straight line passing through the first optical axis of the first optical system and the second optical axis of the second optical system when viewed from the first direction. On the other hand, the second lens prism refracts the first light beam to the other side in the second direction.

[0022] Further, the third lens prism refracts the second light beam to the other side in the second direction. On the other hand, the fourth lens prism refracts the second light beam to one side in the second direction.

[0023] Therefore, in the present aspect, by refracting the first light beam with the first lens prism and the second light beam with the second lens prism, respectively, it is possible to secure a space for arranging the first position adjustment lens system, the first focus adjustment lens system, the second position adjustment lens system, and the second focus adjustment lens system. Further, by refracting the first light beam with the second lens prism and the second light beam with the fourth lens prism, respectively, it is possible to adjust the optical path distance between the first light beam and the second light beam according to the shape and size of the solid-state imaging device.

[0024] The rigid endoscope device of the fourth aspect is the rigid endoscope device of the third aspect, wherein the optical path adjustment unit further comprises a first shielding unit that is arranged on one side of the second direction between the first position adjustment lens system and the first focus adjustment lens system and blocks the first light ray so that an image corresponding to a portion that is included in the first image but not included in the second image is not included in the first image, and a second shielding unit that is arranged on the other side of the second direction between the second position adjustment lens system and the second focus adjustment lens system and blocks the second light ray so that an image corresponding to a portion that is included in the second image but not included in the first image is not included in the second image.

[0025] In a rigid endoscope device according to a fourth aspect, the optical path adjustment unit includes a first shielding unit and a second shielding unit. The first shielding unit is disposed on one side in the second direction between the first position adjusting lens system and the first focus adjusting lens system, and blocks the first light ray so that an image corresponding to a portion that is included in the first image but not included in the second image is not included in the first image.

[0026] On the other hand, the second shielding portion is disposed on the other side in the second direction between the second position adjusting lens system and the second focus adjusting lens system, and the second shielding portion blocks the second light ray so that an image corresponding to a portion that is included in the second image but not included in the first image is not included in the second image. Therefore, in this aspect, the same portion of the object to be observed can be displayed in the first image and the second image displayed on the display surface of the image display unit, allowing the observer to observe the object with highly accurate stereoscopic vision.

[0027] The rigid endoscope device of the fifth aspect is a rigid endoscope device of any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising an image viewing assistance unit that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the display surface and includes a first magnifying lens for the left eye that can magnify the first image and a second magnifying lens for the right eye that can magnify the second image.

[0028] According to the rigid endoscope device according to the fifth aspect, it has an image viewing assistance unit that can move in a direction orthogonal to the display surface of the image display unit, and the image viewing assistance unit includes a first magnifying lens for the left eye and a second magnifying lens for the right eye. By moving the image viewing assistance unit in a direction orthogonal to the display surface, the first image can be magnified by the first magnifying lens and the second image can be magnified by the second magnifying lens. Therefore, in this aspect, the observer can observe the observation target in more detail.

[0029] The rigid endoscope device according to the sixth aspect is the rigid endoscope device according to the fifth aspect, and the image viewing assistance unit further includes an image separation unit capable of hiding the second image when viewed from the first magnifying lens and hiding the first image when viewed from the second magnifying lens.

[0030] According to the rigid endoscope device according to the sixth aspect, since the image viewing assistance unit includes an image separation unit, when the observer views the display surface of the image display unit with the right eye from the first magnifying lens, the first image can be seen, but the second image is in a state hidden by the image separation unit. Also, when the observer views the display surface of the image display unit with the left eye from the second magnifying lens, the second image can be seen, but the first image is in a state hidden by the image separation unit. Therefore, in this aspect, the observer can observe the observation target with higher-precision stereoscopic vision.

Effect of the Invention

[0031] As described above, the rigid endoscope device according to the present disclosure has an excellent effect that the observation target can be observed in a state closer to the actual state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a rigid endoscope device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the rigid endoscope device 10 according to this embodiment includes a rigid endoscope 12, a first support arm 14 that supports the rigid endoscope 12, an image display device 16, and a second support arm 18 that supports the image display device 16.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the rigid endoscope 12 includes an insertion portion 22 that can be inserted into a subject 20 (see FIG. 9), an imaging device 24, and an attachment portion 26 as an optical path adjustment portion interposed between the insertion portion 22 and the imaging device 24.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the insertion section 22 includes an outer lens barrel 28, a first monocular 30, and a second monocular 32.

[0036] Outer barrel 28 is made of a hard material such as stainless steel, has an outer diameter of about 5.5 mm, and is shaped like a covered cylinder extending in a first direction. One side of outer barrel 28 in the first direction is supported by support tube 34, and one side of support tube 34 in the first direction is supported by attachment 26. In each drawing, the first direction is indicated by arrow X.

