Catadioptric lens system for a scanning device
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorRonald K Kerschner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an optical system for a scanning device. The optical system employs a catadioptric lens which both refracts and reflects the light passing through it. In this manner, the majority of the image path portion of the light beam may be folded within the lens. This enables the required optical path length to be achieved while providing a smaller, more compact physical envelope for the imaging assembly. The catadioptric lens achieves focusing of the light beam through the use of mirrored surfaces on the lens. Several refractive surfaces are also provided to correct for various aberrations, such as, for example, spherical aberration.
Claims26
An optical assembly for a photoelectric imaging apparatus in which a light path extends between an object which is to be imaged and a photosensor array, said optical assembly comprising:
- said photosensor array;
- at least one optical component arranged along said light path;
- said at least one optical component including a lens;
- wherein said lens comprises a catadioptric lens;
- and
- wherein said lens comprises a substantially transparent lens member having a first concave surface and a second convex surface which is oppositely disposed relative to said first concave surface.
A method of imaging a portion of an object which is to be imaged onto a photosensor array with a photoelectric imaging apparatus in which a light path extends between said portion of said object and said photosensor array, the method comprising:
- providing an optical assembly including said photosensor array and at least one optical component arranged along said light path, said at least one optical component comprising a lens;
- transmitting an imaging light beam from said portion of said object to said photosensor array along said light path via said at least one optical component;
- reflecting said imaging light beam within said lens;
- and
- wherein said lens comprises a substantially transparent lens member having a first concave surface and a second convex surface which is oppositely disposed relative to said first concave surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.