Method for controlling a lighting effect of a lighting system using a lighting control panel

Abstract

Method for controlling a lighting system with a lighting control panel (01), wherein digital control commands for controlling a lighting effect are generated in the lighting control panel (01), and wherein the control commands are transmitted via data connections to at least one lighting device of the lighting system, and wherein at least two control parameters for designing the lighting effect can be set on the lighting device by means of the control commands, and wherein the two control parameters form the control value axes (10, 11) of a control range level (09), and wherein control value combinations (15) consisting of at least two control values ​​of the two control parameters are transmitted from the control range level (09) to the lighting device to control the lighting effect, with the following method steps, a) defining at least two node points (12, 13, 17, 19, 24) in the setting range level (09), each node point (12, 13, 17, 19, 24) being defined by a value pair consisting of at least two setting values; b) calculating an effect function curve (14, 16, 18, 21, 23) which connects all nodes (12, 13, 17, 19, 24) in the adjustment range plane (09); c) selection of control value combinations (15) each lying on the effect function curve (14, 16, 18, 21, 23); d) Transmission of the selected control value combinations (15) from the effect function curve (14, 16, 18, 21, 23) as control commands to the lighting device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a lighting system for generating a lighting effect using a lighting control panel.

[0002] Lighting consoles are used to control lighting systems, such as those used in theaters and concert halls. These lighting systems typically comprise a multitude of lighting devices, such as stage spotlights, whereby the lighting devices themselves can often distinguish between a variety of lighting states, such as different colors. These different lighting states of the lighting devices are controlled by programmed control parameters in the lighting program of the lighting console. During the lighting program execution, the control parameters are then transmitted to the lighting devices as control commands, for example, as DMX commands, via appropriate data connections. Typical lighting systems can comprise up to several thousand lighting devices.

[0003] Of particular importance for the design of stage shows are so-called lighting effects. These lighting effects are sections of the lighting program with which specific control value combinations of the adjustable control parameters are continuously executed. By generating such a lighting effect, for example, a specific spotlight can be controlled so that it executes a predetermined movement curve, such as a circular movement, with its light cone on the stage. The generation of the lighting effects is based on the generation of specific control value combinations and their transmission to the lighting system in order to realize the desired effects.

[0004] DE 10 2014 113 453 A1 discloses a lighting control panel suitable for controlling lighting systems, for example, on a stage. The lighting control panel includes a display for displaying the lighting systems. The lighting systems shown in the illustration can be controlled using a spatially movable operating device, with the actual lighting systems being controllable according to the movement sequence.

[0005] From DE 10 2008 006 444 A1 a lighting control panel is known which comprises a touch-sensitive sensor surface for controlling lighting systems, wherein several touches can be evaluated and processed simultaneously on the sensor surface and wherein setting options of the lighting systems can be displayed on the sensor surface.

[0006] From DE 10 2016 118 598 A1 a lighting control panel for controlling lighting systems is known, which converts the position of control elements into digital signals and is cooled by cooling with indirect heat transfer.

[0007] A disadvantage of the current methods for controlling lighting systems with a lighting control console to create lighting effects is that programming the necessary control value combinations is highly complex and therefore time-consuming. Therefore, programming complex lighting effects is not feasible for many stage shows, as the programming would be too complex for the light show designer.

[0008] Based on this prior art, it is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a new method for controlling a lighting system with a lighting control panel, with which lighting effects can be generated very easily and very quickly.

[0009] This problem is solved by a method according to the teaching of claim 1.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0011] The method according to the invention is based on the fundamental idea that the at least two control parameters to be used to create the lighting effect form a control range level. The boundaries of the control range level are defined by the physical limits of the adjustable control range of the lighting device, for example, the maximum adjustment angle of an adjustable light or the maximum brightness of a spotlight. To control the lighting effect, points must now be selected from the control range level, with each point in the control range level defining a control value combination that can be transmitted to the lighting device as a control command.

[0012] According to the invention, to generate the lighting effect, it is first provided that at least two nodes are determined in the adjustment range plane. Each of these nodes consists of a value pair of the two adjustment values that form the adjustment range plane.

[0013] Then, an effect function curve is calculated using a predefined calculation rule, which connects all the nodes in the adjustment range plane. The effect function curve crosses all the points in the adjustment range plane that are subsequently considered as adjustment value combinations for generating the lighting effect.

