Endoscope Optical Element for Omni-Directional Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems for endoscopes and image pickup devices struggle to simultaneously form both circular and annular images on a single imaging element while providing a wide view angle and minimizing aberrations, particularly comatic and eccentric aberrations, without increasing the complexity or size of the optical element.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a rotationally symmetric transparent medium having specific transmissive and reflective surfaces arranged to create a side view and direct view optical path, where the side view optical path forms an annular image orthogonal to the central axis, and the direct view optical path forms a circular image on the central axis, using a combination of transmission and reflection effects without intermediate image formation, and utilizing extended rotary free curved surfaces to correct aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical paths are combined to form both circular and annular images on a single imaging element, then the imaging capability is improved, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths (direct view path and side view path) within a single optical element to form both circular and annular images on one imaging element, eliminating the need for separate optical systems for different imaging modes
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it creates both direct view circular images and side view annular images through different optical paths within the same structure, making the system versatile for various imaging applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If the view angle is widened to achieve omni-directional imaging, then the imaging coverage is improved, but aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved reflective surfaces (first and second reflective surfaces) within the optical element to redirect light rays from wide angles while maintaining proper focus and minimizing aberrations, enabling omni-directional imaging with controlled optical quality
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element uses varying refractive indices and surface curvatures at different regions to correct aberrations across the wide field of view, with specific optical parameters optimized for different viewing zones (central direct view vs. peripheral side view)
3Volume of moving object
If the optical element size is reduced for compactness, then the device portability is improved, but the imaging quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple optical paths and functional surfaces within a single compact optical element, with the direct view and side view optical paths integrated in a nested manner, achieving compact size without sacrificing imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element utilizes three-dimensional surface configurations and spatial arrangement of optical paths to achieve compact form factor while maintaining adequate optical performance, transitioning from two-dimensional surface designs to three-dimensional volumetric optical design
4Manufacturing precision
If comatic and eccentric aberrations are minimized for high precision imaging, then the image quality is improved, but the optical design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric surface configurations and non-uniform refractive index distributions to specifically counteract comatic and eccentric aberrations, with optical parameters optimized to balance aberration correction across different field zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with precisely engineered optical surface geometries and material properties that inherently correct aberrations, achieving high image quality through optical design rather than mechanical correction
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 optical system achieves a compact, cost-effective design with excellent resolving power, wide view angles, and minimized aberrations, enabling clear omni-directional imaging without intermediate image formation, effectively utilizing pixels and suppressing comatic and eccentric aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent medium having a refractive index greater than 1, wherein the transparent medium has a first transmissive surface, a first reflective surface arranged at the side of the central axis thereof relative to the first transmissive surface
Implementation Method 2
the flux of light entering the transparent medium has a side view optical path and a direct view optical path therein and goes into the transparent medium to proceed along the side view optical path by way of the first transmissive surface so as to be reflected to the side opposite to the image plane by the first reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
reflected to the side opposite to the image plane by the first reflective surface and then to the image plane side by the second reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
A flux of light entering a transparent medium proceeds along a side view optical path by way of a first transmissive surface so as to be reflected to the side opposite to an image plane by a first reflective surface and then to the image plane side by a second reflective surface to form an optical path before going out from the transparent medium to the outside at the image plane side by way of a second transmissive surface in the order of forward ray tracing and also along a direct view optical path by way of a third transmissive surface to form another optical path before going out from the transparent medium into the outside at the image plane side by way of a fourth transmissive surface also as viewed in the order of forward ray tracing.