Light Source Module Lens Portion for Quadrangular Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source modules for cameras, such as those in smartphones, face challenges in evenly illuminating the quadrangular imaging region, as they often result in uneven light distribution due to the shape of the lens and light source configuration.
Innovation Solution
A light source module with a lens portion that includes a recessed incidence surface divided into upper and lower incidence regions, where the lower incidence region is rotated 45 degrees from the first lower incidence region, increasing light emission in the 45-degree direction to better illuminate the corners of the quadrangular imaging region, and a reflection surface that reflects light to achieve even illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional lens is used to control light distribution, then the light emission direction is controlled, but the illumination uniformity across the quadrangular imaging region deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The incidence surface is divided into multiple incidence regions (first lower incidence region, second lower incidence region, third lower incidence region) with different orientations. Each region directs light toward specific areas of the quadrangular imaging region, segmenting the light control function to achieve uniform illumination across the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens incorporates asymmetric incidence regions with different rotational orientations (0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees relative to the vertical direction). This asymmetric design allows light to be directed toward different corners and edges of the quadrangular imaging region, compensating for the non-uniform light distribution that would occur with a symmetric lens design.
2Illumination intensity
If the lens structure is simplified, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to evenly illuminate the quadrangular imaging region deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the incidence surface are designed with different local properties (different rotational orientations and light directing angles). The first lower incidence region directs light to one set of corners, the second lower incidence region (rotated 45 degrees) directs light to adjacent corners, and the third lower incidence region (rotated 90 degrees) directs light to the remaining corners. This local differentiation ensures all corners receive adequate illumination without requiring a complex multi-component lens system.
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 ensures even light distribution across the quadrangular imaging region, enhancing illumination quality by increasing light emission in the corners and maintaining efficient light transmission through the use of a light guide member with a lens portion that controls light distribution effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection surface that reflects light to achieve even illumination
Implementation Method 2
a lens portion that includes a recessed incidence surface divided into upper and lower incidence regions
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A light source module comprising: a light source having an upper surface comprising a light emission surface; and a light guide member including a lens portion having a central axis that extends through a center of the light emission surface. The lens portion includes: an incidence surface, a reflection surface, and an emitting surface. The incidence surface comprises an upper incidence region positioned on an upper side, and a lower incidence region positioned lower than the upper incidence region, in a cross section that includes the central axis. The lower incidence region has 2-fold rotational symmetry. The lower incidence region includes a first lower incidence region, and a second lower incidence region at a position rotated by 45 degrees from the first lower incidence region. A height of the second lower incidence region is greater than a height of the first lower incidence region.