Objective Optical System for Simultaneous White and Narrow-Band Light Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems struggle to simultaneously perform white light and narrow-band light observations efficiently, as they require separate optical paths and image capture mechanisms, leading to increased complexity and size, and limited versatility of image pickup elements.
Innovation Solution
An objective optical system with a lens group and an optical-path splitting element that splits light into two paths on the same plane, using a polarization beam splitter and a quarter-wave plate to restrict the wavelength band in one path, allowing for simultaneous white light and narrow-band light observations with a single image pickup element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical paths and image capture mechanisms are used for white light and narrow-band light observations, then the observation capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines white light observation and narrow-band light observation into a single integrated optical path. A beam splitter divides the light from a single objective lens into two paths: one for white light observation and another for narrow-band light observation using an optical filter. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate objective lenses and image pickup units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining dual observation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single objective lens serves multiple functions by providing light for both white light observation and narrow-band light observation. The beam splitter and optical filter arrangement enables this universal component to support multiple observation modes, improving versatility without requiring specialized components for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical paths and image capture mechanisms are used for white light and narrow-band light observations, then the observation capabilities are improved, but the size of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths for white light and narrow-band light observations, allowing both functions to share the same objective lens and image pickup unit. The beam splitter enables spatial separation of the two light paths while maintaining a compact overall structure, significantly reducing the system size compared to using completely separate optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter introduces a spatial dimension separation by dividing the light path into different directions (transmitted light for white light observation, reflected light for narrow-band observation). This dimensional approach allows both observation modes to coexist in a compact configuration without requiring extended linear arrangements
3Device complexity
If a single image pickup element is used for both white light and narrow-band light observations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility of the image pickup element is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single image pickup element achieves universality by capturing images from both white light and narrow-band light paths. The beam splitter directs both types of light to the same sensor, enabling the image pickup element to perform multiple functions (white light imaging and narrow-band imaging) without requiring specialized sensors for each mode
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 simultaneous white light and narrow-band light observations with a compact system, enhancing the versatility of image pickup elements and improving the accuracy of screening, diagnosis, and treatment by increasing the amount of information captured.
Implementation Method 1
the optical-path splitting surface has a characteristic of transmitting P-polarized light and reflecting S-polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a quarter-wave plate is positioned between the optical-path splitting surface and the reflecting surface
Implementation Method 3
a wavelength band of light transmitted through the predetermined optical surface or a wavelength band of light reflected at the predetermined optical surface is restricted
Data Source
AI summary
An objective optical system includes a lens group and an optical-path splitting element. The optical-path splitting element has an optical-path splitting surface which forms a first optical path and a second optical path. A reflecting surface is positioned in the second optical path and a predetermined optical surface is positioned in the second optical path. A wavelength band of light transmitted through the predetermined optical surface or a wavelength band of light reflected at the predetermined optical surface is restricted. The wavelength band which is restricted is narrower than a wavelength band of light that travels along the other optical path. A quarter-wave plate is positioned between the optical-path splitting surface and the reflecting surface. The optical-path splitting surface has a characteristic of transmitting P-polarized light and reflecting S-polarized light. The predetermined optical surface is positioned between the optical-path splitting surface and the quarter-wave plate.