JP2016221299A - Adapter for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adapter for an endoscope which can acquire stereoscopic images without upsizing a device and can acquire clear stereoscopic images.SOLUTION: An adapter for an endoscope according to the present technique can engage with a monocular hard mirror, and comprises a luminous flux separation part and a diaphragm mechanism. The luminous flux separation part separates a subject luminous flux emitted from the hard mirror, into a first luminous flux and a second luminous flux. The diaphragm mechanism comprises: a first diaphragm part arranged on an optical path of the first luminous flux; and a second diaphragm part arranged on an optical path of the second luminous flux. The diaphragm mechanism is configured so as to be able to adjust apertures of the first and second diaphragm parts while keeping a parallax between the first luminous flux and the second luminous flux.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present technology relates to an endoscope adapter that captures a subject as a stereoscopic image.

  For example, in the medical field, endoscopic surgery, in which surgery is performed while observing images taken using an endoscope, is rapidly spreading in clinical settings, and in particular, the diseased part can be viewed stereoscopically. There is an increasing demand for endoscope devices.

  In general, an endoscope apparatus having two imaging optical systems is known as an endoscope apparatus that captures a stereoscopically viewable image (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such an endoscope apparatus can generate a stereoscopic image by capturing images having parallax with two imaging optical systems. However, such an imaging apparatus is disadvantageous in terms of cost as the apparatus becomes larger.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 below, a lens that forms an image of an observation site through a diaphragm inside the eyepiece, a CCD that has an imaging surface at the imaging position of the lens, and an observation that is imaged by the lens An endoscope apparatus including a drum that separates an image of a part into right and left and supplies the image to the imaging surface of the CCD and a motor that rotationally drives the drum is described.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-20388 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-62697

  However, the endoscope apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a configuration in which an increase in size and complexity of the apparatus cannot be avoided.

  On the other hand, in order to perform an accurate and quick endoscopic operation while viewing a realistic image of an affected area using an endoscopic device capable of stereoscopic viewing, a clear stereoscopic image free from image blurring and defocusing is required. There is a need for an endoscope device to provide.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present technology is to provide an adapter for an endoscope that can acquire a stereoscopic image without increasing the size of the device and can acquire a clear stereoscopic image. is there.

To achieve the above object, an endoscope adapter according to an embodiment of the present technology is an endoscope adapter that can be engaged with a monocular rigid endoscope, and includes a light beam separation unit, a diaphragm mechanism, and the like. It has.
The light beam separation unit separates a subject light beam emitted from the rigid mirror into a first light beam and a second light beam.
The diaphragm mechanism includes a first diaphragm unit disposed on the optical path of the first light beam and a second diaphragm unit disposed on the optical path of the second light beam. The diaphragm mechanism is configured to be able to adjust the diaphragm amounts of the first and second diaphragm portions while maintaining the parallax between the first light beam and the second light beam.

  Since the endoscope adapter separates the subject image into two parallax images by the light beam separation unit, a stereoscopic image of the subject can be acquired without increasing the size of the apparatus. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the brightness and depth of field of the two parallax images and obtain a clear three-dimensional image by the diaphragm mechanism arranged on the optical path of the subject luminous flux.

The diaphragm mechanism is
A first diaphragm unit opposed to the first filter unit; and a second diaphragm unit opposed to the second filter unit, wherein the parallax of the first and second parallax images is maintained. However, the aperture amounts of the first and second aperture portions can be adjusted.
Thereby, for example, the image light of two parallax images can be incident on each of the first and second aperture sections, and the aperture amount of each parallax image can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the depth of field of the stereoscopic image without changing the parallax of the stereoscopic image formed from these parallax images.

The light beam separation unit may include a polarizing filter having a first filter unit and a second filter unit.
The first filter unit transmits a first polarization component of the subject light beam as the first light beam, and shields a second polarization component orthogonal to the first polarization component. The second filter unit shields the first polarization component of the subject light beam and transmits the second polarization component as the second light beam.

The first diaphragm portion includes a first plate portion in which a plurality of first openings having different opening areas are formed,
The second diaphragm portion includes a second plate portion in which a plurality of second openings having different opening areas are formed,
The diaphragm mechanism is configured such that any one of the plurality of first openings is opposed to the first filter section, and any one of the plurality of second openings. You may further include the mechanism part which supports the said 1st and 2nd board part so that an opening part may oppose the said 2nd filter part so that a movement is possible.
As a result, the first and second plate portions are moved, and the aperture amount of the desired aperture area is opposed to the first and second filter portions, thereby changing the aperture amounts of the first and second aperture portions. It becomes possible to make it.

The first and second plate portions may be integrally formed with each other.
Thereby, the configuration of the diaphragm mechanism can be simplified, and the positions of the first and second plate portions can be adjusted at a time.

The plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction and along a second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction. , Arranged on the first plate portion and the second plate portion,
The mechanism may move the first and second plate portions along the second axial direction.
Thereby, the amount of diaphragm | throttle can be easily changed by moving the 1st and 2nd board part linearly.

The plurality of first openings are arranged on the first plate along the first circumference,
The plurality of second openings are arranged in the second plate portion along a second circumference concentric with the first circumference,
The mechanism portion may move the first and second plate portions along the first and second circumferences, respectively.
Thereby, the amount of diaphragm | throttle can be easily changed by rotating the 1st and 2nd board part along the said 1st and 2nd circumference.

The first diaphragm portion includes a first pair of plate portions that can form a first opening facing the first filter portion by overlapping each other,
The second diaphragm portion includes a second pair of plate portions that can form a second opening facing the second filter portion by overlapping each other,
The aperture mechanism may change the overlapping amount of the first and second pair of plate portions so that the sizes of the first and second openings can be adjusted.
Thereby, it is possible to continuously change the opening areas of the first and second openings.

  The endoscope adapter may further include a first connection end connected to the rigid endoscope and a second connection end connected to the imaging unit.

The diaphragm mechanism may be disposed on the light exit side of the polarizing filter.
Alternatively, the diaphragm mechanism may be disposed on the light incident side of the polarizing filter.

  As described above, according to the present technology, it is possible to obtain a stereoscopic image without increasing the size of the apparatus, and it is possible to adjust the depth of field of the image by the aperture mechanism.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging system including an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present technology. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of the said imaging device. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an optical system of the imaging device, (B) is a schematic front view of a polarizing filter incorporated in the imaging device, and (C) is an imaging incorporated in the imaging device. It is the schematic which shows the light-receiving surface of an element. It is a schematic plan view which shows the principal part structure of the aperture mechanism integrated in the said imaging device. It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the said aperture mechanism. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the said image pick-up element typically, (B) is the schematic which shows the light-receiving surface of the said image pick-up element. (A) and (B) are conceptual diagrams of light reaching the image sensor from the subject, and (C) and (D) are formed on the image sensor by the light shown in (A) and (B). It is a figure which shows the done image typically. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the light-receiving surface of the said image pick-up element. The conceptual diagram explaining the light-receiving surface of the said image pick-up element is shown. It is a schematic plan view which shows the principal part structure of the said aperture mechanism, (A), (B) and (C) show the aspect adjusted to different aperture amount, respectively. It is a schematic plan view which shows the principal part structure of the aperture_diaphragm | restriction mechanism which concerns on the reference example of 1st Embodiment, (A), (B) and (C) show the aspect adjusted to different aperture amounts, respectively. It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the aperture mechanism which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this technique. It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the aperture mechanism which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this technique. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the imaging device which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this technique. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of an optical system in a modification of an imaging device concerning a 1st embodiment of this art.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
[Imaging system]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging system including an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present technology. In the present embodiment, an example in which the imaging apparatus is applied to an endoscope apparatus used in a medical field will be described.

  The imaging system 1 includes an endoscope apparatus 10, a control unit 20, and a monitor 30. Hereinafter, an outline of the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  The endoscope apparatus 10 includes a lens barrel 11 and an imaging unit 12. The lens barrel 11 is inserted into the patient's body and irradiates the diseased part (subject) with illumination light. The imaging unit 12 receives the reflected light (subject light beam) of the diseased part transmitted through the lens barrel 11, converts it into an electrical signal, generates an image signal, and outputs the generated image signal to the control unit 20. .

