Scenic lighting system with simplified architecture

Abstract

A lighting system comprising: ➢ a plurality of light fixtures (2); each light fixture (2) being provided at least with: ∘ at least one source assembly (8) configured to generate one or more light beams; ∘ a control device (9) configured to regulate the at least one source assembly (8); ∘ a digital memory (11) configured to store data and / or lighting programmes; ∘ a digital processor (12) in communication with the digital memory (11) and configured to process signals, data and lighting programmes and to send command signals to the control device (9); ➢ a control console (3), which is in data communication with the digital processor (12) of each light fixture (2) and is configured to send at least one reference clock signal (Rclock) simultaneously to the digital processors (12) of at least some of the light fixtures (2) so that the digital processors (12) execute their respective lighting programmes synchronously.

Description

Cross reference to related patent Applications

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102024000019600 filed on September 3, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to a scenic lighting system.

[0003] The technical field covered by the present invention is professional scenic lighting used in the entertainment or architectural field for lighting buildings.Background

[0004] As is well known, scenic lighting systems can comprise up to several thousand light fixtures, even of different types. High-performance control consoles are normally used to control such complex lighting systems. Since the entire show relies on the control console, there is usually a backup console in case of failure of the main consoles.

[0005] In addition, if the show exceeds the number of parameters controllable by the control console, control modules are used to distribute the show over several processing units. Each lighting control module is equipped with a digital processor allowing digital processing of data and signals and a memory to store lighting programmes and access them when needed.

[0006] Each control module is normally used to control subgroups of light fixtures. However, this structure implies that a simple malfunction of a single control module impacts the show significantly causing all the light fixtures controlled by the malfunctioning control module to malfunction.

[0007] In order to guarantee operational safety even in the event of failure of individual control modules, currently known lighting systems therefore also provide for the use of backup control modules. This redundancy also leads to a significant increase in costs in terms of connection infrastructure.

[0008] The more devices are distributed over the network, the more the complexity of redundancy and reliability increases.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting system that is free from the drawbacks highlighted herein of the prior art; in particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a lighting system that overcomes the drawbacks highlighted above in a simple and reliable manner, both functionally and constructively.

[0010] In accordance with such aims, the present invention relates to a scenic lighting system comprising: a plurality of light fixtures; each light fixture being provided at least with: at least one source assembly configured to generate one or more light beams; a control device configured to regulate the at least one source assembly; a digital memory configured to store data and / or lighting programmes; a digital processor in communication with the digital memory and configured to process signals, data and lighting programmes and to send command signals to the control device; a control console, which is in data communication with the digital processor of each light fixture and is configured to send at least one reference clock signal simultaneously to the digital processors of at least some of the light fixtures so that the digital processors execute their respective lighting programmes synchronously.

[0011] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling a lighting system that is able to achieve innovative effects in a simple and reliable manner.

[0012] In accordance with these objects, the present invention also relates to a method for controlling a lighting system as claimed in claim 14.Brief description of the drawings

[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof, with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the lighting system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of a light fixture of the lighting system according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic representation with parts removed for clarity of the light fixture in Figure 2. Description of an embodiment of the invention

[0014] Referring to the accompanying figures, Figure 1 shows a scenic lighting system in accordance with the present invention comprising a plurality of light fixtures 2, a control console 3, and a connection network 4 between the control console 3 and the light fixtures 2.

[0015] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, each light fixture 2 is provided with at least one source assembly 8 (not shown in detail) configured to generate one or more light beams, a control device 9 configured to control the at least one source assembly 8. Preferably, each light fixture 2 also includes one or more beam-processing elements (not illustrated in the accompanying figures) arranged downstream of the source assembly along the optical path of the beam generated by the source assembly and configured to selectively modify the beam characteristics according to operating requirements. The beam processing devices, when present, are normally regulated by the control device 9.

[0016] Each light fixture 2 is further provided with a digital memory 11 configured to store lighting data and / or programmes and a digital processor 12 in communication with the digital memory 11 and configured to process signals, data and lighting programmes and to send command signals to the control device 8.

[0017] In particular, the digital memory 11 and the digital processor 12 are configured to store and manage control data for the source assembly 8 and / or the actuators moving parts of the light fixture 2, respectively. The digital processor 12 is preferably an NPU (Network Processing Unit) type processor distributed in an IP network.

[0018] In essence, the digital processor 12 is a software-programmable processor optimised for network applications.

[0019] The lighting programmes stored in the memory of each light fixture 2 are preferably fragments of an overall lighting programme affecting the respective light fixture 2. The lighting programmes do not comprise audio or video content but sequences of commands for the source assembly 8 and / or actuators moving parts of the light fixture 2.

