Method of controlling a lighting device

• US 7,515,367 B2
• Filed: 02/28/2006
• Issued: 04/07/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/07/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Original Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Inventors: Hewlett, William E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ben; Loha
• Application Number:
  US11/365,344
• Publication Number:
  US 20060146393A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,134 Days
• Field of Search: 359/290, 359/291, 359/298, 382/128, 382/154, 382/164, 382/234, 382263-266, 382/278, 382/303, 382/304, 382/117, 382/145, 382/275, 382/282, 382173-177, 382181-184, 382190-195, 382/199, 382/200, 345/1.1, 345/3.4, 345/4, 345/55, 345/473, 315/312, 315316-318, 315292-294, 348/231.2, 348/E13.014, 348/E13.016, 348/77, 353/30, 353/94, 250/559.36, 358/1.12, 358/451, 358/409
• US Class Current: 359/896
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/406 for theatres, stages or film studios
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0833 the reflecting element being a micromechanical device, e.g. a MEMS mirror, DMD G02B26/0825 takes precedence; micromechanical devices in general B81B
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0841 the reflecting element being moved or deformed by electrostatic means
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2310/0235 Field-sequential colour display
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/346 based on modulation of the reflection angle, e.g. micromirrors micromirrors devices per se G02B26/0833
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/7458 the modulator being an array of deformable mirrors, e.g. digital micromirror device [DMD]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 359/90 Methods

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.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a lighting device, comprising:

establishing a parameter, from among a plurality of parameters of a lighting device at a controller, where the controller is separated from the lighting device by a channel, and where the plurality of parameters represents image processing operations to be carried out on images;

through an image processing operation, and based on the parameter, at a first time, selecting a first image from the controller, and at a second time, selecting a second image from the controller, where the second image is different than the first image; and

establishing said first image processed by said image processing operation at the controller, and sending information indicative thereof over said channel from said controller to said lighting device.

2. A method of controlling a lighting system having a lighting device, comprising:

establishing, at a controller, at least a first image parameter that represents an image processing operation to be carried out on an image;

image processing an animated image based on said first image parameter, to form an image processed animated image;

sending the image processed animated image over a channel from said controller to the lighting device; and

using the image processed animated image to shape the outer outline of a projected image that is projected by said lighting device.

3. A method of operating a lighting system comprising:

using a processor for varying parameters used for controlling each of a plurality of lights, wherein said varying comprises;

originating a first image from a central controller for a first scene, the first image being defined by a particular image parameter; and

originating a second image from the central controller for a second scene, the second image being defined by the particular image parameter,

using the first image at a first time to shape the outer perimeter of a projected light beam;

setting a change parameter to change between said first image and said second image, where the change parameter includes at least one of a speed of change, and a velocity of change; and

based on said change parameter, changing from the first image to the second image, by forming intermediate images between said first image and said second image, and using each of said intermediate images to shape the outer perimeter of the projected light beam.