Stereo Endoscope Convergence Angle Control for Measurable Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscope devices with a fixed convergence angle suffer from varying measurable areas based on subject distance, leading to decreased usability of the stereo measurement function.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope device with an imaging optical system featuring two eccentric optical paths and an optical action member that can change the convergence angle based on subject distance measurement, controlled by a processor to optimize the measurable area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed convergence angle is used in the imaging optical system, then the device structure is simple, but the measurable area ratio decreases as subject distance varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmeasurable area ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the convergence angle adjustable rather than fixed. The optical action member (prism) can be rotated to change the convergence angle between the two optical paths, allowing the system to adapt to different subject distances and maintain an optimal measurable area ratio across various measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the convergence angle parameter through rotation of the optical action member. This changes the optical path geometry to match different subject distances, thereby maintaining the measurable area ratio. The processor controls this parameter change based on measured subject distance, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the convergence angle is fixed, then the optical system is simple, but the stereo measurement function usability decreases at certain subject distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical systemVSAvoidstereo measurement function usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system transitions from a static fixed convergence angle design to a dynamic adjustable convergence angle system. The optical action member can be rotated under processor control to optimize the convergence angle for the current subject distance, significantly improving the usability of the stereo measurement function across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using the processor to measure the subject distance and then adjusting the convergence angle accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the optical system automatically adapts to maintain optimal measurement conditions, enhancing ease of operation without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a variable convergence angle is implemented, then the measurable area ratio is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurable area ratioVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical action member (prism) as an intermediary component between the two optical paths. This single added component enables the convergence angle to be varied by rotation, allowing the system to maintain the measurable area ratio while adding only minimal structural complexity through the insertion of this specific optical element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution maintains or increases the ratio of measurable area, thereby enhancing the usability of the stereo measurement function by adapting the convergence angle to subject distance.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging optical system including two incident light paths formed by two optical systems respectively having optical axes eccentric with respect to an imaging center of an imaging element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical path separation:

Implementation Method 2

an optical action member configured to change a convergence angle... changes, based on a measurement result, the convergence angle by controlling the state of the optical action member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvergence angle adjustment:

Data Source

PatentUS12517322B2Endoscope device, endoscope system, convergence angle changing method, and computer-readable medium

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

An endoscope device includes an imaging optical system including two incident light paths formed by two optical systems respectively having optical axes eccentric with respect to an imaging center of an imaging element, an optical action member configured to change a convergence angle, and a processor configured to control a state of the optical action member in the imaging optical system. The processor changes the convergence angle by controlling the state of the optical action member in the imaging optical system.