Wavelength-Selective Deflection Prism Geometry for Compact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visualization systems in endoscopes face challenges in achieving high imaging quality with a small structural size, particularly due to the design of the prism, which affects focal planes and causes optical aberrations.
Innovation Solution
A visualization system with a prism design where the second imaging beam path is deflected by a wavelength-selective first mirror surface, with a ratio of base side length to entry surface height greater than 1.5, and a tilt angle of the first mirror surface less than 20°, minimizing optical path length differences and aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the prism is designed with a conventional ratio of base side length to entry surface height (L1/H1≤1.5), then the overall height of the prism is minimized, but the imaging quality deteriorates due to increased optical path length differences and chromatic longitudinal aberration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the geometric ratio L1/H1>1.5 of the prism. This specific parameter modification balances the optical path lengths for different wavelength ranges, reducing chromatic longitudinal aberration while maintaining a compact overall height. The changed parameter directly addresses the contradiction by improving imaging quality without excessive height increase.
2Manufacturing precision
If the tilt angle of the first mirror surface is large (≥20°), then the prism height is reduced, but optical aberrations increase and imaging quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the tilt angle of the first mirror surface to be less than 20°. This parameter optimization reduces optical path length differences and minimizes chromatic longitudinal aberration, thereby improving imaging quality while maintaining a compact prism height. The specific angle range represents a balanced compromise between height reduction and aberration control.
3Manufacturing precision
If the prism is designed with optimized dimensions (L1/H1>1.5), then the imaging quality improves, but the prism occupies more space in cramped installation environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by optimizing the prism geometry along the longitudinal axis (increasing L1 relative to H1). This dimensional adjustment improves imaging quality through better optical path balancing while minimizing the increase in footprint area. The design shifts the spatial distribution to accommodate quality requirements without proportionally increasing the overall space occupation.
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 design ensures high imaging quality with compact dimensions, allowing for efficient use in cramped spaces and enabling 3D and stereoscopic imaging in different wavelength ranges, while minimizing optical aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
the second imaging beam path, after entry into the at least one prism through a distal entry surface of the prism, is deflected by means of a first reflection on a wavelength-selective first mirror surface of the prism
Data Source
AI summary
For improved imaging in a visualization system (1) having two image sensors (2a, 2b), which are spaced apart from one another axially with respect to a longitudinal axis (27) of the visualization system (1) and sensorially acquire a respective imaging beam path (4a, 4b), which is generated by an assigned imaging optical unit (31) upstream of a deflection prism (3), it is provided that a structural height of the prism (3) be made suboptimal, in order to thus be able to alleviate imaging errors upon use of a wavelength-selective first mirror surface (8) of the prism (3). Moreover, it is alternatively or additionally provided that two optical channels (16a) and (16b) be formed by the imaging optical unit (31), through which the image sensors (2a) and (2b), preferably in different wavelength ranges, can each acquire images of an object (37) observed using the visualization system (1) from different perspectives.