Monolithic GRIN Lens Sensor Assembly for Miniaturized Bioimaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-capturing devices for near-field imaging of biological tissue are large and complex, with multipartite constructions that require specific handling and are prone to focusing issues and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic, fixed structural unit comprising a digital image sensor and a rod-shaped gradient index lens, where the objective lens is directly connected to the digital image sensor without a mechanical separating interface, forming a compact and stable imaging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multipartite construction with mechanical separating interface is used, then the device can be assembled and disassembled, but the device size becomes large and focusing problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the objective lens and digital image sensor into a single integrated unit with a fixed structural connection. This eliminates the mechanical separating interface found in multipartite constructions, thereby reducing overall device size while preventing focusing problems that arise from repeated assembly and disassembly operations.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical separating interface is provided between objective lens and digital image sensor, then the components can be separated and reassembled, but dust contamination occurs and image stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The objective lens and digital image sensor are integrated into a unified structure with fixed structural connection, eliminating the mechanical separating interface. This prevents dust contamination from entering through interfaces and ensures consistent optical alignment, thereby maintaining high image stability during recording operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual refocusing is required after assembly, then the device can be adjusted, but the operation time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is pre-configured during manufacturing with the digital image sensor positioned at the precise focal distance from the objective lens. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual refocusing operations after assembly, thereby reducing operational time and complexity while maintaining optimal focus throughout the device lifecycle.
4Volume of moving object
If a monolithic fixed structural unit is used, then the device can be miniaturized and protected against contamination, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The objective lens and digital image sensor are manufactured as an integrated monolithic unit with fixed structural connection. This approach enables significant device miniaturization and eliminates contamination risks from mechanical interfaces. The manufacturing precision is ensured through precise positioning during the integration process, where the sensor is fixed at the optimal focal distance from the lens.
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
The solution enables significant miniaturization and weight reduction, eliminates focusing problems and contamination risks, and improves image stability, making it suitable for use in freely moving animals without the need for manual refocusing or separate housing.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens in the form of a rod-shaped gradient index lens (GRIN), said objective lens being coupled to the digital image sensor for image capture
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an image-capturing device for the miniaturized near-field image capture of biological tissue, in particular for the imaging of genetic indicators. The image-capturing device comprises at least one digital image sensor and an objective lens in the form of a rod-shaped gradient index lens (GRIN), which objective lens is coupled to the digital image sensor for image capture. The objective lens is connected to the digital image sensor to from a monolithic, fixed assembly. There is no mechanical separating interface between the objective lens and the digital image sensor by means of which the digital image sensor can be separated from the objective lens by the user. The invention further relates to a system for the miniaturized near-field image capture of biological tissue, said system comprising an image-capturing device of this type and an evaluation device connected to the image-capturing device.