[0014] Then, adjustment value combinations that lie on the effect function curve are selected.

[0015] Finally, the control value combinations selected from the effect function curve are transmitted from the lighting control desk to the lighting equipment to execute the lighting effect on stage. The control value combinations can be transmitted via DMX commands.

[0016] The control parameters chosen to generate the lighting effect are fundamentally arbitrary and depend on the type of lighting effect desired. Possible control parameters for forming the control range level when implementing the method according to the invention include, for example, brightness and / or color (color channels) and / or the zoom factor.

[0017] Certain movement sequences of adjustable lighting fixtures are of utmost importance for the design of lighting effects. The adjustment of lighting fixtures that can pivot about two pivot axes is particularly important. The two adjustment angles of the lighting fixtures that can pivot about the pivot axes are usually referred to as pan and tilt. In order to define specific movement sequences of these lighting fixtures in lighting effects, it is therefore particularly advantageous if the two adjustment angles (pan and tilt) of the pivotable lighting fixtures define the two control value axes of the adjustment range level.

[0018] In order to enable clean transitions when controlling a lighting effect, it is advantageous if the effect function curve is calculated as a continuous function without discontinuity in the function graph.

[0019] The calculation function used to generate the effect function curve after defining the nodes in the control range plane is fundamentally arbitrary. This calculation can be performed particularly easily and precisely if the effect function curve is calculated as an nth-degree spline function. Second- or third-degree spline functions, in particular, can be calculated very quickly, almost in real time, to connect the previously defined nodes in the control range plane with a continuous effect function curve.

[0020] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the effect function curve has a circularly closed function graph. During the execution of the method according to the invention, this circularly closed function curve can then be traversed several times in succession when controlling the lighting effect in order to realize corresponding repetitions of the lighting effect.

[0021] To provide the lighting effects designer with an additional design aspect, it is particularly advantageous if the slope of the effect function curve at a node is specified as a boundary condition for calculating the effect function curve. In other words, this means that when calculating the effect function curve, not only the nodes themselves but also the slope at the nodes are specified as boundary conditions.

[0022] The way in which the gradient of the effect function curve is specified by the lighting effect designer is essentially arbitrary. A particularly simple way to do this is for the designer to specify a tangent at a node. The course of the tangent then determines the gradient of the effect function curve at the node.

[0023] In its basic form, the method according to the invention serves to control a lighting system when realizing a lighting effect with one lighting device. However, lighting effects are particularly effective when multiple lighting devices are involved simultaneously. According to a preferred method variant, it is therefore provided that multiple lighting devices are controlled simultaneously to create the lighting effect, with a separate effect function curve being calculated for each lighting device. The effect function curves of the individual lighting devices can certainly be identical or at least similar.

[0024] The way in which the control range level is displayed to the lighting effect designer is fundamentally arbitrary. This is preferably done by displaying the control range level on a screen on the lighting control panel.

[0025] Furthermore, it is fundamentally arbitrary how the nodes in the setting area level are defined by the designer of the lighting effect.

[0026] This can be achieved particularly easily by having the screen of the lighting control panel have a touch-sensitive surface. The designer of the lighting effect can then define the nodes in the control range level by touching the touch-sensitive surface of the screen. When executing the lighting effect, individual control value combinations that lie on the effect function curve must be selected according to the program flow. The manner in which this selection is made is fundamentally arbitrary. According to a preferred embodiment, the selected control value combinations from the effect function curve each have an equidistant spacing on the effect function curve. This equidistant spacing between the individual control value combinations corresponds to a specific operating frequency with which the lighting devices are controlled when the lighting effect is being executed.

[0027] The method according to the invention enables highly effective design and processing of lighting effects, particularly when calculating the effect function curve of a spline function. Since such calculations can be performed almost in real time using special hardware components with very short processing times, the calculation of the continuous effect function curve and the selection of the control value combinations from the effect function curve are possible almost in real time. In other words, this means that the lighting effect no longer has to be calculated before executing the lighting program and the corresponding control value combinations saved in tables. Instead, the calculation of the individual control value combinations takes place in real time during the actual program execution, which significantly increases effectiveness.

[0028] Various aspects of the method according to the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained below by way of example.

