Stereoscopic Endoscope Assembly Verification via Identification Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic endoscope systems face challenges in accurately assembling and inspecting the right and left image pickup sections and memories during manufacturing, leading to potential incorrect connections and reversed correction information storage, which can result in incorrect stereoscopic image display and recognition issues among individuals.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic endoscope system with a right and left image pickup section, memory, and output section configuration that includes identification information for each image, allowing for image and identification information combination to ensure correct assembly and inspection, using a 2D monitor for initial inspection and a 3D monitor for final verification, and an adjustment mechanism for optimal convergence angle and screen positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If right and left image pickup sections and memories are assembled during manufacturing, then stereoscopic endoscope functionality is achieved, but incorrect connections and reversed correction information storage may occur leading to display errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing identification information in the memories before assembly and pre-marking the right and left sides of the endoscope body. This allows the assembly process to proceed with built-in verification capabilities, enabling detection of incorrect connections during inspection without adding complex real-time verification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the inspection process where identification information is read from memories and compared against expected values. The system provides feedback by displaying whether the connection is correct or incorrect, allowing operators to correct mistakes. This closed-loop verification ensures reliable assembly while keeping the process manageable.
2Manufacturing precision
If correction information is stored in memories without identification markers, then storage is simple, but reversed storage cannot be detected leading to incorrect stereoscopic display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the correction information with identification information in the same memory storage locations. Rather than requiring separate storage areas, the system combines both types of data in the memories, allowing verification of both the presence and correctness of correction information without increasing overall storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification information acts as an intermediary that mediates between the correction information and the verification process. By storing identification markers alongside correction data, the system enables automatic verification without requiring complex analysis of the correction information itself, simplifying the detection of reversed storage.
3Measurement precision
If only 2D monitor inspection is performed, then inspection is simple, but stereoscopic image correctness cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing 2D monitor inspection first to verify basic connection correctness using identification information, then proceeding to 3D monitor inspection for stereoscopic verification. This staged approach allows simple initial screening before requiring complex stereoscopic evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection process is segmented into two distinct stages: first using a 2D monitor to verify basic connections and identification information, then using a 3D monitor to verify stereoscopic image correctness. This segmentation allows each inspection stage to focus on specific verification tasks, managing complexity while achieving comprehensive verification.
4Reliability
If right and left images are output without identification information combination, then output process is simple, but incorrect image-output section associations cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by combining identification information with images during output and providing verification feedback on whether the association is correct. This allows the system to detect and report incorrect associations between images and output sections, ensuring reliable stereoscopic display while maintaining a relatively simple output process.
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic endoscope system includes a stereoscopic endoscope and an identification information combining section. The stereoscopic endoscope is provided with an R image pickup section and an R output section which are provided on a right side of an endoscope body, an L image pickup section and an L output section which are provided on a left side of the endoscope body, and an R memory and an L memory which store correction information for either right or left and identification information. The right and left image pickup sections and the right and left memories are correctly or incorrectly combined and are connected to the right and left output sections. The identification information combining section performs image combination of an image and identification information inputted from the R output section or an image and identification information inputted from the L output section and outputs a combined image.