Baton elevation system

Abstract

To provide a baton control system capable of incorporating an alteration system.SOLUTION: A baton elevation system includes: an elevatable baton; a wirelessly communicable detection device that has a sensor for detecting a state of the baton, and is installed so as to be attachable to and detachable from the baton; and a control device that is connected so as to be wirelessly communicable with the detection device, and changes a control content on the basis of a state detected by the detection device during elevation control of the baton with a predetermined control content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a baton lifting system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a space such as a stage or a studio, a baton lifting system for controlling the lifting of a baton to which instruments such as lighting devices are attached has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of system, when an object existing in the space comes into contact with the baton, a winch for the wire suspending the baton detects the loosening of the wire, and based on the detection result, a control device changes (stops or rewinds) the lifting control of the baton.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, since it is necessary to incorporate the change system for changing the above-described lifting control when introducing the baton control system, it has been difficult to incorporate the change system into an already introduced baton lifting system.

[0005] An object of the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a baton control system into which a change system can be incorporated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The baton lifting and lowering system according to the embodiment includes a baton that can be lifted and lowered, a sensor that detects the state of the baton, a wireless communication-enabled detection device that is detachably installed on the baton, and a control device that is wirelessly communicably connected to the detection device and changes the control content based on the state detected by the detection device during the lifting and lowering control of the baton with a predetermined control content.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] The baton lifting and lowering system 1 described below includes a baton 2 that can be lifted and lowered, a sensor 54 that detects the state of the baton 2, a wireless communication-enabled detection device 5 that is detachably installed on the baton 2, and a control device 6 that is wirelessly communicably connected to the detection device 5 and changes the control content based on the state detected by the detection device 5 during the lifting and lowering control of the baton 2 with a predetermined control content.

[0009] The detection device 5 described below detects whether the baton 2 and an object are in contact based on the state of the baton 2. When the baton 2 and the object are in contact, the control device 6 changes the control content to stop the lifting and lowering of the baton 2.

[0010] The detection device 5 described below detects whether the baton 2 contacts an object when the lifting and lowering of the baton 2 is continued with predetermined control content based on the state of the baton 2. When the baton 2 contacts the object, the control device 6 changes the control content to stop the lifting and lowering of the baton 2.

[0011] The detection device 5 described below detects that the baton 2 contacts an object when the state satisfies a predetermined contact condition. The predetermined contact condition is determined according to the installation position of the sensor 54.

[0012] There are a plurality of batons 2 described below. The detection device 5 is installed on each of the plurality of batons 2. The control device 6 identifies the batons 2 on which the detection devices 5 are installed respectively, and changes the control content only for the batons 2 that are the objects of the control content change.

[0013] There are a plurality of batons 2 described below. The detection device 5 is installed on each of the plurality of batons 2. When the control device 6 changes the control content, it changes the control content of all the plurality of batons 2.

[0014] The detection device 5 described below transmits a change signal indicating an instruction to change the control content to the control device 6 based on the state. The control device 6 generates a control signal with the control content changed based on the change signal, and transmits the control signal to the lifting device (winch 3) of the baton 2.

[0015] The detection device 5 described below generates a change signal indicating an instruction to change the control content based on the state, converts the generated change signal into a control signal of the control device 6, and transmits it to the control device 6. The control device 6 transmits the control signal received from the detection device 5 to the lifting device (winch 3) of the baton 2.

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a baton lifting system according to an embodiment will be described. In the embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0017] First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overview of the baton lifting system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the baton lifting system 1 according to the embodiment. The baton lifting system 1 according to the embodiment is a system for lifting and lowering a baton 2 disposed in an arrangement space S such as a studio, a theater, and an exhibition hall. An art set P is disposed in the arrangement space S. The arrangement space S is an actual space where the art set P is actually disposed. The art set P includes a stage set, an exhibit, and a stand on which the exhibit is placed.

[0018] The baton lifting system 1 includes a baton 2, a hoist 3, a height detection unit 4, a detection device 5, and a control device 6.

[0019] A plurality of batons 2 are provided. The number of batons 2 may be one. A plurality of instruments Q can be attached to the baton 2. The instrument Q is suspended from the baton 2. The instrument Q includes a lighting device, a curtain, and a stage set. The baton 2 is suspended from the ceiling by a wire rope 10. For example, the baton 2 is suspended from a grid ceiling 11 by a wire rope 10.