[0029] They show: Fig. 1 a lighting control console suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention in a perspective view from the front; Fig. 2 the touch-sensitive screen of the lighting control panel according to Fig. 1 with the adjustment range level displayed thereon when defining a first node point for the calculation of an effect function curve; Fig. 3 the screen according to Fig. 2 with the control value level displayed when defining the second node point for the calculation of an effect function curve; Fig. 4 the screen according to Fig. 3 with the two nodes and the effect function curve connecting the nodes; Fig. 5 the screen according to Fig. 4 with several selected control value combinations on the effect function curve; Fig. 6 the screen of the lighting control panel according to Fig. 1 with six nodes defined in the control value level and an effect function curve connecting the nodes; Fig. 7 the screen of the lighting control panel according to Fig. 1 with two nodes and two tangents at the nodes and the effect function curve calculated from them; Fig. 8 the screen of the lighting control panel according to Fig. 1 with the two nodes according to Fig. 7 after changing the course of the two tangents at the node points and the resulting effect function curve; Fig. 9 the screen of the lighting control panel according to Fig. 1 with several effect function curves, each defined by two nodes, for controlling several lighting devices; Fig. 10 the screen of the lighting control panel according to Fig. 1 with several effect function curves each defined by two node points; Fig. 11 the screen of the lighting control panel according to Fig. 1 with several effect function curves, each defined by two nodes and two tangents, for controlling several lighting devices; Fig. 12 the screen of the lighting control panel according to Fig. 1 with several complex effect function curves for controlling multiple lighting devices.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a lighting control console 01 for controlling a stage lighting system. The lighting control console 01 is particularly suitable for creating lighting effects during a stage show using the method according to the invention. The lighting control console is equipped with three monitors 02 and three monitors 03 for displaying various menus for the user. A plurality of push buttons 04, rotary controls 05, and slide controls 06 are provided on the lighting control console for entering control commands. The rotary controls 05 and their rotary knobs 07 protrude beyond the housing of the lighting control console 01. The screens 02 and 03 each have a touch-sensitive surface 08, so that the user can enter operating commands by touching the touch-sensitive surface 08.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a screen 02 with its touch-sensitive surface 08 during the first processing step of the method according to the invention, viewed from the front. A setting range plane 09 is displayed to the user on the screen 02. The setting value axes 10 and 11 of the setting range plane 09 form the setting ranges of a lighting device, for example a stage spotlight. The first setting axis 10 defines the first setting angle (pan) about a first setting axis of the lighting device. The second setting axis 11 represents the second setting angle (tilt) about a second setting axis of the lighting device. The points present in the setting range plane 09 thus each represent a setting value combination of pan angle and tilt angle that the corresponding stage spotlight can execute with its setting mechanism.

[0032] In the first step of the method according to the invention, the user touches a point of the surface 08 in the adjustment range plane 09 and thereby defines the first node point 12, which forms the basis for the subsequent calculation of the effect function curve.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows the adjustment range plane 09 on the screen 02 during the second step of the method according to the invention. During the second step of the method according to the invention, the user touches the surface 08 at a second point in the adjustment range plane 09, thereby defining a second node 13.

[0034] In the next step of the method according to the invention, an effect function curve between the two nodes 12 and 13 is calculated according to a predetermined calculation rule. Fig. The variant shown in Figure 4 is the simplest effect function curve between the two nodes 12 and 13, since the effect function curve 14 corresponds to a straight line between the nodes 12 and 13. The effect function curve 14 covers all points in the setting range level 09 whose control value combinations are relevant for the subsequent execution of the lighting effect.

[0035] Fig. 5 shows the adjustment range level 09 on the screen 02 during the next step for implementing the method according to the invention. Several adjustment value combinations 15 are selected on the effect function curve 14. The adjustment value combinations 15 each define a specific combination of a pan angle and a tilt angle. The adjustment value combinations 15 are spaced equidistantly from one another on the effect function curve 14. To execute the lighting effect, the adjustment values ​​of the adjustment value combinations 15 are then transmitted at a specific frequency to the corresponding lighting device, namely the adjustable spotlight, in order to implement a movement of the spotlight that determines the lighting effect.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows screen 02 with adjustment range level 09 and a second effect function curve 16 displayed thereon. The effect function curve 16 has a circularly closed function graph, so that when generating the lighting effect, the effect function curve 16 can be repeatedly traversed. The effect function curve 16 is defined by the six nodes 17 that the user has selected by touching the touch-sensitive surface 08 on screen 02. To calculate the effect function curve 16, the straight lines between the individual nodes 17 were determined.

