Observation Telescope Optics With Integrated Lens-Shift Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Excessive magnification in telescopic devices, such as binoculars or telescopes, leads to usability issues due to shaking or trembling when held handheld, and existing image stabilization methods are not effective in maintaining image stability at high magnifications.

Innovation Solution

A telescope optic design comprising an objective lens system with adjustable lens groups, including a second lens group movable along the optical axis for focusing and a third lens group movable perpendicular to the optical axis for image stabilization, allowing for a slim beam path and reduced image jittering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnification is increased to improve viewing capability, then the viewing angle and detail visibility are improved, but image stability deteriorates due to shaking and trembling when held handheld

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing capabilityVSAvoidimage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies image stabilization by making a lens group movable perpendicular to the optical axis. The lens group is adjusted based on detected camera shake to compensate for shaking, allowing the system to maintain image stability even at high magnifications while being held handheld.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses sensors to detect camera shake and provides feedback to control actuators. The actuators then adjust the movable lens group in real-time to compensate for the detected shaking, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains image stability at high magnification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If a movable lens group is added for image stabilization, then image stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilityVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable lens group serves multiple functions: it acts as part of the objective lens system for focusing and imaging, while simultaneously functioning as the image stabilization element when adjusted perpendicular to the optical axis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated stabilization components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the image stabilization function with the existing objective lens system by making one of the lens groups adjustable perpendicular to the optical axis. This merging of functions integrates stabilization into the core optical path rather than adding a separate parallel system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If lens groups are made adjustable for focusing and stabilization, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidlens group positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated actuator control for lens group positioning. Sensors detect camera shake and control systems automatically adjust the movable lens group, eliminating the need for manual precision adjustment by the user while maintaining high positioning accuracy through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design achieves high optical quality with minimal aberrations and effectively stabilizes images at high magnifications, ensuring ease of use by reducing perceived shaking.

Implementation Method 1

an objective lens system (2), which comprises, in an object-side sequence, a first lens group G1 with a positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 with a negative refractive power, and a third lens group G3 with at least one lens with a negative refractive power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the third lens group G3 is adjustable for changing the position of the image perpendicular to the optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4471490B1Observation telescope
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SWAROVSKI-OPTIK AG & CO KG
  • EP4471490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4471490B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4471490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a telescope optic for an observation telescope comprising an objective lens, a prism reversing system, and an eyepiece lens, wherein an image of an object produced by the objective lens is located between the prism reversing system and the eyepiece lens, and wherein the objective lens, in an object-side sequence, comprises a first lens group G1 with a positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 with a negative refractive power, and a third lens group G3, and wherein the second lens group G2 is adjustable for focusing parallel to an optical axis, and wherein at least one lens with a negative refractive power of the third lens group G3 is adjustable for changing the position of the image perpendicular to the optical axis, and wherein a ratio of the focal length of the third lens group G3 to the focal length of the lens system formed from the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 has a value between -1,17 and -0.60, thus fulfilling the condition: -1.17 < f'(G3) / f'(G1,G2) < -0.60.