Liquid Lens Endoscope Adaptive Focus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes with rigid lenses are limited by fixed working distances and magnification powers, making it difficult to maintain focus when the distance from the endoscope to the object changes, and they cannot be easily adjusted once in use.
Innovation Solution
The use of sealed fluid-filled lenses that can adjust their optical power by altering the curvature in response to a distance sensor's signal, allowing for continuous adjustment of focal length and magnification to match changing distances while maintaining focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rigid lenses are used in endoscopes, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the working distance and magnification power are fixed and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid lenses with a liquid lens system that can dynamically change its optical properties. The liquid lens comprises a flexible membrane separating liquid-filled chambers, allowing the curvature and optical power to be continuously adjusted by changing liquid volume through microfluidic channels, enabling adaptive focus and magnification control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the optical power of the liquid lens through control of liquid volume and membrane curvature. By adjusting the volume of liquid in the chambers and the curvature of the flexible membrane, the system can continuously change focal length and magnification power to match different working distances
2Reliability
If rigid lenses with fixed focal length are used, then the device structure is simple, but the endoscope cannot maintain focus when distance to object changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a distance sensor to detect the distance between the endoscope and the object, then feeding this information back to a control system that automatically adjusts the liquid lens parameters. This closed-loop control enables the endoscope to automatically maintain focus without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting its own focus based on distance sensing. The control system monitors the distance sensor output and autonomously modifies the liquid lens curvature and optical power to maintain proper focus, eliminating the need for manual focusing operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete lenses are used to provide different working distances, then focus at specific distances is achieved, but switching between lenses is difficult and only discrete values are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single liquid lens system that can perform multiple functions - providing continuous adjustment across a wide range of working distances and magnification powers. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple discrete lenses, simplifying the system while expanding capabilities
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
Enables flexible and continuous adjustment of focal length and magnification, allowing the endoscope to maintain focus as the distance from the endoscope to the object varies, improving usability and adaptability compared to traditional endoscopes.
Implementation Method 1
a lens comprising a flexible membrane that separates a first chamber containing a first liquid from a second chamber containing a second liquid
Implementation Method 2
Fluid lenses have also been proposed for ophthalmic applications... the advantages of fluid lenses, such as a wide dynamic range, ability to provide adaptive correction
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An endoscope realized as either a borescope or a fiberscope including one or more fluid filled lenses is described. In an embodiment, the optical power of the fluid filled lenses may be adjusted to adjust the focal length associated with the endoscope. Thus, variable working distances are allowable while maintaining focus on an object in front of the endoscope. The endoscope may include a distance sensor, which is used to determine a distance between the endoscope and a sample. A processor may compare the measured distance to the current optical power of the one or more sealed fluid filled lenses. The processor may transmit signals to one or more actuators coupled to one or more sealed fluid filled lenses to change the optical power of the one or more sealed fluid filled lenses based on the comparison.