WO2011033411A1

WO2011033411A1 - Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic-television stage setting

Info

Publication number: WO2011033411A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/053920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrizia Ianiro
Original assignee: Ianiro Aldo S.R.L.
Priority date: 2009-09-15
Filing date: 2010-09-01
Publication date: 2011-03-24
Also published as: ITRM20090466A1; IT1395881B1; EP2478287A1

Abstract

Assemblable modular units for lighting in film-photographic-television stage setting are used for forming a light (1) which comprises N lighting bodies (2, 3, 4) with different size, each supporting L light emitting diodes. Such lighting bodies are, with respect to a load-bearing structure (5), coaxially insertable, disconnectable and combinable with each other in order to provide, each time, the configuration of a different lighting apparatus having specific performances.

Description

"Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photo graphic-television stage setting" Field of the invention

The invention generally refers to the apparatuses/lighting bodies to be used in the field of photographic-film-television stage filming. More particularly, it deals with a light in which each of the lighting bodies comprises groups of light emitting diodes (LED) arranged in multiple and modular assemblies, and comes to be sequentially configured and placed in various modes, in relation to a series of different operating functionalities and performances.

State of the art

As already described in the patent RM2007A000588, in the name of the same applicant, optimal lighting is of considerable importance in photographic-film-television filming. For this reason, in such field, it is essential to define the quality, the quantity and the arrangement of the employed lighting elements.

The characteristics and the performances of a lighting apparatus depend on the type of light source, on its size, on the lighting angle, and finally on the editing techniques and on the regulation and control devices employed. It should be noted that, even in the studios which work with the latest technology equipment and apparatus, lighting systems and control means are present which tend to be overly bulky, particularly since each of these systems or devices - due to their specificity - carries out only one dedicated function.

In many situations and in relation to the subject which must be filmed, it may be required that the lighting of the subject is concentrated (in jargon a SPOT or HARD filming), or instead is a SOFT filming, with a lower distributed light flow and greater smoothness. In some filming, both types of lighting must be used in the scope of particular sequence successions. Such alteration requires considerable, difficult operating times, also inconvenient when considering that the scene construction speed is essential due to the high costs of production as well as for live filming.

Description of the invention

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a compact lighting apparatus capable of performing various functionalities, managing groups of LED lighting elements distributed over modules of different sizes which are insertable, disconnectable and combinable with each other, in order to provide, each time, the configuration of a different lighting apparatus having specific performances.

Another object of the invention is to provide modular units for the lighting in film- photographic-television stage setting, assemblable for carrying out different functionalities and configurable in real time, in order to operate both with a concentrated lighting type of hard, spot type or with a soft lighting type over a wide angle. Between the two end limits, a gradualness of adjustable light intensities is provided for by the operator.

A further object of the invention is to provide a lighting apparatus which uses the LED lighting bodies mounted on assembly plates, which in turn can be directly mounted by reusing a standard structural support element, typically a fork.

Final object of the present invention is to provide assemblable modular units for lighting with LED array modular lighting bodies, which employ standard electrical and electronic components, hardware and assembly structures in the lighting engineering field, in order to render the system itself with reduced costs, high reliability and easy maintenance.

These and other objects which will be clearer during the present description are obtained by means of assemblable modular units for lighting in film-photographic-television stage setting characterized by the properties set forth in the attached claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be better understood from the reading of the following description, provided merely as an example with reference to the drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of a lighting apparatus according to the present invention;

FIGURES 2 A and B are axonometric views, both overall and exploded, of the embodiment according to the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation of the three-dimensional arrangement of the LEDs in the various planes associated with the lighting bodies. A summary definition of the finding is that of a structure which combines 3 (more generally N) separate lights in a single structure. The embodiment of the present invention is based on the configuration of a complex of three (N) modules or lighting bodies completely independent from each other, both with regard to structure and functionality. They are however assemblable in a manner so as to form, by themselves, in pairs or in three together, a single lighting apparatus with its own characteristics and performances.

Description of the preferred embodiments

Under the mechanical aspect, this is substantially a dismountable apparatus made of three separate units 2, 3, 4 - separate but configurable in a single functional module. From the electrical standpoint, the power supply is based on hot connections and intervenes in an independent and separate manner for each lighting body. It should be noted that in the structure 1 - which while compact is not delimited in the axial direction - 3 (N) component modules can be mechanically disconnected and inserted as desired, even if power supplied by a single electrical energy source at the electrical/electronic level. In any case, such modules form functional units capable of operating individually.

