DESIGN ASSISTANCE APPARATUS, DESIGN ASSISTANCE METHOD, PROGRAM, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

Abstract

SOLUTION: A computation device is configured to: set a setting value about an input light amount to a light incident surface; calculate an absorption light amount absorbed by a light guide when light passes through a section and an output light amount to be outputted from a light-emitting surface for each of a plurality of sections sectioned every unit distance along a light guide route within the light guide, using the setting value that is set; subtract the calculation value of the absorption light amount and the output light amount from an intensity value when the light enters the section to calculate an intensity value when the light exits the section; and determine a light emission amount to be outputted from the light-emitting surface on the basis of the calculated calculation value.EFFECT: By using a more precise phenomenological model taking into account, loss of a light flux derived from absorption loss, strike-through and end-edge remainder, out of loss of the light flux guided through a light guide from an incidence light surface to a light-emitting surface, it is possible to derive a design requirement of a prism, cross-section of the light guide and a light guide path in a case where light emits with a light-emitting surface remaining uniform in luminance because the light flux inputted into the light guide is absorbed by the light guide, proceeds the light guide path while reflecting or refracting upon the prism and a light guide surface, and is outputted from the light-emitting surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical 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 a motorcycle or the like is usually designed according to the following procedure. 1) Design requirements that are necessarily required from a practical viewpoint, such as the shape of the light guide, the intensity of the light source, the required brightness (brightness value and uniformity), and the legal light distribution, are set. 2) Design conditions that can be freely 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 entrance part, are set. 3) The brightness on the light-emitting surface is analyzed by performing ray tracing using optical analysis software for these requirements and conditions. Here, ray tracing refers to tracing the trajectory of a light ray emitted from a light source and input into the light guide through the light entrance surface, which is guided through the light guide until it is output from the light-emitting surface (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). 4) The design conditions are modified so that the brightness on the light-emitting surface falls within a target range determined by the requirements, and the analysis of brightness in 3) is repeated (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Patent Document 1: JP 2003-121654 A Patent Document 2 Special Publication No. 2007-507815 Patent Document 3: JP2012-528361A Problems to be Solved

[0003] However, with the above-mentioned empirical design method, since it is not possible to predict in the early stages of design whether or not requirement 1), particularly the required brightness, can be achieved, it may become clear that the requirements cannot be achieved only after repeated design steps from 2) to 4) and even repeated prototyping of the light guide, and the requirements may have to be reset and the design redone. Such rework increases the number of steps required. Therefore, it is desirable to obtain a theoretical limit for requirement 1) in the early stages of design, by using a theoretical model that phenomenologically incorporates the dominant effects, particularly among the physical effects that light guided within the light guide experiences, in order to predict the design of the light guide. General Disclosure

[0004] A calculation device that performs design calculations for a light guide that guides light input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs it from the light emitting surface may be provided with a setting section that sets a setting value for the amount of light input to the light incident surface. The calculation device may be provided with a calculation unit that uses setting values ​​set by the setting unit to calculate, for each of a plurality of sections divided into unit distances along the light guide path within the light guide, the amount of light absorbed by the light guide when the light passes through the section and the amount of output light output from the light emitting surface, and calculates the intensity value when the light leaves the section by subtracting the calculated values ​​of the amount of light absorbed and the amount of output light from the intensity value before the light entered the section. The arithmetic device may include a determination section that determines the amount of light output from the light emitting surface based on the value calculated by the calculation section. The setting section may set a setting value for each of a plurality of design items of the light guide. The calculation section may calculate a light distribution potential of light propagating within the light guide based on each of a plurality of design items, and may calculate an output light amount based on the calculated plurality of light distribution potentials. The multiple design items may include at least one of a prism design, a cross-section design, and a path design. The setting section may further set a setting value for the prism design of the prisms disposed within the light guiding body. The calculation section may calculate the amount of output light when the light passes through the section, further based on the setting value of the prism design. The calculation unit may calculate the amount of leakage that leaks from surfaces other than the light-emitting surface when the light passes through the section, and calculate the intensity value when the light leaves the section by subtracting the calculated value of the leakage amount from the intensity value before the light enters the section. The setting section may further set a setting value for the cross-sectional shape of the light guide. The calculation section may calculate the amount of output light when the light passes through the section, further based on the setting value of the cross-sectional shape. The setting section may further set a setting value for the path of the light guide. The calculation section may calculate the amount of output light when the light passes through the section, further based on the setting values ​​of the path design. The setting section may further set a setting value for an optical member disposed around the light guide body. The calculation section may calculate the amount of output light when the light passes through the section based on the setting value of the optical member.

[0005] A calculation method for designing a light guide that guides light input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs it from the light emitting surface may include a step of setting a set value for the amount of light input to the light incident surface. The calculation method may include a step of calculating, using the setting value set in the setting step, for each of a plurality of sections divided into unit distances along the light guide path within the light guide, the amount of light absorbed by the light guide when the light passes through the section and the amount of output light output from the light emitting surface, and calculating the intensity value when the light leaves the section by subtracting the calculated values ​​of the amount of light absorbed and the amount of output light from the intensity value before the light entered the section. The calculation method may include a step of determining an amount of light output from the light emitting surface based on the calculated value calculated in the calculation step. In the setting step, a set value may be set for each of a plurality of design items of the light guide. In the calculation step, a light distribution potential of light propagating within the light guide may be calculated based on each of a plurality of design items, and the amount of output light may be calculated based on the calculated plurality of light distribution potentials. The multiple design items may include at least one of a prism design, a cross-section design, and a path design.

[0006] In order to perform design calculations for a light guide that guides light input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs it from the light emitting surface, the program may cause the computer to execute a procedure for setting a set value for the amount of light input to the light incident surface. The program may cause the computer to execute a procedure in which, using the setting values ​​set in the setting procedure, for each of a plurality of sections divided into unit distances along the light guide path within the light guide, the amount of light absorbed by the light guide when the light passes through the section and the amount of light output from the light emitting surface are calculated, and the calculated values ​​of the amount of light absorbed and the amount of light output are subtracted from the intensity value before the light entered the section to calculate the intensity value when the light leaves the section. The program may cause the computer to execute a procedure for determining an amount of light output from the light emitting surface based on a value calculated in the calculation procedure. In the setting step, a set value may be set for each of a plurality of design items of the light guide. In the calculation step, a light distribution potential of light propagating within the light guide may be calculated based on each of a plurality of design items. The multiple design items may include at least one of a prism design, a cross-section design, and a path design.

[0007] The calculation device may include a calculation unit that calculates the amount of output light output to the outside of the light guide in an nth section, which is the nth section (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) from the light input side, among sections into which a light guide that guides light is divided at predetermined intervals along the light guide direction. The calculation section may calculate the amount of output light in the nth section based on the amount of input light input to the nth section and the amount of absorbed light absorbed in the nth section. When the remaining light amount in the nth section is the amount of input light in the nth section minus the amount of output light in the nth section and the amount of absorbed light in the nth section, the calculation unit may determine the amount of input light input from the light input side to the n+1th section, which is the n+1st section, based on the remaining light amount. The arithmetic device may include a calculation unit that calculates the amount of remaining light when light input to the light guide remains without being output to the outside of the light guide and absorbed in the light guide in an nth section, which is the nth section (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) from the light input side, among sections into which a light guide that guides light is divided at predetermined intervals along the light guide direction.

[0008] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention. Also, subcombinations of these features may also be inventions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 2 shows an example of the configuration of a light guide body and the relationship between the loss of light flux guided within the light guide body and the luminance on the light emitting surface. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a functional configuration of a design support apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 shows an input / output screen of the design support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] The absorption and emission losses of the luminous flux based on the periodic model are shown. [Diagram 5] 2 shows a flow of a design support method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 shows an input / output screen of a design support device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 shows an example of light distribution potential based on a prism design. [Figure 8] An example of light distribution potential based on cross-sectional design is shown. [Figure 9] 1 shows an example of light distribution potential based on a route design. [Figure 10] 13 shows another example of light distribution potential based on route design. [Figure 11] An example of the types of optical components included and their arrangement is shown below. [Figure 12] 13 shows a flow of a design support method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 shows an example of a computer configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0011] First embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a light guide to be designed. The light guide is an optical component that guides a light flux input from a light input surface to a light emitting surface different from the light input surface and outputs it from there. As an example, the light guide is molded into a prism shape having a length, width, and thickness using a resin such as an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin. A plurality of prisms (not shown) are arranged on the bottom surface of the light guide, and the left end surface functions as a light input surface to which the light flux emitted from the light source is input, and the upper surface functions as a light emitting surface to which the light flux is output. The light source may include one or more LEDs. In FIG. 1 and other drawings, the direction in which the light guide (the central axis) extends and the direction in which the light flux is guided is the light guide direction, the direction in which the upper 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 is the width direction.

