Coplanar Endoscope Sensor Assembly for Registered Multi-Sensor Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic endoscopes face challenges in capturing high-quality images due to constraints in small outer diameters, requiring precise lens adjustments, uneven optical paths, and limited pixel size, which affect image quality and registration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing coplanar image capture sensors with a common front-end optical structure, using a beam splitter and reflective unit to equalize optical path lengths and eliminate the need for lens calibration, enabling spatial and temporal registration of images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image capture sensors are used in a small outer diameter endoscope, then stereoscopic imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple image capture sensors (first and second sensors) into a single integrated sensor assembly with shared optical components. The beam splitter divides incoming light to simultaneously reach multiple sensors, merging what would otherwise be separate optical paths into one unified structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stereoscopic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The common front-end optical structure serves multiple functions: it provides the optical path for both first and second image capture sensors simultaneously. The beam splitter and optical elements are designed to handle multiple imaging functions (stereoscopic capture, depth of field extension) through a single optical entry point, making the system more versatile without proportionally increasing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If precise lens adjustments are made for each sensor, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing precision and calibration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths of multiple sensors into a single common front-end optical structure. Since all sensors share the same lenses and optical elements, only one set of lens adjustments and calibrations is needed for the entire assembly, dramatically reducing calibration time while maintaining high image quality across all sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter and optical design create equipotential optical paths where light is divided equally and symmetrically to multiple sensors. This ensures that all sensors receive optically equivalent images from the same scene, eliminating the need for individual sensor calibration and ensuring consistent image quality across all capture points
3Volume of moving object
If uneven optical paths are used for different sensors, then device compactness is improved, but image registration accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a beam splitter to divide the optical path in a new dimensional space, allowing multiple sensors to be positioned at different locations while all receiving light from the same optical entry point. This spatial reconfiguration maintains equal optical path lengths for image registration while achieving compact device geometry through three-dimensional optical routing
Solution Approach 2:
The common front-end optical structure is designed in advance with predetermined optical path equalization. The beam splitter and optical elements are pre-configured to ensure that light reaches all sensors through paths of equal length, establishing image registration accuracy before the device is even used, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing adjustment
4Measurement precision
If larger pixels are used to improve resolution, then image resolution is improved, but the outer diameter of the endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensors with smaller pixels into a single integrated array, where each sensor captures a portion of the overall image. The combination of multiple smaller sensors achieves the effective resolution of a single large sensor while maintaining a compact endoscope diameter, as the sensors are arranged in a space-efficient configuration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances image quality with increased resolution, dynamic range, and depth of field, and reduces the need for complex calibration, providing improved image clarity and registration in minimally invasive surgical systems.
Implementation Method 1
A beam splitter in the image capture unit is positioned to receive light. The beam splitter directs a first portion of the received light to the first sensor surface and passes a second portion of the received light through the beam splitter.
Implementation Method 2
A reflective unit in the image capture unit is positioned to receive the second portion of the received light and to direct the second portion of the received light to the second image capture sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.