Hence, it is possible to go beyond the combination delimited in Fig. 1, in which the three modules are superimposed on each other for the sole purpose of having a light with increasingly higher intensity, in relation to the number of LEDs which are steadily increased. With the new application, a series of annular plates are considered, each of which can be disconnected/inserted for operating either as internal structure or external structure for the purpose of obtaining different performances.

With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, the main characteristics of the lighting system are the following.

The modularity characterizing the finding allows the separation into three separate bodies 2, 3, 4 or their combination in a single light 1. A modular unit 1, in its preferred embodiment, provides for a total of 54 (18 +18 +18) single LEDs which once assembled have an intensity similar to a 1000W filtered halogen, but with only a fraction of its consumption.

In such structural configuration, a series of coaxial housings are present - on the Z' Z" axis - with circular plate 2, 3, 4, each with a distribution of lighting elements formed by LEDs.

The three modules 2, 3 and 4 are electrically connectable with each other (plug in) in a manner such that a single power supply cable 95 can supply power to the three assembled modules. Alternatively, it is provided that two or three cables can be used for supplying the modules individually.

Lateral supports retain all parts of the apparatus, allowing with suitable threads the modular combination of several apparatuses. The mechanical coupling of the three modules provides for simple screws 90, 91 , 92, screwable or unscrewable using one's fingers (without tools). Once unscrewed, such unlosable screws remain coupled to the light body, in a manner so as to not be lost in movement. The lenses are interchangeable and fixed with magnets and small unlosable screws for greater coupling safety, in order to vary the beam from Spot to Average Flood, to Wide Flood. The white diffusion filter and the transparent neutral filter for colored gelatin sheets, in the three measures for the three single modules or full with large size for the three assembled modules, are fixed with magnets.

The fork is marked with the number 5; this ensures that the entire system of the modular locks can be held together in a configuration with one, two or three lighting modules.

In any case, a piloting driver 20 is present for each lighting body, such driver rendering the regulation and control of each LED group independent. Such driver 20, forming the on-board power supply, is easy to maneuver via potentiometer, for the regulation of the intensity or the white/red mix, and the setting and storage push buttons. The control 40 constitutes a locking device that, together with the square section blocks 43 and 46 - with relative threaded nut supports - adjusts the positioning of the single modules 2, 3, 4, locking their slope and thus also conferring a specific angle to the light beam generated by the combination of the modules 2, 3 and 4.

Even if not visible in Fig. 2 B, it is clear that the base of the fork is inserted in a vertical support rod (in field called "stand") and is then fixed by means of a lock control 93.

The fundamental advantages deriving from the modular system are that, with normal manual operations by one or more of the operators simultaneously, in the setting of a cinematographic film set, one can quickly pass from one combination to the other, or actuate the reuse of each of the single separate modules 2, 3, 4 with three respective standard sustaining supports, i.e. the forks 5, so as to obtain three different low-intensity lighting bodies.

The modularity of the new apparatus can thus already be detected in the minimal embodiment with three lighting bodies. The system comes to be configured as an assembled projector:

- with three different assembled lighting bodies 2, 3, 4 in a single configuration, or

- with two lighting bodies different from each other, i.e. the central body 3 mounted only with the larger body 2, or only with the smaller body 4, or finally

- with a single body (i.e. with one of the three 18 LED modules 2, 3 or 4).

In practice, six different combinations of lighting bodies are used with this technique.

Another fundamental structural characteristic of the finding is that, with this type of modular functional embodiment of the lighting element, the configuration of the light is essentially maintained of the type with an axial structure that has a symmetric repeating extension of the light source around the central axis Z', Z" of the different bodies. This involves a spectral composition which reduces the effect of interference between the various light sources, mutually compensating for the spurious frequencies generated by each light point.

The specific arrangement of the LEDs in the plane of each module is such to make each lighting emitting diode correspond with a diode that is symmetrically-arranged with respect to the central axis Z' - Z", which transversely crosses through each module 2, 3, 4. It should be noted that, with reference to the LED arrangements highlighted in the single planes, the point corresponding to the axis of the lighting apparatus according to the present invention is marked with Z - as is known by the geometry of isometric transformations, f(Z) = Z, since Z always coincides with an image thereof.

For example, in the different configurations 2, 3 and 4 reported in the embodiment of each lighting body, the distribution on the sides of an imaginary regular polygon of hexagonal type is essential. The arrangement of each LED, in the plane forming the lighting body, provides for the correspondence with a diode that is symmetric with respect to the center Z of said plane (arrangement with central symmetry, Fig. 3).

