Arithmetic unit and method and program

Abstract

The computing device according to the present embodiment sets two of the following: the light-guiding distance of the light guide body, the amount of light input to the light-receiving surface, and the amount of light output on the light-emitting surface. By applying the set values ​​to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced over a unit distance within the light guide body, the remaining value among the light-guiding distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output is calculated. By using a minimum phenomenological model that considers the absorption loss caused by the light guide body, which is the most dominant among the losses of the light bundle induced from the light-receiving surface to the light-emitting surface within the light guide body, the theoretical limits of the light-guiding distance of the light guide body, the amount of light input to the light-receiving surface, and the uniform luminance on the light-emitting surface can be obtained.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computing device, a method, and a program. Background Technology

[0002] A light guide (also called a light guide) mounted on an automatic two-wheeled vehicle, etc., is typically designed according to the following steps: 1) Design requirements that are inevitably required from a practical standpoint, such as the shape of the light guide, the intensity of the light source, the required luminance (luminance value and uniformity), and regulatory light distribution, are established. 2) Design conditions that can be arbitrarily selected, such as the material constituting the light guide, the structure of the prism (shape, size, arrangement pitch, etc.), and the structure of the light input part, are established. 3) Regarding these requirements and conditions, the luminance on the light-emitting surface is analyzed by performing ray tracing using optical analysis software. Here, ray tracing refers to tracking the trajectory of a light ray emitted from a light source, input into the light guide through the light input surface, guided within the light guide, and output from the light-emitting surface (e.g., see Patent Documents 1 and 2). 4) The analysis of luminance in step 3) is repeated by modifying the design conditions so that the luminance on the light-emitting surface falls within the target range determined by the requirements (e.g., see Patent Document 3). Prior art literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-121654 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-507815 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-528361 The problem to be solved

[0004] However, in the aforementioned empirical design method, since it is not possible to predict whether the requirement of 1), particularly the necessary brightness, can be achieved at the beginning of the design, it is sometimes found that the requirement cannot be achieved only after the design stages from 2) to 4) and further prototypes of the light guide are repeated, and thus the requirement is reset and the design is re-done. There is a problem that the number of processes increases due to such rework. Therefore, at the beginning of the design, it is required to predict the design of the light guide by obtaining the theoretical limit of the requirement of 1) using a theoretical model that phenomenologically accepts the dominant effect among the physical effects received by the light rays induced within the light guide. means of solving the problem

[0005] A calculation device for designing a light guide that guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface may have a setting unit for setting two of the light guide distance of the light guide, the amount of input light for the light input surface, and the amount of output light on the light-emitting surface.

[0006] The calculation device may have a calculation unit that calculates the remaining value among the light-guiding distance, input light quantity, and output light quantity by applying a setting value set by a setting unit to a calculation formula representing the balance of light quantities of light induced by a unit distance within a light guide body.

[0007] The output unit can calculate the amount of absorbed light absorbed by the light guide and the amount of light output from a unit surface on the light-emitting surface corresponding to the unit distance whenever light travels a unit distance within the light guide using a calculation formula, and calculate the remaining intensity value by subtracting the calculated values ​​of the absorbed light amount and the light amount from the light intensity value, and repeat this process until the remaining intensity value is eliminated, thereby calculating the remaining one value.

[0008] The setting section can further set the absorption coefficient of the light guide.

[0009] The output unit can calculate the amount of light absorbed by the light guide using the absorption coefficient.

[0010] The output unit can calculate the amount of absorbed light based further on the diffusion of light proceeding within the light guide.

[0011] The output unit can calculate the amount of light output from a unit surface on the light-emitting surface based on the set value of the output amount of light.

[0012] The setting section can further set the width of the light guide body.

[0013] The output unit can calculate the amount of light using the width setting value.

[0014] The setting section can set the respective values ​​of the input light quantity and the output light quantity.

[0015] The output unit can calculate the light guide distance using the set values ​​of the input light amount and the output light amount.

[0016] The setting unit can set the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and the input light amount.

[0017] The output unit can calculate the light-guiding distance by repeatedly changing the value of the output light-guiding distance using the set value of the input light-guiding distance, and can calculate the output light-guiding amount that becomes the maximum output light-guiding amount so that the calculated value becomes equal to the set value of the light-guiding distance.

[0018] The setting unit can set the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and the output light amount.

[0019] The output unit can calculate the input light amount using the light guide distance and the set value of the output light amount.

[0020] The computing device can further determine at least one of the light absorption loss and luminous efficiency.

[0021] A calculation method for designing a light guide that guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface may include a step of setting two of the light guide distance of the light guide, the amount of input light for the light input surface, and the amount of output light on the light-emitting surface.

[0022] The calculation method may include a step of calculating the remaining value among the light-guiding distance, input light quantity, and output light quantity by applying the set value set in the setting step to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced by a unit distance within the light guide.

[0023] The program may execute a step of setting two of the following values ​​for a light guide distance of a light guide body that guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface, an amount of input light for the light input surface, and an amount of output light on the light-emitting surface.

[0024] The program can execute a step of calculating the remaining value among the light-guiding distance, input light quantity, and output light quantity by applying the setting value set in the setting step to the computer to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced over a unit distance within the light guide.

[0025] Furthermore, the summary of the invention above does not enumerate all features of the invention. Additionally, sub-combinations of these feature groups may also constitute the invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a light guide and the relationship between the loss of light bundles induced within the light guide and the luminance on the light-emitting surface. FIG. 2 illustrates the functional configuration of a design support device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an input / output screen of a design support device according to a first embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates the absorption loss and emission loss of a light bundle based on a periodic model. FIG. 5 illustrates the flow of a design support method according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates an input / output screen of a design support device according to a second embodiment. Figure 7 illustrates an example of a light distribution potential based on a prism design. Figure 8 illustrates an example of a light distribution potential based on a cross-sectional design. Figure 9 illustrates an example of a light distribution potential based on a path design. Figure 10 illustrates a separate example of a light distribution potential based on a path design. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the types of auxiliary optical components and their arrangement. FIG. 12 illustrates the flow of a design support method according to a second embodiment. Figure 13 illustrates an example of a computer configuration. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] The present invention will be described below through embodiments thereof, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention with respect to the claims. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the means of solving the invention.

[0028] First embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a light guide body to be designed. A light guide body is an optical component that guides a light beam input from an input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the input surface and outputs it therefrom. As an example, the light guide body is molded into a prismatic shape having length, width, and thickness using a resin such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin. A plurality of prisms (not shown) are arranged on the bottom surface of the light guide body, and the left end surface functions as an input surface into which a light beam emitted from a light source is input, and the top surface functions as a light-emitting surface into which the light beam is output. In addition, the light source may include one or more LEDs. In FIG. 1 and other drawings, the direction in which the light guide body (the central axis of the light guide body) extends and the direction in which the light beam is guided is the light guide direction, the direction in which the top surface (light-emitting surface) and the bottom surface face each other is the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to the light guide direction and the thickness direction, respectively, is the width direction.

[0030] In a light guide with such a configuration, a light beam input from the light-receiving surface diffuses within the light guide, is reflected from the top, side, and bottom surfaces, and is guided to the right. It is then directed upward by a prism on the bottom surface and output from the light-emitting surface. Consequently, the light-emitting surface emits light. At this time, light beam loss occurs as the light beam is reflected from the light-receiving surface, absorbed by the material constituting the light guide, transmitted without being reflected from the side and bottom surfaces, and also transmitted through the right end surface (also called the longitudinal surface) to be output from the light guide. These losses are respectively called light loss, absorption loss, back surface loss, and longitudinal loss. Furthermore, the distribution of the amount of light beam output on the light-emitting surface (also called light intensity) changes due to the structure of the prism (shape, size, arrangement pitch, etc.), and this causes non-uniformity in the luminance on the light-emitting surface.

