Addressable Visible-UV Light Array with Imager-Based Shadow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional light sources create shadows in environments and direct light into spatial zones where it is not needed, necessitating a system that optimizes illumination or irradiation for various modes.
Innovation Solution
An Angularly Varying Light Emitting Device (AVLED) system that adjusts spectral and flux output independently for multiple angular bins, using information from imagers to enhance efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional light sources are used to illuminate an environment, then the illumination intensity is sufficient, but shadows are created and light is directed into spatial zones where it is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting device is divided into multiple independently controllable light sources arranged in an array, where each light source can be individually addressed and controlled to emit light in specific angular directions. This segmentation allows precise control over light distribution patterns, enabling illumination of targeted zones while avoiding areas where light is not needed, thereby reducing shadow formation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different angular bins or spatial zones receive different light flux outputs from corresponding light sources. The system adjusts the spectral and flux output locally for each angular bin based on imager feedback, creating non-uniform illumination patterns that optimize lighting in specific areas while minimizing shadows in others.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional light sources are used to illuminate an environment, then the illumination coverage is broad, but light is directed into spatial zones where it is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting device dynamically adjusts the flux output of individual light sources based on real-time environmental feedback from imagers. The system varies the intensity and spectral content of light emitted in different angular bins according to actual illumination needs, transitioning from static broad coverage to dynamic targeted illumination, thereby eliminating energy waste in already-lit zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Imagers capture images of the environment to detect illumination levels and spatial characteristics. This visual information feeds back to the control system, which adjusts the flux output of individual light sources accordingly. The closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures light is directed only where needed, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining appropriate illumination coverage.
3Productivity
If the light flux output is adjusted independently for multiple angular bins, then the illumination efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronically controllable light emitting diodes arranged in an array. Each LED can be independently controlled through electronic signaling, allowing precise adjustment of flux output for different angular bins without mechanical moving parts. This substitution of electronic control for mechanical systems maintains illumination efficiency while reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting device includes a planar array of individually addressable first light sources configured to emit visible light into a plurality of angular bins toward an environment, one or more second light sources configured to emit ultraviolet light, an imager positioned to receive light reflected from the environment, a processor configured to analyze one or more images captured from the imager and identify a shadow region in the environment, wherein one or more light sources of the plurality of individually addressable first light sources is directed to increase a light flux output in one or more angular bins of the plurality of angular bins corresponding to the shadow region. The one or more second light sources and may be individually addressable and positioned in a planar array on a substrate.