Abstract
Described are an improved automated luminaire and automated luminaire system with both a spot light and wash light mode of operation, which employs an improved beam shutter blade system that serves as framing shutters in spot light mode and barn doors in wash light mode.
Claims
1. An automated luminaire with a spot light mode, a wash light mode, and a planar framing shutter blade system comprised of a light modulation system configurable to generate hard edge spot light beam characteristic or soft wash light beam characteristics, and a plurality of framing shutter blades that are constrained to operate in parallel planes each articulated via a single member linkage with a single link to the shutter blade, where the framing shutter system is supported by a single central bearing assembly and is rotatable about an axis of the light beam.
2. The automated luminaire of claim 1, with a non-glass output lens which can nest inside a main housing body of the luminaire and extend out from frontal confines of the luminaire during use.
3. The automated luminaire of claim 1, wherein the linkage further comprising a single member pivot arm/lever linear actuator.
4. The automated luminaire of claim 1, wherein a framing shutter system is rotatable over rotation about a light beam axis.
5. The automated luminaire of claim 3 where the pivot arm has a pivot pin linkage on one end and a slot pin linkage on the other end.
6. An automated luminaire comprising: optics that can be remotely configured to operate in a spot light mode and reconfigured to operate in a wash light mode; and a planar framing shutter system with a single, single member linkage which brings the shutter in and out of the light beam with a constrained single degree of freedom and a rotating carrier which rotates the shutters over a revolution giving their movement relative to the light beam a second/rotational degree of freedom, where the rotating carrier is supported by a single central bearing assembly, and whereby when the luminaire is in a spot light mode the shutter system performs as a framing shutter and when the luminaire is in a wash light mode the shutter system affects the light beam like barn door shutters.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like features and wherein:
(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a multiparameter automated luminaire system;
(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art automated luminaire;
(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an improved beam framing system in an automated luminaire;
(5) FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an improved beam framing system in an automated luminaire;
(6) FIG. 5 illustrates select components of an embodiment of an improved beam framing system in an automated luminaire with an LED light source;
(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an embodiment of the invention;
(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the rear surface of an embodiment of the invention with all blades fully retracted;
(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the rear surface of an embodiment of the invention with two blades partially inserted;
(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the rear surface of an embodiment of the invention with all blades partially inserted;
(11) FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention, and;
(12) FIG. 11 illustrates a view of an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(13) Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the FIGUREs, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
(14) The present invention generally relates to an automated luminaire, specifically to the configuration of the optical systems within such a luminaire to provide the ability to obtain a wide range of zoom angles, while still providing a compact unit for rigging, storage and transportation.
(15) FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an improved beam framing system in an automated luminaire. Automated luminaire 12 may contain a lamp 21 and reflector 20 where the lamp and reflector may be moved relative to each other for beam hot-spot control, color modulation components 23 which may include, but are not limited to, color mixing flags or wheels, color wheels and other dichroic color control components, an imaging gate 24 which may be fixed in size or adjustable, imaging optical components which may include but are not limited to gobos, rotating gobos, framing shutters 25, beam shapers, variable frost filters, prisms and iris. The light beam from these images is focused by first lens 26, second lens 28, and Fresnel output lens 30. First lens 26 and second lens 28 may each comprise one or more optical elements, all or some of which may be moved backwards and forwards along the optical axis 19 of the automated luminaire 12 so as to direct light towards output lens 30. First lens 26 and second lens 28 may further homogenize and constrain the light beam and ensure that the light beam entirely fills output lens 30. Diffusion filter 27 may also optionally be inserted in the optical path to improve the homogenization and to further increase the maximum output angle. Output lens 30 may be a conventional Fresnel lens, an improved Fresnel lens with an increased number of smaller circumferential facets than a standard Fresnel lens, or a standard spherical or aspheric lens. First lens 26, second lens 28, and output lens 30 may be manufactured of glass, suitable transparent polymer such as acrylic or polycarbonate, or any other material as known in the art. Output lens 30 may be moved backwards and forwards along the optical axis 19 of the automated luminaire 12 so as to provide focus adjustment of the projected images of optical elements 25. The combination of first lens 26, second lens 28 and output lens 30 provide an output beam which is adjustable for both beam angle and focus by moving any or all of first lens 26, second lens 28 and output lens 30 backwards and forwards along optical axis 19. Output lens 30 is attached to a carrier 32 which supports output lens 30 and provides the movement along the optical axis. Framing shutters 25 may be adjusted to occlude a portion of the projected light beam. Framing shutters 25 may provide either a hard edged focused occlusion or a soft edged wash occlusion. The insertion of diffusion filter 27 in the optical path may further soften the projected edge of framing shutters 25.
