Path Folding Mirrors for Compact Stereoscopic Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital microscope systems in medical imaging lack accurate 3-D visualization due to bulkiness and optical path disparities between cameras, obstructing the surgeon's view and resulting in less effective depth perception.
Innovation Solution
An augmented optical imaging system with a primary camera and an outrigger camera, along with path folding mirrors, is used to create a minimal profile setup, allowing the cameras' optical paths to be parallel near the target, and a processing unit applies image transforms to combine images into stereoscopic views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital microscope system uses multiple cameras for 3-D visualization, then depth perception is improved, but the system becomes bulky and obstructs the surgeon's view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple cameras and optical components into a nested configuration where the second camera is positioned within the housing of the first camera system. This nesting approach allows multiple imaging components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining the capability for stereoscopic 3-D visualization through multiple optical paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs path folding mirrors to redirect optical paths in three-dimensional space, allowing the optical axes of multiple cameras to converge parallel to each other near the target. This dimensional manipulation enables compact arrangement of multiple cameras by folding their optical paths through mirrors positioned at strategic angles, transforming linear optical paths into compact three-dimensional configurations
2Volume of moving object
If cameras are positioned close together for compact design, then system profile is minimized, but optical path disparities between cameras increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces path folding mirrors as intermediary optical elements between the target and the second camera. These mirrors serve as mediators that redirect and align the optical path, allowing the second camera to capture images along an optical axis that is parallel to the first camera's optical axis despite the compact physical arrangement. The mirrors compensate for positional discrepancies and enable precise optical path alignment in a minimal profile configuration
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing three-dimensional optical path folding through strategically positioned mirrors, the patent enables multiple cameras to be arranged in a compact footprint while maintaining parallel optical axes near the target. The optical paths are folded through space using mirrors at specific angles, allowing precise alignment control independent of the physical distance between camera housings
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 provides a compact, effective 3-D visualization system that minimizes obstruction and enhances depth perception during medical procedures by producing high-quality stereoscopic images.
Implementation Method 1
at least one path folding mirror disposed in an optical path between the target and a lens of the second camera
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure is disclosed. The optical imaging system includes: a first camera for capturing a first image of the target; a second wide-field camera for capturing a second image of the target; at least one path folding mirror disposed in an optical path between the target and a lens of the second camera; and a processing unit for receiving the first image and the second image, the processor being configured to: apply an image transform to one of the first image and the second wide-field image; and combine the transformed image with the other one of the images to produce a stereoscopic image of the target.