Followspot Control via Video Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling followspot lighting in live performances are either costly, complex, and prone to latency issues, making them unsuitable for smaller venues or productions with limited budgets, and often require highly trained operators to track performers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control device with a processor, input device, and display, connected via a network to a camera and lighting fixture, allowing for real-time control of followspots using video feeds and user interfaces, which can utilize either video projectors or mechanically adjustable fixtures, enabling low-latency and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manually operated lighting fixtures are used with operators positioned in remote locations, then followspot control is achieved, but operator accessibility and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation of lighting fixtures with an automated system using video cameras, processors, and controllable lighting fixtures. The processor automatically determines performer positions from video feeds and controls lighting fixtures accordingly, eliminating the need for manual rigging and operator positioning.
2Ease of operation
If moving head fixtures controlled remotely with joysticks are used, then operator safety improves, but control precision and response time deteriorate due to latency and motor cogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces joystick-controlled mechanical moving head fixtures with a system that uses video processing and electronic control signals. The processor directly controls controllable lighting fixtures based on real-time video analysis, eliminating mechanical latency and motor cogging effects while maintaining operator safety through remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the stage environment by capturing video feeds from multiple cameras and processing them to determine performer positions. This digital representation allows for precise, real-time control of lighting fixtures without the delays associated with direct mechanical control.
3Measurement precision
If advanced tracking systems with transducers are used, then performer tracking accuracy improves, but system cost and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses video cameras to capture images of performers and processes these visual signals to determine performer positions. This optical copying method eliminates the need for physical transducers attached to performers, reducing system complexity and calibration requirements while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces video cameras and a processor as intermediary elements between the performers and the lighting control system. Instead of directly measuring performer positions with transducers, the system uses video feeds as an intermediate representation, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing setup complexity.
4Productivity
If multiple cameras and processors are deployed for real-time tracking, then performer tracking capability improves, but system cost and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a processor that performs multiple functions: receiving video feeds from multiple cameras, determining performer positions, controlling lighting fixtures, and managing overall system operation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated components, reducing system complexity and setup time.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system and method for controlling a tracking device to follow a location of a performer on a stage. The tracking device may comprise a lighting fixture such as a high output video projector or an automated mechanical moving light such as a DMX lighting fixture to provide a followspot, or a microphone to record audio from a particular performer. The method comprises capturing a video feed of the stage using a camera, presenting the video feed on a display of a control device, receiving input data indicating a position of the performer in the video feed, translating the input data into the location of the performer on the stage, and adjusting the tracking device to follow the location of the performer on the stage. The control device thereby provides lighting operators with an intuitive interface readily implemented using cost effective commodity hardware.