Laser Camera Tracking for Dynamic Digital Instrument Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser harp technologies rely on static light sensors, which are prone to accidental triggering, require labor-intensive setup, and are limited to two-dimensional control, unable to dynamically generate volume, pitch, and expression dynamics due to their binary on/off functionality.
Innovation Solution
A laser light-based control system using intelligent motion tracking cameras to monitor interruptions in laser light, allowing for dynamic control of digital instruments by tracking full or partial interruptions in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces, generating control signals for note values, volume, and other parameters through real-time video processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light sensors are used to detect laser light interruptions, then note detection is enabled, but the system becomes prone to accidental triggering and requires labor-intensive setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical sensor system with a camera-based video processing system. Instead of using light sensors that directly detect laser interruptions, the system uses cameras to capture video of the laser beams and processes the video frames to detect interruptions. This substitution eliminates the volatility of light sensors while maintaining the ability to detect laser light interruptions for note generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the laser beam path through video capture. By capturing the laser beams as video images and analyzing changes in the video frames, the system can detect interruptions without directly interacting with the laser light itself. This copying approach allows for more reliable detection while simplifying the physical setup requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static light sensors are positioned at fixed locations, then the laser harp function is achieved, but the system cannot dynamically control volume, pitch, and expression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional static sensor positioning to three-dimensional dynamic tracking. By using cameras to capture the full path of laser beams in 3D space and tracking their positions and movements, the system can determine not just where interruptions occur but also the distance from the light source, enabling dynamic control of volume, pitch, and expression parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic tracking of laser beam positions and movements rather than relying on fixed sensor locations. The video processing system continuously monitors changes in laser beam positions and can detect interruptions at any point along the beam path, enabling real-time dynamic control of multiple parameters including volume, pitch, and expression.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sensors are clustered to replicate fader and slider control, then variable control is enabled, but the physical footprint and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical array of light sensors with a single camera-based video processing system. Instead of clustering multiple sensors to achieve variable control, the system uses video analysis to detect interruptions at different positions and distances, providing the same variable control capability with significantly reduced physical complexity and maintenance requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables interactive, stable, and dynamic control of digital instruments by allowing performers to generate a wide range of note values and variables, overcoming the limitations of traditional light sensor-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring and tracking of light (e.g., laser light) and interaction by a performer with projected light... identifying interruptions to the light output by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A laser light-based control system that makes use of intelligent motion tracking camera-based technologies to allow a performed to select notes, to provide a range of values for controlling device components (such as a fader), and to select a volume or magnitude value for a selected note (or output value). The control system may be configured in some implementations with the ability to filter out other light sources to only monitor a particular light from a source using real time video processing. This allows the control system to function to track simple and also complex laser animations and beam interruptions and, in response to the results of such tracking, to generate control signals for a digital music instrument to generate an endless amount of note values and variables (e.g., volume, pitch, and so on) in a 2D space or, in some preferred embodiments, a three dimensional (3D) space.