Lighting device for generating a flash for a camera

Abstract

A lighting device (1) for generating a flash for a camera comprises an optical arrangement (100) for emitting light including an array (10) of micro light-emitting diodes (11) and an optical lens array (20) of micro lenses (21). The optical arrangement (100) is configured to create an illumination pattern (200) of the emitted light depending on which of the micro light-emitting diodes (11) illuminates the optical lens array (20).

Description

[0001] 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0002] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0003] - 1 -

[0004] Description

[0005] LIGHTING DEVICE FOR GENERATING A FLASH FOR A CAMERA

[0006] Technical Field

[0007] The disclosure relates to a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera . The disclosure further relates to an electronic device with an image recording function .

[0008] Background

[0009] A flash is usually used to illuminate a scene when taking a picture i f the ambient light is not bright enough . Professional photographers use indirect flash illumination instead of direct flash illumination to prevent harsh shadows , red eyes and shiny skin tones . The concept of indirect flash relies on the principle of proj ecting white light into several room directions which are outside of a field of view of a camera in order not to have any direct illumination component in the direction of an obj ect to be photographed .

[0010] In particular, with small image recording devices , such as camera devices of smartphones , the incorporation of an indirect flash into the smartphones is especially challenging because of the form factor .

[0011] There is a desire to provide a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera, wherein the lighting device allows flexible lighting of a scene with the flash, in particular the generation of an indirect flash, and has a small si ze . 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0012] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0013] - 2 -

[0014] An embodiment of a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera which allows flexible adj ustment of the lighting of a scene and can be incorporated into an electronic device having a small si ze , such as a smartphone , is speci fied in claim 1 .

[0015] A lighting device for generating a flash for a camera comprises an optical arrangement for emitting light including an array of micro light-emitting diodes and an optical lens array of micro lenses . The optical arrangement is configured to create an illumination pattern of the emitted light depending on which of the micro light-emitting diodes illuminates the optical lens array .

[0016] According to the proposed approach of the lighting device , an entire array of micro light-emitting diodes is arranged behind an optical lens array configured as proj ection optics . The optical arrangement of the array of micro light emitting diodes and the optical lens array enables to proj ect the light emitted by the micro light-emitting diodes into beams to create an illumination pattern . The illumination pattern is flexibly configurable in angle , spot si ze and color composition by the array of the micro light-emitting diodes . In particular, the lighting device allows indirect illumination for small electronic devices with a compelling module form factor, particularly for smartphone photography, to be created .

[0017] As a broad definition, a micro light-emitting diode could be seen as any light emitting diode ( abbreviated to "LED" ) - generally not a laser - with a particularly small si ze . 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0018] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0019] - 3 -

[0020] As a rule - and this is a very important criterion in addition to si ze - micro LEDs have a growth substrate removed, so that typical heights of such micro LEDs are in the range of 1 . 5 pm to 10 pm, for example .

[0021] In principle , a micro LED does not necessarily has a rectangular radiation emitting surface . In general , for example , an LED with a radiation emitting surface in which each lateral extension of the radiation emitting surface is less than or equal to 100 pm or less than or equal to 70 pm when viewed from above on the layers of the layer stack could be used .

[0022] For example , an edge length of less than or equal to 70 pm or less than or equal to 50 pm is often mentioned as a criterion for rectangular micro-LEDs , especially when viewed from above onto the layers of the layer stack .

[0023] In most cases , such micro-LEDs are provided on wafers with non-destructively detachable holding structures for the micro LED .

[0024] Micro-LEDs are currently primarily used in displays . The micro-LEDs form pixels or sub-pixels and emit light of a defined colour . Due to the small pixel si ze and high density with a small distance , micro LEDs are suitable for small monolithic displays for AR applications , in particular data glasses . Other applications are also being worked on, in particular in data communication or pixelated lighting applications . 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0025] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0026] - 4 -

[0027] Various spellings for micro LEDs can be found in the literature , e . g . pLED, p-LED, uLED, u-LED or Micro Light Emitting Diode .

[0028] In order to create white light with the array of micro lightemitting diodes , the conversion from blue light to white light can be done on wafer level . According to another embodiment which allows white light to be created warm- and cold-white micro light-emitting diodes can be combined in the array of micro light-emitting diodes . To combine warm-white and cold-white illumination possibilities , the micro lightemitting diodes can be split fi fty- fi fty in warm- and coldwhite radiation . According to another possible embodiment , RGB micro light-emitting diodes are provided to create white light . The advantage of using RGB micro light-emitting diodes is a better emission profile that is easier to collimate .

