Endoscope Imaging Unit Single Sensor Depth of Field Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope systems face complexity in focus adjustment due to manufacturing errors between primary and secondary optical systems, requiring multiple adjustment steps and a complicated frame mechanism to maintain parallax for 3D image generation.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system employs a configuration where the first optical system has a larger F-number than the second optical system, with a single image sensor capturing both images, and a simplified holding frame structure to ensure the depth of field of the first optical system includes and exceeds that of the second, allowing for single-step focus adjustment without additional focus adjustment members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If different holding frames and focus adjustment mechanisms are provided for primary and secondary optical systems, then manufacturing errors can be compensated and 3D image quality is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holding frames of the primary and secondary optical systems into a single integrated holding frame structure. This unified frame holds both objective lenses and both imaging sensors simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining focus alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single holding frame serves multiple functions: it holds all optical components (objective lenses), supports all imaging sensors, and provides the reference plane for parallax control. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components and adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple focus adjustment steps are required for primary and secondary optical systems, then manufacturing errors are corrected, but adjustment time and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical systems are pre-aligned during manufacturing with the imaging sensors positioned on a reference plane that automatically ensures proper parallax relationships. This preliminary alignment eliminates the need for multiple post-assembly focus adjustment steps, allowing the system to be deployed immediately after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows focus alignment to be self-correcting through the geometric relationships established by the holding frame structure and reference plane. Once the sensors are positioned on the reference plane, the optical systems automatically achieve proper focus alignment without requiring operator intervention for multiple adjustment steps.
3Measurement precision
If separate image sensors are used for primary and secondary optical systems, then image quality is optimized, but device complexity and circuit scale increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary and secondary imaging functions onto a single image sensor by positioning it on a reference plane where it can receive optical images from both objective lenses simultaneously. This integration reduces the total number of sensors required and simplifies the associated circuitry while maintaining the ability to capture stereoscopic 3D images.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor performs multiple functions: it captures images from both the primary and secondary optical systems, processes both parallax channels for 3D reconstruction, and serves as the sole imaging component for the entire stereoscopic system. This multi-functional use reduces overall system complexity.
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
This configuration simplifies focus adjustment for both optical systems, reduces mechanical complexity, and enhances the depth of field, resulting in high-definition 3D image generation with improved real-time performance and reduced circuit scale.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens group configured to form a first optical image
Implementation Method 2
a second lens group configured to form a pair with the first lens group and form a second optical image
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens group having a first region that guides object light to the first lens group and a second region that guides object light to the second lens group
Implementation Method 4
a single image sensor configured to generate an image signal by receiving the first optical image and the second optical image
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging unit includes: a first lens group configured to form a first optical image; a second lens group configured to form a second optical image; an objective lens group having a first region and a second region; a single image sensor configured to generate an image signal; a first holding frame having a first holding hole and a second holding hole; a second holding frame configured to hold the objective lens group; and a third holding frame configured to hold the image sensor. A depth of field of a first optical system formed of the objective lens group and the first lens group is set so as to entirely include a depth of field of a second optical system formed of the objective lens group and the second lens group and to be deeper than the depth of field of the second optical system.