Method and device for creating a facsmile of an image

Abstract

A technique of using an electronic device to change light into the facsimile of an image. Signals are generated, indicative of the image shape. An array of electro optical devices are transformed based on the image signals, and those devices are used to transform the light characteristics.

1 . A method comprising: 
 obtaining information indicative of at least one image; and    outputting a signal based on said at least one image, said signal adapted for controlling each element of an array to one of a first condition where light is passed to a specified area and a second condition where light is not passed to said specified location.    
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said obtaining comprises obtaining a sequence of different images at different times.  
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said array includes a liquid crystal device which has an array of areas which collectively form said array of devices and said signal controls said liquid crystal device.  
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 3 , further comprising directing a beam of light to said array, and which is altered by said array.  
     
     
         5 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said information is indicative of a matrix of pixel signals, said information indicative of intensity of each of a plurality of points within an image field.  
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 5 , further comprising obtaining a sequence of different images at different times.  
     
     
         7 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said image includes a silhouette of a specified shape having a portion representing the selected image that is transparent, and a portion representing parts other than the selected image which is opaque.  
     
     
         8 . A method as in  claim 4 , wherein said information is used to form a light beam of a triangular shape.  
     
     
         9 . A method as in  claim 4 , wherein said driver is used to form a light beam of a circular shape.  
     
     
         10 . A method as in  claim 6 , the same output signal is produced, for a time until another image is obtained.  
     
     
         11 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said signal represents a transparent facsimile of a shape based on said image.  
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said signal represents a silhouette of a selected image in a selected color, having a portion in the selected color representing the selected image, and another portion, representing parts other than the selected image.  
     
     
         13 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said signal represents an animated silhouette, having a shape which continuously changes as an animation, and having a portion outside the shape which is substantially blocked from being illuminated.  
     
     
         14 . A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising producing a light beam, altering said light beam using said array controlled by said information, and moving an assembly that produces the light beam.  
     
     
         15 . A method as in  claim 14 , further comprising commanding a specific color associated with the information.  
     
     
         16 . A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising processing the image to change at least one aspect.of said image.  
     
     
         17 . A method, comprising: 
 receiving a sequence of images;    producing an output signal indicative of one of said images at a first time and using said output signal to alter a beam of light at said first time and to project said beam of light; and    producing said output signal indicative of a second of said images at a second time subsequent to the first time and using said output signal to alter a beam of light at said first time and to project said beam of light,    wherein at least one of said first and second images includes information that shapes an outer perimeter of the beam of light.    
     
     
         18 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein said image is an image representing only a specified shape for the light beam.  
     
     
         19 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein said image is an image representing both shape and intensity for different portions of the shaped light beam.  
     
     
         20 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein said at least one image includes an image of a circle, producing an output signal which shapes the light beam to be circular.  
     
     
         21 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein said output signal is a signal adapted for driving an array of electro-optical devices which are transformable between a first condition which passes light and a second condition which does not pass light.  
     
     
         22 . A method as in  claim 19 , wherein-said signal is adapted for driving an array of liquid crystal devices that change between a condition of transparency and opaqueness.  
     
     
         23 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein said at least one image forms a light beam of a triangular shape.  
     
     
         24 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein said images form an animated portion.  
     
     
         25 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein said images form a color portion.  
     
     
         26 . A method comprising: 
 producing a beam of light within a housing;    modifying the beam of light according to a control which allows pixel level modification of the beam of light; and    controlling movement of said housing in three orthogonal directions.    
     
     
         27 . A method as in  claim 26 , wherein said modifying comprises sending a beam of light to a pixel level controllable device and controlling pixel states of said pixel level controllable device.  
     
     
         28 . A method as in  claim 27 , further comprising cooling said pixel level controllable device.  
     
     
         29 . A method as in  claim 28 , wherein said cooling comprises convection cooling.  
     
     
         30 . A method as in  claim 28 , wherein said cooling comprises active cooling including at least a fan.  
     
     
         31 . A method as in  claim 26 , further comprising focusing said light after said modifying.  
     
     
         32 . A method as in  claim 36 , further comprising a light coloring part which colors at least a portion of the light.  
     
     
         33 . A method as in  claim 26 , wherein said modifying comprises modifying said light according to animation frames which represent a moving image.  
     
     
         34 . A lighting unit, comprising: 
 a housing;    an pixel level controllable device, capable of modifying a beam of light on an individual pixel basis, according to a control; and    a housing movement device, that is controllable to move said housing in three orthogonal directions.    
     
     
         35 . A lighting unit as in  claim 34 , further comprising a lighting device in said housing, that sends a beam of light to said pixel level controllable device.  
     
     
         36 . A lighting unit as in  claim 34 , wherein said pixel level controllable device is an array of liquid crystals.  
     
     
         37 . A lighting unit as in  claim 36 , further comprising a cooling mechanism which cools said pixel level controllable device.