Macro Optical Zoom Assembly With Glare-Reducing Ring Lighting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical devices face challenges in capturing detailed images of samples with reflective surfaces due to light reflection, requiring complex sample preparation and unstable structures, and struggle to maintain focus and resolution during movement.

Innovation Solution

An optical device with a movable section, lighting ring, and spacer body that stabilizes the structure, combined with a lighting system and diffusers to minimize light reflection and enhance focusing, allowing clear image acquisition with high resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a movable section is added to increase enlargement ratio, then imaging detail capability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging detail capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The optical device is divided into fixed and movable sections, allowing the enlargement ratio to be adjusted by moving specific lens groups while keeping other parts stable. This segmentation enables detailed imaging without compromising overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A spacer body is introduced to define a predetermined distance between the image sensor and the fixed section, adding a dimensional constraint that stabilizes the optical path. This allows the movable section to adjust focus and enlargement while maintaining consistent imaging geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If lighting is optimized for specific applications, then image quality is improved, but adaptability to different samples deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidadaptability to different samples
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is designed with multiple light sources positioned at different angles, allowing it to function effectively for various sample types including reflective surfaces, transparent samples, and rough textures. The diffusers further enhance this universality by scattering light to create optimal illumination conditions for diverse imaging applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If light sources are added to illuminate samples, then visibility of sample details is improved, but light reflection on reflective surfaces worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of sample detailsVSAvoidlight reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different light sources are positioned at specific angles tailored to the imaging requirements. For reflective surfaces, lights are positioned to minimize direct reflection into the sensor, while for rough surfaces, more direct illumination is provided. This localized optimization of lighting quality enhances visibility without excessive reflection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Diffusers are introduced as intermediary elements between the light sources and the sample. These diffusers scatter the light before it reaches the sample, reducing harsh reflections while maintaining adequate illumination. This intermediary layer softens the light interaction with reflective surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If sample preparation is performed to ensure adequate observation, then analysis quality is improved, but processing costs and time worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical device employs adjustable parameters including movable lens sections for focus control, variable lighting angles, and configurable diffuser positions. These parameter adjustments allow the system to adapt to different sample conditions without requiring physical sample preparation, maintaining high analysis quality while eliminating preparation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device achieves clear imaging with high resolution and stability, enabling detailed analysis of reflective samples and maintaining focus during movement, with simplified construction and lower maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

The lighting ring (5) is configured to generate a beam of light which, during use, is configured to strike a sample (C) to be observed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

combined with a lighting system and diffusers to minimize light reflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

enhance focusing, allowing clear image acquisition with high resolution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP4641297A1Optical device
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 MICROCONSULT SRL
  • EP4641297A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641297A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4641297A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is an optical device (1), in particular for the macro-photography sector, wherein an optical zoom unit (2) has a fixed section (3) and a section (4) movable in the direction of an optical axis (X) of the optical device (1) relative to the fixed section (3). The optical device (1) also comprises a lighting system which includes a lighting ring (5) which can be associated with a first end of the movable section (4); the lighting ring (5) is configured to generate a beam of light designed to strike a sample (C) to be observed. There is also an image sensor (10) facing towards the lighting ring (5) and designed to acquire at least one image of the sample (C) to be observed. The optical device (1) also includes a connector (11) connected to the fixed section (3) by means of a connecting portion (13) and interposed between the image sensor (10) and the fixed section (3) at a predetermined distance. The invention also relates to a method for mounting such an optical device (1).