Parallax Image Acquisition Optical System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic endoscope apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a large viewing field area and efficient image acquisition with parallax images, leading to operator fatigue and aberration fluctuations during stereoscopic observation.
Innovation Solution
The image-acquisition apparatus employs an imaging optical system with a first negative lens group, a first positive lens group, and a second positive lens group, where the first positive lens group includes a single moving lens group along a common center axis, and the second positive lens group has two positive lens groups with aperture stops, satisfying specific conditions to ensure a large angle of view and reduce parallax displacement and aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a stereoscopic endoscope apparatus uses a zooming portion with multiple lens groups and a pair of fourth lens groups to capture parallax images, then the viewing field area can be enlarged, but the device complexity and operator fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple lens groups into a simplified configuration. Specifically, it uses a first positive lens group and a second positive lens group that serve multiple purposes: they act as both zooming elements and image-shifting elements, eliminating the need for separate fourth lens groups. This merging of functions reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to capture parallax images with a large viewing field area.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second positive lens groups are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. They serve as zooming elements for changing magnification and as image-shifting elements for enlarging the viewing field area in the left and right directions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity while achieving the desired viewing field expansion for stereoscopic observation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple lens groups and aperture stops are used to form parallax images, then image acquisition capability is improved, but aberration fluctuations occur during stereoscopic observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric correction lens groups (thirtieth and thirty-first lens groups) with specific refractive powers positioned at particular locations in the optical system. These correction lenses are designed to address local aberration issues that arise during stereoscopic observation. The thirtieth lens group with positive refractive power and the thirty-first lens group with negative refractive power are strategically placed to correct field curvature and distortion aberrations, ensuring stable image quality across different observation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular refractive power relationships between lens groups to control and minimize aberration fluctuations. By defining specific parameter ranges for the refractive powers of the first positive lens group, second positive lens group, and correction lens groups, the system maintains stable optical performance during stereoscopic observation. These parameter constraints ensure that aberrations remain consistent whether viewing with the left or right eye.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a moving mechanism controls multiple lens groups for zooming and image shifting, then functional versatility is improved, but the apparatus size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the zooming function and image-shifting function into a single optical path configuration. The first and second positive lens groups perform both zooming (changing magnification) and image-shifting (enlarging viewing field area) operations. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical systems for each function, thereby reducing the apparatus size and complexity while maintaining full functional versatility for stereoscopic endoscopy.
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 a significant increase in the angle of view, reduces operator fatigue, and minimizes aberration fluctuations, enabling efficient stereoscopic observation with reduced size and complexity of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging optical system configured with, sequentially from an object side to an image side, a first negative lens group having a negative refractive power, a first positive lens group having a positive refractive power, and a second positive lens group having a positive refractive power
Data Source
AI summary
An image-acquisition apparatus is provided with: an imaging optical system; and an image-acquisition device that acquires parallax images, wherein the imaging optical system is provided with a first negative lens group, a first positive lens group, and a second positive lens group, wherein the first positive lens group and the first negative lens group are disposed along a common center axis, wherein the second positive lens group is provided with two positive lens groups that are disposed next to each other in a parallax direction on either side of the common center axis and that individually have center axes, wherein two aperture stops having openings, wherein the first positive lens group has only one moving lens group that is moved, and wherein all of remaining lens components in the imaging optical system, excluding the moving lens group, remain still.