[0031] In the design of a light guide, design conditions are modified so that the luminance on the light-emitting surface falls within the target range given as a design requirement; however, even if the luminance on the light-emitting surface is analyzed by ray tracing using optical analysis software, it is not possible to determine which design condition the result originates from, so it is common practice to improve the design conditions empirically. Accordingly, in the design support device and method according to the first embodiment, in order to predict the design of the light guide, a theoretical model is constructed that phenomenologically accepts the particularly dominant effect among the physical effects (in particular, the loss) received by the light rays induced within the light guide, and the theoretical limits of the design requirements and conditions are obtained using this.

[0032] In the first embodiment, the following assumptions are adopted to obtain the theoretical limits of the design requirements and conditions of the light guide: 1) All light beams emitted from the light source are input into the light guide through the light receiving surface, i.e., input loss is zero. 2) The luminance on the light-emitting surface is uniform, i.e., there is no back-side omission in Lambertian light emission. 3) The light beams are consumed without reaching the end surface, i.e., there is no end-side omission. That is, a minimal phenomenological model is adopted that accepts only the inevitable and most dominant absorption loss among the above losses, and by using this, the light beam input into the light guide is absorbed by the light guide and guided to the right, and output from the light-emitting surface, thereby obtaining the theoretical limits of the design requirements and conditions for the case where the light-emitting surface emits light with uniform luminance.

[0033] The design support device (10) according to the first embodiment is a computer device such as a personal computer and has at least a central processing unit (CPU (see FIG. 13)). The CPU enables the design support device (10) to perform a method for analyzing a light guide by executing a design program. The design program is started by, for example, being stored in ROM and read out by the CPU, or by being stored in a storage medium such as a DVD-ROM and read out by the CPU using a reading device such as a DVD-ROM drive and deployed to RAM. Furthermore, regarding the hardware configuration of the computer device, a more detailed example will be explained later.

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates the functional configuration of a design support device (10). The design support device (10) has an input unit (1), a setting unit (2), a calculation unit (3), a determination unit (4), and an output unit (5). In addition, in the first embodiment, as design requirements and conditions, the width of the light guide (referred to as light guide width) and light guide distance corresponding to the shape of the light guide, an input light bundle corresponding to the intensity of the light source (an example of input light quantity, which is not limited to light bundles but can be represented by any concept representing light intensity, luminance, or other light quantity), a uniform luminance corresponding to the required luminance (an example of output light quantity, which is not limited to luminance but can be represented by any concept representing light intensity, light bundles, or other light quantity), and an absorption coefficient of the material constituting the light guide are handled.

[0035] The input unit (1) is a unit that receives input information input by a user through an input device such as a keyboard. The input information is transmitted to the setting unit (2).

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an input / output screen (6) of a design support device (10). The input information includes a maximum light guide distance, a selection of a calculation item among the required input light bundle and limit uniform luminance, a selection of a material constituting the light guide or an absorption coefficient a of the material, a light guide width X, an input light bundle F, a uniform luminance L, and a light guide distance Y. max It includes the remaining two items, excluding the item corresponding to the selected item. As materials constituting the light guide, acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin are indicated as selected items. In this example, limit uniform luminance is selected as a calculation item, acrylic resin is selected as a material constituting the light guide, and values ​​for light guide width, input light bundle, and light guide distance are entered by the user. Also, the total average luminous intensity Ia is the average luminous intensity of the entire light-receiving surface (dIXY max ) and the central maximum luminous intensity Ian is the central luminous intensity of the light-receiving plane, i.e., the maximum luminous intensity (2Ia assuming Lambertian emission).

[0037] The setting unit (2) is a unit that sets the design requirements and conditions of the light guide. The setting unit (2), according to the input information transmitted from the input unit (1), sets the value of the absorption coefficient a of the material constituting the light guide, the value of the light guide width X, the input light bundle F, the uniform brightness L, and the light guide distance Y. maxAmong these, the values ​​of the remaining two items, excluding the calculation item, are set. Also, when a material constituting the light guide is selected, the value of the absorption coefficient is set to a value determined from that material. The value of the absorption coefficient determined from each material can be stored in memory in advance. Also, when arbitrarily input, the input value is set. The setting unit (2) sets the respective values ​​of the input light bundle and uniform brightness according to the input information when the maximum light guide distance is selected as a calculation item, sets the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and input light bundle when the required input light bundle is selected, and sets the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and uniform brightness when the limit uniform brightness is selected. In the example of FIG. 3, the value of the absorption coefficient determined from the selected acrylic resin, the value of the light guide width, the value of the input light bundle, and the value of the light guide distance are set from the input information entered by the user. These setting values ​​are transmitted to the calculation unit (3).

[0038] The calculation unit (3) is a unit that calculates an item corresponding to a selected item among light guide distance, input light bundle, and uniform brightness by applying a set value set by the setting unit (2) to a calculation formula. As described below, the calculation formula indicates that the amount of light that has traveled a unit distance within the light guide is equal to the amount obtained by subtracting the amount of absorbed light absorbed by the light guide and the amount of light output from the light-emitting surface from the amount of light before traveling a unit distance.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a periodic model adopted in the first embodiment. In the periodic model, the resin of the light bundle induced by a repeating unit distance dY [mm] within the light guide can be expressed by the following formula.

[0040]

[0041] Here, I n and I n-1 ε₀, i.e., the amount of the light beam before and after being derived at the nth time by a unit distance dY, respectively, i.e., the luminous intensity [cd], and a is the absorption coefficient [mm²].-1 ], c is a correction factor derived from the diffusion of the light bundle, and dI·X is the luminous intensity output from a unit plane dS=dYX[mm²] on the emitting surface corresponding to a unit distance dY. The first term on the right side is the absorption loss I of the light bundle. loss =I n-1 (1-e -adYc It represents the remaining luminous intensity including ), that is, after subtracting the amount of absorbed light absorbed by the light guide when the light bundle is induced by a unit distance dY within the light guide. The second term on the right side represents the amount of output light (luminance) from the emitting surface of the light bundle, that is, the luminous intensity output from a unit plane dS on the emitting surface when the light bundle is induced by a unit distance dY within the light guide. Therefore, the above equation represents the luminous intensity I after the light bundle is induced by a unit distance dY at the nth time within the light guide. n Silver, luminosity I before induction n-1 It represents the same as the light intensity obtained by subtracting the amount of light absorbed and the light intensity output from.

[0042] The above equation (1) can be solved, for example, as follows.

[0043]

[0044] In the first equation above, the calculation unit (3) has, for input light intensity I0 (=F / 2π), the absorption loss I of the light bundle absorbed by the light guide when the light bundle travels a unit distance dY within the light guide. loss and calculate the luminous intensity dI·X output from the unit plane dS (=dYX) on the luminescent surface, and calculate the remaining luminous intensity I1 by subtracting these calculated values ​​from the luminous intensity I0. Here, the absorption loss I of the light bundle loss ...is calculated using the set value of the absorption coefficient a. In addition, the luminous intensity dI is calculated using the set value of the uniform luminance L and the set value of the light guide width X.

[0045] In the second equation, the calculation unit (3) calculates the absorption loss I of the light bundle when the light bundle travels an additional unit distance dY within the light guide body, with respect to the light intensity I1 calculated from the first equation. loss Calculate the luminous intensity dI·X and the remaining luminous intensity I2 by subtracting these calculated values ​​from the luminous intensity I1.

[0046] The output unit (3) is the remaining light intensity I of the aforementioned output. n Until this disappears, provided the numerical calculation condition dI·X>I n This is repeated until ≥0 is satisfied. That is, for input light intensity I0, the output unit (3) calculates the absorption loss I of the light bundle whenever the light bundle travels a unit distance dY within the light guide. loss and calculate the luminous intensity dI·X, and these calculated values ​​are the luminous intensity I n-1 Subtract from the remaining intensity I n Calculating, the remaining strength I n This is repeated until it disappears. The light guide distance dYn is calculated using the number of repetitions n.

