Compact Observation Optical System for Large Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation optical systems struggle to support high-resolution solid-state image sensors with large image heights, such as 8 mm or more, without increasing the size of the objective lens system, making it difficult to perform interior observations of narrow spaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of an observation optical system that includes an objective lens system and an image forming lens system, where the image forming lens system forms an observation object image on an image sensor plane, satisfying specific conditional expressions to achieve a high-resolution, compact design suitable for large image sensors, and incorporating a method to adjust for production errors by adjusting air intervals and decentering lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an existing observation optical system is applied to a large-sized solid-state image sensor with an image height of 8 mm or more, then the optical system must be increased in size, but this makes interior observation of narrow spaces difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested lens structure where the objective lens is positioned inside a cylindrical insertion portion, and the image forming lens system is arranged in a folded optical path configuration. This nesting approach allows the optical system to maintain high imaging performance for large image sensors while keeping the overall insertion portion diameter small enough for narrow space observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the optical path by folding it back and forth within a compact space. The image forming lens system uses a folded optical path that extends in the longitudinal direction rather than requiring a large lateral diameter, effectively converting a two-dimensional space requirement into a three-dimensional compact arrangement.
2Manufacturing precision
If the optical system size is increased to support high-resolution large image sensors, then image quality improves, but the insertion portion diameter increases making narrow space observation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The objective lens is nested within a cylindrical insertion portion with a small diameter, while the image forming lens system processes the optical path in a folded configuration. This nested arrangement enables the system to support large image sensors with high resolution requirements while maintaining a compact insertion portion diameter suitable for narrow space observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system uses a folded optical path that extends the imaging capability in the longitudinal dimension rather than requiring increased lateral diameter. This dimensional transformation allows the insertion portion to maintain a small cross-sectional area while still supporting high-resolution imaging for large image sensors.
3Length of stationary object
If a small-sized solid-state image sensor is used, then the optical system remains compact, but the resolution capability is insufficient for modern high-definition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a folded optical path that extends the effective optical length in the longitudinal dimension, enabling the system to achieve high resolution capability equivalent to large image sensors while maintaining a compact overall size suitable for small-space applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of the objective lens within the cylindrical insertion portion and the folded arrangement of the image forming lens system enable the optical system to achieve high resolution performance in a compact form factor, effectively decoupling resolution capability from overall system size.
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
This approach allows for a small, high-resolution observation optical system that can support large image sensors, enabling effective interior observations of narrow spaces with improved image quality and reduced aberrations, while maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
an image forming lens system, sequentially from an observation object side, and the image forming lens system forms an observation object image formed through the objective lens system, on an image plane of an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A small observation optical system having a high resolution, an observation imaging device that includes the observation optical system, an observation imaging system, an image forming lens system, and a method of adjusting the observation optical system. The observation optical system includes an objective lens system G1 and an image forming lens system G2, sequentially from the observation object side, and the image forming lens system G2 forms an observation object image forms through the objective lens system G1, on an image plane IP of an image sensor, and satisfies predetermined condition.