Illumination device and corresponding system, method and computer program product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a lighting device and corresponding system, method, and computer program product. A lighting device, for example, which can be used in the show business or entertainment industry, includes a light radiation generator for projecting a lighting beam towards a lighting space including one or more non-desired lighting areas. A motorized device scans the lighting beam across the lighting space in accordance with a scan control signal received by the lighting device. There is provided: a drive circuit configured to control the emission of the lighting beam; and a processing circuit configured to sense the received scan control signal and the scan position of the lighting beam of the radiation generator. Since a received scan control signal that may cause the lighting beam to enter a non-desired lighting area is detected, the processing circuit acts on the motorized device and / or the drive circuit of the light radiation generator so as to inhibit the projection of the lighting beam towards the non-desired lighting area and prevent a possible risk of a photobiological nature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to lighting devices and corresponding systems, methods, and computer program products.

[0002] One or more embodiments may find use in, for example, show business or the entertainment industry. Background Art

[0003] In industries such as the show business or entertainment industry (mentioned herein purely by way of reference), lighting systems are often used which include light radiation generators (projectors) that emit light radiation under conditions which may, for example, give rise to risks of photobiological properties - in particular risks of photobiological properties for persons viewing such light radiation sources from a short distance.

[0004] These considerations apply independently of the nature of the light radiation generator, which may be of conventional type or an LED or laser generator. This may be the case, for example, with products commercially available from the applicant ClayPaky under the brand names SCENIUS UNICO, Axcor 600 or XTYLOS.

[0005] The (minimum) safe viewing distance for such sources is defined as the danger distance (HD).

[0006] The value of HD may depend on various parameters that can be modified, such as the apparent size and radiance of the source as perceived by the viewer.

[0007] In this respect, a standard has been developed over the years for lamp or LED sources, for example (IEC 62471), which can also be applied in the case of laser sources fulfilling subclause 4.4 of the 3rd edition of the IEC 60825 standard.

[0008] In the case of illumination sources (illuminators) that are assigned to a risk classification higher than the suppressed risk, for example a value in risk group RG3 (for laser sources), the corresponding classification according to the IEC 62471 standard can be justified in considerable detail based on factors such as the wavelength, the size of the source and the radiation at a distance HD calculated in the direction of beam propagation.

[0009] In applications such as those in the show business or entertainment industry (it should be noted again that these applications are considered here by way of reference and that this does not imply any limitation on the scope of possible applications of the embodiments), the illumination beam is oriented in various ways in three-dimensional space, for example, in order to perform functions commonly referred to as "panning" (rotation or scanning in the horizontal direction) and "tilting" (control of position in the vertical direction or height). This actually corresponds to the creation of a three-dimensional spherical area with a radius equal to the value HD around the light radiation generator, outside of which the viewer should remain to avoid exposure to any possible risks.

[0010] The aforementioned steering movement of the illumination beam in three-dimensional space is often referred to as "scanning" according to conventional terminology also accepted in the corresponding international safety standards: see, for example, the CFR of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, where "scanning laser radiation" is defined as "laser radiation having a propagation direction, origin, or pattern that varies with time relative to a fixed reference frame."

[0011] If it is assumed that the viewer (especially his eyes) may be located at a distance less than the value HD, it may be considered to limit the steering movement of the illumination beam (whether translational or tilting) and / or to deactivate the light radiation generator when the radiation may hit the viewer. It may also be considered to introduce an additional safety margin, for example, applying a margin of 2.5 m beyond the HD value.

[0012] To implement such a solution, one could consider limiting the beam steering possibilities in some way, for example by:

[0013] Create a physical shield that prevents the beam from propagating in a given direction;

[0014] Use proximity sensors; and / or

[0015] The direction of the beam is controlled via commands sent to the optical radiation generator initiated from a control console for managing the light (for example via the DMX digital multiplex protocol commonly used in the industry).

[0016] Besides proving to be expensive, the first solution is also subject to the difficulty represented by the fact that the optical radiation generators are often mounted on trusses in the vicinity of other generators, for which reason it is desirable to avoid restrictions in terms of the possibilities of translation and tilting movements.

[0017] Regarding the second solution, apart from the fact that this is also expensive, it proves to be sensitive to the possible presence of smoke or fog (often used in show business or the entertainment industry) which could alter the operation of the sensor.

[0018] The third solution has proven to be desirable as a whole, as it does not limit the freedom of the lighting designer and also allows the exploitation of at least two of the following advantageous features that are currently commonly present in many lighting systems:

[0019] Obtaining control of translational and tilting movements via high-precision stepper motors (with the ability to control steering even at a resolution of one order of magnitude), where these motors can include a position feedback control function, which has proven to be robust even for adverse environmental conditions; and

[0020] For example, using a control function (which may also be of the feedback control type), such as via the detection of current, to monitor the possibility of light emission in an accurate manner.

[0021] Such a solution enables precise control of both the beam direction and the light radiation intensity even within a single lighting device (or fixture).

[0022] However, it should be noted that this solution (basically as described in documents such as WO 2017 / 207276 A1 or WO 2018 / 154108 A1 - which corresponds to AU 2018 223 167 A1 - or described in US 6 002 505 A in a different application context) is exposed to possible risks associated with commands applied to the light radiation generator, for example, via the DMX protocol, initiated from a control unit (console).

[0023] In fact, the above control signals can be received in a modified manner without notifying the control unit of the signal; thus, the control unit does not have the possibility to react in order to prevent the orientation of the lighting beam in an undesired direction.

[0024] It has been noted that basically similar aspects and considerations may involve the use of photosensitive devices of various natures, such as:

[0025] Image capture and recording devices, such as, photographic cameras, video cameras, television cameras, smartphones, tablets (collectively referred to as "camera devices"); and

[0026] Detectors or sensors that are somewhat sensitive to light, such as, presence sensors operating in visible or invisible light (e.g., infrared) or sensors that can be used to measure distance (e.g., LIDAR systems) and can be equipped with a moving head.

[0027] In addition, it should be taken into account that, in addition to or as an alternative to the possible risk of a photobiological nature for the person viewing the light radiation source, there may also be a risk of interference of the light-sensitive device by the light radiation source, for example, in the case where an image is generated by a camera device, there is a corresponding risk of an undesired saturation (blooming) at least at a local level. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0028] An object of one or more embodiments is to overcome the drawbacks outlined above.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments, this object can be achieved by an illumination device having the characteristics mentioned in the various aspects of the embodiments. The illumination device (10) includes: a light radiation generator (12) configured to project an illumination beam (LB) towards an illumination space (LS1, LS2), the illumination space including at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2); a motorization device (14) of the light radiation generator (12), the motorization device (14) being configured to move the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12), whereby the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) is configured to scan the illumination space (LS1, LS2), and the motorization device (14) of the light radiation generator (12) can be controlled (102, 104) according to a scan control signal received (100) at the illumination device (10); a drive circuit (106) of the light radiation generator (12), the drive circuit (106) being configured to control the emission of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12); and a processing circuit configured (1020, 1060) to sense the scan control signal received (100, G) at the illumination device (10) and the scan position (1024, 1042, 1044, 1048, 12) of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12), the processing circuit being configured (1020, 1060) to control the movement of the motorization device (14) of the light radiation generator (12) and / or the drive circuit (106) due to detecting a scan control signal received (100) at the illumination device (10) that causes the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) to enter the at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2), so as to inhibit the projection of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) towards the at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2) of the illumination space (LS1, LS2).

[0030] One or more embodiments may relate to a corresponding lighting system. The lighting system (C, 10) includes: at least one lighting device (10); and a lighting control circuit (C) configured to send a preliminary scan control signal to the at least one lighting device (10) via a transmission channel (CS), wherein the scan control signal received (100) at the lighting device (10) is obtained by propagating the preliminary scan control signal via the transmission channel (CS).

[0031] One or more embodiments may relate to a corresponding method. The method includes: activating the processing circuit (1020, 1060) for sensing a scan control signal received (100) at the lighting device (10) and a scan position (1024, 1042, 1044, 1048, 12) of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12), whereby, due to detecting a scan control signal received at the lighting device (10) that causes the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) to enter at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2), the processing circuit (1020, 1060) controls the movement of the motorized device (14) of the light radiation generator (12) and / or the drive circuit (106) and inhibits the projection of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) towards the at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2) of the lighting space (LS1, LS2).

