Laser Projection System

Abstract

A laser projection system having built-in safety systems is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of operating a laser projection system such that safe operation is a factor only of meeting a threshold distance between the laser unit and an audience member. To accomplish safe operation at the threshold distance, the laser projection system is pre-calibrated to operate below maximum permitted exposure levels at the threshold distance. In this manner of operation, laser lighting can be accomplished by non-laser professionals without the complexity, external sensors, and need for calibration at the venue.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for projecting a laser onto an audience, comprising:
 a laser source;   a monitoring system,
 wherein the monitoring system observes a plurality of output parameters of the laser source; 
 wherein the monitoring system generates an output signal; 
   a calibration interface, wherein the plurality of output parameters of the laser source are calibrated such that a laser beam emitted from the laser source does not to exceed a threshold exposure level at a given distance;   a safety system that receives the output signal, wherein the safety system attenuates the laser beam in the event the laser beam exceeds the threshold exposure level.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an anti-tampering device operably connected to the calibration interface, wherein the anti-tampering device prevents modification of the plurality of output parameters of the laser source by unauthorized users.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a motorized yoke, wherein the yoke changes an axis of projection of the laser.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a yoke position sensor that generates a yoke output signal, wherein the yoke output signal is transferred to the safety system.   
     
     
         5 . A method of operating a laser projection system for an audience, comprising:
 providing a laser projection system, the laser projection system comprising:
 a laser head that projects laser beam; 
 a motorized yoke having a mount, wherein the laser head is secured in the mount; 
 a monitoring system, wherein the mounting system determines the exposure level of the laser beam; 
 a safety cutout device that blocks transmission of the laser beam emanating from the laser head when the monitoring system detects an excessive exposure level; 
 a calibration interface, wherein the power output, beam divergence, and scan rate of the laser beam is adjusted; 
   calibrating the laser projection system to prevent exposure levels exceeding a maximum threshold at a pre-determined distance;   installing the laser projection system at a distance no less than the pre-determined distance from an audience.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 operating the laser projection system pursuant to a governmental variance.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 adjusting a parameter of the laser beam when the maximum threshold is no longer maintained.   
     
     
         8 . A laser projection system, comprising:
 a laser source configured to project a laser beam.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a monitoring system,
 wherein the monitoring system observes a plurality of output parameters of the laser source; 
 wherein the monitoring system generates an output signal; 
   a calibration interface to adjust the plurality of output parameters of the laser source; and   a safety system that receives the output signal, wherein the safety system attenuates the laser beam in the event the laser beam exceeds a threshold exposure level.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a motorized yoke, wherein the yoke changes an axis of projection of the laser source; and   a yoke position sensor that generates a yoke signal, wherein the yoke signal is transferred to the safety system.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the laser beam has a subtense between about 1.5 milliradians and 100 milliradians. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the laser beam has a subtense between about 1.5 milliradians and 100 milliradians. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the laser beam has a subtense greater than about 100 milliradians. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a motorized yoke, wherein the yoke changes an axis of projection of the laser source,   wherein the laser beam has a subtense greater than about 100 milliradians.