  The control unit 20 includes a light source 21 and a signal processing unit 22. The light source 21 is connected to the light source connection portion 11 a of the lens barrel 11 via an optical transmission member 21 a such as an optical fiber, and introduces illumination light into the lens barrel 11. The signal processing unit 22 controls the light source 21 and processes an image signal output from the imaging unit 12. The signal processing unit 22 generates a stereoscopic image (three-dimensional image) of the diseased part based on the image signal, and outputs it to the monitor 30. The monitor 30 has a display unit (screen) having a horizontal direction in the X-axis direction and a vertical direction in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, and displays a stereoscopic image of the diseased part on the display unit.

[Endoscope device]
Next, details of the endoscope apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the endoscope apparatus 10. The endoscope apparatus 10 includes a lens barrel 11, an imaging unit 12, and an adapter 13. In addition, the X-axis direction in the drawing indicates the first axial direction, which is the “left-right direction” of the endoscope apparatus 10. The Y-axis direction indicates a second axial direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and is referred to as “vertical direction” of the endoscope apparatus 10. The Z-axis direction indicates directions orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively.

  The lens barrel 11 includes a cylindrical rigid mirror 111 having an axis parallel to the Z-axis direction in FIG. 2 and an eyepiece 112.

  The rigid endoscope 111 has a distal end portion 111a inserted into the patient's body and a base portion 111b connected to the eyepiece 112. The tip 111a is configured to emit illumination light and to receive reflected light of illumination light from the subject. Inside the rigid mirror 111, an illumination transmission path for transmitting the illumination light introduced into the light source connection portion 11a to the distal end portion 111a, and an imaging optical system 111c for transmitting a subject light beam incident on the distal end portion 111a to the base portion 111b (FIG. 3 (A)).

  The eyepiece 112 is used when observing a diseased part by direct viewing. The eyepiece 112 may have an eyepiece inside. In the present embodiment, the imaging optical system 111c is configured so that the aperture position of the subject light beam corresponds to the pupil position of the user (doctor or surgical assistant) who directly views the diseased part via the eyepiece 112. .

  The imaging unit 12 includes a single-plate imaging element 15 having a light receiving surface that receives a subject light beam. The imaging device 15 has a plurality of pixels arranged along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and is configured by a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). . As will be described later, an array of wire grid polarizers is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 15.

  The imaging unit 12 further includes a housing 120 that houses the imaging element 15. The housing 120 has an opening 121 connected to the adapter 13, and the image sensor 15 is disposed inside the opening 121.

  The adapter 13 includes a first connection end 131 connected to the eyepiece 112 of the lens barrel 11, a second connection end 132 connected to the opening 121 of the imaging unit 12, and the hollow portion 133. Have. The adapter 13 functions as a mounter that connects the eyepiece 112 of the lens barrel 11 to the imaging unit 12. For example, a C mount adapter is used as the adapter 13.

  The adapter 13 is configured to be detachable from the eyepiece unit 112. Thereby, a common imaging unit can be used for a plurality of types of lens barrels having different lengths and diameters. In the present embodiment, the adapter 13 includes a holder 134 that is attached to the first connection end 131 and can be engaged with the eyepiece 112 by an external operation. The second connection end 132 has a screw portion 13c and is connected to the opening 121 of the imaging unit 12 via the screw portion 13c.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first connection end 131 of the adapter 13 has a recess 13a that can accommodate the end of the eyepiece 112, and a reference plane for positioning the eyepiece 112 at the bottom of the recess 13a. 13b is formed. The eyepiece 112 has its end portion in contact with the reference surface 13b, whereby the relative position with the adapter 13 is defined. The reference surface 13b is formed orthogonal to the Z axis. The holder 134 is for holding the positioning state of the eyepiece 112 with respect to the recess 13a, and is inserted in the Y-axis direction in the figure with respect to the first connection end 131 (recess 13a) by an external operation. It has an engaging portion v that is configured by a removable plate-like member and engages with the outer peripheral portion of the eyepiece 112 when being inserted into the recess 13a.

  The hollow portion 133 is formed so as to penetrate the adapter 13 in the Z-axis direction, and constitutes a passage that guides the subject luminous flux emitted from the eyepiece portion 112 to the image sensor 15. In the hollow portion 133, the polarizing filter 14 and the imaging lens 17 are respectively disposed. The adapter 13 has an insertion portion 135 formed so as to penetrate the hollow portion 133 in the Y-axis direction, and the aperture mechanism 16 is disposed in the insertion portion 135.

  The polarization filter 14 includes two filter units that separate the subject light beam projected from the eyepiece unit 112 into two polarization components. That is, the polarization filter 14 transmits the first polarization component that oscillates in the X-axis direction of the subject light beam, and shields the second polarization component that oscillates in the Y-axis direction. And a second filter unit 142 that shields the first polarization component and transmits the second polarization component (FIG. 3B).

  In the present embodiment, the polarizing filter 14 is built in the adapter 13, and is disposed at the end of the eyepiece 112 so as to align with the reference surface 13 b of the first connection end 131. Thereby, the polarizing filter 14 can be automatically arranged in the vicinity of the eyepiece 112 when the adapter 13 is attached to the eyepiece 112.

  The aperture mechanism 16 is inserted into the insertion portion 135 of the adapter 13 and is disposed adjacent to the light emission side of the polarizing filter 14. In this embodiment, the diaphragm mechanism 16 includes a movable plate 164 in which a plurality of openings are formed, and a mechanism portion 163 disposed in the insertion portion 135. As will be described later, the mechanism portion 163 supports the movable plate 164 so that the openings having different opening areas face the polarizing filter 14. Thereby, it is possible to adjust the aperture amount of the aperture mechanism 16.

  The movable plate 164 is configured such that the upper end portion 164a and the lower end portion 164b protrude above or below the insertion portion 135. Accordingly, the user can hold the upper end 164a or the lower end 164b and move the movable plate 164 along the Y-axis direction.

  The imaging lens 17 is disposed between the diaphragm mechanism 16 and the image sensor 15. The imaging lens 17 forms an image of the subject light flux that has passed through the polarizing filter 14 and the diaphragm mechanism 16 on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 15.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an optical system of the endoscope apparatus 10.

  The imaging optical system 111c includes a focus lens for focusing, a zoom lens for enlarging a subject, and the like, and is generally configured by a combination of a plurality of lenses to correct chromatic aberration and the like. The polarizing filter 14 and the diaphragm mechanism 16 are disposed on the optical path of the subject light flux L.

  In the present embodiment, the diaphragm mechanism 16 is disposed at the diaphragm position of the imaging optical system 111c, and the subject light flux passing through the diaphragm mechanism 16 becomes parallel light. Further, since the diaphragm mechanism 16 is disposed adjacent to the polarizing filter 14, it is possible to cause the subject light beam of parallel light to enter the polarizing filter 14, so that the subject light beam can be appropriately polarized and separated.

  FIG. 3B is a front view of the polarizing filter 14 viewed from the Z-axis direction. The polarizing filter 14 includes a first filter unit 141 and a second filter unit 142 arranged along the X-axis direction. That is, the first filter unit 141 and the second filter unit 142 are arranged in the left-right direction of the display unit of the monitor 30. The first filter unit 141 polarizes the subject luminous flux in the X-axis direction, and the second filter unit 142 polarizes the subject luminous flux in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the polarization state of the first polarized light L1 that has passed through the first filter unit 141 and the polarization state of the second polarized light L2 that has passed through the second filter unit 142 are different from each other.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of a main part of the diaphragm mechanism 16 viewed from the Z-axis direction, and shows a region facing the polarizing filter 14. As will be described later, the diaphragm mechanism 16 is configured to change the area facing the polarizing filter 14 by moving in the Y-axis direction, thereby changing the diaphragm amount. In FIG. An example of the area | region facing the filter 14 is shown. In addition, BL in the figure indicates a boundary line corresponding to the boundary line between the first filter unit 141 and the second filter unit 142 of the polarizing filter 14.

  The aperture mechanism 16 includes a first opening P1 that faces the first filter portion 141, and a second opening P2 that faces the second filter portion 142. In the present embodiment, the center C1 of the first opening P1 and the center C2 of the second opening P2 are the center of gravity BC1 of the first filter 141 and the center of gravity BC2 of the second filter 142, respectively. Are arranged so as to face each other in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the first and second openings P1 and P2 allow the first polarized light L1 including light passing through the center of gravity BC1 and the second polarized light L2 including light passing through the center of gravity BC2 to pass through, respectively. .

  FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram showing the light receiving surface 150 of the image sensor 15. The light receiving surfaces 150 are alternately arranged along the Y-axis direction (vertical direction or up-down direction), and a plurality of first polarizing regions 151 and second polarizing regions 152 extending in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction or left-right direction). And have. The first polarization region 151 transmits the first polarized light L1 that oscillates in the X-axis direction, and shields the second polarized light L2 of the subject light beam that oscillates in the Y-axis direction. The second polarization region 152 shields the first polarized light L1 that oscillates in the X-axis direction and transmits the second polarized light L2 of the subject light beam that oscillates in the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, the first polarized light L1 passes through the first polarization region 151 and reaches the image sensor 15, and the second polarized light L2 passes through the second polarization region 152 and reaches the image sensor 15. .

  The image sensor 15 captures an image for obtaining a three-dimensional image having a baseline length of binocular parallax as D. Here, the baseline length D is set to the distance between the centroid point BC1 of the first filter unit 141 and the centroid point BC2 of the second filter unit 142. In addition to the image sensor 15, the imaging unit 12 includes, for example, an image processing unit 122 and an image storage unit 123.

  The image processing unit 122 converts the first polarized light L1 and the second polarized light L2 that have arrived at the image sensor 15 into electrical signals, respectively, so that image data for the right eye (first image) is converted from the first polarized light L1. 1 parallax image data), and left-eye image data (second parallax image data) is generated from the second polarized light L2. These image data are recorded in the image storage unit 123. Note that the image processing unit 122 and the image storage unit 123 may be configured in the signal processing unit 22 of the control unit 20.

  The outer shape of the polarizing filter 14 is circular, and the first filter portion 141 and the second filter portion 142 each have a semicircular outer shape that occupies half of the polarizing filter 14. A boundary line between the first filter unit 141 and the second filter unit 142 extends in the Y-axis direction. The polarizing filter 14 composed of a combination of two filter units separates incident light into two different polarization states.

  As described above, the polarizing filter 14 is composed of left and right symmetrical polarizers, and in two positions on the left and right of the endoscope apparatus 10 with respect to the upright state, linearly polarized light that is orthogonal to each other or opposite to each other. To generate polarized light in the direction of rotation. The first filter unit 141 is a filter that applies polarization to an image that the subject will see with the right eye (light that the right eye will receive). On the other hand, the second filter unit 142 is a filter that applies polarization to an image that the subject will see with the left eye (light that the left eye will receive).

  In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the polarizing filter 14 is a circle having a radius r = 10 mm. The first filter unit 141 and the second filter unit 142 have a semicircular shape that occupies half of the polarizing filter 14. Accordingly, the distance D between the centroid point BC1 of the first filter unit 141 and the centroid point BC2 of the second filter unit 142 is [(8r) / (3π)] = 8.5 mm.

  The polarizer constituting the polarizing filter 14 is not particularly limited. For example, a reflective polarizing plate having a configuration in which organic multilayer films having different refractive indexes are laminated on a glass plate may be used. Alternatively, a wire grid polarizer, a polarizer that performs polarization separation using inorganic fine particles having optical anisotropy, an organic polarizing film, and the like may be used.

  As a method of forming the first and second filter portions 141 and 142, for example, two semicircular polarizing plates each including a symmetric polarizer are formed, and these are combined at a linear portion into a circular shape. The method of pinching with two glass plates etc. is mentioned. Thereby, the polarizing filter 14 which has two area | regions from which a polarization direction differs can be produced easily. Also, on a circular glass plate, etc., a region where one filter part is formed is masked, and a multilayer film is formed by vapor deposition or the like in the region which becomes the other filter part, and then the formed multilayer film is masked. Then, a method of forming the other filter part by vapor deposition or the like may be employed. By this method, a process of combining two polarizing plates is not necessary, and the process can be simplified.

  In FIG. 3B, the direction of the electric field of the first polarized light L1 (indicated by a white arrow) is orthogonal to the direction of the electric field of the second polarized light L2 (indicated by a white arrow). . Here, the direction of the electric field of the first polarized light L1 is parallel to the X-axis direction. Specifically, for example, the first polarized light L1 mainly has a P wave (TM wave) as a polarization component, and the second polarized light L2 mainly has an S wave (TE wave) as a polarization component.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, the direction of the electric field of the first polarized light L1 and the direction of the electric field of the first polarizing region 151 (shown by a white arrow) are parallel, and the second polarized light The direction of the electric field of the light L2 and the direction of the electric field of the second polarization region 152 (indicated by a white arrow) are parallel. Moreover, the extinction ratio of each polarizer is 3 or more, more preferably 10 or more.

  FIG. 5 is a front view showing the overall configuration of the diaphragm mechanism 16 as viewed from the Z-axis direction. The aperture mechanism 16 includes a first aperture portion 161 that faces the first filter portion 141, and a second aperture portion 162 that faces the second filter portion 142, and the first and second aperture portions. The apertures 161 and 162 are changed.

  The first iris 161 adjusts the subject depth (aperture amount) with respect to an image (right eye image light) that the subject will see with the right eye. Similarly, the second iris 162 The depth of field (aperture amount) is adjusted with respect to an image (image light for the left eye) that will be viewed with the left eye.

  The depth of field is a range of distance on the subject side where the captured image appears to be in focus. Regarding the relationship between the depth of field and the amount of aperture, generally, the larger the aperture amount, the deeper the depth of field, and the smaller the aperture amount, the shallower the depth of field.

  In the diaphragm mechanism 16 according to the present embodiment, the opening having a different opening area faces the polarizing filter 14 by the movable plate 164 moving along the Y-axis direction. As a result, the aperture amounts of the first and second aperture portions 161 and 162 change, and the depth of field is adjusted. Note that “increasing the aperture amount” here corresponds to reducing the aperture area of the opening, and “decreasing the aperture amount” corresponds to increasing the aperture area of the aperture. .

  The first diaphragm 161 has a plurality of right side openings (first openings) P11, P12, and P13 that transmit image light for the right eye, and a right side plate part (first plate part) 165. . The second diaphragm unit 162 includes a plurality of left side openings (second openings) P21, P22, P23 that transmit image light for the left eye, and a left side plate part (second plate part) 166. . The right side openings P11, P12, P13 and the left side openings P21, P22, P23 are disposed on the right side plate part 165 and the left side plate part 166, respectively, along the Y-axis direction.

  The right side plate portion 165 and the left side plate portion 166 are integrally formed with each other and constitute a movable plate 164. In other words, the right side plate portion 165 and the left side plate portion 166 constitute a right half region and a left half region of one movable plate 164, respectively. In this embodiment, the movable plate 164 is configured as a black rectangular plate. Thereby, it becomes possible to light-shield areas other than the opening. Note that a boundary line BL1 indicated by a one-dot chain line in the drawing is a virtual line indicating a boundary between the first diaphragm portion 161 and the second diaphragm portion 162 (the right side plate portion 165 and the left side plate portion 166). The boundary line BL1 coincides with the boundary lines of the first and second filter units 141 and 142 when projected onto the polarizing filter 14 in the Z-axis direction.

  Furthermore, the movable plate 164 includes an upper end portion 164a and a lower end portion 164b. The upper end 164a and the lower end 164b are configured to protrude upward or downward from the adapter 13 as described above. In addition, a plurality of notches 168 described later are formed along the Y-axis direction at the left and right ends of the right and left plate portions 165 and 166. The notches 168 are formed at positions facing the right side openings P11, P12, P13 and the left side openings P21, P22, P23, respectively, in the X-axis direction.

  Among the plurality of openings, the right opening P11 and the left opening P21 are circular openings having the same opening area, and are separated from each other in the X-axis direction to form the first opening pair P10. . Similarly, the right opening P12 and the left opening P22 are circular openings each having the same opening area, and are separated from each other in the X-axis direction to form a second opening pair P20.

  Further, the distance between the centers C11 and C21 between the right side opening P11 and the left side opening P21 is the base length D of binocular parallax. Similarly, the distance between the centers C12 and C22 between the right opening P12 and the left opening P22 is also D.