[0012] In a light guide having such a configuration, the light flux inputted from the light-entering surface spreads within the light guide, is guided to the right while being reflected by the top, side, and bottom surfaces, and is directed upward by the prisms on the bottom surface and outputted from the light-emitting surface. This causes the light-emitting surface to emit light. At this time, the light flux is reflected by the light-entering surface, absorbed by the material constituting the light guide, transmitted without being reflected by the side and bottom surfaces, and further transmitted through the right end surface (also called the terminal surface) and outputted from the light guide, resulting in losses of the light flux. These losses are called incident light loss, absorption loss, backlighting, and terminal remainder, respectively. In addition, the distribution of the amount of light flux (also called luminous intensity) outputted on the light-emitting surface changes depending on the structure of the prisms (shape, size, arrangement pitch, etc.), which causes unevenness in the brightness on the light-emitting surface.

[0013] In the design of a light guide, the design conditions are modified so that the luminance on the light emitting surface falls within a target range given as a design requirement, but even if the luminance on the light emitting surface is analyzed by tracing rays using optical analysis software, it is not clear which design condition the result is derived from, and so the design conditions are usually improved empirically. Therefore, in the design support device and method according to the first embodiment, in order to forecast the design of the light guide, a theoretical model is constructed that phenomenologically incorporates particularly dominant effects among the physical effects (particularly the above-mentioned losses) that the light guided inside the light guide experiences, and this is used to obtain theoretical limits of the design requirements and conditions.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the following assumptions are adopted to obtain theoretical limits of the design requirements and conditions of the light guide. 1) All luminous flux emitted from the light source is input into the light guide through the light entrance surface, i.e., the input loss is zero. 2) The brightness on the light emitting surface is uniform, i.e., there is no strike-through due to Lambertian emission. 3) The luminous flux does not reach the terminal surface and is consumed, i.e., there is no terminal remainder. In other words, a minimal phenomenological model is adopted that incorporates only the unavoidable and most dominant absorption loss among the above losses, and this is used to obtain theoretical limits of the design requirements and conditions in the case where the luminous flux input into the light guide is absorbed by the light guide and guided to the right and output from the light emitting surface, causing the light emitting surface to emit light with uniform brightness.

[0015] 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 executes a design program, thereby causing the design support device 10 to realize a function of executing a method for analyzing a light guide. The design program is, for example, stored in a ROM and read out by the CPU, or stored in a storage medium such as a DVD-ROM and started up by the CPU reading out the design program using a reading device such as a DVD-ROM drive and expanding it into RAM. Note that a more detailed example of the hardware configuration of the computer device will be described later.

[0016] 2 shows a functional configuration of the design support device 10. The design support device 10 includes an input unit 1, a setting unit 2, a calculation unit 3, a determination unit 4, and an output unit 5. In the first embodiment, the design requirements and conditions include a width of the light guide (referred to as a light guide width) and a light guide distance corresponding to the shape of the light guide, an input luminous flux (an example of an input light amount, which may be expressed not only as a luminous flux but also as any concept expressing luminous intensity, luminance, or any other light amount) corresponding to the intensity of the light source, a uniform luminance corresponding to a required luminance (an example of an output light amount, which may be expressed not only as a luminance but also as a luminous intensity, luminous flux, or any other light amount), and an absorption coefficient of a material constituting the light guide.

[0017] The input unit 1 is a unit that receives input information input by a user via an input device such as a keyboard. The input information is transmitted to the setting unit 2.

[0018] 3 shows an input / output screen 6 of the design support device 10. The input information includes a selection of calculation items from among the maximum light guide distance, the required input light flux, and the limit uniform luminance, a selection of a material constituting the light guide body or an absorption coefficient a of the material, a light guide width X, and the input light flux F, the uniform luminance L, and the light guide distance Y. max The remaining two items are excluded from the items corresponding to the selection items. As the materials constituting the light guide, acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin are displayed as selection items. In this example, the limit uniform luminance is selected as the calculation item, acrylic resin is selected as the material constituting the light guide, and the values ​​of the light guide width, input luminous flux, and light guide distance are input by the user. Note that the overall average luminous intensity Ia is calculated by multiplying the average luminous intensity (dIXY max ) and the central maximum luminous intensity Ian is the central luminous intensity of the light receiving surface, that is, the maximum luminous intensity (2Ia assuming Lambertian emission).

[0019] The setting unit 2 is a unit for setting the design requirements and conditions of the light guide. The setting unit 2 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 luminous flux F, the uniform luminance L, and the light guide distance Y according to the input information transmitted from the input unit 1. maxThe remaining two items, excluding the calculation item, are set. When the material constituting the light guide is selected, the value of the absorption coefficient is set to a value determined by the material. The absorption coefficient value determined by each material may be stored in advance in a memory or the like. When an arbitrary value is input, the input value is set. When the maximum light guide distance is selected as a calculation item, the setting unit 2 sets the values ​​of the input light flux and uniform brightness according to the input information, when the required input light flux is selected, the values ​​of the light guide distance and the input light flux are set, and when the limit uniform brightness is selected, the values ​​of the light guide distance and the uniform brightness are set. In the example of FIG. 3, the value of the absorption coefficient determined by the selected acrylic resin, the value of the light guide width, the value of the input light flux, and the value of the light guide distance are set according to the input information input by the user. These set values ​​are transmitted to the calculation unit 3.

[0020] The calculation unit 3 is a unit that calculates an item corresponding to a selected item among the light guide distance, the input luminous flux, and the uniform luminance, by applying the setting value set by the setting unit 2 to a calculation formula. As will be described later, the calculation formula indicates that the amount of light that has traveled a unit distance inside the light guide is equal to the amount of light before traveling the unit distance minus the amount of light absorbed by the light guide as it travels the unit distance and the amount of light output from the light emitting surface.

[0021] 4 shows the periodic model employed in the first embodiment. In the periodic model, the balance of the light flux repeatedly guided within the light guide over a unit distance dY [mm] can be expressed by the following equation.

number

[0022] The above equation (1) can be solved, for example, as follows.

number

[0023] In the second formula, the calculation unit 3 calculates the absorption loss I of the light beam when the light beam travels a further unit distance dY inside the light guide relative to the luminous intensity I1 calculated from the first formula. loss and the luminous intensity dI·X are calculated, and these calculated values ​​are subtracted from the luminous intensity I1 to calculate the remaining luminous intensity I2.

[0024] The calculation unit 3 performs the above calculation on the remaining luminosity I n Until there is no more, but for numerical calculations, the condition dI·X>I n ≧0. In other words, the calculation unit 3 calculates the absorption loss I loss and the luminous intensity dI·X, and these calculated values ​​are used as the luminous intensity In-1 Subtract from and the remaining intensity I n Calculate the remaining intensity I n The number of repetitions n at this time is used to calculate the light guide distance dYn.

[0025] The calculation unit 3 may use the correction coefficient c to calculate the absorption loss of the light beam based on the spread of the light beam traveling inside the light guide. The light beam input from the light-entering surface of the light guide has a spread of about 84 degrees with respect to, for example, acrylic resin. Therefore, the distance traveled inside the light guide when guided on the central axis of the light guide by a unit distance dY on the central axis differs between the light beam guided on the central axis and the light beam guided in a direction inclined from the central axis, and the amount of light absorbed by the light beam also differs. Therefore, the correction coefficient c may be determined based on the spread of the light beam to reduce the model to a one-dimensional model in which the light beam travels inside the light guide along the central axis. For example, the spread distribution of the input light beam may be expressed as φ(θ)=I0(θ) / ∫I0(θ)dθ, so that c=∫φ(θ)sec(θ)dθ. By using this correction coefficient c, the average travel distance dYc of the light beam traveling in a spread manner inside the light guide can be obtained. In addition, in formula (2), the input luminous intensity I0 may be replaced with I0φ(θ), the correction coefficient c=sec(θ), and the light guide distance dYn may be calculated for the angle θ, and the results may be averaged for the angle θ to calculate the light guide distance.