[0020] In other words, the light designer designs an overall lighting programme that involves several light fixtures and is composed of programme fragments. Typically, the overall lighting programme is composed of a number of programme fragments essentially identical to the number of light fixtures covered by that same overall lighting programme. Each programme fragment will regulate the behaviour of a specific light fixture affected by the overall lighting programme.

[0021] Preferably, the control console 3 is configured to allow remote access to the digital processors 12 and digital memories 11 of the various light fixtures 2. In this way, before the show, the light designer can store respective fragments of the overall lighting programme in the various digital memories of the different light fixtures 2 and, if necessary, test the individual fragments remotely. Preferably, the console 3 comprises a control unit (not illustrated), through which the light designer programmes the roles of each light fixture 2.

[0022] The light designer uses the control unit to define the light show in advance. In particular, through the control unit, the light designer: defines a lighting programme (show file), e.g. via DMX software; analyses the show file and identifies the light fixtures involved in the lighting programme; performs a scan (discovery) of the connection network 4 to detect the light fixtures 2 present; makes a match between the light fixtures involved in the showfile and those detected in the network (the match can be based on light fixture ID, DMX universe / address, IP address or RDM UID); decomposes the show file into programme fragments dedicated to each light fixture 2; the format of the fragment must be standard, e.g. JSON, XML or similar; each programme fragment may include sub-fragments identifying moments of a show, a song, a placement, etc. (each sub-fragment is preferably identified by a unique ID) sends the fragment to each light fixture 2 via a network protocol (preferably the network protocol is open source to make the upload mechanism integrable on any light fixture).

[0023] According to a variant not shown, the control unit can be physically separated from the control console 3 and connected to the control console 3 and light fixtures 2 via the connection network 4.

[0024] In the non-limiting example described and illustrated herein, the light fixtures 2 shown are all moving head projectors. It is understood that the lighting system 1 according to the present invention may also include light fixtures 2 of different types such as LED walls, screens, strobe sources, etc.

[0025] Although the moving head projectors can be of different types, they have in common the presence of a casing 16 (which we will generically refer to here and hereafter as head 16), inside which the source assembly 8 and any beam processing devices are arranged, and a support assembly 17 configured to support the head 16.

[0026] The support assembly 17 is configured to allow the head 16 to rotate about two orthogonal axes, commonly referred to as PAN and TILT. This is why these projectors are called "moving head".

[0027] In particular, the support assembly 3 comprises a base 18 and a fork 19. The fork 19 is coupled to the base 18 rotatably about the PAN axis. The fork 19 supports the head 16 rotatably about the TILT axis. The movement of the head 16 about the PAN and TILT axes is regulated by the control device 9.

[0028] Preferably, at least the digital memory 11 and the digital processor 12 are housed in the base 18.

[0029] In the example shown, the control device 9 is also housed in the base 18.

[0030] The control console 3 is in data communication with the light fixtures 2 involved in the lighting programmes via the connection network 4.

[0031] Preferably, the control console 3 is in data communication with at least the digital processor 12 of the light fixtures 2 involved in the lighting programmes.

[0032] In particular, the control console 3 is configured to send at least one reference clock signal (Rclock) simultaneously to the digital processors 12 of the light fixtures 2.

[0033] The clock signal is "broadcast" (i.e. sent to all the light fixtures 2 without distinction) and "unsolicited" (i.e. not requested by the signal recipients).

[0034] Thanks to the reference clock signal (Rclock), the digital processors 12 can execute their respective lighting programmes synchronously.

[0035] In other words, the lighting programmes in the digital processors 12 are executed using the reference clock signal sent by the control console 3.

[0036] The execution of the lighting programmes by the digital processor 12 involves sending signals to the control device 9 of the light fixture 2 in order to implement the lighting programme specifications (command sequences for the source assembly 8 and / or for the actuators moving for example the head 16 of the light fixture 2 or the beam processing means, such as zoom, shaper, focus, etc.). The connection network 4 is a data communication network and can be defined by a wired connection network or a wireless connection network.

[0037] Preferably, the connection network 4 is an IP network comprising a set of Ethernet cables of category 5, 6 or higher connecting the light fixtures 2 and the control console 3 and any control unit if it is not integrated into the control console 3.

[0038] The IP connection network 4 can have different bandwidths depending on the connected elements and the type of cables. Preferably the connection network 4 is a so-called "gigabit" network (i.e. 100mbit / s) or supports at least 1000Mbit / s

[0039] Preferably, the communication protocols in the connection network 4 can be: Art-Net (including DMX protocol, but also RDM) sACN (also called E1.31) supporting only DMX.

[0040] Advantageously, the reference clock signal can be supplied to the digital processors 12 of the various light fixtures 2 via possibly existing communication networks. There is therefore no need for a communication network dedicated only to sending the reference clock signal.

[0041] Preferably, the reference clock signal is output at a specified frequency, so that the digital processors 12 of all the light fixtures 2 involved can be time synchronised.

