Theatre Light Projector Central Integrating Mask
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Theatre light projectors with multiple light sources often have a 'fly eye' appearance due to non-seamlessly integrated output lenses, which can create undesirable artifacts and a lack of a unified light source perception.
Innovation Solution
A theatre light projector design featuring a housing with a lens system comprising multiple sectors and a stable wetting coating on the output aperture, along with a heat sink adjustment mechanism and a central integrating mask, to produce a blended light beam that appears as a single light source, reducing artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete output lenses are used for each light source, then each light source can be individually controlled, but the lenses are not seamlessly integrated creating a 'fly eye' appearance and undesirable artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete output lenses into a single integrated lens assembly where multiple light sources illuminate different zones of one continuous lens. This eliminates the visible separation between lenses while maintaining individual light source control, resolving the contradiction between versatility and seamless appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated lens is divided into multiple illumination zones, each corresponding to a specific light source. This segmentation allows independent control of each light source while presenting a unified lens structure to the audience, addressing both individual control and seamless integration requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to increase brightness and coverage, then lighting intensity is improved, but light scattering from theatrical haze creates unwanted artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different zones of the integrated lens, with each zone optimized for its corresponding light source. This local optimization controls light scattering characteristics in specific areas, reducing artifacts from theatrical haze while maintaining overall high illumination intensity.
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 solution effectively integrates multiple light sources into a seamless output, enhancing the projector's appearance and reducing unwanted light scattering from theatrical haze, resulting in a more unified and efficient light projection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one surface of the output aperture has a stable wetting coating
Implementation Method 2
a lens system comprised of a plurality of sectors... Each of the first lens sector and the second lens sector may have a positive spherical optical power
Implementation Method 3
the first heat sink is comprised of an adjustment mechanism for altering the direction of the first light path
Data Source
AI summary
A theater light projector including a housing, a plurality of light sources, a plurality of lenses, a light exiting output aperture, and a central integrating mask. The light exiting output aperture has a center. The plurality of light sources are arranged around a central axis. The plurality of light sources project light though the light exiting output aperture. The center of the light exiting output aperture is substantially void of projected light projected by the plurality of light sources. The central integrating mask is located in the center of the light exiting aperture and partially intersects a portion of the projected light from each of the plurality of light sources.