[0026] When the maximum light guide distance is selected as the calculation item, the calculation unit 3 calculates the light guide distance dYn using the input luminous intensity I0 (=F / 2π) and the set value of the uniform luminance L according to the above formula (2).

[0027] When the required input luminous flux is selected as a calculation item, the calculation unit 3 calculates dI·X using the set value of the uniform luminance L and calculates the light guide distance Y max Using the setting value of n=Y max / dY and substitute these values ​​into the first formula above to calculate the input luminous intensity I0. However, the first formula above is transformed as follows:

number

[0028] The calculation unit 3 is I n =0 and solve the above equation (3) as follows:

number

[0029] When the limit uniform luminance is selected as the calculation item, the calculation unit 3 uses the set value of the input luminance I0 and calculates the light guide distance dYn according to the above formula (2) by using the goal seek, that is, by repeatedly changing the value of the uniform luminance L, and the calculated value is the light guide distance Y max Maximum dI X when it is equal to the set value (condition dI X>I n+1 ≧0) to calculate the uniform luminance L.

[0030] The determination unit 4 determines the maximum light guide distance, the required input luminous flux, or the limit uniform luminance. When the maximum light guide distance is selected as the calculation item, the determination unit 4 determines the calculated value of the light guide distance dYn calculated by the calculation unit 3 as the maximum light guide distance (i.e., the theoretical limit of the light guide distance). When the required input luminous flux is selected as the calculation item, the determination unit 4 determines the calculated value of the input luminous intensity I0 calculated by the calculation unit 3 as the required input luminous flux (i.e., the theoretical limit of the input luminous flux). When the limit uniform luminance is selected as the calculation item, the determination unit 4 determines the calculated value of the uniform luminance L calculated by the calculation unit 3 as the limit uniform luminance (i.e., the theoretical limit of the luminance). These results are transmitted to the output unit 5.

[0031] The determination unit 4 may determine the luminous flux absorption loss (I 0 −dI·n) and the luminous efficiency (dI·n / I 0 ) based on the calculation results obtained by the calculation unit 3 .

[0032] The output unit 5 outputs the maximum light guide distance, the required input luminous flux, or the limit uniform luminance 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 luminous flux is selected, the calculated value is displayed in the input luminous flux column, and when the limit uniform luminance is selected, the calculated value is displayed in the uniform luminance column as in the example of FIG.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a flow of a design support method executed by the design support device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] In step S1, the input unit 1 receives input information input by a user. Here, as the input information, a selection of a calculation item from among the maximum light guide distance, the required input luminous flux, and the limit uniform luminance, a selection of a material constituting the light guide or the value of the absorption coefficient of the material, a value of the light guide width, and values ​​of the remaining two items from among the input luminous flux, the uniform luminance, and the light guide distance excluding the item corresponding to the selection item are received. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the limit uniform luminance is selected as the calculation item, acrylic resin is selected as the material constituting the light guide, and values ​​of the light guide width, the input luminous flux, and the light guide distance are input.

[0035] In step S2, the setting unit 2 sets the setting requirements and conditions of the light guide. The setting unit 2 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 luminous intensity I0, the uniform luminance L, and the light guide distance Y according to the input information received in step S1. max Among them, 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 values ​​of the input light flux and uniform luminance are set, when the required input light flux is selected, the values ​​of the light guide distance and uniform luminance are set, and when the limit uniform luminance is selected, the values ​​of the light guide distance and input light flux are set. In the example of Fig. 3, the value of the absorption coefficient determined by the selected acrylic resin, the value of the light guide width, the value of the input light flux, and the value of the light guide distance are set from the input information entered by the user.

[0036] In step S3, the calculation unit 3 applies the setting value set by the setting unit 2 to formula (1) to calculate an item corresponding to the calculation item among the light guide distance, the input luminous flux, and the uniform luminance. When the maximum light guide distance is selected as the calculation item, the calculation unit 3 calculates the light guide distance dYn using the setting values ​​of the input luminous intensity I0 and the uniform luminance L. When the required input luminous flux is selected as the calculation item, the calculation unit 3 uses the setting value of the uniform luminance L to calculate the light guide distance dYn by repeatedly changing the value of the input luminous intensity I0, and the calculated value is the light guide distance Y max When the limit uniform luminance is selected as the calculation item, the calculation unit 3 uses the set value of the input luminance I0 to repeatedly change the value of the uniform luminance L to calculate the light guide distance dYn, and the calculated value is the light guide distance Y max The method for calculating the light guide distance dYn is as described above.

[0037] In step S4, the determination unit 4 determines the maximum light guide distance, the required input luminous flux, or the limit uniform luminance. When the maximum light guide distance is selected as the calculation item, the calculated value of the light guide distance dYn calculated in step S3 is determined as the maximum light guide distance (i.e., the theoretical limit of the light guide distance). When the required input luminous flux is selected as the calculation item, the calculated value of the input luminous intensity I0 calculated in step S3 is determined as the required input luminous flux (i.e., the theoretical limit of the input luminous flux). When the limit uniform luminance is selected as the calculation item, the calculated value of the uniform luminance L calculated in step S3 is determined as the limit uniform luminance (i.e., the theoretical limit of the luminance).

[0038] In step S4, the absorption loss of the luminous flux (I0-dI·n) and the luminous efficiency (dI·n / I0) may be further determined based on the calculation results in step S3.

[0039] In step S5, the output unit 5 outputs the maximum light guide distance, the required input luminous flux, or the limit uniform luminance determined in step S4 onto the input / output screen 6. When the maximum light guide distance is selected as the calculation item, the calculated value is displayed in the light guide distance column, when the required input luminous flux is selected, the calculated value is displayed in the input luminous flux column, and when the limit uniform luminance is selected, the calculated value is displayed in the uniform luminance column as in the example of FIG.

[0040] As described above in detail, the design support device 10 and the design support method according to the first embodiment take into consideration only the absorption loss by the light guide, which is the most dominant type of loss of light flux guided from the light incident surface to the light emitting surface inside the light guide, and uses a minimal phenomenological model that does not include light incident loss, loss due to light flux passing through the back, and loss due to remaining light flux at the end, thereby making it possible to obtain theoretical limits for the light guiding distance of the light guide, the input light flux to the light incident surface, and the uniform brightness on the light emitting surface.

[0041] In the design support device 10 and the design support method according to the first embodiment, the luminance is calculated by solving the equation (1) expressing the balance of the luminous flux by using the goal seek. However, instead of the goal seek, any optimization calculation method may be used to solve the equation (1).

[0042] Second embodiment. The design support device 10 and the design support method according to the first embodiment use a minimal phenomenological model that incorporates only the unavoidable and most dominant absorption loss among the physical effects that light guided inside the light guide experiences to obtain the design requirements and conditions of the light guide, particularly the light guide distance, the input luminous flux (one example of the amount of input light) corresponding to the intensity of the light source, and the theoretical limit of the uniform brightness corresponding to the required brightness (one example of the amount of output light), and based on the result, a prospect for the design of the light guide is made. When the prospect for the design is made by the initial design based on the theoretical limit of such light guide design, a more detailed design of the light guide is considered. Therefore, the design support device 20 and design support method according to the second embodiment further perform prism design, in which a prism is designed by calculating the light distribution and back penetration of the light beam based on the reflection and refraction of the light beam by the prism arranged within the light guide; cross-sectional design, in which the cross-sectional shape of the light guide is designed by calculating the light beam emission distribution and reflection distribution (light beam intensity distribution in the emission or reflection direction) based on the reflection and refraction of the light beam on the surface of the light guide; and path design, in which the path of the light beam passing through the light guide is designed by calculating the light beam leakage due to bending of the light guide path (central axis of the light guide) and the light density concentrated within the light guide due to the spread of the cross section.