This particular arrangement of the active devices, in passing from the lower plane to the intermediate plane and then to the upper plane, makes use of a rigid translation that does not deform the configuration, the alignment and mainly the symmetry of the starting positions. It has experimentally shown a surprising, specific non-interaction of the electromagnetic components characterized by the same wavelength, so that the brightness components of each body are essentially linearly summed, in a manner so as to operate with synchronous light sources characterized by the same wavelength.

The maintenance of a longitudinal arrangement perfectly aligned along the line Z' , Z" is therefore essential for the purpose of generating coherent light components.

According to the embodiment described in Figure 2A, the pins 90' and 90", which come to be engaged with the relative support nuts 43 (right) and 46 (left), belong to the lighting body 4. For the positioning of further groups of LEDs (for example, the LEDs related to the lighting bodies 3 and 2 in Figure 2A) it is sufficient to actuate the screwing of the pins 91 ', 91" and 9 ", respectively on the threaded relief elements 80', 80" and 80"'. Repeating the process, one operates with the pins 92', 92" and 92"' of the third lighting body 2 which come to be inserted in the relief nuts 81 ' , 81 " (not shown because covered) and 81 "' . Therefore, the solution is clear that is based on the locking action of each module on three same axes X Y T, allowing the necessary fine centering of the lighting body and thus the elimination of possible interferences between the different light sources.

On the other hand, the same mounting seat is reused with regard to the fork 5, starting from the relative open configuration. It results extremely advantageous that the multiple configuration is then obtained from the same load-bearing structure 5, relative to that of the 18 LED system, by suitably repeating the addition of lighting bodies that are axial and concentric with respect to the support 5.

The modularity of the scalar mounting is certain not bound to only three lighting bodies - as shown for the preferred embodiment of Fig. 2 - but can be repeated for any number of planes in sequence. The final lighting apparatus is intended as the configuration of a sequence of planes of M₀, ... Mi_i, Mi, Mi₊₁...M_n type, in which M;_i constitutes the load-bearing element of Mi, characterized by smaller size and by a more concentrated LED distribution. In turn M₁₊₁ comes to be supported by Mi; M₁₊₁ in turn has greater size and has a more spaced distribution of LEDs with respect to Mi.

The N generic lighting bodies in sequence with respect to each other M₀...M_n are capable of functioning

a- in an independent manner, since they are considered to be single, different autonomously-operating lighting units,

b- and in compound manner depending on the different combinations that can be actuated from the mechanical and circuital standpoint.

Hence, even if the preferred embodiment of the present invention refers to three lighting bodies 2, 3, 4, each with 18 LEDs, more generally the modular apparatus is composed of N independent annular modules under the structural aspect and the actual relative electrical lighting body provides for electrically-balanced, independent management. In particular, only one of the N modules may be supplied with power, since different light and lighting angles can also be selected for each of these. The same single ring may only be partially activated, for example with only white LEDs on or only red LEDs on in each single ring. Due to the color mix, it is in fact possible to mix whites and reds with different intensities in order to obtain the "tone" and the "color" of the preferred white (CRI Color Rendering Index enhancement).

It is extremely advantageously for the user to acquire a certain number of forks 5, according to needs, in order to make the lighting bodies function as single lights, or in pairs, or with all three together. In this case, it is suitable to prearrange a quantity of forks 5 in the same number of lighting bodies.

A further characteristic of the invention is that the modules constituting the light 1 are completely compatible with the various accessories that are used in a filming set.

In a different application of the present invention, each of the external modules examined up to now can be arranged - if taken separately - around a telecamera. In such embodiment, the lighting bodies in which the LED arrays are comprised are structured in a manner such that the middle ring 3 and the external ring 2 also function as small circles for the video camera and film camera optics, even if not specifically designed for this purpose. Even if the middle ring 3 might be narrow for some lenses, the wide ring 2 certainly works very well (a mounting adapter, for 15 mm or 19 mm rods, is usually available as a manufacturing accessory).

Apparatuses for this use with LED or fluorescent sources are already known; the new small circle is of LED type, axial, with adjustable brightness and with adjustable red-amber/white mix particularly useful for film-photographic-television applications. In addition, when the lighting body is configured as a small circle, it can be arranged both on a stand and on lens (at the state of the art, only small circles are known which have a dedicated use, not those with double use that can also be used on a stand), since it can be mounted in different ways: by fixing it between the optics and the telecamera using the central hole, or via holes for fastening to the edges of the fork 5 mounting seat.

Advantages and industrial uses of the finding The modular system according to the present invention is prearranged for being activated at different work voltages, with film-photographic-television apparatuses of generic type.

In addition, many different types of filters can be mounted on the system, in relation to the desired effect.

