Beam Steering Mechanism for Dynamic Light Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light-emitting devices lack the ability to dynamically adjust and direct their illumination regions in response to user gestures or movements, requiring physical repositioning to optimize brightness and coverage, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting device control system that incorporates a beam steering mechanism, a control module, and a network for detecting hand gestures, allowing the illumination region to be dynamically moved and adjusted using Wi-Fi communication and optical elements like Fresnel lenses and guided rails, enabling precise control of light beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a light source emits light in a fixed direction with a wide illumination angle, then the illumination coverage is large, but the user cannot dynamically adjust the illumination region to follow their movement or gesture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic adjustment of illumination regionVSAvoidstructure of light-emitting device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a beam steering mechanism that enables the light beam to be dynamically directed to different positions on the surface. The illumination region can be moved and adjusted in real-time in response to hand gestures, transforming a static lighting system into a dynamic one that adapts to user needs without requiring physical repositioning of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically moving the entire light-emitting device with an optical beam steering mechanism. Instead of mechanically repositioning the whole device, the system uses optical elements to steer the light beam to different positions, substituting complex mechanical movement with a more compact and controllable optical steering system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If the brightest light spot is fixed directly below the light source, then the illumination intensity is maximized at that position, but the user must physically move to take advantage of the brightest region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness of light spotVSAvoiduser repositioning requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically positions the brightest light spot by steering the beam to different locations on the surface in response to hand gestures. The illumination region can be moved to wherever the user points, eliminating the need for the user to physically move to find the brightest area while maintaining maximum illumination intensity at the targeted position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control module with hand gesture detection as an intermediary between the user and the beam steering mechanism. The user's hand gestures are detected and translated into beam steering commands, allowing intuitive control of the illumination region position without direct mechanical interaction with the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the light source and control module are integrated in the same device, then the control response is faster, but the control module cannot be positioned at a separate location for networked control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol response timeVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a network communication system as an intermediary to connect the separately positioned control module with the light source module. The control module detects hand gestures and sends control signals through the network to the beam steering mechanism, enabling remote control while maintaining system coordination through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient and intuitive control of light beams, allowing users to direct illumination where needed without physical repositioning, enhancing visibility and usability in various environments, such as vehicles and foggy conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a beam steering mechanism, the light source module coupled to the beam steering mechanism for directing the beam of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

optical elements like Fresnel lenses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFresnel lens: Fresnel Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10953785B2Light control systems and methods

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 CHEN CHIA MING

AI summary

Provided is a beam-steering mechanism, comprising a lens and a light source positioned in a focal plane of the lens. One of the light source and the lens moves relative to the other of the light source and the lens. The light source outputs a light beam at the lens which forms an illumination spot on a surface from the light beam. The illumination spot moves in a direction in response to a movement of one of the light source and the lens.