[0043] In the second embodiment, the following assumptions are adopted for the design of the prism, cross section, and path. 1) The prism is designed taking into consideration strike-through so that the luminance on the light-emitting surface is uniform. 2) Leakage of the light flux from the terminal surface, i.e., the terminal remainder, is considered. In other words, a more precise phenomenological model that incorporates all losses, including incident light loss, absorption loss, strike-through, and terminal remainder, is used to derive design requirements for the prism, the cross section of the light-guiding body, and the light-guiding path in the case where the light-emitting surface emits light with uniform luminance by utilizing a more precise phenomenological model that incorporates all losses, including incident light loss, absorption loss, strike-through, and terminal remainder, and the light flux input into the light-guiding body is absorbed by the light-guiding body, and is reflected and refracted on the prism and light-guiding body surfaces while traveling along the light-guiding path and being output from the light-emitting surface.

[0044] The design support device 20 according to the second embodiment is configured by 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.

[0045] The input unit 1 receives input information input by a user via an input device such as a keyboard. The input information is transmitted to the setting unit 2.

[0046] 6 shows an input / output screen 7 of the design support device 20. The input information includes, for example, a selection of at least one design item from among prism design, cross-section design, and path design, a selection of a material constituting the light guide or the absorption coefficient a and refractive index n of the material, input light flux F, and uniform luminance L. As materials constituting the light guide, acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin are displayed as selection items. In this example, a prism design is selected as a design item, acrylic resin is selected as a material constituting the light guide, and values ​​of input light flux F and uniform luminance L are input by the user.

[0047] The setting unit 2 sets setting values ​​for 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. Furthermore, the design items may include a selection of whether to arrange an auxiliary 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 flux F, and the uniform brightness L.

[0048] When a prism design is selected via the input unit 1, the setting unit 2 sets design elements of the prism design to be designed. When a two-dimensional prism that scatters a light beam traveling in the light guide direction while being reflected in the thickness direction by the top and bottom surfaces of the light guide is selected as a design element of the prism design, the design elements include the shape (e.g., triangular, rectangular, trapezoid, etc.) of the reflecting surface, the size (height and width when viewed from the light guide direction), the inclination, the arrangement pitch with respect to the light guide direction, etc. When a three-dimensional prism that scatters a light beam traveling in the light guide direction while being reflected in the thickness direction and width direction by the surface (top, bottom, and side) of the light guide inside the light guide is selected, the design elements include the shape (triangular pyramid, square pyramid, etc.) of the prism, the size (height, width, and depth when viewed from the light guide direction), the inclination of each reflecting surface, the arrangement pitch with respect to the light guide direction, etc. When a prism design is not selected, the setting unit 2 sets the setting values ​​of the design elements of the prism design given by the user or initially set.

[0049] When a cross-sectional design is selected via the input unit 1, the setting unit 2 further sets design elements of the cross-sectional shape of the light guide to be designed. The light guide includes, for example, a light guide portion where a light flux is guided and a reflecting portion where a prism is arranged. The design elements of the cross-sectional shape include the cross-sectional shape of the light guide portion (a shape when viewed in the light guide direction, such as a circle, an oval, a rectangle, etc.), the size (a radius, a thickness, a width, etc.), the position of the reflecting portion (embedded in the bottom of the light guide portion, standing on the bottom, etc.), the shape (a shape when viewed in the light guide direction, such as a rectangle, a polygon, etc.), and the size (a thickness, a width, etc.). Note that when a cross-sectional design is not selected, the setting unit 2 sets the setting values ​​of the design elements of the cross-sectional shape of the light guide provided by the user or initially set.

[0050] When a path design is selected via the input unit 1, the setting unit 2 further sets design elements of the path of the light guide to be designed. The path design elements broadly include path bending and gradual change width. The path bending includes the bending direction and curvature of the light guide path (e.g., the central axis of the light guide). The gradual change width includes the degree of cross-sectional expansion in a direction perpendicular to the light guiding direction (e.g., the thickness direction and width direction). Note that 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 given by the user or initially set.

[0051] When the arrangement of an additional optical member is selected via the input unit 1, the setting unit 2 further sets design elements and their setting values ​​for the additional optical member. The design elements of the additional optical members include the type of optical member to be arranged around the light guide (e.g., a reflector, a diffuser, a lens, etc.). Here, the reflector is an optical member that reflects the light beam that passes through the prism or bottom surface of the light guide and passes through to the back side toward the light emitting surface. The diffuser is an optical member that uniformly diffuses the light beam emitted from the light emitting surface of the light guide to make the luminance distribution uniform. The lens is an optical member that collects the light beam emitted from the light emitting surface of the light guide. The setting values ​​of the design elements include values ​​such as the size, reflectance, etc. of the reflector, the size, diffusion rate, etc. of the diffuser, the size, light collection rate, etc. of the lens.

[0052] Furthermore, the setting unit 2 sets design conditions, i.e., the absorption coefficient a and refractive index n of the material constituting the light guide, the input light flux F, and the uniform luminance L, according to the input information transmitted from the input unit 1. When a material constituting the light guide is selected, the absorption coefficient and refractive index values ​​are set to values ​​determined by the material. The absorption coefficient and refractive index values ​​determined by each material may be stored in advance in a memory or the like. When any value is input, the input value is set.

[0053] The design items and design conditions set by the setting unit 2 and their set values ​​are transmitted to the calculation unit 3 .

[0054] The calculation unit 3 applies the set values ​​of the design elements and the set values ​​of the design conditions set by the setting unit 2 to the calculation formula (1), and determines the design elements of the design object set by the setting unit 2 so as to obtain a uniform luminance L, thereby designing a light guide for the selected design item. Note that the calculation unit 3 uses the calculation formula (1) to calculate the amount of light absorbed I absorbed by the light guide when a light flux passes through the section n, for each of a plurality of sections n that are divided into the light guide along the light guide path at unit distances dy. loss =I n-1 (1-e -adYc ) and the output light amount dI·X from the light emitting surface are calculated, and the calculated values ​​of the absorbed light amount and output light amount are multiplied by the intensity I before the light flux entered the section. n-1 The intensity at the time of exiting the section is subtracted from I n Calculate.

[0055] Here, in order to calculate the output light amount dI·X, the calculation unit 3 calculates the light distribution potential f of the light flux propagating inside the light guide based on each of the design items. A ,f B ,f C Calculate.

[0056] The light distribution potential based on the prism design is determined by the aforementioned design elements (Ω A ) to the prism, the light incidence distribution (for example, the light intensity distribution with respect to the incidence angle, Θ A ) and the light distribution of the light flux reflected and refracted by the prism (for example, the light distribution angle θ A (Intensity distribution for f A (Ω A ,Θ A ;θ A ) where ∫dθ A f A = 1. In other words, the light distribution potential f A represents the probability distribution of the light scattered by the prism. A is the various design factors Ω when a prism design is selected. A and various light incidence distributions Θ Aor, if no prism design is selected, for a user provided or default setting.

[0057] Figure 7 shows the light distribution potential f A In the figure, the cross-sectional shape of the prism when viewed in the width direction is shown by a dashed line, and the light distribution potential f A is the light distribution angle θ when viewed in the width direction A The light distribution angle θ A The -90 degree side is the light entrance surface side, the 90 degree side is the end surface side, and the direction from the -90 degree side to the 90 degree side is the light guide direction. In this example, a two-dimensional prism with a triangular cross section and a groove extending straight in the width direction is used. Prism design element Ω A The shape of the reflecting surface on the front side (light entrance side) and the back side (termination side) is rectangular, and the inclination is 40 degrees and -40 degrees with respect to the thickness direction (i.e., the direction of zero degrees). A The light distribution potential f is uniform within the range of -42 to 42 degrees in the thickness direction. A is distributed in an angular range of -10 to 50 degrees, i.e., the light beam is distributed within that angular range, and is also distributed in an angular range of 110 to 130 degrees, i.e., the light beam passes through the prism within that angular range.

[0058] The light distribution potential based on the cross-sectional design is determined by the above-mentioned design elements (Ω B ) with respect to the light incidence distribution (for example, the intensity distribution with respect to the light incidence position and angle on the light guide surface, and Θ B ) is given, and the light distribution of the light flux emitted from the light guide surface (for example, the light distribution angle θ B (Intensity distribution for f B (Ω B ,Θ B ;θ B ) where ∫dθ B f B = 1, that is, the light distribution potential f Brepresents the scattering probability distribution of the light beam emitted from the light guide in a direction parallel to its cross section. The light distribution potential f B is the cross-sectional design selected, various design factors Ω B and various light incidence distributions Θ B If no cross-sectional design is selected, it is calculated for a user-supplied or default setting.

