Light Trap for Lens Array Optical Measuring System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measuring systems with lens arrays face issues due to light passing through spaces between lenses, which interferes with imaging quality, and existing solutions like coatings or design changes increase production costs or complexity.
Innovation Solution
An optical measuring system with a light trap or anti-pinhole mechanism positioned near the second convex lens to absorb or redirect light passing through spaces between lenses, improving image quality by removing interfering light from the beam path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the spaces between lenses are coated with an opaque coating to prevent light transmission, then light interference is reduced, but production costs increase due to additional coating process steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful light transmission function from the spaces between lenses by introducing a light trap structure that actively removes stray light from the optical path, replacing the need for opaque coatings on the spaces themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The light trap acts as an intermediary element positioned in the optical path between the lens array and the image sensor, mediating the removal of harmful light without requiring modification of the lens array structure or addition of coatings
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the spaces are coated with an absorbent surface to absorb impinging light, then light interference is reduced, but scattered light still adversely affects imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The light trap extends in the direction of light propagation upstream of the second convex lens, creating a three-dimensional light-absorbing structure that intercepts stray light before it can scatter into the imaging path, rather than relying on surface-level coatings
Solution Approach 2:
The light trap converts the harmful effect of light transmission through spaces into a beneficial filtering mechanism by strategically positioning absorbent material to capture only the unwanted stray light while preserving the useful light paths from the lenses
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lens array is designed with square lenses to eliminate spaces, then light interference is eliminated, but manufacturing becomes more laborious and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solution into two independent parts: maintaining the simple round-lens array structure for easy manufacturing, and adding a separate light trap component to handle the light interference problem, rather than requiring complex square-lens designs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the lens shape to eliminate spaces (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by keeping the simple round lenses and adding a light trap structure to manage the light from spaces, reversing the traditional problem-solving sequence
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 effectively absorbs or directs interfering light out of the system, enhancing image quality and reducing production costs by eliminating the need for additional coatings or complex designs, making it suitable for applications like intraoral dental cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a means (7) that absorbs impinging light or directs it out of the illuminating beam path
Implementation Method 2
light that impinges orthogonally onto the lenses of the lens array is diffracted or focused towards their respective focal point by said lenses
Implementation Method 3
light that impinges orthogonally onto the lenses of the lens array is diffracted or focused towards their respective focal point by said lenses
Implementation Method 4
a first convex lens (6) arranged downstream of the lens array in the direction of propagation of the illuminating beams
Implementation Method 5
a second convex lens (8) arranged downstream of the first convex lens (6) in the direction of propagation of the illuminating beam path
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical measuring system (1) and to a method for measuring an object (9) in a three-dimensional manner. The measuring system (1) has at least one lens array (5), a first convex lens (6) arranged downstream, a second convex lens (8) which is arranged further downstream and which faces an object (9) to be measured, and additionally a means (7) which absorbs incident light or deflects incident light out of the illuminating beam path and which is arranged upstream of the second convex lens (8) or on the second convex lens (8) on a second convex lens (8) face facing the first convex lens (6) in the region of the optical axis (10).