DMX Pixel LED Control via Custom Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DMX control systems for LED pixel strings in theatrical and entertainment applications require a large number of channels, leading to costly and bulky controllers, and are inefficient in generating complex patterns due to 1-to-1 mapping of control data to physical pixels, limiting creative control and increasing resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using Custom Pixel Profiles that reduce the number of DMX control channels required by employing a parametric approach, allowing for sophisticated pixel pattern generation and control of multiple LEDs with fewer channels through a set of control parameters, including Pixel Channel Footprint, Keyframe Length, DMX Start, DMX Offset, and Pattern Replication Algorithms, which can be processed externally to the DMX controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If 1-to-1 mapping of DMX channels to LED pixels is used, then each pixel can be individually controlled, but the number of DMX channels required increases significantly, leading to costly and bulky controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control approach by dividing pixels into groups that share common control parameters. Instead of controlling each pixel individually through separate DMX channels, multiple pixels are grouped and controlled through shared parameters such as color temperature, brightness, and hue, dramatically reducing the number of required DMX channels while maintaining individual pixel controllability through the group parameter settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single DMX channel to control multiple aspects of pixel groups simultaneously. The control system can apply the same parameter sets across different pixel groups, allowing one channel to effectively control multiple pixels with identical or similar characteristics, thereby reducing the overall channel requirement while maintaining comprehensive control capability
2Quantity of substance
If more DMX channels are allocated to control larger numbers of pixels, then more pixels can be controlled, but the cost and size of the DMX controller increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by adding hierarchical control levels beyond the traditional 1-to-1 channel-pixel mapping. It implements group-level and scene-level control dimensions where parameters can be applied across multiple pixels simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows control of large numbers of pixels through a limited number of channels by operating at higher levels of the control hierarchy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of control parameters such as color temperature, brightness, and hue that can be applied to groups of pixels. By changing these parameters at the group level rather than individual pixel level, the system can control large numbers of pixels with fewer channels, as the same parameter changes propagate across multiple pixels simultaneously, reducing the channel requirement while maintaining pixel quantity
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard DMX control methods are used for pixel strings, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but creative control and pattern generation efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control layer between the standard DMX controller and the LED pixels. This intermediary layer processes DMX signals and applies parametric control to pixel groups, enabling sophisticated pattern generation and creative control while maintaining compatibility with standard DMX systems. The intermediary translates traditional DMX commands into group-level parameter adjustments, bridging the gap between standard control methods and advanced pattern generation capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A method of pixel control which reduces the number of DMX control channels required for generation of artistic pixel patterns displayed on a large number of pixel LEDs is described. Further described are a set of control parameters which facilitate the introduction of pixel control and sophisticated pixel pattern generation without a costly DMX controller upgrade. Also described is a device for generating lighting effects. The device may be portable, battery-powered, radio-controlled and small enough to easily hide in most theatrical and film sets, set pieces, props, and practicals. The device may be configured to process DMX data for controlling and generating graphical patterns among pixel LEDs based on the set of one or more control parameters. The method and device relocate the processing of the DMX data from the DMX controller to one or more individual hardware drivers for the pixel LEDS.