[0020] The hoist 3 is provided, for example, on the grid ceiling 11. The hoist 3 raises and lowers the baton 2 via the wire rope 10. The hoist 3 raises and lowers the baton 2 by rotating a drum 3A, for example, by a motor. The wire rope 10 is attached to the drum 3A. The hoist 3 switches the rotation direction of the drum 3A to switch between paying out the wire rope 10 and winding up the wire rope 10, thereby raising and lowering the baton 2. The hoist 3 rotates the drum 3A based on a control signal transmitted from the control device 6. The wire rope 10 is wound around a pulley 12.

[0021] The height detection unit 4 detects the height of the baton 2. The height detection unit 4 includes, for example, an encoder attached to the hoist 3. The height detection unit 4 detects the height of the baton 2 by measuring the rotation of the drum 3A with the encoder. Note that the height detection unit 4 may be a camera device or the like capable of detecting the height of the baton 2.

[0022] The detection device 5 detects the state of the baton 2. The detection device 5 detects the contact between the baton 2 and an object (such as the art set P, a person present in the placement space S) from the information detected by the sensor 54 (see FIG. 3). Note that specific examples of the sensor 54 and details of the state of the baton 2 detected by the detection device 5 will be described later. The detection device 5 is detachably installed on the baton 2. That is, the detection device 5 can be removed and installed on various batons 2. Note that specific examples of the installation position of the detection device 5 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0023] The detection device 5 is wirelessly communicatively connected to the control device 6. For example, when it detects that the baton 2 has come into contact with an object, it transmits a signal based on the detection result to the control device 6. Specifically, the detection device 5 transmits a change signal indicating an instruction to change the control content of the control device 6 to the control device 6. Further, the detection device 5 converts the change signal into a control signal of the control device 6 and transmits it to the control device 6. Further, the detection device 5 may transmit a signal indicating the state of the baton 2, which is the detection result, to the control device 6.

[0024] The control device 6 performs the lifting control of the baton 2 by transmitting a control signal including control content (such as descending X meters, etc.) for controlling the lifting of the baton 2 to the winch 3. Further, the control device 6 changes the control content based on the state of the baton 2 detected by the detection device 5 while controlling the lifting of the baton 2 with the above control content. For example, when the control device 6 receives a change signal from the detection device 5, it generates a control signal for changing the control content based on the change signal and transmits it to the winch 3. Further, when the control device 6 receives a control signal from the detection device 5, it transmits the control signal to the winch 3. Further, when the control device 6 receives a signal indicating the detection result of the detection device 5, it determines whether it is necessary to change the control content of the baton 2 based on the state of the baton 2, which is the detection result. If it determines that it is necessary, it generates a control signal for changing the control content and transmits it to the winch 3. For example, when the baton 2 comes into contact with an object, the control device 6 changes the control content to stop the lifting control of the baton 2.

[0025] In this way, in the baton lifting system 1 according to the present disclosure, by making the detection device 5 detachable, even when a change system for changing the lifting control of the baton 2 is not introduced, the change system can be introduced by retrofitting the detection device 5.

[0026] Next, the detection device 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the detection device 5 according to the embodiment. The detection device 5 includes a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, a control unit 53, a sensor 54, and an input unit 55. The detection device 5 is communicably connected to the control device 6.

[0027] The sensor 54 is a sensor that detects a sensor value indicating the state of the baton 2. The sensor 54 detects, for example, the contact between the baton 2 and an object. Here, the "contact" includes not only the case of actual contact but also the case where there is a possibility of contact with the object when the lifting control of the baton 2 is continued in a state where there is no current contact. Examples of the type of the sensor 54 include a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, a camera, an infrared sensor, a distance measuring sensor, and the like. The sensor 54 may be composed of a plurality of sensors (the same type or different types).

[0028] Although an example in which the sensor 54 is integrally configured with the detection device 5 has been shown, the sensor 54 may be configured separately from the detection device 5. In this case, the sensor 54 and the detection device 5 are communicably connected wirelessly.

[0029] The input unit 55 receives, from a user (such as a baton administrator), an input of identification information for identifying the installation position of the detection device 5 (or the sensor 54). That is, when the detection device 5 is installed on each of the plurality of batons 2, the input unit 55 receives an input of identification information for identifying which detection device 5 is installed on which baton 2. The input unit 55 is composed of, for example, a touch panel display and receives an input of identification information of the installed baton 2 from the user. The input unit 55 may also be composed of, for example, a dip switch.

