Laser Module Password Authentication for Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser light source modules do not effectively prevent the unauthorized removal and use of laser devices, as they can still emit laser light when driven by alternative power sources or when parts of the device are removed, posing safety risks due to high energy per unit area.

Innovation Solution

A laser light source module with a memory unit storing a password and a password-setting mechanism that generates a matching input password only when the device is in its normal state, ensuring the laser unit does not operate unless the case is intact, and incorporating a password-generating circuit to verify the device's state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the laser light source module is removed from the device or parts are altered, then the module can still emit laser light when driven by alternative power sources, but this poses safety risks due to high energy per unit area

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to operate with alternative power sourcesVSAvoidSafety risk from unauthorized laser emission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism between the power source and laser operation. The memory unit stores authentication information that verifies whether the device is in its original state before allowing laser emission. This intermediary check prevents unauthorized operation while still allowing legitimate use, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary authentication of the device state before enabling laser operation. The password-setting mechanism and memory unit verify the integrity of the device configuration before allowing the laser to operate, preventing unauthorized use in advance. This preliminary action ensures safety is built into the system before potential harm can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a password authentication system is implemented to prevent unauthorized laser emission, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSafety from unauthorized laser emissionVSAvoidNumber of authentication components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into existing device components rather than adding entirely separate authentication systems. The memory unit serves both data storage and authentication verification purposes, while the password-setting mechanism utilizes existing control circuitry. This multi-functionality approach provides comprehensive safety without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9048612B2Laser light source module

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 NEC CORP

AI summary

A laser light source module that does not emit laser light when taken out of a device or that does not emit laser light when the device is modified by removing a portion of the device is installed and used in a case and is provided with: a laser unit that includes a memory unit that stores a password and that operates when an input password that is entered matches a password stored in the memory unit; a password-setting mechanism that generates different data according to the state of the case; and a password-generating circuit that generates an input password that matches the password stored in the memory unit by means of data generated by means of the password-setting mechanism when the case is in a normal state.