[0037] The first monocular 30 includes a first inner lens barrel 36 and a first optical system 38. The first inner lens barrel 36 is made of a hard material such as stainless steel, for example, and has an outer diameter of about 2.5 mm and a cylindrical shape extending in a first direction, with a light guide fiber 40 provided on its outer periphery.

[0038] The light guide fiber 40 guides light emitted from a light source (not shown) to an end 36A (tip) on the other side in the first direction of the first inner barrel 36, and is capable of emitting illumination light from the end 36A. As shown in Fig. 6, the light guide fiber 40 extends to the light source through a guide pipe 42 provided in the support cylinder portion 34 and a guide tube 44 extending from the guide pipe 42. A first optical system 38 is disposed inside the first inner barrel 36.

[0039] The first optical system 38 is composed of an objective lens system 46 arranged on the end 36A side of the first inner lens barrel 36, an eyepiece lens system 48 arranged on the end 36B side opposite the end 36A side of the first inner lens barrel 36, and a plurality of relay lenses 50 arranged between the objective lens system 46 and the eyepiece lens system 48.

[0040] The objective lens system 46 is configured such that the objective lenses 52, 54, 56 are connected in a first direction and can form a first image 60 (see FIG. 3) of an observation target 58 (see FIG. 9) of the specimen 20. The first image 60 formed by the objective lens system 46 is transmitted to the eyepiece lens system 48 side via a plurality of relay lenses 50.

[0041] The eyepiece lens system 48 is configured such that the eyepiece lenses 62, 64, 66 are connected in a first direction and can form an image of the first image 60 transmitted from the relay lens 50. The optical axis of the first optical system 38 configured as described above, that is, the first optical axis 68, extends in the first direction.

[0042] The second monocular lens 32 includes a second inner barrel 70 and a second optical system 72. The second inner barrel 70 has the same configuration as the first inner barrel 36 and extends parallel to the first inner barrel 36 in a state adjacent to the first inner barrel 36. A light guide fiber 40 is provided on the outer periphery of the second inner barrel 70, and the second optical system 72 is disposed inside the second inner barrel 70.

[0043] The second optical system 72 has the same configuration as the first optical system 38 and includes an objective lens system 46, an eyepiece lens system 48, and a plurality of relay lenses 50. The second optical system 72 can form and form an image of a second image 74 (see FIG. 3) of the observation target 58. The optical axis of the second optical system 72, that is, the second optical axis 76, is in a state parallel to the first optical axis 68 by positioning the first inner barrel 36 and the second inner barrel 70 with an alignment jig 78 as described later.

[0044] In addition, in this embodiment, as an example, the distance between the first optical axis 68 (the central axis of the first inner lens barrel 36) and the second optical axis 76 (the central axis of the second inner lens barrel 70) as viewed from the first direction is set to 3.2 [mm]. Hereinafter, the direction along the straight line passing through the first optical axis 68 and the second optical axis 76 as viewed from the first direction is referred to as the second direction, and with respect to the first optical system 38, the side opposite to the second optical system 72 is defined as one side of the second direction. Also, in each figure, the second direction is indicated by an arrow Y.

[0045] In addition, the first optical system 38 and the second optical system 72 configured as described above are capable of setting a relatively deep depth of focus, and it is possible to form an image of the observation object 58 even when the eyepiece lens system 48 approaches or separates from the observation object 58 within a predetermined range. Specifically, in this embodiment, as an example, the field angles of the first optical system 38 and the second optical system 72 are set to 80 [°] to 90 [°], and the focal lengths of the first optical system 38 and the second optical system 72 are set to 25 [mm] to 30 [mm].

[0046] Here, with reference to FIG. 8, an adjustment jig 78 for adjusting the positional relationship between the first inner lens barrel 36 and the second inner lens barrel 70 will be described. The adjustment jig 78 includes a pair of prisms 82, a pair of lenses 84, and a pair of imaging elements 86 that are symmetrically arranged with respect to a reference plane 80.

[0047] The prism 82 includes a flat surface portion 82A, a flat surface portion 82B orthogonal to the flat surface portion 82A, and a flat surface portion 82C connecting the end of the flat surface portion 82A and the end of the flat surface portion 82B. This prism 82 is arranged in a state where the flat surface portion 82A is orthogonal to the reference plane 80 and the flat surface portion 82B is separated from the reference plane 80.

[0048] The lens 84 is arranged on the side opposite to the reference plane 80 with respect to the prism 82 such that approximately half of the lens 84 overlaps the flat surface portion 82B when viewed from the thickness direction thereof and the optical axis thereof is orthogonal to the flat surface portion 82B.