[0029] According to the proposed configuration of the optical arrangement of the lighting device , the micro light-emitting diodes have a respective light-emitting surface for emitting light . The optical lens array is arranged above the micro light-emitting diodes so that the optical lens array faces the respective light-emitting surface of the micro lightemitting diodes . The optical lens array provides proj ection optics for the micro light-emitting diodes arranged behind the optical lens array which allows to create an illumination pattern that can be used for indirect flash illumination .

[0030] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device , each of the micro lenses is arranged above a respective subarray of the micro light-emitting diodes so that each of the micro lenses faces the respective light-emitting surface of the micro light-emitting diodes of the respective sub-array . 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0031] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0032] - 5 -

[0033] This means that , according to the proposed configuration of the lighting device , a cluster of micro light-emitting diodes is placed behind each micro lens of the optical lens array . I lluminating di f ferent areas of a cluster / sub-array of the micro light-emitting diodes allows to flexibly create the desired illumination pattern, for example di f ferent emission angles of a flash light . The composition of the light beams emitted from all micro lenses will create the overall flash illumination light , for example an illumination pattern of the flash with a light emission angle of 60 ° for a wide-angle camera or an illumination pattern of the flash with a light emission angle of 40 ° for a telecamera .

[0034] According to an embodiment of the lighting device , the optical arrangement is configured to create the illumination pattern of the emitted light depending on which of the micro light-emitting diodes of the respective sub-array or cluster illuminates the respective micro lens arranged above the respective sub-array / cluster . Depending on the refractive properties of the respective optical lens arranged over the respective cluster / sub-array of micro light-emitting diodes , the illumination pattern can be generated depending on those micro light-emitting diodes of the cluster / sub-array that illuminate the optical lens .

[0035] According to an embodiment of the lighting device , each of the micro lenses is configured to radiate incident light at an angle that depends on which of the micro light-emitting diodes of the respective sub-array or cluster illuminates the respective micro lens arranged above the respective sub- array / cluster . The combined proj ection of all sub-systems will create an overlayed image of the illumination spots . It 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0036] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0037] - 6 - is thus possible to create an indirect flash illumination pattern, for example by illuminating a micro lens with micro light-emitting diodes illuminating the peripheral areas of the micro lens . By illuminating the center of a micro lens from the central micro light-emitting diodes in a sub- array / cluster , it is even possible to create a direct flash illumination, as the light rays irradiated from the center of a micro lens are refracted or deflected to the sides of the optical lens to a lesser extent .

[0038] According to a possible embodiment , the lighting device may comprise a controller to control the emission of light by the optical arrangement . The controller is configured to activate a first portion of the micro light-emitting diodes of the respective sub-array / cluster and to deactivate a second portion of the micro light-emitting diodes of the respective sub-array / cluster so that light is only irradiated by the first portion of the micro light-emitting diodes towards the respective micro lens arranged above the respective sub- array / cluster . The array of the micro light-emitting diodes is thus fully flexibly configurable like a display and can therefore , together with the micro lens array proj ection, create any desired illumination pattern, particularly, di f ferent illumination angles for an indirect flash .

[0039] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device , the controller may be configured to control the micro lightemitting diodes of a respective sub-array so that the color composition of the light emitted by the micro light-emitting diodes of the respective sub-array / cluster is tuned . The color composition of a flash created by the lighting device can be tuned, for example by using warm- and cold-white micro light-emitting diodes . Another possibility for flash-light 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0040] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0041] - 7 - color tuning is to use RGB micro light-emitting diodes for each sub-array / cluster .

[0042] According to another possible embodiment of the lighting device , the controller may be configured to control the micro light-emitting diodes of a respective sub-array or cluster so that the intensity of the light emitted by the micro lightemitting diodes of the respective sub-array / cluster is tuned . This configuration of the lighting device allows di f ferent flash light illumination spots to be tuned individually in intensity .

[0043] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device , the micro light-emitting diodes of each sub-array or cluster are configured to emit light of di f ferent colors . It is , for example , possible to combine RGB micro light-emitting diodes in each sub-array / cluster . According to another possible configuration, warm- and cold-white converted micro lightemitting diodes can be combined in each sub-array or cluster .

