ANIMATION SYNCHRONIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

The invention relates to an animation synchronization system and method that enables the simultaneous implementation of animation / light show scenarios in lighting systems covering large areas.

Description

1 TARIFF ANIMATION SYNCHRONIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD Technical Area The invention has applications in city-scale lighting systems, stage lighting, and architectural LED lighting. Control of synchronized light animations in shows and spread across large areas 5 a LoRaWAN-based and GPS time-referenced animation that enables this It relates to the synchronization system and method. The invention is particularly useful for LED luminaires located many kilometers apart. or RGB LED drivers, high using a common time reference. 10 low-power devices that enable it to run precisely synchronized animations. It relates to a control system and method that has a wireless communication infrastructure. State of the Art Today, lighting and animation systems are used to enhance urban aesthetics and architecture. visually highlighting the structures, supporting stage performances, and Widely used to create dynamic visual experiences in event spaces 15 It is used. In current technology, W-DMX (Wireless DMX) is predominantly used in LED animation projects. Wireless control systems based on a computer are used. The structure of these systems is based on a computer. It has lighting control software, a DMX converter, and a W-DMX connected to it. converter, W-DMX antennas requiring a line of sight between two points and 20 in the field It consists of RGB / PWM converters. Although the W-DMX system... Although it provides wireless DMX transmission, the following technique is used in city-scale animations. Problems are emerging. W-DMX-based wireless lighting control systems are structurally diverse. It includes limitations. These systems are generally point-to-point or limited to 25 It operates with a point-to-multipoint communication architecture, where the antennas are oriented in a specific direction. It is known to be effective within a limited range of approximately 500 meters. Therefore, in city-scale applications, signal transmission can occur over distances of kilometers. This requires the installation of numerous intermediate stations or relays. This significantly increases both infrastructure costs and the scalability of the system. 2 It is restrictive. Furthermore, these systems require an uninterrupted line of sight between antennas. Line of Sight (LOS) requirement exists, and buildings, trees, poles, etc. within the city... Physical obstacles negatively affect signal transmission. In addition, W-DMX Due to the lack of a common time reference in their systems, only DMX data The commands are transmitted wirelessly, and each LED driver has its own internal timer. It operates accordingly. This situation will soon lead to phase shifts and animation problems. synchronization breakdown and complete incompatibility in long-term operations. This leads to visual outputs. These structural shortcomings in the current technology also lead to various technical problems. This is especially true for LED modules spread over large areas on a city scale. It is not possible to operate them simultaneously and in a coordinated manner, a common time reference. Because it's missing, the animations lose their synchronization quickly. Furthermore, the DMX protocol requires a high and continuous data stream, which is why W-DMX This leads to bandwidth and stability problems in radio frequency systems. In environments with high levels of interference, packet loss, delays, and animation issues can occur. Interruptions are observed. In addition, an extra antenna is needed every 300–500 meters. or the need to establish a new station, high installation costs, maintenance difficulties. and brings with it disadvantages such as visual pollution. Numerous modules in the same Due to topological limitations on managing them simultaneously, thousands of buildings on a city scale... Synchronized operation of the LED unit is not practically possible; furthermore, end 20 Continuing DMX cabling at points, especially outdoor poles In summary, W-DMX creates additional installation and durability problems in its applications. The current architecture based on this is technically suitable for city-scale synchronized LED animations. It is inadequate, expensive, non-scalable, and lacks synchronization accuracy. As a result of the research conducted on this subject, “SYSTEMS 25” with the number WO2002091805A2 was identified. application titled "AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING LIGHTING EFFECTS" This has been observed. In the system, lighting effects, parameters related to the power source, or It is paired with an external synchronization signal, and the absolute time between modules a city-scale, distributed, and scenario-based animation based on its reference. Synchronization is not possible. 30 As a result of the research, another “GPS-BASED” numbered US20130057158A1 was identified. application titled "STREETLIGHT WIRELESS COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM" It has been observed that in the system, GPS data only provides sunrise and sunset times based on geographical location. 3 It is used to determine sunset times and requires multiple lights. running synchronous animation based on the unit's absolute time reference It does not include a synchronization mechanism. In conclusion, due to the negative aspects described above and the current solutions being the subject of discussion... Due to its shortcomings, an improvement in the relevant technical field is necessary. 