Light Emitting Device with Periodic Voltage Beam Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical beam scanning devices struggle to efficiently and quickly change the direction of the optical beam to multiple objects in a scene, particularly when determining distance information based on image data, due to varying voltage differences affecting the rate of change and convergence of the beam position.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting device with a control circuit that periodically changes the driving voltage within a predetermined range, controlling the timing and direction of the optical beam using an optical deflector, allowing efficient irradiation of physical objects by alternating the direction of the beam along two orthogonal axes with different rates of change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the optical beam direction is changed rapidly along the second direction to scan multiple objects, then the scanning speed and efficiency are improved, but the beam position convergence becomes slower and less precise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidbeam position convergence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit periodically changes the driving voltage to alternately control the optical beam direction along the first and second directions. This periodic switching allows the system to achieve rapid scanning along the second direction while periodically adjusting the first direction component to maintain beam convergence, thereby resolving the contradiction between scanning speed and positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the optical beam direction by varying the driving voltage applied to the optical deflector. The control circuit changes the voltage magnitude and direction based on the current scanning state and target object position, enabling adaptive control that achieves both rapid scanning and precise beam convergence at different stages of the scanning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the driving voltage is changed within a predetermined range to control beam direction, then the beam scanning is optimized, but the convergence speed to target objects varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam direction controlVSAvoidconvergence speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit changes the driving voltage parameter dynamically based on the scanning stage and target object position. By adjusting the voltage magnitude and rate of change according to the current state, the system optimizes beam direction control while compensating for convergence speed variations, achieving both ease of operation and consistent performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the optical beam is scanned across multiple objects in a scene, then the coverage and detection capability are improved, but the time required for complete scanning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject coverageVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit determines the scanning path and timing in advance based on the scene layout and object positions. By pre-planning the beam scanning sequence and optimizing the voltage control profile, the system minimizes scanning time while ensuring complete coverage of all target objects, thereby reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 efficient and rapid scanning of multiple objects by optimizing the beam's direction change, facilitating accurate distance measurement and image data acquisition, thereby enhancing the efficiency of optical beam irradiation and distance determination.

Implementation Method 1

an optical deflector that changes a direction of the optical beam in response to a driving voltage inputted to the optical deflector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS12422528B2Light emitting device, photo-detection system, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A light emitting device includes a light source that emits an optical beam in response to a control signal, an optical deflector that changes a direction of the optical beam in response to a driving voltage, and a control circuit that controls a timing of emission of the optical beam and the direction of the optical beam. The optical deflector is configured to change the direction of the optical beam along a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction and a rate of change in the direction of the optical beam along the first direction is lower than a rate of change in the direction of the optical beam along the second direction.