Projector Light Threshold Control for Safer Theatre Seating

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-power projectors with reserve light output capacity pose a light level exposure hazard to viewers, requiring structures to block hazardous areas, which can lead to reduced seating capacity and revenue due to extended barrier placement.

Innovation Solution

A control system that adjusts the light level of projected light based on measurements from sensors, comparing them to performance and unsafe threshold light levels, to ensure the light level in accessible areas remains below hazardous levels, thereby optimizing seating capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high-power laser light sources are used to improve displayed image quality, then image quality is improved, but light level exposure hazard increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplayed image qualityVSAvoidlight level exposure hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of laser light output by continuously monitoring light levels with sensors and adjusting the projector's light output in real-time. The system transitions from static high-power output to dynamic adaptive output, modifying illumination intensity based on measured conditions to maintain image quality while preventing exposure hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control by using sensors to measure light levels in the projected light path and feeding this information back to the projector control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust light output to maintain safe levels while preserving displayed image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If barriers are installed to prevent access to hazardous light areas, then viewer safety is improved, but theatre seating capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewer safetyVSAvoidtheatre seating capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful high light levels into a controllable parameter by using sensors to detect them and the control system to adjust output accordingly. This transforms the hazard into a monitored and regulated aspect of the system, eliminating the need for physical barriers while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-regulation by automatically monitoring its own light output through sensors and adjusting its operation to maintain safe light levels. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external safety structures like barriers, preserving theatre seating capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If light output is increased to compensate for degrading laser diodes and screen gain degradation, then displayed image quality is maintained, but light level exposure hazard increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplayed image qualityVSAvoidlight level exposure hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously monitors light levels and adjusts projector output to compensate for degradation while maintaining safe exposure levels. The system can differentiate between light level increases needed for image quality and those that create hazards, adjusting accordingly based on sensor data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters of the projector based on monitored conditions, adjusting light output intensity to compensate for component degradation while maintaining light levels within safe exposure thresholds. This enables adaptive compensation without exceeding safety limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively reduces the extent of hazardous light areas, minimizing the need for barriers and preserving seating capacity while ensuring viewer safety by maintaining light levels below hazardous thresholds.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor can measure the light level of the light projected toward the screen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight level measurement: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12346015B2Methods and systems for controlling light output based on a light level threshold at a boundary

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 IMAX CORP

AI summary

A system may include a projector subsystem in a theatre projecting fight toward a screen, a sensor measuring light levels of the projected light, and a processing device. The projector subsystem may project light such that there is a hazardous light area and a non-hazardous light area of an audience seating area. The processing device may receive a measured light level of projected light from the sensor. The processing device may determine a second light level between the hazardous light area and the non-hazardous light area based on the measured light level and the position of the light projected over the audience seating area. The processing device may compare the second light level to an unsafe threshold light level. The processing device may determine a configuration for the system such that the light level of projected light in the non-hazardous light area is less than the unsafe threshold light level.