Switchable Lens System for Compact Optical Biopsy Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical biopsy devices are either unable to efficiently scan large areas with high sensitivity and specificity, or they are bulky and not suitable for minimal invasive procedures due to the separation of camera-like and microscope-like imaging modalities.
Innovation Solution
A compact lens system with a first and second lens group configured to form images at different magnifications, sharing a common optical axis, allowing for both macroscopic and microscopic views in a single device, utilizing a switchable lens system that can switch between magnifications without moving parts, such as an electro-wetting principle-based system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-like imaging and microscope-like imaging are implemented as separate entities, then sensitivity and specificity are improved, but device width increases making it unsuitable for minimal invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines camera-like imaging (first lens group) and microscope-like imaging (second lens group) into a single integrated optical system with a common optical axis. The first lens group captures macroscopic views with large field of view, while the second lens group provides microscopic views with high magnification. Both imaging modalities share the same optical path and detector, enabling the device to maintain high sensitivity and specificity while reducing overall device width for minimal invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functionality where a single detector serves both camera-like and microscope-like imaging modes. The system can switch between macroscopic scanning (first lens group) and microscopic examination (second lens group) without requiring separate detection systems, thereby achieving universal imaging capability within a compact form factor suitable for minimal invasive procedures.
2Length of moving object
If a single device is used for both camera-like and microscope-like imaging, then device width is reduced, but the complexity of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the first lens group for macroscopic imaging, the second lens group for microscopic imaging, and a shared detector system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system compactness. The modular architecture reduces optical path interference and simplifies alignment procedures compared to a fully integrated single-lens 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 efficient scanning of larger areas with high sensitivity and specificity, reducing the device width and allowing for real-time diagnosis during minimal invasive procedures by combining camera-like and microscope-like imaging capabilities in a single unit.
Implementation Method 1
a lens system (1000, 2000) having a first lens group (10) and a second lens group (20) and configured to form an image at a first magnification and at a second magnification
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a switchable lens system that can switch between magnifications without moving parts, such as an electro-wetting principle-based system
Data Source
AI summary
A lens system comprises a first lens group and a second lens group, and is configured to form an image at a first magnification and at a second magnification. The lens system has a common optical axis in both magnifications. The lens system is further configured to form an intermediate image between the first lens group and the second lens group at the first magnification. The intermediate image formed in the first magnification is further imaged onto an optical detector. In the first magnification, the second lens group acts as a relay lens imaging the intermediate image onto the optical detector. In the second magnification, the first and second lens groups together form an image on the optical detector without forming an intermediate image.