Multi-Band Phosphor NIR Illumination for Color Night Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems for security and autonomous driving vehicles face challenges in effectively illuminating objects in dark environments using near-infrared light, as existing solutions do not provide sufficient visibility or color representation of reflected near-infrared images.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device comprising a light-emitting element and phosphors with peak emission wavelengths in different ranges (700 nm to 800 nm, 800 nm to 1100 nm, and 1100 nm to 1500 nm) that absorb and emit light, allowing for near-infrared illumination and image analysis to reproduce color in the visible light region, integrated with an infrared camera and image processing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-type phosphor is used for near-infrared emission, then the device structure is simple, but the visibility and color representation of reflected near-infrared images are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the near-infrared emission spectrum into three distinct wavelength ranges (700-800 nm, 800-1100 nm, and 1100-1500 nm), with each range covered by a specific phosphor type. This segmentation allows the imaging system to capture different spectral reflections separately, improving image visibility and color representation while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite phosphor system combining three different phosphor materials, each with distinct emission characteristics in the near-infrared region. This composite approach enables the generation of a broader and more differentiated spectral output, enhancing the ability to represent color information in near-infrared images without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple types of phosphors with different emission peak wavelengths are used, then the near-infrared illumination intensity and color representation improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific phosphor types to specific wavelength ranges, with each phosphor optimized for its designated spectral region. This localized optimization ensures high illumination intensity in each band while maintaining overall system manageability, as each phosphor component can be independently selected and tuned for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional phosphor system where the combination of three phosphor types enables the single light-emitting device to perform multiple spectral functions simultaneously. This universal approach allows the device to provide comprehensive near-infrared illumination across three distinct wavelength ranges, enhancing both intensity and color representation without requiring separate illumination sources for each band.
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 high-intensity near-infrared illumination and clear color image representation, improving visibility and data acquisition in dark conditions without causing glare or detection, suitable for security, ecology observation, and autonomous driving applications.
Implementation Method 1
a phosphor that absorbs at least a portion of light from the light-emitting element and emits light
Implementation Method 2
a phosphor that absorbs at least a portion of light from the light-emitting element and emits light
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting device includes a light-emitting element and a phosphor that absorbs at least a portion of light from the light-emitting element and emits light. The phosphor includes two or more types of phosphors each having a light emission peak wavelength in a different range. The two or more types of phosphors are selected from the group consisting of a first phosphor having a light emission peak wavelength within a first range of 700 nm to less than 800 nm, a second phosphor having a light emission peak wavelength within a second range of 800 nm to less than 1100 nm, and a third phosphor having a light emission peak wavelength within a third range of 1100 nm to less than 1500 nm.