Merging Partial Image Beams with Movable Stop Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for merging partial image beams in comparison microscopes or macroscopes are either cumbersome to operate with both hands or lack the ability to display various image configurations, such as variable juxtaposition and displacement of image segments, and are often complex and costly due to motorization.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a stop arrangement featuring movable stop elements and a connecting means that allows for easy adjustment of the areal proportions and relative positioning of partial image beams, enabling various image configurations without motorization and with minimal design complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized configurations are used to improve ease of operation and enable multiple image configurations, then ease of operation and versatility are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate stop elements (first stop element and second stop element) into a single integrated stop arrangement that is controlled by one hand-operated mechanism. The stop elements are mechanically linked such that moving the single control mechanism simultaneously adjusts both stop elements to achieve various image configurations (side-by-side, mixed, or superimposed views). This merging approach provides motorized-level convenience without the complexity and cost of actual motorization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both hands are used to operate rotary knobs for generating image configurations, then various image configurations can be displayed, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The stop arrangement is segmented into a first stop element and a second stop element, each independently controllable but mechanically linked through a single control mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple image configurations (side-by-side, mixed, superimposed) while being operable with one hand, as each stop element can be adjusted independently through the unified control mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If one hand operation is implemented for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to display various image configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single hand-operated control mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to control both the first stop element and the second stop element. By operating this single mechanism, the user can achieve multiple image configurations (side-by-side view, mixed view, and superimposed view), making the control system universal and eliminating the need for separate controls for each configuration type.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system is described for merging a first and a second partial image beam emanating from a specimen into a resultant image beam allowing modification of the areal proportion of the respective first or second partial image beam in the resultant image beam. A stop arrangement comprises at least a first and a second movable stop element each comprising at least one stop region adapted to be brought into a working position with the first or second partial image beam. Movably arranged connecting means for connecting the two stop elements are provided to modify the respective areal proportions of the partial image beams in the resultant image beam by movement of the connecting means.