[0047] The calculation unit (3) may calculate the absorption loss of the light bundle based on the diffusion of the light bundle propagating within the light guide body using a correction factor c. The light bundle input from the light receiving surface of the light guide body has a diffusion of approximately 84 degrees with respect to, for example, acrylic resin. Therefore, for a light ray induced along the central axis of the light guide body and a light ray induced in a direction inclined from the central axis, the distance propagated within the light guide body when induced along the central axis by a unit distance dY is different, and the amount of absorbed light of the light ray is also different. Accordingly, a correction factor c can be determined based on the diffusion of the light ray to result in a one-dimensional model in which the light bundle propagates along the central axis within the light guide body. For example, c = ∫φ(θ)sec(θ)dθ can be used by utilizing the diffusion distribution of the input light bundle φ(θ) = I0(θ) / ∫I0(θ)dθ. By using this correction factor c, the average propagation distance dYc of the light bundle that diffuses and propagates within the light guide body is obtained. In addition, in Equation (2), the light-guiding distance dYn may be calculated with respect to angle θ using I0φ(θ) instead of input light intensity I0 and correction factor c=sec(θ), and the result may be calculated by averaging the result with respect to angle θ.

[0048] When the maximum light guide distance is selected as a calculation item, the calculation unit (3) calculates the light guide distance dYn as in the above equation (2) using the input light intensity I0 (=F / 2π) and the setting value of uniform brightness L.

[0049] When a required input light bundle is selected as a calculation item, the calculation unit (3) calculates dI·X using the setting value of uniform brightness L, and the light guide distance Y max Using the setting value of n=Y max Calculate / dY and substitute these values ​​into the above-mentioned first equation to calculate the input luminous intensity I0. However, the above-mentioned first equation is modified as follows.

[0050]

[0051] Here, the first term on the right-hand side represents the luminous intensity obtained by adding the amount of absorbed light absorbed by the light guide when the light is induced for the final nth time to the remaining luminous intensity after the light bundle is induced for a unit distance dY n times within the light guide. The second term on the right-hand side represents the luminous intensity output from a unit plane dS on the light-emitting surface when the light bundle is induced for a unit distance dY within the light guide. Therefore, the above equation represents the luminous intensity I before the light bundle is induced for a unit distance dY at the nth time within the light guide. n-1 Silver, luminous intensity I after induction n It represents something like the light intensity obtained by adding the absorbed light amount and the output light intensity.

[0052] The output unit (3) is I n The above equation (3) is solved as follows with =0.

[0053]

[0054] That is, the light beam is induced n times over a unit distance dY within the light guide, and the remaining intensity I n Going back from this vanished state to the initial state where the light bundle was input into the light guide, intensity I n The luminous intensity lost in each cycle at (=0), i.e., absorption loss I loss The input light intensity I0 is calculated by adding the light intensity dI·X and the light intensity dI·X.

[0055] When limit uniform luminance is selected as a calculation item, the calculation unit (3) uses the set value of the input luminous intensity I0 and uses a goal seek, that is, repeatedly changes the value of the uniform luminance L to calculate the light guidance distance dYn as in the above equation (2), and the calculated value is the light guidance distance Y max Maximum dI·X when equal to the set value (condition dI·X>I n The uniform luminance L is calculated from (+1≥0).

[0056] The determining unit (4) determines the maximum light-guiding distance, the required input light bundle, or the limit uniform brightness. If the maximum light-guiding distance is selected as the calculation item, the determining unit (4) determines the calculated value of the light-guiding distance dYn calculated by the calculation unit (3) as the maximum light-guiding distance (i.e., the theoretical limit of the light-guiding distance). If the required input light bundle is selected as the calculation item, the determining unit (4) determines the calculated value of the input light intensity I0 calculated by the calculation unit (3) as the required input light bundle (i.e., the theoretical limit of the input light bundle). If the limit uniform brightness is selected as the calculation item, the determining unit (4) determines the calculated value of the uniform brightness L calculated by the calculation unit (3) as the limit uniform brightness (i.e., the theoretical limit of the brightness). These results are transmitted to the output unit (5).

[0057] Additionally, the determining unit (4) may determine the absorption loss (I0-dI·n) and luminous efficiency (dI·n / I0) of the light bundle based on the calculation result by the calculation unit (3).

[0058] The output unit (5) outputs the maximum light guide distance, required input light bundle, or limit uniform brightness determined by the determination unit (4) onto the input / output screen (6). When the maximum light guide distance is selected as a calculation item, the calculated value is displayed in the light guide distance column; when the required input light bundle is selected, the calculated value is displayed in the input light bundle column; and when the limit uniform brightness is selected, the calculated value is displayed in the uniform brightness column as in the example of FIG. 3.

[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates the flow of a design support method executed by a design support device (10) according to a first embodiment.

[0060] In step S1, input information input by a user is received by the input unit (1). Here, as input information, the selection of a calculation item from among maximum light-guiding distance, required input light bundle, and limit uniform brightness, the selection of a material constituting the light guide or the value of the absorption coefficient of the material, the value of the light-guiding width, and the values ​​of the remaining two items excluding the item corresponding to the selected item from among input light bundle, uniform brightness, and light-guiding distance are received. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, limit uniform brightness is selected as the calculation item, acrylic resin is selected as the material constituting the light guide, and the values ​​of light-guiding width, input light bundle, and light-guiding distance are input.

[0061] In step S2, the setting requirements and conditions of the light guide are set by the setting unit (2). The setting unit (2), according to the input information received in step S1, sets the value of the absorption coefficient a of the material constituting the light guide, the value of the light guide width X, and the input light intensity I0, uniform luminance L, and light guide distance Y. max Among these, the values ​​of the remaining two items, excluding the calculation item, are set. Here, when the maximum light guide distance is selected as the calculation item, the respective values ​​of the input light bundle and uniform brightness are set; when the required input light bundle is selected, the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and uniform brightness are set; and when the limit uniform brightness is selected, the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and input light bundle are set. In the example of FIG. 3, the values ​​of the absorption coefficient determined from the selected acrylic resin, the light guide width, the input light bundle, and the light guide distance are set from the input information entered by the user.

[0062] In step S3, by applying the setting value set by the setting unit (2) to Equation (1) by the calculation unit (3), an item corresponding to the calculation item among the light guidance distance, input light bundle, and uniform brightness is calculated. If the maximum light guidance distance is selected as the calculation item, the calculation unit (3) calculates the light guidance distance dYn using the setting values ​​of the input light intensity I0 and uniform brightness L. If the required input light bundle is selected as the calculation item, the calculation unit (3) calculates the light guidance distance dYn by repeatedly changing the value of the input light intensity I0 using the setting value of uniform brightness L, and the calculated value is the light guidance distance Y max An input luminous intensity I0 equal to the set value is calculated. When a limit uniform luminance is selected as a calculation item, the calculation unit (3) uses the set value of the input luminous intensity I0 and repeatedly changes the value of the uniform luminance L to calculate the light guidance distance dYn, and the calculated value is the light guidance distance Y max A uniform luminance L equal to the set value is calculated. The method for calculating the light guide distance dYn is as previously explained.

[0063] In step S4, the determination unit (4) determines the maximum light-guiding distance, the required input light bundle, or the limit uniform brightness. If the maximum light-guiding distance is selected as the calculation item, the calculated value of the light-guiding distance dYn calculated in step S3 is determined as the maximum light-guiding distance (i.e., the theoretical limit of the light-guiding distance). If the required input light bundle is selected as the calculation item, the calculated value of the input light intensity I0 calculated in step S3 is determined as the required input light bundle (i.e., the theoretical limit of the input light bundle). If the limit uniform brightness is selected as the calculation item, the calculated value of the uniform brightness L calculated in step S3 is determined as the limit uniform brightness (i.e., the theoretical limit of the brightness).

[0064] Additionally, in step S4, the absorption loss (I0-dI·n) and luminescence efficiency (dI·n / I0) of the light bundle may be further determined based on the calculation result from step S3.

[0065] In step S5, the maximum light guide distance, required input light bundle, or limit uniform brightness determined in step S4 is output on the input / output screen (6) by the output unit (5). If the maximum light guide distance is selected as a calculation item, the calculated value is displayed in the light guide distance column; if the required input light bundle is selected, the calculated value is displayed in the input light bundle column; and if the limit uniform brightness is selected, the calculated value is displayed in the uniform brightness column as in the example of FIG. 3.

