Microlens Array With Integrated Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems face challenges in achieving a compact, axially compact design with minimal components while maintaining high image quality and homogeneous illumination, especially when imaging large objects with a small distance between the object and optics, due to issues with aberrations, diffraction, and inhomogeneous illumination.
Innovation Solution
A microlens array with integrated lighting, where light sources are arranged between the microlenses on an optically transparent base body, emitting light parallel to the optical axes, and structured to minimize stray light and maximize homogeneous illumination, allowing for a flat and compact imaging system with reduced component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional optics are used to image a large object field, then the installation space in the z-direction must be increased, but this contradicts the requirement for a compact, axially compact design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple parallel optical channels, each with its own microlens and detector. This segmentation allows the system to image a large object field while maintaining a compact axial design, as each channel operates independently with a short working distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-channel sequential imaging approach to a multi-channel parallel imaging approach. By arranging multiple microlenses and detectors in a two-dimensional array, the system expands the object field coverage in the transverse direction without increasing the axial installation space.
2Length of stationary object
If the distance between the object and optics is reduced for a flat design, then the system becomes more compact, but illumination of non-luminous and non-transparent objects becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the imaging function by integrating light sources directly into the optical substrate. The illumination elements are positioned in the same plane as the microlenses, allowing simultaneous illumination and imaging at a reduced object-optics distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a semi-transparent mirror layer as an intermediary to redirect illumination light from the illumination elements onto the object. This allows the light sources to be positioned close to the object while still providing adequate illumination through the optical path.
3Area of stationary object
If standard reflected light illumination is used with a large object surface and small object-optics distance, then inhomogeneous illumination occurs with decreased luminous intensity toward the center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions illumination elements in the spaces between adjacent microlenses, creating localized illumination zones that are optimized for each region of the object field. This arrangement ensures that each area of the object receives appropriate illumination from nearby sources, maintaining homogeneity across the entire object surface.
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 enables efficient imaging of extensive objects without mechanical scanning, maintaining high image quality and homogeneity, while minimizing the number of components and ensuring minimal stray light, thus achieving a scalable and cost-effective imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
a multiplicity of microlenses which are fastened to, connected with a material fit to or integrated into one side of the base body or which are arranged between the two surfaces of the base body
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source, which is arranged on, in or on the flat, optically transparent base body in such a way that its projection is in the direction of the main optical axes of the microlenses
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an array of microlenses with integrated illumination, to an imaging system with one such array of microlenses, to an image detection apparatus and also to a method for manufacture of the array of microlenses. The microlens array comprises a flat, optically transparent base body (8), a plurality of microlenses (9) arranged on, against, in and/or behind a first side of the optically transparent base body, and at least one light source (5) which is arranged against, in or on the flat optically transparent base body. The projection of the at least one light source in the direction of the optical axes of the microlenses onto the first side of the optically transparent base body extends between the microlenses.