Remote Followspot Control With Camera Feedback for Safe Aiming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manually controlled follow spots require multiple operators, pose safety risks, and are space-intensive, making them difficult to use in various venues.

Innovation Solution

A remotely controlled and monitored follow spot system that allows operators to control lights from a safe distance using a ground-based controller, which translates manual movements into electronic signals to control pan and tilt, and includes real-time video feedback for precise aiming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operators manually control follow spots from the truss, then the follow spot can be precisely controlled to follow performers, but the operator faces safety risks and requires special training

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefollow spot control precisionVSAvoidoperator safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A camera is introduced as an intermediary device mounted on the follow spot to capture the performer's position. The camera feed is transmitted to a remote control station, allowing the operator to see through the light's perspective and control it remotely from the ground, eliminating the need to physically sit in the truss while maintaining precise control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical control system where operators physically manipulate follow spot handles while sitting in the truss is replaced with an electronic remote control system. The operator uses a ground-based controller with video feedback to electronically adjust the follow spot's position, substituting direct mechanical manipulation with electronic control signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If operators are positioned in the truss to control follow spots, then direct control is possible, but the truss must be designed to handle additional weight and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect control capabilityVSAvoidtruss weight capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The operator is extracted from the truss environment and repositioned to the ground. The control function is separated from the physical location in the truss, allowing the operator to control the follow spot remotely without adding weight or requiring space in the truss structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A video transmission system acts as an intermediary, carrying the visual information from the camera on the follow spot to the remote operator on the ground. This allows the operator to maintain situational awareness and control capability without being physically present in the truss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional manually controlled follow spots are used, then operators can control the light position, but breaks cannot be taken during the show and training is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidoperator availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service through automated features such as the camera automatically following the performer's movement and the remote control system maintaining control settings. This reduces the operator's continuous manual intervention, allowing for brief breaks while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Real-time video feedback from the camera mounted on the follow spot is transmitted to the remote operator, providing continuous visual information about the illuminated area. This feedback loop allows the operator to maintain control awareness without constant physical adjustment, reducing fatigue and enabling brief interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 safe and intuitive operation of follow spots from the ground, reducing space requirements and allowing placement in previously inaccessible locations, while maintaining operational flexibility and ease of use for experienced and novice users.

Implementation Method 1

A camera monitors the field of view that is seen by the light. In one embodiment, that camera is attached to the light in order to move with the light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCamera imaging: Photography

Implementation Method 2

Movements of the controller are monitored by movement encoding devices which translate the movement into electronic signals that are sent to control a pan and tilt controllable light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMovement encoding:

Data Source

PatentUS20260107363A1Remotely Controlled and Monitored Followspot

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 PRODN RESOURCE GROUP L L C

AI summary

A remote follow spot system includes a remote controller that has a body movable in pan and tilt directions, and an attached display. Movements of the body in the pan and tilt directions are translated into signals sent to a light to cause the light to move in the same directions as the body. The display receives a video feed from a camera mounted on the controlled light. The display hence shows the field of view where the light is pointing. In this way, an operator of the follow spot can control the light without physically being near the light.