Varying Pixel Shapes for Undistorted Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices with light-emitting pixels struggle to maintain optical image quality and efficiency, often resulting in distorted images and increased pixel surface area, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a pixel array featuring light-emitting pixels of varying shapes and sizes, utilizing imaging optics to minimize distortion and achieve undistorted or minimally distorted optical images in the illumination region, while allowing for flexible light distribution with separately controllable pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional lighting devices use uniform pixel arrays with regular shapes, then manufacturing is simpler, but optical image distortion occurs and pixel surface area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by varying the shapes of pixels within the pixel array. Different pixels have different geometric shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, triangular, circular) rather than using uniform shapes. This asymmetric design compensates for optical distortions in the imaging system, allowing undistorted or minimally distorted optical images to be generated while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different shapes to pixels at different locations within the pixel array. The shape of each pixel is specifically tailored to its position and the local optical distortion characteristics. This allows the pixel array to collectively compensate for spatially varying optical distortions, improving overall image quality without requiring complex global adjustments
2Area of stationary object
If more pixels with uniform size are used, then illumination coverage increases, but pixel surface area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the size and shape parameters of pixels across the array. Pixels closer to the center of the illumination region may have different dimensions than pixels at the periphery. This allows the pixel array to achieve uniform illumination coverage across the entire target area while using fewer total pixels, reducing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional variation by allowing pixels to have different shapes and sizes in the plan view. This dimensional diversity enables the pixel array to cover a larger illumination area effectively, as the varied pixel geometries can be optimally distributed to fill the illumination region without requiring a uniform increase in pixel count
3Measurement precision
If pixel array is optimized for central region, then spatial resolution in center improves, but peripheral illumination quality may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by tailoring pixel shapes and sizes to the specific requirements of different regions within the illumination area. Central pixels may have shapes optimized for high spatial resolution, while peripheral pixels have shapes optimized for coverage and minimal distortion. This localized optimization ensures high quality across the entire illumination region without compromising peripheral performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying pixel geometry parameters across the array. The shape and size parameters are adjusted as a function of position within the pixel array, allowing the system to maintain consistent optical image quality from center to periphery. This gradual parameter transition ensures smooth illumination distribution and uniform resolution characteristics
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 solution enables cost-effective lighting devices with reduced pixel surface area and number, providing high spatial resolution in central illumination regions and lower resolution further out, suitable for applications like headlamps, while maintaining optical image quality and large illumination coverage.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting device comprises an imaging optics arranged downstream of the pixel array for optically imaging a light radiation generated by means of the pixel array
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device includes a pixel array of light-emitting pixels arranged next to one another. The pixel array includes light-emitting pixels with different pixel shapes.