Effects Automation System for Real-Time Performer Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sound and lighting effect systems in live presentations require manual operation to synchronize effects with performer movements, leading to artificial and concentration-demanding setups that lack realism and precision.
Innovation Solution
An effects automation system using stationary and mobile transmitter tags, along with a processing hub, to generate control data for sound and lighting devices based on the relative position of a mobile target, enabling real-time, automatic adjustment of effects devices to match the performer's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of controls is used to synchronize effects with performer movements, then the operator can achieve desired output balance in real-time, but the system becomes complex and demands significant operator concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks performer position using wireless transmitters and receivers, and the processor autonomously generates control data for effects devices based on tracked position. This eliminates the need for manual operator manipulation while maintaining real-time synchronization, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (operator manipulating knobs and sliders) with an automated electronic system using wireless position tracking and computer-generated control data. This substitution eliminates the mechanical interaction between operator and mixing console while achieving the same synchronization function automatically.
2Reliability
If pre-programmed sequences of effects are used to match performer movements, then more engaging effects can be achieved, but performers must synchronize their actions to pre-recorded sequences demanding significant concentration
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having performers synchronize to pre-recorded effects sequences, the system inverts the approach by having effects automatically respond to real-time performer position. The control system generates effects data based on current tracked position rather than requiring performers to match predetermined sequences, eliminating the synchronization burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic, real-time position tracking rather than static pre-programmed sequences. The processor continuously generates updated control data based on the performer's current position, allowing flexible and adaptive effects that respond to actual movements rather than requiring adherence to fixed predetermined sequences.
3Ease of operation
If static sound and lighting effect systems are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the effects do not reflect the positional location of performers leading to artificial representation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously tracking performer position using wireless transmitters and receivers, then using this position information to automatically adjust effects device output. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures effects accurately reflect performer location while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing hub serves multiple functions: it tracks performer position, calculates relative position values, generates control data for multiple effects devices, and coordinates synchronization automatically. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate systems while maintaining ease of operation through integrated automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
An effects automation system for generating control data for the control of effects devices, based on the relative position of a mobile target. The system uses stationary receivers and stationary transmitter tags coupled to the stationary receivers and a mobile transmitter tag coupled to the mobile target. The stationary receivers receive signals received from the stationary and mobile transmitter tags and then send data based on these signals to a processing hub. The processing hub uses this data to determine the relative distance between the stationary receivers and the relative distance between the mobile target and the stationary receivers. Based on these relative distances, relative position values for the effect devices are calculated by calculating the proportion of the distance between the stationary receivers associated with the position of the mobile target. Finally, the relative position values are utilized to generate the control data for control of the effects devices.