5 It has been made. Purpose of the Invention The invention was created by drawing inspiration from existing situations and overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks. It aims to solve the problem. The main purpose of the invention is to create city-scale distributed LED luminaires or RGB / PWM 10 base lighting modules, a common time reference and low bandwidth Animation that is fully synchronized using appropriate wireless scenario transmission. The goal is to introduce a new control system that enables its operation. Another objective of the invention is to centralize LoRaWAN-based scenario packet distribution. Animation scenarios created on the server; animation ID, color, brightness, duration, 15 including information such as start time, effect type, transition algorithms, and sub-parameters. Hundreds of city-scale applications in compact packets, using low bandwidth. or to enable transmission to thousands of modules simultaneously, thereby minimizing network load. to reduce infrastructure costs and eliminate line-of-sight requirements while downloading to remove. 20 Another aim of the invention is to use GPS-based absolute time synchronization for each Thanks to the time information obtained on a module, animations can be created in milliseconds. Ensuring simultaneous initiation at the same time, with sensitivity to LoRaWAN packet delays to eliminate synchronization errors caused by physical connections between modules to achieve full synchronous operation without requiring connection or communication and long 25 The goal is to prevent phase shift in timed animations. Another purpose of the invention is to enable microcontrollers, PWM or DMX signals to be integrated into each module. Thanks to the driver circuit and internal animation processing algorithm, animations LoRaWAN enables local processing without relying on a central system. Reducing network load by transmitting only scenario parameters via GPS 30 4 It is possible to start animations at a trigger moment determined by a specific time. to make it. Another aim of the invention is to provide LoRaWAN-based long-range communication and GPS-based high-range communication. with precise time synchronization and a local processor in each module By using PWM / DMX outputs together, numerous 5-inch TVs spread throughout the city can be used. low energy consumption, where the lighting unit can be operated completely synchronously, An innovative animation that is scalable and operates with minimal infrastructure requirements. The goal is to provide a synchronization system. Another aim of the invention is to create a short-range, line-of-sight, and time-sensitive missile. Band 10 is affected by the lack of synchronization in existing W-DMX-based systems. By eliminating limitations on width, stability, cost, and topology, the city A new synchronization method that ensures animation integrity across scale. It is about developing. To achieve the purposes described above, the invention is adapted into a light show scenario. low band 15 related control data to lighting systems spread over wide areas transmission and lighting over a wide wireless communication infrastructure enabling systems to be synchronized with respect to an external absolute time reference. It is an animation synchronization system. Accordingly, the system;  Control over the animation / light show script transmitted from a central server 20 that enables the data to be received via wireless communication infrastructure communication module  Stable signal in the wide coverage area of ​​the aforementioned communication module Antenna matching circuits and RF signal reception enable it to receive the signal. at least one communication circuit containing processing components  Absolute time information for animation / light show script synchronization 25 time reference module that provides  The aforementioned time reference module provides highly accurate time information. to ensure accurate reception of RF signals, enabling it to function At least one time processing step involving filtering and antenna routing elements. circuit, 30  by processing the control data received through the aforementioned communication module time reference that records in a way that will create the animation scenario a trigger moment determined according to absolute time information obtained from the module and the driver corresponding to the animation scenario at the specified trigger moment at least one that controls the lighting system to which it is connected by generating its signals. microcontroller  A small power module that provides stable and noiseless power to system components,  To ensure that wireless communication is carried out over a wide coverage area. 5 at least one antenna connector that allows the connection of an external antenna structure It includes. The invention also allows control data relating to a light show scenario to be transmitted over large areas. Low bandwidth wireless communication infrastructure for distributed lighting systems transmission via and lighting systems to an external absolute time reference It also includes the method that enables synchronization. Accordingly, the method is:  relating to an animation / light show script created on a central server control data, antenna matching circuits and RF signal processing components 15 received via a communication module connected to the communication circuit containing  RF, which enables absolute time information to operate with high accuracy. filtering and antenna steering elements for accurate signal reception obtained through a time reference module connected to a time processing circuit containing done, 20  control data received via the aforementioned communication module the animation scenario is created by processing by the microcontroller and recording,  absolute time information obtained from the aforementioned time reference modulus According to the microcontroller, a trigger moment is determined, 25  Animation scenario by the microcontroller at the specified trigger time generating corresponding driver signals and with the generated driver signals Checking the lighting systems,  Stable and noiseless power to system components via the power module. ensuring, 30  Wide coverage of wireless communication via an antenna connection provided through implementation in the field It includes the steps involved in the process. 