[0049] The imaging element 86 is arranged on the opposite side of the reference plane 80 with respect to the lens 84 such that the center point of the imaging surface 86A is located on the optical axis of the lens 84, and is capable of outputting, as an image, the image formed on the imaging surface 86A to a monitor (not shown).

[0050] Also, at positions separated from the respective flat portions 82A by a predetermined distance, a first target 88 corresponding to one prism 82 and a second target 90 corresponding to the other prism 82 are arranged so as to be symmetric with respect to the reference plane 80. Note that the shapes of the first target 88 and the second target 90 can be arbitrarily set, but these shapes are set to be the same when viewed from the prism 82 side.

[0051] In the alignment jig 78 configured as described above, with respect to the flat portion 82A of one prism 82, the first inner barrel 36 is arranged such that the first optical axis 68 is orthogonal to the flat portion 82A, whereby the image of the first target 88 captured by the imaging element 86 corresponding to the prism 82 is projected onto one monitor.

[0052] Also, with respect to the flat portion 82A of the other prism 82, the second inner barrel 70 is arranged such that the second optical axis 76 is orthogonal to the flat portion 82A, whereby the image of the second target 90 captured by the imaging element 86 corresponding to the prism 82 is projected onto the other monitor.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first inner barrel 36 and the second inner barrel 70 are positioned such that the images of the first target 88 and the second target 90 are in focus and the center of the display surface of the monitor coincides with the center of the image. Also, in this state, the first inner barrel 36 and the second inner barrel 70 are fixed to the outer barrel 28. Note that the distance between the central axis of the first inner barrel 36 and the central axis of the second inner barrel 70 is maintained at 3.2 [mm].

[0054] Returning to FIG. 1, the imaging device 24 is a high-definition video camera capable of supporting full high-definition and the like, and includes a solid-state imaging device 92 having an imaging surface 92A that is rectangular when viewed from the first direction, and a housing portion 94 that houses the solid-state imaging device 92.

[0055] As the solid-state imaging device 92, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor can be adopted.

[0056] The housing portion 94 is connected to the attachment portion 26, and the inside of the housing portion 94 communicates with the inside of the attachment portion 26.

[0057] Then, as shown in FIG. 3, on the imaging surface 92A, a first image 60 formed by a first light ray 96 (see FIG. 1) emitted from the observation target 58 and passing through the first optical system 38 and the attachment portion 26, and a second light ray 98 (see FIG. 1) emitted from the observation target 58 and passing through the second optical system 72 and the attachment portion 26 form a second image 74. The solid-state imaging device 92 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the imaging surface 92A is the second direction, and the first image 60 and the second image 74 are formed in parallel in the second direction.

[0058] Also, the solid-state imaging device 92 is capable of converting the light received by the imaging surface 92A into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is input to the image display device 16 via a wiring portion 100 connected to the imaging device 24 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 1, the attachment portion 26 includes a cylindrical case portion 102. Inside the case portion 102, a first lens prism 104, a first position adjustment lens 106 as a first position adjustment lens system, a first focus adjustment lens 108 as a first focus adjustment lens system, a second lens prism 110, a third lens prism 112, a second position adjustment lens 114 as a second position adjustment lens system, a second focus adjustment lens 116 as a second focus adjustment lens system, a fourth lens prism 118, a first shielding portion 120, and a second shielding portion 122 are arranged.

[0060] The first lens prism 104, the first position adjustment lens 106, the first focus adjustment lens 108, and the second lens prism 110 are configured to be able to adjust the first light beam 96 by allowing the first light beam 96 that has passed through the first optical system 38 to pass through.

[0061] Specifically, the first lens prism 104 is arranged on one side in the first direction of the first optical system 38. The first light beam 96 is refracted to one side in the second direction and then refracted to one side in the first direction by passing through the first lens prism 104. As a result, the distance between the optical path of the first light beam 96 and the center line CL of the insertion portion 22 is greater after the first light beam 96 passes through the first lens prism 104 than before the first light beam 96 passes through the first lens prism 104.

[0062] The first position adjustment lens 106 is arranged on one side in the first direction of the first lens prism 104, and is configured to be able to adjust the first light beam 96 so that the first light beam 96 that has passed through the first lens prism 104 forms an image at a predetermined position on the imaging surface 92A of the solid-state imaging device 92. Also, the first position adjustment lens 106 may be arranged in a plurality of sheets connected in the first direction.

[0063] The first focus adjustment lens 108 is arranged such that a first light beam 96 that has passed through the first position adjustment lens 106 passes through it on one side in the first direction of the first position adjustment lens 106, and adjusts the focal position of the first optical system 38. Here, the focal point of the first optical system 38 means the focal point of the optical system through which the first light beam 96 including the first optical system 38 passes. Also, the first focus adjustment lens 108 may be arranged in a plurality of sheets connected in the first direction.

