Movable Lens Groups for Compact Endoscope Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope image-acquisition optical systems lack the capability for seamless transition from normal observation to microscopic observation, resulting in parallax issues and difficulty in stabilizing the optical system for precise microscopic examination, which hinders accurate diagnosis and increases patient discomfort due to the large size of the endoscope tip.
Innovation Solution
A compact image-acquisition optical system with a plurality of lens groups that can change from a normal-observation state to a close-up magnified-observation state by moving at least one lens group on the optical axis, ensuring the magnification at the telephoto end satisfies βTELE < −2.0, allowing for observation from normal to microscopic levels with a single system, and utilizing a lens configuration of positive, negative, and positive refractive powers to reduce the outer diameter and enable smooth field angle changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate microscopic observation optical system is provided, then microscopic observation capability is improved, but device complexity and parallax issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single optical system that performs both normal observation and microscopic observation functions by moving lens groups between different positions. The objective lens can switch between a normal observation state and a close-up magnified observation state (βTELE < −2.0), eliminating the need for separate optical systems and reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines normal observation and microscopic observation capabilities into one integrated optical system. By merging the functions of separate optical systems into a single objective lens with movable lens groups, the design eliminates parallax issues between separate systems and reduces overall device complexity while achieving both observation modes.
2Measurement precision
If magnification is increased for microscopic observation, then observation precision is improved, but field angle changes and system stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable lens groups that can be dynamically positioned to achieve different magnification states. The objective lens includes lens groups that move between positions to switch between normal observation and close-up magnified observation (βTELE < −2.0), allowing the system to adapt its magnification while maintaining stability through controlled movement rather than fixed high-magnification design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters by moving lens groups to different positions along the optical axis. By adjusting the position of lens groups, the system achieves different magnification levels (from normal to βTELE < −2.0) while controlling field angle changes and maintaining system stability through precise parameter control rather than fixed high-magnification configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lens groups are moved for power varying, then magnification capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the objective lens into multiple lens groups with different refractive powers (positive, negative, and positive). This segmentation allows each lens group to be moved independently for power varying and focusing, enabling magnification capability while distributing the precision requirements across multiple components rather than requiring one complex high-precision element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses movable lens groups that can be dynamically positioned to achieve different magnification states. The objective lens includes lens groups that move between positions to switch between normal observation and close-up magnified observation (βTELE < −2.0), allowing the system to adapt its magnification while maintaining stability through controlled movement rather than fixed high-magnification design.
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 high-definition microscopic observation without parallax, stabilizes the optical system for precise examination, and reduces patient discomfort by maintaining a compact endoscope size, while also being applicable to macro photography in digital cameras and mobile phones.
Implementation Method 1
an image-acquisition optical system formed of a plurality of lens groups, wherein by moving at least one of the plurality of lens groups on the optical axis, it is possible to change a state from a normal-observation state (wide-angle end) to a close-up magnified-observation state (telephoto end)
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a compact image-acquisition optical system which is capable of observing from normal observation to microscopic observation with a single image-acquisition optical system, whose overall length is short, and whose lens outer diameter is small. The invention provides an image-acquisition optical system comprising a plurality of lens groups, wherein, by moving at least one of the plurality of lens groups on the optical axis, it is possible to change a state from a normal observation state (wide-angle end) to a close-up magnified-observation state (telephoto end), and wherein the magnification of the image-acquisition optical system at the telephoto end satisfies βTELE<−2.0.