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3D imaging system using single optical axis for endoscope

We propose a 3D imaging system for endoscope to take a visible image, a fluorescence image, and distance information of an affected area inside our body.
This imaging system is composed of a CCD imager to take the two types of images and a confocal distance sensor to measure distances toward the affected area. This imager and this sensor were set onto a single optical axis. Therefore, the two images and the distance information can be measured in same optical plane without misalignment.
Because of this characteristic, the two images and the distance information can be overlapped into a 3D image without software position adjustment and can be supplied in real time to users.
The confocal distance sensor for this imaging system was fabricated and its sensing characteristic was measured. A varifocal liquid lens was used in this confocal distance sensor for laser scanning to exclude an extra actuator and to miniaturize the sensor. By using this sensor, 94 to 140 mm distance were measured in 0.73mm in standard deviation and 0.95mm in standard error.
This research is a project in “Development of Systems and Technology for Advanced Measurement and Analysis” and supported by Japan Science and Technology Agency.