Segmented Light Source Device with Fresnel Lenses for Selective Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light sources, such as those used in camera flashes, lack the ability to selectively emit light onto specific desired irradiation areas, resulting in inefficient light distribution and reduced illuminance control.

Innovation Solution

A light source device featuring a light-shielding member with openings and a light-guide member containing divided lens portions, allowing individual light-emitting parts to be turned on and off, enabling selective light emission onto distinct irradiation areas by adjusting the light-shielding member's coverage of the light-emitting surfaces and the design of Fresnel lens portions for precise light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional light sources are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to selectively emit light onto specific areas is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective light emission capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source device divides the light-emitting surface into multiple independent light-emitting parts (first light-emitting part, second light-emitting part, etc.) that can be individually controlled. Each light-emitting part corresponds to a specific irradiation area, allowing selective light emission onto desired areas by controlling which parts are activated, thus achieving the selective light emission capability without requiring complex mechanical moving components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A light-shielding member is introduced as an intermediary component that selectively blocks light from specific light-emitting parts. By positioning the light-shielding member to cover certain light-emitting parts while leaving others exposed, the device achieves selective light emission onto desired irradiation areas. This intermediary approach provides a simple and effective solution for directional light control without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If all light-emitting parts are turned on, then the total light output is maximized, but the illuminance control for specific areas is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveilluminance controlVSAvoidlight energy distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is segmented into multiple independently controllable light-emitting parts, each responsible for a specific irradiation area. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary light-emitting parts for desired illumination areas, thereby maintaining high illuminance control for target regions while reducing energy waste from unnecessary light emission in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of activating all light-emitting parts simultaneously, the device employs partial action by turning on only the specific light-emitting parts corresponding to desired irradiation areas. This partial activation approach optimizes energy utilization by avoiding excessive light emission in areas where illumination is not required, while still providing sufficient light output for the target areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a light-shielding member covers portions of light-emitting surfaces, then selective light projection is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective light projection capabilityVSAvoidalignment precision between light-shielding member and light-emitting parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light-emitting surface is segmented into discrete light-emitting parts with clearly defined positions and areas. The light-shielding member is designed with corresponding opening patterns that match these segmented areas. This segmentation approach simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing independent fabrication of standardized light-emitting parts and light-shielding components, reducing the overall alignment precision requirements compared to a continuous light-emitting surface design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light-shielding member's opening pattern is designed as a copy or template of the desired light emission pattern. By using this copying approach, the complex selective light projection function is achieved through a simplified design where the light-shielding member's geometry directly corresponds to the target irradiation areas, making manufacturing more straightforward and reducing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 achieves selective light projection onto desired areas, increasing illuminance within the target region while minimizing light outside the intended area, enhancing the efficiency and control of light distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a light-guide member located in the opening in a top view and including two or more divided lens portions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

Each of the light-emitting parts has an upper surface serving as a light-emitting surface... lens portions... for precise light distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

The light-shielding member covers a portion of the light-emitting surface of at least one of the plurality of light-emitting parts in the top view

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3805859B1Light source device
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 NICHIA CORP
  • EP3805859B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3805859B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3805859B1 patent drawingFigure 1E~1F

AI summary

A light source device includes: a light-shielding member (10) defining an opening (10a); a light-guide member (20) located in the opening in a top view and including two or more divided lens portions; and a plurality of light-emitting parts (1, 1a-1h) disposed such that each of the plurality of light-emitting parts corresponds to a respective one of the lens portions, each of the plurality of light-emitting parts being configured to be individually turned on. Each of the light-emitting parts has an upper surface serving as a light-emitting surface. The light-shielding member covers a portion of the light-emitting surface of at least one of the plurality of light-emitting parts in the top view. The lens portions are Fresnel lenses.