Stereo Imaging System Using Mirror-Based Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereo imaging systems with roof prisms in borescopes and endoscopes face issues such as imaging aberrations like color separation, astigmatism, and sensitivity to optical component position deviations, leading to image degradation and limited stereo image separation due to the prism angle and small envelope size.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic optical system with a roof prism and dual apertures, featuring separated ray paths and an opaque optical barrier within the optical arrangement to prevent undesirable rays from reaching the image areas, improving image quality and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a roof prism is used in a stereo imaging system, then stereo image separation can be achieved, but imaging aberrations such as color separation, astigmatism, and field curvatures occur that are difficult to correct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the roof prism from the optical system entirely, replacing it with a mirror-based folding optical path. This eliminates the source of imaging aberrations (color separation, astigmatism, field curvatures) while maintaining stereo image separation through dual apertures positioned at different locations in the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mirrors as intermediary elements to fold the optical path and achieve stereo separation without using a roof prism. The mirrors serve as mediators that redirect light from dual apertures to separate image areas, providing the necessary stereo separation without introducing the aberrations associated with roof prisms.
2Volume of moving object
If the envelope size of the borescope or endoscope is small, then the device is more compact and suitable for minimally invasive procedures, but stereo image separation is limited by the prism angle and small size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mirrors to fold the optical path in multiple dimensions, creating a compact configuration that achieves adequate stereo image separation within a small envelope size. The folding optical path allows the system to maintain stereo separation capability while fitting within the constrained dimensions required for minimally invasive procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical component positions deviate from perfection (axis decentering and/or tilt), then manufacturing and assembly become more flexible, but stereo imaging becomes very sensitive to such deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct modules (dual apertures, mirror assemblies, lens groups) that can be independently aligned and adjusted. This modular segmentation allows for more flexible assembly while reducing the sensitivity to positional deviations, as each module can be optimized independently rather than requiring perfect alignment of a single complex roof prism assembly.
4Device complexity
If a single aperture optics design is used, then the optical system is simpler, but imaging aberration issues occur and stereo image separation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single aperture into two separate apertures positioned at different locations in the optical path. This segmentation allows each aperture to form its own stereoscopic image area, achieving proper stereo separation and reducing imaging aberrations while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall optical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mirrors as intermediary elements to redirect light from the dual apertures to separate image areas. These mirrors enable the system to achieve stereo separation without requiring a complex roof prism, maintaining optical system simplicity while eliminating imaging aberrations.
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 enhances image quality by reducing aberrations, improving tolerance, and increasing stereo image separation, resulting in better contrast, resolution, and a larger Depth of Field, while simplifying mechanical design and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical arrangement that extends along a center optical axis and includes a roof prism with first and second roof segments. The optical arrangement is configured to transmit image-forming rays passing through the first roof segment to the first stereoscopic image area along a first optical path through the optical arrangement and to transmit image-forming rays passing through the second roof segment to the second stereoscopic image area along a second, different optical path through the optical arrangement
Implementation Method 2
at least one element configured to prevent at least some rays passing through the first roof segment from reaching the first stereoscopic image area and to prevent at least some rays passing through the second roof segment from reaching the second stereoscopic image area
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic optical system that includes an image member that is located at a position along a center optical axis and that has a first stereoscopic image area on a first side of the optical axis for receipt of a first stereoscopic image thereon and a second, separate stereoscopic image area on a second, separate side of the optical axis for receipt of a second, separate stereoscopic image thereon. The system includes an optical arrangement extending along the center optical axis and includes a roof prism with first and second roof segments. The arrangement is configured to transmit image-forming rays passing through the first roof segment to the first stereoscopic image area along a first optical path through the arrangement and is configured to transmit image-forming rays passing through the second roof segment to the second stereoscopic image area along a second, different optical path through the arrangement.