Movable Lens Array Avoids Black Resin Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting light from an observation target using a two-dimensional detection unit is hindered by image blurring due to the presence of lens holding units made of black resin, which block light and are not addressed by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup device with a lens unit comprising a plurality of linearly arranged refractive index distribution type lenses and a lens holding unit that blocks light, where the lens unit or observation target holding unit is moved to a second position to avoid the lens holding unit, allowing light from the observation target to be detected without blurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lens holding unit is provided between lens arrays to block light, then structural support and light blocking are improved, but light from certain areas is blocked and cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The lens unit is made movable relative to the detection unit, allowing the lens holding unit to be dynamically positioned out of the light path during detection. The moving mechanism enables the lens unit to shift position, so that lens arrays can be brought into alignment with detection elements while the holding unit does not block light from reaching the detection surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces movement in a spatial dimension to resolve the conflict. By making the lens unit movable, the system transitions from a static configuration where the holding unit blocks light to a dynamic configuration where the lens arrays can be positioned in different locations relative to the detection elements, allowing light to reach the detection surface without being blocked.
2Reliability
If a protective member is provided between the detection unit and observation target, then protection of the detection surface is improved, but light emission from the observation target is blurred
Solution Approach 1:
The lens unit acts as an intermediary between the observation target and detection unit. Instead of placing a protective member directly between the target and detector (which would blur images), the lens unit with its movable capability serves as a mediating structure that can be positioned to allow clear light transmission while still providing structural support and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable lens unit allows the system to dynamically adjust its configuration. During detection, the lens unit can be positioned to minimize interference with light paths, thereby maintaining image clarity while still providing the protective function of the holding structure.
3Measurement precision
If fiber optics are used to locate the observation target and detection unit away from each other, then prevention of image blurring is improved, but cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive fiber optics with a more economical solution using standard lens arrays and a movable mounting structure. The lens holding unit with movable capability provides the necessary optical functionality at a lower cost, achieving the same image clarity without requiring expensive fiber optic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the approach from using expensive fiber optic materials to using conventional optical lenses with a movable mounting mechanism. This parameter change in the optical system design achieves the same functional result (clear imaging) through a different, more cost-effective technical approach.
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
Enables the detection of light from areas previously blocked by lens holding units, capturing clear images without image blurring by strategically positioning the lens unit and observation target holding unit relative to the detection unit.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lens arrays, each of which includes a plurality of refractive index distribution type lenses that are linearly arranged
Implementation Method 2
chemiluminescence or fluorescence emitted from an observation target is photoelectrically detected by detection elements
Implementation Method 3
a moving mechanism that moves the lens unit or the observation target holding unit and the detection unit in the perpendicular direction
Data Source
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AI summary
In an image pickup device and method using a lens unit in which a plurality of lens arrays, are arranged and a lens holding unit is provided between the lens arrays, light emitted from the area corresponding to the lens holding unit can be detected. A moving mechanism that moves a lens unit or the observation target holding unit and the detection unit, and a moving mechanism control unit are provided. The moving mechanism control unit controls the moving mechanism such that the lens unit or the observation target holding unit and the detection unit are moved to a second position from a first position. The second position is set to a position when the lens array after the movement is disposed at a position facing the detection surface of the detection unit shielded by a lens holding unit when the lens unit is disposed at the first position.