Endoscope Camera Head with Liquid Lens Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope lens systems face challenges in zooming and focusing due to the small diameter of the light carrier, requiring complex hydraulics and specialized fluids, and often use liquid deformable lenses with low durability and high optical imperfections.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a first deformable lens group with variable curvature to expand the light beam, allowing for the use of larger, movable solid lens groups for focusing and zooming, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If liquid deformable lenses are used to achieve zoom and focus in a small diameter endoscope, then the form factor limitation is addressed, but manufacturing complexity increases and optical quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical lens actuators with a liquid lens that deforms under electrostatic actuation. The liquid lens eliminates the need for complex mechanical moving parts within the small endoscope diameter, achieving zoom and focus through electrical control of liquid interface curvature rather than physical lens displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens system by varying the curvature of the liquid lens interface through electrostatic actuation. By controlling the voltage applied to the liquid lens, the focal length and optical power are dynamically adjusted, enabling zoom and focus functions without mechanical movement.
2Volume of moving object
If liquid deformable lenses are used to achieve zoom and focus, then form factor is reduced, but durability decreases and optical imperfections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile mechanical actuators with a robust liquid lens system actuated by electrostatic fields. The liquid lens has no moving parts that can wear or fail mechanically, improving reliability. The solid-liquid interface provides stable optical properties without the deformation and imperfections associated with membrane-based liquid lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite system combining solid structural components with liquid optical media. The liquid lens consists of immiscible liquids with different refractive indices, creating a stable optical interface that maintains high image quality while providing variable focus capability through electrostatic control.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical lens actuators are used in small diameter endoscope, then zoom and focus functions are achieved, but radial space requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical lens actuators that require radial space for motor components with an electrostatically actuated liquid lens. The liquid lens achieves the same zoom and focus functions through electrical control of liquid interface curvature, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and reducing radial space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves variable focus and zoom by changing the optical parameters of the liquid lens through electrostatic actuation rather than mechanical displacement. The curvature of the liquid interface is controlled by applied voltage, providing continuous parameter adjustment without requiring physical space for mechanical actuation 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
This configuration enables efficient optical zoom and focus in a small form factor with fewer optical imperfections and lower manufacturing complexity, using compact actuators and larger lenses for improved durability and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens group, including at least one deformable lens with a variable curvature... wherein the first lens group has a variable negative optical power that expands the light beam received from the endoscope
Implementation Method 2
a second lens group moveable axially relative to the first lens group... wherein the second lens group has a preset positive optical power
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6C
AI summary
A camera head is provided that includes a first lens group, including at least one deformable lens with variable curvature, a second lens group moveable relative to the first lens group, and an image sensor for capturing a light beam received from an endoscope, wherein the first lens group is fixed relative to the image sensor. The disclosure further relates to an endoscope device comprising an endoscope and a respective camera head.