Stereoscopic Endoscope Horizontal Symmetry Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic endoscope systems face challenges in maintaining horizontal symmetry of image pickup sections due to component degradation, leading to deviations in image center positions and optical axis orientations, affecting three-dimensional observation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reference member on the endoscope distal end portion and an adjustment section to adjust the image pickup sections such that images picked up by the reference member are displayed as horizontally symmetrical left and right images on a display apparatus, using a reference member like an index member and an adjustment unit to correct deviations in the image pickup sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the left and right image pickup sections are set in a horizontally symmetrical state just after manufacture, then the center positions of the left and right images coincide initially, but degradation of components due to repeated use generates deviation from the horizontally symmetrical state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing adjustment means that allows operators to readjust the horizontal symmetry of the image pickup sections before use. The calibration tool with reference marks is positioned in advance, and the adjustment mechanism enables correction of deviations that occur during repeated use, restoring the horizontally symmetrical state without requiring disassembly or complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment means is designed to be operable by the user themselves during routine calibration procedures. The operator can use the calibration tool and adjustment mechanism to self-correct the horizontal symmetry deviation, eliminating the need for specialized service intervention and enabling maintenance of manufacturing precision throughout the device's operational life
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustment means with a calibration tool is provided to correct horizontal symmetry deviation, then the horizontally symmetrical state can be restored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration tool with the distal end portion of the insertion portion, integrating the reference marks directly into the existing endoscope structure. The adjustment means is combined with the image pickup section mounting structure, allowing symmetry correction without adding separate, complex adjustment mechanisms. This integration minimizes device complexity while enabling precision restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration tool serves as an intermediary element that facilitates the adjustment process. By providing visible reference marks at the distal end, it mediates between the image pickup sections and the operator, enabling precise alignment without requiring complex measurement instruments or sophisticated adjustment mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If the center positions of left and right images are adjusted to coincide, then horizontal symmetry is maintained, but adjustment time and operator burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment procedures with a visual alignment system. Instead of requiring precise mechanical positioning and measurement, the operator simply needs to align the visual reference marks displayed on the monitor, significantly reducing adjustment time and technical skill requirements while maintaining center position alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration tool utilizes visual reference marks that can be displayed in contrasting colors or patterns on the monitor screen, making it easy for the operator to quickly identify and align the center positions of the left and right images. The visual feedback system enables rapid adjustment without time-consuming mechanical measurements
4Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed using a separate calibration tool attached to the distal end, then image center positions can be aligned, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration tool is merged with the distal end portion of the insertion portion, becoming an integrated part of the endoscope rather than a separate attachment. The reference marks are built into the distal end structure, allowing calibration to be performed as a simple visual alignment task during routine setup, greatly simplifying the procedure while maintaining image center alignment precision
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic endoscope system includes: first and second image pickup sections including first and second image pickup devices, respectively, arranged on an endoscope distal end portion and configured to acquire a common subject; a reference member integrally provided on the endoscope distal end portion and serving as a reference in adjusting the first and second image pickup sections such that images are picked up in first and second image pickup ranges that can be picked up by the first and second image pickup devices, respectively; and an adjustment section configured to adjust the image picked up by at least one of the image pickup sections to generate substantially horizontally symmetrical images when the first image and the second image obtained by picking up the images of the reference member by the first and second image pickup devices, respectively, are displayed as left and right images on a display apparatus.