6 The structural and characteristic features and all the advantages of the invention are given in the figures below. This becomes clearer thanks to the detailed explanation written with references to these figures. This will be understood as such, and therefore the evaluation will also take these forms and detailed explanations into account. This should be done taking that into consideration. Figures to Help Understand the Invention 5 Figure 1 shows an image of the system that is the subject of the invention. Explanation of Part References 1. Time reference module 2. Communication module 3. Microcontroller 10 4. Battery compartment 5. Time processing circuit 6. Communication circuit 7. Power module 8. Antenna connection 15 9. Connector 10. Light sensing element 11. Temperature sensor Detailed Description of the Invention This detailed explanation describes the preferred 20 system and method of the invention. Their structures are explained solely to facilitate a better understanding of the subject. The invention allows for the dissemination of control data relating to a light show scenario across wide areas. lighting systems via low-bandwidth wireless communication infrastructure transmission and lighting systems based on an external absolute time reference. 7 It is an animation synchronization system that enables synchronization. Accordingly, The system controls an animation / light show script transmitted from a central server. communication that enables data to be received via wireless communication infrastructure module (2), stable in the wide coverage area of ​​the aforementioned communication module (2). Antenna matching circuits and RF signal 5 that enable signal reception. at least one communication circuit (6) containing processing components, animation / light show Time reference module providing absolute time information for scenario synchronization. (1) obtains time information with high accuracy from the mentioned time reference module (1) filtering for accurate reception of RF signals, which will enable it to be done. At least one time processing circuit (5) containing antenna orientation elements, mentioned 10 animation by processing the control data received via the communication module (2) obtained from the time reference module (1) which records in such a way as to create the scenario. Determining a trigger moment based on the absolute time information obtained, and the determined trigger. By instantly generating driver signals corresponding to the animation scenario, it is connected. At least one microcontroller (3) that controls the lighting system in which it is located, system 15 a small power module (7) that provides stable and noiseless power to its components, wireless an external device to ensure that communication can be carried out over a wide coverage area It includes at least one antenna connector (8) that allows the antenna to be connected. In the preferred configurations of the invention, in addition to the basic elements described above, to improve the system's performance, ensure its safety and adaptability to environmental conditions 20 Various auxiliary elements can also be included in order to improve it. In this context, batteries its socket (4) allows the time information to be preserved in case of power failure It contributes to the uninterrupted operation of the system; connector (9) power and / or signal It enables reliable connections to be made; light detection element (10) detects the ambient light level and adjusts the animation brightness to the surrounding 25 This allows it to adapt dynamically according to the conditions; the heat sensor (11) Monitoring module temperature to protect the system in case of overheating. This allows for the implementation of precautionary measures. The system works on the following principle: The invention concerns an animation synchronization module that connects 30 geographically dispersed units on a city scale. the lighting units located at these locations animate completely simultaneously It is designed to enable operation. The system, preferably with LoRaWAN communication. 8 It receives animation scenarios and absolute time obtained via GPS. With this knowledge, it simultaneously triggers these scenarios. The time reference module (1) in the system, the animation / light show scenario It provides the absolute time information necessary for synchronization. Preferred In the configuration, the time reference module (1) is a GPS module. This is accomplished by the GPS module processing time data received from satellites. It provides the system with highly accurate UTC time information. The time mentioned In order to obtain time information with high accuracy of the reference module (1) The system also includes a time processing circuit (5). Preferably a GPS module. This time processing circuit (5), implemented in the form of a circuit board, ensures the accuracy of the GPS receiver. Filtering and antenna steering elements necessary for RF reception. It includes time equality at the millisecond level among all modules. It forms the