[0064] The second lens prism 110 is arranged on one side in the first direction of the first focus adjustment lens 108. The first light beam 96 passes through the second lens prism 110, refracts to the other side in the second direction, and then refracts to one side in the first direction. As a result, the distance between the optical path of the first light beam 96 and the center line CL of the insertion portion 22 is smaller after the first light beam 96 passes through the second lens prism 110 than before passing through the second lens prism 110, and the first light beam 96 reaches the imaging surface 92A.

[0065] On the other hand, the third lens prism 112, the second position adjustment lens 114, the second focus adjustment lens 116, and the fourth lens prism 118 can adjust the second light beam 98 by the second light beam 98 that has passed through the second optical system 72 passing through them.

[0066] Specifically, the third lens prism 112 is arranged on one side in the first direction of the second optical system 72. The second light beam 98 passes through the third lens prism 112, refracts to the other side in the second direction, and then refracts to one side in the first direction. As a result, the distance between the optical path of the second light beam 98 and the center line CL of the insertion portion 22 is larger after the second light beam 98 passes through the third lens prism 112 than before passing through the third lens prism 112.

[0067] The second position adjustment lens 114 is disposed on one side in the first direction of the third lens prism 112, and the second light beam 98 that has passed through the third lens prism 112 is adjustable so as to be imaged at a predetermined position on the imaging surface 92A of the solid-state imaging device 92. Further, a plurality of the second position adjustment lenses 114 may be arranged in a row in the first direction.

[0068] The second focus adjustment lens 116 is disposed on one side in the first direction of the second position adjustment lens 114 so that the second light beam 98 that has passed through the second position adjustment lens 114 passes therethrough, and adjusts the focal position of the second optical system 72. Here, the focus of the second optical system 72 means the focus of the optical system through which the second light beam 98 including the second optical system 72 passes. Further, a plurality of the second focus adjustment lenses 116 may be arranged in a row in the first direction.

[0069] The fourth lens prism 118 is disposed on one side in the first direction of the second focus adjustment lens 116, and the second light beam 98 is refracted to one side in the second direction and then refracted to one side in the first direction by passing through the fourth lens prism 118. As a result, the distance between the optical path of the second light beam 98 and the center line CL of the insertion portion 22 is smaller after the second light beam 98 passes through the fourth lens prism 118 than before passing through the fourth lens prism 118, and the second light beam 98 reaches the imaging surface 92A.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first lens prism 104, the first position adjustment lens 106, the first focus adjustment lens 108, the second lens prism 110, the third lens prism 112, the second position adjustment lens 114, the second focus adjustment lens 116, and the fourth lens prism 118 are arranged as described above, so that the first image 60 and the second image 74 do not overlap on the imaging surface 92A of the solid-state imaging device 92, and the center point (reference point) of the first image 60 and the center point (reference point) of the second image 74 coincide in the short-side direction (height direction) of the imaging surface 92A. Note that

[0071] The first shielding portion 120 has a plate thickness direction defined as a first direction and is shaped like a rectangular plate when viewed from the first direction, and extends from one side in the second direction to the other side in the second direction of the peripheral wall portion 102A of the case portion 102. This first shielding portion 120 is disposed in the same position in the first direction as the focal point of the optical system including the first optical system 38, the first lens prism 104, and the first position adjustment lens 106, and covers a portion of the first side in the second direction of the first position adjustment lens 106 when viewed from the first direction.

[0072] The first shielding portion 120 blocks a portion of the first light ray 96 so that the portion that is included in the first image 60 (when the first shielding portion 120 is not provided) but not included in the second image 74 is not reflected on the imaging surface 92A.

[0073] The second shielding portion 122 has a plate thickness direction defined as a first direction and is shaped like a rectangular plate when viewed from the first direction, and extends to one side in the second direction from a portion on the other side in the second direction of the peripheral wall portion 102A of the case portion 102. This second shielding portion 122 is disposed in the same position in the first direction as the focal point of the optical system including the second optical system 72, the third lens prism 112, and the second position adjustment lens 114, and covers a portion of the second position adjustment lens 114 on the other side in the second direction when viewed from the first direction.

[0074] The second shielding portion 122 blocks a portion of the second light ray 98 so that the portion that is included in the second image 74 (when the second shielding portion 122 is not provided) but not included in the first image 60 is not reflected on the imaging surface 92A.