[0059] Figure 8 shows the light distribution potential f B In the figure, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide body as viewed in the light guide direction is shown by a dashed line, and the light distribution potential f B is the light distribution angle θ based on the center of the cross section of the light guide B In this example, the cross-sectional shape design element Ω B The cross-sectional shape of the light guide is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the reflecting part is rectangular with the width direction as the longitudinal direction, and the reflecting part is connected to the bottom of the light guide with a part overlapping it, so that the cross-sectional shape of the light guide as a whole is a front-rear circle. B is set to be uniform over the entire angular range based on the center of the cross section of the light guide. B θ B =-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 angular directions of 120 degrees and -120 degrees, that is, the light beam is slightly emitted from the side surface of the reflector.

[0060] The light distribution potential based on the path design is determined by the above-mentioned design elements (Ω C ), the light incidence distribution of the light flux on the light incidence surface, the light guide distribution of the light flux in the light guide (for example, the direction and intensity distribution of the light flux in the light guide, and Θ C ) is given, and the intensity distribution of the light flux leaking from the surface of the light guide (for example, at a position x C (orientation and intensity distribution relative to f C (Ω C ,Θ C ;x C ) where ∫dx C f C= 1. In other words, the light distribution potential f C represents the probability distribution of the leakage of the luminous flux. The light distribution potential f C is the various design elements Ω when a path design is selected. C and various light guide distributions Θ C If no route design is selected, the light distribution potential f C is not limited to the intensity distribution of the leakage light flux, and may be calculated as the light density within the light guide.

[0061] Figure 9 shows the light distribution potential f C Here, a light guide 11 bent in an L-shape as viewed in the thickness direction is taken as an example. In the figure, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 11 as viewed in the thickness direction is shown, and the light distribution potential f C is the position x on the outer surface of the light guide 11 in the width direction C The direction and strength of the leaking light beam are indicated by the direction and length of the arrows extending from the arrows. The envelope at the tip of the arrow indicates the light distribution potential f C In this example, the design element Ω of the path design is C Regarding the above, the central axis of the light guide 11 (indicated by a dashed line) has a curvature R C The light beam is bent by 90 degrees at the incident surface, and the light beam is guided through the light guide 11. C The light flux is isotropically incident on the light entrance surface at the upper left of the drawing from the light source 11a, and is guided from the light entrance surface to the right of the drawing with a uniform intensity distribution in the cross section. C is distributed on the light incident surface, that is, light incident loss occurs due to reflection on the light incident surface, is distributed on the outer surface on the right side of the figure from the bent portion of light guide 11 to the terminal face, from which the light flux leaks towards the right in the figure, and is distributed on part of the outer surface from the left side of the figure of the bent portion of light guide 11 towards the terminal face, from which the light flux leaks towards the lower left in the figure.

[0062] Figure 10 shows the light distribution potential f CIn the figure, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 12 when viewed in the thickness direction is shown, and the light distribution potential f C In this example, the light guide 12 has a low light density region 12a and a high light density region 12b, which are derived based on the design element Ω of the path design. C The central axis (not shown) of the light guide 12 is a straight line (i.e., no bend), and some regions are expanded as shown in the figure. C The light distribution potential f is assumed to be uniform in intensity within the cross section from the light entrance surface at the top right of the drawing to the bottom left of the drawing. C indicates that the light density is low in the expanded region 12a at the upper right of the drawing, and high in the expanded / contracted region 12b at the left of the drawing. This result shows that the light flux is less likely to leak from region 12a of the light guide 12 to the right in the drawing, but is more likely to leak from region 12b to the left in the drawing.

[0063] The calculation unit 3 solves the calculation formula (1) as shown in formula (2). In the first formula of formula (2), the calculation unit 3 calculates the absorption loss I of the light beam absorbed by the light guide when the light beam travels a unit distance dY in the light guide (i.e., when the light beam travels through a first section in the light guide) for the input luminous intensity I0 (=F / 2π). loss The luminous intensity dI·X output from the unit surface dS (= dYX) on the light-emitting surface is calculated, and the remaining luminous intensity I1 is calculated by subtracting these calculated values ​​from the luminous intensity I0. Note that the unit surface dS is a unit surface on the light-emitting surface located in the target light-emitting direction from the central axis of the light guide in the first section. Here, the absorption loss I loss is calculated using the set value of the absorption coefficient a. In addition, the various light distribution 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 the design elements Ω of the prism design, cross section design, and path designA ,Ω B ,Ω C And / or based on those settings, the output light amount dI·X=I when the luminous flux passes through the first section n-1 f A f B f C The light distribution potential f is calculated so that this calculated value coincides with the index value of the output light amount dI·X, which is 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 In other words, the light distribution potential f A ,f B ,f C A design element Ω that gives A ,Ω B ,Ω C and / or select their settings.

[0064] In the second equation of equation (2), the calculation unit 3 calculates the absorption loss I of the luminous flux when the luminous flux further travels a unit distance dY within the light guide (i.e., when the luminous flux travels through a second section within the light guide) with respect to the luminous 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, as in the previous case, the light distribution potential f A ,f B ,f C A design element Ω that gives A ,Ω B ,Ω C and / or select their settings.

[0065] The calculation unit 3 performs the above calculation on the remaining luminosity I n (In numerical calculation, the condition dI X>I n ≧0) or until the end of the light guide is reached. In other words, the calculation unit 3 calculates the absorption loss I loss and the luminous intensity dI·X, and these calculated values ​​are used as the luminous intensity In-1 Subtract from and the remaining intensity I n Calculate the remaining intensity I n Repeat until the light distribution potential 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 the design elements Ω of the prism design, cross section design, and path design A ,Ω B ,Ω C And / or based on those settings, the output light amount dI·X=I when the luminous flux passes through each section n-1 f A f B f C The light distribution potential f A ,f B ,f C A design element Ω that gives A ,Ω B ,Ω C and / or their set values ​​are selected. In this way, the design element Ω selected in all sections is A ,Ω B ,Ω C And / or based on these set values, the prism, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide, and the path of the light guide (the bend and gradual change width of the path) are designed.

[0066] In addition, when any one of the prism design, the cross-section design, and the path design is not selected as a design item, the calculation unit 3 calculates the design element Ω given by the user or initially set for the unselected item. A0 ,Ω B0 ,Ω C0 and the light distribution potential f calculated from the set value A0 (Ω A0 ,Θ A ;θ A ),fB0 (Ω B0 ,Θ B ;θ B ),f C0 (Ω C0 ,Θ C ;x C ) is used. Only for the items selected as design items, the light distribution potential f A ,f B ,f C A design element Ω that gives A ,Ω B ,Ω C And / or by selecting the set values ​​thereof, a light guide is designed for the selected design items.

[0067] In addition, the light distribution potential f A ,f B ,f C When the luminous flux passes through each section, it leaks from a surface other than the light-emitting surface, such as through the back, and the calculation unit 3 calculates the light distribution potential f A ,f B ,f C The leakage amount is calculated based on the calculated value, and the intensity I n-1 The intensity at the time of exiting the section is subtracted from I n In other words, the leakage amount is subtracted from the right side of formula (1).

[0068] When the placement of an auxiliary optical member is selected, the calculation unit 3 calculates the amount of output light when the light beam passes through each section, based on the design elements of the optical member and their setting values.

[0069] FIG. 11 shows an example of the types of attached optical components and their arrangement. The attached optical components include a reflector 21, a diffuser 22, and a lens 23. The reflector 21 is disposed below the light guide 13 in the drawing with its reflective surface facing upward in the drawing, and reflects the light flux that passes through the bottom surface of the light guide 13 and passes through the back side to the light emitting surface (upper surface) side. The diffuser 22 is disposed so as to cover the light emitting surface (upper surface) of the light guide 13, and uniformly diffuses the light flux emitted from the light emitting surface of the light guide 13 and guides it to the upper side in the drawing. The lens 23 is disposed above the diffuser 22, and collects the light flux that is emitted from the light emitting surface of the light guide 13 and passes through the diffuser 22. By combining the reflector 21, the diffuser 22, and the lens 23 with the light guide 13, the luminance distribution can be made uniform.

