Dual Light Source Illumination Apparatus for Structured and Flood Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination systems require separate apparatus for structured and flood illumination, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A single illumination apparatus using a microlens array and two arrays of light sources, where the first array produces structured light and the second array produces a continuous area of light, with the light sources' pitch and distance optimized to achieve both functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If two separate apparatus are used for structured light and flood illumination, then the illumination quality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate illumination apparatus (structured light source and flood illumination source) into a single integrated apparatus. The housing contains both the first light source array (for structured light) and the second light source array (for flood illumination), along with their respective optical components (microlens array, diffuser), eliminating the need for two separate devices while maintaining both illumination functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single illumination apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can produce structured light patterns for facial recognition and simultaneously provide flood illumination for general lighting. The system can operate in different modes (structured light mode, flood illumination mode, or combined mode) to serve various application requirements, making the device universally applicable for different illumination needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate apparatus are used for structured light and flood illumination, then the illumination functionality is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple illumination functions into a single manufacturable unit. By combining the first light source array, second light source array, microlens array, and diffuser within one housing, the system reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs despite maintaining advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination apparatus is designed as a universal device that can perform both structured light projection and flood illumination, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock two separate specialized devices. This multi-functionality approach reduces inventory complexity and manufacturing overhead while providing versatile illumination capabilities for various applications including facial recognition and general lighting.
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 solution reduces complexity and cost by integrating structured and flood illumination into a single apparatus, enabling effective face detection and authorization in devices like smartphones.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens array comprising microlenses which are arranged at a pitch P in at least a first direction
Implementation Method 2
The diffusers may comprise microscopic scattering particles provided in a transmissive material
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination apparatus (1) for producing structured light and flood illumination, the illumination apparatus comprising a microlens array (4) comprising microlenses which are arranged at a pitch P in at least a first direction, and a first array (18) of first light sources (9) and a second array (19) of second light sources (10), the first light sources (9) being configured to emit light at a wavelength L, wherein the first light sources (9) are located at a distance D from the microlens array (4), wherein P2=2LD/N and N is an integer, and wherein a size of the second light sources (10) is greater than a size of the first light sources (9), such that the light sources of the first array (18) produce structured light and the light sources of the second array (19) produce a continuous area of light.