[0075] The rigid endoscope 12 can adjust its relative position relative to the subject 20 within a predetermined range by adjusting the first support arm 14. In this embodiment, by adjusting the first support arm 14 or moving the rigid endoscope 12 relative to the first support arm 14, the rigid endoscope 12 can be moved relative to the subject 20 in the direction in which the first optical axis 68 and the second optical axis 76 extend, i.e., in the first direction.

[0076] On the one hand, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 10, the image display device 16 includes a device main body 124 and an image visual recognition assistance unit 126.

[0077] The device main body 124 includes an image display unit 128 and a housing unit 130 that houses the image display unit 128. The image display unit 128 is configured to include a high-definition monitor capable of corresponding to full high vision or the like, and includes a display surface 128A that is rectangular in a front view.

[0078] Also, as described above, the first image 60 and the second image 74 are input into the image display unit 128 as electrical signals from the solid-state imaging device 92, and an image is output based on the electrical signals. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, a first image 132 corresponding to the first image 60 is displayed on the left side (one side in the longitudinal direction) of the display surface 128A in the longitudinal direction of the display surface 128A. Also, a second image 134 corresponding to the second image 74 is displayed on the right side (the other side in the longitudinal direction) of the display surface 128A in the longitudinal direction of the display surface 128A.

[0079] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, by adjusting the first light beam 96 and the second light beam 98 by the attachment unit 26, the first image 132 and the second image 134 are displayed on the display surface 128A so that the first image 132 and the second image 134 do not overlap and the center points (reference points) of the first image 132 and the second image 134 coincide with each other in the short side direction (height direction) of the display surface 128A as viewed from the observer 146. In FIG. 11, the height direction of the display surface 128A is indicated by an arrow Z.

[0080] Note that the distance between the center point of the first image 132 and the center point of the second image 134 is preferably set to the standard interpupillary distance of an adult. In the present embodiment, as an example, the distance between the center point of the first image 132 and the center point of the second image 134 is set to 65 [mm].

[0081] On one hand, the image recognition assistance unit 126 includes a first magnifying lens 136 for the left eye, a second magnifying lens 138 for the right eye, and a case unit 140 to which the first magnifying lens 136 and the second magnifying lens 138 are attached.

[0082] The case unit 140 is attached to the device main body unit 124 in a state where it is movable relative to the device main body unit 124 in the thickness direction of the first magnifying lens 136 and the second magnifying lens 138 (the direction orthogonal to the display surface 128A). Further, the case unit 140 is provided with an eye cap unit 142 that surrounds the first magnifying lens 136 and the second magnifying lens 138 from the surroundings. Furthermore, the case unit 140 is provided with a separation plate unit 144 as an image separation unit disposed between the first magnifying lens 136 and the second magnifying lens 138 when viewed from the thickness direction of the first magnifying lens 136 and the second magnifying lens 138, and the inside of the case unit 140 is partitioned by the separation plate unit 144.

[0083] And when the observer 146 peeks at the display surface 128A of the image display unit 128 through the first magnifying lens 136 and the second magnifying lens 138 from the eye cap unit 142, as shown in FIG. 11, the separation plate unit 144 is capable of hiding the second image 134 when viewed from the first magnifying lens 136 and hiding the first image 132 when viewed from the second magnifying lens 138.

[0084] In FIG. 11, the portion surrounded by the dotted line on the left side in the longitudinal direction of the display surface 128A in the first image 132 corresponds to the portion that is included in the first image 60 and not included in the second image 74 in the first image 132 in a state where the above-described first shielding unit 120 is not provided.

[0085] Furthermore, the portion surrounded by the dotted line on the right side in the longitudinal direction of the display surface 128A in the second image 134 corresponds to the portion that is included in the second image 74 and not included in the first image 60 in the second image 134 in a state where the above-described second shielding unit 122 is not provided.

[0086] Note that the image display device 16 can be adjusted in position within a predetermined range by adjusting the second support arm 18.

[0087] (Actions and Effects of this Embodiment) Next, the actions and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0088] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the insertion portion 22 of the rigid endoscope 12 is composed of a rigid material and includes an outer lens barrel 28 extending in the first direction. Inside the outer lens barrel 28, a first inner lens barrel 36 and a second inner lens barrel 70 are arranged. The first inner lens barrel 36 and the second inner lens barrel 70 are each composed of a rigid material. The first inner lens barrel 36 extends in the first direction, and the second inner lens barrel 70 is arranged adjacent to the first inner lens barrel 36 and extends in parallel with the first inner lens barrel 36.

