Stereoscopic Endoscope Optical System with Time-Division Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic optical systems for endoscopes face challenges in capturing precise images with a large parallax and accessing measurement objects located at inaccessible positions, such as curved tubes or behind obstacles, due to limitations in image pickup area and flexibility of the insertion part.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic optical system with a two-path forming optical system, an image forming optical system, and an image sensor at the endoscope's distal end, equipped with a time-division path switching mechanism that allows switching between two paths of rays, enabling separate capture of images with a large parallax and flexible positioning for inaccessible objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two images involving a parallax are formed on separate image sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate image sensors into a single image sensor that captures both stereoscopic images simultaneously. The imaging optical system forms two images involving parallax on different regions of the same image sensor, eliminating the need for separate sensors while maintaining measurement precision. This resolves the contradiction by combining multiple functions into one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor performs multiple functions: capturing both left-eye and right-eye stereoscopic images, and serving as the sole imaging device for measurement. The imaging optical system also performs multiple functions by forming two separate images on the same sensor. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while preserving measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If the insertion part is made rigid for stable imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to inaccessible positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into a rigid distal end portion containing the imaging optical system and image sensor for stable imaging, and a flexible insertion part that can bend to reach inaccessible positions. This segmentation allows the rigid imaging components to remain stable while the flexible insertion part adapts to various access requirements, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion part gains flexibility in spatial configuration by allowing bending in multiple directions, adding dimensional freedom to reach curved or obscured targets. This dimensional change enables the rigid imaging components to maintain stability while the overall system adapts to complex access paths.
3Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used to reduce device complexity, then image pickup area is reduced, but device complexity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor's surface is segmented into two distinct imaging regions, each capturing one of the two stereoscopic images. This segmentation allows both images to be formed on a single sensor without overlap, effectively utilizing the sensor area. The imaging optical system directs light from different optical paths to different regions of the same sensor, resolving the contradiction between using a single sensor and maintaining sufficient image pickup area.
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 ensures highly precise image information capture with a large image pickup area, allowing measurement or observation of objects inaccessible by linear insertion, and enables accurate measurement using the principle of triangulation by correlating separately captured images.
Implementation Method 1
a two-path forming optical system for forming two paths of rays involving a parallax
Implementation Method 2
an objective optical system for forming two paths of rays involving a parallax
Implementation Method 3
an image forming optical system for forming images out of light travelling along the respective paths of rays in the two-path forming optical system onto a common region
Implementation Method 4
an image forming optical system for forming images out of light travelling along the respective paths of rays
Implementation Method 5
one image sensor arranged at an image forming position of the image forming optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic optical system includes, at a distal end of an insertion part of an endoscope, a two-path forming optical system for forming two paths of rays involving a parallax, an image forming optical system for forming images out of light travelling along the respective paths of rays in the two-path forming optical system onto a common region, and an image sensor arranged at an image forming position of the image forming optical system. The stereoscopic optical system is further provided with a time-division path switching means that is capable of switching between the two paths of rays in a time-division manner so that only light coming from either one of the two paths of rays formed by the two-path forming optical system enters the image forming optical system.