Variable-Focus Optical System for Depth Observation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microscopes with variable-focus optical systems face challenges in changing focal lengths without altering the operation distance of the objective lens, limiting their ability to observe samples from different depths without affecting the visual field range.

Innovation Solution

A microscope configuration that includes an objective optical system, a relay optical system, and a variable-focus optical system positioned optically conjugate to the pupil of the objective optical system, allowing for focal position changes along the objective optical axis without mechanically moving the objective lens or stage, using an electrically tunable lens (ETL) or similar technology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a variable-focus optical system is introduced to change focal length, then the ability to observe samples at different depths is improved, but the visual field range may be altered or the operation distance of the objective lens is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to observe samples at different depthsVSAvoidvisual field range stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a variable-focus optical system as an intermediary component placed between the objective lens and the sample stage. This mediator allows focal length adjustment without requiring mechanical movement of the objective lens or stage, thereby maintaining stable visual field range while enabling depth observation of samples at different positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical focusing mechanism (which involves moving the objective lens or stage) with an optical-based variable-focus system. This substitution uses optical elements such as liquid crystal lenses or deformable mirrors to change focal length through optical field modulation rather than mechanical displacement, thus maintaining operational precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the objective lens or stage is mechanically moved to change focal position, then the focal depth is adjusted, but the operational complexity and potential misalignment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal position adjustmentVSAvoidmechanical movement components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical movement components by substituting them with a variable-focus optical system that adjusts focal position through optical means. This replacement simplifies the device structure by removing motors, gears, and mechanical linkages while enabling easy focal adjustment through electrical or optical control signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter from mechanical position to optical focal length. By controlling the focal length parameter of the variable-focus optical system, the system achieves focal position adjustment without physical movement, thereby reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 observation of samples from different depths without altering the visual field range, facilitating easy adjustment of focal positions and maintaining optical axis direction, thus enhancing observational capabilities without modifying existing microscope components.

Implementation Method 1

a variable-focus optical system disposed at a position between the photodetector and the objective optical system, the position being optically conjugate to a pupil of the objective optical system, the variable-focus optical system being capable of changing a focal position of the objective optical system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS10302925B2Microscope including a variable-focus optical system disposed between a photodetector and an objective optical system

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

To provide a microscope including: an objective optical system that condenses light from a sample; a relay optical system that relays the light condensed by the objective optical system; a photodetector detects the light coming from the objective optical system and relayed by the relay optical system; and a variable-focus optical system disposed at a position between the photodetector and the objective optical system, the position being optically conjugate to a pupil of the objective optical system, the variable-focus optical system being capable of changing a focal position of the objective optical system in a direction along an objective optical axis.