Stereoscopic Optics Adapter for Microscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices like microscopes and endoscopes typically only allow for non-stereoscopic image recording or projection, and existing solutions for stereoscopic imaging are complex, expensive, or degrade optical quality.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic optic adapter that uses a passive optical shutter to split light from a single lens into left and right images, which are then combined to create a stereoscopic representation, allowing for stereoscopic image capture and projection using a video processing circuit to generate a stereoscopic video signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple objective lenses at different optical axes are used for stereoscopic viewing, then stereoscopic imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light path from a single objective lens into two separate optical paths using beam splitters. The beam splitter divides the light from one objective lens into left and right paths, which are then directed to separate imaging devices, effectively creating stereoscopic capability without requiring multiple objective lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitters as intermediary optical elements between the single objective lens and the imaging devices. These beam splitters act as mediators that redirect and separate the light paths, enabling stereoscopic imaging while maintaining the simplicity of a single objective lens system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beam splitters are used to enable stereoscopic viewing from a single lens, then stereoscopic capability is achieved, but optical quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam splitting mechanisms with an electronic field sequential approach. A single optical path is used with a shutter that alternately directs light to left and right imaging sensors in rapid succession, eliminating the need for physical beam splitters and associated optical quality degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic shuttering to alternately direct light from the single objective lens to left and right imaging devices. The shutter operates at high frequency, rapidly switching between left and right image capture, creating the perception of simultaneous stereoscopic imaging without requiring continuous physical beam splitting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single camera is designed to take images from multiple optical axes, then stereoscopic imaging is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two separate cameras or sensors, each capturing images from effectively different perspectives through temporal separation. The shutter alternately directs light to each sensor, creating two distinct image streams that are processed as stereoscopic pairs, avoiding the complexity of a single multi-axis camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses two separate imaging devices to capture left and right images, creating redundant copies of the imaging system. This approach simplifies the overall design by using identical, off-the-shelf camera components rather than developing a complex single camera with multiple optical axes.
4Ease of operation
If conventional adapters are used for video and still camera attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but stereoscopic imaging capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs an adapter system that provides multi-functionality: it supports both conventional single-camera attachments for non-stereoscopic imaging and stereoscopic camera configurations. The beam splitters and shutter mechanism can be configured to work with various camera types and mounting arrangements, maintaining ease of operation while adding stereoscopic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a dynamically controllable shutter that can be programmed to operate in different modes. The shutter can alternate between left and right image capture for stereoscopic imaging, or be configured for simultaneous capture, or disabled entirely for conventional single-camera operation, providing adaptive functionality that maintains ease of use.
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
Enables the capture and projection of stereoscopic images from single-lens optical devices without reducing optical quality, allowing for variable magnifications and easy integration with existing equipment, while maintaining the functionality of the underlying optical device.
Implementation Method 1
Available beam splitters come in a wide variety of configurations and can provide one or more optical attachment ports
Implementation Method 2
A stereoscopic optic adapter that uses a passive optical shutter to split light from a single lens into left and right images
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter system for displaying and recording stereoscopic images from a single lens optic device and methods of producing stereoscopic images using such an adapter are provided herein. The adapter system utilizes an active stereoscopic shutter mounted along the optical path of the single lens optic device, such as, for example, a microscope or an endoscope, to provide a stereoscopic image to a video or still camera mounted along the same optical path.