Variable Focal Length Lens Synchronizes Pulse Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable focal length lens apparatuses require manual adjustment of pulse illumination timing to capture focused images, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A variable focal length lens apparatus with a signal processor that synchronizes pulse illumination with the focusing time point based on light detection signals, using methods like confocal or double pinhole methods, to automatically adjust the timing for acquiring focused images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of pulse illumination timing is used, then image acquisition can be performed, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the detection light signal itself to generate the light emission signal for pulse illumination. The photodetector detects the reflected detection light, and the signal processor automatically generates synchronization signals without requiring external manual timing adjustment, enabling the system to self-regulate the illumination timing
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the photodetector continuously monitors the reflected detection light intensity, and based on this feedback signal, the signal processor adjusts the pulse illumination timing to coincide with the focusing time point, achieving automatic synchronization
2Ease of operation
If automatic synchronization of pulse illumination with focusing time point is implemented, then operational simplicity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection light optical path serves multiple functions: it acts as both the illumination source for image capture and the reference signal source for timing synchronization. The same detection light that is used for imaging also provides the feedback signal for generating the pulse illumination timing, eliminating the need for separate timing control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the timing control function with the detection function by using the photodetector that monitors reflected detection light to simultaneously generate the synchronization signal for pulse illumination, combining multiple control functions into a single integrated 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
Enables the acquisition of focused images without manual adjustment, ensuring consistent image quality and reducing the need for complex processing, while maintaining constant magnification power and field of view.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid lens apparatus, in which the refractive index changes periodically in response to a drive signal that is input
Implementation Method 2
a hollow cylindrical vibrating member formed of a piezoelectric material. In the lens system, when AC voltage is applied to both an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface of the vibrating member, the vibrating member expands and contracts in a thickness direction and causes the fluid on an inner side of the vibrating member to vibrate
Implementation Method 3
By adjusting a frequency of the applied voltage in response to the natural frequency of the fluid, a standing wave of concentric circles is formed in the fluid and concentric circular regions having different refractive indexes are formed
Data Source
AI summary
A variable focal length lens apparatus is provided with a variable focal length lens in which a focusing position periodically changes in response to a drive signal that is input; a light source that emits detection light at an object via the variable focal length lens; an photodetector that receives the detection light that is reflected by the object, and outputs a light detection signal; a signal processor that, based on the light detection signal that is input, outputs a light emission signal that is synchronized to a focusing time point where the detection light is focused on a surface of the object; an illuminator that provides pulse illumination to the object with illuminating light, based on the light emission signal that is input; and an image capturer that captures an image of the object through the variable focal length lens.