Switchable Light Controller for Privacy Beam Direction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack the ability to effectively control or change the direction of light emission to enhance privacy and prevent specific individuals from viewing, such as in scenarios like a car dashboard, where light projection can interfere with the driver.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting device with a light controller that includes switchable diffusers and light shielding elements, allowing the light to be collimated or diffused based on the state of the controller, controlled by electrodes receiving control signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources and lenses are used to achieve variable beam patterns, then beam pattern versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam pattern versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light sources (first and second light sources) into a single integrated light emitting device, allowing them to work together through a shared controller to produce different beam patterns. This merging approach achieves beam pattern versatility without requiring separate complete lighting systems for each pattern type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to manage different light sources and produce various beam patterns (spot, flood, and intermediate patterns) through software control. The same hardware platform can generate multiple beam patterns by adjusting the illumination states of different light sources, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each beam type.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources are integrated in a housing, then beam pattern versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam pattern versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting device is divided into modular components including a housing, a light source assembly with multiple light sources, and a controller. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual modules that can be assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the capability for multiple beam patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves different beam patterns by changing the operational parameters (illumination states) of the light sources rather than requiring different physical configurations. The controller can independently control each light source to create spot, flood, or intermediate beam patterns, allowing flexible beam pattern generation without complex mechanical adjustments or multiple complete assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single light source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different lighting scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlighting scenario adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the controller can adjust the illumination states of multiple light sources in real-time based on different lighting scenarios. This dynamic adjustment allows a single integrated device to adapt to various lighting requirements (spotlighting, floodlighting, intermediate patterns) without requiring multiple separate static lighting systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves adaptability to different lighting scenarios by changing the operational parameters of the light sources through software control. The controller can modify intensity, duration, and combination states of different light sources to create appropriate lighting conditions for various scenarios, maintaining device simplicity while achieving high versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficiently adjust light direction to enhance privacy by either collimating or diffusing light, improving visibility and reducing distractions.

Implementation Method 1

The light controller (130) collimates the lights in the first state (SU1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Implementation Method 2

The light controller (130) diffuses the lights in the second state (SU2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4293418B1Light emitting device
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 INNOLUX CORP
  • EP4293418B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293418B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293418B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A light emitting device (100) includes a plurality of light emitting elements (120) and a light controller (130). The light emitting elements (120) are for emitting lights. The light controller (130) is disposed on the light emitting elements (120) for the lights passing through, which is switchable in a first state (SU1) and a second state (SU2). The light controller (130) collimates the lights in the first state (SU1) and diffuses the lights in the second state (SU2).