Stereoscopic Endoscope Angle Adjustment via Distance Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic endoscope devices require manual trial-and-error adjustments to achieve an appropriate stereoscopic image, making it difficult to acquire a suitable view of a subject during surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic endoscope device with two image capture elements and a distance sensor that automatically adjusts the relative angle between their optical axes based on detected distance, using a controller to ensure the intersecting point of the optical axes coincides with the subject's surface, thereby providing an appropriate stereoscopic image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual trial-and-error adjustment is used to set the internal angle between image fibers, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and appropriate stereoscopic images cannot be readily acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the distance sensor to automatically detect the distance to the subject and the controller to automatically calculate and adjust the internal angle, making the system self-adjusting without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously controls the angle changing mechanism based on distance sensor feedback, eliminating the need for observer adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance sensor provides real-time feedback on the distance to the subject, and the controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust the internal angle between image fibers. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the optimal stereoscopic view is automatically achieved based on the detected distance.
2Productivity
If the internal angle is manually adjusted while viewing a monitor, then no additional sensors or automation are needed, but the time required to acquire an appropriate stereoscopic image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with the relationship between distance and optimal internal angle, allowing it to automatically calculate and adjust the angle based on the distance sensor input. This preliminary preparation of control logic enables rapid automatic adjustment without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated control system that uses a distance sensor to detect distance and a controller to calculate and actuate the angle adjustment. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with sensor-based automated control significantly reduces adjustment time.
3Ease of operation
If the angle changing mechanism is controlled automatically based on distance, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes distance sensor signals, calculates optimal internal angles, controls the angle changing mechanism, and manages the overall stereoscopic imaging process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance sensor and angle changing mechanism are integrated into a unified control system where the controller coordinates both components. The controller combines distance detection input with angle adjustment control in a single integrated process, reducing overall system complexity despite adding automated functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An appropriate stereoscopic image of a subject is readily acquired. Provided is a stereoscopic endoscope device including two image capture elements spaced apart from each other and disposed at a distal end of an insertion section to be inserted into a subject; an angle changing mechanism that changes a relative angle between optical axes of the image capture elements; a distance sensor that detects the distance from the image capture elements to the subject; and a controller that controls the angle changing mechanism on the basis of the distance detected by the distance sensor.