Lens array unit and method of forming image

A lens array unit comprising:

• a lens array provided with a plurality of lenses and a transparent holder formed integral with the lenses, each of the lenses having a first convex lens surface for incidence of light and a second lens surface, each of the first convex lens surfaces having a predetermined apex height;
• and
• a light shield formed with a plurality of through-holes facing the first lens surfaces, the light shield having a thickness greater than the apex height of each said first lens surface;
• wherein the light shield is arranged on a side of the lens array where the first convex lens surfaces are formed.

A lens array unit comprising:

• a first lens array provided with a plurality of first convex lenses arranged in a line, each of the first lenses having first and second lens surfaces, the first lens array including a flat surface from which the first lens surfaces project, the first lens array also including grooves extending from the flat surface toward the second lens surfaces for optically separating the first lenses from each other;
• a second lens array provided with a plurality of second convex lenses arranged in a line, each of the second lenses having third and fourth lens surfaces, at least either one of the third and fourth lens surfaces being convex, the second lens array being separate from the first lens array and attached to the first lens array so that the third lens surfaces face the second lens surfaces;
• first light shielding means covering the flat surface of the first lens array and extending into each of the grooves;
• and
• second light shielding means for partially covering said at least either one of the third and the fourth lens surfaces of each second lens which is convex.

A lens array comprising:

• a plurality of lenses arranged in a line and each having a convex lens surface;
• a transparent holder formed integral with the lenses and having a flat surface from which the convex lens surface project, the holder also including grooves extending from the flat surface into a wall thickness of the holder for optically separating the lenses from each other;
• and
• light shielding means covering the flat surface of the holder and extending into each of the grooves.