Surgery – Endoscope – Having imaging and illumination means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-11
2003-02-11
Leubecker, John P. (Department: 3739)
Surgery
Endoscope
Having imaging and illumination means
C600S111000, C600S112000, C348S045000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06517479
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a stereoscopic endoscope which allows an observer to view a three-dimensional image of an object under test.
A stereoscopic endoscope is used to observe an object or cavity internal to a machine or the human body. Examples of rigid type stereoscopic endoscopes are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,629 and Japanese Laid Open Publication Hei. 6-194581. In these examples, the stereoscopic endoscopes have an insertion portion which includes an objective lens for forming an image of the object and a relay lens for transmitting the light to an exit pupil of the insertion portion. The stereoscopic endoscopes also include an observing -portion, which includes an-optical device for splitting the light at the exit pupil and directing the split light beams to a left and right optical imaging system, through which an observer-would view a three-dimensional image of the object.
However, if the optical device for splitting the light beam is not positioned correctly, the three-dimensional effect of the image may be reduced, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the endoscope. Further, even if the optical device for splitting the light beam is positioned correctly for an object located near to the insertion portion of the endoscope, the three-dimensional effect of an image of an object located far away from the insertion point of the endoscope may be reduced. This also reduces the effectiveness of the endoscope.
In conventional stereoscopic endoscopes, the three-dimensional image is viewed directly, using eyepiece lenses, or indirectly using an imaging device such as a CCD, and a video processor. Use of an imaging device allows the images to be viewed by many people, through the use of a monitor and special viewing glasses. However, this requires extra hardware and elaborate image processing. In a direct viewing endoscope, the image may be viewed easily and quickly through the eyepiece lenses, but by only one person at a time. Thus, extra time will be required if many people are to view the image.
Further, in a conventional stereoscopic endoscope that employs the imaging devices, one imaging device is used with each optical system, thereby increasing the cost of manufacturing the cost of the endosocope.
In conventional stereoscopic endoscopes the optical device for splitting the light beam uses a series of reflective surfaces in order to properly split the light beam. Therefore, the positional relationship between the various reflective surfaces must be set precisely. Further, in order properly position all of the reflective surfaces, the size of the endoscope must be made large, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the endoscope. Furthermore, the number of parts required to manufacture the endoscope is increased.
In a conventional stereoscopic endoscope, light is provided to illuminate the object by using a separate light source and an optical guide. The optical guide is housed in the insertion portion of the stereoscopic endoscope, and is parallel to the optical axis of optical system used for viewing the image. This results in the diameter of the insertion portion being large, and therefore the insertion portion cannot be as easily inserted into the cavity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved stereoscopic endoscope in which the position of a device for splitting the light beam, can be positioned at the standard correct position quickly and accurately.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved stereoscopic endoscope in which the three-dimensional effect of the image viewed using the endosocope can be changed quickly and easily.
It is a further object of the present invention to improve the utility of a stereoscopic endoscope in which the image of the object can be viewed by many people or by a single person, quickly.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved stereoscopic endoscope in which a single imaging device is used, thereby reducing the size of the endoscope and the number of parts required to manufacture the endosocope.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an adapter for use with a stereoscopic endoscope which allows a wide range of insertion portions of monocular endoscopes to be used with an observing portion of the stereoscopic endoscope.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an improved stereoscopic endoscope which can illuminate the object to be viewed without increasing the diameter of the insertion portion of the stereoscopic endoscope.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stereoscopic endoscope which includes: a primary optical system for transmitting light, reflected by an object located near a first end of the primary optical system, to a second end of the primary optical system; a device for dividing the light transmitted to the second end of the primary optical system into two light beams, and a pair of secondary optical systems. Each of the secondary optical systems has an imaging device which outputs an image signal. Each of the secondary optical systems receives one of the light beams and forms an image of the object on its corresponding imaging device. The stereoscopic endoscope also includes a device for adjusting a position of the light dividing device relative to an optical axis and exit pupil of the primary optical system, and a device for detecting a position of the light dividing device in accordance with each of the output image signals.
In a preferred embodiment, the detecting device detects the position of the light dividing device in accordance with a distribution of a brightness of each image formed on each of the imaging devices, by an object having uniform brightness. Further, the stereoscopic endoscope calculates an amount and direction of movement required to move the adjusting device to a standard correct position, in accordance with the distribution of brightness of the images formed on each of the imaging devices. Therefore, the stereoscopic endoscope can automatically position the light dividing device at the standard correct position, quickly and accurately. This ensures that an image having the proper three-dimensional effect can be observed by the user.
Still preferably, the stereoscopic endoscope also includes a device for processing the image signals to produce left and right images, and a device for calculating the amount and direction of movement required to position the light dividing device at the standard correct position.
In a preferred embodiment, the processing device and the calculating device are located in a common housing, which is separate from the housing of the stereoscopic endoscope.
In another preferred embodiment, the processing device and the calculating device are located in separate housings. Therefore, during normal use of the stereoscopic endoscope, only the processing device needs to be attached to the stereoscopic endoscope, thereby reducing the size of the stereoscopic endoscope system.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the calculating device is provided inside the stereoscopic endoscope housing, and the processing means is provided in a separate housing. This reduces the overall size required for the stereoscopic endoscope system.
Optionally, the primary optical system is provided by a monocular endoscope, which is attached to an adapter. The adapter is then attached to an observing portion of the stereoscopic endoscope which includes the light dividing device and the pair of secondary optical systems. This permits automatic positioning of the light dividing device relative to an exit pupil of any monocular endoscope.
The position of the adapter relative to the light dividing device may be adjusted by varying a position of adjustment screws used to secure the adapter to the observing portion. Furthermore, by including motors, the adjustment of the position of the screws can be done automatically.
In another preferred embodiment, th
Eguchi Masaru
Sekiya Takaomi
Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Greenblum & Bernstein P.L.C.
Leubecker John P.
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