[0066] As described in detail above, according to the design support device (10) and design support method of the first embodiment, among the losses of the light bundle guided from the light input surface to the light emission surface within the light guide body, only the absorption loss caused by the most dominant light guide body is considered, and by using a minimum phenomenological model in which there is no loss of light input, loss due to the back side of the light bundle, and loss due to the end excess of the light bundle, the theoretical limit of the light guide distance of the light guide body, the input light bundle to the light input surface, and the uniform brightness on the light emission surface can be obtained.

[0067] In addition, in the design support device (10) and design support method according to the first embodiment, the luminance is calculated by solving the equation (1) representing the resin of the light bundle using a Goal Seek, but the equation (1) may be solved using any optimization calculation method instead of a Goal Seek.

[0068] Second embodiment.

[0069] By means of the design support device (10) and design support method according to the first embodiment, using a minimal phenomenological model that accepts only the inevitable and most dominant absorption loss among the physical effects received by light rays induced within the light guide, a theoretical limit of uniform luminance corresponding to the design requirements and conditions of the light guide, in particular the light guide distance, the intensity of the light source, the input light bundle (an example of input light quantity), and the required luminance (an example of output light quantity) is obtained, and the design of the light guide is predicted based on the result. When the design is predicted by an initial design based on such theoretical limit of the light guide design, a more detailed design of the light guide is examined. Accordingly, in the design support device (20) and design support method according to the second embodiment, a prism design is performed by calculating the light distribution and back-side leakage of a light bundle based on the reflection and refraction of a light bundle by a prism placed in a light guide body; a cross-sectional design is performed by calculating the emission distribution and reflection distribution (intensity distribution of the light bundle with respect to the emission or reflection direction) of a light bundle based on the reflection and refraction of a light bundle on the surface of the light guide body; and a path design is performed by calculating the light density concentrated in the light guide body due to the curvature of the light guide path (central axis of the light guide body) and the diffusion of the cross-section.

[0070] In the second embodiment, the following assumptions are adopted to design the prism, cross-section, and path. 1) The prism is designed considering back-side leakage so that the luminance on the light-emitting surface becomes uniform. 2) Leakage from the end-section of the light bundle, i.e., end-side excess, is considered. That is, using a more precise phenomenological model that accepts all losses including input light loss, absorption loss, back-side leakage, and end-side excess, the design requirements for the prism, cross-section of the light-guide, and light-guide path in the case where the light-emitting surface emits light with uniform luminance are derived by the light bundle input into the light-guide being absorbed by the light-guide, reflecting and refracting at the prism and the surface of the light-guide, traveling along the light-guide path, and being output from the light-emitting surface.

[0071] The design support device (20) according to the second embodiment is composed of a computer device such as a personal computer, similar to the design support device (10) according to the first embodiment, and has the functional configuration shown in FIG. 2. That is, the design support device (20) has an input unit (1), a setting unit (2), a calculation unit (3), a determination unit (4), and an output unit (5).

[0072] The input unit (1) receives input information input by a user through an input device such as a keyboard. The input information is transmitted to the setting unit (2).

[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates an input / output screen (7) of a design support device (20). The input information includes, for example, the selection of at least one design item among prism design, cross-section design, and path design, the selection of a material constituting a light guide or the absorption coefficient a and refractive index n of the material, an input light beam F, and a uniform luminance L. As materials constituting a light guide, acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin are displayed as selection items. In this example, prism design is selected as a design item, acrylic resin is selected as a material constituting a light guide, and the values ​​of the input light beam F and the uniform luminance L are input by the user.

[0074] The setting unit (2) sets a value regarding the design items and design conditions of the light guide. The design items include at least one item selected from prism design, cross-section design, and path design. The design items may further include a selection of whether to place an attached optical member around the light guide. The design conditions include the absorption coefficient a and refractive index n of the material constituting the light guide, the input light bundle F, and the uniform luminance L.

[0075] When a prism design is selected through the input unit (1), the setting unit (2) sets the design elements of the prism design to be designed. When a 2D prism is selected as the design elements of the prism design, which scatters a beam of light traveling in the light-leading direction while reflecting in the thickness direction from the top and bottom surfaces of the light guide body, the shape of the reflecting surface (e.g., triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, etc.), size (height and width when viewed from the light-leading direction), inclination, and arrangement pitch regarding the light-leading direction are included. When a 3D prism is selected, which scatters a beam of light traveling in the light-leading direction while reflecting in the thickness and width directions from the surfaces (top, bottom, and side surfaces) of the light guide body within the light guide body, the shape of the prism (triangular pyramid, square pyramid, etc.), size (height, width, and depth when viewed from the light-leading direction), inclination of each reflecting surface, and arrangement pitch regarding the light-leading direction are included. Also, if a prism design is not selected, the setting unit (2) sets the setting value of the design element of the prism design given by the user or initially set.

[0076] When a cross-sectional design is selected through the input unit (1), the setting unit (2) further sets design elements for the cross-sectional shape of the light guide body to be designed. The light guide body includes, for example, a light guide section where a light beam is guided and a reflector section where a prism is placed. As design elements for the cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide section (shape when viewed from the light-guide direction, such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc.), size (radius, thickness, width, etc.), the position of the reflector section (embedded within the bottom of the light guide section, erected on the bottom of the light guide section, etc.), shape (shape when viewed from the light-guide direction, such as rectangular, polygonal, etc.), and size (thickness and width, etc.) are included. Also, when a cross-sectional design is not selected, the setting unit (2) sets the setting values ​​for the design elements of the cross-sectional shape of the light guide body that are assigned by the user or are initially set.

[0077] When a path design is selected through the input unit (1), the setting unit (2) further sets design elements of the path of the light guide body to be designed. As design elements of the path, they broadly include the curvature of the path and the width of the cross-section. Regarding the curvature of the path, it includes the curvature direction and curvature of the light guide path (e.g., the central axis of the light guide body). Regarding the width of the cross-section, it includes the degree of diffusion of the cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the light guide direction (e.g., the thickness direction and the width direction). Also, when a path design is not selected, the setting unit (2) sets the setting values ​​of the design elements of the path of the light guide body that are assigned by the user or initially set.

[0078] When it is selected to place an auxiliary optical member through the input unit (1), the setting unit (2) further sets design elements and their setting values ​​regarding the auxiliary optical member. As design elements of the auxiliary optical member, the type of optical member placed around the light guide (e.g., a reflector, a diffuser, a lens, etc.) is included. Here, the reflector is an optical member that reflects a beam of light that passes through the prism or bottom surface of the light guide and escapes to the back surface toward the light-emitting surface. The diffuser is an optical member that uniformly diffuses a beam of light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the light guide to make the brightness distribution uniform. The lens is an optical member that collects a beam of light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the light guide. The setting values ​​of the design elements include values ​​such as the size and reflectance of the reflector, the size and diffusion rate of the diffuser, the size and light collection rate of the lens, etc.

[0079] Additionally, the setting unit (2) sets design conditions, namely the absorption coefficient a and refractive index n of the material constituting the light guide, the input light bundle F, and the uniform brightness L, according to the input information transmitted from the input unit (1). Also, when a material constituting the light guide is selected, the values ​​of the absorption coefficient and refractive index are set to values ​​determined from that material. The values ​​of the absorption coefficient and refractive index determined from each material may be stored in advance in memory, etc. Additionally, when an arbitrary input is made, the input value is set.

[0080] The design items and design conditions set by the setting unit (2) and their setting values ​​are transmitted to the calculation unit (3).

[0081] The calculation unit (3) applies the set value of the design element and the set value of the design condition set by the setting unit (2) to the calculation formula (1), and designs a light guide body for a selected design item by determining the design element of the design target set by the setting unit (2) so that uniform luminance L is obtained. In addition, the calculation unit (3) uses the calculation formula (1) to determine the amount of absorbed light I absorbed by the light guide body when a light bundle passes through section n, for each of the plurality of sections n divided at unit distance dy along the light guide path within the light guide body. loss =I n-1 (1-e -adYc Calculate the output light quantity dI·X emitted from the ) and the light-emitting surface, and the calculated values ​​of the absorbed light quantity and output light quantity are the intensity I before the light bundle enters the section. n-1 Intensity I when exiting the interval by subtracting from n Produces.