[0032] One or more embodiments may relate to a corresponding computer program product that can be loaded into the memory (transient or non-transient) of at least one processing device and includes a portion of software code for performing the steps of the method when the product runs on at least one computer. As used herein, a reference to such a computer program product is understood to be equivalent to a reference to a computer-readable device that contains instructions for controlling a processing system to coordinate the implementation of the method according to the present invention. The reference to "at least one computer device" emphasizes the possibility of implementing one or more embodiments in a modular and / or distributed form.

[0033] The above aspects each form a component of the technical teachings provided herein related to the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 The potential possible principles of the embodiments are illustrated in a side view;

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates the potential possible principle of an embodiment in a top - plane view corresponding to the side view of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3 presents the potential possible principle of an embodiment in a side view;

[0038] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 5A and Figure 5B as a whole presents a flowchart illustrating possible operating modes of some embodiments; and

[0040] Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrates possible usage modes of some embodiments in a side view that is substantially similar to the view of Figure 3 ;

[0041] It should be understood that, for clarity and simplicity of illustration, the various figures may not be reproduced at the same scale, and the same content may also apply to different parts of the same figure. Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

[0042] In the following description, various specific details are shown to enable a thorough understanding of the various examples of the embodiments. The embodiments can be obtained without one or more of the specific details or by using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail so as not to obscure the various aspects of the embodiments.

[0043] References made in the framework of this specification to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" are intended to indicate that the specific configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" that may appear at various points of the description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the specific configurations, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0044] The references used herein are provided for convenience only and thus do not limit the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments.

[0045] One or more embodiments may contemplate the limitation of a range of translation values and a range of tilt values (similarly within individual lighting devices included in a lighting system), and the range of translation values and the range of tilt values can be defined as:

[0046] One or more "desirable" lighting zones in which the functionality of the device or system will be fully utilized; and

[0047] One or more "undesired" lighting zones, in which the aim is to prevent any risks of a photobiological nature.

[0048] For example, in one or more embodiments, it may be contemplated (e.g., on the part of a lighting designer) to activate ("turn on") the optical radiation source in a desired lighting area or areas, and deactivate ("turn off") the optical radiation source in an undesired lighting area or areas.

[0049] Thus, an operating mechanism is created which is inherently safe and is not affected by the potentially unsatisfactory operation of the system for transmitting control signals to individual lighting devices (which operates, for example, via the DMX protocol).

[0050] For the sake of simplicity, and without implying any limitation, with reference to a possible use in the show business or entertainment industry, before a certain show, a lighting designer can program the lighting system - even at the level of each individual lighting device - to define a pair of lower and upper limit values both for pan and for tilt, to define the range that can be defined (for example, by the lighting designer himself via a control console) as "operational" or "desirable" or as "non-operational" or "undesirable".

[0051] In this regard, one can envisage, for example:

[0052] If the pan and tilt values received (e.g. via the DMX protocol) correspond to the range defined as the "operating" range, the device is activated (turned on); otherwise, in a complementary manner:

[0053] If the pan or tilt value received (eg via the DMX protocol) corresponds to a range defined as a "non-operational" range, the device is deactivated (turned off).

[0054] After being programmed in this manner, an individual lighting device may (e.g., at a CPU level that may be provided in the device itself and by operating according to standards known to itself) do the following:

[0055] verifying pan / tilt values received, for example, via the DMX protocol or in any other way (e.g., via commands of some other nature such as so-called light cues initiated from the console or from the local viewer, or in some other way);

[0056] Based on whether the received translation value and / or tilt value corresponds to a range where activation of the illumination beam emission is desired and thus permitted (as defined according to the previously given operating or non-operating ranges), or a range where activation of the illumination beam emission is not desired and thus not permitted, activate (turn on) or deactivate (turn off) the corresponding light radiation generator.

[0057] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 (in side view and top plan view respectively) refers to a situation where a scene or stage S installed on the ground or floor where the audience A is located is illuminated via an illumination system which, for simplicity (and in a non-limiting manner), is assumed to include two lighting devices 10.

[0058] It can be assumed that these two devices 10 have respective hazardous distance HD values (for simplicity, the hazardous distance HD values of the two devices are assumed to be the same), such that the devices 10 are expected to have:

[0059] An “operating” illumination range, i.e., the desired illumination range specified by LS1, which, with respect to tilt, includes values between T1 and T2 in a direction pointing upwards (away from the audience A), and with respect to translation, includes values between P1 and P2 in a direction pointing towards the center of the scene or stage (also away from the audience A here);

[0060] A “non-operating” illumination range, i.e., the undesired illumination range specified by LS2, which, with respect to tilt, again but in a direction pointing downwards (i.e., towards the audience A) includes values between T1 and T2, and with respect to translation, again but in a direction pointing away from the scene or stage (also towards the audience A here) includes values between P1 and P2.

[0061] One or more embodiments are suitable for defining a desired illumination range or area LS1 and an undesired illumination range or area LS2 in a situation such as that Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrated, such that the area occupied by the audience A is “covered” by the undesired illumination area LS2, in which area LS2, as discussed below, the illumination effect can be suppressed (e.g., by deactivating the light radiation generator, by dimming its emission intensity using the effect of current modulation, by increasing its apparent size or by preventing the light beam from being directed towards area LS2).

[0062] Figure 3(Again by way of example and for simplicity, referring only to the tilted case) refer to a system in which two devices 10 having a danger distance HD value (for simplicity, it is also assumed here that the danger distance HD value of both devices is the same) are configured to have:

[0063] an “operating” lighting range, i.e. the desired lighting range, specified by LS1, which is again comprised between values T1 and T2, pointing upwards (away from viewer A); and

[0064] The "non-operational" lighting range, ie the undesired lighting range designated by LS2, is likewise comprised between the values T1 and T2 but in a manner directed downwards (ie towards the viewer A).

[0065] In this case, the light beam of the device 10 can at least potentially be directed towards a member of the audience A located at a distance greater than the danger distance HD (e.g. Figure 3 ) or to a member of audience A located at a distance less than the danger distance HD (e.g., Figure 3 The center part is shown by the audience).

[0066] One or more embodiments are described in a Figure 3 The case illustrated in FIG. 1 is suitable for defining a desired illumination range or zone LS1 (in which the generators can be activated with their full emission potential) and an undesired illumination range or zone LS2 (in which the light radiation generators can be deactivated, or their emission intensity can be dimmed, for example using the effect of current modulation, or their apparent size can be increased, or their illumination beams can be prevented from being directed towards the zone LS2), such that the light radiation generators located in FIG. Figure 3 The further part of the audience at the side of the will be included in the range or area LS1, while the audience at the Figure 3 The closer portion of the audience at the center is included in the range or area LS2.

[0067] Solutions like the one exemplified here are suitable for integrating corresponding functions in a three-dimensional simulator to simplify the definition of orientation parameters by the lighting designer. In this way, the lighting designer can define the expected usage "scene", including the position of the light source 10, the configuration of the source (including the corresponding value of HD) and the position that the audience A is expected to occupy.

[0068] In this way, the simulator can calculate translation and tilt values (as exemplified here P1 and P2 , T1 and T2 ), wherein these parameters can be stored in the lighting system, in particular in a single device 10 .

[0069] As already discussed previously, reference to the ability of the light radiation generator of device 10 to be activated (turned on) or deactivated (turned off) depending on whether the light radiation generator of device 10 is oriented towards an allowed area (desired lighting area) LS1 or towards a prohibited area (undesired lighting area) LS2 corresponds to one of the various possible implementation modes of the following safety solution, which is intended to suppress or limit the intensity of the lighting effect in order to avoid risks of a photobiological nature.

[0070] For example, in one or more embodiments, the deactivation of one or more light radiation generators may not be complete and may be performed only partially (e.g. based on a command issued by a lighting designer), for example in the form of a reduction or dimming of the light radiation intensity (e.g. obtained via a current modulation action implemented according to standards known to those skilled in the art), which in practice corresponds to a reduction in the value of the distance HD.

[0071] Again, it is conceivable that a particular generator could be activated only for translation and tilt values within a range corresponding to permitted or desired lighting areas: for example, a particular generator could be kept activated (at full intensity) rather than being deactivated or subjected to dimming by configuring / programming the corresponding motorized device of the beam to prevent the motorized device from causing the beam to be projected towards prohibited or undesired lighting areas (non-operating areas).

