Programmable light beam shape altering device using programmable micromirrors
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of shaping a light beam for a stage lighting device, comprising:
- forming a light beam of a first shape;
defining a second shape as an object of morphing; and
morphing the shape of the light beam from the first shape to the second shape.
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Abstract
A digital micromirror device ("DMD") is used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMD selectively reflects some light, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follows the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively in follows the performer'"'"'s image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.
73 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of shaping a light beam for a stage lighting device, comprising:
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forming a light beam of a first shape; defining a second shape as an object of morphing; and morphing the shape of the light beam from the first shape to the second shape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A stage lighting spot light apparatus, comprising:
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a first element which determines a shape of a performer on the stage and produces a digital representation indicative thereof; a memory, storing said digital representation; a light shape altering device, in a path of a beam of light and connected to receive a signal from said memory, said light shape altering device automatically altering a shape of said beam of light to substantially conform with contents of said digital representation in said memory. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of lighting a performer on a stage, comprising:
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obtaining an image of a portion of the stage which includes the performer; processing said image to automatically determine a shape of the performer in said image; forming a digital representation of said shape; and using said digital representation to automatically form a light beam having the shape of the performer, to thereby project a light beam in the shape of the performer. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method of illuminating a stage performer, comprising:
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obtaining information indicative of a shape of the performer on the stage within a field of view of a light beam projecting device; adjusting said information to shrink an outline of the shape and to form modified information; and using said modified information to alter a shape of light being projected to thereby project a beam of light having the shrunk shape of the performer. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of forming a shadowless spot light, comprising:
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analyzing an image of a stage including the performer thereon to determine a shape of the performer on the stage; and automatically adjusting a shape of light projected onto the stage to conform with said shape of the performer. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification