DMX Lighting Gateway Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems using proprietary protocols for controlling LEDs are inefficient, leading to performance issues due to network congestion and require manual, time-consuming configuration of each light channel for precise effects, which can result in undesired outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that employs a gateway connected to a network, a computerized device, and a DMX engine to generate real-time signals for controlling multiple lighting fixtures, allowing for immediate adjustments in color, intensity, and duration, using a control manager to synchronize instructions with stored lighting programs and communicate through UDP or websocket interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard protocols (DMX/Artnet) are used over network with external conversion modules, then compatibility with existing controllers is improved, but network performance deteriorates due to congestion and processing bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol conversion function from external modules and integrates it directly into the controller. The controller now natively supports both proprietary protocols and standard DMX/Artnet protocols, eliminating the need for separate conversion modules and reducing network traffic overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer within the controller that handles protocol translation internally. This intermediary mechanism allows seamless communication between different protocol types without burdening the network, as conversions occur at the controller level rather than over the network.
2Measurement precision
If each light channel is individually controlled and manually configured, then precise control over color and intensity is achieved, but configuration time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring lighting programs with desired color, intensity, and timing parameters. These programs are stored in memory and can be executed automatically, eliminating the need for manual real-time adjustment of each channel while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow automatic adjustment of light channels based on program parameters. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts individual channel values to match the desired output, achieving precision without manual intervention.
3Extent of automation
If lighting programs are coded and compiled before testing, then automated control is improved, but development time increases due to iterative testing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to define lighting programs with all necessary parameters (color, intensity, duration, sequence) before execution. The system compiles these programs into executable formats that can be tested and refined iteratively, reducing development time by separating program creation from hardware configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables copying and reusing of lighting program templates. Once a program is created and tested, it can be replicated and modified for different applications, significantly reducing development time for subsequent lighting scenarios while maintaining full automation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automating lighting fixtures is provided. The system comprises a gateway adapted to control lighting fixtures. The gateway allows creating, updating, storing and/or deleting lighting programs in real time. The gateway comprises a data source, a control manager and a Digital Multiplexing (DMX) runtime. The DMX runtime is configured to receive a request from the control manager, process the request and to generate signals on at least one DMX channel for control of DMX compatible lighting fixtures. The method comprises receiving request to modify at least one parameter of at least one of a plurality of lighting fixtures; processing the request; comparing the request with the data in a database; and generating each DMX signal over at least one channel at a DMX frequency.