Moving Head Light Fixture Pose Determination Using Position Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in accurately determining the pose of moving head light fixtures in a 3D space, which is crucial for precise light show planning and setup, but existing methods require manual adjustments due to mismatches between virtual and actual positions, especially in touring scenarios where setups are frequently changed.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize position indicators, such as GNSS or Wi-Fi positioning systems, to determine the pose of moving head light fixtures by obtaining and processing position data at multiple points around the axis of rotation, allowing for precise calculation of position and orientation in a 3D space, enabling automatic adjustment of light programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of light programming is performed to account for mismatch between actual and virtual positions, then positioning accuracy is improved, but setup time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with an automated optical measurement system. Position indicators (cameras) capture images of the light fixture at multiple known positions, and a controller automatically calculates the pose parameters, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the physical light fixture's position and orientation by capturing images with position indicators and processing them through a controller. This digital representation (pose parameters) accurately replicates the physical configuration without requiring manual transcription or adjustment, thereby reducing setup time while preserving positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If multiple position indicators are used to determine pose accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepose determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement task into multiple independent position indicators (cameras) placed at different known positions. Each indicator independently captures images of the light fixture, and the controller processes each set of images separately to calculate pose parameters. This segmentation improves measurement accuracy through multiple observations while keeping each individual measurement component relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs position indicators (cameras) that serve multiple functions: capturing images at different positions, providing spatial reference information, and enabling calculation of both position and orientation parameters. This multi-functionality allows accurate pose determination without requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement task, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automatic pose determination system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service measurement system where the position indicators automatically capture images of the light fixture at multiple positions, and the controller automatically processes these images to determine pose parameters without human intervention. This automation significantly improves setup speed (productivity) by eliminating manual measurement and calculation processes, while the modular architecture keeps individual system components relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that automatically processes images from position indicators and calculates pose parameters. This intermediary component coordinates the automated measurement process, improving productivity by eliminating manual intervention, while its software-based processing avoids the need for complex hardware modifications to the light fixture or positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10859247B2Method of determining the pose of a moving head light fixture
Publication Date: 2020.12.08 MARTIN PROFESSIONAL
  • US10859247B2 patent drawing
  • US10859247B2 patent drawing
  • US10859247B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of determining pose of a moving head light fixture, comprising a support structure and a rotatable structure rotatable connected to the support structure. The rotatable structure comprises at least one light source generating a light beam and a position indicating the position of the position indicator. The method comprises the steps of arranging the position indicator at at least three different positions around the axis of rotation by rotating the rotatable structure; and a step of obtaining the position of the position indicator at each of the at least three different positions. The pose of the moving head light fixture can be obtained based on the obtained positions.