[0044] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device , the micro light-emitting diodes of each sub-array or cluster are configured to emit light of the same color . For example , di f ferent sub-arrays / clusters with only warm-white or coldwhite micro light-emitting diodes can be provided . I f RGB LEDs are used as light sources of the array of micro lightemitting diodes , the RGB micro light-emitting diodes can be separated in individual sub-arrays / clusters with monocolor so that only red, green or blue micro light-emitting diodes are used per sub-array or cluster .

[0045] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device , the micro light-emitting diodes of adj acent sub-arrays or 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0046] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0047] - 8 - clusters are configured to emit light of di f ferent colors . According to this configuration, for example , sub- arrays / clusters of micro light-emitting diodes with monochromatic light emission of red, green, or blue light are arranged next to each other in the array of micro lightemitting diodes .

[0048] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device , the optical lens array may comprise apertures for modi fying the illumination pattern . The micro lenses of the optical lens array may be provided, for example , with black chromium apertures for the pattern proj ection .

[0049] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device , the optical arrangement may be configured to provide the emitted light as collimated light . For an ef ficient proj ection, the micro light-emitting diodes need to be precollimated . Pre-collimation can be done , for example , by on- wafer level or via optical elements that are placed additionally to the micro lenses of the optical lens array .

[0050] An electronic device with image recording which allows an illumination pattern, for example an indirect flash, to be created is speci fied in claim 14 .

[0051] The electronic device with image recording comprises a lighting device according to any one of the embodiments described above . The electronic device further comprises a camera device . The lighting device is configured for generating a flash for recording images by the camera device .

[0052] According to a possible embodiment of the electronic device , the lighting device may be configured for generating an 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0053] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0054] 9 indirect flash for the camera device by creating light spots of the illumination pattern created by the lighting device out of a field of view of the camera device . The electronic device may be configured as a smartphone so that the lighting device enables indirect illumination to be created for smartphone photography .

[0055] Additional features and advantages of the proposed lighting device and the electronic device are set forth in the detailed description that follows . It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims .

[0056] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0057] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding, and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of , the speci fication . As such, the disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conj unction with the accompanying figures in which :

[0058] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera ;

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates the creation of an illumination pattern with a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera ;

[0060] Figure 3A shows a configuration of a lighting device for generating an indirect flash for a camera with a wide-angle field of view; 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0061] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0062] - 10 -

[0063] Figure 3B shows a configuration of a lighting device for generating an indirect flash for a camera with a tele field of view;

[0064] Figure 30 shows a configuration of a lighting device for generating a direct flash for a camera ;

[0065] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an optical arrangement of a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera comprising an array of micro light-emitting diodes having sub-arrays of warm- and cold-white micro light-emitting diodes ;

[0066] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera comprising an array of micro light-emitting diodes alternately having sub-arrays of RGB micro light-emitting diodes ;

[0067] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera with creation of collimated light ;

[0068] Figure 7 illustrates the creation of an indirect flash with an electronic device with image recording comprising a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera ;

[0069] Figure 8A illustrates the creation of an indirect flash with a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera having a wide-angle field of view; and

[0070] Figure 8B illustrates the creation of an indirect flash with a lighting device for generating a flash for a camera with a tele field of view . 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0071] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0072] - 11 -

[0073] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0074] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a lighting device 1 for generating a flash for a camera . The lighting device 1 comprises an optical arrangement 100 for emitting light . The optical arrangement 100 includes an array 10 of micro lightemitting diodes 11 and an optical lens array 20 of micro lenses 21 . The lighting device 1 further comprises a controller 300 to control the emission of light by the optical arrangement 100 of the array 10 of the micro lightemitting diodes 11 and the optical lens array 20 .

[0075] The micro light-emitting diodes 11 have a respective lightemitting surface 12 for emitting light . The optical lens array 20 is arranged above the micro light-emitting diodes 11 so that the optical lens array 20 faces the respective lightemitting surface 12 of the micro light-emitting diodes 11 .

[0076] Behind each of the micro lenses 21 a respective sub-array or cluster 10a, l On of the micro light-emitting diodes 11 is placed so that each of the micro lenses 21 faces the respective light-emitting surface 12 of the micro lightemitting diodes 11 of the respective sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On of the micro light-emitting diodes 11 .

