Lens Array Light Blocking Plates for Small-Pitch Image Reading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices face challenges in fabricating light blocking members with small intervals between lenses, which affect the optical performance, leading to increased fabrication difficulty and reduced effectiveness, especially when the pitch of the through holes is not adequately addressed by the light blocking members are not adequately addressed by the light blocking members are not adequately addressed by the light blocking members, especially when the lenses have small diameters and are arranged closely together.
Innovation Solution
The image reading device incorporates a lens array with first and second lens bodies, where light can be blocked by the light blocking members, and a light blocking member disposed between the light blocking member, which includes a lens array with first and second light blocking member, which includes a light blocking member disposed between the light receiver and the lens array, separating optical paths of adjacent lens bodies, with light blocking plates having a thickness equal to or greater than the second lens bodies and a pitch larger than the first lens bodies, facilitating easy fabrication and improved optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light blocking members with through holes are arranged at small intervals to improve optical performance, then optical performance is improved, but fabrication difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the light blocking function from the lens array structure by placing separate light blocking members between the lens array and light receiver. This allows the light blocking members to be designed and fabricated independently with optimized through hole patterns, resolving the contradiction between optical performance and fabrication difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking members serve as intermediary components positioned between the lens array and light receiver. They mediate the optical path by blocking stray light without interfering with the primary light convergence function of the lenses, enabling improved optical performance through a separate fabrication process
2Measurement precision
If lenses are arranged with small pitch to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but light blocking member fabrication becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the optical system into distinct functional modules: the lens array for light convergence and the separate light blocking members for stray light suppression. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - lenses can be arranged with small pitch for high resolution while light blocking members can be fabricated with appropriate through hole sizes and spacing
3Reliability
If through holes of light blocking members are arranged at small intervals, then optical performance is improved, but allowable tolerance range contracts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the design parameters of the light blocking members by positioning them at a specific distance from the lens array and light receiver. This spatial parameter change allows the through holes to be arranged at intervals that provide both adequate optical performance and sufficient manufacturing tolerance, resolving the contradiction between performance and precision requirements
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 extends the allowable tolerance range for the light blocking member, enabling easy fabrication and high optical performance by reducing lens overlaps and enhancing the depth of field, while minimizing reflections and ensuring uniform plating or coating.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array to converge light from a reading target that is a subject to be irradiated with light
Implementation Method 2
The sensor IC converts the received light into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
The at least one light blocking member blocks light from the reading target propagating between the plurality of first lens bodies
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device (100) includes a lens array (4), a light receiver (6), and at least one light blocking member. The lens array (4) includes first lens bodies arranged in a line in a main scanning direction with predetermined spacing therebetween to converge light from a reading target. The light receiver (6) receives light converged by each first lens body. The at least one light blocking member is disposed between the light receiver (6) and an end of the lens array (4) proximate to the reading target at at least one position corresponding to the predetermined spacing in the main scanning direction. The at least one light blocking member blocks light from the reading target propagating between the first lens bodies, and each of the at least one light blocking member separates optical paths of light converged by ones of the first lens bodies adjacent to each other.