[0070] The determination unit 4 determines the amount of light output from the light emitting surface of the light guide body based on the value calculated by the calculation unit 3. Based on the result, the determination unit 4 may determine the overall average luminous intensity Ia and the central maximum luminous intensity Ian. Here, the overall average luminous intensity Ia is determined based on the length of the light guide body in the light guide direction or the maximum distance Y that the light flux guides inside the light guide body. max Using the average luminous intensity (dIXY max ) The central maximum luminous intensity Ian is the central luminous intensity of the light receiving surface. The determination unit 4 may further determine the absorption loss (I0-dI·n) of the luminous flux and the luminous efficiency (dI·n / I0). These results are transmitted to the output unit 5.

[0071] The output unit 5 outputs the amount of light emission and the like determined by the determination unit 4 on the input / output screen 7. In addition, the output unit 5 may output design results of the prism, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide, and the path of the light guide (bending and gradual change width of the path) selected as design items.

[0072] FIG. 12 shows a flow of a design support method executed by the design support device 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0073] In step S11, the input unit 1 receives input information input by a user. Here, the input information includes a selection of at least one design item from among prism design, cross-section design, and path design, a selection of a material constituting the light guide or the absorption coefficient a and refractive index n of the material, input light flux F, and uniform luminance L. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a prism design is selected as the design item, acrylic resin is selected as the material constituting the light guide, and values ​​of input light flux F and uniform luminance L are input by the user. Note that for design items not selected, in this case cross-section design and path design, design element Ω input separately by the user is selected. A0 ,Ω B0 ,Ω C0 and its value.

[0074] In step S12, the setting unit 2 sets the setting values ​​for the design items and design conditions of the light guide. The design items include at least one item selected from prism design, cross-sectional design, and path design. Furthermore, the design items may include the selection of whether to arrange an auxiliary optical member around the light guide. The design elements and their setting 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 flux F, and the uniform brightness L. The setting unit 2 sets the setting values ​​of these design conditions according to the input information transmitted from the input unit 1.

[0075] In step S13, the calculation unit 3 applies the set values ​​of the design elements and the set values ​​of the design conditions set by the setting unit 2 to the calculation formula (1), and determines the design elements of the design object set by the setting unit 2 so as to obtain a uniform luminance L, thereby designing a light guide for the selected design items. Note that, using the calculation formula (1), the calculation unit 3 calculates, for each of a plurality of sections n that are divided along the light guide path within the light guide at unit distances dy, the amount of light absorbed by the light guide when the light flux passes through the section n. loss =I n-1 (1-e -adYc) and the output light amount dI·X from the light emitting surface are calculated, and the calculated values ​​of the absorbed light amount and output light amount are multiplied by the intensity I before the light flux entered the section. n-1 The intensity at the time of exiting the section is subtracted from I n Calculate.

[0076] Here, in order to calculate the output light amount dI·X, the calculation unit 3 calculates various light distribution 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 The calculation unit 2 calculates the design elements Ω of the prism design, the cross section design, and the path design. A ,Ω B ,Ω C And / or based on those settings, the output light amount dI·X=I when the luminous flux passes through each section n-1 f A f B f C The light distribution potential f A ,f B ,f C A design element Ω that gives A ,Ω B ,Ω C and / or their set values ​​are selected. In this way, the design element Ω selected in all sections is A ,Ω B ,Ω C And / or based on these set values, the prism, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide, and the path of the light guide (the bend and gradual change width of the path) are designed.

[0077] For the design items that were not selected, the calculation unit 3 calculates the design element Ω given by the user or initially set. A0 ,Ω B0 ,ΩC0 and the light distribution potential f calculated from the set value A0 (Ω A0 ,Θ A ;θ A ),f B0 (Ω B0 ,Θ B ;θ B ),f C0 (Ω C0 ,Θ C ;x C ) is used.

[0078] In addition, the light distribution potential f A ,f B ,f C When the luminous flux passes through each section, it leaks from a surface other than the light-emitting surface, such as through the back, and the calculation unit 3 calculates the light distribution potential f A ,f B ,f C The leakage amount is calculated based on the calculated value, and the intensity I n-1 The intensity at the time of exiting the section is subtracted from I n In other words, the leakage amount is subtracted from the right side of formula (1).

[0079] When the placement of an auxiliary optical member is selected, the calculation unit 3 calculates the amount of output light when the light beam passes through each section, based on the design elements of the optical member and their setting values.

[0080] In step S14, the determination unit 4 determines the amount of light output from the light emitting surface of the light guide based on the value calculated by the calculation unit 3 in step S13. Based on the result, the determination unit 4 may determine the overall average luminous intensity Ia and the central maximum luminous intensity Ian. The determination unit 4 may further determine the luminous flux absorption loss (I0-dI·n) and the luminous efficiency (dI·n / I0).

[0081] In step S15, the output unit 5 outputs the amount of light emission and the like determined by the determination unit 4 in step S14 onto the input / output screen 7. In addition, design results of the prism, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide, and the path of the light guide (bending and gradual change width of the path) selected as design items may be output.

[0082] As described above in detail, the design support device 20 and design support method according to the second embodiment utilize a more precise phenomenological model that incorporates losses of light flux guided from the light incident surface to the light emitting surface inside the light guide, i.e., light incident loss, absorption loss, back penetration, and light flux loss due to terminal remainder, so that the light flux input into the light guide is absorbed by the light guide, travels through the light guide path while being reflected and refracted at the prism and the light guide surface, and is output from the light emitting surface, making it possible to derive design requirements for the prism, the cross section of the light guide, and the light guide path when the light emitting surface emits light with uniform brightness.

[0083] The design support devices 10, 20 and design support methods according to the first and second embodiments are intended to support the design of a light guide that guides a light flux input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs it from the light emitting surface. However, the design is not limited to that of a light guide that guides a light flux, and may also support the design of a propagating body that propagates heat (radiant heat), fluid, or other waves or objects.

[0084] The design support devices 10, 20 and the design support methods according to the first and second embodiments can be used to support the design of a light guide, but are not limited to this and can also be used for calculations such as simulations that are not intended for design purposes.

[0085] Various embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to flow charts and block diagrams, where the blocks may represent (1) stages of a process in which operations are performed or (2) sections of an apparatus responsible for performing the operations. Particular stages and sections may be implemented by dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry provided with computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable medium, and / or a processor provided with computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable medium. Dedicated circuitry may include digital and / or analog hardware circuitry and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuitry may include reconfigurable hardware circuitry including logical AND, logical OR, logical XOR, logical NAND, logical NOR, and other logical operations, memory elements such as flip-flops, registers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and the like.

[0086] A computer-readable medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by a suitable device, such that the computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon comprises an article of manufacture that includes instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of computer-readable media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, and the like. More specific examples of computer-readable media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs or flash memories), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), static random access memories (SRAMs), compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), Blu-ray (RTM) disks, memory sticks, integrated circuit cards, and the like.

[0087] The computer readable instructions may include either assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, JAVA, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.

[0088] Computer readable instructions may be provided to a processor or programmable circuitry of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, either locally or over a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, etc., to execute the computer readable instructions to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0089] 13 illustrates an example of a computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. Programs installed on the computer 2200 may cause the computer 2200 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus or one or more sections of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and / or to perform a process or steps of a process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such programs may be executed by the CPU 2212 to cause the computer 2200 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0090] The computer 2200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphic 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 via 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 via an input / output chip 2240.

[0091] The CPU 2212 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 2230 and the RAM 2214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphic controller 2216 retrieves image data generated by the CPU 2212 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or into the graphic controller 2216 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 2218.

[0092] 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 in 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 the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0093] The ROM 2230 stores therein a boot program or the like executed by the computer 2200 upon activation, and / or a program that depends on the hardware of the computer 2200. The input / output chip 2240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, and the like.

[0094] The programs are provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2224, the RAM 2214, or the ROM 2230, which are also examples of computer-readable media, and executed by the CPU 2212. Information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be constructed by realizing information manipulation or processing according to the use of the computer 2200.