[0082] Here, the calculation unit (3) calculates the light distribution potential f of the light bundle transmitted within the light guide body based on each of the design items to calculate the output light quantity dI·X. A , f B , f C Calculates.

[0083] The light distribution potential based on the prism design is the design element (Ω) explained earlier. A With respect to (represented by), the distribution of incoming light to the prism (e.g., the intensity distribution of the light beam with respect to the angle of incoming light, Θ A By assigning (represented as) the light distribution of the light beam reflected and refracted by the prism (e.g., the light distribution angle θ when viewed in the width direction) A Intensity distribution for) f A (Ω A , Θ A ; θ A It is calculated as ). where ∫dθ A f A Set to 1. That is, the photometric potential f A represents the scattering probability distribution of a light beam by a prism. Photometric potential fA When a prism design is selected, various design elements Ω A and various light input distributions Θ A It is calculated for, and if a prism design is not selected, it is calculated for a setting value assigned by the user or initially set.

[0084] In Fig. 7, the photometric potential f based on the prism design A An example of is illustrated. In the drawing, the cross-sectional shape of the prism viewed in the width direction is shown as a dashed line, and the light distribution potential f A is the light distribution angle θ when viewed in the width direction. A It is illustrated with a solid line. Also, the light distribution angle θ A The -90 degree side is the light-incoming plane, and the 90 degree side is the longitudinal plane; the direction from the -90 degree side to the 90 degree side is the light-guiding direction. In this example, a two-dimensional prism with a groove shape having a triangular cross-section and extending straight in the width direction was employed. Prism design element Ω A Regarding this, the shape of the respective reflective surfaces on the front side (light entry side) and the back side (longitudinal side) is rectangular, and the inclinations are 40 degrees and -40 degrees with respect to the thickness direction (i.e., the 0-degree direction). Light entry distribution Θ for the prism A It was made uniform within the range of -42 to 42 degrees with respect to the thickness direction. Photometric potential f A It can be seen that the light beam is distributed in an angle range of -10 to 50 degrees, that is, the light beam is distributed within that angle range, and also distributed in an angle range of 110 to 130 degrees, that is, the light beam passes through the prism to the other side within that angle range.

[0085] The light distribution potential based on the cross-sectional design is the design element (Ω) described earlier. B With respect to the light input distribution of the light bundle to the surface of the light guide (e.g., intensity distribution with respect to the position and angle of light input on the surface of the light guide, Θ BBy imparting (represented as ), the light distribution of the light bundle emitted from the surface of the light guide (e.g., the light distribution angle θ within the cross-section of the light guide) B Intensity distribution for) f B (Ω B , Θ B ; θ B It is calculated as ). where ∫dθ B f B Setting =1, i.e., photometric potential f B represents the scattering probability distribution of a light beam emitted from a light guide in a direction parallel to its cross-section. Photometric potential f B When a cross-sectional design is selected, various design elements Ω B and various light input distributions Θ B It is calculated for, and if no cross-sectional design is selected, it is calculated for a setting value assigned by the user or initially set.

[0086] In FIG. 8, the light distribution potential f based on the cross-sectional design B An example of is illustrated. In the drawing, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide body as viewed from the light-guiding direction is shown as a dashed line, and the light distribution potential f B is the light distribution angle θ with respect to the center of the cross-section of the light guide. B It is illustrated with a solid line. In this example, the cross-sectional shape design element Ω B Regarding this, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the reflector is a rectangle elongated in the width direction, the reflector is connected to the bottom of the light guide with a partial overlap, and the cross-sectional shape of the light guide body as a whole is keyhole-shaped. The light input distribution Θ of the light bundle on the surface of the light guide body. B It was made uniform over the entire angular range with respect to the center of the cross-section of the light guide. Photometric potential f B is, θ BIt can be seen that the light beam is distributed in an angle range of -30 to 30 degrees, that is, the light beam is emitted from the upper surface side of the light guide, and is also slightly distributed in the angle directions of 120 degrees and -120 degrees, that is, the light beam is also slightly emitted from the side of the reflector.

[0087] The photometric potential based on the path design is the design element (Ω) described earlier. C With respect to (represented by), the light input distribution of the light bundle with respect to the light input surface, and the light guidance distribution of the light bundle within the light guide (e.g., the direction and intensity distribution of the light bundle within the light guide, and ΘC C By assigning (represented as) the intensity distribution of light beams leaking from the surface of the light guide (e.g., position x on the outer surface of the light guide) C Direction and intensity distribution for) f C (Ω C , Θ C ; x C It is calculated as ). However, ∫dx C f C Set to 1. That is, the photometric potential f C represents the probability distribution of light bundle leakage. Photometric potential f C is, when path design is selected, various design elements Ω C and light guide distribution of various light bundles Θ C It is calculated for, and if a path design is not selected, it is calculated for the settings provided by the user or initially set. Also, the photometric potential f C It is not limited to the intensity distribution of the leakage light bundle, but may also be calculated as the light density within the light guide.

[0088] In FIG. 9, the photometric potential f based on the path design C An example thereof is illustrated. Here, an L-shaped light guide body (11) is used as an example when viewed in the thickness direction. In the drawing, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide body (11) when viewed in the thickness direction is illustrated, and the light distribution potential f C is a position x on the outer surface in the width direction from the light guide body (11).C The direction and intensity of the light bundle leaking are illustrated according to the direction and length of the arrows extending from, respectively. Additionally, the light distribution potential f from the envelope at the tip of the arrow C The intensity distribution is plotted. In this example, the design element Ω of the path design. C Regarding this, the central axis (shown by a dashed line) of the light guide body (11) has a curvature R in the width direction. C It is bent at a 90-degree angle, and the width is kept constant. Light intake distribution of the light bundle with respect to the light intake surface, light guidance distribution of the light bundle within the light guide body (11) Θ C Regarding this, the light beam is isotropically directed from the light source (11a) onto the light-receiving surface on the upper-left side of the drawing, and is guided from the light-receiving surface toward the right side of the drawing with a constant intensity distribution within the cross-section. Light distribution potential f C It can be seen that light is distributed on the light entry surface, that is, light loss occurs due to reflection from the light entry surface, and is distributed on the outer surface on the right side of the drawing extending from the curved part of the light guide body (11) to the longitudinal section, and a light bundle leaks from it toward the right side of the drawing, and is distributed on a part of the outer surface extending from the left side of the curved part of the light guide body (11) toward the longitudinal section, and a light bundle leaks from it toward the lower left side of the drawing.

[0089] In FIG. 10, the photometric potential f based on the path design C A separate example is illustrated. In the drawing, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide body (12) as viewed in the thickness direction is illustrated, and the light distribution potential f C A low light density region (12a) and a high light density region (12b) within the light guide body (12), derived based on [the method], are illustrated. In this example, the design element Ω of the path design C Regarding this, the central axis (not shown) of the light guide body (12) is a straight line (i.e., without curvature), and some areas are widened as shown. Light guide distribution Θ of the light bundle within the light guide body (12) CRegarding this, it was assumed that the light is induced from the light-receiving surface on the upper right side of the drawing toward the left side of the drawing with a constant intensity distribution within the cross-section. Light distribution potential f C This indicates that the light density is low in the upper right area (12a) of the expanded drawing and high in the left area (12b) of the reduced drawing. From this result, it can be seen that the light bundle is difficult to engrave from the area (12a) of the light guide body (12) to the right side of the drawing and easy to engrave from the area (12b) to the left side of the drawing.