In order to reduce both the intensity variations and the color variations with regard to the non- homogeneity which derives from the production of the LEDs themselves, and to emit a variety of colors and/or tones as a function of the energy which is supplied to the emitters, circuital means are prearranged with the drivers 20. Such circuital means regulate the color intensity variations of the anode of each light emitter, in a separate manner.

It should be indicated that the electrical and electronic modularity is based on separated power supply, as well as on driver electronics that are fundamentally identical for each driver 20. The base structure with light emitting diode matrix, such diodes installed on a power-supplier load-bearing plate that dissipates the heat generated during emission, provides for a dielectric structure and a plurality of electrical conductive contacts arranged on the dielectric element. The contacts are configured for the purpose of mounting the LED series and for supplying current directly to the LEDs themselves.

Claims

PF/MA/18elO WO 2011/033411 PCT/IB2010/053920 10 Claims

1. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic-television stage setting, characterized in that they are used for constituting a light (1) which comprises N lighting bodies (2, 3, 4) with different size, each supporting L light emitting diodes, said lighting bodies

5 being, with respect to a load-bearing structure (5), coaxially insertable, disconnectable and combinable with each other in order to provide, each time, the configuration of a different lighting apparatus having specific performances.

2. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic-television stage setting 10 according to claim 1, characterized in that the configuration of the light, by means of additions, eliminations and movements of the lighting bodies, occurs in a coaxial manner, with a symmetric repeating extension of the light source with respect to the central axis (Ζ', Z") of the different bodies (2, 3, 4), the specific central symmetry arrangement of the LEDs, in the plane of each module/lighting body, making each light emitting diode correspond with an LED that 15 is symmetrical with respect to the central axis (Z' Z"), which transversely crosses through each module (2, 3, 4), the arrangement of the LED diodes in the planes forming the lighting bodies providing that, in passing from the lower plane to the intermediate plane and then to the upper plane, a rigid translation is actuated which does not deform the alignment and the symmetry of the starting positions.

20

3. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic stage setting according to each of the preceding claims, characterized in that the configured lighting apparatus (1) provides for a sequence of flat lighting bodies (M0, ... Mi-1, Mi, Mi+1...Mn), wherein the i-th lighting body bearing the i-th+1 lighting body has smaller size and a more concentrated

25 distribution of LEDs than the i-th+1 lighting body.

4. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic-television stage setting according to each of the preceding claims, characterized in that the N lighting bodies (Mo...Mn), in sequence with respect to each other, are capable of functioning: PF/MA/18elO

WO 2011/033411 PCT/IB2010/053920

11 i- in an independent manner, since they are considered to be single, different autonomously- operating lighting units, ii- and in compound manner depending on the different combinations that can be actuated from the mechanical and circuital standpoint.

5

5. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic stage setting according to each of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the maintenance, at the time of disconnection/insertion of the lighting bodies, of a fine centering along the central axis (Ζ', Z") of the light, fastening elements (80, 90; 81, 91; 82, 92) are provided, perfectly aligned along

10 axes (X, Y, T) in the direction of the same straight line.

6. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic stage setting according to each of the preceding claims, characterized in that one type of assembled light (1) provides for a sequential succession of three lighting bodies (2, 3, 4) with the use of 18 LEDs for each of

15 said lighting bodies.

7. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic stage setting according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the projector assembled with 54 LEDs with three lighting bodies can operate with:

20 I- the three different lighting bodies (2, 3, 4) assembled in a single configuration, or

II- two different lighting bodies, i.e. the central body (3) mounted with the larger body (2) or with the smaller body (4), or finally

III- one single body at a time.

25 8. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic-television stage setting according to each of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control (40) constitutes the locking device which adjusts the positioning of the single modules (2, 3, 4), locking their slope and thus also conferring a specific angle to the light beam generated by the combination of the PF/MA/18elO

WO 2011/033411 PCT/IB2010/053920

12 modules (2, 3 and 4), each light being equipped with the relative fork, which with the loosenable and tightenable locking control directs the slope of the light.

9. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic stage setting according to 5 each of the preceding claims, characterized in that they use the module/lighting body (2 or 3) with sufficient aperture of the inner ring, which is arranged around a telecamera, both on the stand and on the lens, since it can be mounted in different modes and fixed:

i- between the optics and the telecamera by using the central hole, or

ii- by means of holes for fastening to the edges of the fork (5) mounting seat.

10

10. Assemblable modular units for lighting in a film-photographic stage setting according to each of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics forming the regulation and the control of the drivers (20) dedicated to the on-board power supply, to the regulation of the intensity, of the mix of colors with relative setting and storage functions, constitutes a

15 essentially identical modular element for each lighting body (2, 3, 4), even if independent from the electric power supply standpoint.