Stereoscopic Endoscope Optical System Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic-vision endoscope optical systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution imaging while maintaining a compact size, as narrowing the distance between optical systems leads to overlapping final images and reduced resolution.
Innovation Solution
The proposed stereoscopic-vision endoscope optical system employs identical optical systems with specific optical path configurations, including objective, relay, and image forming systems, with carefully positioned reflecting surfaces and lenses to maintain image separation and enhance resolution, adhering to conditional expressions that optimize image formation and light path alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between optical systems is narrowed to achieve small-sizing, then the endoscope size is reduced, but the final images overlap and resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third optical path that bends back toward the central axis, creating a folded optical configuration. This allows the optical systems to be arranged in a compact volume while maintaining sufficient separation between final images through strategic use of reflecting surfaces that redirect light paths in three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple optical paths within a compact configuration by having the third optical path fold back through the insertion portion. The reflecting surfaces are positioned to create nested light paths that occupy minimal space while maintaining image separation, effectively nesting the optical system within itself.
2Measurement precision
If the distance between optical axes is widened to prevent image overlap, then image resolution is improved, but the optical system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional optical path folding with reflecting surfaces positioned at strategic angles. The optical paths extend in multiple dimensions rather than simply increasing lateral separation, allowing high resolution through effective image separation while keeping the physical footprint compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible optical path routing that adapts the light paths to navigate through the insertion portion efficiently. The third optical path bends dynamically through the system using reflecting surfaces, optimizing the arrangement to achieve both image separation and compact size simultaneously.
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 the formation of high-resolution images with enlarged sizes, enabling small-sized endoscopes to capture detailed images effectively, while preventing image overlap and maintaining high spatial frequency resolution.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical-path bending element has a first reflecting surface disposed in the first optical path and a second reflecting surface disposed in the second optical path, the second optical-path bending element has a third reflecting surface disposed in the second optical path and a fourth reflecting surface disposed in the third optical path
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic-vision endoscope optical system includes a pair of objective optical systems, a pair of relay optical systems, and a pair of image forming optical systems. The image forming optical system includes a first lens unit, a first optical-path bending element, and a second optical-path bending element. The objective optical system and the relay optical system are disposed in a first optical path. A second optical path is formed between the first optical-path bending element and the second optical-path bending element. A third optical path is formed between the second optical-path bending element and a final image. The second optical path is positioned farther from the central axis, than the first optical path. The third optical path is positioned closer to the central axis, than the second optical path.