Lighting Device Switching Intensity Distributions via Polarization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal diffraction elements require complex configurations and significant manufacturing effort to switch between single light sources and two-dimensional dot light sources.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device comprising a light source, a polarization controller, and a polarizing plate, where the polarization controller switches light between different polarization states incident into the polarizing plate, which functions as a diffraction grating with periodically disposed regions of different polarization states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a liquid crystal diffraction element is used to switch between single light source and two-dimensional dot light source, then the light intensity distribution can be switched, but the configuration becomes complicated and manufacturing effort increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensity distribution switchingVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid crystal layer is divided into multiple independent pixel regions, each capable of independently controlling light transmission. This segmentation allows the liquid crystal diffraction element to function as both a single light source (when all pixels are active) and a two-dimensional dot light source (when specific pixels are activated), thereby achieving light intensity distribution switching without requiring complex additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid crystal diffraction element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a single light source for distance measurement, as a two-dimensional dot light source for face authentication, and can also control light transmission intensity. This multi-functionality is achieved through the liquid crystal layer's ability to independently control each pixel region, eliminating the need for separate devices for different functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensity distribution switchingVSAvoidmanufacturing effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the liquid crystal layer with the diffraction grating structure into a single integrated element. The liquid crystal layer is positioned between two transparent substrates, with each substrate having diffraction grating patterns. This merging of functions into one component reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and assembly processes required, thereby reducing overall manufacturing effort while maintaining the ability to switch between different light intensity distributions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 lighting device achieves a simple configuration that can effectively switch between intensity distributions of emitted light, enabling seamless transitions between single light sources and two-dimensional dot light sources.

Implementation Method 1

the liquid crystal layer 130 switches between a transparent state and a diffraction state by changing an alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 131

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal alignment: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

the liquid crystal diffraction element 100 switches between a single light source and a two-dimensional dot light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS12287086B2Lighting device

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A lighting device that can switch between intensity distributions of emitted light with a simple configuration. The lighting device includes a light source, a polarization controller, and a polarizing plate, in which the polarization controller switches light emitted from the light source between light components having two or more different polarization states to be incident into the polarizing plate, and the polarizing plate functions as a diffraction grating that has two or more regions having different polarization states of transmitted light in an in-plane direction and where one or more regions among the regions are periodically disposed.