Endoscope Light Splitting for Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face limitations in achieving both high maximum magnification and extended depth of field simultaneously, as increasing magnification reduces the depth of field and vice versa.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus that splits a light beam into multiple beams using a light splitting element, with each beam being directed to a separate image pickup device, allowing for the capture of images at different focus positions and subsequent combination to generate a composite image with extended depth of field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If maximum magnification is increased by performing close-up observation, then magnification is improved, but depth of field is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light beam from the objective optical system is divided into multiple light beams by a light splitting element (prism), with each beam directed to a separate image pickup device. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple focus positions, resolving the contradiction between high magnification and sufficient depth of field by capturing both near and far focused images at maximum magnification.
2Reliability
If depth of field is extended, then depth of field is improved, but maximum magnification is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By splitting the light beam into multiple beams and directing them to separate image pickup devices, the system captures images at different focus positions simultaneously. This allows the generation of composite images with extended depth of field while maintaining maximum magnification, as each individual image pickup device operates at full magnification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional focus approach to a multi-dimensional approach by capturing images at multiple focus positions simultaneously. The light splitting element creates separate optical paths that capture different depth planes, effectively adding a depth dimension to the imaging process while maintaining maximum magnification.
3Reliability
If a light beam is split into multiple beams with different optical paths, then depth of field is extended, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The light splitting element (prism) is integrated within the distal end portion of the endoscope, nesting the beam-splitting functionality within the existing compact endoscope structure. This nested arrangement minimizes the increase in device complexity by incorporating the additional optical functionality within the constrained space of the distal end portion.
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
Enables the generation of a composite image with improved depth of field, allowing for clearer images across varying focus positions without compromising magnification, thereby enhancing observational capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light splitting element disposed in the distal end portion at a position closer to a proximal end side than the objective optical system, and configure to split the light beam from the objective optical system into a plurality of light beams
Implementation Method 2
a reflection mirror configured to reflect the first light beam by causing the first light beam to return
Implementation Method 3
an objective optical system provided in the distal end portion, and configured to change light from the object into a light beam to form an image
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an objective optical system provided in a distal end portion of an insertion portion, and a light splitting element configured to split a light beam from an objective optical system into a plurality of light beams including a first light beam and a second light beam. The first light beam is reflected by a reflection mirror, and is formed into an image on a first image pickup device. The second light beam is formed into an image on a second image pickup device. The first image pickup device and the second image pickup device are disposed adjacent to the light splitting element at positions different from each other with respect to an optical axis of the light beam from the objective optical system.