360 Degree Panning Stereo Endoscope With Independent Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid stereoscopic endoscopes face challenges in providing a 360-degree panning capability without altering the up-down orientation of the viewed image, making it inconvenient for medical procedures due to the need for simultaneous rotation of the endoscope and video camera.
Innovation Solution
A 360-degree panning stereo endoscope design featuring two sets of moveable viewing optics that can be rotated and advanced/retracted using a knurled actuator, allowing incremental viewing in a 360-degree arc without changing the up-down orientation, achieved through a combination of gear and cam mechanisms for precise alignment and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire combination of camera and endoscope rotates to change viewing direction, then the field of view can be expanded in all directions, but the displayed image rotates and loses the conventional up-down orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the rotation function into two independent parts: the endoscope rotates independently to change viewing direction, while the camera remains stationary to maintain fixed image orientation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without affecting the other, resolving the contradiction between expanded viewing range and stable image orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotational coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the endoscope and camera. This intermediary allows the endoscope to rotate 360 degrees while the camera maintains its fixed orientation, transmitting only the optical information without being rotated itself. This mediator resolves the conflict between needing rotation for panoramic viewing and maintaining fixed orientation for comfortable observation.
2Loss of information
If two parallel optical paths are used for stereoscopic imaging, then 3D visualization is achieved, but the endoscope cannot be simply rotated like non-stereoscopic endoscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The stereoscopic optical system is segmented into two independent optical paths that are mechanically decoupled from the rotation mechanism. Each optical path maintains its fixed parallel arrangement for stereoscopic imaging, while the endoscope portion rotates independently. This segmentation preserves 3D image quality while enabling simple rotation operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a rotational dimension to the endoscope shaft while keeping the optical paths in their fixed parallel arrangement. The endoscope can rotate 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis without affecting the relative positions of the two optical paths, thus maintaining stereoscopic capability while simplifying rotation operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the instantaneous field of view is expanded by rotating the endoscope, then more of the operative field can be viewed, but the up-down orientation becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the viewing function into endoscope rotation for panoramic coverage and camera fixation for orientation stability. The endoscope rotates to expand the instantaneous field of view across 360 degrees, while the stationary camera maintains consistent up-down orientation in the displayed image, allowing physicians to easily maintain spatial awareness.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A panning stereo endoscope which maintains an up-down orientation as the stereo endoscope pans an operative field, the panning stereo endoscope comprising: a shaft having an axis; first and second optical channels extending along the shaft, each of the first and second optical channels having an off-axis direction of view; and an actuation mechanism carried by the shaft and adapted to (i) synchronously rotate the first and second optical channels about their respective axes, and (ii) synchronously, inversely piston the first and second optical channels along their respective axes.