Two-Dimensional Illumination System Using Segmented Reflectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems for defined areas, such as camera viewfields, face challenges in achieving homogeneous or inhomogeneous illumination, leading to suboptimal image quality due to inhomogeneous light distribution and limitations in adapting light intensity and range.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system featuring an elongated light source composed of point light sources, with adjustable longitudinal reflectors and a transverse reflector, allowing for independent light intensity control and distribution in two dimensions, enabling targeted illumination of specific areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a linear arrangement of light source with reflector is used, then linear focusing in one spatial direction is achieved, but inhomogeneous light distribution results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight focusing capabilityVSAvoidlight distribution homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system divides the illumination task into two independent dimensional components using separate reflector arrangements: one reflector system handles focusing in the first spatial direction, while another reflector system handles focusing in the second spatial direction perpendicular to the first. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light distribution in each direction, resolving the contradiction between achieving focused illumination and maintaining homogeneous distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear focusing (single reflector arrangement) to two-dimensional planar focusing by introducing a second reflector arrangement operating in a perpendicular spatial direction. This dimensional expansion enables the system to achieve homogeneous light distribution across the illumination area while maintaining focused illumination, as each dimension can be independently optimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If homogeneous illumination is applied, then uniform lighting is achieved, but camera system deficits such as lens edge falloff cannot be compensated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination uniformityVSAvoidcamera imaging deficiencies
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system employs independently adjustable reflector arrangements in two perpendicular spatial directions, enabling local optimization of light distribution. The reflectors can be individually positioned and configured to provide enhanced illumination specifically at edge areas where camera lens falloff occurs, while maintaining appropriate illumination levels in central areas. This local quality adjustment allows compensation for camera system deficiencies without compromising overall illumination uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If fixed reflector arrangement is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability in light intensity distribution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflector arrangement simplicityVSAvoidlight distribution adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system incorporates adjustable and movable reflector arrangements in both spatial directions, transitioning from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one. The reflectors can be independently positioned along the light source axis and angled to achieve desired light distribution patterns. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different illumination requirements (homogeneous or inhomogeneous) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on modular reflector units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system ensures improved image quality by allowing for precise adjustment of light intensity and distribution, compensating for camera system deficits and optimizing the illumination of defined areas, such as road surfaces or materials, with enhanced edge illumination and reduced noise.

Implementation Method 1

at least one transverse reflector which serves to reflect the light perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light source; a plurality of longitudinal reflectors which serve to deflect the light in the longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3764158B1Two-dimensional illumination system
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 CHROMASENES GMBH
  • EP3764158B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3764158B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lighting system (10) for illuminating a defined illumination area (11), in particular an observation area or a camera field of view. For this purpose, an elongated light source (13) is provided, wherein the light source (13) is preferably composed of a plurality of point light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes (14). At least one reflector is provided for reflecting the light from the light source (13) to illuminate the illumination area (11). The lighting system (10) is characterized in that different reflectors are provided for reflecting in different spatial directions.