Stereo-observation System Vergence Angle Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereo-observation systems, such as those used in stereo endoscopes, often cause strain on the observed space due to differences in the angle of vergence between the imaging and display units, leading to discrepancies in the perceived lengths of objects, resulting in fatigue during stereoscopic observation.
Innovation Solution
The stereo-observation system is designed with a stereo imaging unit and a stereo display unit where the angle of vergence α2 is adjusted to satisfy specific conditions, ensuring that the lines of sight of the observer are aligned to cancel out shifts in image perception, thereby maintaining image fusion and reducing fatigue. This is achieved by setting the angle of vergence α2 within a specific range that balances the field angles and distances involved, ensuring that the observed space is not subjected to strong strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the angle of vergence of the stereo display unit is set independently from the stereo imaging unit, then the display can be optimized for viewing comfort, but the perceived length of objects becomes inconsistent, causing strain on the observed space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing a specific mathematical relationship between the angle of vergence of the stereo imaging unit (α1) and the stereo display unit (α2). The formula α2 = (α1 - 2×tan⁻¹(d/2L)) ensures that both angles are coordinated, allowing the display to be optimized for viewing comfort while maintaining consistent perceived object lengths through precise parameter coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stereo endoscope is moved within its depth of field to capture objects at different positions, then the observation range is extended, but the angle of vergence changes cause image shifts and require frequent focus adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and setting the angle of vergence of the display unit based on the imaging unit's parameters before observation begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the endoscope is moved within its depth of field, the coordinated angle relationship maintains image stability and reduces the need for frequent focus adjustments, thereby extending observation range without increasing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the angle of vergence α2 is set too small, then viewing comfort is improved, but the observed space becomes compressed and object lengths appear distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by using a specific mathematical formula to determine the optimal angle of vergence α2. The formula α2 = (α1 - 2×tan⁻¹(d/2L))×(w2/w1) coordinates multiple parameters including the imaging angle α1, pupil distance d, focal length L, and field angles w1 and w2. This ensures viewing comfort is improved while maintaining accurate observed space geometry and object length perception.
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo-observation system includes a stereo imaging unit which has at least two entrance pupils and an imaging means forming a first image for the left eye and a second image for the right eye which have parallax and a stereo display unit which has two image display means displaying two images formed by the stereo imaging unit. In this case, the stereo display unit is constructed so that an angle of vergence α2 is made by the line of sight of the left eye of the observer viewing the center of the first image displayed by the image display means with the line of sight of the right eye of the observer viewing the center of the second image displayed by the image display means, and the angle of vergence α2 satisfies the following condition:(α1−2 tan−1(d/2L))×(w2/w1)×0.83≦α2≦{2 sin−(G/2D)−(2 tan−1(d/2S)−α1)×(w2/w1)}×1.2where α1 is the angle of vergence (the inward angle) of the stereo imaging unit, d is a distance between the centers of the two entrance pupils of the stereo imaging unit, L is a distance from a far point of the depth of field of the stereo imaging unit to the entrance pupils of the stereo imaging unit, S is a distance from a near point of the depth of field of the stereo imaging unit to the entrance pupils of the stereo imaging unit, w1 is the field angle of the stereo imaging unit, w2 is the field angle of the stereo display unit, G is an interpupillary distance of the observer, and D is a distance from the pupil position of the observer to the observation image.