Follow Spot Controller 3D Calibration Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing follow spot systems face challenges in synchronizing color and intensity changes between multiple operators, and require skilled manual control to accurately track performers, often leading to uncomfortable and unsafe operator positions due to the need for precise, manual adjustment of multiple luminaires.
Innovation Solution
A follow spot controller with a processor, memory, and communication interface that calibrates a 3D model of the performance area and luminaire orientations, allowing for automated pan and tilt control of multiple luminaires based on operator input, enabling remote and precise control while reducing operator strain and improving synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple manual follow spots are used to illuminate different areas, then coverage of the performance area is improved, but synchronization of color and intensity changes becomes difficult and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple follow spot luminaires under a single controller that manages pan, tilt, color, and intensity parameters for all luminaires simultaneously. This centralization allows the controller to send unified commands to multiple luminaires, ensuring they change color and intensity in perfect synchronization while covering different areas of the performance space.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to universally manage multiple follow spot luminaires with identical control capabilities for each unit. It can independently adjust pan, tilt, color, and intensity for each luminaire while maintaining synchronized operation, making the system adaptable to various performance area configurations and lighting requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators manually control follow spots to track performers, then flexibility in tracking is improved, but operator skill variability and positioning safety become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated tracking capabilities where the controller automatically calculates and adjusts the pan and tilt parameters of follow spot luminaires based on the performer's position data. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual operator intervention for tracking, ensuring consistent and reliable performer illumination regardless of operator skill level, while allowing operators to focus on creative lighting decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from position sensors and tracking data to continuously adjust luminaire positions. The controller receives real-time information about performer location and automatically responds by adjusting the follow spot directions, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accurate tracking without requiring constant manual operator input.
3Area of stationary object
If follow spots are positioned in difficult-to-reach locations, then lighting coverage is improved, but operator comfort and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote controller as an intermediary device that allows operators to control follow spot luminaires from comfortable, safe locations away from difficult-to-reach positions. The controller acts as a mediator between the operator and the luminaires positioned in challenging locations, enabling the operator to adjust pan, tilt, color, and intensity parameters without physically being in hazardous or uncomfortable positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical requirement for operators to physically position themselves near each luminaire with an electronic control system. The controller transmits electrical signals to adjust luminaire positions and parameters remotely, eliminating the need for operators to be in difficult-to-reach locations and allowing them to operate from safe, accessible positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A follow spot controller and method are provided that store first and second sets of individual pan and tilt parameters for each of a plurality of automated luminaires and calibrate a 3-D model of a surface of a performance area and location and mounting orientations of the automated luminaires relative to the performance area, based on the stored sets of individual pan and tilt parameters. A physical orientation of the follow spot controller is sensed and operator pan and tilt parameters are sent to one of the automated luminaires. The operator pan and tilt parameters are based on the physical orientation of the follow spot controller. Individual calculated pan and tilt parameters are sent to each of the other automated luminaires. The individual calculated pan and tilt parameters are based on the operator pan and tilt parameters and the 3-D model.