Angularly Varying Light Emitting Device for Shadow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional light sources create shadows and direct light into unnecessary areas, lacking the ability to optimize illumination or irradiation efficiently for various needs and environments.
Innovation Solution
An Angularly Varying Light Emitting Device (AVLED) system that adjusts spectral and flux output independently for different angular bins using information from imagers, employing an axially redirecting optical element to redirect light and minimize shadow zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional light sources are used to illuminate an environment, then light is provided to the environment, but shadows are created and light is directed into areas where it is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The light output is segmented into multiple angular bins, with each bin representing a specific angular range. The AVLED independently controls the light flux for each angular bin, allowing precise directional control. This segmentation enables the system to illuminate only the required angular zones while avoiding shadow creation in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the light flux output for each angular bin based on real-time environmental conditions detected by the imager. The angularly varying light emitting device can change its illumination pattern on-the-fly, redirecting light away from areas where shadows would form and concentrating light where it is needed.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional light sources direct light into all spatial zones, then complete coverage is achieved, but light is wasted in areas where illumination is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The AVLED applies local quality by providing different light flux levels to different angular bins based on local environmental needs. The imager identifies specific zones requiring illumination, and the system concentrates light flux only in those angular bins, rather than uniformly illuminating all spatial zones. This eliminates energy waste in areas where light is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of light flux output independently for each angular bin. By adjusting the flux parameter selectively in different angular directions based on imager feedback, the system achieves complete coverage of required areas while minimizing energy consumption by excluding unnecessary zones.
3Productivity
If an AVLED system independently adjusts light flux for multiple angular bins, then illumination efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AVLED integrates multiple functions into a single device: it includes the light emitting elements, the imager for environmental sensing, and the control system for angular bin management. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high illumination efficiency through independent angular control while consolidating components to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The AVLED system is self-regulating through the imager that automatically detects environmental conditions and feeds this information back to the control system. The system independently determines which angular bins require illumination and adjusts light flux accordingly, eliminating the need for external control and reducing operational complexity.
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
The AVLED system provides efficient, safe, and adaptive illumination by reducing shadows and directing light where needed, enhancing illumination modes and safety through precise angular control of light flux and spectral content.
Implementation Method 1
employing an axially redirecting optical element to redirect light and minimize shadow zones
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of illuminating an environment comprises angular cycling angular light flux output from light sources in angular bins of an angularly varying light emitting device, capturing using an imager a plurality of images of the environment synchronized with the light sources, determining a light property of one or more spatial zones associated with the angular bins, and adjusting the light flux output from one or more light sources based on the light properties. In one embodiment, the light emitting device comprises a micro-LED array comprising the plurality of light sources and/or the imager. In one embodiment, the light flux output is adjusted to achieve a target illuminance in one or more spatial zones. In one embodiment, the angular widths in theta and phi spherical coordinates of the angular bins are less than 2 degrees.