Light Source Device with Bidirectional Light Guide for Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems with semiconductor laser diodes and wavelength converting members have complex configurations due to the separation of light-emitting elements and sensors, leading to inefficiencies in light transmission and detection.
Innovation Solution
A light source device with a light guide member and wavelength converting member that guides and converts light beams, incorporating a light sensor and driving unit to control the light-emitting elements based on detected signal light, simplifying the configuration and enabling efficient light transmission and feedback control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light-emitting element and light sensor are arranged at opposite ends of the light guide member, then the light transmission path is established, but the configuration becomes overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-emitting element and light sensor into the same housing unit, allowing them to be arranged in close proximity rather than at opposite ends of the light guide member. This combining approach maintains the necessary light transmission path while significantly simplifying the overall configuration and reducing the number of components required.
2Extent of automation
If the light sensor detects signal light transmitted through the light guide member, then feedback control is enabled, but the light transmission path must be bidirectional
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member is designed with bidirectional light transmission capability, allowing it to serve multiple functions: transmitting light from the light-emitting element to the target area and simultaneously transmitting signal light from the wavelength converting member back to the light sensor. This multi-functionality enables feedback control without requiring separate transmission paths.
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 solution simplifies the lighting system configuration while allowing for effective light transmission and feedback control, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of light emission and detection processes.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength converting member (41) to convert a first light beam (L1) that has been incident on a first end (31) and has emerged through a second end (32) into a second light beam (L2) having a different wavelength from the first light beam
Implementation Method 2
a light guide member (3) to guide light from a first end (31) to a second end (32), and vice versa
Implementation Method 3
a light sensor (53) to detect signal light (L3), which is a component of the second light beam (L2) and which has been incident on the second end (32) and transmitted to the first end (31)
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device according to an embodiment is used with a light guide member and a wavelength converting member, and includes a light-emitting element, a light sensor, and a driving unit. The light-emitting element radiates a light beam to be incident on a first end of the light guide member by being supplied with a drive current. The light sensor detects signal light, which has been incident on a second end of the light guide member and transmitted to the first end. The driving unit supplies the drive current to the light-emitting element and controls the drive current based on a result of detection of the signal light.