Medical Imaging System with Split Optical Paths for Extended Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging devices, such as endoscopes and microscopes, face a trade-off between resolution and depth of field, making it difficult to capture images with both high resolution and deep depth of field, which is essential for observing operative fields effectively.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system comprising a first imaging element receiving light through a color filter, a second imaging element receiving light without a color filter, an optical splitting system that splits incident light between the two elements, and a signal processing unit performing depth-of-field extension processing to generate an extended-depth-of-field image, where the optical path length to the first imaging element is shorter than to the second element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the F-number is set to be bright and the resolution is increased, then the resolution is improved, but the depth of field becomes shallow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple imaging elements with different optical path lengths. By segmenting the light reception function across multiple elements at different depths, the system can capture image data from multiple focal planes simultaneously, thereby achieving both high resolution and extended depth of field through computational synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the imaging capability from a single focal plane to multiple focal planes by introducing multiple imaging elements at different optical path lengths. This dimensional extension in the optical path length domain enables the system to capture information across the depth dimension, transforming a 2D imaging problem into a 3D volumetric imaging problem that can be processed to achieve deep depth of field with high resolution.
2Length of stationary object
If the F-number is set to extend depth of field, then the depth of field is increased, but the resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output signals from multiple imaging elements with different optical path lengths through signal processing. By combining the image data captured at different depths and synthesizing them computationally, the system achieves both the extended depth of field (from multiple path lengths) and high resolution (through constructive combination of the merged signals).
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 achieves high-resolution images with extended depth of field, enabling better observation of operative fields, thereby improving the quality and reliability of medical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an optical splitting system that splits incident light incident from a mount surface into light to be incident on the first imaging element and light to be incident on the second imaging element
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging element that receives light through a color filter and outputs a first image signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a medical imaging system, a medical imaging device, and an operation method that make it possible to capture a medical image in which an operative field can be better observed.The medical imaging system includes: a first imaging element that receives light through a color filter and outputs a first image signal; a second imaging element that receives light not through a color filter and outputs a second image signal; an optical splitting system that splits incident light incident from a mount surface into light to be incident on the first imaging element and light to be incident on the second imaging element; and a signal processing unit that performs depth-of-field extension processing to generate an extended-depth-of-field image obtained by extending a depth of field using the first image signal and the second image signal. Then, the optical path length from the mount surface to the first imaging element is set to be shorter than the optical path length from the mount surface to the second imaging element. The present technology can be applied to, e.g., a medical imaging system capable of capturing an EDOF image.