Rotating Luminaire Focus Control Using an Independent Distance Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting systems require extensive human intervention and high programming loads to maintain focus adjustments, especially in dynamic theater-stage and light-show environments with complex topologies, and often rely on time-consuming detailed depth maps.

Innovation Solution

An independently rotatable distance-measurement device measures the distance to a projection surface and transmits this data to a control system, which calculates focus parameter values to automatically adjust the projection optics, reducing the need for human intervention and managing programming loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automated focus assistance is implemented using independently rotatable distance sensor, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated focus assistanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the distance sensor automatically measures distances to projection surfaces, the controller autonomously calculates focus parameters using stored optical data, and the motor automatically adjusts lens positions without human intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining focus through continuous autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical focus adjustment with an automated electromechanical system. The independently rotatable distance sensor substitutes manual measurement, the controller replaces human calculation of focus parameters, and the motor-driven lens positioning system replaces manual mechanical adjustment, thereby increasing automation while managing complexity through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manually adjusted focus control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously measuring the distance to the projection surface using the independently rotatable distance sensor, comparing this measurement against stored optical characteristics, and automatically adjusting lens positions to maintain optimal focus. This closed-loop feedback mechanism dramatically improves focus adjustment efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing optical characteristics and focus parameter relationships in the controller's memory during system setup or calibration. This pre-computed data allows the controller to rapidly determine appropriate focus adjustments without real-time complex calculations, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If detailed depth maps are used for focus control, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes only the essential distance measurement data needed for focus control from the environment, rather than requiring complete detailed depth maps. The independently rotatable distance sensor captures specifically the throw distance information required for focus calculation, eliminating the time-consuming process of generating and processing comprehensive depth maps while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for automated focus assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12523355B2Focus assistance for rotating luminaire based on measurements by independently rotating distance sensor

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS INC

AI summary

A lighting system capable of providing automated focus assistance for a rotatable lighting fixture thereof. In one example, an independently rotatable distance-measurement device located in the same theater-stage or light-show environment as the rotatable lighting fixture operates to measure a distance to the projection surface and transmits the measurement to an electronic controller. The electronic controller uses the measurement and a suitable algorithm to determine a focus parameter value for the projection optics of the rotatable lighting fixture. The determined focus parameter value is encoded in a control signal, which is then used to command a motor to move the corresponding component of the projection optics, thereby bringing and/or keeping in focus a pertinent edge of the illuminated area on the projection surface. An example method for automated focus assistance supports cue stack programming, single shot focus assistance, and continuous focus assistance.