Lens array
US6606198B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10F39/8063
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a lens array, a multiplicity of condenser lenses, each in a convex lens form, are arrayed in vertical and horizontal directions so as to correspond to pixel regions, respectively, and each condenser lens, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a condenser lens-arrayed plane, takes a planar shape formed with a four straight sides along four sides of the pixel region and four circular arcs extending between the respective straight sides. A center of the four circular arcs substantially coincides with a center of the corresponding pixel region. This ensures an increase in area covered with the condenser lens in the pixel region, thereby causing more light rays to enter the condenser lens. In addition, a radius of curvature necessary for collecting can be obtained more easily. Consequently, light rays can be efficiently collected and guided to light receiving sections or the like provided in the pixel regions. Accordingly, sensitivity is improved when such a lens array is used in a solid-state imaging element, while luminance of a screen is improved when it is used in a panel display element. Besides, such a lens array is easily manufactured.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.