Automated Lighting Fixture Location via Camera Vector Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurately determining the location and orientation of lighting fixtures in a venue is time-consuming and requires skilled technicians, leading to potential human errors and increased costs due to the need for precise measurements and specialized tools.

Innovation Solution

An automated or semi-automated system using cameras and a controller to capture images and determine the location of lighting fixtures by calculating vector relationships from multiple camera positions, reducing the reliance on manual measurements and enabling accurate control of lighting fixtures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement techniques are used to determine lighting fixture location and orientation, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the time required and complexity of the process increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting fixture location accuracyVSAvoidvenue lighting setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (tape measures, angle finders, laser distance meters) with an automated optical system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images from multiple camera positions, extracts lighting fixture locations through image recognition, and calculates precise coordinates automatically, eliminating the need for manual measurement while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing lighting fixtures to be automatically detected and located without requiring skilled technicians. The automated image processing and coordinate calculation systems perform the measurement tasks independently, reducing reliance on human expertise and manual intervention in the venue setup process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If specialized technicians are contracted to perform precise measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting fixture location accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for specialized human technicians with an automated computer vision system. The system uses cameras, image processing software, and coordinate calculation algorithms to automatically determine lighting fixture locations and orientations, eliminating the need for trained measurement personnel while maintaining or improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy or representation of the physical lighting fixture arrangement through image capture and processing. By generating digital images and extracting coordinates from visual data, the system replicates the measurement function without requiring physical measurement tools or expert human operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurement tools and techniques are used to account for various mounting methods, then measurement precision is maintained, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting fixture location accuracyVSAvoidlighting setup operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal measurement system using cameras that can detect and locate lighting fixtures regardless of their mounting method (rafters, scaffolding, pipes, or other structures). The image processing system automatically adapts to different fixture positions and orientations, providing a single unified approach that works for all mounting scenarios without requiring tool changes or specialized techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11835997B2Systems and methods for light fixture location determination

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS INC

AI summary

A system for determining a location of a lighting fixture in a venue includes a camera and a controller. The camera captures images of the lighting fixture. The controller is operatively coupled to the camera. The controller designates a first position of the camera, receives a first image of the lighting fixture from the camera in the first position, determines a first distance vector between the first position and the lighting fixture based on the first image, designates a second position of the camera, receives a second image of the lighting fixture from the camera in the second position, determines a second distance vector between the second position and the lighting fixture based on the second image, determines a vector relationship location to be a location nearest both the first distance vector and the second distance vector, and designates the vector relationship location as the location of the lighting fixture.