LCD Light Valve Projector for Structured Beams Without Stepped Shadows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting technologies, such as soft lights and video projectors, struggle to create structured light without multiple shadows and unnatural reflections, and mapping virtual lighting sources in film and television production is complex and requires significant manual adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A system using a light source with a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel that can control light beams in multiple axes, adjust beam angles, and integrate with real-time game engines to dynamically create virtual light sources, incorporating sensors for precise masking and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LED sources are arrayed across the front of the fixture to provide sufficient illumination, then the illumination intensity is improved, but multiple stepped shadows are created on flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function by using a single LED source combined with a segmented LCD panel that can independently control light transmission in different zones. This allows the light to be distributed across multiple output points without creating multiple shadow sources, as all light originates from a single point before being modulated by the segmented LCD.
Solution Approach 2:
The LCD panel acts as an intermediary between the single LED source and the output surface. It modulates the light from the single source to create the appearance of multiple light sources or to distribute light evenly across the surface without creating stepped shadows, thereby resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and shadow creation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If diffusion is used to avoid artifacts from multiple light sources, then the visibility of stepped shadows is reduced, but the structured rays of light cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The LCD panel provides dynamic control over light transmission, allowing the system to switch between diffuse and structured light output as needed. By programmatically controlling which segments of the LCD transmit light, the system can create structured rays when required while maintaining the ability to diffuse light when needed, without being locked into a fixed optical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the LCD panel can have different optical properties controlled independently. Some segments can transmit light diffusely to reduce shadows, while other segments can maintain structured light patterns. This local control allows the system to simultaneously achieve shadow reduction in certain areas while preserving structured light capability in other areas.
3Illumination intensity
If Lambertian radiation pattern is used for soft light output, then the soft light quality is improved, but the ability to create structured rays of light is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the optical characteristics by controlling which segments of the LCD panel transmit light. When soft light is needed, the LCD can be configured to diffuse light in a Lambertian pattern. When structured light is needed, the same LCD panel can be reconfigured to create specific light patterns, allowing the system to adapt between different lighting requirements without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The single LCD panel serves multiple functions: it can create soft Lambertian light output, structured rays, animated patterns, and static images. This multi-functionality allows the system to replace multiple specialized fixtures with a single versatile device that can adapt to different lighting requirements through electronic control rather than physical reconfiguration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If video projectors are used as point sources to create structured light, then the structured rays are achieved, but unnatural reflections are created
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single point source like a video projector, the system segments the light output across multiple zones of the LCD panel. This distributes the light source appearance across a larger area, reducing the intensity of any single reflection point while maintaining structured light patterns, thereby creating more natural-looking reflections that distribute light more evenly across surfaces.
5Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of lighting arrays is performed to map virtual light sources, then the accuracy of digital twin lighting is improved, but the time and complexity of production work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of physical lighting arrays with electronic control of the LCD panel segments. The system can be controlled via software to automatically configure light patterns that match virtual light sources in digital twin environments, eliminating the need for technicians to manually position and adjust multiple physical lights while maintaining or improving lighting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The LCD panel can be pre-programmed with lighting configurations that match virtual light sources before production begins. This preliminary configuration allows the physical lighting to be set up in advance to match the digital twin, reducing the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during production while maintaining lighting mapping accuracy.
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 system allows for dynamic control of light beams to accurately represent digital environments, reducing unnecessary light and enhancing camera captures with high-resolution lighting on performers while minimizing shadows and reflections.
Implementation Method 1
An LCD display is based on the ability of liquid crystal to modulate light by switching between two states. By using polarizers in the front and back of the liquid crystal it is possible to switch light on and off.
Implementation Method 2
The light source with one face of a fixed position or motorized moving cube that is equipped with a recessed mechanical frame surrounding the emitting surface that acts as a protective cowl. Set back in this frame may be an LCD Panel.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system and method controls light to prioritize different elements of the beam of light that is output by a fixture. The LCD surface acts as a color occlusion filter that provides pixel level control of the beam of light transmitted by this layer. Internally an LED source is projected perpendicular to concave type reflector which can be moved on one axis and thus zoom to either widen or narrow the light emitted forward as a beam of light. The system also includes certain cooling features.