[0072] Again, taking into account that the photobiological risk (e.g. at a thermal risk level) can actually be associated with the size of the light source perceived by the viewer, it is also possible to intervene in the light radiation generator (in a manner known per se, e.g. by intervening in the focusing optics) to modify the apparent size of the light radiation generator that can be perceived by the viewer.

[0073] It may be recalled here that by "apparent size" (or other terms currently in use, such as angular diameter, angular size, apparent diameter or viewing angle) is meant the range of sizes of an object as viewed from a certain viewing point (which may be expressed in degrees) or the angle of rotation that allows the viewer's eye or camera to move from one end of the viewed object to the other.

[0074] For example, the apparent size of a circle lying on a plane perpendicular to the vector from the viewpoint to the center of the circle can be expressed as follows:

[0075] δ=2arctan(d / 2D)

[0076] in:

[0077] d is the (real) diameter of the object; and

[0078] D is the distance between the viewing point and the object.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, instead of simply passing lower and upper limits (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the translation and tilt ranges defined by P1, P2 or T1, T2 are operated, and one or more embodiments may envision using multiple ranges, thereby making it possible to define a range with a ratio of Figures 1 to 3 The illustrated boundary shapes are complex and include desired lighting areas and undesired lighting areas.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, it is also possible to consider associating the values of the translation range and the tilt range by monitoring the translation command and the tilt command in a separate manner. Figures 1 to 3 Reference is made to a device (in short, source) 10 having mutually identical values for translation range and tilt range, but one or more embodiments may also envisage the possibility of using different values and / or also interfering with parameters such as orientation parameters generally defined as “deflection” or precession.

[0081] Again, although Figures 1 to 3 For simplicity, reference is made to sources 10 having the same hazard distance HD value, but one or more embodiments may also be equally applicable to light systems including sources 10 having HD values different from one another.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, to verify whether the translation value and the tilt value are simultaneously within the allowed operating range (operating range or expected lighting range), the following method may be used:

[0083] Creating a matrix of values "0" or "1" where, for example, the rows represent translation values and the columns represent tilt values (or vice versa of course); and

[0084] A processing function (e.g., a CPU function) (which may be included in the device 10 as considered herein, as discussed below) may estimate the absolute value of the angle in space based on the translation and tilt values fixed by the lighting designer, and upon modifying these values (which may be done by applying a rotational transformation of the reference axes), verify whether the lighting beam falls within or outside the intended operating limits.

[0085] Figure 4 Also illustrated are possible configurations of lighting systems that may use one or more lighting devices 10 according to one or more embodiments.

[0086] exist Figure 4 In the example, indicated by C is a control unit (console) provided with various commands (for example cursor or slider commands) according to standards known per se to those skilled in the art, which enable the operator to Figures 1 to 3Control the light intensity level (dimming command D), pan value (pan command P), tilt value (tilt command T), and other functions (function command F) of one or more lighting devices 10 in the usage scenarios of the types exemplified herein.

[0087] For simplicity, only one device 10 is referred to hereinafter. It should also be understood that what is discussed hereinafter can be applied to multiple devices 10 that are the same as or different from each other. In one or more embodiments, these devices can be devices 10 that use a light radiation generator of the type purchased from the applicant Clay Paky under the brand name XTYLOS.

[0088] The console C can be implemented, for example, in the form of a personal computer or a similar device (as schematically shown in the illustration on the right side of Figure 4 ).

[0089] Such a control unit can send corresponding control signals (e.g., dimming signals, pan signals, tilt signals, color signals, etc.) to the device 10 using a physical channel of any nature (wired or wireless). This can be achieved, for example, using the DMX (Digital Multiplexing) protocol, which is a digital communication standard commonly used for controlling stage lighting and also in the civil engineering field of building lighting.

[0090] As discussed in the introductory part of this specification, during propagation towards the source 10, the above "main" control signal emitted by the unit C may be corrupted after passing through the channel CS, and thus at the device 10, content that is at least partially different from the expected content regarding the pan and tilt commands is received.

[0091] In addition, this may occur under the following conditions: The device or devices 10 may be started according to an undesired modality (e.g., in terms of the intensity of the lighting beam and / or the apparent size of the source), and this undesired modality is also outside the boundaries of the desired lighting area or areas (represented by LS1 in Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0092] To cope with such undesired events, one or more embodiments can envisage sending the control signal received at the source 10 (e.g., via the input transceiver 100: This can be a transceiver operating according to the DMX protocol, but as already mentioned, it is not necessary to use such a protocol for the embodiments) to the control (or monitoring) circuit 102.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the circuit 102 can include a processing unit such as a microcontroller 1020 and an associated memory 1020a, and a monitoring function of the monitor type exemplified by block 1022 may be coupled to the memory 1020a.

[0094] The processing unit 1020 can cooperate, for example via the bus transceiver 1024, with the circuitry designated as a whole by 104 for driving the pan and tilt functions.

[0095] As Figure 4 Illustrated, the drive circuitry 104 can be coupled to:

[0096] A motorized device 14, which includes one or more motors that can control the pan and / or tilt position of the beam LB emitted by the light radiation generator 12 (e.g., a laser generator), and can optionally couple an optical device L12 to the motorized device 14; and

[0097] A detection circuitry (e.g., including a set of sensors) 16, which can detect the (effective) pan and / or tilt position of the beam LB emitted by the generator 12, i.e., the direction in which the beam LB of the light radiation emitted by the generator 12 is directed.

[0098] This type of motorized device and sensor system is known to those skilled in the art as they are used, for example, in commercial products such as the previously repeatedly mentioned product XTYLOS; this makes it redundant to provide a more detailed description herein.

[0099] For example, the circuitry 104 can include an additional transceiver 1042 that interacts with the transceiver 1024 in the circuitry 102 and has the ability to cooperate with a controller 1044 (e.g., implemented as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)), which in turn is configured (also in a manner known to those skilled in the art in this case) to cooperate with a drive component 1046 for controlling the motorized device 14 and an interface 1048 towards the detection circuitry 16.

[0100] In this way, the controller 1044 can obtain (essentially at the feedback level) signals indicating the effective position (e.g., in terms of pan and tilt) of the illumination beam LB generated by the generator 12.

[0101] Figure 4 The reference numeral 106 in the figure designates the drive circuitry of the generator 12, which can include, for example, a microcontroller 1060 that is configured to cooperate with the microcontroller 1020 and the generator 12 to implement the control function of the generator 12 in a manner that may cooperate with a hardware security circuit 1062 and a monitor function 1064.

[0102] These functions can include, for example:

[0103] Turning on (starting) and turning off (deactivating) the generator 12; and / or

[0104] Dimming of the light intensity emitted by the generator 12 when the generator 12 is turned on or activated; and / or

[0105] Changing the apparent size (angular diameter, angular dimension, apparent diameter or viewing angle, whatever the term used) of the generator 12: this latter function can be achieved by acting on the optical device L12 associated with the generator 12.

[0106] The lighting device 10 and more generally, as Figure 4 illustrated, the lighting system is suitable for use, for example, by a lighting designer, so as to reveal the possibility of identifying (e.g., operating on the control unit C to move the beam LB of the generator 12 by means of pan and tilt controls P and T according to criteria known per se) the general boundaries of the space that can be illuminated by the lighting system (one or more devices 10 controlled by the unit C).

[0107] In addition to the above, it is also possible to establish within the aforementioned space:[[]]

[0108] One or more regions LS1 (desired lighting regions) in which the lighting action can be carried out without any particular limitation or constraint, e.g., when the intensity of the lighting beam LB of the generator 12 can reach a desired (maximum) level;

[0109] One or more regions LS2 (undesired lighting regions) in which it is intended to inhibit or limit (restrain, confine) the lighting action, e.g., by reducing the intensity of the lighting beam LB of the generator 12 to, for example, 50% via a corresponding current modulation action or by changing the apparent size of the generator 12 (by acting on the optical device L12), or by completely deactivating the generator 12 or by intervening on the motorization device 14 to inhibit or limit the lighting action such that, regardless of whether the generator 12 is activated at full level or at a reduced level, the lighting beam LB is not projected towards the one or more regions LS2.