[0095] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 may execute a communication program loaded in the RAM 2214 and instruct the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in the RAM 2214, the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM 2201, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to a network, or writes reception data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0096] Furthermore, the CPU 2212 may cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored in an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), an IC card, etc. to be read into the RAM 2214, and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 then writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0097] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored in the recording medium and undergo information processing. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on the data read from the RAM 2214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequence of the program, and write back the results to the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 2212 may search for an entry that matches a condition, in which an attribute value of the first attribute is specified, from among the plurality of entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0098] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored in a computer-readable medium on the computer 2200 or in the vicinity of the computer 2200. Also, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable medium, thereby providing the programs to the computer 2200 via the network.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0100] It should be noted that the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and may be realized in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is explained using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to perform the process in this order. According to this specification, the configurations described in the following items are also disclosed. [Item 1] A computing device for performing a design calculation of a light guide that guides light input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs the light from the light emitting surface, A setting unit that sets a set value for the amount of light input to the light entrance surface; a calculation unit that calculates, using the setting value set by the setting unit, an amount of light absorbed by the light guiding body and an amount of light output from the light emitting surface when the light passes through each of a plurality of sections that are divided into unit distances along a light guiding path inside the light guiding body, and calculates an intensity value when the light leaves the section by subtracting the calculated values ​​of the amount of light absorbed and the amount of light output from the light emitting surface from an intensity value before the light enters the section; a determination unit that determines an amount of light output from the light emitting surface based on the value calculated by the calculation unit; A computing device comprising: [Item 2] The setting unit sets a setting value for each of a plurality of design items of the light guide body, The calculation unit calculates a light distribution potential of the light propagating within the light guide based on each of the plurality of design items, and calculates the output light amount based on the calculated plurality of light distribution potentials. [Item 3] 3. The computing device according to item 2, wherein the plurality of design items include at least one of a prism design, a cross-sectional design, and a path design. [Item 4] The setting unit further sets a setting value for a prism design of a prism disposed in the light guide, 4. The arithmetic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of output light when the light passes through the section, further based on a setting value of the prism design. [Item 5] 5. The computing device according to item 4, wherein the calculation unit calculates an amount of leakage that leaks from a surface other than the light-emitting surface when the light passes through a section, and calculates an intensity value when the light leaves the section by subtracting the calculated value of the amount of leakage from an intensity value before the light enters the section. [Item 6] The setting unit further sets a setting value for a cross-sectional shape of the light guide body, 6. The arithmetic device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of output light when the light passes through the section, further based on a setting value of the cross-sectional shape. [Item 7] The setting unit further sets a setting value for a path of the light guide body, 7. The arithmetic device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of output light when the light passes through the section, further based on a setting value of the path. [Item 8] The setting unit further sets a setting value for an optical member disposed around the light guide body, 8. The arithmetic device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of output light when the light passes through the section based on a setting value of the optical member. [Item 9] A calculation method for designing a light guide that guides light input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs the light from the light emitting surface, comprising: setting a set value for the amount of light input to the light entrance surface; a step of calculating, for each of a plurality of sections that are partitioned along a light guide path within the light guide at unit distances, an amount of light absorbed by the light guide and an amount of light output from the light emitting surface when the light passes through the section, using the setting values ​​set in the setting step, and calculating an intensity value when the light leaves the section by subtracting the calculated values ​​of the amount of light absorbed and the amount of light output from the light emitting surface from an intensity value before the light enters the section; determining an amount of light output from the light emitting surface based on the calculated value; The calculation method includes: [Item 10] In the setting step, a set value is set for each of a plurality of design items of the light guide body; 10. The method according to item 9, wherein in the calculating step, a light distribution potential of the light propagating within the light guide is calculated based on each of the plurality of design items, and the output light amount is calculated based on the calculated plurality of light distribution potentials. [Item 11] Item 11. The calculation method according to item 10, wherein the plurality of design items include at least one of a prism design, a cross-section design, and a path design. [Item 12] In order to perform design calculations for a light guide that guides light input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs the light from the light emitting surface, setting a set value for the amount of light input to the light entrance surface; a step of calculating, for each of a plurality of sections that are partitioned along a light guide path within the light guide at unit distances, an amount of light absorbed by the light guide and an amount of light output from the light emitting surface when the light passes through the section, using the setting values ​​set in the setting step, and calculating an intensity value when the light leaves the section by subtracting the calculated values ​​of the amount of light absorbed and the amount of light output from the light emitting surface from an intensity value before the light enters the section; determining an amount of light output from the light emitting surface based on the value calculated in the calculating step; A program that executes the following. [Item 13] In the setting step, a setting value is set for each of a plurality of design items of the light guide body; Item 13. The program according to item 12, wherein the calculating step calculates a light distribution potential of the light propagating within the light guide based on each of the plurality of design items, and calculates the output light amount based on the calculated plurality of light distribution potentials. [Item 14] Item 14. The program according to item 13, wherein the plurality of design items include at least one of a prism design, a cross-section design, and a path design. [Item 15] a calculation unit that calculates an amount of output light output to an outside of a light guiding body in an n-th section (n is an integer of 1 or more) from an input side of the light, the n-th section being an n-th section (n is an integer of 1 or more) among sections obtained by dividing a light guiding body that guides light into sections at predetermined intervals along a light guiding direction; A computing device comprising: [Item 16] Item 16. The arithmetic device according to item 15, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of output light in the nth interval based on an amount of input light input to the nth interval and an amount of absorbed light absorbed in the nth interval. [Item 17] Item 17. The calculation device described in item 16, wherein when the remaining light amount in the nth section is the amount obtained by subtracting the output light amount in the nth section and the absorbed light amount in the nth section from the input light amount in the nth section, the calculation unit determines the amount of input light input to the n+1th section, which is the n+1th section from the light input side, based on the remaining light amount. [Item 18] a calculation unit that calculates an amount of remaining light when light input to the light guide remains without being output to the outside of the light guide and absorbed in the light guide in an n-th section (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) from an input side of the light guide, among sections of a light guide that guides light and is divided at predetermined intervals along a light guide direction; A computing device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1...input section, 2...setting section, 3...calculation section, 4...determination 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...diffuser, 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

1. A design support device for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide using a theoretical model incorporating a physical effect on a light guide guided through the light guide, comprising: an input unit for receiving input information input by a user; A calculation unit that performs a design calculation based on the input information input to the input unit; an output unit to which the result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit is transmitted as output information; a display unit on which the input information and the output information are displayed as an input / output screen, The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit; a second area in which at least two second pieces of the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; wherein the input information or the output information includes a light guide distance of the light guide body.

2. the light guide guides the light beam input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs the light beam from the light emitting surface, the second area displays, as the second information, two of a light guide distance of the light guide body, an amount of light input to the light incident surface, and an amount of light output on the light emitting surface; In the first area, the remaining one of the light guide distance, the input light amount, and the output light amount is displayed as the first information. The design support device according to claim 1 .

3. 3. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the input / output screen includes a third area in which the material constituting the light guide or the absorption coefficient of the material constituting the light guide input by the user is displayed.

4. The design support device according to claim 3 , wherein the material is displayed as options including acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin.

5. The design support device according to claim 1 , wherein the input / output screen includes a fourth area in which a light guide width of the light guide body input by the user is displayed.

6. 6. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the input / output screen includes a fifth area in which the absorption loss or luminous efficiency in the light guide determined by the calculation unit is displayed.

7. 7. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit performs prism design to design a prism to be disposed within the light guide, cross-sectional design to design a cross-sectional shape of the light guide, or path design to design a path of the light ray passing through the light guide.

8. 8. The design support device according to claim 7, wherein the prism is designed by calculating a light distribution and a back penetration of the light based on reflection and refraction of the light by the prism disposed in the light guide.

9. 9. The design support device according to claim 7, wherein the prism design includes, as design elements, a shape of the prism, a size of the prism, or an arrangement pitch of the prism with respect to a light guiding direction of the light beam.

10. 10. The design support device according to claim 7, wherein the cross-sectional design is supported by displaying information about an emission distribution and a reflection distribution of the light rays calculated based on reflection and refraction of the light rays on a surface of the light guide.

11. The design support device according to claim 7 , wherein the cross-sectional design includes a cross-sectional shape of the light guide or a size of the light guide as a design element.