  On the other hand, the right-side opening P13 and the left-side opening P23 constitute a right semicircle and a left semicircle, respectively, of the circular opening P30. The distance between the center of gravity C13 of the right opening P13 and the center of gravity C23 of the left opening P23 is also D.

  In the present embodiment, the openings P12 and P22 of the second opening pair P20 are formed with an opening area larger than the openings P11 and P21 of the first opening pair P10. Furthermore, the openings P13 and P23 constituting the opening P30 are each formed with an opening area larger than the openings P12 and P22 of the second opening pair P20. As a result, the amount of the subject luminous flux that passes in the order of the opening P30, the second pair of openings P20, and the first pair of openings P10 is reduced, and the amount of stop is increased. These opening areas are not particularly limited as long as a desired aperture amount can be obtained. For example, when the image pickup device 15 has a 1/2 inch size, the opening diameter of the opening P30 is about 8 mm and 1/3 inch. In the case of size, the opening P30 is formed with an opening diameter of about 5 mm.

  On the movable plate 164, first and second aperture pairs P10 and P20 and an aperture P30 are arranged along the Y-axis direction. As a result, by moving the movable plate 164 in the Y-axis direction, any one of the first and second aperture pairs P10 and P20 and the aperture P30 can be made to face the polarizing filter 14.

  More specifically, on the movable plate 164, the centers C11, C12, C13 of the first opening P1 and the centers C21, C22, C23 of the second opening P2 are respectively along the Y-axis direction. Arranged at intervals. Thereby, by moving the movable plate 164 by a predetermined distance in the Y-axis direction, any one of the centers C11, C12, C13 and the center of gravity BC1 of the first filter unit 141 are opposed to each other in the Z-axis direction. Any one of the centers C21, C22, and C23 can be opposed to the center of gravity BC2 of the second filter portion 142 in the Z-axis direction.

  In the present embodiment, the diaphragm mechanism 16 is inserted in the insertion portion 135 of the adapter 13 along the Y-axis direction. The mechanism portion 163 supports the movable plate 164 (the right side plate portion 165 and the left side plate portion 166) movably along the Y-axis direction with respect to the insertion portion 135. That is, the mechanism portion 163 is configured so that any one of the right side openings P11, P12, P13 faces the first filter part 141, and any one of the left side openings P12, P22, P23. The movable plate 164 is movably supported so that one opening portion faces the second filter portion 142. Thereby, the aperture mechanism 16 can adjust the aperture amount of the subject luminous flux, and can adjust the brightness and depth of field of the right-eye image and the left-eye image.

  The mechanism portion 163 is attached to, for example, the left and right engaging portions 167 that can respectively engage with the notches 168 facing in the left-right direction, the plurality of notches 168 formed in the movable plate 164, and the insertion portion 135. And left and right spring members 169 capable of biasing the left and right engaging portions 167 against any one of the notches 168. That is, the mechanism portion 163 includes the insertion portion 135 (adapter 13) by engaging the notch 168 and the left and right engaging portions 167 at positions corresponding to the first and second opening pairs P10, P20 and the opening P30, respectively. It is configured to be able to determine and maintain the relative position of the diaphragm mechanism 16 with respect to. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the notch 168 corresponding to the second opening pair P20 and the left and right engaging portions 167 are engaged, the second opening pair P20 is opposed to the polarizing filter 14. Placed in.

  The engaging portion 167 supports the movable plate 164 by being biased against the notch 168 by, for example, a spring member 169. Thereby, when a predetermined force or more is applied to the movable plate 164 in the Y-axis direction, the engagement state between the engagement portion 167 and the notch 168 can be easily released, and the engagement with the other notch 168 can be achieved. it can. That is, when the user holds the upper end 164a or the lower end 164b of the movable plate 164 and moves the movable plate 164, the aperture amount of the aperture mechanism 16 can be set to a desired aperture amount.

  Note that the upper end portion 164a and the lower end portion 164b may be processed into a shape that is easy for the user to hold. For example, a finger hole or the like may be formed, or a concave surface may be formed.

  The first polarization region 151 and the second polarization region 152 arranged on the light receiving surface 150 of the image sensor 15 are each configured by a wire grid polarizer. 6A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the image sensor 15, and FIG. 6B is a schematic view showing the arrangement state of the first and second polarization regions 151, 152 as seen from the Z-axis direction. It is a front view.

  The imaging element 15 includes, for example, a photoelectric conversion element 61 provided on the silicon semiconductor substrate 60, and a first planarization film 62, a color filter 63, an on-chip lens 64, and a second planarization film 65 on the photoelectric conversion element 61. , An inorganic insulating base layer 66 and a wire grid polarizer 67 are laminated. The wire grid polarizer 67 constitutes each of the first polarization region 151 and the second polarization region 152. In FIG. 6B, the boundary region of the pixel is indicated by a solid line.

  The extending direction of the plurality of wires 68 constituting the wire grid polarizer 67 is parallel to the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. Specifically, in the wire grid polarizer 67A that constitutes the first polarization region 151, the extending direction of the wire 68A is parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the wire grid polarization that constitutes the second polarization region 152. In the child 67B, the extending direction of the wire 68B is parallel to the X-axis direction. A direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the wire 68 is a light transmission axis in the wire grid polarizer 67.

  In the present embodiment, an electrical signal for obtaining right-eye image data is generated in the image sensor 15 by the first polarized light L1 that has passed through the first polarization region 151 and reached the image sensor 15. In addition, an electrical signal for obtaining image data for the left eye is generated in the image sensor 15 by the second polarized light L2 that has passed through the second polarization region 152 and reached the image sensor 15. The image sensor 15 outputs these electrical signals simultaneously or alternately in time series. The image processing unit 122 performs image processing on the output electrical signal (the electrical signal for obtaining the image data for the right eye and the image data for the left eye output from the image sensor 15), and the image for the right eye Data and image data for the left eye are recorded in the image storage unit 123.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are conceptual diagrams of light reaching the image sensor 15 from the subject through the diaphragm mechanism 16, and FIGS. 7C and 7D are FIGS. 7A and 7B. It is a figure which shows typically the image imaged on the image pick-up element with the light shown to.

  As schematically shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is assumed that the imaging optical system 111c is focused on a rectangular object A. Further, it is assumed that the round object B is located closer to the imaging optical system 111c than the object A. Lights L1 and L2 reflected on the object A and the object B reach the image sensor 15 through the center C1 of the right opening P1 and the center C2 of the left opening P2 of the diaphragm mechanism 16, respectively. The image of the square object A is formed on the image sensor 15 in a focused state. Further, the image of the round object B is formed on the image sensor 15 in a state where it is not in focus.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7A, on the image sensor 15, the light (first polarized light) L1 reflected by the object B is separated by a distance (+ ΔX) to the right hand side of the object A. Connect the statue at the right position. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 7B, on the image sensor 15, the light (second polarized light) L2 reflected from the object B is a distance (−ΔX) on the left hand side of the object A. Tie a statue at a distant location. Accordingly, the distance (2 × ΔX) is information regarding the depth of the object B. That is, the blur amount and blur direction of the object B located closer to the endoscope device than the object A are different from the blur amount and blur direction of the object located farther from the endoscope device, and the object A and the object The amount of blur of the object B varies depending on the distance to B.

  Thereby, different images for the right eye (see the schematic diagram in FIG. 7C) and the first polarized light L1 passing through the right opening P1 and the second polarized light L2 passing through the left opening P2, respectively. An image for the left eye (see the schematic diagram in FIG. 7D) can be obtained. A stereoscopic image can be obtained from the right-eye image and the left-eye image thus obtained based on a known method. Note that if the right-eye image data and the left-eye image data are mixed, a normal two-dimensional (planar) image that is not a stereoscopic image can be obtained.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the light receiving surface of the image sensor 15.

  The image sensor 15 has a Bayer array, and one pixel has four sub-pixels (one red pixel R that receives red, one blue pixel B that receives blue, and two green pixels G that receive green). It is composed of A first polarization region 151 is arranged for a group of pixels arranged in one row along the X-axis direction. Similarly, the first polarizing region 151 is adjacent to the pixel group in the Y-axis direction and extends along the X-axis direction. A second polarization region 152 is arranged for a group of pixels arranged in a row. The first polarizing regions 151 and the second polarizing regions 152 are alternately arranged along the Y-axis direction.

