Segmented Electrode Illumination for Switchable Ranging Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination apparatuses with shared electrodes for light emitters face challenges in independently controlling light emission, making it difficult to selectively activate only a portion of light emitters for precise light distribution patterns.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a light-emitting element with separate upper electrodes for each light emitter group and a drive circuit that manages distinct currents for each group, allowing independent control of first and second light emitters to achieve spot and uniform irradiation patterns without mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a shared electrode is used for all light emitters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control light emission from different light emitter groups is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into a shared lower electrode and multiple separate upper electrodes (first upper electrode and second upper electrode), each connected to different light emitter groups. This segmentation enables independent control of light emission from first light emitters and second light emitters while maintaining a simplified overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustments are used to switch between spot and uniform irradiation modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical adjustment mechanism is replaced with an electrical control system. By applying different drive signals to the first and second upper electrodes, the apparatus can switch between spot irradiation mode (using first light emitters) and uniform irradiation mode (using second light emitters) without any mechanical moving parts, thereby improving reliability and reducing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate upper electrodes are provided for each light emitter group, then the independent control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode configuration merges the advantages of separate control and simplified structure by combining a shared lower electrode with separate upper electrodes. The shared lower electrode reduces complexity, while the separate upper electrodes provide independent control capability, achieving an optimal balance between the two requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide an illumination apparatus and a ranging apparatus, the illumination apparatus including a light-emitting element that includes a plurality of light emitter groups, the illumination apparatus being suitable to drive the light emitter for each light emitter group.[Solving Means] An illumination apparatus according to the present technology includes a light-emitting element and a drive circuit. The light-emitting element includes a plurality of first light emitters, a plurality of second light emitters, a lower electrode that is connected to the plurality of first light emitters and the plurality of second light emitters, a first upper electrode that is connected to each of the plurality of first light emitters, and a second upper electrode that is connected to each of the plurality of second light emitters. The drive circuit determines a first current that flows between the lower electrode and the first upper electrode, and a second current that flows between the lower electrode and the second upper electrode.