Disk Scanning Apparatus Variable Relay Lens Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk scanning apparatuses lack versatility due to space limitations for adding optical elements, which restricts their ability to realize various functions depending on their usage purposes, and expanding the space to enhance versatility leads to an increase in the apparatus's size.
Innovation Solution
A disk scanning apparatus with a rotating disk and a relay optical system that includes a front group and a rear group with variable spacing, allowing for easy addition of optical elements between them, such as an aperture stop, afocal variable power optical system, or barrier filter, to enhance versatility without compromising the conjugate relationship with the CCD camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the space for adding optical elements is expanded to enhance versatility, then the versatility is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the distance between the front group and rear group of the relay optical system variable. This allows the apparatus to adapt its optical path length dynamically based on the specific imaging requirements, enabling versatile functionality (such as switching between confocal and non-confocal imaging modes) without requiring a large fixed space. The variable spacing mechanism provides adaptability while maintaining a compact overall apparatus size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are added to the relay optical system to enhance functionality, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the relay optical system with variable spacing between its front and rear groups, enabling a single apparatus to perform multiple imaging functions. By adjusting the distance between lens groups, the system can achieve different optical configurations (confocal imaging, non-confocal imaging, etc.) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function. This multi-functionality approach enhances versatility while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate optical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between front group and rear group is made variable to add optical elements, then the versatility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable spacing mechanism between the front group and rear group of the relay optical system. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the insertion of optical elements (such as aperture stops, barrier filters, or additional lenses) at different positions along the optical path. The mechanical structure includes adjustable mounts or translation stages that enable smooth variation of the inter-group distance, providing versatility for different imaging modes while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables high versatility by allowing for the easy addition of optical elements, maintaining imaging performance, and switching between confocal and normal fluorescence observations, while preventing autofluorescence noise and maintaining high numerical aperture, thus achieving efficient fluorescence imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating disk including a shielding part that blocks off light and a transmitting part that transmits light on a disk surface
Implementation Method 2
an imaging optical system that collects fluorescence emitted from a sample and forms an optical image of the sample
Implementation Method 3
a relay optical system configured to perform relaying of the optical image of the sample formed on the disk surface to the imaging apparatus, including a front group having a positive power and a rear group having a positive power, and configured so that a luminous flux between the front group and the rear group becomes an afocal luminous flux
Data Source
AI summary
A disk scanning apparatus is used in combination with an imaging optical system and an imaging apparatus. The disk scanning apparatus includes a rotating disk and a relay optical system. In the rotating disk, a disk surface including a shielding part and a transmitting part is placed so as to be positioned on a focal plane of the imaging optical system. The relay optical system performs relaying of an optical image of a sample to the imaging apparatus. The relay optical system includes a front group having a positive power and a rear group having a positive power, in this order from the rotating disk side, and is configured so that a luminous flux between the front group and the rear group becomes an afocal luminous flux. The disk scanning apparatus further includes a structure configured to make the distance between the front group and the rear group variable.