(16) FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an improved beam framing system in an automated luminaire. FIG. 4 illustrates the system in a narrow angle configuration where output lens 30 is positioned outside the luminaire chassis 16 and first and second lenses 26 and 28 move to provide zoom and focus. Framing shutters 25 may be adjusted to occlude a portion of the projected light beam. Diffusion filter 27 may also optionally be inserted in the optical path to improve the homogenization and to further increase the maximum output angle. Framing shutters 25 may provide either a hard edged focused occlusion or a soft edged wash occlusion. The insertion of diffusion filter 27 in the optical path may further soften the projected edge of framing shutters 25.
(17) Through the system provided by carrier 32 and output lens 30, whose movement is constrained by rail(s) 34 along the light beam axis, the luminaire is capable of providing a very wide range of output beam angles. In one embodiment the described system provides a continuous zoom range of 5.5 in narrow angle to 60 in wide angle. In this specific embodiment, the addition of diffusion filter 27 changes the continuous zoom range to 20 in narrow angle to 75 in wide angle.
(18) FIG. 5 illustrates select components of an embodiment of an improved beam framing system in an automated luminaire with an LED light source. In this embodiment, the light source is an LED light source 18, which may have integrated optics 17. LED light source 18 may be a single color light source comprising, for example, white LEDs, or may comprise multiple colors of LEDs such as red, green and blue (RGB), or red, green, blue and white (RGBW) or any other combination of colored LEDs, whose output may be independently varied and mixed to provide any desired color. The optical system disclosed provides homogenization of the individual colors such that the output beam is of a single color, with no colored patterning or colored shadows. FIG. 5 illustrates the system in a narrow angle configuration where output lens 30, and first and second lenses 26 and 28 move to provide zoom and focus. Diffusion filter 27 may also optionally be inserted in the optical path to improve the homogenization and to further increase the maximum output angle. Framing shutters 25 may provide either a hard edged focused occlusion or a soft edged wash occlusion. The insertion of diffusion filter 27 in the optical path may further soften the projected edge of framing shutters 25. Diffusion filter 27 may be mounted on an arm or on other suitable articulation means such that it may be inserted or removed from the optical path as desired by the user to improve the homogenization and to further increase the maximum output angle. It is here illustrated removed from the optical path.
(19) Output lens 30 may be a conventional Fresnel lens or may be a Fresnel lens with a greatly increased number of circumferential facets. Output lens 30 may also be provided with either a planar rear surface or with a break-up or stippling pattern molded into the rear surface. If a Fresnel lens with a planar rear surface is used then the optical system herein disclosed may provide sharply focused images of imaging components 25 whereas a lens with a stippled back will provide softened, diffused images.
(20) FIG. 6 illustrates a view of the framing shutters 25 of an embodiment of the invention. Framing shutters 25 may comprise a frame 76 which may be mounted within the luminaire. Central aperture 71 constrains the main light path for the optical system of the luminaire. The central aperture 71 and framing shutters 25 are positioned at a point in the optical train such that the output optics may provide either a hard edge focus or a soft edge focus of the shutter blades in the output beam. Shutter blades 62, 64, 66 and 68 are framing shutter blades. Each of the shutter blades 62, 64, 66 and 68 may be separately and independently moved across the central aperture 71 through the respective operation of motors 52, 54, 56 and 58. In further embodiments the blade movement may be effected through cams, gears, sliders, linear actuators, linkages, or other mechanisms well known in the art to provide linear motion, without detracting from the invention. Each of the shutter blades 62, 64, 66 and 68 may be guided and constrained in movement to a single linear axis radial to the central aperture 71, and prevented from rotation, through guide pins, plates, or rails attached to top plate 78 and/or backing plate 70.
(21) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, shutter blades 62, 64, 66 and 68 and their associated motor and drive systems may be mounted on backing plate 70. Backing plate 70 and the framing shutter system complete with blades and motors may further be rotated in its entirety about central aperture 71 by gear 74 driven by motor 72. In the embodiment shown, the backing plate 70 has gear teeth 69, which mesh with the gear teeth 73 of the gear 74. Although a gear system is illustrated for the rotation of backing plate 70, the invention is not so limited and any system for rotating backing plate 70 may be utilized. In other embodiments, the backing plate rotation may be effected through direct drive, belt drives, friction drives, or other mechanisms well known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, motors 52, 54, 56, 58 and 72 are stepper motors. In other embodiments, other motors or drives such as servo motors or linear actuators may be employed as well understood in the art. In the system illustrated the rotation of backing plate 70 and thus the framing system is restricted to 180. However, the invention is not so limited and any rotation angle, up to and including a full 360, or fully continuous rotation is possible.