technical basis for ensuring its provision. The communication module (2) in the system transmits from a central server Wireless communication of control data related to animation / light show scenario 15 It ensures that it is obtained through its infrastructure. In the preferred structure, as mentioned... The communication module (2) is configured as a LoRaWAN module. Thus Commands related to animation scenarios require low bandwidth, low energy consumption, and It can be integrated into the system with the advantages of long-distance data transmission. Communication In order to ensure the stable and reliable operation of module (2), the system also has 20 There is a communication circuit (6). Preferably a LoRaWAN module circuit board. This communication circuit, which is carried out in this way (6), provides wide coverage. It includes antenna matching circuits and RF signal processing components, and LoRaWAN This enables the signal to be received reliably on a city scale. In the system, control data relating to a light show scenario, high volume continuous data 25 Instead of being transmitted as a stream, it is transmitted in the form of compact scenario parameters. In this context, the following is mentioned: The subject matter is control data; basic animation ID, color, brightness, and duration. Animation parameters include the animation start time and the effects to be applied. type, transition algorithms and their sub-parameters It is being structured. The low bandwidth characteristics of the LoRaWAN communication infrastructure 30 Taking this into consideration, instead of frame-based data transmission in the system, only this scenario is used. It is preferred to transmit the parameters. In this way, the data transmission load is significantly reduced. This reduces the number of modules involved, making it possible to transfer data to multiple modules simultaneously, and 9 Scalable and energy-efficient lighting systems spread over large areas. A control architecture is provided. All control and processing processes of the system are performed by the microcontroller (3). It is being carried out. The microcontroller (3) receives the communication module (2) through the communication module (2). Animation 5 processes control data related to the animation / light show scenario. It saves the scenario to internal memory in a way that will generate it. In addition, microcontroller (3), absolute time provided by time reference module (1) Based on the information, it determines the trigger moment at which the animation will start; the determined When the trigger moment arrives, the driver signals corresponding to the animation scenario are displayed. It controls the lighting system it is connected to by generating light. The preferred 10 In these configurations, the driver signals in question are PWM and / or DMX-based output signals. These signals are used to control LED driver circuits. Stable and uninterrupted operation of the system is ensured by the power module (7). Power module (7), time reference module (1), communication module (2) and microcontroller (3) providing a clean and stable power supply to the system components, including 15 This structure provides particularly precise time processing and stable wireless communication. This is important in terms of time information in case of possible power outages. In order to protect it, the system may also have a battery compartment (4). The battery in question socket (4), preferably a Real Time Clock (RTC) circuit, for example a lithium button battery By using it together, the RTC information and / or time information can be obtained during a power outage within 20 days. It allows for its protection. In order for wireless communication to be implemented over a wide coverage area, the system must... Antenna connection (8) is also included. In the preferred configuration, the mentioned antenna The connection (8) is implemented as a LoRaWAN antenna mount. Thus, high It is possible to connect an efficient antenna to the system, and on a city scale, a long 25 Long-distance wireless communication can be effectively provided. In addition, the system's external connector (9) to meet communication and auxiliary connection needs It can be used. The mentioned connector (9) is used for power and / or signal connections. It allows for reliable execution. In the preferred configurations of the invention, the system features adaptation to environmental conditions and 30 It may also include safety-related auxiliary elements. This includes light detection. element (10) is preferably implemented as an LDR and the ambient light level by perceiving the animation behavior, especially the brightness level, day / night It ensures that it is optimized according to the conditions. Similarly, the heat sensor (11), Monitoring module temperature to take protective measures in case of overheating. This allows for the system to be taken into consideration. Thus, both the operational safety and Compatibility with environmental conditions is being increased. As a result of all these components working together, the system becomes communication module (2) 5 Animation commands received via the time reference module (1) combines the provided precise time information with the microcontroller (3) Using commands and time information, lighting systems distributed over a wide area It ensures that the same animation runs simultaneously, in the same phase. This allows... Time drift, synchronization loss, and low range encountered in the previous technique. 10 and technical problems such as high infrastructure costs are eliminated; on a city scale Reliable, low-power, and high-precision animation synchronization. The infrastructure is being obtained.

