Laparoscope Imaging with Focus-Shifted Sensors for Depth Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems, such as laparoscopes, struggle to provide detailed images with real depth information and require additional alignment processes for image registration, making them cumbersome and inefficient for use in narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
A dual sensor imaging system with focus-shifted sensors within a single optical channel, allowing simultaneous image capture with perfect overlap without additional registration, enabling real depth information generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to capture depth information, then depth information accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional alignment and registration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths into a single shared optical channel, allowing multiple sensors to capture images simultaneously without requiring separate optical channels for each sensor. This merging approach eliminates the need for complex alignment and registration processes between separate optical systems while maintaining depth information accuracy through multi-focus imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces focus shift as an additional dimension for depth encoding. Instead of using multiple sensors at different spatial positions requiring alignment, the system uses sensors focused at different depths (different focal planes) along the same optical path. This dimensional transformation from spatial separation to focal plane separation simplifies the system architecture while preserving depth measurement capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple optical channels are used for each sensor, then image quality is improved, but the device size increases making it difficult to fit in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single shared optical channel that serves multiple sensors. This consolidation reduces the overall device volume by eliminating redundant optical components and channels, making the imaging system compact enough for narrow surgical spaces while maintaining image quality through proper optical design and focus differentiation.
3Measurement precision
If additional alignment and registration processes are implemented, then image registration accuracy is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs alignment and registration in advance during system setup or manufacturing, establishing fixed relationships between sensors and the shared optical channel. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time alignment calculations during surgical operations, reducing operation time while maintaining registration accuracy through pre-calibrated sensor positions and focus settings.
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 simplifies image processing by eliminating the need for alignment, enhances depth information capture, and facilitates operation in confined spaces with improved operability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an optical channel (2) configured to transfer light
Implementation Method 2
a focus system (4) configured to adjust a focal length of the first sensor (10) and of the second sensor (20) such that the first sensor (10) and the second sensor (20) are focus shifted
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system (1) is provided, comprising: an optical channel (2) configured to transfer light, a first sensor (10) configured to generate first image data by imaging an object (3) along a first optical path (11), and a second sensor (20) configured to generate second image data by imaging the object (3) along a second optical path (21). The first sensor (10) and the second sensor (20) are focus shifted. Further, the first optical path (11) and the second optical path (21) are guided at least partly through the optical channel (3).