Abstract: A lighting system with a digital micromirror device which forms a digital gobo system that is controllable on a pixel level. The device includes a number of sensitive electronic elements. The device is controlled by two different controllers: a digital signal processor which is effectively the number crunching portion, and a controller, which controls the functions of the light. The controller also logs errors into a registry, such as a non-volatile memory. A field programmable gate array is used for a number of purposes, including to form the ports. One of those ports is a tech port, which is used to detect status of the light such as faults.

Abstract: A digital micromirror device (“DMD”) is used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMD selectively reflects some light, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follows the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.

Abstract: A special record format used for commanding light pattern shapes and addressable light pattern shape generator. The command format includes a first part which commands a specified gobo and second parts which command the characteristics of that gobo. The gobo is formed by making a default gobo based on the type and modifying that default gobo to fit the characteristics.

Abstract: A super cooler device including a thermo electric cooler on a digital micro mirror device.

Abstract: A lighting system with a digital micromirror device which forms a digital gobo system that is controllable on a pixel level. The device includes a number of sensitive electronic elements. The device is controlled by two different controllers: a digital signal processor which is effectively the number crunching portion, and a controller, which controls the functions of the light. The controller also logs errors into a registry, such as a non-volatile memory. A field programmable gate array is used for a number of purposes, including to form the ports. One of those ports is a tech port, which is used to detect status of the light such as faults.

Abstract: A digital micromirror device “DMD”) is used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMD selectively reflects some light, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follows the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.

Abstract: A stage lighting lamp unit includes a processor for receiving control data from a remote console. Beam orientation data for the lamp unit is passed to the lamp in the form of the x, y and z co-ordinates of a point in space through which the beam is to pass. The processor divides the required lamp travel into a number of stages dependent on execution duration data sent with the position data, and calculates, for each stage, a new value for pan and tilt angles for the lamp. These values are passed to pan and tilt controlling co-processors which control servo-motors for pan and tilt operation. The lamp unit also incorporates a rotatable shutter for interrupting the lamp beam when required. The shutters of all the lamps in a system can be instructed from the remote console to open and close in synchronism, thereby providing a stroboscopic effect.

Abstract: A digital micromirror device (“DMD”) is used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMD selectively reflects some light, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follows the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.

Abstract: A special record format used for commanding light pattern shapes and addressable light pattern shape generator. The command format includes a first part which commands a specified gobo and second parts which command the characteristics of that gobo. The gobo is formed by making a default gobo based on the type and modifying that default gobo to fit the characteristics.

Abstract: A stage lighting lamp unit includes a processor for receiving control data from a remote console. Beam orientation data for the lamp unit is passed to the lamp in the form of the x, y and z co-ordinates of a point in space through which the beam is to pass. The processor divides the required lamp travel into a number of stages dependent on execution duration data sent with the position data, and calculates, for each stage, a new value for pan and tilt angles for the lamp. These values are passed to pan and tilt controlling co-processors which control servo-motors for pan and tilt operation. The lamp unit also incorporates a rotatable shutter for interrupting the lamp beam when required. The shutters of all the lamps in a system can be instructed from the remote console to open and close in synchronism, thereby providing a stroboscopic effect.

Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.

Abstract: Three-digital micromirror devices (“DMD”) are used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMDs each receive a primary color and selectively reflects some light of that color, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follow the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.

Abstract: A digital micromirror device (“DMD”) is used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMD selectively reflects some light, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follows the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.

Abstract: A combination color filter having at least two dual-hue color-changing absorptive substrates. A desired hue and saturation is achieved by using light absorbing gels for a plurality of selected hues, preferably the three subtractive primary colors. The unique arrangement of transparent part, saturation parts and continuously graded saturation parts allow fast color bumping between any two primary colors without flash of white and presence of other intervening colors.

Abstract: Three-digital micromirror devices (“DMD”) are used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMDs each receive a primary color and selectively reflects some light of that color, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follows the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.

Abstract: A flexible medium for a scrolling color changer and method of making thereof. The medium is made by applying an ink using a Meyer Rod which has varying cell lengths along its length. This leaves varying size cells of ink at different locations along the length of the medium. The ink has special characteristics whereby its evaporation rate and viscosity are carefully controlled. The viscosity is such that an amount of levelling will occur will be equal to the distance between any cells, but that cell to cell levelling will not, in general, occur.

Abstract: A special record format used for commanding light pattern shapes and addressable light pattern shape generator. The command format includes a first part which commands a specified gobo and second parts which command the characteristics of that gobo. The gobo is formed by making a default gobo based on the type and modifying that default gobo to fit the characteristics.

Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an electro-optical array. Images indicative of shapes are obtained in some way, and these images are processed. The processed image is then used to drive an electro-optical array, such as a liquid crystal display, such that some parts of the display are opaque and other parts are transparent. A light source is directed through the liquid crystal array and thereby generates a light signal having the same shape as those parts of the liquid crystal array which are transparent.

Abstract: A stage lighting device has a light source for emitting light and a light modifying element for modifying such light. The light modifying element is coupled to a driven element which is rotationally coupled to a structural member so as to be rotatable about a first axis. The device has a noise-producing motor assembly with an output shaft. A driving element is coupled to the output shaft to be rotationally driven by the output shaft about a second axis. The driving element is coupled to the driven element by an endless loop element so as to rotationally drive the driven element about the first axis. A vibration-isolating mounting structure couples a motor assembly to the structural member and includes surfaces which vibrationally isolate the motor assembly from the structural member to attenuate vibration transferred from the motor assembly to the structural member.