(22) FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the rear surface of an embodiment of the invention with all blades fully retracted. Lever arms 92, 94, 96, and 98 are fixed to the output shafts 82, 84, 86, and 88 of their respective motors 52, 54, 56, and 58 (not shown). Taking a single motor, 54, as an example. When motor 54 rotates, its output shaft 84 also rotates. This causes lever arm 94 to turn and to transfer that rotary motion into a linear motion of pin 104 which is attached to a shutter blade. Pin 104 is constrained by slot 114 in backing plate 70 to move in a straight line. Similarly, motors 52, 56, and 58 (not shown) transfer their rotary motion to linear motions of associated shutter blade pins 102, 106, and 108 constrained by slots 112, 116, and 118. In the position illustrated in FIG. 7, all motors 52, 54, 56, and 58 (not shown) are rotated fully clockwise and all pins 102, 104, 106, and 108 are at the outer ends of slots 112, 114, 116, and 118.
(23) FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the rear surface of an embodiment of the invention with two blades partially inserted. In the position illustrated in FIG. 8, motor 56 is partially rotated such that output shaft 86 and lever arm 96 are also partially rotated. This rotation is translated to linear motion of pin 106 constrained by slot 116 so as to move shutter blade 66 so as to partially occlude central aperture 71. Similarly motor 52 is partially rotated such that output shaft 82 and lever arm 92 are also partially rotated. This rotation is translated to linear motion of pin 102 constrained by slot 112 so as to move shutter blade 62 so as to partially occlude central aperture 71. The remaining two motors 54 and 58 (not shown) remain rotated fully clockwise such that pins 104 and 108 are at the outer ends of slots 114, and 118, respectively.
(24) FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the rear surface of an embodiment of the invention with all blades partially inserted. In the position illustrated in FIG. 9, motor 56 is partially rotated such that output shaft 86 and lever arm 96 are also partially rotated. This rotation is translated to linear motion of pin 106 constrained by slot 116 so as to move shutter blade 66 so as to partially occlude central aperture 71. Similarly, motors 52, 54, and 58 are partially rotated such that output shafts 82, 84 and 88 and lever arms 92, 94 and 98 are also partially rotated. This rotation is translated to linear motion of pins 102, 104, and 108 constrained by slots 112, 114 and 118 so as to move shutter blades 62, 64, and 68 so as to partially occlude central aperture 71.
(25) Shutter blade 62 and shutter blade 66 may be in the same focal and mechanical plane. The luminaire firmware controlling the rotation of associated motors 52 and 56 ensures that the movement of the two blades is coordinate such that collisions cannot occur. Similarly shutter blades 64 and 68 may be in the same focal and mechanical plane. The luminaire firmware controlling the rotation of associated motors 54 and 58 ensures that the movement of the two blades is coordinate such that collisions cannot occur. Shutter blade 62 and shutter blade 66 may be in a different focal and mechanical plane to shutter blades 64 and 68 such that each pair may freely pass above or behind the other, perpendicular, pair without fear of collision.
(26) FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the framing shutters 25 of an embodiment of the invention. Framing shutters 25 may comprise a frame 76 which may be mounted within the luminaire. Central aperture 71 provides the main light path for the optical system of the luminaire. The central aperture 71 and framing shutters 25 are positioned at a point in the optical train such that the output optics may provide either a hard edge focus or a soft edge focus of the shutter blades in the output beam. Shutter blades 62, 64, 66 and 68 are framing shutter blades. Each of the blades 62, 64, 66 and 68 may be separately and independently moved across the central aperture 71 through the respective operation of motors 52, 54, 56 and 58. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, shutter blades 62, 64, 66 and 68 and their associated motor and drive systems may be mounted on backing plate 70. Backing plate 70 and the framing shutter system complete with blades and motors may further be rotated in its entirety about central aperture 71 by gear 74 driven by motor 72. In the embodiment shown, the backing plate 70 has gear teeth, which mesh with the gear teeth of the gear 74. Backing plate 70 is rotatably mounted to frame 76 through bearing assembly 77. Prior art systems often support such rotating assemblies on a plurality of small bearings situated around the periphery of backing plate 70, however a single large central bearing assembly 77 provides advantages in speed, accuracy, and smoothness of the rotational movement. Bearing assembly 77 may be a ball bearing, roller bearing, or other bearing system as well known in the art. In the system illustrated, the rotation of backing plate 70 and thus the framing system is restricted to 180. However, the invention is not so limited and any rotation angle, up to and including a full 360, or fully continuous rotation, is possible.
(27) FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the invention with top plate 78 removed revealing the underlying mechanism of shutter blades 62 and 66. Guide plates 75 and bearing assembly 77 serve to guide and align shutter blades 62 and 66 such that they remain parallel and in-line with each other. Similar guide plates (not shown) serve to guide and align shutter blades 64 and 68.
(28) The invention as disclosed provides a simple framing system for either a hard edge or wash luminaire capable of providing shuttering and beam control. Each blade may be moved linearly to partially occlude an optical aperture of the luminaire. Additionally, the entire framing mechanism may be rotated about that optical aperture.
(29) While the disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as disclosed herein. The disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
