ASYMMETRIC STEREO-OPTIC ENDOSCOPE

摘要

An endoscope for stereo-optically viewing an object comprises a tubular insertion portion (6A, 6B) characterized by a pair of adjacent asymmetric optical systems including a primary imaging channel (10) and a secondary imaging channel (12). Associated with each channel is a solid state electronic imaging means (68, 80) positioned to receive the images relayed by primary and secondary image-relaying means. The optical portion of the primary channel comprises a relatively large objective lens system (20) and a primary image relaying means (22) designed to provide sharply focussed first images. The optical portion of the secondary channel comprises a relatively small diameter objective lens system (24A) and a secondary image relaying means (26A) designed to relay enough light and image information to provide an acceptable stereoscopic capability.