Microlens and Light-Blocking Structure Optical System for Image Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems face challenges in improving the signal-to-noise ratio when detecting images from behind a display, particularly in selectively transmitting light rays based on their angular ranges, which affects the accuracy and resolution of image sensors.
Innovation Solution
The optical system incorporates a combination of microlenses and light-blocking structures with specific geometric arrangements and materials, including a flexible optical layer with an aperture array, where microlenses and blocking structures are aligned with apertures to selectively allow or block light rays based on their angles, enhancing the transmission of desired light while blocking unwanted rays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microlenses and light-blocking structures are used to selectively transmit light rays based on angular ranges, then image detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional layers: an aperture array layer with multiple apertures, a microlens layer with multiple microlenses, and a light-blocking structure layer with multiple blocking structures. Each layer performs a specific function in selectively transmitting light rays based on their angular ranges, allowing the complex task of angular filtering to be divided into manageable components that work together to improve image detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by stacking the aperture array, microlenses, and light-blocking structures in multiple layers along the optical path. This multi-layer vertical arrangement allows light rays to be filtered and focused through a sequence of operations as they pass through each layer, achieving angular range selection without requiring complex lateral arrangements
2Measurement precision
If multiple microlenses and apertures are arranged to filter light by angular ranges, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture array, microlens layer, and light-blocking structures are merged into an integrated multi-layer optical system where corresponding elements (apertures, microlenses, and blocking structures) are aligned along the same optical axis. This merging approach ensures that light rays passing through an aperture are immediately focused by the corresponding microlens and properly blocked or transmitted by the corresponding blocking structure, maintaining signal-to-noise ratio while managing alignment requirements through functional integration
3Measurement precision
If light-blocking structures are positioned to block unwanted light rays, then image resolution improves, but loss of useful light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking structures are positioned locally at specific locations and orientations within the optical system to block only unwanted light rays from specific angular ranges while allowing useful light rays to pass through. The blocking structures are strategically placed to intercept stray light and reflections without obstructing the primary optical path, thereby improving image resolution while minimizing loss of useful light energy
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 improves the signal-to-noise ratio and image detection accuracy by selectively passing or blocking light rays, thereby enhancing the resolution and accuracy of image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
Optical systems can include a plurality of microlenses and apertures to focus and transmit light
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light-blocking structures, at least one light-blocking structure of the plurality of light-blocking structures defining a light-blocking structure height and a light-blocking structure width
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system is disclosed and includes an image sensor (112), a plurality of microlenses (142), at least one microlens of the plurality of microlenses defining a microlens height and a microlens diameter. The optical system also includes a plurality of light-blocking structures (146), at least one light-blocking structure of the plurality of light-blocking structures defining a light-blocking structure height and a light-blocking structure width. An aperture array (134) includes a plurality of apertures (138), each aperture being aligned with a microlens of the plurality of microlenses, and the microlenses and the light-blocking structures extend from the aperture array toward the image sensor. The systems, structures and features disclosed herein can improve a signal-to-noise ratio when detecting images, via the optical sensor, from behind a display.