Programmable rotatable gobo system

• US 5,691,886 A
• Filed: 05/09/1996
• Issued: 11/25/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc. (Signify N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc. (Signify N.V.)
• Inventors: Stacy, Timothy D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen F.
• Application Number:
  US08/647,190
• Time in Patent Office: 565 Days
• Field of Search: 362/277, 362/282, 362/284, 362/293, 362/319, 362/322, 362/323, 362/324, 362/806, 362/811, 353/97
• US Class Current: 362/283
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/007 using rotating transparent or colored disks, e.g. gobo wheels
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/003 by interposition of elements with electrically controlled variable light transmissivity, e.g. liquid crystal elements or electrochromic devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/56 using liquid coolants F21V29/51 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/70 characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/04 for filtering out infrared radiation dichroic reflectors F21V7/22; using liquid-filled chambers F21V9/12
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/40 with provision for controlling spectral properties, e.g. colour, or intensity
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/406 for theatres, stages or film studios
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133385 with cooling means, e.g. fans
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1334 based on polymer dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133509 Filters, e.g. light shielding masks
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/16 Cooling; Preventing overheating
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/7441 the modulator being an array of liquid crystal cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3114 by using a sequential colour filter producing one colour at a time
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3144 Cooling systems cooling of liquid crystal cells in general G02F1/133382; cooling of projectors not peculiar to the presence of an electronic spatial light modulator G03B21/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3155 for controlling the light source light source control per se H05B35/00 – H05B47/00; control of an illumination source for displays in general G09G3/3406
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3197 using light modulating optical valves

Abstract

A high intensity light projector for stage, architectural and similar applications includes a controllable image quality projection gate providing advanced visual effects. The projection gate, capable of selectively scattering or transmitting incident light, may be constructed of an array of scattering liquid crystal material in combination with infrared and ultraviolet reduction means which provide in the high intensity beam, a stable thermal environment by minimizing the absorption of light by the projection gate. Additional thermal efficiency is provided by supplemental cooling means. Color control is also provided in the form of dichroic filter wheels forming cooperating adjustable low, high and band width filters including saturation control. A color measuring feedback sensor is also provided. An intensity measuring feedback sensor controls a spatially-modulated, variable-density, reflectively-coated dimming wheel. A programmable gobo system has provisions for gobo selection, orientation, and rotation.

Claims

1. A mechanism adapted for positioning plural gobos in a luminaire, comprising:

plural gobo holders mounted for rotation about plural, individual axes of rotation, said gobo holders supported by a rotatable carrier;

an actuator coupled to said carrier and operable to rotate said carrier about an axis of rotation thereof;

a drive component coupled to each gobo holder;

an actuator coupled to said drive component and operable to rotate said drive component about an axis of rotation thereof, said axis of rotation of said drive component being coincident with said axis of rotation of said carrier;

said gobo holders being disposed radially about said drive component.

2. A method of varying the position and orientation of gobos in a luminaire, comprising:

disposing plural, rotatable gobo holders radially about and in engagement with a central drive component;

providing a mechanism for revolving said gobo holders about said central drive component;

providing a mechanism for rotating said central drive component;

revolving said gobo holders to control the position of gobos mounted therein; and

rotating said central drive component to control the orientation of said gobos.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said mechanism for revolving and said central drive component are operated through equal numbers of degrees of angular displacement, in the same direction, and at the same angular velocity to vary the position of said gobos while maintaining the relative orientations of said gobos.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said mechanism for revolving and said central drive component are operated through different numbers of degrees of angular displacement or at different angular velocities to vary both the position and relative orientation of said gobos.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein said mechanism for revolving is held stationary while said central drive component is rotated to vary the relative orientation of said gobos.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein said mechanism for revolving is operated while said central drive component is held stationary to vary both the position and relative orientation of said gobos.