Truncated Spherical Lens Unit for Bright Full-Aperture Imaging

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical units, particularly those using multiple truncated spherical lenses, face challenges in maximizing the utilization of inner diameters for high resolution and brightness due to limited image height and inefficient light transmission, leading to wasted peripheral regions and increased unit diameter.

Innovation Solution

An image transmission unit comprising a single objective lens with a flat and convex spherical surface, an image transmission medium, and a holding member, where the objective lens and transmission medium satisfy the condition r/n < d ≤ r, allowing for high-resolution and bright illumination by utilizing the entire inner diameter for light transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple truncated spherical lenses are used, then the optical unit can be manufactured for narrow endoscope use, but the peripheral regions are wasted and the unit diameter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for narrow endoscopeVSAvoidunit diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into two distinct segments: a first truncated spherical lens for imaging and a second plano-convex lens for illumination. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the peripheral regions to be effectively utilized while maintaining a compact diameter suitable for narrow endoscopes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple truncated spherical lenses are used, then the optical unit can be manufactured for narrow endoscope use, but light transmission efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for narrow endoscopeVSAvoidlight transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into two distinct segments: a first truncated spherical lens for imaging and a second plano-convex lens for illumination. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the peripheral regions to be effectively utilized while maintaining a compact diameter suitable for narrow endoscopes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the system: the first lens uses a truncated spherical shape optimized for imaging, while the second lens uses a plano-convex shape optimized for illumination. This local optimization of optical properties maximizes light transmission efficiency for each functional region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple truncated spherical lenses are used, then the optical unit can be manufactured for narrow endoscope use, but image height is limited and resolution is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for narrow endoscopeVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into two distinct segments: a first truncated spherical lens for imaging and a second plano-convex lens for illumination. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the peripheral regions to be effectively utilized while maintaining a compact diameter suitable for narrow endoscopes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the radial dimension by allowing light to pass through the outermost periphery of the image transmission medium, effectively using the full aperture of the optical system. This dimensional optimization increases the image height and resolution without increasing the overall unit diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables high-resolution image transmission and bright illumination by effectively using the entire inner diameter for light transmission, reducing the unit diameter and enhancing image height, thus improving the efficiency of optical systems.

Implementation Method 1

a single objective lens including a single truncated spherical lens having a flat surface and a convex spherical surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

an image transmission medium disposed at a side of the convex spherical surface of the objective lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20250338000A1Image transmission unit, optical device, and manufacturing method for image transmission unit

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An image transmission unit includes: a single objective lens including a single truncated spherical lens having a flat surface and a convex spherical surface; an image transmission medium disposed at a side of the convex spherical surface of the objective lens; and a single holding member that holds both the objective lens and the image transmission medium. The objective lens and the image transmission medium satisfy expression of r/n<d≤r, where r denotes a radius of the objective lens, n denotes a refractive index of the objective lens, and d denotes a radius of the image transmission medium, and light passing through the flat surface includes light passing through an outermost periphery of the image transmission medium.