[0077] Figure 2 illustrates the creation of an illumination pattern 200 with the lighting device 1 . The optical arrangement 100 is configured to create the illumination pattern 200 of the light emitted by the lighting device 1 depending on which of the plurality of the micro light-emitting diodes 11 of the array 10 of the micro light-emitting diodes illuminates the optical lens array 20 . 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0078] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0079] - 12 -

[0080] The array 10 of the micro light-emitting diodes is fully flexibly configurable like a display and can therefore , together with the micro lens array proj ection, create any illumination pattern 200 of choice . Since in each sub- array / cluster 10a, ..., l On di f ferent light-emitting diodes can be activated for emitting light , di f ferent illumination angles , for example for an indirect flash, can be created by the lighting device 1 . Figure 2 , for example , shows the creation of an illumination pattern having an emission angle of 60 ° which can be used for an indirect flash for a camera having a wide-angle field of view ( FOV) .

[0081] The optical arrangement 100 is configured to create the illumination pattern 200 of the light emitted by the lighting device 1 depending on which of the micro light-emitting diodes 11 of the respective sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On of the micro light-emitting diodes illuminates the respective micro lens 21 arranged above the respective sub-array 10a, ..., l On of the micro light-emitting diodes .

[0082] The controller 300 is configured to activate a first portion of the micro light-emitting diodes 11 of the respective sub- array / cluster 10a, ..., l On and to deactivate a second portion of the micro light-emitting diodes 11 of the respective sub- array / cluster 10a, ..., l On of the micro light-emitting diodes so that light is only irradiated by the first portion of the micro light-emitting diodes 11 towards the respective micro lens 21 that is arranged above the respective sub- array / cluster 10a, ..., l On .

[0083] Each of the micro lenses 21 is configured to radiate incident light at an angle that depends on which of the micro light- 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0084] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0085] - 13 - emitting diodes 11 of the respective sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On illuminates the respective micro lens 21 arranged above the respective sub-array 10a, ..., l On . The composition of the light irradiated from all micro lenses 21 of the optical lens array 20 will create the overall illumination pattern of the lighting device 1 .

[0086] Figures 3A and 3B show that illuminating di f ferent areas of a sub-array 10a, ..., l On of the array 10 of the micro lightemitting diodes 11 allows di f ferent emission angles of the emitted light to be created which can be used to create , for example , a 60 ° emission angle of a flash for a wide-angle camera, as illustrated in Figure 3A, or a 40 ° emission angle of the illumination pattern for a telecamera .

[0087] Referring to Figure 3A, only the outer micro light-emitting diodes 11 of a sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On are activated to generate light , while the remaining micro light-emitting diodes 11 of the sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On are deactivated . As a result , a wide beam angle of the emitted light , for example a beam angle of 60 ° , can be produced by proj ecting the light beams with a respective micro lens 21 arranged above the sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On .

[0088] Figure 3B shows the generation of a narrower beam angle , for example a 40 ° emission angle , with the lighting device 1 , by activating other micro light-emitting diodes arranged between the outer micro light-emitting diodes and the micro lightemitting diodes in the center of the sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On .

[0089] Figure 3C shows a configuration in which only the micro light-emitting diodes 11 in the center of the sub- 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0090] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0091] - 14 - array / cluster 10a, ..., l On are activated to generate light . This configuration enables , for example , the creation of a direct flash of light by the lighting device 1 .

[0092] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device 1 , the optical lens array 20 may comprise apertures for modi fying the illumination pattern 200 . For example , the micro lenses 21 can have additional black chromium apertures for pattern proj ection .

[0093] The array 10 may comprise micro light-emitting diodes 11 that emit blue light . The conversion of the blue light to white light can be done on wafer level or chip level by a conversion layer that may be arranged above the micro lightemitting diodes . According to another possible embodiment of the lighting device 1 , the array 10 may comprise micro lightemitting diodes that emit warm-white light and other micro light-emitting diodes that emit cold-white light . To combine warm-white and cold-white illumination possibilities , the conversion of the micro light-emitting diodes can be split 50 : 50 in warm- and cold-white . According to another possible embodiment , of the lighting device 1 , the array 10 may comprise RGB micro light-emitting diodes , i . e . diodes that emit red light , diodes that emit green light and other diodes that emit blue light to create white light . The advantage of providing the array 10 with RGB micro light-emitting diodes is a better emission profile that is easier to collimate .

[0094] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device 1 , the controller 300 may be configured to control the micro light-emitting diodes 11 of a respective sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On so that the color composition of the light emitted by the micro light-emitting diodes of the respective 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0095] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0096] 15 sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On is tuned . Using RGB micro light-emitting diodes in the array 10 allows a free tuning of color composition . The color composition of the illumination pattern, for example a flash, can also be tuned using warm- and cold-white micro light-emitting diodes .

