Alternating-Curve Microlens Geometry for Flare Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices suffer from flare issues due to light reflection, which degrades image quality, particularly in high-intensity lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a microlens with a specific contour line design where a first curve projecting upward is connected to a second curve projecting downward at a first inflection point, with the curvature radius of the second curve's lower end being larger than the distance from the first curve's upper end to the inflection point, reducing large-angle light reflections and suppressing flare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional microlens design is used, then the device structure is simple, but flare occurs due to light reflection degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens employs a contour line with alternating curves (first curve projecting upward, second curve projecting downward) instead of a simple spherical or planar surface. This curved surface design changes the light reflection characteristics to suppress large-angle reflections that cause flare, while the alternating curve pattern maintains manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise geometric parameters for the contour line: the curvature radius of the second curve at its lower end must be larger than the distance from the upper end of the first curve to the first inflection point. By controlling these parameters, the design optimizes light reflection suppression while maintaining structural simplicity and manufacturability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the microlens curvature is increased to suppress reflection, then flare is reduced, but light collection efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating curve design with specific curvature radius requirements suppresses large-angle light reflections that cause flare. The first curve projecting upward and second curve projecting downward create a controlled reflection pattern that redirects stray light away from the sensor while maintaining the majority of light that should reach the photoelectric converter.
Solution Approach 2:
By precisely controlling the curvature radius parameter (making it larger than the vertical distance between curve ends), the design optimizes the balance between flare suppression and light collection. This parameter constraint ensures that the microlens maintains sufficient light gathering capability while effectively reducing harmful reflections.
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 design effectively minimizes flare occurrence, enhancing image quality by reducing stray light and maintaining efficient light collection performance.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens provided above the photoelectric converter... an upper surface of the microlens forms a contour line
Implementation Method 2
Existing imaging devices suffer from flare issues due to light reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a photoelectric converter and a microlens. The microlens is provided above the photoelectric conversion layer. In a cross-section of the imaging device, an upper surface of the microlens forms a contour line in which a first curve projecting upward is connected to a second curve projecting downward at a first inflection point located between the first curve and the second curve. In this cross-section, a curvature radius of the second curve at a lower end of the second curve is larger than a distance in a thickness direction of the microlens from an upper end of the first curve to the first inflection point.