3-D endoscopy through alternating-frame technology

A laproscope capable of providing three-dimensional images in real time has been designed and constructed. Initial tests have been made with a prototype instrument that is 1 1 mm in diameter, a size that is typical of scopes currently in use. Images from two separate viewpoints are combined through special folded optics and brought out along a single light path. Electro-optic shutters are used to alternately switch between the two stereoscopically related beams so that the resulting image information can be delivered to a single video camera. The resulting three-dimensional image may then be viewed on a standard television monitor. This laproscope can be operated with the same ease as other scopes presently available.