  Although the first polarization region 151 and the second polarization region 152 as a whole extend in the X-axis direction, the units along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the first polarization region 151 and the second polarization region 152 are the same. The length is equal to the length of the image sensor 15 along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. And by setting it as such a structure, in the X-axis direction based on the strip | belt-shaped image (image for right eyes) mainly extended in the X-axis direction based on the light which has P wave component, and the light which mainly has S wave component Extending strip-shaped images (left-eye images) are alternately generated along the Y-axis direction. In FIG. 8, a vertical line is attached to the inside of the first polarizing region 151 and a horizontal line is attached to the inside of the second polarizing region 152. These are schematic views of the wires of the wire grid polarizers 67A and 67B. It expresses.

  As described above, the electrical signals for the right-eye image data and the left-eye image data are generated every other row along the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the image processing unit 122 performs mosaic processing on the electrical signal to create right-eye image data and left-eye image data, and finally performs, for example, super-resolution processing, thereby finally Right eye image data and left eye image data are generated and created. Also, for example, a parallax detection technique for creating a disparity map by stereo matching from left-eye image data and right-eye image data, and parallax control for controlling parallax based on the disparity map Technology can also enhance and optimize parallax.

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a light receiving surface having a Bayer array for explaining image processing (mosaic processing) for performing a mosaic process on an electric signal obtained from an image sensor and obtaining a signal value. FIG. 9 shows an example of generating a signal value related to a green pixel in the left-eye image.

  In normal demosaic processing, an average value of electrical signals of pixels of the same color in the vicinity is generally used. However, when a pixel group (pixel row) for obtaining right-eye image data and a pixel group (pixel row) for obtaining left-eye image data are alternately repeated as in the present embodiment, the state is unchanged. If the values in the vicinity are used, the original image data may not be obtained. Therefore, the demosaic process is performed in consideration of which of the right-eye image data and the left-eye image data corresponds to the electric signal of the pixel to be referred to.

  In the Bayer array, it is assumed that a red pixel R is arranged at the position (4, 2). At this time, in order to generate the green pixel signal value g ′ corresponding to the position (4, 2), an operation represented by the following equation is performed.

  g'4,2 = (g4,1 + g4,3 + g5,2 + g1,2 × W3) / (3.0 + W3)

  Here, g′i, j on the left side is the green pixel signal value at the position (i, j). Also, gi, j on the right side is the value of the electrical signal of the green pixel at position (i, j). Furthermore, “3.0” is the reciprocal when the distance (W1) to the adjacent pixels G4,1, G4,3, G5,2 with respect to the target pixel G4,2 is, for example, “1.0” The weight corresponds to the sum of the weights. Similarly, W3 is a weight for the value of the electrical signal of the pixels G1, 2 separated by 3 pixels, and in this case, “1/3”. When the above equation is generalized, the following equation is obtained.

When i is an even number (the signal value of the green pixel G corresponding to the position of the red pixel R);
g'i, j = (gi, j-1 * W1 + gi, j + 1 * W1 + gi + 1, j * W1 + gi-3, j * W3) / (W1 * 3.0 + W3)
if i is a return (signal value of the green pixel G corresponding to the position of the blue pixel B);
g'i, j = (gi, j-1 * W1 + gi, j + 1 * W1 + gi-1, j * W1 + gi + 3, j * W3) / (W1 * 3.0 + W3)
Here, W1 = 1.0 and W3 = 1/3.

  With respect to the red pixel R and the blue pixel B, mosaic processing can be performed based on the same concept.

  Although the pixel signal value at each pixel position can be obtained by demosaic processing, at this stage, the state is every other row described above. Therefore, it is necessary to generate a pixel signal value by interpolation (complementation) for an area where no pixel signal value exists. As an interpolation method, a known method such as a method of using an average value of neighboring values can be used. This interpolation process may be performed in parallel with the demosaic process. Since the image quality is completely maintained in the X-axis direction, image quality degradation such as a reduction in resolution of the entire image is relatively small.

  According to the present embodiment, two different images separated on the left and right by the polarizing filter 14 can be generated simultaneously, and a stereoscopic image of the diseased part can be acquired with a single eye. Further, it is possible to provide a small endoscope device 10 having a simple configuration and structure and having few components. In addition, since a plurality of combinations of lenses and polarization filters are not required, there is no deviation or difference in zoom, aperture, focus, convergence angle, and the like. Furthermore, if the structure is such that the polarizing filter 14 can be attached to and detached from the adapter 13, a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image can be easily obtained.

  Further, since the endoscope apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes the aperture mechanism 16, it is possible to change the aperture amount while maintaining the binocular parallax between the right-eye image and the left-eye image. Hereinafter, the operation of the diaphragm mechanism 16 according to the present embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  FIG. 10 is a front view of an essential part of the diaphragm mechanism 16 as viewed from the Z-axis direction, and shows an area overlapping with the polarizing filter 14. 10A, 10B, and 10C show modes in which the aperture amount of the aperture mechanism 16 is different.

  FIG. 10A shows a first opening state in which the opening P30 faces the polarizing filter 14. In the first opening state, the aperture amount in the aperture mechanism 16 is minimized, that is, the aperture is most opened, the light amount of the subject luminous flux is the largest, and the depth of field is the shallowest. The distance between the centroid point C31 and the centroid point C32 is the distance D between the centroid positions of the first filter unit 141 and the second filter unit 142.

  FIG. 10B shows a second opening state in which the second pair of openings P <b> 20 faces the polarizing filter 14. In the second aperture state, the aperture amount in the aperture mechanism 16 is smaller than that in the first aperture state, the amount of light of the subject light beam is smaller than that in the first aperture state, and the depth of field is deeper than that in the first aperture state. Become. The distance between the center C21 and the center C22 is D.

  FIG. 10C shows a third opening state in which the first pair of openings P <b> 10 faces the polarizing filter 14. In the third opening state, the aperture amount in the aperture mechanism 16 is the largest, the light amount of the subject luminous flux is the smallest, and the depth of field is the deepest. The distance between the center C11 and the center C12 is D.

  Thus, in the first to third opening states, the distance between the centers of the first and second opening pairs P10 and P20 and the distance between the center of gravity positions of the opening P30 are both the first filter unit 141. And the distance D between the gravity center positions of the second filter portion 142 and the second filter portion 142. The first polarized light L1 emitted from the first filter unit 141 always passes through any one of the centers C11 and C12 and the center of gravity C13, and the second polarized light emitted from the second filter unit 142. The light L2 always passes through one of the centers C21 and C22 and the center of gravity C23. That is, for the right-eye image data generated from the first polarized light L1 and the left-eye image data generated from the second polarized light L2, the baseline length of the binocular parallax is maintained at D regardless of the aperture amount. Will be.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 11A, 11 </ b> B, and 11 </ b> C are views for explaining an endoscope apparatus 10 </ b> A in which a diaphragm mechanism 16 </ b> A is arranged in the endoscope apparatus 10 instead of the diaphragm mechanism 16. It is a principal part front view of the aperture mechanism 16A seen from the direction.

  The diaphragm mechanism 16A is configured by an iris diaphragm in which a plurality of (e.g., eight) plates (diaphragm blades) are overlapped. The aperture mechanism 16A has one opening PA10 whose opening area is variable, and has a right opening PA1 facing the first filter part 141 and a left opening PA2 facing the second filter part 142. .

  FIG. 11A shows a fourth opening state in which the aperture amount of the opening PA10 is minimized, that is, the aperture is opened most. In the fourth opening state, the opening PA10 is formed in a circular shape having the same size as the opening P30, and the distance between the centers of gravity of the right opening PA1 and the left opening PA1 is D. Therefore, the baseline length of the binocular parallax of the stereoscopic image captured by the endoscope apparatus 10A is maintained at D.

  FIG. 11B shows a fifth opening state in which the opening diameter of the opening PA10 is smaller than that in the fourth opening state and the diaphragm amount is increased. In the fifth opening state, the opening PA10 has a substantially octagonal shape due to the diaphragm blades, so that the amount of light of the subject light flux is less than that in the fourth opening state, and the depth of field can be deepened. The distance between the center of gravity CA1 of the right opening PA1 and the center of gravity CA2 of the left opening PA2 is d1 shorter than D.

