Endoscopic Prism Assembly for Folded Optical Path Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereoscopic imaging systems face challenges in capturing larger and higher resolution images due to limitations in the arrangement of imaging sensors and optical paths, which affect the stereo vision geometry and depth perception.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a stereoscopic imaging system with a prism assembly that directs light through multiple folds, allowing for the placement of large image capture sensors and maintaining correct stereo vision geometry by using a central prism and lateral prisms to reflect and transmit light efficiently, enabling larger image capture surfaces and improved resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional straight optical paths are used in stereoscopic imaging systems, then the optical path length is short and the housing diameter is large, but the image resolution and capture area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces folded optical paths that extend in multiple dimensions rather than a straight line. Light travels through a series of reflections off prism surfaces, effectively packing a longer optical path into a more compact three-dimensional space, thereby increasing image resolution without proportionally increasing housing diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system employs nested prism assemblies where multiple prisms are arranged concentrically or in layered configurations. The light path passes through multiple prism surfaces in sequence, allowing the optical components to be nested within each other, maximizing the use of available space while extending the effective optical path length.
2Measurement precision
If larger image capture sensors are used to improve resolution, then the image quality increases, but the housing diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the optical path through multiple reflections, the system directs light from a larger sensor area onto the sensor without requiring a proportionally larger housing diameter. The folded path allows the sensor to be positioned optimally while maintaining a compact overall form factor.
3Measurement precision
If multiple prisms are used to fold the optical path, then the optical path length increases and image resolution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple prism functions are combined into integrated prism assemblies where several prisms are optically coupled together. This merging reduces the number of separate components and mounting interfaces, thereby managing complexity while still achieving the desired optical path folding and extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The prism assemblies serve multiple functions simultaneously: they fold the optical path, extend the effective optical length, maintain stereo vision geometry, and direct light to the image sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving multiple objectives.
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 configuration allows for the capture of larger and higher resolution images while maintaining correct stereo vision geometry, enhancing depth perception and reducing the housing diameter, thus improving the imaging system's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first prism may reflect the first light toward a third surface of the first lateral prism, to reflect the first light from the third surface toward the second surface of the first lateral prism
Implementation Method 2
to transmit the first light through the second surface of the first lateral prism and into a central prism of the endoscopic device
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic system may comprise a first objective lens assembly extending along a first side of a central longitudinal axis through the endoscopic system and a second objective lens assembly extending along a second side of the central longitudinal axis. The endoscopic system may also comprise a prism assembly at a proximal end of the first and second objective lens assemblies, a first image capture sensor coupled to the prism assembly on the first side of the central longitudinal axis, and a second image capture sensor coupled to the prism assembly on the second side of the central longitudinal axis. The prism assembly may direct first light from the first objective lens assembly to the second image capture sensor.