[0110] In fact, one or more embodiments may aim to take into account the fact that, as discussed in the introductory part of this specification, the "main" control signal issued by the unit C may be altered or corrupted during propagation through the channel CS (which operates, for example, according to the DMX protocol) and received at the device 10 (transceiver 100) such that the lighting beam LB of the generator 12 (possibly when the generator 12 is activated at maximum emission level) is directed towards an undesired lighting region or one of the undesired lighting regions LS2.

[0111] Thus, one or more embodiments can be envisioned where, in such a case, device 10 can be said to "disobey" the received command of change or disruption and implement one or more measures previously seen aimed at inhibiting the action of the illuminated area or areas LS2 (reducing the intensity of the illumination beam, changing the apparent size of the generator, complete deactivation of the generator, inhibitory intervention on the motorized device) to prevent, for example, the projection of unwanted light radiation towards a member of the audience A located at a distance less than the safety distance defined by HD from the source 10.

[0112] Again, by way of non - limiting example, for simplicity, referring to only one device 10 and only presenting one unwanted illuminated area LS2, possible usage strategies of the device 10 (and of the corresponding system) as illustrated herein can be envisioned to perform the actions presented below:

[0113] Determine a first translation margin or boundary P1 using the action of translation adjustment until the desired position (command P in unit C), and then save the corresponding fixed value in, for example, memory 1020a by holding down the command F of the DMX channel for, for example, five seconds;

[0114] Determine a second translation margin P2 using the action of translation adjustment until the desired position (command P in unit C), and then save the corresponding fixed value in, for example, memory 1020a by holding down the command F of the DMX channel for, for example, five seconds;

[0115] Identify the unwanted illuminated area LS2 as being inside or outside the translation margins P1 and P2 identified above; this can be obtained based on a value above or below the dimming level (e.g., a value above or below 50%); this solution (not necessary, of course) makes it possible to take into account the fact that the lighting designer operating from the lighting console or unit C may not have available commands (e.g., buttons) to select whether the unwanted illuminated area is inside or outside, and envision a selection based on the dimming level; for example, if above 50%, the unwanted illuminated area is inside; if below 50%, the unwanted illuminated area is outside (and vice versa);

[0116] Determine a first tilt margin or boundary T1 using the action of tilt adjustment until the desired position (command T in unit C), and then save the corresponding fixed value in, for example, memory 1020a by holding down the command F of the DMX channel for, for example, five seconds;

[0117] The second tilt margin T2 is determined by means of a tilt adjustment action (command T in cell C) up to the desired position and the corresponding fixed value is then saved, for example, in the memory 1020 a by keeping command F of the DMX channel pressed, for example, for five seconds;

[0118] For example, the undesired lighting area LS2 is identified as being located inside or outside the tilt margins T1 and T2 identified above, based on a value above or below a certain dimming level (e.g., a value above or below 50%);

[0119] The translation limits may be fixed by default (e.g., with DMX values of 0 and 65535), effectively undefining the area LS2 in the translation direction, enabling the generator 12 to be activated over the entire range of translational movement; and

[0120] The tilt limits may be fixed by default (eg, with DMX values of 0 and 65535), effectively undefining the area LS2 in the tilt direction, enabling activation of the generator 12 over the entire range of tilt movement.

[0121] As described above, the margins or boundaries P1, P2, T1, T2 of the (allowed or desired illumination) area LS1 and the (undesired illumination) area LS2 for both panning and tilting can be saved in a memory 1020a (e.g., non-volatile memory) that can be associated with the microcontroller 1020, for example.

[0122] In addition to the above, it is also possible to envisage the following functionality, for example:

[0123] Rewriting the new margin and amplitude values for region LS2 (and therefore region LS1) using the same process as used to first write the margin and amplitude values for region LS2;

[0124] Changing one of the translation margins without affecting another of the translation margins, wherein it is possible to redefine the allowed operating range (i.e., inside or outside the margins), as previously described;

[0125] Changing one of the translation margins without affecting another of the translation margins, wherein it is possible to redefine the allowed operating range (i.e., inside or outside the margins), as previously described;

[0126] extending the region LS2 (and therefore LS1 ) in the translation direction while remaining unmodified according to the dimming value in the presence of a change in the translation margin following a previous change made after a previous start-up of the device; and

[0127] In the presence of a change in tilt margin following a previous change made after the last start-up of the device, the area LS2 (and therefore LS1 ) is extended in the tilt direction, while remaining unmodified according to the dimming value.

[0128] Note again that in the case of a translational (rotational) movement greater than 360° (e.g., 540°), region LS2 can be identified with the aid of a modulo 360° operation, which effectively means that the translation angle between 360° and 540° can be considered as a translation angle between 0° and 180°.

[0129] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A flowchart illustrating a process inspired by the criteria outlined above is presented.

[0130] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The blocks of the flowchart illustrating the actions are as follows:

[0131] START: start;

[0132] 200: Start the power supply;

[0133] 202: Turn on device 10;

[0134] 204: Boot the CPU or CPUs of the device;

[0135] 206: Checking for correct boot, wherein a successful result is from a low-level check and retrieving a valid firmware image from memory;

[0136] 208: negative result of the boot, i.e. 206=N, wherein a backup image with a minimum set of functions is presented in view of the program end END;

[0137] 210: After a positive result in 206, i.e. 206=Y, a valid firmware image is implemented, optionally keeping the generator 12 deactivated;

[0138] 212: Home for movements such as pan and tilt;

[0139] 214: Possible homing for other movements (e.g. yaw) in addition to translation and tilt;

[0140] 216 : Development of the above actions for homing of the pan / tilt and other possible movements, wherein the various actions included in a given movement are verified with a view to checking the correct operation of the motorization device 14 and the sensor system 16 ;

[0141] 218: The completion of the homing process, for simplicity, is assumed to have been successful;

[0142] 220, 222, 224: Checks for the correct operation of the translation and tilt sensor system ( Figure 4 in 16), where, in the case of a negative result in one of these checks, i.e., 220 = N, 222 = N, 224 = N, the process fails, designated by F;

[0143] 226: Check for the completion of the verification program for the previous action, where, in the case of a negative result, i.e., 226 = N, return upstream of block 220;

[0144] 228: For example, when starting the system operation under the previously illustrated conditions;

[0145] 230: Determine the (updated) translation / tilt position by activating routine 232 for managing regions LS1, LS2.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, such routines may include complex actions aimed at verifying the correct operation of the motorized device 14, such as:

[0147] 234: Verify the possible out-of-step of the movement;

[0148] 236: Check whether the number of out-of-steps exceeds a certain threshold in the case of an out-of-step caused by the motorized device, i.e., 234 = Y;

[0149] 238: If it is found that the number of out-of-steps is higher than the above threshold, i.e., 236 = Y, force the generator 12 to shut down and declare the failure F of the process; and

[0150] 240: If it is found that the number of out-of-steps does not exceed a certain threshold, i.e., 236 = N, activate the compensation process and possibly return to the check in block 234.

[0151] After completing the verification process for the correct operation of the motorized device 14 (if contemplated), in block 242, it is also verified whether the command received by the device 10 (e.g., via transceiver 100) will cause the beam of the generator 12 to be outside the (desired) operating space LS1, i.e., towards the non-desired illumination area LS2, based on the position data obtained via the sensor system 16.

[0152] A positive result (242 = Y) from step 242 may correspond to an indication of the fact that the beam of the generator 12 is restricted to remain within the desired operating space LS1; in the actions illustrated in block 244, therefore, the generator 12 may be authorized to continue operating under the previously adopted conditions (e.g., in terms of the intensity and apparent size of the light beam).

[0153] A negative result (242 = N) of the check in step 242, where the beam of the indicator generator 12 can be brought beyond the boundary of the space LS1, i.e., towards the non-desired illumination area LS2, may lead, as schematically represented in block 246, to the implementation of measures aimed at suppressing the unwanted projection of the beam of the generator 12 outside the space LS1 (switching off or dimming the generator, reducing the apparent size, blocking the motorized device 14, which can be carried out individually or possibly in combination with each other, as previously discussed).

[0154] Block 248 illustrates the action of shifting the beam towards a new position via the motorized device 14 (if this movement is not suppressed in action 246), and associated with this action may be an inspection, illustrated in block 250, which can be initiated based on a signal provided by the sensor system 16 and which concerns whether the desired position has been reached, where, in the case of a negative result (250 = N), it returns upstream to action 230, or in the case of a positive result (250 = Y), the process ends (END).