[0037] Fig. Figure 7 shows screen 02 with adjustment range level 09 displaying a third effect function curve 18. The effect function curve 18 is defined by the two nodes 19 and the two tangents 20 passing through the nodes. The effect function curve 18 is calculated using a third-degree spline function and has a circularly closed function graph with a continuous function curve.

[0038] Fig. 8 shows screen 02 with adjustment range level 09 while displaying another effect function curve 21. The effect function curve 21 is again defined by the two nodes 19 and two tangents 22 through the nodes 19. By changing the course of the tangents 22 compared to the tangents 20, the effect function curve 21 can be easily redesigned.

[0039] Fig. Figure 9 shows screen 02 with adjustment range level 09 displaying a plurality of effect function curves 23. Each effect function curve 23 is assigned to a single spotlight. Since all effect function curves 23 have the same circular shape and are each defined by two nodes 24, the corresponding spotlights perform correspondingly few movements when executing the lighting effect.

[0040] Fig. 10 shows the screen 02 with the setting range level 09 displaying a large number of effect function curves with similar function graphs, whereby the diameter of the circular function graphs increases continuously.

[0041] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show the screen 02 with the adjustment range level 09 when displaying additional effect function graphs for controlling highly complex lighting effects using the lighting control panel 01.

Claims

[1] Method for controlling a lighting system with a lighting control panel (01), wherein digital control commands for controlling a lighting effect are generated in the lighting control panel (01), and wherein the control commands are transmitted via data connections to at least one lighting device of the lighting system, and wherein at least two control parameters for designing the lighting effect can be set on the lighting device by means of the control commands, and wherein the two control parameters form the control value axes (10, 11) of a control range level (09), and wherein control value combinations (15) consisting of at least two control values of the two control parameters are transmitted from the control range level (09) to the lighting device to control the lighting effect, with the following method steps, a) defining at least two node points (12, 13, 17, 19, 24) in the setting range level (09), each node point (12, 13, 17, 19, 24) being defined by a value pair consisting of at least two setting values; b) calculating an effect function curve (14, 16, 18, 21, 23) which connects all node points (12, 13, 17, 19, 24) in the setting range plane (09); c) selection of control value combinations (15) each lying on the effect function curve (14, 16, 18, 21, 23); d) Transmission of the selected control value combinations (15) from the effect function curve (14, 16, 18, 21, 23) as control commands to the lighting device. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat the brightness and / or the color and / or the zoom factor can be adjusted on the lighting device in order to realize different lighting effects, wherein the adjustment range level includes the brightness and / or the color and / or the zoom factor as the adjustment value axis. [3] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the lighting device can be pivoted about two pivot axes with at least one servo motor in order to be able to approach different positions of the lighting device, wherein the first setting angle (Pan) about the first pivot axis and the second setting angle (Tilt) about the second pivot axis form the setting value axes (10, 11) of the setting range plane (09). [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the effect function curve (18, 21, 23) is calculated as a continuous function without discontinuity in the function graph. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized bythat the effect function curve (23) is calculated as a spline function of the nth degree, in particular as a spline function of the 2nd or 3rd degree. [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the effect function curve (16, 18, 21, 23) has a circularly closed function graph. [7] Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the gradient of the effect function curve (18, 21, 23) at a node point (19) is specified as a boundary condition for the calculation of the effect function curve (18, 21, 23). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by that the gradient of the effect function curve (18, 21, 23) at a node point (19) is specified by inputting a tangent (20, 22) to the effect function curve (18, 21, 23). [9] Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat several lighting devices are controlled simultaneously to create the lighting effect, with a separate effect function curve (23) being calculated for each lighting device. [10] Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the setting range level (09) is displayed on a screen (02) of the lighting control panel (01). [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that the node points (12, 13, 17, 19, 24) in the setting area level (09) are determined by touching a touch-sensitive surface (08) of the screen (02). [12] Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the selected control value combinations (15) from the effect function curve (14) each have an equidistant distance on the effect function curve (14). [13] Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized bythat the calculation of the effect function curve (14, 16, 18, 21, 23) and the selection of the control value combinations (15) from the effect function curve (14, 16, 18, 21, 23) take place in real time.

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