Segmented Camera Flash Layout for Variable Angles of View

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light source devices for cameras in mobile terminals struggle to provide appropriate supplemental light that corresponds to the adjustable angles of view, especially when digital zoom is used.

Innovation Solution

A light source device comprising one or more first light source parts with multiple stacked bodies and one or more second light source parts, each with specific semiconductor layer configurations, along with a light-shielding member, to control light emission based on camera angles of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single light source part is used, then the device structure is simple, but the illumination cannot be adjusted for different angles of view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment for different angles of viewVSAvoidlight source structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source device is divided into multiple light source parts (first light source part with multiple first stacked bodies, second light source part with multiple second stacked bodies), each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows different regions to provide illumination optimized for specific angles of view, enabling adaptability without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control by independently adjusting the emission intensity of different light source parts based on the camera's angle of view. The control unit dynamically selects which light source parts to activate and at what intensity levels, allowing the illumination characteristics to adapt in real-time to the selected angle of view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light source parts are used for different angles of view, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupplemental light for different angles of viewVSAvoidmultiple stacked bodies configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different light source parts are assigned different local qualities - the first light source part with its multiple first stacked bodies is optimized for wide-angle illumination, while the second light source part with second stacked bodies is optimized for telephoto illumination. Each region has tailored characteristics suited to its specific function, improving overall adaptability while managing complexity through specialized design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The light source device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple light source parts that can serve different purposes. The same device structure can provide illumination for both wide-angle and telephoto modes, as well as intermediate angles, making it universally applicable across different camera functions without requiring separate lighting systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If wavelength conversion substances are used in stacked bodies, then light emission efficiency improves, but the substances degrade over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminous efficiencyVSAvoidwavelength conversion substance durability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wavelength conversion function is segmented across multiple independent stacked bodies rather than relying on a single large conversion layer. This segmentation distributes the conversion burden and allows individual bodies to be optimized for specific wavelength ranges, improving overall efficiency while reducing the stress on any single conversion material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures in the stacked bodies, combining different semiconductor materials with specific bandgaps and wavelength conversion materials. This composite approach allows optimization of both efficiency and durability by selecting materials that work synergistically, where the semiconductor layer generates light at one wavelength and the conversion material transforms it to the desired wavelength with minimal degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 device can irradiate appropriate supplemental light, ensuring bright illumination across varying camera angles of view, from wide-angle to telephoto, with high luminous efficiency and reduced wavelength conversion substance degradation.

Implementation Method 1

The first light source part includes two or more first stacked bodies; and each of the two or more first stacked bodies includes an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer stacked along a first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

each of the two or more first stacked bodies includes an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer stacked along a first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4597590A1Light source device
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NICHIA CORP
  • EP4597590A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4597590A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4597590A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A light source device includes one or more first light source parts, one or more second light source parts, and a light-shielding member located between the first and second light source parts. The first light source part includes two or more first stacked bodies. The second light source part includes one or more second stacked bodies. Each of the two or more first stacked bodies and the one or more second stacked bodies includes an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer stacked along the first direction. The two or more first stacked bodies of the first light source part are stacked continuously along the first direction. A quantity of the two or more first stacked bodies included in the first light source part is greater than a quantity of the one or more second stacked bodies included in the second light source part.