Dual Camera Endoscope for 3D Imaging and Depth Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided surgery (IGS) navigation systems and 3D endoscopy technologies are limited by their complexity, high cost, and inflexibility, which restricts their use in various surgical procedures and hinders the ability to provide true three-dimensional observation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a dual camera endoscope with flexible shaft and dynamically oriented cameras, capable of capturing partially or fully overlapping fields of view, allows for enhanced endoscopic views, including panoramic, super resolution, and three-dimensional imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 3D endoscopic cameras are used, then three-dimensional observation capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into multiple segments including a distal portion with cameras and sensors, and a proximal portion with processing units. This segmentation allows the complex 3D imaging functionality to be distributed across different modules, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining depth perception capabilities through multiple distributed image sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope integrates multiple functions including 2D imaging, 3D imaging, depth sensing, and navigation capabilities within a single device. The image sensors can operate in both 2D mode and 3D stereoscopic mode, providing universal functionality that eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If fiber optic components are used to transfer images from distal camera to proximal viewer, then 3D imaging capability is achieved, but cost and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile fiber optic mechanical systems with electronic image sensor arrays and digital signal processing. Multiple solid-state image sensors capture images simultaneously, and electronic processing generates 3D stereoscopic views, eliminating the need for fragile fiber optic bundles while reducing manufacturing cost and improving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple image sensors to capture separate images that are then processed to create stereoscopic 3D copies of the anatomical structure. These digital copies are generated through image processing algorithms that simulate depth perception, replacing the need for physical fiber optic light transmission.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid endoscope structure is used, then 3D imaging stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for various procedures are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope employs a flexible shaft with dynamically adjustable segments that can bend and rotate to reach different anatomical locations. The image sensors and processing units are integrated in a way that maintains stable 3D imaging even when the endoscope is in flexible, non-rigid configurations, allowing adaptability across various surgical procedures.
4Device complexity
If 2D endoscopy is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but depth perception and spatial awareness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope merges 2D imaging capabilities with additional depth-sensing image sensors in a unified system. Multiple sensors capture both standard 2D images and depth information simultaneously, combining these data streams to provide enhanced spatial awareness while maintaining the simplicity of a single integrated device rather than requiring separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An endoscopic camera has two or more cameras positioned at a distal end, positioned to provide partially overlapping fields of view. The cameras communicate captured digital images the length of the flexible endoscope, where they may be saved and processed to provide additional imaging features. With partially overlapping images from two or more cameras, image processing can provide panoramic images, super resolution images, and three-dimensional images. One or more of these image modes may also be enhanced to provide a virtualization window that displays a portion of a larger or higher resolution image. The virtualization window displays the selected area of the image, and may be moved or zoomed around the image to provide a virtual endoscope repositioning experience, where the endoscope remains statically positioned but the virtualization window presents a sense of movement and navigation around the surgical area.