Endoscope 3D Imaging via Sequential Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope observation systems face challenges in displaying a three-dimensional image of a specimen's surface due to limited space for imaging optical systems, requiring a method to estimate surface shape from a single imaging system with minimal distortion and without the need for additional optical arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The system uses two irradiation windows with illumination lights of equal optical characteristics applied at different timings, capturing images with an image sensor to calculate perspective information and estimate surface shape by comparing light volumes, allowing for the display of a stereoscopic image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple imaging optical systems are arranged to capture images from different positions, then three-dimensional image quality improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination function into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations within the endoscope inserting section. Each light source illuminates the specimen from a different angle, and the single image sensor captures images under each illumination condition sequentially. This segmentation of the illumination system allows three-dimensional information to be obtained without requiring multiple complex imaging optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial arrangement of multiple imaging systems to temporal arrangement of multiple illuminations. Instead of capturing images from different positions simultaneously with multiple cameras, the system sequentially illuminates the specimen from different positions and captures images at different time points. This dimensionality change from space to time resolves the contradiction by obtaining three-dimensional information without increasing spatial complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the inserting section diameter is decreased, then ease of operation improves, but space for arranging imaging optical systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple illumination functions into a single compact inserting section. Multiple light sources are arranged within the limited space of the inserting section, and their combined illumination patterns are captured by one image sensor. This merging approach allows the system to maintain small diameter for ease of operation while still providing multiple illumination angles for three-dimensional imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic illumination from multiple light sources in sequence rather than simultaneously. The light emission controller activates each light source at different time intervals, allowing the single image sensor to capture images under each illumination condition sequentially. This periodic action enables multiple illumination functions to be realized within the constrained space of the inserting section without requiring all light sources to be active at once.
3Adaptability or versatility
If illumination lights with different characteristics are used, then adaptability improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent light volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the luminous intensity parameter of each light source to ensure that all light sources provide substantially equal light volumes to the specimen. The light emission controller adjusts the intensity parameters of different light sources so that despite their different positions and potentially different characteristics, the illumination light volume received by the specimen is consistent. This parameter control ensures measurement precision while allowing adaptability in light source selection.
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 approach enables the accurate estimation and display of a specimen's surface shape as a three-dimensional image, reducing the burden on operators and improving diagnostic clarity without the need for dye dispersion or significant modifications to existing endoscope configurations.
Implementation Method 1
taking the reflected light into an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The observation system images a specimen under illumination lights applied at different timings through irradiation windows arranged near one image sensor, generates optical information included in each image, calculates values of light volumes included in the optical information output from identical-point originated pixels, which have imaged an identical point as the same characteristic point on the specimen, in the respective pixels as a relative distance from an image sensor, compares the optical information between the pixels, and determines the identical point on the specimen as a flat surface portion or an inclined portion on the basis of a comparison result, associates the distance with the flat surface portion or the inclined portion, estimates a surface shape of the specimen, and displays a three-dimensional image of the specimen.