Rectangular Light Source Split Pattern Illumination Uniformity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminating optical systems with light sources having a light emitting surface divided into multiple areas result in uneven illumination at the illumination-target member, leading to suboptimal image formation.
Innovation Solution
A substantially rectangular-shaped light source with a split pattern is used in conjunction with an optical member that condenses light to form a rectangular radiation pattern, aligning the image formation positions along the longer and shorter sides of the radiation-target area to minimize uneven illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a light source with a light emitting surface divided into multiple areas is used, then the light source can be structured with specific patterns, but uneven illumination occurs at the illumination-target member
Solution Approach 1:
An optical member is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the illumination-target member. This optical member forms an image of the light emitting surface that adjusts the distribution of light, transforming the split pattern into a configuration that achieves uniform illumination across the entire radiation-target area while maintaining the structured light source design
Solution Approach 2:
The optical member changes the imaging parameters by forming an image where the light emitting surface is projected with adjusted magnification and position. By controlling the image formation characteristics, the system transforms the non-uniform split pattern into a uniform illumination distribution on the radiation-target area
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lenses are used to condense light, then light can be focused, but the outline of the irradiated area does not match the rectangular radiation-target area shape
Solution Approach 1:
The optical member is designed with different optical characteristics for different regions. By making the magnification and image formation properties vary across the optical element, the system achieves both effective light condensation and a rectangular irradiated area outline that precisely matches the radiation-target area shape
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 configuration effectively reduces the extent of uneven illumination at the illumination-target member, ensuring a more uniform and efficient light distribution, thereby improving image quality and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an optical member that condenses light departing the light emitting surface and radiates the condensed light toward the radiation-target area
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating optical system includes: a substantially rectangular-shaped light source that includes a light emitting surface with a split pattern formed thereat by a splitting line, the splitting line extending along a predetermined direction and splitting the light emitting surface into a plurality of separate areas; an illumination-target member that includes a rectangular radiation-target area; and an optical member in that condenses light departing the light emitting surface and radiates the condensed light toward the radiation-target area, wherein: an extent of uneven illumination attributable to an image of the split pattern at the light emitting surface of the light source, formed at the illumination-target member, is reduced.