Erecting Equal-Magnification Lens Array Plate Ghost Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Erecting equal-magnification lens array plates in image reading devices suffer from ghost noise due to diagonally incident light rays entering adjacent lenses, which existing solutions only partially address, necessitating further reduction in noise for higher image quality.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a stacked configuration of lens array plates with intermediate light-shielding members and V grooves between lenses, where the light-shielding member has tapered through holes and V grooves are formed to deflect stray light, ensuring that the light-shielding member effectively reduces ghost noise by aligning lenses coaxially and utilizing the angle of inclination of V grooves to deflect stray light away from the image sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a light-shielding member is provided between the two lens array plates, then ghost noise is reduced to a certain extent, but further reduction is needed for higher image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveghost noiseVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light-shielding member is segmented into multiple through-holes corresponding to each lens position, creating discrete shielding zones that precisely block stray light paths while preserving optical functionality. This segmentation allows targeted noise reduction without compromising overall image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light-shielding member acts as an intermediary element positioned between the two lens array plates, mediating the interaction between stray light and the optical system. It selectively blocks harmful diagonal light rays while allowing necessary optical paths to pass through the through-holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If V grooves are formed between adjacent lenses, then stray light is deflected away from the image sensor, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestray lightVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

V-grooves with curved or angled surfaces are formed between adjacent lenses to deflect stray light away from the image sensor. The curved geometry of the V-grooves enables effective light redirection while maintaining a compact structure that integrates seamlessly with the lens array plate design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

V-grooves are selectively formed only in specific regions between adjacent lenses where stray light interference occurs, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach reduces overall device complexity while effectively addressing the stray light problem in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the intermediate through holes are located directly opposite to the corresponding second and third lenses, then lens alignment is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens alignmentVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate light-shielding member with precisely positioned through-holes serves multiple functions: it blocks stray light, provides alignment references for lenses, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality consolidates several requirements into a single component, balancing precision needs with manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The through-holes in the intermediate light-shielding member are positioned to automatically guide and align the second and third lenses during assembly. The geometric constraints provided by the through-hole positions enable self-alignment, reducing the need for complex external alignment procedures and high-precision manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration significantly reduces ghost noise, enhancing the quality of the erect equal-magnification image by effectively shielding stray light, resulting in improved performance compared to previous solutions.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of V grooves are formed in an area between adjacent second lenses on the second surface and/or an area between adjacent third lenses on the third surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an intermediate light-shielding member provided with a plurality of intermediate through holes corresponding to the second and third lenses and provided between the first lens array plate and the second lens array plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a combination of the lenses aligned with each other form a coaxial lens system, and an erect equal-magnification image of an object on the first surface side is formed on an image plane facing the fourth surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS8638484B2Erecting equal-magnification lens array plate, optical scanning unit, image reading device, and image writing device
Publication Date: 2014.01.28 NIPPON SHEET GLASS CO LTD
  • US8638484B2 patent drawing
  • US8638484B2 patent drawing
  • US8638484B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An erecting equal-magnification lens array plate includes: a first lens array plate provided with a plurality of first lenses arranged on a first surface and a plurality of second lenses arranged on a second surface; and a second lens array plate provided with a plurality of third lenses arranged on a third surface and a plurality of fourth lenses arranged on a fourth surface. The first and second lens array plates are stacked. An intermediate light-shielding member provided with a plurality of intermediate through holes is between the first lens array plate and the second lens array plate. The intermediate through hole is formed such that the hole diameter is progressively smaller in a tapered fashion away from the second surface toward the third surface. A plurality of V grooves are formed in an area between adjacent second lenses on the second surface.