Illumination System with Addressable LEDs and Scattering Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination systems face challenges in achieving both a wide beam angle and suitable resolution, making it difficult to produce a dynamically variable illumination pattern.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a light guide with individually addressable light-emitting diodes and focusing optics to control the projection and scattering of light, combining collimated and diverging light to achieve a wide angular output with high resolution, using light-extraction features to reduce glare and distribute light uniformly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional illumination systems use a single optical path, then the structure is simple, but the beam angle and resolution cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into two separate optical paths: a first optical path for generating collimated light with high resolution, and a second optical path for generating diverging light with wide beam angle. Each optical path is optimized independently, allowing the system to achieve both wide beam angle variability and high resolution without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional optical path to a two-dimensional optical architecture by introducing parallel optical paths. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous optimization of conflicting parameters (beam angle and resolution) in different optical dimensions, resolving the technical contradiction
2Manufacturing precision
If light is directly extracted from the light guide without focusing optics, then the structure is simpler, but the resolution and beam control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Focusing optics are integrated into the light guide structure to pre-process the light before extraction. The focusing optics collimate or diverge the light in advance, ensuring high resolution and precise beam control are achieved at the point of light extraction, eliminating the need for additional complex optical components downstream
3Object-affected harmful factors
If uniform light distribution is achieved without light-extraction features, then the manufacturing is simpler, but glare and luminance contrast are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide incorporates light-extraction features such as scattering centers, diffusers, or micro-structured surfaces that create controlled light extraction points. These features act as optical 'pores' that redistribute light uniformly while reducing glare, achieving improved visual comfort with minimal impact on manufacturing processes
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 configuration allows for dynamic control of beam shape and direction, combining projected and scattered light to achieve high resolution and wide angular output, reducing luminance contrast and glare while enabling beam steering over a wide range.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide 114 is shaped such that light rays inside the light guide 114 are reflected at one or more surfaces of the light guide 114 via, for example, total internal reflection.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of light-extraction features 122 are disposed on the second surface of light guide 114. The light-extraction features 122 direct at least some of the guided light 120 out of the light guide 114 through the second surface of the light guide 114 as scattered light 124.
Data Source
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AI summary
An illumination system can produce a dynamically variable illumination pattern. The illumination system can include a light guide. The illumination system can include projection optics, which can contribute to the illumination pattern at relatively low beam angles (i.e., beam angles formed with respect to a surface normal of the light guide). The projection optics can include individually addressable light-producing elements that can direct light through one or more focusing elements. A controller can control which of the light-producing elements are electrically powered and can therefore control the illumination pattern contribution from the projection optics. The illumination system can also include scattering optics, which can contribute to the illumination pattern at relatively high beam angles. The scattering optics can direct light out of the light guide over a relatively large surface area, which can help reduce glare when the light guide is viewed directly.