Enhanced Optical System for Endoscope Apparatus with Improved Astigmatism Correction and Chromatic Aberration Reduction
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved optical system for endoscope apparatus, featuring a compensator lens to reduce chromatic aberration and a quarter-wave plate with negative birefringence to correct astigmatism, ensuring sharper images and enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an optical system with a quarter-wave plate to correct astigmatism, but it had limitations in addressing chromatic aberration and temperature-induced focal length variations. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating a compensator lens and a temperature sensor, providing a more efficient and accurate imaging system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced optical system consists of an objective optical system, a quarter-wave plate with negative birefringence, a compensator lens, a polarizing beam splitter, and an image sensor. The quarter-wave plate corrects astigmatism, while the compensator lens reduces chromatic aberration. The temperature sensor monitors the quarter-wave plate's temperature and adjusts the focal length of the objective optical system accordingly. The polarizing beam splitter splits light into two polarized components, which are then picked up by the image sensor. The image processor combines the two images into a single, high-quality image.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the compensator lens and temperature sensor, which are not present in the original patent. These additions provide a significant improvement in image quality and stability, making the inventive concept novel and non-obvious.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include using different types of compensator lenses or temperature sensors. Variations could include implementing the optical system in different types of endoscope apparatus or adapting it for use in other medical imaging applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced optical system has significant commercial potential in the medical imaging industry, particularly in the field of endoscopy. It can be integrated into existing endoscope apparatus or used in new product developments, providing improved diagnostic capabilities and enhancing patient outcomes.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B1/00096 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/000095 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/05 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/0655 |
| G | G02 | G02B23/2407 |
| G | G02 | G02B23/2484 |
| G | G02 | G02B27/283 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical imaging optical systems, specifically endoscopic imaging technologies involving complex optical path manipulation, polarization splitting, and image sensor integration. Requires advanced knowledge of optical engineering, medical imaging instrumentation, and optical component design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled optical engineer with advanced degree in optics or optical engineering, experienced in medical imaging system design, familiar with polarization techniques, optical aberration correction, and endoscopic imaging technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the PTD's variations as straightforward extensions of the source patent's optical system design. The additions of a compensator lens and temperature-adaptive focal length represent predictable engineering solutions to known optical imaging challenges. The fundamental optical architecture remains substantially similar, with incremental improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking enhanced image quality.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,158 |
|---|---|
| Title | Optical system, endoscope apparatus and endoscope |
| Assignee(s) | OLYMPUS CORPORATION |