  FIG. 11C shows a sixth opening state in which the aperture amount of the opening PA10 is larger than that in the fifth opening state. In the sixth opening state, the opening PA10 can further reduce the amount of light of the subject light flux and further increase the depth of field as compared with the fifth opening state. The distance between the center of gravity CA1 of the right opening PA1 and the center of gravity CA2 of the left opening PA2 is d2, which is shorter than D and d1.

  As described above, the aperture mechanism 16A can also adjust the brightness and depth of field of the right-eye image and the left-eye image obtained from the first and second polarized lights L1, L2. Become. On the other hand, since the aperture mechanism 16A has one opening PA10, the distance between the center of gravity CA1 of the right side opening PA1 and the center of gravity CA2 of the left side opening PA2 becomes shorter in proportion to the opening diameter. Thereby, the baseline length of binocular parallax is also reduced in proportion to the aperture diameter.

  That is, in the endoscope apparatus 10A, the baseline length of binocular parallax between the right-eye image and the left-eye image becomes shorter in proportion to the opening diameter. Therefore, when the aperture diameter is reduced as in the fifth and sixth aperture states, a stereoscopic image having a desired parallax cannot be generated.

  On the other hand, in the diaphragm mechanism 16 according to this embodiment, the center-to-center position between the first filter portion 141 and the second filter portion 142 is the distance between the centers of the first and second aperture pairs P10 and P20. Therefore, even if the aperture is reduced, the baseline length of binocular parallax is maintained at D. This makes it possible to maintain a predetermined binocular parallax while changing the aperture amount. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the endoscope apparatus 10 that can adjust the depth of field without impairing the stereoscopic effect.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of the diaphragm mechanism 16B in the endoscope apparatus 10B according to the second embodiment of the present technology, and is a front view seen from the Z-axis direction. In the figure, portions corresponding to those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the diaphragm mechanism 16B is configured such that an opening having a different opening area faces the polarizing filter 14 by rotating the disk-shaped movable plate 164B around the Z axis, whereby the first and second diaphragm portions 161B, It is configured to change the aperture amount of 162B.

  In this embodiment, the movable plate 164B is formed in a disc shape having the center CB100, and is arranged around a circular inner peripheral side plate portion (first plate portion) 165B including the center CB100 and the inner peripheral side plate portion 165B. The outer peripheral side plate portion (second plate portion) 166B has two regions. That is, the inner peripheral side plate portion 165B and the outer peripheral side plate portion 166B are integrally formed with each other to constitute the movable plate 164B. In addition, a boundary line BL2 indicated by a one-dot chain line in the drawing is an imaginary line indicating a boundary between the first diaphragm portion 161B and the second diaphragm portion 162B (the first plate portion 165B and the second plate portion 166B). is there. The boundary line BL2 passes through the approximate center of the polarizing filter 14 when projected onto the polarizing filter 14.

  The first diaphragm 161B has a plurality of inner peripheral openings (first openings) PB11, PB12, PB13 and an inner peripheral plate 165B arranged along the first circumference CB101. . The second diaphragm 162B includes outer peripheral side openings (second openings) PB21, PB22, PB23 arranged along the second circumference CB102, and an outer peripheral side plate 166B. The inner peripheral openings PB11, PB12, and PB13 are all configured to transmit image light for the right eye, and the outer peripheral openings PB21, PB22, and PB23 are configured to transmit image light for the left eye. The

  Among the plurality of openings, the inner peripheral opening PB11 and the outer peripheral opening PB21 are circular openings having the same opening area, and are separated from each other in the radial direction to form the first pair of openings PB10. Configure. Similarly, the inner peripheral side opening PB12 and the outer peripheral side opening PB22 are circular having the same opening area, and are separated from each other in the radial direction to form the second opening pair PB20. The inner peripheral side opening PB13 and the outer peripheral side opening PB23 constitute semicircular regions on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the circular opening PB30, respectively. Note that a boundary line BL23 indicated by a one-dot chain line indicates a boundary between the inner peripheral side opening PB13 and the outer peripheral side opening PB23, and when the opening PB30 faces the polarizing filter 14, the first and second filter parts 141 are provided. Is an imaginary line facing the boundary line in the Z-axis direction.

  The centers CB11 and CB12 of the inner peripheral side openings PB11 and PB12 and the center of gravity CB13 of the inner peripheral side opening PB13 are respectively arranged on the first circumference CB101. Similarly, the centers of the outer peripheral side openings PB21 and PB22 and the center of gravity CB23 of the outer peripheral side opening PB23 are arranged on the second circumference CB102, respectively. The first circumference CB101 and the second circumference CB102 are concentric virtual circles centered on the center CB100, and are indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Further, the difference between these radii is the distance D between the center of gravity positions of the first filter portion 141 and the second filter portion 142. Accordingly, the distance between the centers of the first and second aperture pairs PB10 and PB20 and the distance between the center of gravity positions of the aperture PB30 are both D, and the baseline length D of binocular parallax is maintained.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the openings PB21 and PB22 of the second opening pair PB20 are formed with an opening area larger than the openings PB11 and P21 of the first opening pair PB10. Furthermore, the openings PB13 and P23 constituting the opening PB30 are each formed with an opening area larger than the openings PB21 and P22 of the second opening pair PB20. As a result, the amount of the subject luminous flux that passes in the order of the opening PB30, the second pair of openings PB20, and the first pair of openings PB10 is reduced, and the amount of stop is increased. That is, the depth of field of the obtained image increases in this order.

  In the present embodiment, the mechanism unit (not shown) is configured to move the movable plate 164B along the first and second circumferences CB101 and CB102. The mechanism portion is configured such that any one of the inner peripheral side openings PB11, PB12, and PB13 faces the first filter portion 141, and any one of the outer peripheral side openings PB21, PB22, and PB23. The inner peripheral side plate portion 165B and the outer peripheral side plate portion 166B are moved so that one opening portion faces the second filter portion 142. Thereby, it is possible to adjust the aperture amount of the subject luminous flux and adjust the brightness and depth of field of the right-eye image and the left-eye image.

  The mechanism unit may be configured by a speed reducer that rotates or stops the movable plate 164B around the Z axis, for example. Such a speed reducer is disposed, for example, so that the output shaft passes through the center CB100 of the movable plate 164B, and rotates or stops the output shaft. As the speed reducer, a worm speed reducer or the like can be adopted, and it may be driven by an electric motor or the like. Thereby, even if a user does not touch the endoscope apparatus 10B directly, the mechanism part can be driven.

  Further, the first pair of openings PB10, the second pair of openings PB20, and the opening PB30 may be arranged at equal intervals around the center PB100. As a result, when the first and second aperture pairs PB10, PB20, and aperture PB30 are switched, the movable plate 164B has only to be rotated equiangularly (120 °), and the apparatus configuration can be simplified. .

  Also in the endoscope apparatus 10B according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above. That is, since the aperture mechanism 16B has a plurality of aperture pairs PB10 and PB20 whose center distance is maintained at D, it is possible to maintain binocular parallax while changing the aperture amount.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the diaphragm mechanism 16C in the endoscope apparatus 10C according to the third embodiment of the present technology, and is a front view seen from the Z-axis direction. In the figure, portions corresponding to those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In this embodiment, the diaphragm mechanism 16C has a pair of movable plates 164Ca and 164Cb facing in the Y-axis direction, and a right opening (first opening) PC10 and a left opening (second opening) between them. Part) PC20 is formed.

  The first diaphragm portion 161C includes a pair of right side plate portions (first pair of plate portions) 165Ca and 165Cb that can form the right side opening PC10 facing the first filter portion 141 by overlapping each other. . Similarly, the second diaphragm portion 162C has a pair of left plates (second pair of plates) capable of forming a left opening PC20 facing the second filter portion 142 by overlapping each other. 166Ca and 166Cb are included. That is, the diaphragm mechanism 16C changes the size of the right opening PC10 and the left opening PC20 by changing the overlapping amount of the pair of right and left plates 165C and 166C, and adjusts the diaphragm amount.

  The pair of right plate portions 165Ca and 165Cb and the pair of left plate portions 166Ca and 166Cb constitute left and right regions of the pair of movable plates 164Ca and 164Cb, respectively. That is, the pair of right-side plate portions 165Ca and 165Cb are configured in a vertically symmetrical shape, and face each other in the Y-axis direction. The pair of left plate portions 166Ca and 166Cb are configured in a vertically symmetrical shape, are opposed to each other in the Y-axis direction, and are configured in a left and right symmetrical shape with the pair of right plate portions 165Ca and 165Cb.