[0155] Figure 6 and Figure 7 presents a possible usage pattern of the embodiment.

[0156] Figure 6 and Figure 7 reproduces a side view that is substantially similar to the view of Figure 3 : For this purpose, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 components or elements that are similar to those already described with respect to the previous figures are designated by the same reference numerals, and their detailed description is not repeated.

[0157] Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrate the possibility of implementing the operating criteria as previously illustrated according to an intelligent operating mode, which, as a possible supplement to the standard and short-range operating modes, combines the full range of the aperture of the beam LB of the source 10 in the standard mode (e.g., 1° to 7°) with the possibility of presenting a reduced hazard distance (HD) in the short-range mode.

[0158] For this purpose, the possibility of the following operation can be utilized: reducing (in a manner known per se) the current for driving the generator - for example, Figure 4 the generator 12 in

[0159] which, for example, uses three sets of laser diodes of different colors according to the RGB scheme - such that the hazard distance HD, regardless of the aperture of the beam LB, is (always) less than 8 m, and the hazard distance HD has a standard value of 25 m. In one or more embodiments, the aforementioned intelligent operating mode can be an alternative to the previously described standard and short-range modes.

[0160] In one or more embodiments, it is conceivable that the intelligent mode (likewise, the standard and short - range modes) can be selected by acting only, for example, manually on the device 10 (e.g., at the level of the unit 1020) without passing through the console C.

[0161] In one or more embodiments, the intelligent mode enables the enhancement of the standard and short - range modes by taking advantage of the possible definition of one or more non - desired illumination areas LS2, as previously discussed.

[0162] One or more embodiments can benefit from the possibility of generating the value of the hazardous distance HD from a measuring generator (e.g., the laser generator used in the product XTYLOS which has been previously mentioned several times).

[0163] For example (according to its own known standards), the brightness of such a generator can be reduced by 15% of its value by reducing in a suitable way the drive current of the laser diode of the generator to allow beam - mode operation at 8 m.

[0164] Of course, the foregoing values (e.g., 25 m, 8 m, 15%, etc.) are provided purely as non - limiting examples of embodiments.

[0165] In this way, as Figure 6 illustrated, for example, the following operations can be carried out:

[0166] By enabling the beam LB at full power or standard intensity (e.g., HD = 25 m) to be directed only towards the allowed illumination area or areas (i.e., LS1), and conversely, preventing the beam LB from being directed towards the non - desired illumination area LS2 for the tilt values included between T1 or T2, as previously described (e.g., with reference to Figure 5A and Figure 5B ) for operation;

[0167] Switching the generator (e.g., Figure 4 12 therein) to the short - range operation mode (e.g., HD = 8 m) so as to also prevent in this case the beam LB from reaching the non - desired illumination area LS2 in the part where there may be an object exposed to the photobiological risk (which has nothing to do with limiting the tilt values T1 or T2).

[0168] In one or more embodiments, it is conceivable that if no limiting value of this property is set, the selection of the intelligent mode implies a reduction of the drive current to have the maximum value of the hazardous distance HD (e.g., 8 m) regardless of the aperture of the beam (therefore including the beam mode) to account for the effects of thermal drift and corresponding tolerances.

[0169] Likewise, it is also conceivable that entry into high power standard mode (e.g. HD=25 mΩ), where the drive current is brought back to nominal value, may be obtained only in an "acceptable" region defined by the lighting designer (i.e. LS1), if the limitations are intentionally established by the lighting designer, e.g. prior to a show.

[0170] For example, you can use the same Figure 4 as well as Figure 5A and Figure 5B A firmware architecture similar to the one described achieves such a transition to HD=25m (e.g., limits such as T1 and T2 stored in a non-volatile manner in a memory such as 1020a; automatically going from 8m to 25m and vice versa once pan / tilt limits are exceeded; limits are set prior to the show, which can be controlled based on a checklist; etc.).

[0171] Again, recall that the numerical values mentioned herein (eg, 25m, 8m, 15%, etc.) are provided purely as non-limiting examples of implementations.

[0172] Figure 7 The possibility of envisaging a situation, such as that exemplified by a bystander designated by A1, is illustrated, where the bystander A1 may approach the source 10 in such a way that: Figure 7 Standard operation with HD = 25 m within the lower range (in the figure) or by switching the operation to short-range mode (HD = 8 m) may not be considered to exclude photobiological risks.

[0173] In this case, it is possible to envisage comprising a corresponding undesired illumination (sub)area LS2' between limits T1 and T2', wherein the projection of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator 12 towards this area LS2' is suppressed according to the previously described modality (for example, by envisaging deactivation of the generator 12 in the case of HD = 25 m in standard mode and in the case of HD = 8 m in short distance mode).

[0174] In general terms (this consideration applies in practice to all embodiments described or proposed herein), before the beam LB is oriented in a certain direction (the pan / tilt value set by the lighting designer), the processing unit (microcontroller) 1020 of the device 10 checks whether this direction is "acceptable" or whether an intervention is needed, for example, to modify the risk level (e.g. a reduction in the intensity of the lighting beam, if necessary, completely switching off the source or changing its apparent size).

[0175] Such a sequential approach of i) control, ii) possible modification of the risk level, iii) shifting of the beam in a set direction helps to prevent viewers from being struck by excessive light intensity.

[0176] As mentioned at the outset, it has been noted that with regard to the use of photosensitive devices of various nature, substantially similar aspects and considerations to those previously discussed can be envisaged, such as:

[0177] Camera devices, such as photo cameras, video cameras, television cameras, smartphones, tablet computers;

[0178] A detector or sensor that is sensitive to light to some extent, for example a presence sensor operating with visible or invisible light (eg infrared) or a sensor that can be used to measure distance and that can be equipped with a moving head.

[0179] Furthermore, it should be taken into account that, in addition to or as an alternative to the possible risks of photobiological properties of persons who happen to view the optical radiation source, there is also the risk that the photosensitive device will be disturbed by the optical radiation source, for example with a corresponding risk of undesired saturation (blooming) of the image generated by the camera device, at least at a local level.

[0180] It should also be noted that camera devices such as still cameras, television cameras, video cameras, smartphones, tablets are widely used in the show business or entertainment industry: purely by way of example consider the filming of performances such as concerts (with live and / or recorded transmissions).

[0181] Thus, one or more embodiments may envision that, when an illumination beam enters an undesired illumination area (e.g., the undesired illumination area previously defined as LS2), i.e., a volumetric space that can be defined by an end user, if there is a risk that the illumination beam directly illuminates the field of view (FOV) of the photosensitive device in a specific direction in space, the illumination beam of the light radiation generator is suppressed from being projected toward such a photosensitive device (e.g., by reducing the brightness of the light radiation source or completely turning off the light radiation source).

[0182] For example (and as already seen), the above-mentioned undesired illumination area can correspond to a space in which the projection of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator is suppressed (for example, where the light source is switched off or the brightness is reduced or the beam is suppressed from pointing in the direction of the aforementioned volume) so that when the illumination beam is directed towards the photosensitive device, it cannot have a negative impact on the performance of the photosensitive device: for example, by saturating the signal of a camera device in the image area illuminated by the illumination beam.

[0183] For example, even if a dazzling effect does not lead to saturation of the entire field of view of a camera device, the fact that an image is otherwise well balanced, but a part (even only a small part) is illuminated by the illumination beam and is therefore affected by blurring, may represent an undesirable phenomenon to be avoided.

[0184] In one or more embodiments, this negative phenomenon can be addressed by operating according to criteria exemplified previously with reference to the photobiological properties of one or more members of audience A; it is contemplated that (at least one) non-desired illumination area (e.g., LS2) can also or specifically be defined based on the (effective or intended) position of one or more photosensitive devices.

[0185] In Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , one such device (e.g., television camera G) is schematically represented by a dashed line.

[0186] In this regard, it should be noted that Figure 7 the situation assumed in

[0187] whereby spectator A1 may be very close to illumination source 10 may often occur in the case of camera equipment, such as when the camera equipment is carried by an operator or on a dolly or lift near an artist on a stage. Figures 1 to 3 , ​ and ​ it is contemplated that only one photosensitive device G located between the audiences A is actuated for simplicity of illustration and is provided by way of pure example.

