Fiberscope-type environmental monitoring devices with binocular parallax accommodation mechanism for stereoscopic observation

A fiberscope-type environmental monitoring device is suitable for observation in narrow spaces that cannot be observed by conventional technology. The goal of developing this device is advanced functions such as stereoscopic and microscopic observation. The binocular parallax can be varied by bending the fiberscope. The position of the stereoscopic observation area is shifted by changing the binocular parallax. Therefore, the operator can observe the object without having to move the fiberscope back and forth and can also get optimum images on a 3D display by accommodation of the binocular parallax. Microactuators are necessary to accommodate the binocular parallax. This stereoscope consists of two fiberscopes, an SMA (shape memory alloy) coil spring, a bias spring plate, and two support plates, and is covered with a stainless steel pipe 5 mm in outer diameter. The fiberscope consists of an image fiber with 12,000 pixels and six light guide fibers. The outer diameter of the fiberscope is 1.3 mm. The wire diameter and the outer diameter of the SMA coil spring are 75 /spl mu/m and 300 /spl mu/m, respectively. The SMA coil spring is stretched and fixed to the tip of the fiberscopes. We devised a system for stereoscopic observation and an environmental monitoring device using two fiberscope. We also defined the stereoscopic parameters necessary for stereoscopic observation.