Laser Particle Projection System with Beam Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-based particle effect systems in crowded venues, such as movie theaters, pose a risk of eye and skin damage due to high energy density laser beams, necessitating restrictive positioning and regulation compliance, which limits their use and creativity in producing 3D effects.
Innovation Solution
An improved light projection apparatus with an optical beam expander and refocusing lens assembly reduces laser beam energy density by expanding and then refocusing the beam to ensure safe exposure levels while maintaining vivid, distinct projections on a surface, utilizing a flat field lens and F-theta lens design to minimize distortion and allow for smaller beam deflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a laser beam is used to generate particle effects in a crowded venue, then the particle effect becomes brighter, more distinct and more vivid, but the risk of eye and skin damage increases due to high energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam path is divided into two distinct zones: an expanded low-energy-density section for safe traversal through the venue, and a focused high-energy-density section at the target for bright particle effects. This segmentation allows the beam to serve dual purposes - safety during transmission and effectiveness at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the beam characteristics along its propagation path - starting with expansion in the longitudinal dimension to reduce energy density, then focusing at the target plane to concentrate energy. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction between safe transmission and effective projection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser is positioned in the projection room at the back of the theater, then flexible positioning and coordination with video projection is achieved, but the laser beam passes through the audience seating area creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The beam path is segmented into a safe expanded section that traverses the audience area, and a focused section that delivers effects at the screen. This allows the laser to be positioned in the projection room while ensuring audience safety through beam expansion during traversal.
Solution Approach 2:
Beam expansion acts as an intermediary mechanism that modifies the laser beam's energy density profile, creating a safe low-energy-density zone for audience area traversal while maintaining the capability for effective projection at the target surface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the laser beam is expanded to reduce energy density, then safety is improved, but the beam becomes less focused and may not produce distinct particle effects on the target surface
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into an expansion section that reduces energy density for safety, and a focusing section with a long focal length lens that restores precision at the target. This segmentation allows both safety and precision to be achieved at different stages of beam propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a long focal length lens to focus the expanded beam, utilizing the extended propagation distance as an additional dimension to achieve both beam expansion for safety and subsequent focusing for precision. The long focal length allows the beam to be both expanded and still converge to a tight focus at the target.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus safely projects low-energy-density laser beams over long distances, reducing the risk of injury and enabling flexible positioning, such as inside a projection room, while maintaining bright and vivid particle effects on the movie screen, compliant with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
An optical beam expander lens element is positioned in the path of the beam to expand the width of the light beam, thereby reducing the energy density of the beam
Implementation Method 2
Another refocusing lens element is positioned in the path of the light that exits the beam expander, being adapted to refocus the expanded beam
Implementation Method 3
a light source that emits a beam of light. The light source is preferably a laser light source
Implementation Method 4
Particle effect systems typically use a coherent light source, such as a laser light
Data Source
AI summary
An improved particle effect projector is disclosed that reduces the energy density of a laser beam projected through a movie theater or other entertainment venue, comprising an F-theta lens, a beam expander and a beam focuser with a long focal length that approximates the distance between the particle effect projector and the movie screen or other surface onto which the particle effect beam is being projected.