Matrix Light Source with Dual Liquid Crystal Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices lack the ability to arbitrarily control the illuminated region and illumination distance effectively, limiting their versatility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising a light source with a matrix arrangement of light-emitting elements and two liquid crystal cells, each with electrode groups connected to independent wirings, allowing for independent control of light distribution and illumination patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single liquid crystal cell is used to control light distribution, then the structure remains simple, but the ability to arbitrarily control the illuminated region and illumination distance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single liquid crystal cell into two separate liquid crystal cells (first liquid crystal cell and second liquid crystal cell), each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows each cell to control different aspects of light distribution, thereby enhancing the overall adaptability and control flexibility of the illuminated region without requiring an overly complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by stacking two liquid crystal cells in the optical path rather than using a single cell. This dimensional arrangement (from one cell to two cells in sequence) provides additional degrees of freedom for controlling light distribution, enabling arbitrary control of illuminated region and illumination distance while maintaining a relatively compact structure
2Ease of operation
If electrode groups are connected to shared wirings for simplified control, then the wiring structure remains simple, but independent control of different electrode groups is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wiring structure by providing independent wirings for each electrode group within the liquid crystal cells. This allows each electrode group to be controlled independently, enabling precise control of different regions of the liquid crystal layer. The segmentation of control signals to each electrode group enhances operational flexibility without requiring complex shared wiring arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by assigning independent wirings to each electrode group, allowing different voltage patterns to be applied to different local regions (electrode groups) of the liquid crystal cell. This enables localized control of light distribution across the illuminated region, providing superior ease of operation for creating arbitrary illumination patterns
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
Enables precise control over the illuminated region and illumination distance, enhancing the device's versatility and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is controlled by the electric field between the electrodes to allow the liquid crystal cell to function as a lens, thereby controlling the light distribution
Implementation Method 2
the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is controlled by the electric field between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device includes a light source, a first liquid crystal cell over the light source, and a second liquid crystal cell over the first liquid crystal cell. The light source includes light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix shape with m rows and n columns. The first and second liquid crystal cells each include: a first substrate; first electrode groups located over the first substrate and arranged in a matrix shape with m rows and n columns; a liquid crystal layer over the first electrode groups; and a second substrate over the liquid crystal layer. In each of the first and the second liquid crystal cells, the first electrode groups each have first electrodes extending in a row direction, and the light-emitting elements in a jth row and a kth column overlaps the first electrode group located in the jth row and the kth column.