[0090] The calculation unit (3) solves the calculation formula (1) as in formula (2). In the first formula of formula (2), the calculation unit (3) calculates the absorption loss I of the light bundle absorbed by the light guide when the light bundle travels a unit distance dY within the light guide (i.e., when the light bundle travels through the first section within the light guide) for an input light intensity I0 (=F / 2π). loss and calculate the luminous intensity dI·X output from the unit plane dS (=dYX) on the luminous surface, and calculate the remaining luminous intensity I1 by subtracting these calculated values ​​from the luminous intensity I0. Also, the unit plane dS is a unit plane on the luminous surface located in the target emission direction from the central axis of the light guide within the first section. Here, the absorption loss I of the light bundle loss is calculated using the set value of the absorption coefficient a. In addition, the various photometric potentials f calculated as described above A (Ω A , Θ A ; θ A ), f B (Ω B , Θ B ; θ B ), f C (Ω C , Θ C ; x C Based on ), that is, the design element Ω of prism design, cross-section design, and path design A , Ω B , Ω Cand / or based on the set values ​​thereof, the output light quantity dI·X=I when the light bundle passes through the first section n-1 f A f B f C ...is calculated. The photometric potential f is calculated so that this calculated value matches the indicator value of output light quantity dI·X, which is determined using the set value of uniform luminance L and the set value of light guide width X. A , f B , f C Select . That is, the photometric potential f where the calculated output light quantity dI·X matches the index value. A , f B , f C Ω, a design element that provides A , Ω B , Ω C and / or select their settings.

[0091] In the second equation of equation (2), the calculation unit (3) calculates the absorption loss I of the light bundle when the light bundle travels an additional unit distance dY within the light guide body (i.e., when the light bundle travels through the second section within the light guide body) with respect to the light intensity I1 calculated from the first equation. loss and the emitted luminous intensity dI·X are calculated, and the remaining luminous intensity I2 is calculated by subtracting these calculated values ​​from the luminous intensity I1. At this time, similar to the above, the photometric potential f in which the calculated output luminous quantity dI·X matches the index value A , f B , f C Ω, a design element that provides A , Ω B , Ω C and / or select their settings.

[0092] The output unit (3) is the remaining light intensity I of the aforementioned output. n Until this disappears (numerically, condition dI·X>I nThe process is repeated until ≥0 is satisfied) or until the end of the light guide is reached. That is, for an input light intensity I0, the output unit (3) calculates the absorption loss I of the light bundle whenever the light bundle travels a unit distance dY within the light guide (i.e., whenever the light bundle travels through each section within the light guide). loss and calculate the luminous intensity dI·X, and these calculated values ​​are the luminous intensity I n-1 Subtract from the remaining intensity I n Calculating, the remaining strength I n This is repeated until it disappears or until the end of the light guide is reached. Here, various photometric potentials f A (Ω A , Θ A ; θ A ), f B (Ω B , Θ B ; θ B ), f C (Ω C , Θ C ; x C Based on ), that is, the design element Ω of prism design, cross-section design, and path design A , Ω B , Ω C and / or based on their set values, the output light quantity dI·X=I when the light bundle passes through each section n-1 f A f B f C Calculate the photometric potential f where the calculated output light quantity dI·X matches the index value. A , f B , f C Ω, a design element that provides A , Ω B , Ω C Select and / or their settings. In this way, the selected design element Ω across all intervals. A , Ω B , Ω C From and / or their settings, the prism, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide, and the path of the light guide (curvature and width of the path) are designed, respectively.

[0093] Also, if none of the prism design, cross-section design, and path design are selected as design items, regarding the unselected items, the calculation unit (3) uses a design element Ω assigned or initially set by the user. A0 , Ω B0 , Ω C0 and the photometric potential f calculated by the setting value A0 (Ω A0 , Θ A ; θ A ), f B0 (Ω B0 , Θ B ; θ B ), f C0 (Ω C0 , Θ C ; x C Uses ). For the item selected as a design item only, the photometric potential f in which the calculated value of the output light quantity dI·X matches the index value A , f B , f C Ω, a design element that provides A , Ω B , Ω C By selecting and / or their setting values, a light guide is designed for the selected design item.

[0094] Also, photometric potential f A , f B , f C When the light bundle passes through each section, if leakage occurs from a surface other than the light-emitting surface, such as leakage on the other side, the calculation unit (3) calculates the light distribution potential f A , f B , f C Based on this, the leakage amount is calculated, and the calculated value is the intensity I when the light bundle enters each section. n-1 Intensity I when exiting the interval by subtracting from n Calculate the amount of leakage. That is, subtract the amount of leakage from the right side of the calculation formula (1).

[0095] Also, when it is selected to place an auxiliary optical member, the calculation unit (3) calculates the amount of output light when the light bundle passes through each section based on the design elements of the optical member and the set values ​​thereof.

[0096] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the types of auxiliary optical components and their arrangement. The auxiliary optical components include a reflector (21), a diffuser (22), and a lens (23). The reflector (21) is positioned so that its reflective surface faces upward toward the lower side of the light guide (13) and reflects a beam of light that passes through the lower surface of the light guide (13) and exits to the back surface toward the light-emitting surface (upper surface). The diffuser (22) is positioned to cover the light-emitting surface (upper surface) of the light guide (13) and diffuses a beam of light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the light guide (13) evenly and guides it toward the upper side of the drawing. The lens (23) is positioned above the diffuser (22) and collects a beam of light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the light guide (13) and passing through the diffuser (22). By combining a reflector (21), a diffuser (22), and a lens (23) in the light guide (13), the brightness distribution can be made uniform.

[0097] The determining unit (4) determines the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the light guide based on the calculated value calculated by the calculation unit (3). Based on the result, the determining unit (4) may determine the overall average light intensity Ia and the central maximum light intensity Ian. Here, the overall average light intensity Ia is the length of the light-guiding direction of the light guide or the maximum distance Y through which the light bundle guides light within the light guide. max Using , the average luminous intensity of the entire light-receiving surface (dIXY max It is calculated as ). The central maximum luminous intensity Ian is the central luminous intensity of the light receiving surface. In addition, the determining unit (4) may further determine the absorption loss (I0-dI·n) and luminous efficiency (dI·n / I0) of the light bundle. These results are transmitted to the output unit (5).

[0098] The output unit (5) outputs the amount of light emitted, etc., determined by the determination unit (4) onto the input / output screen (7). Additionally, the design results of the prism, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide, and the path of the light guide (curvature and width of the path) selected as design items may also be output.

[0099] FIG. 12 illustrates the flow of a design support method executed by a design support device (20) according to a second embodiment.

[0100] In step S11, input information input by a user is received by the input unit (1). Here, the input information includes the selection of at least one design item among prism design, cross-section design, and path design, the selection of a material constituting a light guide or the absorption coefficient a and refractive index n of the material, an input light bundle F, and a uniform luminance L. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, prism design is selected as the design item, acrylic resin is selected as the material constituting a light guide, and the values ​​of the input light bundle F and the uniform luminance L are input by the user. Additionally, regarding unselected design items, in the case of this example, cross-section design and path design, a design element Ω that is separately input by the user A0 , Ω B0 , Ω C0 and you may receive that value.

[0101] In step S12, the setting unit (2) sets the design items and design conditions of the light guide. The design items include at least one item selected from prism design, cross-section design, and path design. The design items may further include the selection of whether to place an attached optical member around the light guide. The design elements and the setting of these values ​​when each design item is selected and when it is not selected are as described above. The design conditions include the absorption coefficient a and refractive index n of the material constituting the light guide, the input light bundle F, and the uniform luminance L. The setting unit (2) sets the values ​​of these design conditions according to the input information transmitted from the input unit (1).

[0102] In step S13, the calculation unit (3) applies the set value of the design element and the set value of the design condition, set by the setting unit (2), to the calculation formula (1), and designs a light guide body for a selected design item by determining the design element of the design target set by the setting unit (2) so that uniform luminance L is obtained. Additionally, the calculation unit (3) uses the calculation formula (1) to determine the amount of absorbed light I absorbed by the light guide body when a light bundle passes through section n, for each of the plurality of sections n divided at unit distance dy along the light guide path within the light guide body. loss =I n-1 (1-e -adYc Calculate the output light quantity dI·X emitted from the ) and the light-emitting surface, and the calculated values ​​of the absorbed light quantity and output light quantity are the intensity I before the light bundle enters the section. n-1 Intensity I when exiting the interval by subtracting from n Produces.