  The movable plate 164Ca includes a main body 168Ca, a connection portion 168Cc, and frame portions F1, F2, and F3. The frame portions F1, F2, and F3 are respectively disposed at the lower portion of the main body 168Ca, and constitute the frames of the right side and left side openings PC10 and PC20. The connecting portion 168Cc is disposed between the main body 168Ca and the frame portions F1, F2, and F3, and connects the frame portions F1, F2, and F3 to the main body 168Ca.

  The frame part F1 constitutes a frame on the upper right side of the right opening PC10, and is disposed on the lower right part of the main body 168Ca via a connection part 168Cc. The frame portion F2 is disposed at the boundary between the right and left openings PC10 and PC20, and is disposed at the lower center of the main body 168Ca via the connection portion 168Cc. The frame part F3 forms a frame on the upper left side of the left opening PC20, and is disposed on the lower left part of the main body 168Ca via a connection part 168Cc. The shape and size of the frame portions F1, F2, and F3 can be appropriately set in view of the shape and size of the opening. For example, the frame portions F1 and F3 may be formed in a substantially right triangle shape, and the frame portion F2 may be formed in a symmetrical trapezoidal shape having a 60 ° angle so that the opening portion has a hexagonal shape.

  The movable plate 164Cb is configured to be vertically symmetrical with the movable plate 164Ca. That is, it has a main body 168Cb, a connection portion 168Cd, and frame portions F4, F5, and F6. The frame part F4 constitutes a frame on the lower right side of the right opening PC10, and is disposed on the upper right part of the main body 168Cb. The frame portion F5 is disposed at the boundary between the right and left openings PC10 and PC20, and is disposed at the upper center of the main body 168Cb. The frame part F6 forms a frame on the lower left side of the left opening PC20, and is disposed on the upper left part of the main body 168Cb.

  The right half of the main bodies 168Ca and 168Cb and the frame portions F2 and F5 and the frame portions F1 and F4 form a pair of right plate portions 165Ca and 165Cb. Similarly, the left half of the main bodies 168Ca and 168Cb and the frame portions F2 and F5 and the frame portions F3 and F6 constitute a pair of left plate portions 166Ca and 166Cb.

  The mechanism portion (not shown) changes the overlapping amount of the frame portions F1 to F6 by moving the movable plates 164Ca and 164Cb close to or away from each other in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the sizes of the right and left openings PC10 and PC20 can be adjusted.

  The mechanism unit may include, for example, a ball screw unit connected to each of the movable plates 164Ca and 164Cb. Thereby, the positions of 164Ca and 164Cb can be fixed at predetermined positions along the Y-axis direction. Further, the mechanism unit may further include an electric motor or the like as a drive source for the ball screw. As a result, the mechanism unit can be driven without the user directly touching the endoscope apparatus 10C.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the distance in the Y-axis direction between the main bodies 168Ca and 168Cb is a predetermined distance or more, the frame portions F1, F2, and F3, and the frame portions F4, F5, and F6. And do not overlap. As a result, the right and left openings PC10 and PC20 become one large opening.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the distance in the Y-axis direction between the main bodies 168Ca and 168Cb is a predetermined distance or more, the frame part F1 and the frame part F4, the frame part F2 and the frame part F5, The part F3 and the frame part F6 overlap each other. Thereby, hexagonal right and left side openings PC10 and PC20 are formed. Furthermore, it is possible to change the opening areas of the right and left openings PC10 and PC20 by changing the amount of overlap.

  The distance between the center of gravity CC10 of the right opening PC10 and the center of gravity CC20 of the left opening PC20 is kept constant. This is because the diaphragm mechanism 16C according to the present embodiment is configured to move the movable plates 164Ca and 164Cb only in the Y-axis direction. That is, in the X-axis direction (left-right direction) where the centroid points CC10 and CC20 face each other, only the shape of the overlapping portion of the frame portions F1 to F6 is not deformed, and the distance between centroids can be maintained. Therefore, in the endoscope apparatus 10C according to the present embodiment, the baseline length D of the binocular parallax is maintained constant, and the parallax between the right-eye image and the left-eye image is maintained while changing the aperture amount. Is possible.

  Since the endoscope apparatus 10C according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration includes the right opening PC10 and the left opening PC20 whose sizes are variable only in the Y axis direction, the parallax in the X axis direction is maintained. The aperture amount can be changed. Further, by adjusting the overlapping amount of the two movable plates 168Ca and 168Cb in the Y-axis direction, the opening areas of the right opening PC10 and the left opening PC20 can be continuously changed. As a result, the aperture amount can be finely adjusted, and a desired depth of field can be easily obtained.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main configuration of an endoscope apparatus 10D according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology. In the figure, portions corresponding to those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the aperture mechanism 16D is arranged not on the light exit side of the polarizing filter 14D but on the light incident side of the polarizing filter 14D.

  The aperture mechanism 16D is disposed at the end of the eyepiece 112 so as to align with the reference surface 13b of the first connection end 131. On the other hand, the polarizing filter 14 </ b> D is built in the adapter 13 and is disposed between the diaphragm mechanism 16 </ b> D and the imaging lens 17. The diaphragm mechanism 16D may be disposed adjacent to the polarizing filter 14D, and an insertion portion into which the diaphragm mechanism 16D is inserted may be formed in the adapter 13 as in the first embodiment.

  The configuration of the diaphragm mechanism 16D is the same as that of the diaphragm mechanism 16 according to the first embodiment. That is, the first diaphragm 161 is opposed to the first filter 141 and the second diaphragm 162 is opposed to the second filter 142. Therefore, the first diaphragm 161 narrows the image light of the right-eye image to a predetermined diaphragm amount and causes the light to enter the first filter unit 141. On the other hand, the second diaphragm unit 162 squeezes the image light of the image for the left eye to a predetermined diaphragm amount and causes the image light to enter the second filter unit 142.

  The center-to-center distance between the first and second aperture pairs P10 and P20 is equal to the distance D between the gravity center positions of the first filter part 141 and the second filter part 142. Accordingly, the baseline lengths of binocular parallax from the first polarized light L1 that has passed through the first filter unit 141 of the polarizing filter 14 and the second polarized light L2 that has passed through the second filter unit 142, respectively. It is possible to generate image data for the right eye and image data for the left eye with D as.

  Also in the endoscope apparatus 10D according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those in the first embodiment described above.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this technique was described, this technique is not limited only to the above-mentioned embodiment, Of course, in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this technique, various changes can be added.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the image sensor 15 is one is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of an optical system of an endoscope apparatus 10E having two imaging elements of a right eye imaging element 15a and a left eye imaging element 15b as a modification of the first embodiment. It is the schematic diagram shown.

  In this modification, the configuration from the imaging optical system 111c to the polarization filter 14 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that a beam splitter 18 is disposed on the exit side of the polarization filter 14. The beam splitter 18 is configured, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape, and a polarization separation surface 18a is formed in a diagonal direction. The polarization separation surface 18a transmits the first polarized light L1 having the P wave as the polarization component and reflects the second polarized light L2 having the S wave as the polarization component by 90 °. As a result, the first and second polarized lights L2 are separated and enter the right eye image sensor 15a and the left eye image sensor 15b, respectively. As shown in FIG. 15, imaging lenses 17a and 17b may be disposed between the beam splitter 18 and the image sensors 15a and 15b, respectively. The configuration of the beam splitter 18 is not limited to the above configuration as long as the first polarized light L1 (p-polarized component) and the second polarized light L2 (s-polarized component) can be separated.

  In this modification, right eye image data and left eye image data are generated from the first and second polarized lights L1 and L2, respectively, without arranging a wire grid polarizer on the light receiving surface 150 of the image sensor 15. can do. Therefore, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, it is of course possible to apply this modification to the second to fourth embodiments.

