System for simulating pyrotechnics

Number: 10261333
Published: 2019-04-16
Filed: 2016-09-08
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Kosakura; Steven T.
CPC: G02B27/20; G02B27/0944; G02B27/425
Verdict: High Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

System for simulating pyrotechnics (optical illusion effect, Kosakura).

Abstract

One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a projection module for projecting onto a projection surface. The projection module includes a light source emitting a beam of light, a diffractive optical element in optical communication with the light source, the diffractive optical element acts to split the beam of light into a plurality of diffracted light beams, a lens assembly in optical communication with the diffractive optical element and configured to converge the diffracted light beams onto the projection surface, and a motion assembly connected to at least one of the light source or the lens assembly. The motion assembly changes an orientation of the diffractive light beams relative to the lens assembly.

Background

FIELD(1) The present disclosure relates generally to light projection systems.BACKGROUND(2) Pyrotechnics provide intensely bright naturally animated effects with enduring popularity. However, pyrotechnics involve explosive materials and rigorous safety measures. Additionally, due to the explosive materials, guests often have to be positioned at large distances from the origin of the explosion and the scene is typically outdoors, rather than in an indoor venue. Therefore, there exists a need to simulate explosions or other special effects, such as fireworks, cannon shots, gun shots, and so on, in a safe manner that will allow high repeatability and can be done in a variety of locations, including indoors.SUMMARY(3) One embodiment of the present disclosure is a projection module for projecting onto a projection surface. The projection module includes a light source emitting beam of light, a diffractive optical element in optical communication with the light source and configured to split the beam of light into a plurality of diffracted light beams, a lens assembly in optical communication with the diffractive optical element, the lens converges the diffracted light beams onto the projection surface, and a motion assembly connected to at least one of the light source or the lens assembly. The motion assembly changes an orientation of the diffractive light beams relative to the lens assembly to vary the convergence point and position of the diffracted light beams.(4) Another embo

Claims

1. A projection module for projecting onto a projection surface comprising: a light source configured to selectively emit a beam of light; a diffractive optical element in optical communication with the light source, wherein the diffractive optical element splits the beam of light into a plurality of diffracted light beams; a lens assembly in optical communication with the diffractive optical element, where the lens assembly converges the diffracted light beams onto the projection surface; and a motion assembly connected to at least one of the light source or the lens assembly, wherein the motion assembly displaces at least one of the light source or the lens assembly both in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction to vary an orientation of the diffractive light beams relative to the lens assembly to change a projection location of the diffracted light beams on the projection surface. 9. A projection system comprising: a light element emitting a substantially coherent light beam; a grating element coupled to the light element and in optical communication therewith; and a telescoping optical assembly in optical communication with the grating element and a projection surface; wherein when the light element is activated, the grating element diffracts the coherent light beam into a plurality of output beams and transmits the plurality of output beams to the telescoping optical assembly; in a first position the telescoping optical assembly converges the plurality of output beams in a first area on the projection surface; and in a second position the telescoping optical assembly converges the plurality of output beams in a second area on the projection surface. 15. An architectural lighting effects system comprising: a scenic element including a surface; and a projection module configured to selectively project onto the surface, the projection module comprising: a laser; a diffractive optical element in optical communication with the laser and configured to split a laser beam from the laser into a plurality of diffracted light beams; an optical assembly in optical communication with the diffractive optical element and configured to direct the diffracted light beams in different locations on the surface; and a motion assembly coupled to one of the laser or the optical assembly to vertically displace and horizontally displace the respective laser or the optical assembly to cause the diffracted light beams to vary in location on the surface.