Stereo-Video Endoscope Optical System with Overlapping D-Cut Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereo video endoscopes face challenges in achieving high image quality and a strong stereoscopic effect while maintaining a small outer diameter, as the distance between optical axes and the size of optical elements are interdependent, limiting the use of larger optical elements that could enhance image quality.
Innovation Solution
The optical system employs optical elements with a 'D-cut' configuration, where the cross-sectional area is inscribed in a circular segment rather than a full circle, allowing closer arrangement and larger diameters without overlapping, and image sensors are positioned to maximize space and resolution, along with a curved entrance window to enhance light intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the distance between optical axes of lens system channels is increased to achieve a stronger stereoscopic effect, then the spatial impression is improved, but the outer diameter of the endoscope shaft must be increased to accommodate the larger separation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements are arranged in an overlapping configuration where their circumcircles intersect, transitioning from a traditional side-by-side linear arrangement to a two-dimensional overlapping layout. This allows the optical axes to be separated by a larger distance for improved stereoscopic effect while the optical elements themselves share common space, preventing the outer diameter from increasing proportionally.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are positioned such that their circumcircles overlap and contain each other's centers, creating a nested-like configuration. The second optical element's circumcircle contains the center of the first optical element, and vice versa, allowing compact arrangement that accommodates larger optical axis separation without increasing the overall endoscope diameter.
2Measurement precision
If larger optical elements are used to improve image quality, then the image resolution is enhanced, but the outer diameter of the endoscope shaft must be increased to accommodate the larger optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging optical elements in an overlapping two-dimensional configuration rather than a linear side-by-side arrangement, the patent enables larger optical element diameters to be accommodated within the same endoscope shaft diameter. The overlapping circumcircles create efficient space utilization that allows larger optical elements without increasing the outer diameter.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer diameter of the endoscope shaft is reduced to minimize patient burden, then the patient comfort is improved, but the size of optical elements must be reduced which degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The overlapping arrangement of optical elements with intersecting circumcircles creates a compact configuration that fits within a smaller endoscope shaft diameter, reducing patient burden. Simultaneously, the optical elements can maintain larger sizes with adequate separation for high image quality, as the overlapping geometry allows efficient space utilization.
4Illumination intensity
If the distance between optical axes is increased to achieve correct stereoscopic separation, then the spatial impression is improved, but the available space for optical elements within the endoscope shaft is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements are arranged in a nested configuration where the circumcircles overlap and each contains the center of the other. This nesting allows the optical axes to be separated by a larger distance for improved stereoscopic effect while the optical elements share common spatial area, effectively increasing available space utilization rather than reducing it.
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 stronger stereoscopic effect and higher image quality without increasing the endoscope's outer diameter, enabling the use of larger optical elements and higher-resolution image sensors, while minimizing light loss and maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the first deflecting element (25) deflects light beams incident on the first lens system channel (7) towards the first image sensor (21)
Implementation Method 2
light beams entering the endoscope's optical system are guided through two parallel lens channels, which focus the light beams onto two separate image sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system for a stereo-video endoscope, comprising a first lens system channel and a second lens system channel for a stereoscopic representation of a region lying outside of the stereo-video endoscope, which are arranged in parallel to one another and each comprise one or more optical elements in a respective identical optical configuration. The lens system channels comprise neighbouring first or second optical elements with optical axes that coincide with the optical axes of the lens system channels. The optical system is further developed in that the cross-sectional area of the first optical element is described in a first circumference and the cross-sectional area of the second optical element is described in a second circumference, the centres of which each coincide with the first optical axis of the first optical element or the second optical axis of the second optical element, and which determine a maximum radium of the first optical element or the second optical element. The first circumference and the second circumference overlap one another, wherein circumferential shapes of the first optical element and the second optical element deviate from the first and second circumferences circumscribing them in such a way that the first optical element and the second optical element do not touch.