Claims

11 REQUESTS 1. Control data for a light show scenario spread across wide areas. low bandwidth wireless communication infrastructure for lighting systems transmission via and external absolute time of lighting systems Animation synchronization 5 that ensures synchronization according to its reference. It is a system, and its feature is;  Control over the animation / light show script transmitted from a central server enabling the data to be received via wireless communication infrastructure communication module (2),  Stable signal in the wide coverage area of ​​the mentioned communication module (2) 10 Antenna matching circuits and RF signal reception enable it to receive the signal. at least one communication circuit containing processing components (6),  Absolute time information for animation / light show script synchronization time reference module (1),  The mentioned time reference module (1) obtains high accuracy time information 15 to ensure accurate reception of RF signals, enabling it to function At least one time processing step involving filtering and antenna routing elements. circuit (5),  by processing the control data received through the aforementioned communication module (2) recording in a way that will create the animation scenario, time reference 20 A trigger moment according to the absolute time information obtained from the module (1). determining and corresponding to the animation scenario at the specified trigger moment by generating driver signals, it controls the lighting system to which it is connected. at least one microcontroller (3),  A small power module that provides stable and noiseless power to the system components (7), 25  To enable wireless communication to be carried out over a wide coverage area. at least one antenna connection that allows the connection of an external antenna (8) It includes.

2. It is a system compliant with Claim-1, and its feature is; LoRaWAN communication protocol. a system that receives control data related to the animation / light show scenario from It includes a communication module (2). 12 3. The system complies with Claim-1, and its feature is that it includes the aforementioned time reference module. (1) It has a GPS module.

4. The system complies with Claim-1 and Claim-2, and its characteristic is the aforementioned communication. stable 5 of the communication module (2) using the LoRaWAN protocol, circuit (6) Antenna matching circuits and RF signal processing to ensure signal reception. It includes its components.

5. The system is compliant with Claim-1 and Claim-3, and its characteristic feature is the aforementioned time processing. time reference circuit (5), characterized as GPS module 10 to enable the module (1) to obtain time information with high accuracy It includes filtering and antenna steering elements.

6. The system complies with Request-1 and its feature is; time in case of power outage. It must contain at least one battery compartment (4) which ensures the protection of its information. 15 7. The system complies with Claim-1, and its characteristic is that the power and / or signal connections... It must contain at least one connector (9) in order to provide it.

8. The system complies with Claim-1 and its feature is; to detect the ambient light level and 20 At least one light source to adapt animation behavior to ambient light. It contains a sensing element (10).

9. The system complies with Claim-1 and its feature is that it has at least one module for monitoring the module temperature. It contains a heat sensor (11). 25 10. Control data for a light show scenario spread across wide areas. a system that enables synchronized application in lighting systems It is an animation synchronization method, and its characteristic is;  30 related to animation / light show scenarios created on a central server control data, antenna matching circuits and RF signal processing components through a communication module (2) connected to the communication circuit (6) containing to be taken  RF, which enables absolute time information to operate with high accuracy. Filtering and antenna steering elements for accurate reception of signals 35 13 through the time reference module (1) connected to the time processing circuit (5) containing obtaining,  control data received via the aforementioned communication module (2) the animation scenario is processed by the microcontroller (3) creation and recording, 5  absolute time information obtained from the mentioned time reference module (1) Determining a trigger moment by the microcontroller (3), according to  animation by the microcontroller (3) at the specified trigger moment Generating driver signals corresponding to the scenario and the generated driver signals Control of lighting systems with signals, 10  Stable and noiseless power to system components via power module (7) ensuring,  Wide coverage of wireless communication via an antenna connection (8) provided through implementation in the field It includes the steps of the process. 15 11. The method is in accordance with claim 10 and its feature is; the battery compartment (4) in case of power failure. The means of ensuring the preservation of time information includes the processing step.

12. This method complies with claim 10 and its characteristic is that the power and / or signal connections are 20. is provided via connector (9).

13. This method complies with claim 10 and its characteristic is that the ambient light level determines the light perception. detection through the element (LDR) (10) and animation behavior It is an adaptation to environmental conditions based on the data. 25 14. The method is in accordance with claim 10, and its feature is; the module temperature is measured by the heat sensor (11) by monitoring through and depending on the temperature data obtained, the system's overheating It switches to protection mode under high temperature conditions.

15. This method complies with Claim 10 and its characteristic is; animation / light show scenario. related control data, animation ID, timing and effect parameters through the communication module (2) in the form of compact data packets containing It includes the acquisition process step. 35 14 16. The method is in accordance with claim 10 and its feature is the time reference module (1) mentioned. The time information obtained through this process has a UTC time reference. It includes the step.

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