[0103] Here, the calculation unit (3) calculates the various light distribution potentials f of the light bundle transmitted within the light guide based on each of the design items to calculate the output light quantity dI·X. A (Ω A , Θ A ; θ A ), f B(Ω B , Θ B ; θ B ), f C (Ω C , Θ C ; x C ) calculates. The calculation unit (2) calculates the design element Ω of the prism design, cross-section design, and path design. A , Ω B , Ω C and / or based on their set values, the output light quantity dI·X=I when the light bundle passes through each section n-1 f A f B f C Calculate the light distribution potential f such that the calculated output light quantity dI·X matches the indicator value of the output light quantity dI·X determined using the set value of the uniform luminance L and the set value of the light guide width X. A , f B , f C Ω, a design element that provides A , Ω B , Ω C Select and / or their settings. In this way, the selected design element Ω across all intervals. A , Ω B , Ω C From and / or their settings, the prism, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide, and the path of the light guide (curvature and width of the path) are designed, respectively.

[0104] Also, regarding unselected design items, the calculation unit (3) uses a design element Ω assigned or initially set by the user. A0 , Ω B0 , Ω C0 and the photometric potential f calculated by the setting value A0 (Ω A0 , Θ A ; θ A ), f B0 (Ω B0 , Θ B ; θ B ), f C0 (Ω C0 , Θ C ; xC Uses ).

[0105] Also, photometric potential f A , f B , f C When the light bundle passes through each section, if leakage occurs from a surface other than the light-emitting surface, such as leakage on the other side, the calculation unit (3) calculates the light distribution potential f A , f B , f C Based on this, the leakage amount is calculated, and the calculated value is the intensity I when the light bundle enters each section. n-1 Intensity I when exiting the interval by subtracting from n Calculate the amount of leakage. That is, subtract the amount of leakage from the right side of the calculation formula (1).

[0106] Also, when it is selected to place an auxiliary optical member, the calculation unit (3) calculates the amount of output light when the light bundle passes through each section based on the design elements of the optical member and the set values ​​thereof.

[0107] In step S14, the determining unit (4) determines the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting surface of the light guide based on the calculated value calculated by the calculation unit (3) in step S13. Based on the result, the determining unit (4) may determine the overall average light intensity Ia and the central maximum light intensity Ian. Additionally, the determining unit (4) may further determine the absorption loss (I0-dI·n) and the light emission efficiency (dI·n / I0) of the light bundle.

[0108] In step S15, the output unit (5) outputs the amount of light emitted, etc., determined by the determination unit (4) in step S14 onto the input / output screen (7). Additionally, the design results of the prism, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide, and the path of the light guide (curvature and width of the path) selected as design items may also be output.

[0109] As described in detail above, according to the design support device (20) and design support method of the second embodiment, by using a more precise phenomenological model that accepts the loss of light bundles guided from the light input surface to the light output surface within the light guide body, namely, light input loss, absorption loss, back surface omission and end-of-line omission, the light bundle input into the light guide body is absorbed by the light guide body, and travels along the light guide path while reflecting and refracting at the prism and the surface of the light guide body and is output from the light output surface, the design requirements for the prism, the cross-section of the light guide body, and the light guide path in the case where the light output surface emits light with uniform brightness can be derived.

[0110] In addition, the design support device (10, 20) and design support method according to the first and second embodiments are designed to support the design of a light guide body that guides a light bundle input from a light receiving surface to a light emitting surface different from the light receiving surface and outputs it from the light emitting surface, but are not limited to the design of a light guide body that guides a light bundle, and may also support the design of a propagating body that propagates heat (radiant heat), fluid, or other waves or objects.

[0111] In addition, the design support device (10, 20) and design support method according to the first and second embodiments can be used to support the design of a light guide body, but are not limited to this, and can also be used for calculations such as simulations that are not intended for design.

[0112] Various embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams, wherein a block may represent (1) a step of a process in which an operation is executed or (2) a section of a device having the role of executing an operation. Specific steps and sections may be implemented by dedicated circuits, programmable circuits supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, and / or processors supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. Dedicated circuits may include digital and / or analog hardware circuits and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuits may include reconfigurable hardware circuits, such as logic AND, logic OR, logic XOR, logic NAND, logic NOR, and other logic operations, flip-flops, registers, memory elements such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), etc.

[0113] A computer-readable medium may include a device of any type capable of storing instructions executed by a suitable device, and as a result, the computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein comprises a product that includes instructions that can be executed to create a means for executing an operation specified by a flowchart or block diagram. Examples of computer-readable media may include electronic memory media, magnetic memory media, optical memory media, electronic memory media, semiconductor memory media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable media may include floppy disks (trademark), diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multi-purpose disc (DVD), Blu-ray (RTM) disc, memory sticks, integrated circuit cards, etc.

[0114] Computer-readable instructions may include any combination of source code or object code described in one or more programming languages, including assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, JAVA (trademark), C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the “C” programming language or the same programming language.

[0115] Computer-readable instructions are provided to a processor or programmable circuit of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device via a local or wide-area network (WAN), such as the Internet, and may be executed to create means for executing operations specified by a flowchart or block diagram. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0116] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a computer (2200) in which a plurality of embodiments of the present invention may be implemented wholly or partially. A program installed in the computer (2200) may enable the computer (2200) to function as an operation related to a device relating to an embodiment of the present invention or as one or more sections of said device, or to execute said operation or said one or more sections, and / or enable the computer (2200) to execute a process relating to an embodiment of the present invention or a step of said process. Such a program may be executed by a CPU (2212) to enable the computer (2200) to execute a specific operation related to some or all of the blocks of the flowchart and block diagram described herein.

[0117] A computer (2200) according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (2212), RAM (2214), a graphics controller (2216), and a display device (2218), which are connected to each other by a host controller (2210). The computer (2200) also includes input / output units such as a communication interface (2222), a hard disk drive (2224), a DVD-ROM drive (2226), and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller (2210) through an input / output controller (2220). The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM (2230) and a keyboard (2242), which are connected to the input / output controller (2220) through an input / output chip (2240).

[0118] The CPU (2212) operates according to a program stored in the ROM (2230) and RAM (2214) and controls each unit accordingly. The graphics controller (2216) acquires image data generated by the CPU (2212) in a frame buffer provided in the RAM (2214) or in itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device (2218).

[0119] The communication interface (2222) communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive (2224) stores programs and data used by the CPU (2212) within the computer (2200). The DVD-ROM drive (2226) reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM (2201) and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive (2224) via RAM (2214). The IC card drive reads programs and data from the IC card and / or writes programs and data to the IC card.

[0120] The ROM (2230) stores, within it, a boot program executed by the computer (2200) upon activation, and / or a program dependent on the hardware of the computer (2200). The input / output chip (2240) can also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller (2220) through a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, etc.

[0121] A program is provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM (2201) or an IC card. The program is read from the computer-readable medium, installed in a hard disk drive (2224), RAM (2214), or ROM (2230), which is also an example of a computer-readable medium, and executed by a CPU (2212). Information processing described within these programs is read by a computer (2200) and brings about a link between the program and the various types of hardware resources. A device or method may be configured to realize the manipulation or processing of information according to the use of the computer (2200).

[0122] For example, when communication is performed between a computer (2200) and an external device, the CPU (2212) may execute a communication program loaded in RAM (2214) and, based on the processing described in the communication program, command a communication interface (2222) to perform communication processing. Under the control of the CPU (2212), the communication interface (2222) reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in a recording medium such as RAM (2214), a hard disk drive (2224), a DVD-ROM (2201), or an IC card, transmits the read transmission data to a network, or writes in reception data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area, etc., provided on the recording medium.

[0123] Additionally, the CPU (2212) can read all or necessary parts of a file or database stored on an external recording medium, such as a hard disk drive (2224), a DVD-ROM drive (2226) (DVD-ROM (2201)), an IC card, etc., into the RAM (2214), and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM (2214). Next, the CPU (2212) writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0124] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, can be stored in a recording medium and processed. The CPU (2212) can execute various types of processing on data read from RAM (2214), including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information retrieval / replacement, etc., as described in various places in this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequence of a program, and write back the results to RAM (2214). Additionally, the CPU (2212) can search for information in files, databases, etc., within the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries, each having a first attribute value related to a second attribute value, are stored in the recording medium, the CPU (2212) can search among the plurality of entries for an entry that matches a condition in which the first attribute value is specified, read the second attribute value stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the second attribute value related to the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0125] The program or software module described above may be stored on a computer (2200) or on a computer-readable medium near the computer (2200). Additionally, a recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided within a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet may be used as a computer-readable medium, and the program may be provided to the computer (2200) via the network.

