Endoscopic Optical Path Switching for High-Resolution Stereo Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial endoscopic apparatuses face challenges in achieving high precision measurements due to the deterioration of image resolution when using a single image sensor to capture images from multiple optical systems, leading to reduced measuring precision.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic apparatus with an optical path switching mechanism that controls the switching of optical paths between two objective optical systems, using a shielding member to alternate the light paths and adjust the optical path switching based on the state of the insertion portion, such as temperature and movement, to optimize image capture and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two image sensors are used to capture images from two objective optical systems, then image resolution is improved, but the distal end portion becomes too thick

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoiddistal end portion thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate image sensors into a single image sensor that captures images from two different objective optical systems. The single image sensor integrates the imaging functions of both systems, allowing the distal end portion to maintain a thin profile while still capturing high-resolution images through alternating optical path switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic switching between the two objective optical systems using a switching unit. The system alternates between capturing images through the first objective optical system and the second objective optical system in a time-division manner, allowing a single image sensor to effectively perform the function of two sensors while maintaining thin distal end portion dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If a single image sensor is used to capture images from two objective optical systems, then device complexity is reduced, but image resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of image sensorsVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The switching unit periodically alternates between connecting the first objective optical system and the second objective optical system to the single image sensor. This time-division multiplexing allows the single sensor to capture high-resolution images from both systems sequentially, maintaining image quality while reducing device complexity compared to using two separate sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates sequential copies of the imaging process by capturing images from the first objective optical system and then from the second objective optical system using the same image sensor. This copying approach allows the single sensor to effectively perform multiple imaging functions, maintaining resolution while reducing the number of physical sensors needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If optical path switching is performed continuously, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestereo measurement accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption of switching unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The switching unit performs optical path switching periodically rather than continuously, alternating between the two objective optical systems at controlled intervals. This periodic switching maintains the stereo measurement capability by capturing images from both systems while significantly reducing the duty cycle of the switching operation, thereby lowering power consumption and heat generation in the switching unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly alternating between the two optical systems during the switching transition. The image sensor continues to capture images without interruption, and the switching is timed to occur during intervals between image capture cycles, ensuring that measurement functionality remains continuous while energy consumption is minimized during the switching itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10663715B2Endoscopic apparatus, control method of endoscopic apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing program

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

This endoscopic apparatus has an insertion portion having a distal end portion; a first/second objective optical systems disposed in the distal endportion to forma first/second objective image of an object on an imaging region by transmitting light from the object through a first/second optical path; an optical path switching means configured to switch an optical path of the light from the object to either of the first optical path or the second optical path such that either of the first objective image or the second objective image is formed on the imaging region; an image sensor for capturing the first/second objective image; and an optical path switching controller for controlling the optical path switching means to switch the optical paths.