Variable focal length optical element and optical system using the same
AssigneeOlympus Optical Co., Ltd.
InventorTakayoshi Togino
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optical system capable of focal length adjustment and so forth with a simple arrangement in which a desired portion of an optical element is selectively utilized by moving an aperture in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis. The optical system has at least two optical elements and includes a first unit positioned at the object side to form a first image and a second unit for projecting the first image onto an image plane. A deflecting mirror for selecting an optical path is positioned in the vicinity of the first image. The first or second unit is formed from a variable focal length optical element having at least two continuous rotationally asymmetric surfaces.
Claims14
A variable focal length optical element having at least one continuous rotationally asymmetric surface, wherein an optical power is variable by selecting an optical path through an aperture.
An optical system having at least two optical elements, said optical system comprising:
- a first unit positioned at an object side of said optical system to form a first image;
- a second unit for projecting said first image onto an image plane;
- and
- optical path selecting means for selecting an optical path, said optical path selecting means being positioned in a vicinity of said first image;
- wherein one of said first unit and said second unit comprises a variable focal length optical element having at least two continuous rotationally asymmetric surfaces.
A variable focal length optical element having at least one discontinuous rotationally asymmetric surface, wherein an optical power is variable by selecting an optical path through an aperture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.