Prism-Based Lighting Device for Gesture Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices for gesture recognition apparatuses face challenges in achieving a compact construction with minimal distortion, particularly in devices with limited installation space such as mobile phones and motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a prism along the illumination light path between the first optical component and the reflective element, allowing the illumination light to pass through twice, which reduces the angle of incidence and distortion, enabling more uniform illumination with reduced installation space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the neutral location of the reflective element is aligned at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the illumination light path, then distortion of the illumination light is minimized, but the lighting device requires a great deal of installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter that redirects a portion of the illumination light path into a different spatial dimension (perpendicular direction), allowing the light to travel a longer effective path while maintaining a compact physical footprint. This dimensional change enables the system to achieve 45-degree alignment benefits without proportionally increasing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple optical components (beam splitter, reflective element, lens) into a nested configuration where components are arranged concentrically or in overlapping paths. The beam splitter is positioned to divide the light path, allowing the reflective element to be tilted at 45 degrees while the overall assembly maintains a compact form factor through nested arrangement of optical elements.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact construction is achieved with reduced installation space, then the lighting device can be integrated into space-constrained devices, but distortion of the illumination light increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using the beam splitter to create a perpendicular light path segment, the system achieves effective 45-degree alignment in a compact space. The light travels in multiple dimensions rather than a single linear path, allowing compact construction while maintaining proper alignment angles for minimal distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary optical element that mediates between the compact space constraint and the 45-degree alignment requirement. It redirects the light path to achieve the necessary angle while maintaining a compact overall device footprint, effectively bridging the conflict between size and alignment precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the angle of incidence at the reflective element is reduced, then distortion is reduced and illumination becomes more uniform, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination light path into multiple segments using the beam splitter. Instead of a single complex tilted arrangement, the light path is divided into separate segments (direct path and reflected path), each with simpler geometry. This segmentation achieves the 45-degree alignment while keeping individual component arrangements relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter serves as an intermediary that simplifies the overall optical arrangement by providing a straightforward 45-degree reflection path. Rather than requiring complex mechanical tilting mechanisms or intricate optical component positioning, the beam splitter mediates the light path to achieve uniform illumination through a simple geometric reflection.
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 solution results in a compact lighting device with reduced distortion and more uniform illumination, allowing for effective gesture recognition even at angles less than 45 degrees, thereby addressing the need for a compact and efficient lighting solution.
Implementation Method 1
the prism is configured such that the illumination light passes through the prism twice on its way to the reflective element and from the reflective element
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a lighting device for detecting three-dimensional structures, in particular for a gesture recognition apparatus, as well as a gesture recognition apparatus having a lighting device. In order to be able to compactly construct the lighting device, the lighting device includes a prism through which illumination light (L) passes twice in order to illuminate a gesture.