Stage Light Master-Follower Networking for Packet-Loss Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stage light systems lack a feedback mechanism for synchronized operation, leading to out-of-sync displays when packet loss occurs, as the console cannot automatically adjust show timing.
Innovation Solution
A stage light system with ad hoc network modules enables a local area network (LAN) among lights, designating a master node and follower nodes for time synchronization, using a master node to adjust follower show frames and data forwarding to maintain synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a broadcasting control protocol (DMX512) is used where the console sends commands to stage lights, then the control system is simple to implement, but the console cannot know the state of the lights and cannot automatically adjust show timing when packet loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where stage lights send their current show frame information back to the master node, which then compares this feedback with the expected timing to detect packet loss and automatically adjust show timing to maintain synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The master node acts as an intermediary between the console and follower nodes, receiving show data from the console, forwarding it to follower nodes, and also serving as a time synchronization reference that adjusts timing based on feedback from follower nodes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the console sends show data directly to all stage lights independently, then each light can operate autonomously, but packet loss causes different lights to start shows at different times resulting in out-of-sync displays
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control network into a master node and follower nodes, where the master node handles time synchronization and coordinate adjustment while follower nodes execute show frames, allowing autonomous operation within the constraints of centralized timing coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The master node serves as an intermediary that forwards show data from the console to follower nodes and also mediates time synchronization by adjusting follower node timing based on feedback, ensuring synchronized operation while maintaining operational independence
3Reliability
If follower nodes continuously adjust their show frames to match the master node, then time synchronization is maintained, but data interference may occur from simultaneous commands from the controller and master node
Solution Approach 1:
The master node acts as an intermediary that receives show data from the console and forwards it to follower nodes, while also receiving feedback from follower nodes and adjusting their timing, thereby coordinating commands and avoiding direct interference between console and follower node communications
Solution Approach 2:
Follower nodes send feedback about their current show frame information to the master node, which uses this feedback to determine whether timing adjustment is needed and sends coordinate adjustment commands accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system
Data Source
AI summary
A stage light system for synchronized operation of a show includes a plurality of stage lights, each stage light has an ad hoc network module; and a controller for controlling the stage light. A LAN is established among at least a portion of the stage lights by the controller through the ad hoc network module, in such LAN one of the stage lights is selected as a master node and the rest are taken as a plurality of follower nodes. All of the stage lights in the LAN are configured to perform time synchronization, and send the current show frame information of the master node to the follower nodes and adjust respective show frames of the follower nodes according to the current show frame information of the master node.