Reflecting Structure Virtual LED Array Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current illumination systems for pixelated illumination require a large number of LEDs, leading to high costs and limiting their use mainly to the professional market, while existing solutions fail to efficiently achieve high pixelation with reduced costs.

Innovation Solution

An illumination device utilizing a reflecting structure between the array of light emitting devices and projection optics to create a virtual extension of the LEDs, allowing for high pixelation with a reduced number of LEDs, thereby minimizing costs and improving system efficiency by redirecting otherwise lost light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large number of LEDs are used to achieve high pixelation, then the degree of pixelation is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegree of pixelationVSAvoidnumber of LEDs
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a reflecting structure to create a virtual copy of the LED array, effectively doubling the pixelation without adding physical LEDs. The reflection creates an apparent extension of the light source array, allowing high-resolution pixelation with a reduced physical component count

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The reflecting structure utilizes the spatial dimension by positioning mirrors at specific angles to redirect light paths. This creates a virtual extension of the LED array in a different spatial configuration, achieving higher pixelation through dimensional manipulation rather than simply adding more LEDs in the original plane

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a large number of LEDs are used to achieve high pixelation, then the degree of pixelation is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegree of pixelationVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By creating a virtual copy of the LED array through reflection, the system achieves high pixelation without the proportional increase in component costs that would result from using twice as many physical LEDs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The reflecting structure acts as an intermediary element that enables the system to achieve high pixelation indirectly through optical manipulation rather than directly through increased component quantity, thereby reducing overall system cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If conventional illumination systems are used, then the structure is simple, but light distribution efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution efficiencyVSAvoidoptical structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs adjustable reflecting surfaces that can dynamically redirect light paths to optimize illumination distribution. This dynamic optical manipulation improves light utilization efficiency by adaptively directing light to where it is needed most

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reflecting structure ensures continuous and efficient light distribution by capturing and redirecting light that would otherwise be lost, maintaining useful illumination action across the entire target area without interruption or waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

The solution achieves a high degree of pixelation with reduced LED usage, lowering costs and enhancing system efficiency, enabling the creation of pixelated illumination patterns with improved light distribution and reduced bulkiness of optics.

Implementation Method 1

a reflecting structure having a first opening facing the array of light emitting devices and a second opening facing the projection optics, and a reflective surface connecting the first and second opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2191655B8Illumination device for pixelated illumination
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

An illumination device (1) for pixelated illumination of a target area (3) comprising: an array (4) of light emitting devices; projection optics (5) arranged in between the array (4) of light emitting devices and the target area (3); a reflecting structure (6) having a first opening (9) facing the array (4) of light emitting devices and a second opening (10) facing the projection optics (5), and a reflective surface connecting the first and second opening, the surface enclosing and facing an optical axis (11) of the projection optics (5). The projection optics (5) is adapted to image the array (4) of light emitting devices, and a virtual extension thereof created by the reflecting structure (6), onto the target area (3), thereby generating an extended pixelated illumination pattern (2). By utilizing a reflecting structure to create a virtual extension of the array of light emitting devices, a high degree of pixelation can be achieved in the illumination pattern while minimizing the number of light emitting devices required. Thus, increased efficiency and reduce costs can be achieved.