[0126] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments. It is also evident from the claims that forms with such modifications or improvements may be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0127] It should be noted that the execution order of each process, such as operations, sequences, steps, and stages in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, specification, and drawings, is not specifically specified as “before” or “prior,” and can be realized in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operation flow in the claims, specification, and drawings is described using terms such as “first,” or “next,” for convenience, this does not mean that it is mandatory to carry out the process in this order. Explanation of the symbols

[0128] 1: Input section, 2: Setting section, 3: Output section, 4: Decision section, 5: Output section, 6, 7: Input / Output screen, 10, 20: Design support device, 11, 12, 13: Light guide, 12a, 12b: Area, 21: Reflector, 22: Diffusion plate, 23: Lens, 2200: Computer, 2201: DVD-ROM, 2210: Host controller, 2214: RAM, 2216: Graphics controller, 2218: Display device, 2220: Input / Output controller, 2222: Communication interface, 2224: Hard disk drive, 2226: DVD-ROM drive, 2240: Input / Output chip, 2242: Keyboard.

Claims

Claim 1 A calculation device for performing design calculations for a light guide body that guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface, comprising: a setting unit for setting a value for two of the light guide distance of the light guide body, the amount of light input to the light input surface, and the amount of light output on the light-emitting surface; and a calculation unit for calculating the value of the remaining one of the light guide distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output by applying the setting value set by the setting unit to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced by a unit distance within the light guide body, wherein the setting unit sets the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and the amount of light input, and the calculation unit calculates the light guide distance by using the setting value of the amount of light input and repeatedly changing the value of the amount of light output, and calculates the amount of light output that becomes the maximum amount of light output so that the calculated value of the light guide distance becomes equal to the setting value of the light guide distance. Claim 2 A computing device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates, using the calculation formula, the amount of absorbed light absorbed by the light guide and the amount of light output from the unit surface on the light-emitting surface corresponding to the unit distance whenever the light travels by the unit distance within the light guide, and calculates the remaining intensity value by subtracting the calculated values ​​of the absorbed light amount and the light amount from the light intensity value, and repeats this process until the remaining intensity value is eliminated to calculate the remaining one value. Claim 3 A computing device according to paragraph 2, wherein the setting unit further sets the absorption coefficient of the light guide body, and the calculation unit calculates the amount of absorbed light of the light absorbed by the light guide body using the absorption coefficient. Claim 4 A computing device according to paragraph 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of absorbed light based further on the diffusion of light proceeding within the light guide body. Claim 5 In paragraph 2, the calculation unit calculates the amount of light output from a unit plane on the light-emitting surface based on the set value of the output amount of light, a computing device. Claim 6 A computing device according to claim 5, wherein the setting unit further sets the width of the light guide body, and the calculation unit calculates the amount of light using the set value of the width. Claim 7 A computing device that further determines at least one of the light absorption loss and luminous efficiency in any one of claims 1 to 6. Claim 8 A calculation method for designing a light guide body by computer, which guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface, comprising: a step of setting a value for two of the light guide distance of the light guide body, the amount of light input to the light input surface, and the amount of light output on the light-emitting surface; and a step of calculating the value of the remaining one of the light guide distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output by applying the value set in the setting step to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced by a unit distance within the light guide body, wherein in the setting step, the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and the amount of light input are set, and in the calculation step, the value of the output amount is repeatedly changed using the value of the input amount to calculate the light guide distance, and the output amount that becomes the maximum output amount is calculated such that the calculated value of the light guide distance becomes equal to the value of the light guide distance. Claim 9 A program stored on a computer-readable recording medium, wherein the program performs the steps of: setting a set value for two of the following: a light guide distance of a light guide body that guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface; an input amount of light for the light input surface; and an output amount of light on the light-emitting surface; and performing the step of calculating the value of the remaining one of the light guide distance, the input amount of light, and the output amount of light by applying the set value set in the setting step to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced by a unit distance within the light guide body; wherein in the setting step, the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and the input amount of light are set; and in the calculation step, the light guide distance is calculated by using the set value of the input amount of light and repeatedly changing the value of the output amount of light, and the output amount of light that becomes the maximum output amount of light is calculated such that the calculated value of the light guide distance becomes equal to the set value of the light guide distance. Claim 10 A computing device for performing design calculations for a light guide body that guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface, comprising: a setting unit for setting two of the light guide distance of the light guide body, the amount of light input to the light input surface, and the amount of light output on the light-emitting surface; and a calculation unit for calculating the value of the remaining one of the light guide distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output by applying the setting value set by the setting unit to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced by a unit distance within the light guide body, wherein the setting unit sets the respective values ​​of the amount of light input and the amount of light output, and the calculation unit calculates the light guide distance that becomes the maximum light guide distance using the setting values ​​of the amount of light input and the amount of light output. Claim 11 A calculation method for designing a light guide body by computer, which guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface, comprising: a step of setting two of the light guide distance of the light guide body, the amount of light input to the light input surface, and the amount of light output on the light-emitting surface; and a step of calculating the value of the remaining one of the light guide distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output by applying the set value set in the setting step to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced by a unit distance within the light guide body, wherein in the setting step, the respective values ​​of the amount of light input and the amount of light output are set, and in the calculation step, the light guide distance that becomes the maximum light guide distance is calculated using the set values ​​of the amount of light input and the amount of light output. Claim 12 A program stored on a computer-readable recording medium, wherein the program performs the steps of: setting two of the following values ​​in a computer: a light-guiding distance of a light guide body that guides light input from a light-receiving surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light-receiving surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface; an input amount of light for the light-receiving surface; and an output amount of light on the light-emitting surface; and performing the step of calculating the value of the remaining one of the light-guiding distance, the input amount of light, and the output amount of light by applying the set value set in the setting step to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light guiding by a unit distance within the light guide body, wherein in the setting step, the respective values ​​of the input amount of light and the output amount of light are set, and in the calculating step, the light-guiding distance that becomes the maximum light-guiding distance is calculated using the set values ​​of the input amount of light and the output amount of light. Claim 13 A calculation device for performing design calculations for a light guide body that guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface, comprising: a setting unit for setting two of the light guide distance of the light guide body, the amount of light input to the light input surface, and the amount of light output on the light-emitting surface; and a calculation unit for calculating the value of the remaining one of the light guide distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output by applying the setting value set by the setting unit to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced by a unit distance within the light guide body, wherein the setting unit sets the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and the amount of light output, and the calculation unit calculates the amount of light input that becomes the required amount of light input using the setting values ​​of the light guide distance and the amount of light output. Claim 14 A calculation method for designing a light guide body by computer, which guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface, comprising: a step of setting a value for two of the light guide distance of the light guide body, the amount of light input to the light input surface, and the amount of light output on the light-emitting surface; and a step of calculating the value of the remaining one of the light guide distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output by applying the value set in the setting step to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced by a unit distance within the light guide body, wherein in the setting step, the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and the amount of light output are set, and in the calculation step, the amount of light input that becomes the required amount of light input is calculated using the set values ​​of the light guide distance and the amount of light output. Claim 15 A program stored on a computer-readable recording medium, wherein the program performs the steps of: setting a set value for two of the following: a light guide distance of a light guide body that guides light input from a light input surface to a light-emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from the light-emitting surface; an input amount of light for the light input surface; and an output amount of light on the light-emitting surface; and performing the step of calculating the value of the remaining one of the light guide distance, the input amount of light, and the output amount of light by applying the set value set in the setting step to a calculation formula representing the balance of the amount of light induced by a unit distance within the light guide body, wherein in the setting step, the respective values ​​of the light guide distance and the output amount of light are set, and in the calculating step, the input amount of light that becomes the required input amount of light is calculated using the set values ​​of the light guide distance and the output amount of light.

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