[0030] Note that the method for obtaining the identification information of the baton 2 is not limited to the method via the input unit 55. For example, the control device 6 (or the detection device 5) may provide a communication driver for each baton 2, and when the detection device 5 is installed, the communication driver of the baton 2 at the installation location and the detection device 5 are paired, so that the detection device 5 can obtain the identification information of which baton 2 it is installed on.

[0031] The communication unit 51 is realized by, for example, a predetermined communication circuit or the like. For example, the communication unit 51 relays communication with the control device 6 via a network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and LAN.

[0032] The storage unit 52 stores programs and the like for realizing the control by the control unit 53. The storage unit 52 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0033] The control unit 53 is an arithmetic device that executes various information processes. For example, electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or integrated circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be adopted. The control unit 23 has an internal memory for storing programs and control data that define various processing procedures, and executes various processes based on these. The control unit 53 functions as various processing units when various programs operate.

[0034] The control unit 53 includes an acquisition unit 531, a detection unit 532, and a generation unit 533.

[0035] The acquisition unit 531 acquires sensor values indicating the state of the baton 2 from the sensor 54. The acquisition unit 531 acquires, for example, the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, the vibration value detected by the vibration sensor, the camera image captured by the camera, the presence or absence of an object detected by the infrared sensor, the distance to the object detected by the distance measurement sensor, etc. Further, the acquisition unit 531 acquires identification information for identifying the baton 2 on which the detection device 5 is installed from the input unit 55.

[0036] The detection unit 532 detects the state of the baton 2 based on the sensor values acquired by the acquisition unit 531. For example, the detection unit 532 detects whether or not the baton 2 is in contact with an object. Specifically, the detection unit 532 detects that the baton 2 is in contact with an object when the sensor value satisfies a predetermined contact condition. More specifically, the detection unit 532 detects that the baton 2 is in contact with an object when the pressure value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, when the vibration value (amplitude) is equal to or greater than the threshold value, when an object is detected by the infrared sensor, or when the distance to the object detected from the camera image or the distance measurement sensor is less than the threshold value. Note that the above contact condition may be changed in content according to, for example, the installation position of the baton 2 of the detection device 5, but the details of this point will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0037] Further, the detection unit 532 acquires the current control content of the baton 2 from the control device 6, and determines (detects) whether or not the baton 2 is in contact with an object when the lifting and lowering of the baton 2 is continued with the control content. For example, the detection unit 532 determines that there is contact when the lifting and lowering distance when the current control content is continued is longer than the distance to the object.

[0038] When the detection unit 532 detects contact, the generation unit 533 generates a signal associating the detection result indicating that contact has been detected with the identification information of the baton 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 531 and transmits the signal to the control device 6.

[0039] Further, the generation unit 533 may transmit, to the control device 6 that has generated a change signal indicating an instruction to change the control content of the baton 2, based on the detection result. This change signal includes the change content of the control content. The change content is, for example, a change to stop the raising and lowering of the baton 2, or a change to raise and lower by a predetermined distance in the direction away from the object (that is, the direction opposite to the raising and lowering direction of the current control content). In this way, by generating the change signal and transmitting it to the control device 6, there is no need to newly introduce a processing program for determining the change content into the control device 6, so the range of control devices 6 to which the detection device 5 can be retrofitted is widened, that is, the versatility of the detection device 5 can be enhanced.

[0040] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the generation unit 533 may convert the generated change signal into a control signal of the control device 6 and then transmit it to the control device 6. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which the detection device 5 generates a control signal.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, when the generation unit 533 of the detection device 5 detects the contact between the baton 2 and the object by the detection unit 532, the generation unit 533 generates the change signal and converts the generated change signal into a control signal. It is assumed that a processing program for converting from the change signal to the control signal is installed in the detection device 5 in advance. Then, the control device 6 receives the control signal from the detection device 5 and transmits the received control signal to the hoist 3. Then, the hoist 3 performs raising and lowering control of the baton 2 according to the received control signal. That is, the control device 6 only needs to output the control signal received from the detection device 5 to the hoist 3 as it is. As a result, there is no need to newly introduce a processing program for converting the change signal into a control signal into the control device 6, so the range of control devices 6 to which the detection device 5 can be retrofitted is widened, that is, the versatility of the detection device 5 can be enhanced.

[0042] Next, the control device 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 6 according to the embodiment. The control device 6 controls the raising and lowering of the baton 2 by controlling the hoist 3. The control device 6 includes a communication unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a control unit 22.