[0089] Also, inside the first inner lens barrel 36, a first optical system 38 having a first optical axis 68 extending in the first direction is arranged. Inside the second inner lens barrel 70, a second optical system 72 having a second optical axis 76 extending parallel to the first optical axis 68 is arranged. And on one side in the first direction of the first optical system 38 and the second optical system 72, a solid-state imaging device 92 is arranged.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 9, when observing the observation target 58 of the subject 20, the insertion portion 22 is inserted into the inside of the subject 20 from the opening of the subject 20, and the tip of the insertion portion 22 is directed toward the observation target 58. Therefore, the observation target 58 can be stereoscopically observed using the images formed on the imaging surface 92A of the solid-state imaging device 92 by the first optical system 38 and the second optical system 72.

[0091] In a configuration in which a solid-state imaging element 92 is provided for each of the first optical system 38 and the second optical system 72, signals based on images formed on different imaging surfaces 92A are processed to generate a three-dimensional image of the observation target 58. For this reason, depending on the signal processing, the three-dimensional image of the observation target 58 obtained based on these images may deviate from the actual state of the observation target 58.

[0092] 3, in this embodiment, a single solid-state imaging element 92 is disposed for the first optical system 38 and the second optical system 72. A first image 60 formed by a first light ray 96 emitted from the observation object 58 and passing through the first optical system 38, and a second image 74 formed by a second light ray 98 emitted from the observation object 58 and passing through the second optical system 72, are formed on an imaging surface 92A of the solid-state imaging element 92, and the solid-state imaging element 92 converts the first image 60 and the second image 74 into electrical signals.

[0093] 11, in the image display unit 128, a first image 132 corresponding to the first image 60 and a second image 134 corresponding to the second image 74 are displayed on the display surface 128A based on the electrical signals of the solid-state imaging element 92. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the observer 146 looks at the display surface 128A of the image display unit 128, the observer can stereoscopically view the observed object 58 by the parallel method by using the first image 132 and the second image 134 obtained by similarly processing the signals of the first image 60 and the second image 74.

[0094] 1, in this embodiment, an attachment unit 26 is interposed between the outer lens barrel 28 and the solid-state imaging element 92. The attachment unit 26 adjusts the first light ray 96 that has passed through the first optical system 38 and the second light ray 98 that has passed through the second optical system 72. As a result, on the display surface 128A of the image display unit 128, the first image 132 and the second image 134 are displayed without overlapping each other, so that the reference point of the object of observation 58 in the first image 132 and the reference point in the second image 134 are at the same height as seen by the observer 146.

[0095] More specifically, the attachment unit 26 includes a first lens prism 104, a first position adjustment lens 106, a first focus adjustment lens 108, and a second lens prism 110, through which the first light ray 96 passes. The attachment unit 26 also includes a third lens prism 112, a second position adjustment lens 114, a second focus adjustment lens 116, and a fourth lens prism 118, through which the second light ray 98 passes.

[0096] The first lens prism 104 is disposed on one side of the first optical system 38 in the first direction, and the first light ray 96 that has passed through the first optical system 38 is refracted by the first lens prism 104 and travels to the first position adjustment lens 106. The first position adjustment lens 106 then adjusts the first light ray 96 so that the first image 60 is formed at a predetermined position on the imaging surface 92A.

[0097] The first light ray 96 that has passed through the first position adjustment lens 106 proceeds to the first focus adjustment lens 108 that is disposed on one side of the first position adjustment lens 106 in the first direction, and the first focus adjustment lens 108 adjusts the focal position of the first optical system 38 so that the first light ray 96 converges at a predetermined point. Then, the first light ray 96 that has passed through the first focus adjustment lens 108 proceeds to the imaging plane 92A via the second lens prism.

[0098] On the other hand, the third lens prism 112 is disposed on one side of the second optical system 72 in the first direction, and the second light ray 98 that has passed through the second optical system 72 is refracted by the third lens prism 112 and proceeds to the second position adjustment lens 114. The second position adjustment lens 114 then adjusts the second light ray 98 so that the second image 74 is formed at a predetermined position on the imaging surface 92A.

[0099] The second light ray 98 that has passed through the second position adjustment lens 114 proceeds to the second focus adjustment lens 116 that is disposed on one side of the second position adjustment lens 114 in the first direction, and the second focus adjustment lens 116 adjusts the focal position of the second optical system 72 so that the second light ray 98 converges at a predetermined point. Then, the second light ray 98 that has passed through the second focus adjustment lens 116 proceeds to the imaging surface 92A via the fourth lens prism 118.

[0100] Incidentally, in a configuration where the first light beam 96 linearly travels along the first direction from the first optical system 38 toward the first position adjustment lens 106, it is conceivable that there will be no space available for arranging the first position adjustment lens 106 and the first focus adjustment lens 108. On the other hand, in a configuration where the first light beam linearly travels along the first direction from the first focus adjustment lens 108 toward the solid-state imaging device 92, it is conceivable that the degree of freedom in the shape and size of the solid-state imaging device 92 will be reduced.