[0188] In fact, one or more embodiments can contemplate the presence of many devices G, where the one or more devices may be located in positions different from the positions of the audiences.

[0189] In this regard, one or more embodiments can contemplate, for example, the use of one or more camera devices in situations where no audiences are contemplated (e.g., on a film rig or in a television studio).

[0190] One or more embodiments can anticipate operating according to the criteria exemplified previously; it is contemplated that a scan of the illumination spaces LS1, LS2 is performed in the event of identifying the presence of a photosensitive device (e.g., television camera G) (e.g., visually).

[0191] In one or more embodiments, it can be contemplated that the photosensitive device G sends its coordinates (e.g., obtained via a positioning system such as a GPS, UWB system, etc.) to the control (monitoring) circuit 102, as illustrated by a dashed line in ​ .

[0192] For example, one or more embodiments can anticipate, in substantially the same context as previously discussed with regard to reducing photobiological risks:

[0193] For example, before a performance, an operator manually sets limits (e.g., T1, T2, P1, and P2) for suppressing (e.g., attenuating) a beam based on information about where a photosensitive device or devices (e.g., a camera or cameras G) will be located;

[0194] These constraints are “loaded”, for example, in circuit 102 , starting from a show design file that records information about where the light-sensitive device or devices (eg, camera or cameras G) will be located.

[0195] In one or more embodiments, for example, in the case of implementing the above kind of automation functionality, it is also possible in the definition of the area or areas LS2 to envisage a safety margin regarding the exact boundaries of the space in which the light beam is directed towards the photosensitive device or devices G.

[0196] As has already been seen with regard to the reduction of photobiological risks, in order to prevent disturbances to a photosensitive device or multiple photosensitive devices (for example, glare of a camera or multiple cameras G), in addition to or as an alternative to the reduction of the intensity of the source or the switching off of the light source, interventions such as increasing the beam aperture, modulating the light flux at the output (via pulse width modulation PWM of the current) or changing the wavelength of the light radiation (taking into account that the response of the camera equipment may depend on the wavelength) can be envisaged.

[0197] As may also be performed with reference to risks of photobiological properties, one or more embodiments may envisage obtaining a definition of an overall undesired illumination area LS2 by merging or fusing together a plurality of different (sub)areas LS2.

[0198] In one or more embodiments, one or more lighting devices 10 can be synchronized with one or more photosensitive devices (e.g., one or more cameras G) by activating an inhibition function of one or more lighting beams associated only with the one or more photosensitive devices (e.g., one or more cameras G) that are currently activated (and not with one or more cameras that are not currently used for this purpose).

[0199] For example, in one or more embodiments, a lighting manager or lighting designer and / or a film director can select which devices to enable the functionality on for the entire show or for a portion of the show.

[0200] In one or more embodiments, the result may be obtained in an automated manner, such as via wired or wireless communication between one or more photosensitive devices and one or more lighting fixtures 10 , ie, utilizing a peer-to-peer or gateway approach.

[0201] The lighting device (e.g., 10) illustrated herein may include:

[0202] a light radiation generator (e.g., 12) configured to project an illumination beam (e.g., LB) toward an illumination space (e.g., LS1, LS2), the illumination space including at least one undesired illumination area (e.g., LS2 defined by at least one pair of boundary values such as P1, P2 or T1, T2, which may be defined as described herein and may be stored in the device itself);

[0203] a motorized device of the light radiation generator (e.g. 14) configured to move the illumination beam of the light radiation generator such that the illumination beam of the light radiation generator scans (i.e. is configured to scan) the illumination space, the motorized device of the light radiation generator being controllable (e.g. 102, 104) according to a scanning control signal received at the lighting device (e.g. 100);

[0204] a driving circuit (e.g., 106) of the optical radiation generator configured to control emission of an illumination beam of the optical radiation generator;

[0205] A processing circuit, which is configured (for example, at the level of a microcontroller such as 1020, 1060) to sense scanning control signals received at the lighting device (which, as has been seen, may be received in a corrupted manner compared to when these signals were sent) and the scanning positions (for example, 1024, 1042, 1044, 1048, 12) of the lighting beam of the light radiation generator, the processing circuit being configured to act on the motorization device of the light radiation generator (by controlling its movement) and / or the drive circuit in order to suppress the projection of the lighting beam of the light radiation generator towards the at least one undesired lighting area of the lighting space due to the detection of the scanning control signals received at the lighting device which cause (that is, are to cause, that is, themselves cause) the lighting beam (LB) of the light radiation generator to enter (be projected onto) the at least one undesired lighting area.

[0206] As has already been seen, the aforementioned movement of the orientation (steering) of the illumination beam in three-dimensional space is often also referred to as scanning in the corresponding international safety standards.

[0207] In the lighting device exemplified herein, the processing circuit may be configured to:

[0208] sensing the scan control signal received at the lighting apparatus, the scan control signal comprising a signal indicative of a position of at least one photosensitive device (e.g., a television camera G or another photosensitive device whose operation may be interfered with by light from one or more sources 10) in the lighting space; and

[0209] Due to the detection of the signal indicating the position of at least one photosensitive device in the lighting space, the motorized device of the light radiation generator (by controlling its movement) and / or the driving circuit are acted on to suppress the projection of the lighting beam of the light radiation generator towards the at least one photosensitive device.

[0210] As has been seen, the above signal indicative of the position of at least one photosensitive device (e.g. a television camera G) in said lighting space may be provided by:

[0211] Through the photosensitive device itself, it can obtain corresponding data via positioning systems such as GPS, UWB system, etc.

[0212] By an operator who manually sets limits for the suppressed beam based on information about where one or more photosensitive devices (e.g., one or more cameras G) will be located; or

[0213] As a constraint, "load" from the show design file, in which information is recorded about where the light-sensitive devices will be located.

[0214] As exemplified herein, the act of inhibiting the projection of an illumination beam of an optical radiation generator directed towards an undesired illumination area may be performed in various ways, for example:

[0215] operating to prevent the illumination beam of the optical radiation generator from being directed (ie, projected) towards an undesired illumination area; and

[0216] Operation is performed such that the illumination beam of the optical radiation generator is, although directed (ie projected) towards the undesired illumination area, projected towards the undesired illumination area under conditions such as preventing photobiological risks (eg at reduced intensity).

[0217] For example, in the lighting device exemplified herein, the processing circuit may be configured to suppress projection of the lighting beam of the light radiation generator toward the at least one undesired lighting area of the lighting space by reducing the intensity of the lighting beam of the light radiation generator.

[0218] In the lighting device exemplified herein, the processing circuit may be configured to reduce the intensity of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator via at least one of the following operations:

[0219] deactivating the optical radiation generator;

[0220] For example, dimming the illumination beam of the optical radiation generator using current modulation (to go for example from HD=25 m to HD=8 m);

[0221] changing the emission spectrum of the optical radiation generator;

[0222] Changing the apparent size of the light radiation generator; and

[0223] Changing the diameter and / or intensity distribution of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator.

[0224] In the illumination device illustrated herein, the processing circuit may be configured to suppress the projection of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator towards at least a part of the at least one non-desired illumination area (e.g., LS2') in a region corresponding to the at least one part of the at least one non-desired illumination area (e.g., by referring to, ​ part LS2' in ) by the following operations: i) reducing the intensity of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator (e.g., from HD = 25m to HD = 8m), and possibly ii) deactivating the light radiation generator with the reduced beam intensity.

[0225] In the illumination device illustrated herein, the processing circuit may be configured to suppress the projection of the illumination beam towards the at least one non-desired illumination area of the illumination space by counteracting (e.g., suppressing the motorized device 14) the movement of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator that causes the illumination beam of the light radiation generator to scan the at least one non-desired illumination area of the illumination space.

[0226] In the illumination device illustrated herein, the motorized device of the light radiation generator may be configured to change at least one of the translation (e.g., P1, P2) and tilt (e.g., T1, T2) of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator according to a scan control signal received (e.g., 100) at the illumination device.

[0227] The illumination device illustrated herein may include a memory circuit (e.g., 1020a), which is configured to store at least a pair of boundary values (e.g., P1, P2; T1, T2) of the at least one non-desired illumination area of the illumination space therein.

