Segmented Light Diffuser for Uniform Mobile Device Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source modules in small devices, such as mobile phones and cameras, often fail to provide adequate and uniform lighting, leading to harsh shadows and undesirable images due to inadequate diffusion of light, especially when dealing with multiple subjects under different ambient lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A light source module with an array of LEDs and a segmented light diffusing material, where each segment has distinct diffusing properties, is integrated into a mobile computing device. A controller adjusts the level of diffusion by selectively illuminating LEDs associated with specific segments or adjusting the electric current/voltage applied to the diffusing material based on detected characteristics of the scene, allowing for tailored light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a diffuser is used to spread light from the LED, then light diffusion is improved, but light intensity and coverage to distant subjects deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light diffusing material is divided into multiple segments with different light diffusing properties. Some segments provide strong diffusion for close subjects while other segments provide minimal diffusion for distant subjects, allowing simultaneous coverage of both near and far areas with appropriate light characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the light diffusing material are assigned different local qualities (diffusion properties) based on their function. Segments closer to the LED provide stronger diffusion, while outer segments provide weaker diffusion, creating a gradient that optimizes light distribution across varying distances.
2Illumination intensity
If a diffuser directs light at a closer subject, then illumination intensity to the closer subject is improved, but harsh light and hard shadows are created
Solution Approach 1:
The light diffusing material is segmented so that only specific segments are activated based on subject distance. For close subjects, segments with appropriate diffusion properties are illuminated, providing sufficient light intensity while maintaining soft, diffuse lighting that avoids harsh shadows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which segments of the light diffusing material are illuminated based on detected subject characteristics. The controller activates specific segments in real-time, allowing the lighting properties to adapt to the subject distance and prevent harsh lighting conditions.
3Device complexity
If a single diffusing property is used for all subjects, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different scene conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single uniform diffuser, the light diffusing material is divided into multiple controllable segments. Each segment can be independently activated or deactivated, providing adaptability to different scene conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be controlled through selective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented light diffusing material serves multiple functions within a single component structure. The same physical segments can provide different diffusion levels depending on which ones are activated, allowing the system to adapt to various scene configurations without requiring multiple separate diffusers.
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 solution ensures more even and appropriate lighting for subjects within the camera's field of view, reducing harsh shadows and improving image quality by dynamically adjusting the diffusion of light according to the scene's conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light diffusing material that is positioned relative to the illumination array by a housing such that light emitted from one or more of the illumination elements passes through the light diffusing material
Data Source
AI summary
A light source module includes an array of illumination elements and a light diffusing material. The light source module is configured to receive a control signal for adjusting diffusion of light emitted from the light source module and in response adjust the amount of diffusion of light emitted from the light source module. A light source module may include a segmented light diffusing material where each segment is associated with an illumination element. And individual segments may have light diffusing properties that are different than other segments of the light diffusing material. Some illumination elements may emit light of a different color spectrum than other illumination elements, and a light diffusing material may scatter the different colored light to illuminate a scene with combinations of light of different colors. A light source module may be embedded in a mobile computing device.