[0101] Also, in a configuration where the second light beam 98 linearly travels along the first direction from the second optical system 72 toward the second position adjustment lens 114, it is conceivable that there will be no space available for arranging the second position adjustment lens 114 and the second focus adjustment lens 116. On the other hand, in a configuration where the second light beam 98 linearly travels along the first direction from the second focus adjustment lens 116 toward the solid-state imaging device 92, it is conceivable that the degree of freedom in the shape and size of the solid-state imaging device 92 will be reduced.

[0102] Here, in the present embodiment, the first lens prism 104 refracts the first light beam 96 to one side in the second direction. On the other hand, the second lens prism 110 refracts the first light beam 96 to the other side in the second direction.

[0103] Also, the third lens prism 112 refracts the second light beam 98 to the other side in the second direction. On the other hand, the fourth lens prism 118 refracts the second light beam 98 to one side in the second direction.

[0104] Therefore, in the present embodiment, by refracting the first light beam 96 with the first lens prism 104 and the second light beam with the second lens prism 110, respectively, it is possible to secure a space for arranging the first position adjustment lens 106, the first focus adjustment lens 108, the second position adjustment lens 114, and the second focus adjustment lens 116. Also, by refracting the first light beam 96 with the second lens prism 110 and the second light beam 98 with the fourth lens prism 118, respectively, it is possible to adjust the optical path distance between the first light beam 96 and the second light beam 98 according to the shape and size of the solid-state imaging device 92.

[0105] Further, in the present embodiment, the attachment portion 26 includes a first shielding portion 120 and a second shielding portion 122. The first shielding portion 120 is disposed on one side in the second direction between the first position adjustment lens 106 and the first focus adjustment lens 108. The first shielding portion 120 blocks the first light beam 96 so that an image corresponding to a portion included in the first image 60 and not included in the second image 74 is not included in the first image 132.

[0106] On the other hand, the second shielding portion 122 is disposed on the other side in the second direction between the second position adjustment lens 114 and the second focus adjustment lens 116. The second shielding portion 122 blocks the second light beam 98 so that an image corresponding to a portion included in the second image 74 and not included in the first image 60 is not included in the second image 134. Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the same part of the observation target 58 can be displayed on the first image 132 and the second image 134 displayed on the display surface 128A of the image display unit 128, the observer 146 can observe the observation target 58 with highly accurate stereoscopic vision.

[0107] Further, in the present embodiment, an image viewing assist portion 126 that is movable in a direction orthogonal to the display surface 128A of the image display unit 128 is provided. The image viewing assist portion 126 includes a first magnifying lens 136 for the left eye and a second magnifying lens 138 for the right eye. By moving the image viewing assist portion 126 in a direction orthogonal to the display surface, the first image 132 can be magnified by the first magnifying lens 136, and the second image 134 can be magnified by the second magnifying lens 138. Therefore, the observer 146 can observe the observation target 58 in more detail.

[0108] Moreover, by moving the image viewing assist portion 126 in a direction orthogonal to the display surface, the apparent distance between the first image 132 and the second image 134 seen by the observer 146 can be adjusted to a distance corresponding to the interpupillary distance of the observer 146. As a result, the observer 146 can smoothly perform stereoscopic viewing of the observation target 58.

[0109] In addition, in the present embodiment, the image visual recognition assisting unit 126 includes a separation plate portion 144. When the observer 146 views the display surface 128A of the image display unit 128 with the right eye through the first magnifying lens 136, the first image 132 can be seen, but the second image 134 is in a state of being hidden by the separation plate portion 144. Further, when the observer 146 views the display surface 128A of the image display unit 128 with the left eye through the second magnifying lens 138, the second image 134 can be seen, but the first image 132 is in a state of being hidden by the separation plate portion 144. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the observer 146 can observe the observation target 58 with higher-precision stereoscopic vision.

[0110] As described above, according to the rigid endoscope device 10 according to the present embodiment, the observation target 58 can be observed in a state closer to the actual state.

[0111] Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a mirror unit 148 may be attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 22. This mirror unit 148 includes a mounting cylinder portion 150 attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 22 and a mirror 152 rotatably supported by the mounting cylinder portion 150. According to such a configuration, even when the observation target 58 is located at a position where it is difficult to directly observe with the rigid endoscope 12, the observation target 58 can be observed stereoscopically.

[0112] Note that in the present embodiment, the first light beam 96 and the second light beam 98 can be adjusted by the attachment portion 26. However, depending on the use of the rigid endoscope device 10 or the like, the attachment portion 26 may be configured to adjust the first light beam 96 or the second light beam 98.

