Optical Zoom Diffuser Design for Reflective Sample Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices struggle to provide homogeneous and optimal illumination for samples with reflective surfaces, leading to loss of surface characteristics due to light reflection, especially in stereo-microscopy and macro-photography, and require complex preparation and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a movable section and lighting ring, combined with first and second diffusers having specific diameter ratios, diffuses light to avoid direct reflection and ensure uniform illumination, using LED modules or similar light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If direct light is used to illuminate reflective samples, then illumination intensity is improved, but light reflection causes loss of surface characteristics information
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser element is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the reflective sample. The diffuser scatters the direct light into diffuse light, which then illuminates the sample from multiple angles simultaneously, preventing specular reflection while maintaining adequate illumination intensity for observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from one-dimensional direct illumination to three-dimensional diffuse illumination by scattering light in multiple directions. This dimensional change in light propagation allows the sample surface to be illuminated from various angles, eliminating the loss of surface characteristics due to direct reflection.
2Measurement precision
If stereo-microscopes are used for analyzing reflective surfaces, then three-dimensional image acquisition is improved, but light reflection alters light trajectory and causes information loss
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser acts as a mediator that modifies the light trajectory before it reaches the sample. By scattering the light, it prevents the alteration of light paths caused by direct reflection, thereby preserving surface characteristics information while still enabling three-dimensional imaging through the stereo-microscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of direct light reflection into a beneficial diffuse illumination pattern. Instead of allowing direct reflected light to carry away surface information, the diffuser transforms it into scattered light that provides comprehensive surface information from multiple angles, enhancing the three-dimensional imaging capability.
3Device complexity
If macro-photography with external light sources is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but illumination homogeneity and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser element serves as a simple yet effective intermediary that transforms point-source or directional light from external sources into homogeneous diffuse illumination. This maintains the simplicity and low cost of macro-photography setups while dramatically improving illumination uniformity and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of light distribution from directional to diffuse by introducing the diffuser. This parameter change in illumination characteristics achieves homogeneous lighting across the sample surface without requiring complex lighting systems or expensive equipment.
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 uniform and diffused illumination, preserving surface details and reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining high resolution and lower costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first diffuser (7) connected to the movable section (4) and having a circular cross-section with a first and a second diameter connected to each other according to a predetermined connecting radius
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Described is an optical device (1) for use in the macro-photography sector which comprises an optical zoom unit (2) which has a fixed section (3) and a movable 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 in which a lighting ring (5) 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. Also forming part of the optical device (1) are a first diffuser (7) connected to the movable section (4) and a second diffuser (8) integral with the fixed section (3) defining a cavity (9). This invention also relates to a method for diffusing light made by means of the optical device (1).