Stereo Comparator Adapter for Endoscope Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repair and inspection of stereo endoscopes are challenging due to the need for specialized equipment to align and test the optical channels, which is often not accessible to independent service providers or hospitals, leading to difficulties in ensuring the proper functioning of stereo endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A stereo comparator adapter that uses a cubic beam splitter and 45° prisms to combine and align the left and right optical channels of a stereo endoscope, allowing for independent inspection and alignment using monoscopic equipment, enabling the evaluation of image clarity and stereoscopic alignment without requiring stereo cameras or monitor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereo cameras and monitor systems are used to control optical parameters during alignment, then measurement precision and alignment accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the stereo endoscope's dual channels by using a beam splitter to project both left and right optical channels onto a single monitor. This allows alignment measurement without requiring expensive stereo-specific monitoring equipment, as the optical information is copied and displayed on standard monoscopic displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the stereo endoscope's dual optical channels and the monitor system. It combines the two separate optical paths into a single observable output, enabling alignment control using conventional equipment rather than specialized stereo systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stereo endoscopes are used for minimally invasive surgical procedures, then surgical capability and visual control are improved, but repair and inspection difficulty increase due to specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is designed to be universal by working with standard monoscopic monitors and cameras rather than requiring proprietary stereo equipment. The beam splitter adapter enables conventional repair equipment to perform stereo endoscope alignment, making the repair process accessible to general medical equipment technicians rather than requiring specialized stereo endoscope expertise.
3Measurement precision
If optical channels are aligned by moving optical elements, then stereoscopic alignment is improved, but optical parameters and image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by projecting both optical channels onto a single monitor where alignment can be observed. This allows real-time monitoring of alignment quality and optical parameter stability, enabling technicians to make precise adjustments while maintaining image quality standards. The feedback loop ensures that alignment improvements do not compromise optical performance.
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
Enables effective inspection and alignment of stereo endoscope optical channels using existing monoscopic equipment, ensuring clear and crisp images, and can be used in repair facilities or field settings, improving the reliability of stereo endoscope maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The adapter includes an optical assembly configured for overlaying a right channel image of the stereo endoscope, the right channel image having a right optical axis, and a left channel image of the stereo endoscope, the left channel image having a left optical axis
Implementation Method 2
optical assembly 18 is arranged to receive right and left channel images from the stereo endoscope, overlay the right and left channel images
Data Source
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AI summary
A stereo comparator configured for use with a stereo endoscope for adjusting and aligning an optical assembly of the stereo endoscope, for example, in connection with the repair of the endoscope. The comparator includes a housing containing a plurality of optical components, namely, a first deflecting component, a second deflecting component, a third deflecting component and a beam splitter. The optical components are arranged so that the first deflecting component deflects a first beam from a right image channel of a stereo endoscope to the beam splitter, the second deflecting component deflects a second beam from a left image channel of the stereo endoscope to the third deflecting component, the third deflecting component deflects the second beam to the beam splitter and the beam splitter combines the first beam with the second beam to form a first combined beam that extends along an optical axis of the stereo endoscope.