Endoscope Depth Measurement via Self-Image Plane Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems lack the capability to accurately measure distances between points on curved surfaces within the body during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an endoscope with a depth measurement module that includes a light source, an objective lens, a microcontroller, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a beam splitter to generate a grid pattern and calculate the displacement of a self-image plane relative to a focal plane, thereby determining the distance between points on a curved surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an endoscope is used to visualize internal structures, then real-time imaging capability is achieved, but the ability to measure distances on curved surfaces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging function and measurement function into a single integrated endoscope system. The depth measurement module is integrated with the camera head, allowing both visualization and distance measurement to be performed through the same optical channel, thus achieving functional merging without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope system is designed to perform multiple functions: standard imaging through the optical channel and depth measurement through the integrated depth measurement module. This multi-functional design allows the single device to serve both diagnostic imaging purposes and quantitative measurement purposes.
2Measurement precision
If a depth measurement module is added to the endoscope, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth measurement module is nested within the existing endoscope structure. The light source, objective lens, and other measurement components are housed within the camera head assembly, utilizing the existing optical channel and structural framework of the endoscope, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical intermediary approach where a beam splitter directs light between the imaging path and the depth measurement path. This intermediary optical element allows both functions to share the same physical space and optical channel without requiring completely separate structural pathways.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light rays and optical paths are used for depth measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A beam splitter serves as an optical intermediary that divides the single optical channel into two functional paths: one for standard imaging and one for depth measurement. This allows multiple light rays to be utilized without requiring completely separate optical systems, as the beam splitter efficiently manages the light distribution between functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface imaging to three-dimensional depth measurement by introducing an additional measurement dimension. The depth measurement module adds axial depth information to the existing lateral imaging plane, enabling 3-D reconstruction without fundamentally redesigning the entire optical system.
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 precise 3-D imaging and measurement of curved surfaces within the body, improving the accuracy of medical procedures and allowing for the identification of specific points on complex anatomical structures.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens configured to collimate the second light ray
Implementation Method 2
a microcontroller coupled to a liquid crystal display (LCD), the microcontroller and the LCD configured to generate a first diffraction grating and a grid pattern
Implementation Method 3
a beam splitter configured to direct at least a portion of the second light ray and the grid pattern through the optical channel
Implementation Method 4
an image sensor coupled to the camera head and configured to receive a first set of images pertaining to the first light ray and a second set of images pertaining to the second light ray and the grid pattern
Implementation Method 5
calculate a displacement of a self-image plane of the first diffraction grating relative to a focal plane of the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
A system for system for measuring a distance between two points on a curved surface of an object using an endoscope includes a camera head coupled to an optical channel of the endoscope; a light port coupled to the endoscope and configured to receive a first light ray; and a depth measurement module coupled to the endoscope. The system further includes a processing device configured to receive the first and second sets of images from the image sensor and use the first and second sets of images to generate a three-dimensional (3-D) image of the curved surface, identify a first point and a second point on the curved surface, and calculate a displacement of a self-image plane of the first diffraction grating relative to a focal plane of the endoscope, wherein the displacement corresponds to the distance between the first point and the second point.