  In the above embodiment, the first and second openings have a plurality of openings having different opening areas, or openings having variable opening areas by a movable plate facing in the Y-axis direction. However, it is not limited to this. For example, an iris diaphragm whose opening area can be adjusted by the diaphragm blades may be used as the first and second openings (see FIG. 11). In this case, the first opening is configured with an iris diaphragm for the right eye, and the second opening is configured with an iris diaphragm for the left eye. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to change the aperture amounts of the first polarized light L1 and the second polarized light L2. Further, the base length of binocular parallax can be maintained by the centers of these diaphragms facing the barycentric points of the first and second filter sections in the Z-axis direction.

  For example, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the diaphragm mechanism 16 is configured to be movable with respect to the polarizing filter 14 and the adapter 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the diaphragm mechanism 16 and the polarizing filter 14 are configured to be movable integrally. Also good. For example, the first filter 141 is bonded to the first diaphragm 161 of the diaphragm mechanism 16, and the second filter 142 is bonded to the second diaphragm 162. At this time, the first filter unit 141 is configured in the same shape as the first movable plate 165, and the second filter unit 142 is configured in the same shape as the second movable plate 166. Even with such a configuration, the aperture amounts of the first polarized light L1 (image light of the right eye image) and the second polarized light L2 (image light of the left eye image) are respectively maintained while maintaining the parallax. It becomes possible to adjust.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the diaphragm mechanism is configured to be driven manually by a user or using a drive source such as an electric motor or a cylinder. However, these drive sources are connected to the control unit 20 or the like wirelessly or by wire. You may connect so that communication is possible. As a result, a person other than the user who operates the endoscope apparatus 10 can control the aperture amount. In addition, for example, even when a user such as an operator is sterilizing sanitary fingers, the diaphragm amount can be adjusted even when the endoscope apparatus 10 cannot be touched directly.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the example in which the imaging device according to the present technology is applied to an endoscope device used in a medical field has been described. However, the present technology is not limited to this, for example, a microscope or an industrial endoscope. The present invention can also be applied.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1) a lens barrel for transmitting a subject luminous flux;
A first filter unit that transmits a first polarization component of the subject light beam and blocks a second polarization component orthogonal to the first polarization component; and shields the first polarization component of the subject light beam A polarizing filter that transmits the second polarization component and has a second filter unit adjacent to the first filter unit in a first axial direction, and is disposed on the optical path of the subject luminous flux;
An image sensor that receives the first polarization component and the second polarization component and is attached to the lens barrel, generates first parallax image data from the first polarization component, and generates the second parallax image data. An imaging unit that generates second parallax image data from the polarization component;
An imaging device comprising: a diaphragm mechanism disposed on the optical path of the subject luminous flux.
(2) The imaging apparatus according to (1) above,
The diaphragm mechanism is
A first aperture portion facing the first filter portion;
A second diaphragm portion facing the second filter portion,
An imaging apparatus that changes the aperture amounts of the first and second aperture sections while maintaining the parallax of the first and second parallax images.
(3) The imaging apparatus according to (2) above,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2,
The first diaphragm portion includes a first plate portion in which a plurality of first openings having different opening areas are formed,
The second diaphragm portion includes a second plate portion in which a plurality of second openings having different opening areas are formed,
The diaphragm mechanism is configured such that any one of the plurality of first openings is opposed to the first filter section, and any one of the plurality of second openings. An imaging apparatus further comprising a mechanism unit that movably supports the first and second plate units such that an opening is opposed to the second filter unit.
(4) The imaging device according to (3) above,
The first and second plate portions are integrally formed with each other.
(5) The imaging device according to (3) or (4) above,
The plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction and along a second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction. , Arranged on the first plate portion and the second plate portion,
The imaging device moves the first and second plate portions along the second axial direction, respectively.
(6) The imaging apparatus according to (3) or (4) above,
The plurality of first openings are arranged on the first plate along the first circumference,
The plurality of second openings are arranged in the second plate portion along a second circumference concentric with the first circumference,
The imaging device moves the first and second plate portions along the first and second circumferences, respectively.
(7) The imaging apparatus according to (2) above,
The first diaphragm portion includes a first pair of plate portions that can form a first opening facing the first filter portion by overlapping each other,
The second diaphragm portion includes a second pair of plate portions that can form a second opening facing the second filter portion by overlapping each other,
The imaging apparatus further includes a mechanism unit that changes an overlapping amount of the first and second pair of plate portions so that the sizes of the first and second opening portions can be adjusted.
(8) The imaging apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7),
The said diaphragm mechanism is an imaging device arrange | positioned adjacent to the said polarizing filter.
(9) The imaging apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8),
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the diaphragm mechanism is disposed on a light exit side of the polarizing filter.
(10) The imaging apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9),
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the diaphragm mechanism is disposed on a light incident side of the polarizing filter.
(11) The imaging apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10) above,
The imaging device includes a plurality of first polarizers that transmit the first polarization component and shield the second polarization component, and shield the first polarization component and transmit the second polarization component. An imaging apparatus having a light receiving surface in which a plurality of second polarizers are arranged in a matrix.

10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D ... Endoscopic device (imaging device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Lens barrel 12 ... Imaging unit 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D ... Polarizing filter 15 ... Imaging element 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D ... Aperture mechanism 141 ... First filter part 142 ... Second Filter part 161, 161A, 161B, 161C ... 1st aperture part 162, 162A, 162B, 162C ... 1st aperture part 163 ... Mechanism part 165, 165A, 165B ... Right side plate part (first plate) Part)
166, 166A, 166B ... Left side plate (second plate)
165Ca, 165Cb ... A pair of right side plate portions (first pair of plate portions)
166Ca, 166Cb ... A pair of left plate portions (second pair of plate portions)
P1, P11, PA11, PB11, PC10... Right side opening (first opening)
P2, P12, PA12, PB12, PC20 ... left side opening (second opening)
CB101 ... first circumference CB102 ... second circumference

Claims (10)

An endoscope adapter that can be engaged with a monocular rigid endoscope,
A light beam separating unit that separates a subject light beam emitted from the rigid mirror into a first light beam and a second light beam;
A first diaphragm disposed on the optical path of the first light flux; and a second diaphragm disposed on the optical path of the second light flux, the first light flux and the second An endoscope adapter comprising: a diaphragm mechanism configured to be able to adjust a diaphragm amount of the first and second diaphragm parts while maintaining a parallax with the light beam. The light beam separation unit is
A first filter unit that transmits a first polarization component of the subject light beam as the first light beam and shields a second polarization component orthogonal to the first polarization component;
2. The internal view according to claim 1, further comprising: a polarization filter including: a second filter unit that blocks the first polarization component of the subject light beam and transmits the second polarization component as the second light beam. Mirror adapter. The first diaphragm portion includes a first plate portion in which a plurality of first openings having different opening areas are formed,
The second diaphragm portion includes a second plate portion in which a plurality of second openings having different opening areas are formed,
The diaphragm mechanism is configured such that any one of the plurality of first openings is opposed to the first filter section, and any one of the plurality of second openings. The endoscope adapter according to claim 2, further comprising a mechanism portion that movably supports the first and second plate portions such that an opening portion faces the second filter portion. The endoscope adapter according to claim 3, wherein the first and second plate portions are integrally formed with each other. The plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are spaced apart from each other in a first axial direction and along a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction. , Arranged on the first plate portion and the second plate portion, respectively.
The endoscope adapter according to claim 3, wherein the mechanism unit moves the first and second plate portions along the second axial direction. The plurality of first openings are arranged on the first plate portion along a first circumference,
The plurality of second openings are arranged in the second plate portion along a second circumference concentric with the first circumference,
The endoscope adapter according to claim 3, wherein the mechanism unit moves the first and second plate portions along the first and second circumferences, respectively. The first diaphragm portion includes a first pair of plate portions that can form a first opening facing the first filter portion by overlapping each other,
The second diaphragm portion includes a second pair of plate portions that can form a second opening facing the second filter portion by overlapping each other,
The said diaphragm | throttle mechanism further has a mechanism part which changes the overlap amount of a said 1st and 2nd pair of board part, respectively so that the magnitude | size of the said 1st and 2nd opening part can be adjusted. Endoscope adapter. A first connection end connected to the rigid endoscope;
The endoscope adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a second end portion connected to the imaging unit. The endoscope adapter according to claim 2, wherein the diaphragm mechanism is disposed on a light emission side of the polarizing filter. The endoscope adapter according to claim 2, wherein the diaphragm mechanism is disposed on a light incident side of the polarizing filter.

Images