Endoscopic Illumination Using Complementary Multiband Bandpass Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional endoscopic viewing systems fail to convey depth information, making them unsuitable for minimally invasive surgery, and existing stereoscopic endoscopic systems are bulky, unreliable, and costly to operate, especially in small-diameter endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A novel endoscopic illumination system using multi-spectral light with complementary multiband bandpass filters and a digital mirror array for time-multiplexing, enabling the capture of stereoscopic images by filtering and synchronizing light paths to produce filtered light for accurate depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stereoscopic endoscopic viewing systems are used, then depth information is provided, but the system becomes bulky and unsuitable for small-diameter endoscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the light spectrum into multiple bands using complementary bandpass filters, with each band captured by a separate imaging sensor. This segmentation allows stereoscopic imaging to be achieved through spectral separation rather than spatial separation, eliminating the need for bulky optical switching elements and enabling integration into small-diameter endoscopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial dimension (separate optical paths for left and right eyes) to spectral dimension (different wavelength bands for left and right eye images). By capturing stereoscopic pairs in different spectral bands and combining them through computational processing, the system achieves 3D imaging without requiring physical separation of optical components, thus reducing endoscope diameter.
2Reliability
If conventional stereoscopic endoscopic systems are used, then 3D imaging is achieved, but the system becomes costly and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical optical switching elements with a combination of fixed complementary bandpass filters and computational algorithms. The filters passively separate spectral bands while digital processing actively reconstructs stereoscopic images, eliminating moving parts and reducing operational complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of light by using complementary bandpass filters with specific transmission characteristics. By selecting appropriate filter bandwidths and center wavelengths, the system optimizes depth perception while simplifying the imaging process and reducing dependency on complex mechanical adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If conventional two-dimensional endoscopic viewing systems are used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but depth information is not conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different spectral filtering characteristics to different spatial locations in the optical path, with complementary bandpass filters directing specific wavelength bands to left and right eye imaging sensors. This local spectral differentiation enables depth information capture while maintaining overall system simplicity and avoiding complex mechanical structures.
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
The system provides a reliable, easy-to-operate, and cost-effective means for capturing high-quality 2D and 3D stereoscopic images, enhancing depth perception in minimally invasive surgeries without the bulkiness and reliability issues of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first complementary multiband bandpass filter (CMBF) and a second CMBF, the first CMBF being situated in the first light path and the second CMBF being situated in the second light path, wherein the first CMBF and the second CMBF filter the multi-spectral light incident thereupon to output filtered light
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic illumination system for illuminating a subject for stereoscopic image capture, includes a light source which outputs light; a first complementary multiband bandpass filter (CMBF) and a second CMBF, the first and second CMBFs being situated in first and second light paths, respectively, where the first CMBF and the second CMBF filter the light incident thereupon to output filtered light; and a camera which captures video images of the subject and generates corresponding video information, the camera receiving light reflected from the subject and passing through a pupil CMBF pair and a detection lens. The pupil CMBF includes a first pupil CMBF and a second pupil CMBF, the first pupil CMBF being identical to the first CMBF and the second pupil CMBF being identical to the second CMBF, and the detection lens includes one unpartitioned section that covers both the first pupil CMBF and the second pupil CMBF.