Non-Circular Lens Array Layout for Compact High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in reducing volume while maintaining image sensitivity and resolution, particularly due to the size and focal length of lenses, which increases the device's volume and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a sensing array with a plurality of sensing elements and an imaging lens array featuring non-circular imaging optical lenses with unique cross-sectional shapes, including arcs and straight lines, which are configured to transmit light efficiently and align fractionally with the sensing array, allowing for a more compact design without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple lenses including small lenses are used to reduce the volume of the capturing device, then the volume of the capturing device is reduced, but the image sensitivity and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the optical system into multiple lens arrays (imaging lens array and condensing lens array) with different functions. Each lens in the imaging lens array corresponds to multiple sensing elements through fractional alignment, allowing the system to achieve high resolution without requiring a single large lens, thus reducing overall device volume while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fractional alignment relationship between lenses and sensing elements, where one lens corresponds to multiple sensing elements (e.g., 2x2, 3x3, or 4x4 arrangements). This dimensional mapping approach allows the system to capture sufficient light for sensitivity while distributing the imaging function across multiple sensing elements to maintain resolution, solving the volume-quality tradeoff.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple lenses including small lenses are used to reduce the volume of the capturing device, then the volume of the capturing device is reduced, but the image sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into imaging lenses for light collection and condensing lenses for light concentration. This segmentation allows small imaging lenses to effectively gather light while condensing lenses concentrate the collected light onto sensing elements, maintaining image sensitivity despite the reduced size of individual lenses and overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Condensing lenses act as intermediaries between the imaging lenses and sensing elements. They receive light from multiple imaging lenses and concentrate it onto corresponding sensing elements, thereby enhancing the effective light intensity at the sensing plane without requiring larger imaging lenses, thus maintaining sensitivity in a compact device.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional circular lenses are used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the alignment with rectangular sensing regions is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-circular lens cross-sections (such as rectangular or square shapes) that better match the rectangular geometry of sensing elements and sensing regions. This asymmetric design improves the alignment efficiency and light utilization between lenses and sensing elements, achieving better manufacturing precision in the alignment relationship while the manufacturing process remains feasible through standard lithographic techniques.
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 enables a more compact imaging device with improved image resolution and sensitivity, reducing optical aberration and distortion while maintaining the field of view, by optimizing the alignment and shape of lenses and sensing regions.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens array including a plurality of imaging optical lenses, each of the plurality of imaging optical lenses having a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to an optical axis, and configured to transmit light received from an outside of the imaging device
Implementation Method 2
a condensing lens array including a plurality of condensing lenses disposed between the imaging lens array and the sensing array, and configured to transmit the light passing through the imaging lens array to the sensing elements
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an imaging device including a sensing array including a plurality of sensing elements, an imaging lens array including a plurality of imaging optical lenses, each of the plurality of imaging optical lenses having a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to an optical axis, and configured to transmit light received from an outside of the imaging device, and a condensing lens array including a plurality of condensing lenses disposed between the imaging lens array and the sensing array, and configured to transmit the light passing through the imaging lens array to the sensing elements, wherein a number of the plurality of imaging optical lenses is less than a number of the plurality of condensing lenses.