[0043] The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a predetermined communication circuit or the like. For example, the communication unit 20 relays communication between the hoist 3, the height detection unit 4, the detection device 5, and the operation panel 7 via a network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and LAN. Further, the communication unit 20 may have a communication function capable of wireless communication with the hoist 3, the height detection unit 4, the detection device 5, and the operation panel 7. Note that when the communication unit 20 does not have a communication function capable of wireless communication, the control device 6 may be configured such that a communication device having a communication function capable of wireless communication can be retrofitted and incorporated.

[0044] The operation panel 7 is a remote controller that receives operations such as raising and lowering of the baton 2. The operation panel 7 includes, for example, buttons and a lever. Further, the operation panel 7 may be a touch panel display that receives operations for raising and lowering the baton 2.

[0045] The storage unit 21 stores programs and the like for realizing control by the control unit 22. The storage unit 21 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0046] The storage unit 21 stores baton information 30. The baton information 30 stores information on the baton 2 arranged in the arrangement space S. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the baton information 30.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the baton information 30 includes items such as "baton ID", "position", and "detection device". The "baton ID" is identification information for identifying the baton 2. The "position" is information indicating the position of the baton 2 in the arrangement space S. The "detection device" is information on the detection device 5 installed on the baton 2. The information on the "detection device" includes, for example, the presence or absence of installation of the detection device 5 and the identification information input at the input unit 55.

[0048] The control unit 22 is an arithmetic unit that executes various information processes. For example, electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or integrated circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be adopted. The control unit 23 has an internal memory for storing programs and control data that define various processing procedures, and executes various processes based on these. The control unit 23 functions as various processing units when various programs operate.

[0049] The control unit 22 includes a lifting control unit 40.

[0050] The lifting control unit 40 determines the control content of the baton 2 based on the information of the lifting operation input to the operation panel 7, generates a control signal indicating the control content, and transmits it to the hoist 3 to operate the hoist 3 and perform the lifting control of the baton 2. Further, during the lifting control with the above control content, the lifting control unit 40 monitors the height information of the baton 2 detected by the height detection unit 4 and performs the lifting control of the baton 2. That is, the lifting control unit 40 performs the lifting control until the height of the baton 2 reaches the height indicated by the control content.

[0051] When the lifting control unit 40 receives a signal indicating the detection result from the detection device 5 during the lifting control of the baton 2 with the above control content, it changes the control content of the baton 2 based on the detection result. For example, when the lifting control unit 40 receives a detection result indicating the contact between the baton 2 and an object from the detection device 5, it changes the control content to stop the lifting of the baton 2. Further, when the lifting control unit 40 receives a change signal from the detection device 5, it converts the change signal into a control signal and transmits it to the hoist 3. Also, when the lifting control unit 40 receives a control signal from the detection device 5, it transmits the received control signal to the hoist 3.

[0052] Further, when the object is a moving body (such as a person) and the contact, which is the detection result of the detection device 5, is eliminated due to the movement of the moving body, the lifting control unit 40 may return to the control content before the change. Alternatively, the lifting control unit 40 may notify the user through the operation panel 7 that the contact has been eliminated and receive an instruction on whether to return to the control content before the change.

[0053] Further, when there are a plurality of batons 2 to be controlled and the detection device 5 is installed on each baton 2, the lifting control unit 40 identifies the baton in which contact with the object is detected based on the information of "detection device" in the baton information 30 and the identification information transmitted from the detection device 5. Then, the lifting control unit 40 transmits a control signal to the hoist 3 that controls the lifting of the identified baton 2. That is, the lifting control unit 40 identifies the batons 2 on which the detection devices 5 are respectively installed, and changes the control content only for the batons 2 that are the objects of the change of the control content. Thereby, since it is not necessary to change the lifting control of the batons 2 other than the object of the change, it is possible to minimize the difference in the lifting of the fixture Q in the studio or the like from the preparation.

[0054] Further, when the lifting control unit 40 cannot obtain the identification information from the detection device 5 and cannot identify the baton 2 on which the detection device 5 is installed, it may change the control content of all the batons 2 based on the signal received from one detection device 5. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that another baton 2 comes into contact with the object when the baton 2 and the object come into contact.

