Packaged Light Sources With Integrated Protection Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in designing and qualifying optical systems for head-mounted devices is the resource-intensive process and safety concerns related to light sources, which can lead to unintended elevated light emission if not properly managed.
Innovation Solution
Packaged light-emitting devices with integrated protection circuitry, including sensors and control circuits, are used to monitor and control light emission, ensuring safety by detecting package integrity, proximity, temperature, and light intensity, and preventing elevated light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If packaged light-emitting devices are used in head-mounted devices, then light emission capability is improved, but safety risks arise from unintended elevated light emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary safety actions by integrating multiple sensors (temperature sensor, photodetector, proximity sensor, package integrity sensor) that continuously monitor conditions before hazardous light emission occurs. The control circuit receives sensor inputs and preemptively adjusts light-emitting component operation to prevent elevated light emission, rather than reacting after the problem arises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a closed-loop feedback system where sensors continuously monitor temperature, light intensity, proximity, and package integrity, feeding this information to the control circuit. The control circuit processes sensor inputs and adjusts the operation of light-emitting components in real-time based on the feedback, maintaining safe operation while preserving light emission capability.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and control circuits are integrated into packaged light-emitting devices, then light emission safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple safety functions (temperature monitoring, light intensity monitoring, proximity detection, package integrity verification) and the control circuit into a single integrated packaged light-emitting device. This consolidation achieves comprehensive safety protection while managing complexity by integrating components into one unified package rather than distributing them separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaged light-emitting device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a light source and as an integrated safety monitoring system. The device universally handles multiple safety functions through its embedded sensors and control circuit, eliminating the need for separate safety systems and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If protection circuitry with multiple sensors is integrated into light-emitting devices, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action in manufacturing by pre-integrating the control circuit and sensors into the packaged light-emitting device during fabrication. This preliminary integration ensures safety monitoring capability is built-in from the start, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by eliminating the need for separate post-assembly integration of safety components.
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
This solution streamlines the development of head-mounted devices by enhancing light emission safety, reducing resource consumption, and ensuring regulatory compliance across various configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The photodetector may be configured to measure a portion of the emitted light that is reflected from a coating on an inner surface of the cover to monitor for elevated light emission from the light-emitting component
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor may be thermally coupled to the light-emitting component. If the light-emitting component is emitting an elevated amount of light, the temperature of the light-emitting component may be elevated
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device such as a head-mounted device may have gaze tracking sensors and other circuits that include packaged light-emitting devices. The packaged light-emitting devices may each include a light-emitting component such as a light-emitting diode or laser that emits infrared light or light of other wavelengths. The packaged light-emitting devices may have protection circuitry. The protection circuitry of each device may include one or more sensors such as a package integrity sensor, a proximity sensor, a photodetector for measuring emitted light intensity, a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature associated with the light-emitting component, and a current sensor. A control circuit such as an integrated circuit containing a comparator or other analog circuitry and/or a digital control circuit may gather information from one or more of the sensors and may control the light-emitting component based on the sensor information to prevent elevated light emission intensities.