[0228] In the illumination device illustrated herein, the motorized device and drive circuit of the light radiation generator and the processing circuit may be integrated with the light radiation generator in a single device.

[0229] The illumination system illustrated herein (e.g., C, 10) may include:

[0230] At least one illumination device;

[0231] Illumination control circuit (e.g., C), which is configured to send a preliminary scan control signal to the at least one illumination device through a transmission channel (e.g., CS), wherein the scan control signal received at the illumination device is obtained by propagating the preliminary scan control signal through the transmission channel (possibly damaged after the propagation).

[0232] A lighting system as exemplified herein may include at least one photosensitive device (e.g., G) in the lighting space, the at least one photosensitive device being configured to send a signal indicating the position of the at least one photosensitive device in the lighting space to the processing circuit, and the processing circuit may be configured to:

[0233] Sense the signal indicating the position of at least one photosensitive device in the lighting space; and

[0234] Due to detecting the signal indicating the position of at least one photosensitive device in the lighting space, control the movement and / or drive circuit of the motorized device of the light radiation generator to inhibit the projection of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator directed at the at least one photosensitive device.

[0235] A method of operating a lighting device as exemplified herein may include: starting the processing circuit for sensing a scan control signal received at the lighting device and the scan position of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator, whereby, due to detecting a scan control signal received at the lighting device that causes (i.e., is to cause, i.e., itself causes) the illumination beam of the light radiation generator to be introduced into the at least one non-desired illumination area of the lighting space, the processing circuit may act on the motorized device (by controlling its movement) and / or drive circuit of the light radiation generator and inhibit the projection of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator directed at the at least one non-desired illumination area of the lighting space.

[0236] The method exemplified herein may include: before sensing a scan control signal received at the lighting device and the scan position of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator, reading at least a pair of boundary values (e.g., P1, P2; T1, T2) of the at least one non-desired illumination area of the lighting space stored in the lighting device (e.g., 10).

[0237] The method exemplified herein may include: defining the at least one non-desired illumination area of the lighting space according to the at least a pair of boundary values as:

[0238] A part of the lighting space located between the boundary values (e.g., P1, P2; T1, T2) of the at least a pair of boundary values (e.g., P1, P2; T1, T2); or

[0239] A part of the lighting space located outside the boundary values of the at least a pair of boundary values.

[0240] A computer program product that can be loaded into the memory of the processing circuit of a lighting device as exemplified herein may include parts of software code for implementing the method exemplified herein.

[0241] For example, the above product may be a computer program product that can be loaded into the memory of a processing circuit of a lighting device as illustrated herein, and the computer program product includes the following instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to implement the steps of the method illustrated herein.

[0242] Without prejudice to the basic principles, the details of the embodiments and the construction may vary, even significantly, with respect to what is illustrated herein purely by way of non-limiting example, without thereby departing from the scope of protection.

[0243] For example, only by way of illustration - without implying any limitation - some possible advantageous developments of one or more embodiments are mentioned:

[0244] The definition of one or more permitted or desired lighting areas LS1 (beam permitted areas) and one or more non-desired lighting areas LS2 may be obtained in a dynamic manner based on the detection of an environment of a visual nature (e.g., of a stage S) - for example, based on an image or a scan (e.g., performed via a LIDAR system) with a possible transformation into a morphogram of the environment (e.g., via image recognition software);

[0245] As a supplement or alternative to dimming or turning off, the action of suppressing the projection of the lighting beam LB of the light radiation generator 12 towards the non-desired lighting area LS2 may require changing the spectral composition (color) of the light radiation of the beam LB, for example, moving from the blue region to the red region, taking into account the fact that radiation with different wavelengths may cause different levels of photobiological risk, for example, red radiation may contain less energy than blue radiation;

[0246] The turning off of the generator 12 during the transition between the permitted or desired lighting area LS1 and the non-desired lighting area LS2 may be obtained via gradual dimming;

[0247] In the presence of two or more devices 10, the checks previously described regarding their combined emission (which may be pre-programmed) may be performed;

[0248] To reduce the intensity of the lighting beam of the light radiation generator 12, the diameter or intensity distribution of the lighting beam 12 may be changed (e.g., by acting via an optical element such as an aperture of a diaphragm);

[0249] To take into account the possible response time of an internal sensor of the device 10 (e.g., see the sensor 16 in ​ ), the system may "predict" the adjustment conditions defining the HD value, assuming that the HD value is available at the possible transition moment of the above values;

[0250] Various modalities can be envisioned to verify the entry (storage) of appropriate security settings.

[0251] With regard to the latter aspect, it is possible to envisage (for example in a processing circuit designed to act on a driver circuit of the optical radiation generator) a function that can be activated during testing of the device, the device being configured to control the emission of the illumination beam of the optical radiation generator (for example under low current conditions and therefore with reduced emission intensity), for example by modifying the spectrum (that is to say the color of the emitted illumination beam) such that:

[0252] There is emission (e.g., at low intensity) of a first color (e.g., blue) during the test under conditions (e.g., translation and / or tilting) that would result in the beam being directed into the at least one undesired illumination region (in which region projection of the illumination beam is intended to be suppressed);

[0253] Under conditions corresponding to the projection (e.g. translation and / or tilt) of the illumination beam towards the desired illumination area, during the test there is emission (e.g. here also at low intensity) of (at least) a second color (e.g. green or red).

[0254] In this manner, an operator (eg, a lighting designer) can visually verify the correct definition of parameters for identifying one or more undesirable lighting areas and one or more desired lighting areas.

[0255] These standards can also be applied to ​ and ​ In the illustrated embodiment, for example, it is envisioned that a certain color (e.g., green) may be used for one or more areas with HD = 8 m and another color (e.g., red) may be used for one or more areas with HD = 25 m, and this may be applied in both standard operating mode and short range mode, as previously described.

[0256] Of course, the indications provided herein regarding possible colors or (as already mentioned) specific numerical values for distances (and also regarding the multiple possible values of distances considered) are provided purely by way of example. Simply to provide another (again non-limiting) example, in one or more embodiments, 21.5 m = orange, 18.5 m = yellow, and 15 m = light green may be selected.

[0257] Regardless of the specific modality of implementation, during safety testing, interventions can be made to the optical radiation generator, even manually, to change the color (spectrum) of the emitted radiation, which varies depending on the position of the orientation, for example.

[0258] The operator is thus able to perform tests at a specific location and, if necessary, demonstrate to the person responsible for inspection safety (e.g. an external inspector) how to set up the equipment in the correct way to inhibit the projection of the illumination beam of the optical radiation generator towards one or more undesired illumination areas.

[0259] Therefore, one or more embodiments are suitable for implementing a test phase in which the driver circuit (e.g., 106) can activate the optical radiation generator according to the at least one pair of boundary values (e.g., P1, P2; T1, T2):

[0260] using a first emission spectrum in the at least one undesired illumination region; and

[0261] At least one second emission spectrum different from the first emission spectrum is used outside the at least one undesired illumination area.

[0262] In one or more embodiments, during the test phase, the driver circuit may activate the optical radiation generator with a reduced emission intensity.

[0263] Therefore, testing can be performed under low current conditions, thereby having reduced emission intensity.

[0264] This makes it possible to perform tests under high safety conditions with a short (almost zero) safety distance, since for the purposes of the test what is important is the distinction between the emission spectrum of the light radiation generator towards the undesired illumination area and its emission spectrum outside of said area.

[0265] For example, assuming that for full blue or full red an RGB light radiation generator must be used started at full power, the HD value is equal to, for example, approximately 25m or approximately 18m, and testing can be performed with an emission power lower than 10% of the maximum, where the safety distance is, for example, 3m (for blue).

[0266] Again, any indications given herein regarding possible colors or specific distance values are provided purely by way of example.

[0267] The scope of protection is determined by the appended claims.