[0097] According to another possible embodiment , the controller 300 may be configured to control the micro light-emitting diodes 11 of a respective sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On so that the intensity of the light emitted by the micro light-emitting diodes of the respective sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On is tuned . In particular, individual flash light illumination spots can be tuned individually in intensity .

[0098] The micro light-emitting diodes 11 of each sub-array 10a, ..., l On may be configured to emit light of di f ferent colors . For example , warm- and cold-white converted micro light-emitting diodes can be combined in each sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On . Similarly, RGB micro light-emitting diodes can be combined in each micro LED sub-array / cluster 10a, ..., l On so that each sub-array cluster comprises LEDs for red, green and blue light emission .

[0099] According to another possible embodiment of the lighting device 1 , the micro light-emitting diodes 11 of each sub- array / cluster 10a, ..., l On may be configured to emit light of the same color . As illustrated in the embodiment of the optical arrangement 100 shown in Figure 4 , the array 10 of the micro light-emitting diodes 11 may comprise di f ferent sub-arrays / clusters 10a, 10b, with only warm-white or coldwhite conversion . Referring to Figure 5 , RGB micro lightemitting diodes 11 may be separated in individual sub-arrays 10a, 10b and 10c with monocolor so that each sub- 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0100] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0101] 16 array / cluster includes either LEDs for only red light emission or LEDs for only green light emission or LEDs for only blue light emission .

[0102] Referring again to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the sub- arrays / clusters of the micro light-emitting diodes may be arranged in the array 10 so that adj acent sub-arrays emit light of di f ferent individual colors . The configuration shown in Figure 4 , for example , enables the alternating generation of warm- and cold-white light . The configuration of Figure 5 enables the alternating generation of di f ferently colored light in the colors red, green and blue .

[0103] According to a possible embodiment of the lighting device 1 , the optical arrangement 100 is configured to provide the emitted light as collimated light . For an ef ficient proj ection, the micro light-emitting diodes need to be precollimated . Pre-collimation can be done on wafer level or via optical elements that are placed additionally to the micro lenses 21 . Figure 6 shows a possible embodiment of the optical lens array 20 which enables beam deflection, for example a 40 ° beam deflection, and collimation . For this purpose , the optical lens array 20 comprises a stack of micro lenses 21 and micro lenses 22 .

[0104] Figure 7 shows a possible application of the lighting device 1 for generating a flash for a camera in an electronic device 3 , for example a smartphone , with image recording . The electronic device 3 comprises the lighting device 1 according to one of the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6 , and a camera device 2 . The lighting device 1 is configured for generating a flash for recording images by the camera device 2 . 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0105] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0106] - 17 -

[0107] In particular, the lighting device 1 may be configured for generating an indirect flash for the camera device 2 by creating light spots 210 of the illumination pattern 200 out of a field of view FOV of the camera device 2 . The combined proj ection of all sub-systems will create an overlayed image of the illumination spots .

[0108] By activating and deactivating the micro light-emitting diodes in the sub-arrays / clusters 10a, ..., l On as required, the optical lens array 20 of the micro lenses can create di f ferent illumination patterns , which can be used, for example , to generate the indirect flash light . Figures 8A and 8B show respective examples of the combined proj ection of all sub-arrays / clusters to create an overlaid image of the illumination spots 210 . Figure 8A shows the creation of an indirect flash with an illumination pattern having an emission angle of 60 ° for a wide-angle field of view FOV of a camera device . Figure 8B shows the creation of an illumination pattern for an indirect flash light having an emission angle of 40 ° for a tele field of view FOV of the camera device .

[0109] The embodiments of the proposed lighting device for generating a flash for a camera and the electronic device disclosed herein have been discussed for the purpose of familiari zing the reader with novel aspects of the lighting device and the electronic device . Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, many changes , modi fications , equivalents and substitutions of the disclosed concepts may be made by one having skill in the art without unnecessarily departing from the scope of the claims . 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0110] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0111] 18

[0112] In particular, the design of the proposed lighting device for generating a flash for a camera and the electronic device is not limited to the disclosed embodiments , and gives examples of many alternatives as possible for the features included in the embodiments discussed . However, it is intended that any modi fications , equivalents and substitutions of the disclosed concepts be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto .

[0113] Features recited in separate dependent claims may be advantageously combined . Moreover, reference signs used in the claims are not limited to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims .

[0114] Furthermore , as used herein, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements . In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more than one component or element , and is not limited to be construed as meaning only one .