[0113] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the rigid endoscope device 10 includes the rigid endoscope 12, but this is not limiting. That is, the rigid endoscope device 10 may include a laparoscope in which the outer diameter of the insertion section 22 of the rigid endoscope 12 is changed to approximately 10 mm. With this configuration, the condition inside the abdominal cavity of the subject 20 can be observed stereoscopically. Furthermore, the rigid endoscope device 10 may include a rigid exoscope in which the length of the insertion section 22 of the rigid endoscope 12 is set short and the outer diameter of the insertion section 22 is set large. With this configuration, the observation target 58 can be observed stereoscopically over a wide range from outside the subject 20.

Claims

【Claim 1】 An outer lens barrel made of a rigid material and extending in a first direction, A first inner lens barrel made of a rigid material, disposed within the outer lens barrel and extending in the first direction, A first optical system disposed within the first inner lens barrel, having a first optical axis extending in the first direction and including a first objective lens system, A second inner lens barrel made of a rigid material, disposed adjacent to the first inner lens barrel within the outer lens barrel and extending parallel to the first inner lens barrel, A second optical system disposed within the second inner lens barrel, having a second optical axis extending parallel to the first optical axis and including a second objective lens system, A single solid-state imaging device disposed on one side of the first optical system and the second optical system in the first direction, having an imaging surface on which a first image formed by a first light ray emitted from an observation object and passing through the first optical system and a second image formed by a second light ray emitted from the observation object and passing through the second optical system are formed, and capable of converting light received by the imaging surface into an electrical signal, An image display unit based on the electrical signal, having a single display surface capable of displaying a first image corresponding to the first image and a second image corresponding to the second image in a state where the relative positional relationship between the first image and the second image is maintained and the distance between the center point of the first image and the center point of the second image is set to a standard interpupillary distance, An optical path adjustment unit interposed between the outer lens barrel and the solid-state imaging device, and The optical path adjustment unit is capable of adjusting at least one of the first light ray and the second light ray on the display surface so that the first image and the second image do not overlap and the reference point of the observation object in the first image and the reference point in the second image are located at the same height, The optical path adjustment unit is capable of adjusting the first light ray and the second light ray, and A first lens prism disposed on one side of the first optical system in the first direction and capable of refracting the first light ray to the one side of the second direction opposite to the second optical system with respect to the first optical system along a straight line passing through the first optical axis and the second optical axis as viewed from the first direction in the second direction, A first position adjustment lens system for adjusting the refracted first light ray by the first lens prism so that the first image is formed at a predetermined position, A first focus adjustment lens system disposed on one side of the first position adjustment lens system in the first direction and for adjusting the first light ray so that the focal position of the first optical system is on the imaging surface, A second lens prism that can refract the first light beam that has passed through the first focus adjustment lens system to the other side in the second direction, A third lens prism that is disposed on one side in the first direction of the second optical system and can refract the second light beam to the other side in the second direction, A second position adjustment lens system that adjusts the second light beam refracted by the third lens prism so that the second image is formed at a predetermined position, A second focus adjustment lens system that is disposed on one side in the first direction of the second position adjustment lens system and adjusts the second light beam so that the focal position of the second optical system coincides with the imaging surface, A fourth lens prism that can refract the second light beam that has passed through the second focus adjustment lens system to one side in the second direction, Comprising: A rigid endoscope device. **Claim 2** The optical path adjustment unit Is disposed on one side in the second direction between the first position adjustment lens system and the first focus adjustment lens system, and extends from a portion on one side in the second direction of the peripheral wall portion of the case portion in which the first position adjustment lens system and the first focus adjustment lens system are accommodated to the other side in the second direction, and has a plate thickness direction as the first direction and is rectangular when viewed from the first direction. A first shielding portion that shields the first light beam so that an image corresponding to a portion included in the first image and not included in the second image is not included in the first image; Is disposed on the other side in the second direction between the second position adjustment lens system and the second focus adjustment lens system, and extends from a portion on the other side in the second direction of the peripheral wall portion to one side in the second direction, and has a plate thickness direction as the first direction and is rectangular when viewed from the first direction. A second shielding portion that shields the second light beam so that an image corresponding to a portion included in the second image and not included in the first image is not included in the second image; Further comprising: The rigid endoscope device according to claim 1. **Claim 3** A first magnifying lens for the left eye that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the display surface and can magnify the first image, and a second magnifying lens for the right eye that can magnify the second image, further having an image viewing assistance unit. The rigid endoscope device according to claim 1 or claim 2. **Claim 4** The image viewing assistance unit further includes an image separation unit that can hide the second image when viewed from the first magnifying lens and hide the first image when viewed from the second magnifying lens. The rigid endoscope device according to claim 3.

Images