[0268] Reference numerals list

[0269] Scene or stage

[0270] Ground or floor F

[0271] Audience A

[0272] Photosensitive device G

[0273] Lighting space LS1, LS2, LS2'

[0274] Desired illumination area LS1

[0275] Undesired illumination areas LS2, LS2'

[0276] Translation values P1, P2

[0277] Tilt values T1, T2

[0278] Illumination device 10

[0279] Light radiation generator 12

[0280] Generator optical device L12

[0281] Illumination beam LB

[0282] Beam motor driver 14

[0283] Sensor system 16

[0284] Control unit (console) C

[0285] Dimming command D

[0286] Translation command P

[0287] Tilt command T

[0288] Function command F

[0289] Control signal transmission channel CS

[0290] Input transceiver 100

[0291] Control (and monitoring) circuit 102

[0292] Processing unit (microcontroller) 1020

[0293] Memory 1020a

[0294] Monitor 1022

[0295] Transceiver 1024

[0296] Translation and tilt drive circuit 104

[0297] Transceiver 1042

[0298] Controller 1044

[0299] Drive assembly 1046

[0300] Interface 1048

[0301] Generator drive circuit 106

[0302] Microcontroller 1060

[0303] Hardware security circuit 1062

[0304] Monitor 1064

[0305] START

[0306] Start power supply 200

[0307] Turn on device 202

[0308] Boot CPU 204

[0309] Check for correct boot 206

[0310] Present backup image 208

[0311] END

[0312] Execute valid firmware image 210

[0313] Home translation and tilt 212

[0314] Home other movements 214

[0315] Develop homing action 216

[0316] Completion of homing process 218

[0317] Check functions 220, 222, 224

[0318] Process failed F

[0319] Check for completion of checks 226

[0320] Start of runtime 228

[0321] Determine new translation / tilt position 230

[0322] Management routine for regions LS1, LS2 232

[0323] Check for movement out-of-step 234

[0324] Check if number of out-of-step steps exceeds threshold 236

[0325] Force shutdown of generator 238

[0326] Compensation process 240

[0327] Check received commands 242

[0328] Continue operating generator 244

[0329] Measures 246 for suppressing the projection of unwanted beams

[0330] Beam shift 248

[0331] Check whether the desired position is reached 250.

Claims

1. A lighting device (10), comprising: A light radiation generator (12) configured to project an illumination beam (LB) towards an illumination space (LS1, LS2), the illumination space including at least one undesired illumination area (LS2); A motorization device (14) of the light radiation generator (12), the motorization device (14) being configured to move the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12), whereby the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) is configured to scan the illumination space (LS1, LS2), and the motorization device (14) of the light radiation generator (12) can be controlled (102, 104) according to a scan control signal received (100) at the lighting device (10), wherein the scan control signal is derived from a control signal sent by a control unit to the lighting device; A drive circuit (106) of the light radiation generator (12), the drive circuit (106) being configured to control the emission of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) based on the control signal sent from the control unit to the lighting device; and A processing circuit configured (1020, 1060) to sense the scan control signal received (100, G) at the lighting device (10) and the scan position (1024, 1042, 1044, 1048, 12) of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12), and the processing circuit is configured (1020, 1060) to, due to detecting the scan control signal received (100) at the lighting device (10) that would cause the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) to enter the at least one undesired illumination area (LS2), control the motorization device (14) and / or the drive circuit (106) of the light radiation generator (12) in a manner different from that indicated by the control signal to inhibit the projection of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) towards the at least one undesired illumination area (LS2) of the illumination space (LS1, LS2).

2. The lighting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The processing circuit is configured (1020, 1060) to: Sense the scan control signal received (100, G) at the lighting device (10), the scan control signal including a signal indicating the position of at least one photosensitive device (G) in the illumination space (LS1, LS2); And Due to detecting the signal indicating the position of at least one photosensitive device (G) in the illumination space (LS1, LS2), control the motorization device (14) and / or the drive circuit (106) of the light radiation generator (12) to inhibit the projection of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) towards the at least one photosensitive device (G).

3. The lighting device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The processing circuit is configured (1020, 1060) to suppress the projection of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) onto at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2) of the illumination space (LS1, LS2) by reducing the intensity of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12).

4. The lighting device (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The processing circuit is configured (1020, 1060) to reduce the intensity of the illumination beam of the light radiation generator (12) via at least one of the following: Deactivate the light radiation generator (12); Apply dimming to the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12); Change the emission spectrum of the light radiation generator (12); Change the apparent size of the light radiation generator (12); And Change the diameter and / or intensity distribution of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12).

5. The lighting device (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The processing circuit is configured (1020, 1060) to: suppress the projection of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) onto at least a portion (LS2’) of the at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2) by reducing the intensity of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) at at least a portion (LS2’) of the at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2) and deactivating the light radiation generator (12) having a reduced beam intensity.

6. The lighting device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein The processing circuit is configured (1020, 1060) to: suppress the projection of the illumination beam (LB) onto at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2) of the illumination space (LS1, LS2) by counteracting the movement (14) of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) that causes the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) to scan the at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2) of the illumination space (LS1, LS2).

7. The lighting device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The motorization device (14) of the light radiation generator (12) is configured to change at least one of the translation (P1, P2) and tilt (T1, T2) of the illumination beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) according to a scan control signal received (100) at the lighting device (10).

8. The lighting device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a memory circuit (1020a) configured to store therein at least a pair of boundary values (P1, P2; T1, T2) of the at least one non-desired illumination area (LS2) of the illumination space (LS1, LS2).

9. The lighting device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The motorization device (14) of the light radiation generator (12), the drive circuit (106), and the processing circuit (1020, 1060) are integrated with the light radiation generator (12) in a single device.

10. A lighting system, comprising: At least one lighting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; And A lighting control circuit (C), the lighting control circuit (C) being configured to send a preliminary scan control signal to the at least one lighting device (10) via a transmission channel (CS), wherein the scan control signal received (100) at the lighting device (10) is obtained due to the propagation of the preliminary scan control signal through the transmission channel (CS).

11. The lighting system according to claim 10, comprising at least one photosensitive device (G) located in the lighting space (LS1, LS2), the at least one photosensitive device (G) being configured to: send a signal indicating the position of the at least one photosensitive device (G) in the lighting space (LS1, LS2) to the processing circuit (1020, 1060). Among them, The processing circuit is configured (1020, 1060) to: Sense the signal indicating the position of at least one photosensitive device (G) in the lighting space (LS1, LS2). And Due to detecting the signal indicating the position of at least one photosensitive device (G) in the lighting space (LS1, LS2), control the motorized device (14) and / or the drive circuit (106) of the light radiation generator (12) to inhibit the projection of the lighting beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) towards the at least one photosensitive device (G).

12. A method for operating a lighting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: Start the processing circuit (1020, 1060) for sensing the scan control signal received (100) at the lighting device (10) and the scan position (1024, 1042, 1044, 1048, 12) of the lighting beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12), whereby, due to detecting the scan control signal received at the lighting device (10) that would cause the lighting beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) to enter the at least one non - desired lighting area (LS2), the processing circuit (1020, 1060) controls the motorized device (14) and / or the drive circuit (106) of the light radiation generator (12) in a manner different from that indicated by the control signal and inhibits the projection of the lighting beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12) towards the at least one non - desired lighting area (LS2) of the lighting space (LS1, LS2).

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising: Before sensing the scan control signal received (100) at the lighting device (10) and the scan position (1024, 1042, 1044, 1048, 12) of the lighting beam (LB) of the light radiation generator (12), read at least a pair of boundary values (P1, P2; T1, T2) of the at least one non - desired lighting area (LS2) of the lighting space (LS1, LS2) stored (1020a) in the lighting device (10).

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising: Based on the at least one pair of boundary values (P1, P2; T1, T2), the at least one non - desired illumination area (LS2) of the illumination space (LS1, LS2) is defined as: a part of the illumination space (LS1, LS2) that lies between the boundary values (P1, P2; T1, T2) of the at least one pair of boundary values (P1, P2; T1, T2), or a part of the illumination space (LS1, LS2) that lies outside the boundary values (P1, P2; T1, T2) of the at least one pair of boundary values (P1, P2; T1, T2).

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, comprising a test phase, in which the drive circuit (106) starts the light radiation generator (12) according to the at least one pair of boundary values (P1, P2; T1, T2): using a first emission spectrum in the at least one non - desired illumination area (LS2); and using at least one second emission spectrum different from the first emission spectrum outside the at least one non - desired illumination area (LS2).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, In the test phase, the drive circuit (106) starts the light radiation generator (12) with a reduced emission intensity.

17. A computer program product that can be loaded into the memory of the processing circuit (1020, 1060) of the lighting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and comprising instructions that, when the computer program product is executed by the processing circuit (1020, 1060), cause the processing circuit (1020, 1060) to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

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