Luminaire Camera Module Balancing and Iris Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Luminaires face tradeoffs when configured for both followspot and wash light operations, and the integration of a camera can alter the balance and potentially damage iris components due to high optical energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire system with a removable camera module and a beam reducer mechanism that adjusts to prevent iris damage by reducing optical energy exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a camera is integrated into the luminaire, then automated control and positioning capabilities are improved, but the balance of the luminaire is altered and iris components may be damaged due to high optical energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
A beam reducer is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the iris. This beam reducer reduces the optical energy density before it reaches the iris, preventing damage while allowing the iris to maintain its aperture control function. The beam reducer acts as a protective mediator that decouples the high-energy light source from the sensitive iris component.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire is divided into modular components including a removable camera module and a separable beam reducer mechanism. This segmentation allows the camera to be added or removed without permanently altering the luminaire's balance, and enables the beam reducer to be independently adjusted or replaced based on operational requirements.
2Extent of automation
If a camera module is permanently integrated into the luminaire, then automated operation is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed to be dynamically removable and interchangeable rather than permanently fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the luminaire to transition between automated and non-automated modes, enabling users to add automation capabilities only when needed and reducing overall system complexity for applications that don't require camera functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module serves multiple functions including providing feedback for automated positioning, enabling remote monitoring, and supporting various control protocols. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple capabilities into a single removable component rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the luminaire is configured for both followspot and wash light operations, then versatility is improved, but tradeoffs in optical configuration and balance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including variable focus optics, adjustable iris apertures, and reconfigurable optical elements that allow the same physical configuration to produce different beam patterns. This dynamic adaptability enables both followspot (narrow beam) and wash (wide beam) operations without requiring separate physical configurations or altering the luminaire's balance.
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 maintains luminaire balance and prevents iris damage while enabling versatile operation modes and reducing unnecessary camera costs.
Implementation Method 1
the integration of a camera can alter the balance and potentially damage iris components due to high optical energy absorption
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system includes a luminaire having a head configured for rotation relative to a fixed enclosure of the luminaire. The head includes a camera access port. The system also includes a camera module configured to be removably mounted to the camera access port of the luminaire, and a cover plate configured to be removably mounted to the luminaire head to cover the camera access port. A weight of the cover plate approximately matches a weight of the camera module.