[0115] This patent application claims the priority of German patent application with application No . 102024132030 . 3 , the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated by reference .

[0116] 2024PF00927 September 25 , 2025

[0117] P2024 , 0697 WO N

[0118] 19

[0119] References

[0120] 1 lighting device

[0121] 2 camera device 3 electronic device

[0122] 10 array of micro light-emitting diodes

[0123] 11 micro light-emitting diodes

[0124] 12 light-emitting surface

[0125] 20 optical lens array 21 micro lens

[0126] 22 micro lens

[0127] 100 optical arrangement

[0128] 200 illumination pattern

[0129] FOV field of view

Claims

2024PF00927 September 25, 2025P2024, 0697 WO N- 20 -Claims1. A lighting device for generating a flash for a camera, comprising :- an optical arrangement (100) for emitting light including an array (10) of micro light-emitting diodes (11) and an optical lens array (20) of micro lenses (21) ,- wherein the optical arrangement (100) is configured to create an illumination pattern (200) of the emitted light depending on which of the micro light-emitting diodes (11) illuminates the optical lens array (20) .

2. The lighting device of claim 1,- wherein the micro light-emitting diodes (11) have a respective light-emitting surface (12) for emitting light,- wherein the optical lens array (20) is arranged above the micro light-emitting diodes (11) so that the optical lens array (20) faces the respective light-emitting surface (12) of the micro light-emitting diodes (11) .

3. The lighting device of claim 2, wherein each of the micro lenses (21) is arranged above a respective sub-array (10a, ..., lOn) of the micro lightemitting diodes (11) so that each of the micro lenses (21) faces the respective light-emitting surface (12) of the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of the respective sub-array (10a, ..., lOn) .

4. The lighting device of claim 3, wherein the optical arrangement (100) is configured to create the illumination pattern (200) of the emitted light depending on which of the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of the respective sub-array (10a, ..., lOn) illuminates the respective2024PF00927 September 25, 2025P2024, 0697 WO N- 21 - micro lens (21) arranged above the respective sub-array (10a,..., lOn) .

5. The lighting device of claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the micro lenses (21) is configured to radiate incident light at an angle that depends on which of the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of the respective subarray (10a, ..., lOn) illuminates the respective micro lens (21) arranged above the respective sub-array (10a, ..., lOn) .

6. The lighting device of any of the claims 3 to 5, comprising :- a controller (300) to control the emission of light by the optical arrangement (100) ,- wherein the controller (300) is configured to activate a first portion of the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of the respective sub-array (10a, ..., lOn) and to deactivate a second portion of the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of the respective sub-array (10a, ..., lOn) so that light is only irradiated by the first portion of the micro light-emitting diodes (11) towards the respective micro lens (21) arranged above the respective sub-array (10a, ..., lOn) .

7. The lighting device of claim 6, wherein the controller (300) is configured to control the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of a respective sub-array(10a, ..., lOn) so that the color composition of the light emitted by the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of the respective sub-array (10a, ..., lOn) is tuned.

8. The lighting device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the controller (300) is configured to control the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of a respective sub-array2024PF00927 September 25, 2025P2024, 0697 WO N- 22 -(10a, ..., lOn) so that the intensity of the light emitted by the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of the respective subarray (10a, ..., lOn) is tuned.

9. The lighting device of any of the claims 3 to 8, wherein the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of each subarray (10a, ..., lOn) are configured to emit light of different colors .

10. The lighting device of any of the claims 3 to 8, wherein the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of each subarray (10a, ..., lOn) are configured to emit light of the same color .

11. The lighting device of claim 10, wherein the micro light-emitting diodes (11) of adjacent subarrays (10a, 10b, 10c) are configured to emit light of different colors.

12. The lighting device of any of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the optical lens array (20) comprises apertures (40) for modifying the illumination pattern (200) .

13. The lighting device of any of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the optical arrangement (100) is configured to provide the emitted light as collimated light.

14. An electronic device with image recording, comprising:- a lighting device (1) for generating a flash for a camera according to any of the claims 1 to 13,- a camera device (2) ,2024PF00927 September 25, 2025P2024, 0697 WO N23- wherein the lighting device (1) is configured for generating the flash for recording images by the camera device ( 2 ) .

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the lighting device (1) is configured for generating an indirect flash for the camera device (2) by creating light spots (210) of the illumination pattern (200) out of a field of view (FOV) of the camera device (2) .

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