[0042] Preferably, the control console 3 also comprises control commands that allow independent control of certain parameters of the light fixtures 2.

[0043] The lighting system 1 according to the present invention has some important advantages.

[0044] First of all, the lighting system 1 according to the present invention has a simplified infrastructure with no redundancies.

[0045] Moreover, sending a simple reference clock signal results in a major simplification of the connection infrastructure. For example, Ethernet cables are sufficient.

[0046] Sending reference clock signals from the control console 3 to the light fixtures 2 frees up bandwidth in the connection network 4. The bandwidth can then be used for other purposes: e.g. maintenance and monitoring, RDM, manual override, device channel status, tracking systems, etc.

[0047] The clock signal distribution protocol can also be open source. Thus, any existing control console can implement the solution according to the present invention (even control consoles that do not normally work with NPUs - Network Processing Units).

[0048] Simplified control console functions allow, among other things, the use of small consoles. In fact, the control console 3 has the sole function of sending the reference clock signal during the show. The loading of the programme fragments into the individual digital processors is carried out at a non-critical stage of the show.

[0049] Finally, this solution can also be particularly advantageous for pixel mapping lighting programmes that usually involve more than one projector in order to achieve overall graphic effects distributed over the projectors and arranged according to a certain criterion. In other words, these effects use the projectors as if they were, on the whole, a screen in which the pixels are defined by the individual source assemblies of the projectors involved.

[0050] In essence, thanks to the system architecture according to the present invention, the light show can be broken down into fragments dedicated to each light fixture. The presence of fragment processing and playback software directly inside the light fixtures 2 allows the system to be greatly simplified by completely eliminating the redundancies and control modules used in the prior art.

[0051] In other words, the claimed solution allows a significant reduction in touring costs associated with the lighting system. "Touring" costs refer to all operational and logistical expenses associated with moving, installing and operating technical equipment from one venue to another during a tour. Minimising the number of system components to be installed each time the tour moves therefore results in a reduction of all these costs.

[0052] Finally, the ability to reproduce the show by sending a clock signal alone, without the need for multiple DMX streams, frees up bandwidth in the connection network 4 for further control and monitoring protocols.

[0053] Clearly, changes may be made to the system and method described and shown herein without, however, departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Lighting system comprising: ➢ a plurality of light fixtures (2); each light fixture (2) being provided with: ∘ at least one source assembly (8) configured to generate one or more light beams; ∘ a control device (9) configured to regulate the at least one source assembly (8); ∘ a digital memory (11) configured to store data and / or lighting programmes; ∘ a digital processor (12) in communication with the digital memory (11) and configured to process signals, data and lighting programmes and to send command signals to the control device (9); ➢ a control console (3), which is in data communication with the digital processor (12) of each light fixture (2) and is configured to send at least one reference clock signal (Rclock) simultaneously to the digital processors (12) of at least some of the light fixtures (2) so that the digital processors (12) execute their respective lighting programmes synchronously.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein each light fixture (2)comprises a housing (18) in which the digital processor (12) and the digital memory (11) are arranged.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light fixtures (2) and the control console (3) are connected via a data communication network (4).

4. System according to claim 3, wherein the data communication network (4) is wireless.

5. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control console (3) is configured to output the reference clock signal at a given frequency.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory (11) of each light fixture (2) comprises at least one respective fragment of an overall lighting programme involving a plurality of light fixtures (2).

7. System according to claim 6, wherein the control console (3) is configured to send at least one reference clock signal (Rclock) simultaneously to at least the digital processors (12) of the light fixtures (2) involved by the overall lighting programme.

8. System according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a control unit configured to allow remote access to the digital memories (11) of the light fixtures (2) to store respective fragments of the overall lighting programme.

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to allow remote access to the digital processors (12) of the light fixtures (2) to test the respective fragments of the stored overall lighting programme.

10. System according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control console (3) comprises the control unit.

11. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the digital processor (12) is an NPU (Network Processing Unit) type processor.

12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light fixtures (2) comprise moving head projectors and / or LED walls and / or screens and / or strobe sources.

13. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital memory (11) and the digital processor (12) are configured respectively to store and manage control data for the source assembly (8) and / or for any actuators moving parts of the light fixture (2).

14. Method for controlling a lighting system (1); the lighting system (1) comprising a plurality of light fixtures (2); each light fixture (2) being provided with: - at least one source assembly (8) configured to generate one or more light beams; - a control device (9) configured to regulate the at least one source assembly (8); - a digital memory (11) configured to store data and / or lighting programmes; - a digital processor (12) in communication with the digital memory (11) and configured to process signals, data and lighting programmes and to send command signals to the control device (9); the method comprising the step of sending at least one reference clock signal (Rclock) simultaneously to the digital processors (12) of at least some of the light fixtures (2) in such a way that the digital processors (12) execute their respective lighting programmes synchronously.

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