Light Valve Beam Projector for Reduced Shadow Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting technologies for film and television production, such as LED fixtures and video projectors, struggle with creating structured light without multiple shadows and unnatural reflections, and require complex adjustments to match virtual and physical lighting environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an LCD light source with a pivoting gimbal mechanism, adjustable beam angles, and integrated thermal management, combined with real-time sensor feedback and networked control, to dynamically create and control light sources that mimic natural and artificial lighting conditions.
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 shadows and stepped artifacts are created on flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function by using a single LED source combined with a multi-segmented optical system including a lens array and light valve array. Each segment of the lens array corresponds to a segment of the light valve array, allowing independent control of light paths while maintaining a single physical light source, thereby eliminating multiple shadows while providing sufficient illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate optical components (lens array, light valve array, and projection optics) between the single LED source and the target surface. These intermediaries manipulate the light paths to create multiple controlled beam segments that illuminate different areas without creating unwanted shadows, as each beam is precisely directed through the optical intermediary system.
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 control of light beams is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/diffusive approach (using diffusion materials to scatter light) with an optical/electronic system consisting of a light valve array and projection optics. This substitution allows precise digital control of light beam structure through electronic modulation of the light valve segments, achieving both artifact elimination and structured beam control without relying on diffusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from physical diffusion material properties to electronic control signals for the light valve array. By modulating the transmission state of each light valve segment electronically, the system can dynamically adjust beam structure and intensity without physical diffusion, maintaining structured control while eliminating unwanted artifacts through precise parameter control.
3Illumination intensity
If Lambertian LED fixtures are used to provide soft light coverage, then the soft light quality is improved, but the ability to create structured rays of light and maskability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the light beam structure adjustable and reconfigurable through electronic control of the light valve array. The system can dynamically switch between soft light modes (with broader beam angles) and structured ray modes (with focused, directional beams) by electronically modulating the light valve segments, providing adaptability that static Lambertian fixtures cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal lighting system that can perform multiple functions: it can produce soft light for general illumination, create structured rays for accent lighting, and provide maskable beams for specific area lighting. The single fixture with its programmable light valve array replaces multiple specialized fixtures, achieving universality through electronic control while maintaining both soft light quality and structured beam capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If video projectors are used as point sources to create structured light, then the structured ray creation is improved, but unnatural reflections and single bright point artifacts are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single point source into multiple distributed virtual sources through the lens array and light valve array combination. Each lens-light valve pair creates a controlled light path that appears to originate from a different spatial location, effectively segmenting the point source into multiple distributed sources that maintain structured beam capability while eliminating the unnatural single bright point reflection artifact.
5Adaptability or versatility
If arrays of lights are mapped to match virtual environments in real-time, then the integration with digital twin is improved, but the complexity of physical adjustment increases tremendously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of physically adjusting multiple light fixtures with an electronic/software-based system. The programmable light valve array can be controlled through software to dynamically adjust beam patterns, positions, and intensities to match virtual environment changes in real-time, eliminating the need for tedious physical adjustments while maintaining integration with digital twin technology.
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
Enables precise, dynamic lighting that accurately represents virtual environments, minimizing shadows and reflections, and allows for seamless integration with real-time game engines and virtual production systems.
Implementation Method 1
An LCD display is based on the ability of liquid crystal to modulate light by switching between two states
Implementation Method 2
By using polarizers in the front and back of the liquid crystal it is possible to switch light on and off
Implementation Method 3
a 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
Implementation Method 4
integrated thermal management
Implementation Method 5
An internal set of aluminum panels are fitted to guide the force air from the rear of the fixture through an air gap
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.