Lens Array Light-Occluding Barriers for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital camera and display systems employing multiple lens arrays suffer from crosstalk and chromatic aberration issues, particularly at the edges of lens tiles, leading to double images and image distortion, which are exacerbated by close-focusing and short focal distances.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating light-occluding barriers between lens tiles in the array to limit the field of view and prevent light overlap, using dark and unreflective materials with a refractive index matching the lenses to minimize crosstalk and chromatic aberration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lens tiles are arranged closely in an array to increase resolution, then imaging precision is improved, but crosstalk between adjacent lens tiles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens array into discrete lens tiles with physical barriers (grooves filled with dark material) between them. This segmentation prevents light from one lens tile from interfering with adjacent tiles, eliminating crosstalk while maintaining the array's high resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (dark material with refractive index matching the lens material) filled into grooves between lens tiles. This intermediary blocks light propagation between adjacent lens tiles, preventing crosstalk without affecting the optical performance of individual tiles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If focal distance is shortened to enable close-focusing, then adaptability is improved, but crosstalk and chromatic aberration worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lens array with physical barriers, the patent enables close-focusing applications without the crosstalk that would normally worsen at short focal distances. Each lens tile operates independently, preventing light overlap even when focusing on nearby objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different regions: the central regions of lens tiles maintain high transmission for good image quality, while the edge regions are bordered by dark materials with matching refractive indices to eliminate chromatic aberration and prevent crosstalk, particularly important for close-focusing.
3Device complexity
If lens tiles are positioned adjacent to one another to maximize array density, then device complexity is reduced, but light overlap and double images increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses physical segmentation via grooves and dark material barriers between adjacent lens tiles. This allows maximum array density with tiles positioned directly next to each other, while the barriers prevent light overlap that would cause double images.
Solution Approach 2:
The dark material filled in the grooves between adjacent lens tiles acts as an intermediary that blocks light propagation. This enables dense packing of lens tiles without causing light overlap, as the intermediary prevents photons from one tile from reaching adjacent tiles.
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
Effectively reduces or eliminates crosstalk and chromatic aberration by limiting the angle of view and light overlap between lens tiles, improving image clarity and reducing distortion, especially in close-focusing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a base housing and positioning the plurality of lens tiles in an array configuration; the base comprising a plurality of light-occluding barriers, wherein each of the plurality of light-occluding barriers is located between two adjacent of the plurality of lens tiles
Implementation Method 2
In case some light is passed through or reflected, its index of refraction should closely match that of the usable and transparent portions of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including: a plurality of lens tiles; and a base housing and positioning the plurality of lens tiles in an array configuration; the base comprising a plurality of light-occluding barriers, wherein each of the plurality of light-occluding barriers is located between two adjacent of the plurality of lens tiles. Other embodiments are described herein.