Scenic Lighting Synchronization Without Redundant Control Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scenic lighting systems face significant operational disruptions and increased costs due to redundancy requirements for backup control modules, leading to complex and costly infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A scenic lighting system with a simplified architecture that uses a control console to send a reference clock signal synchronizing digital processors in each light fixture, eliminating the need for redundant control modules and dedicated communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backup control modules are used to guarantee operational safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each light fixture is equipped with its own digital processor and memory that can independently execute lighting programs. The fixtures autonomously synchronize using a reference clock signal from the control console, eliminating the need for centralized control modules and their backups. This self-service approach maintains reliability while dramatically reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is divided into independent light fixtures, each with its own control capabilities (digital processor and memory). This segmentation allows each fixture to operate autonomously based on the reference clock signal, removing the dependency on centralized control modules and their redundant backup infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control modules are used to distribute shows over multiple processing units, then control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference clock signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides timing synchronization for all light fixtures and carries show distribution information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control modules, reducing system architecture complexity while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functionality is extracted from centralized control modules and embedded directly into each light fixture's digital processor. This extraction eliminates the intermediate control module layer, simplifying the system architecture while preserving adaptability and control capability.
3Reliability
If redundant control infrastructure is implemented, then reliability is improved, but touring costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each light fixture independently executes lighting programs using its own digital processor and memory, synchronized by a reference clock signal. This self-service capability eliminates the need for redundant control modules and their associated infrastructure equipment, reducing touring costs while maintaining operational safety.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control modules are distributed over the network, then control flexibility is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference clock signal simultaneously provides timing synchronization and show distribution to all light fixtures through the network. This multi-functional approach maintains control flexibility while eliminating the need for complex network configurations associated with multiple control modules.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting system comprising: ➢ a plurality of light fixtures (2); each light fixture (2) being provided at least with: ∘ at least one source assembly (8) configured to generate one or more light beams; ∘ a control device (9) configured to regulate the at least one source assembly (8); ∘ a digital memory (11) configured to store data and/or lighting programmes; ∘ a digital processor (12) in communication with the digital memory (11) and configured to process signals, data and lighting programmes and to send command signals to the control device (9); ➢ a control console (3), which is in data communication with the digital processor (12) of each light fixture (2) and is configured to send at least one reference clock signal (Rclock) simultaneously to the digital processors (12) of at least some of the light fixtures (2) so that the digital processors (12) execute their respective lighting programmes synchronously.