Illumination Device Light Path Adjustment for Pattern Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination devices using coherent light sources, such as lasers, face complexity in achieving various light distribution patterns due to the need for multiple hologram devices and intricate light path management, limiting their ability to produce a wide range of illumination patterns.

Innovation Solution

An illumination device with a simple structure incorporating a laser light source, a light scanner, a light condensing device, a light-path adjustment device, and a light diffusion device, which uses multiple light source units emitting different wavelengths and controls emission timing to generate various colors and patterns through optical adjustments and diffusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hologram devices are used to achieve various light distribution patterns, then the versatility of illumination patterns is improved, but the device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of light distribution patternsVSAvoidstructure and control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device segments the single light source function into multiple light source units (first, second, third light source units) emitting different wavelengths. Each unit can be independently controlled to produce different color lights, enabling various illumination patterns without requiring multiple complete illumination systems. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing pattern versatility through wavelength diversity rather than through multiplying entire hologram devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single illumination device that can produce multiple light distribution patterns through controlled emission from multiple light source units with different wavelengths. The device achieves universal illumination capabilities (red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, magenta, white patterns) using one integrated system with wavelength-selective emission control, avoiding the need for multiple specialized hologram devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of hologram devices is increased to achieve more light distribution patterns, then the illumination versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to intricate light path management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of light distribution patternsVSAvoidlight path management simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action through time-sequential emission control of multiple light source units. Different light source units are activated in specific sequences to produce different color patterns (e.g., red-green sequence for yellow, blue-green sequence for cyan). This temporal multiplexing approach simplifies operation by using time-based control rather than spatial management of multiple simultaneous light paths, making the system easier to operate while maintaining pattern versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light source units with different wavelengths are used, then the color versatility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor varietyVSAvoidemission wavelength control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing light source units with fundamentally different emission wavelengths (red, green, blue) as inherent physical parameters. By controlling which wavelength-emitting unit is activated, the system achieves color versatility without requiring precise adjustment of emission characteristics. The wavelength parameter is fixed for each unit type, simplifying manufacturing precision requirements compared to systems requiring continuous wavelength tuning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the creation of diverse light distribution patterns with a simplified structure by controlling the emission and diffusion of laser light, allowing for precise and high-definition illumination without the need for numerous hologram devices, improving operational simplicity and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a laser light source 15 that oscillates a laser light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser oscillation: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a light scanner 20 that changes a light path of light-source light emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a light condensing device 30 that condenses light-source light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight condensation: Focusing

Implementation Method 4

a light diffusion device 50 that diffuses light-source light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3379134B1Illumination device
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD
  • EP3379134B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3379134B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3379134B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An illumination device (10) comprises: a light source (15); a light scanner (20) capable of changing a light path of light-source light emitted from the light source; a light diffusion device (50) having element diffusion devices (55) that diffuse the light-source light; and a light-path adjustment device (40) disposed on a light path of the light-source light from the light scanner up to the light diffusion device, the light-path adjustment device having element adjustment devices (45) that are provided correspondingly to the respective element diffusion devices, and adjust a light path of the light-source light toward the corresponding element diffusion devices. An incident position of the light-source light on the light-path adjustment device varies depending on a light path determined by the light scanner. An incident angle of the light-source light on each element diffusion device varies depending on an incident position on the element adjustment device corresponding to the element diffusion device. An emergent angle from each element diffusion device varies depending on the incident angle on the element diffusion device (55). Rach element diffusion device illuminates an element illumination area corresponding to the element diffusion device.