Dual Light-Pipe Irradiation for Uniform Measurement Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light irradiation systems using diffusion plates on the output side of a light pipe fail to sufficiently uniformize light, leading to the formation of irregularities on the target's image due to the diffusion plate's image being projected.
Innovation Solution
A light irradiation apparatus with a first light pipe to uniformize illuminance distribution, a diffusion unit to diffuse light, and a second light pipe to further uniformize the light, preventing the projection of the diffusion unit's irregularities on the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a diffusion plate is disposed on the output side of a light pipe, then light diffusion is achieved, but the irregularities of the diffusion plate are projected onto the target image, preventing sufficient uniformization of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light diffusion system into multiple segments: a first light pipe for initial uniformization, a diffusion unit for diffusion, and a second light pipe for final uniformization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without projecting irregularities onto the target, as the second light pipe acts as an intermediary that cleans up the light distribution before it reaches the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The second light pipe serves as an intermediary element between the diffusion unit and the target. It receives the diffused light from the diffusion unit and performs additional uniformization, acting as a mediator that prevents the diffusion plate's irregularities from being directly projected onto the target while still maintaining the diffused light characteristic.
2Illumination intensity
If a diffusion plate is used to diffuse light, then light distribution is improved, but light loss occurs due to the thickness of the diffusion plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical diffusion plate with a light pipe-based optical system. The light pipe uses total internal reflection and refractive index differences to achieve light diffusion and uniformization without requiring a separate diffusion plate, thereby eliminating the light loss associated with the diffusion plate's thickness while maintaining effective light distribution.
3Device complexity
If only one light pipe is used, then the device structure is simple, but the light cannot be sufficiently uniformized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light uniformization process into two stages using two light pipes: the first light pipe performs initial uniformization of the incident light, and the second light pipe performs final uniformization of the diffused light. This two-stage segmentation achieves superior light uniformity compared to a single light pipe, while the modular structure maintains reasonable device 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 apparatus effectively uniformizes light irradiation, suppressing light loss and ensuring high accuracy in imaging and measurement processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first light pipe configured to receive, as an input, the light emitted from the light source, and uniformize and output an illuminance distribution of the light
Implementation Method 2
a first light pipe configured to receive, as an input, the light emitted from the light source, and uniformize and output an illuminance distribution of the light
Implementation Method 3
a diffusion unit configured to diffuse the light output from the first light pipe
Implementation Method 4
a second light pipe configured to receive, as an input, the light diffused by the diffusion unit, and uniformize and output an illuminance distribution of the light
Implementation Method 5
a second light pipe configured to receive, as an input, the light diffused by the diffusion unit, and uniformize and output an illuminance distribution of the light
Data Source
AI summary
A light irradiation apparatus includes a light source configured to emit light, a light pipe configured to receive, as an input, the light emitted from the light source, and uniformize and output an illuminance distribution of the light, a diffusion unit configured to diffuse the light output from the light pipe, and a light pipe configured to receive, as an input, the light diffused by the diffusion unit, and uniformize and output an illuminance distribution of the light. The diffusion unit is a light diffusion surface provided on a light output surface of the light pipe.