NIR Light Distribution Lens for Intrusion Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security systems struggle to effectively detect intruders in darkened or low-visibility areas, as passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors face issues with missed detections and false alarms, and image-based motion detectors require illumination, which is inefficiently distributed by conventional near infrared (NIR) LEDs.
Innovation Solution
A light distribution lens system that optimizes the distribution of NIR light from LEDs, using cylindrical and toroidal surfaces to redirect light energy from the near field to the far field, ensuring uniform irradiance and minimizing energy loss overhead, thereby enhancing detection capabilities while reducing battery consumption and the number of LEDs required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional NIR LEDs are used to illuminate the protected area, then the area can be illuminated for detection, but the light energy is wasted overhead and the LEDs consume excessive power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the light distribution non-uniform in a controlled manner - concentrating light energy specifically in the far field region where intruders are most likely to be detected, while deliberately reducing or eliminating light overhead where it provides no detection value. This spatially differentiated light distribution optimizes energy utilization by matching illumination patterns to actual detection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light distribution parameters by using optical elements (lenses or reflectors) to transform the conventional omnidirectional or wide-angle LED light pattern into a directed beam that preferentially illuminates the far field. This parameter change redirects light energy from wasted overhead regions to productive detection zones, reducing power consumption while maintaining effective illumination.
2Reliability
If conventional NIR LEDs illuminate the area uniformly, then all areas receive light, but energy is wasted overhead and detection accuracy in the far field is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating zones of different light intensity - high intensity in the far field detection zone and low or zero intensity overhead. This localized light distribution improves detection accuracy where it matters most while eliminating energy waste in regions that contribute nothing to intruder detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of overhead light waste into a benefit by using optical elements to redirect that light energy toward the far field. The optical elements transform what would be wasted overhead illumination into useful detection light, simultaneously improving detection accuracy and reducing overall energy waste.
3Area of stationary object
If more LEDs are used to improve illumination coverage, then detection coverage increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries (lenses or reflectors) between the LEDs and the protected area to extend and optimize light coverage. These intermediary optical elements allow a smaller number of LEDs to achieve wider and more effective coverage by directing light precisely where needed, particularly in the far field, without requiring additional LED units.
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 optimized light distribution lens system improves detection accuracy by maintaining consistent illumination across the protected area, reducing battery drain, and minimizing the number of LEDs needed, resulting in a cost-effective and efficient surveillance solution with extended battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a lens that disperses NIR light received from the LED in multiple directions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
An apparatus including a near infrared (NIR) light emitting diode (LED) having a predominant axis of NIR light transmission from the LED and a lens that disperses NIR light received from the LED with respect to first and second planes, the lens having an air to lens light entry boundary where light from the LED enters a surface of the lens and a lens to air boundary where light exits the lens in each of the first and second planes, the intersection forming by the second plane with the light entry surface is a line that is concave on each side of the predominant axis and where a radius of the light entry boundary of the line successively increase over each span of a predetermined number of degrees progressing outwards along the line from the predominant axis.