Automated Stage Element Arrangement System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stage setup techniques are inefficient and error-prone due to the manual arrangement of bulky stage elements, which complicates achieving optimal sound quality and requires extensive labor, often disrupting events when rearrangements are necessary.

Innovation Solution

A stage arrangement system that uses computing devices to autonomously determine and effect changes in the position and orientation of stage elements, utilizing localization techniques, mechanical actuators, and feedback reduction methods to optimize sound quality and minimize manual labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual laborers move stage elements manually, then the stage elements can be positioned, but the arrangement process is time-consuming and requires many iterations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of arranging stage elementsVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical movement of stage elements with an automated robotic system. The robotic device includes a robotic arm with gripper that can autonomously pick up, carry, and position stage elements according to computed trajectories, eliminating the need for manual laborers to physically move heavy equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service arrangement by using sensors to automatically detect the current positions of stage elements and the robotic system to autonomously reposition them without human intervention. The robotic device can independently navigate, grasp elements, and place them in desired locations based on computational instructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual laborers rearrange stage elements during events, then the audio capabilities can be adjusted, but the audience is distracted and events are interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio capability adjustmentVSAvoidevent continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system replaces human laborers with an automated device that can rearrange stage elements during events without causing interruptions. The robotic arm can quickly and silently reposition elements while the event continues, maintaining audience attention and event flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-computes optimal trajectories and positions for stage elements before execution. This allows the robotic device to perform rearrangements efficiently and accurately during events, minimizing disruption time and ensuring smooth transitions without distracting the audience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If stage elements are precisely positioned manually, then optimal sound quality can be achieved, but the complexity and error-proneness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidarrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual positioning with an automated robotic system controlled by a computing device. The system uses sensors to detect element positions and a robotic arm with controlled degrees of freedom to achieve precise positioning, eliminating human error and complexity while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through sensors that continuously monitor the positions of stage elements. This feedback is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the robotic arm's movements to achieve the desired precise arrangements, ensuring accuracy while simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If bulky stage elements are moved manually, then the elements can be repositioned, but safety risks and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning easeVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system replaces manual handling of bulky stage elements with an automated robotic arm equipped with a gripper. The robotic device can safely lift, carry, and position heavy elements without risking worker safety, eliminating exposure to falls, strains, and other injuries associated with manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10261519B2Techniques for arranging stage elements on a stage

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 HARMAN INT IND INC

AI summary

A stage arrangement system is configured to arrange stage elements on a stage where a performance is to take place. The stage arrangement system is configured to move the stage elements to reflect arrangement data that reflects desired positions and orientations for each stage element. The stage arrangement system first localizes one or more stage elements by determining the position and orientation associated with each such element. Then, the stage arrangement system repositions and/or reorients each stage element to comply with the arrangement data. Each stage element may indicate position and/or orientation changes to stagehands or manual laborers, who then move each element accordingly. Alternatively, each stage element may autonomously move in order to implement the position and/or orientation changes.