Programmable light beam shape altering device using programmable micromirrors
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of shaping a light beam in an electronic device, comprising:
- projecting a beam of light;
obtaining an electronic image indicating a desired shape of said beam of light;
using software to control an electronically-controllable shape altering element which is located in a path of the beam of light based on said image; and
projecting an image which has been shaped based on the controlled shape altering element.
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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 follows the performer'"'"'s image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.
43 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of shaping a light beam in an electronic device, comprising:
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projecting a beam of light;
obtaining an electronic image indicating a desired shape of said beam of light;
using software to control an electronically-controllable shape altering element which is located in a path of the beam of light based on said image; and
projecting an image which has been shaped based on the controlled shape altering element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of projecting a shaped light beam, comprising:
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obtaining an image to use in shaping a light beam;
using said image to shape a light beam being projected;
requesting a change to said image;
dividing said change to said image into slices including at least first and second slices;
determining a time for an increment between said first slice and said second slice of changing the image; and
changing said image from a first characteristic to a second characteristic, using one of said slices at each of said times. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification