Abstract: A lighting system capable of providing automated focus assistance for a moving lighting fixture thereof. In one example, a distance-measurement device connected to the moving 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. 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.

Abstract: 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.