Ethernet Stage Lighting Control via ARTNET Daisy-Chain Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stage lighting control systems face issues with slow transmission speed, high installation costs, and complex fault troubleshooting due to the limitations of DMX512 and traditional Ethernet network configurations, which are not well-suited for the specific requirements of stage lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control system utilizing an ARTNET protocol over an Ethernet network with a network switching unit in each stage light, allowing for series connection with fewer cables, automatic fault bypass, and efficient data processing to enable fast transmission and easy fault isolation, reducing installation and maintenance workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If DMX512 wired communication is used for stage lighting control, then installation is straightforward, but transmission speed is slow and there is delay for terminal lights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication protocol from DMX512 to ARTNET over Ethernet, fundamentally altering the transmission speed parameter from slow to fast (100 Mbps), while maintaining compatibility with stage lighting control requirements through protocol adaptation
2Speed
If ARTNET protocol over Ethernet is used for stage lighting control, then transmission speed is fast, but the original Ethernet network is not fully suitable for stage lighting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by adding stage lighting-specific functions at each fixture level, including scene storage, fade control, and channel mapping capabilities that adapt the generic Ethernet protocol to specific stage lighting requirements while maintaining fast transmission speeds
3Ease of manufacture
If bus-type Ethernet network is used for stage lights, then fewer electrical cables are needed and installation is easier, but fault isolation is difficult and network speed is relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into individual fixture units with independent network switching units, allowing each fixture to be isolated and diagnosed independently while maintaining the daisy-chain physical topology for easy installation
4Speed
If star-type Ethernet network is used for stage lights, then transmission speed is fast and fault isolation is easy, but a large number of electrical cables are needed and installation workload is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the network cable and power cable functions by allowing fixtures to receive both data and power through the same daisy-chain connection, eliminating the need for separate cables to each fixture while maintaining fast Ethernet transmission speeds
5Adaptability or versatility
If DMX512 protocol is used, then only 512 functional channels are available, but this is insufficient for controlling multiple LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by using the ARTNET protocol which provides thousands of available channels over Ethernet, making the system capable of controlling large numbers of LEDs and multiple fixtures simultaneously while maintaining a simple daisy-chain physical topology
Data Source
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AI summary
An Ethernet lighting control system comprises an ARTNET console and several rows of stage lights, wherein each row of stage lights comprises several stage lights successively connected in series, each stage light being internally provided with a network switching unit. The ARTNET console is connected to a network switching unit of a first stage light in each row of stage lights, by means of a netwok cable respectively; adjacent stage lights in each row of stage lights are connected in sequence by mesns of a netwok cable; a network control signal sent by the ARTNET console is delivered to the network switching unit of the first stage light; and the network switching unit of the preceding stage light receives and delivers the network control signal to an internal circuit of the stage light for processing, and then switches to the network switching unit of the subsequent stage light.