Universal Lens System with Segmented Groups for Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems for cameras and microscopes face challenges in providing a high depth of field from near distance to infinity with minimal distortion and suitable field coverage for high-quality imaging, especially when used with large sensor formats, often resulting in vignetting and inadequate image capture.
Innovation Solution
The optical imaging system employs a unique combination of optical and spatial relationships, including a front objective lens system and a rear focusing system, utilizing modified eyepiece designs and a frontal corrector lens to achieve a depth of field from approximately 200 mm to infinity with reduced distortion and compatibility with various camera formats, while maintaining a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical systems use a front objective relayed to a rear optical system (endoscope principle), then focus from close range to infinity is achieved, but the systems have restricted apertures, limited field coverage and significant distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple lens groups (first lens group with positive power, second lens group with negative power, third lens group with positive power) that can move independently along the optical axis. This segmentation allows each group to contribute differently to focus adjustment while maintaining overall system performance, enabling close-range to infinity focus without the severe limitations of conventional single-relay systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment by allowing the first, second, and third lens groups to move relative to each other along the optical axis. This dynamic configuration enables the system to maintain high image quality across the entire focus range from close objects to infinity, overcoming the static limitations of conventional endoscope-based systems.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional optical systems increase aperture to improve image quality, then more light is let in, but depth of field decreases and less of the image is in focus
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the optical parameters (focal lengths, distances between lens groups) dynamically to maintain both adequate aperture and sufficient depth of field. By adjusting the relative positions of the lens groups, the system can optimize the balance between light intake and depth of field for different shooting scenarios, from close-range macro to distant landscapes.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical systems use relays or optical fixes behind the objective lens to correct defects, then image quality may be improved, but the device size greatly increases making it impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the correction functions into the main lens assembly by using a coordinated three-group structure where the second negative-power lens group corrects aberrations introduced by the first and third positive-power groups. This integrated approach achieves high image quality without adding separate correction relays that would increase device size, making the system practical for camera integration.
4Reliability
If conventional optical systems provide focus from close range to infinity, then depth of field is increased, but field coverage becomes limited resulting in vignetting and unsuitable images for standard camera sensors
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the image are optimized through the specific arrangement of lens groups with different powers. The system provides uniform image quality across the entire field of view, preventing vignetting while maintaining close-range to infinity focus capability, making it suitable for standard camera sensor formats.
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 enables high-quality imaging with a wide field of view and reduced distortion, ensuring that objects from near distance to infinity remain in focus, even when used with high-quality cameras and sensors, without imaging dust or contaminants, thus providing a practical and effective solution for technical and motion picture photography.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens system positioned within the optical housing... a rear focusing system positioned behind the objective lens system within the optical housing, wherein the rear focusing system is able to transmit light or an image from the objective lens system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to optical imaging systems which are able to provide increased depth of field to microscope devices, motion-picture cameras, and still photographic cameras. Optical systems described herein are able to provide the increased depth of field while maintaining wide field of view and reducing spherical aberration and distortion. Optical systems described herein are also able to be used with standard film and digital sensor formats, and are able to be attached to, or integrated with, photographic and motion-picture cameras, including currently existing cameras.