12. the light guide body includes a light guide portion through which the light beam is guided and a reflecting portion in which a prism is disposed, The design support device according to claim 7 , wherein the cross-sectional design includes, as design elements, a cross-sectional shape of the light guiding portion, a size of the light guiding portion, a position of the reflecting portion, or a size of the reflecting portion.

13. The design support device according to claim 7 , wherein the path design is designed by calculating leakage of the light rays due to bending of a light guide path that is a central axis of the light guide and a light density concentrated within the light guide due to a cross-sectional expansion of the light guide.

14. The design support device according to claim 7 , wherein the path design includes, as a design element, a bend in the path or a gradual change in width of the path.

15. 15. The design support device according to claim 14, wherein the bending of the path includes a bending direction and curvature of a light guide path that is a central axis of the light guide, and the gradual change width of the path includes a degree of expansion of a cross section in a direction perpendicular to a light guide direction of the light guide.

16. 16. The design support device according to claim 7, wherein the input / output screen includes a sixth area in which a design object item that is a design object selected by the user from among the prism design, the cross-section design, or the path design is displayed.

17. 17. The design support device according to claim 7, wherein the input / output screen includes a seventh area in which a design result of the prism design, the cross-section design, or the path design is displayed.

18. 18. The design support device according to claim 7, wherein the calculation unit designs, for non-design items among the prism design, the cross-sectional design, or the path design, that are not design objects selected by the user, using setting values ​​input by the user or initially set setting values.

19. The design support device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit calculates one or more light distribution potentials of the light beam propagating within the light guide.

20. The calculation unit performs a prism design to design a prism to be disposed within the light guide body, A first light distribution potential among the one or more light distribution potentials is calculated as a light distribution distribution of the light beam reflected or refracted by the prism, which indicates a scattering probability distribution of the light beam by the prism. The design support apparatus according to claim 19.

21. The calculation unit performs cross-sectional design to design a cross-sectional shape of the light guide body, A second light distribution potential of the one or more light distribution potentials is calculated as a light distribution distribution of the light beam emitted from the light guide, the light distribution distribution indicating a scattering probability distribution of the light beam emitted from the light guide in a direction parallel to a cross section of the light guide.

21. The design support device according to claim 19 or 20.

22. The calculation unit performs a path design to design a path of the light ray passing through the light guide body, A third light distribution potential among the one or more light distribution potentials is calculated as an intensity distribution of the light ray leaking from the surface of the light guide, the intensity distribution indicating a probability distribution of the light ray leaking from the surface of the light guide.

22. The design support apparatus according to claim 19.

23. 23. The design support device according to claim 19, wherein the calculation unit uses the one or more light distribution potentials to perform prism design to design a prism to be disposed within the light guiding body, cross-sectional design to design a cross-sectional shape of the light guiding body, or path design to design a path of the light ray passing through the light guiding body.

24. 24. The design support device according to claim 19, wherein the one or more light distribution potentials calculated by the calculation unit are output in a manner that allows the user to visually recognize the one or more light distribution potentials.

25. A design support device for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide by utilizing a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, comprising: an input unit for receiving input information input by a user; A calculation unit that performs a design calculation based on the input information input to the input unit; an output unit to which the result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit is transmitted as output information; a display unit on which the input information and the output information are displayed as an input / output screen, The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; the light guide guides the light rays input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs the light from the light emitting surface, the second area displays two of the second information items among the light guiding distance of the light guide, the amount of light input to the light incident surface, and the amount of light output on the light emitting surface, and the first area displays the remaining one of the light guiding distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output as the first information item. Design support equipment.

26. A design support device for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide by utilizing a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, comprising: an input unit for receiving input information input by a user; A calculation unit that performs a design calculation based on the input information input to the input unit; an output unit to which the result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit is transmitted as output information; a display unit on which the input information and the output information are displayed as an input / output screen, The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; the input / output screen includes a third area in which the material constituting the light guide or the absorption coefficient of the material constituting the light guide input by the user is displayed; Design support equipment.

27. ​​A design support device for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide using a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, comprising: an input unit for receiving input information input by a user; A calculation unit that performs a design calculation based on the input information input to the input unit; an output unit to which the result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit is transmitted as output information; a display unit on which the input information and the output information are displayed as an input / output screen, The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; The input / output screen includes a fourth area in which the light guide width of the light guide input by the user is displayed. Design support equipment.

28. A design support device for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide by utilizing a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, comprising: an input unit for receiving input information input by a user; A calculation unit that performs a design calculation based on the input information input to the input unit; an output unit to which the result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit is transmitted as output information; a display unit on which the input information and the output information are displayed as an input / output screen, The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation performed by the calculation unit; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; The calculation unit calculates one or more light distribution potentials of the light ray traveling within the light guide. Design support equipment.

29. 1. A computer-implemented design method for deriving theoretical limits for at least one design requirement or condition for a light guide using a theoretical model incorporating physical effects experienced by light guided within the light guide, the method comprising: receiving input information input by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; transmitting the result of the design calculation as output information; and displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two second pieces of the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; wherein the input information or the output information includes a light guide distance of the light guide body.

30. A computer-implemented design method for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide using a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, comprising: receiving input information input by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; transmitting the result of the design calculation as output information; and displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; the light guide guides the light rays input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs the light from the light emitting surface, the second area displays two of the second information items among the light guiding distance of the light guide, the amount of light input to the light incident surface, and the amount of light output on the light emitting surface, and the first area displays the remaining one of the light guiding distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output as the first information item. Design support method.

31. A computer-implemented design method for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide using a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, comprising: receiving input information input by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; transmitting the result of the design calculation as output information; and displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; the input / output screen includes a third area in which the material constituting the light guide or the absorption coefficient of the material constituting the light guide input by the user is displayed; Design support method.

32. A computer-implemented design method for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide using a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, comprising: receiving input information input by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; transmitting the result of the design calculation as output information; and displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; The input / output screen includes a fourth area in which the light guide width of the light guide input by the user is displayed. Design support method.

33. A computer-implemented design method for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide using a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, comprising: receiving input information input by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; transmitting the result of the design calculation as output information; and displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; In the design calculation step, one or more light distribution potentials of the light rays propagating within the light guide are calculated. Design support method.

34. A program for executing design support for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide by utilizing a theoretical model incorporating a physical effect on a light guide guided through the light guide, the program comprising: receiving input information entered by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; A procedure in which a result of the design calculation is transmitted as output information; a step of displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two second pieces of the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; wherein the input information or the output information includes a light guide distance of the light guide body.

35. A program for executing design support for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide by utilizing a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, the program comprising: receiving input information entered by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; A procedure in which a result of the design calculation is transmitted as output information; a step of displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; the light guide guides the light rays input from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface different from the light incident surface and outputs the light from the light emitting surface, the second area displays two of the second information items among the light guiding distance of the light guide, the amount of light input to the light incident surface, and the amount of light output on the light emitting surface, and the first area displays the remaining one of the light guiding distance, the amount of light input, and the amount of light output as the first information item. program.

36. A program for executing design support for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide by utilizing a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, the program comprising: receiving input information entered by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; A procedure in which a result of the design calculation is transmitted as output information; a step of displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; the input / output screen includes a third area in which the material constituting the light guide or the absorption coefficient of the material constituting the light guide input by the user is displayed; program.

37. A program for executing design support for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide by utilizing a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, the program comprising: receiving input information entered by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; A procedure in which a result of the design calculation is transmitted as output information; a step of displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; The input / output screen includes a fourth area in which the light guide width of the light guide input by the user is displayed. program.

38. A program for executing design support for obtaining a theoretical limit of at least one design requirement or design condition for a light guide by utilizing a theoretical model incorporating physical effects on a light guide guided through the light guide, the program comprising: receiving input information entered by a user; A step of performing a design calculation based on the input information; A procedure in which a result of the design calculation is transmitted as output information; a step of displaying the input information and the output information on an input / output screen; The input / output screen is a first area in which at least one first information among the output information is displayed as a result of the design calculation; a second area in which at least two pieces of second information among the input information are displayed as a result of input by the user; In the design calculation step, one or more light distribution potentials of the light beam traveling through the light guide are calculated. program.

39. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a program according to any one of claims 34 to 38.

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