Programmable light beam shape altering device using programmable micromirrors

• US 8,009,374 B2
• Filed: 04/07/2009
• Issued: 08/30/2011
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): Ben; Loha
• Application Number:
  US12/419,582
• Publication Number:
  US 20090190203A1
• Time in Patent Office: 875 Days
• Field of Search: 359/290, 359/291, 359/298, 359/896, 345/4, 345/55, 345/473, 345/630, 382181-184, 382190-195, 382/278, 382303-305, 250/398, 250/492.2, 250/492.23, 430/5, 348/239
• 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 shaping a light beam, comprising:

receiving an image;

storing said image in a memory; and

using said image in said memory as an outer stencil to shape an outer perimeter of a projected beam of light such that light is projected with said outer stencil, and substantially no light is projected outside said outer stencil.

2. A method as in claim 1, further comprising changing the image, in said memory, wherein said using comprises automatically changing a projected perimeter as the image changes.

3. A method as in claim 2, wherein said changing comprises changing said image at periodic intervals.

4. A method as in claim 3, wherein said changing comprises changing the image by a specified number of pixels per interval of time.

5. A method as in claim 4, wherein said specified number of pixels is 100 pixels.

6. A method as in claim 2, further comprising masking said image at specified times to prevent projection of said beam of light, said masking occurring at times between two projections of images.

7. A method as in claim 1, further comprising masking said image at specified times, to prevent projection of said beam of light.

8. A method as in claim 1, further comprising processing the image, to change an aspect of the image, said changing causing the outer perimeter of the projected beam of light to automatically change.

9. A method as in claim 8, further comprising projecting using a lamp, wherein said image processing is carried out in a device which is in a remote location from said lamp.

10. A method as in claim 1, wherein said memory is a video random-access memory.

11. A method of shaping a light beam, comprising:

receiving information indicative of multiple images which change over time;

at a first time, storing a first of said multiple images in a memory, and using said first image in said memory as a first outer stencil to shape an outer perimeter of a first projected beam of light such that light is projected with said first outer stencil, and substantially no light is projected outside said first outer stencil; and

at a second time, storing a second of said multiple images in said memory, and using said second image in said memory as a second outer stencil to shape an outer perimeter of a second projected beam of light such that light is projected with said second outer stencil, and substantially no light is projected outside said second outer stencil.

12. A method as in claim 11, wherein said memory is a video random-access memory.

13. A method as in claim 11, wherein said first and second images are only keyframes.

14. A lighting apparatus, comprising:

a receiver, receiving information indicative of an image;

a memory, storing said image; and

a light projecting gate, using said image in said memory as an outer stencil to shape an outer perimeter of a projected beam of light such that light is projected with said outer stencil, and substantially no light is projected outside said outer stencil.

15. An apparatus as in claim 14, further comprising a light source, projecting a beam that is shaped by said light projecting gate.

16. An apparatus as in claim 14, further comprising an image processor, changing the image in said memory, and automatically changing a projected perimeter as the image changes.

17. An apparatus as in claim 14, further comprising a controller, masking said image at specified times, to prevent projection of said beam of light.

18. An apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said memory is a video random-access memory.