Lighting Device Micro-Lens Array Virtual Image
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices that mimic a natural light source are often bulky, expensive, and difficult to integrate into standard lighting systems, lacking the ability to create a virtual image close to the surface and provide a wide viewing range while maintaining low weight and thickness.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising a light generating element and a micro-lens array with an array of micro-logos located in the focal plane, allowing for the creation of a virtual image that appears to float at different depths, enhancing the 3D effect and brand image, while being compact and affordable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lighting device uses a complex optical system to mimic a natural light source, then the light effect quality is improved, but the device thickness and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple functional layers: a light guide layer with extraction elements, a microlens array layer, and a micro-logo array layer. Each layer performs a specific function (light generation, collimation/focusing, and virtual image formation respectively), allowing the system to achieve complex optical effects while maintaining a compact overall structure with total thickness of only a few centimeters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the micro-logo array is positioned within the focal plane of the microlens array, which itself is positioned relative to the light guide layer. This nested arrangement of optical elements allows multiple functions to be integrated in a compact space, achieving a thickness of only 3-10 cm while maintaining high optical performance.
2Area of stationary object
If a lighting device uses a large installation surface to create a natural light source effect, then the light coverage area is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal lighting device that can be integrated into standard ceiling fixtures and provides multiple functions simultaneously: general illumination through the light guide, directional lighting through the microlens array, and brand visualization through the virtual micro-logo images. This multi-functionality is achieved within a compact form factor that fits standard lighting installations, avoiding the need for large separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a light guide layer that optically copies and distributes light from LED sources across a large area. The light guide acts as an optical copy mechanism, taking light from compact LED elements and redistributing it uniformly over a large ceiling surface area, thereby achieving large coverage from a small physical device footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lighting device creates a virtual image at a distance, then the viewing range is improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the microlens array (focal length, lens diameter, spacing) to control the virtual image formation. By adjusting these parameters, the system can create virtual images at different apparent distances while maintaining a fixed compact physical thickness of 3-10 cm. The microlens array focuses light from the light guide to form collimated beams that create virtual images at infinity or other distances, decoupling the physical thickness from the optical viewing range.
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 provides a compact, affordable, and effective way to create a virtual image that enhances the 3D effect and brand image, allowing for a wider viewing range and a more natural lighting experience, addressing the limitations of existing devices by integrating micro-logos and micro-lens arrays for a robust and simple structure.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-lens array (4) comprising a focal plane FP, wherein the array of micro-logos (81-83) is located in the focal plane FP of the micro-lens array (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device (1) comprising a light generating element (2; 3), and a micro-lens array (4) comprising a focal plane (Fp), wherein the light generating element (2; 3) is arranged to emit a light output towards the micro-lens array (4), wherein the lighting device (1) comprises an array of micro-logos (81-83), and wherein the array of micro-logos (81-83) is located in the focal plane (Fp) of the micro-lens array (4).