[0055] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the installation position of the detection device 5 on the baton 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the installation position of the detection device 5. As shown in FIG. 6, a suspension pipe 8 for attaching the fixture Q is provided at the lower end of the baton 2, and a plurality of fixtures Q are attached to the lower end of the suspension pipe 8.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the detection device 5 is installed at any one of the three installation positions P1, P2, P3, or at a plurality of positions. The installation position P1 is at both ends of the baton 2, and the detection device 5 is installed at one or both of them. The installation position P2 is at both ends of the suspension pipe 8, and the detection device 5 is installed at one or both of them. The installation position P3 is at the lower end of the instrument Q, and the detection device 5 is installed on at least one instrument Q.

[0057] Which of the three installation positions P1, P2, P3 to install at is determined by, for example, the type of the sensor 54. For example, a pressure sensor is installed at the installation position P3 that is in direct contact with the object. Also, for sensors other than the pressure sensor, that is, sensors that should avoid contact between the sensor 54 and the object, they are installed at the installation positions P1, P2.

[0058] Note that the contact conditions for detecting the contact of the detection unit 532 described above are determined according to the installation positions P1, P2. For example, in the case of a vibration sensor, when the instrument Q comes into contact with the object, the amplitude of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor is smaller at the installation position P1 than at the installation position P2. For this reason, the detection device 5 reduces the amplitude threshold value when installed at the installation position P1 compared to the amplitude threshold value which is the contact condition when installed at the installation position P2. Thereby, the contact with the object can be detected with higher precision.

[0059] As described above, the baton lifting system 1 according to the embodiment has a baton 2 that can be lifted and lowered, a sensor 54 that detects the state of the baton 2, a wireless communication-capable detection device 5 that is detachably installed on the baton 2, and a control device 6 that is wirelessly communicably connected to the detection device 5 and changes the control content based on the state detected by the detection device 5 during the lifting and lowering control of the baton 2 with predetermined control content. Thereby, even when a change system for changing the lifting and lowering control of the baton 2 is not introduced, the change system can be introduced by retrofitting the detection device 5. That is, according to the present disclosure, a baton control system into which a change system can be incorporated can be provided.

[0060] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Signs

[0061] 1 Baton lifting system 2 Baton 3 Hoist 3A Drum 4 Height detection unit 5 Detection device 6 Control device 7 Control panel 8 Suspension pipe 10 Wire rope 11 Grid ceiling 12 Pulley 20, 51 Communication unit 21, 52 Storage unit 22, 53 Control unit 23 Control unit 30 Baton information 40 Lifting control unit 54 Sensor 55 Input unit 531 Acquisition unit 532 Detection unit 533 Generation unit P Art set P1, P2, P3 Installation positions Q Appliance S Arrangement space

Claims

1. A retractable baton; A wirelessly communicable detection device having a sensor for detecting the state of the baton and removably installed on the baton; A control device wirelessly communicably connected to the detection device and configured to change the control content based on the state detected by the detection device during the lifting and lowering control of the baton with a predetermined control content; A baton lifting and lowering system comprising the above.

2. The detection device detects whether the baton and an object are in contact based on the state of the baton, The control device changes the control content to stop the lifting and lowering of the baton when the baton and the object are in contact. The baton lifting and lowering system according to claim 1.

3. The detection device detects whether the baton and an object will be in contact when the lifting and lowering of the baton continues with the predetermined control content based on the state of the baton, The control device changes the control content to stop the lifting and lowering of the baton when the baton and the object are in contact. The baton lifting and lowering system according to claim 1.

4. The detection device detects that the baton and an object are in contact when the state satisfies a predetermined contact condition, The predetermined contact condition has its content determined according to the installation position of the sensor. The baton lifting and lowering system according to claim 2.

5. There are a plurality of the batons, The detection device is installed on each of the plurality of batons, The control device identifies the batons on which the respective detection devices are installed, and changes the control content only for the batons that are the targets of the change of the control content. The baton lifting and lowering system according to claim 1.

6. There are a plurality of the batons, The detection device is installed on each of the plurality of batons, The control device changes the control content of all of the plurality of batons when changing the control content. The baton lifting and lowering system according to claim 1.

7. The detection device transmits a change signal indicating an instruction to change the control content to the control device based on the state, The control device generates a control signal with the control content changed based on the change signal, and transmits the control signal to the lifting and lowering device of the baton. The baton lifting and lowering system according to claim 1.

8. The detection device generates a change signal indicating an instruction to change the control content based on the state, converts the generated change signal into a control signal of the control device, and transmits it to the control device, The control device Transmit the control signal received from the detection device to the lifting device of the baton The baton lifting system according to claim 1

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