Lensless Imaging Layout With Folded Optical Path for Compactness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lensless imaging devices are bulky and lack compactness, making them difficult to transport and manipulate, despite being effective and efficient.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a subdivided optical path with multiple reflectors to direct light between a light source and an image sensor, using a compact one-piece housing with optical sections in parallel planes, incorporating a CMOS sensor and a modular design with adjustable height for sample accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source is placed above the sensor with a long optical path to ensure spatial coherence, then imaging effectiveness is improved, but device bulk and height increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the optical path from a vertical configuration (above the sensor) to a lateral configuration (parallel to the sensor plane) by introducing reflective elements at 45-degree angles. This dimensional change allows the optical path to extend in the horizontal plane while maintaining a compact vertical profile, thus achieving long optical path length without increasing device height.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is divided into multiple segments using reflective elements (mirrors or prisms) that redirect light at different stages. Instead of a single direct path from source to sensor, the light undergoes multiple reflections, creating a folded optical path that achieves sufficient path length within a compact footprint.
2Reliability
If conventional lensless imaging configuration is used with sufficient optical path length, then spatial coherence is ensured, but device compactness and ease of transport are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the optical system so that the extended optical path lies in the horizontal plane parallel to the sensor, rather than extending vertically. This allows the device to maintain a compact, portable form factor while ensuring sufficient optical path length for spatial coherence through lateral light propagation.
3Measurement precision
If the optical path is extended to ensure effective lensless imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
By redirecting the optical path to proceed laterally in parallel with the sensor plane rather than vertically, the patent achieves extended optical path length for improved imaging quality without proportionally increasing device bulk. The reflective elements create a folded path that fits within a compact envelope.
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 results in a compact, easy-to-transport lensless imaging device that maintains imaging effectiveness and efficiency, minimizing interference and bulk, while allowing for flexible sample positioning.
Implementation Method 1
each reflector is configured and oriented to receive said light beam in a first direction and redirect it in a second direction symmetrical to this first direction with respect to the normal to the plane of the reflector
Implementation Method 2
an emitting part comprising a light source configured to emit a light beam in a direction of emission and intended to follow an optical path
Implementation Method 3
a receiving part incorporating an electronic circuit board bearing a sensor having a planar capture surface intended to receive said light beam in a direction normal to said capture surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lensless imaging device, comprisingan emitting part comprising a light source (1) configured to emit a light beam in a direction of emission and intended to follow an optical path,a receiving part incorporating an electronic circuit board (3) bearing a sensor (2) having a planar capture surface (20) intended to receive said light beam in a direction normal to said capture surface,said optical path being subdivided into several successive optical sections, each optical section corresponding to a distinct direction of propagation of the light beam.