Symmetrical Relay Optics for Endoscope Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical relay systems for rigid endoscopes often fail to adequately correct aberrations, particularly curvature of the field, and are limited in design to specific endoscope lengths, leading to suboptimal optical quality.
Innovation Solution
The use of two identically designed lens systems arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, comprising a biconvex, biconcave, and rod lenses, with anti-reflection coatings and cemented optics, allows for comprehensive correction of chromatic aberration and field curvature, enabling a compact and efficient relay optics design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical relay systems are used, then the endoscope can transmit images, but aberrations such as curvature of field and chromatic aberration are not adequately corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs symmetrical arrangement of lens elements (two biconvex lenses flanking a central biconcave-rod-biconcave group) to correct aberrations. This symmetry allows chromatic and monochromatic aberrations introduced by one lens element to be compensated by corresponding elements on the other side, significantly improving image correction quality without requiring overly complex asymmetric designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lens functions into a compact relay optics assembly where biconvex, biconcave, and rod lenses are integrated in a specific symmetrical configuration. This merging of functions achieves comprehensive aberration correction while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for rigid endoscopes, avoiding the need for separate correction systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If relay optics are designed for specific endoscope lengths, then optical quality can be optimized for that length, but the design cannot be adapted to varying endoscope lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The symmetrical relay optics design serves multiple functions: it corrects chromatic aberration, monochromatic aberrations, and field curvature while maintaining a compact structure. This universal design can be adapted to different endoscope lengths by adjusting the spacing between identical lens modules without sacrificing optical correction quality, making the system versatile for various endoscope configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay optics can be divided into identical symmetrical modules that can be replicated and spaced differently depending on the required endoscope length. Each module maintains the same internal symmetrical lens configuration, allowing the overall system to be scaled while preserving aberration correction capabilities across different lengths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple relay optics are connected in series, then the endoscope can achieve different lengths and fields of view, but light loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses anti-reflection coatings on lens surfaces to convert the harmful effect of reflection (which causes light loss) into a beneficial situation where minimal light is reflected and maximal light is transmitted. This allows multiple relay optics to be connected in series with minimal cumulative light loss, enabling configurable multi-module systems while maintaining bright image quality.
4Manufacturing precision
If symmetrical lens systems with anti-reflection layers are used, then optical quality improves and production costs are reduced, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs symmetrical arrangement of lens elements (two biconvex lenses flanking a central biconcave-rod-biconcave group) to correct aberrations. This symmetry allows chromatic and monochromatic aberrations introduced by one lens element to be compensated by corresponding elements on the other side, significantly improving image correction quality without requiring overly complex asymmetric designs.
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 solution provides high optical quality with reduced production and assembly costs, allowing for multiple relay optics to be connected without significant light loss, and enables stereoscopic observations with improved image correction across varying endoscope lengths.
Implementation Method 1
the first biconvex lens and / or the second biconvex lens of the respective lens system have an anti-reflection layer
Implementation Method 2
a rod lens which has a convex lens surface facing the plane of symmetry and a concave lens surface facing away from the plane of symmetry
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A relay optic for a rigid endoscope comprises two identically designed lens systems (2) arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry (A) perpendicular to the optical axis (O). Each lens system contains a first biconvex lens (4), a biconcave lens (5), a rod lens (6) having a convex lens surface (F5) facing the plane of symmetry and a concave lens surface (F6) facing away from the plane of symmetry, and a second biconvex lens (7), in that order oriented from the plane of symmetry.