Switchable Transparency Display for Lighting Control Consoles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting control consoles are not transparent, forcing operators to frequently change their position or stand up to observe lighting devices while programming, leading to reduced operator convenience.
Innovation Solution
A display unit that can be switched between transparency and display modes, using a transparent LED display or a projection system with a switchable projection surface, allowing operators to view the stage while maintaining visibility of graphical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional non-transparent display unit is used, then graphical elements can be clearly displayed for the operator, but the operator cannot observe the lighting system behind the display unit without changing position or standing up
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit's transparency is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing it to switch between transparent and opaque states based on operational needs. This enables the display to adapt its optical properties rather than being fixed in one state, resolving the contradiction between displaying information and allowing observation of the lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameter of the display unit (transparency) is changed from a fixed state to a variable state. By controlling the transparency parameter, the system can optimize for either information display or system observation as needed, eliminating the need for the operator to change physical position.
2Ease of operation
If the display unit is made transparent, then the operator can observe the lighting system through the display surface, but graphical elements cannot be clearly displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit transitions from a static transparent or opaque state to a dynamic state where transparency can be adjusted or switched. This allows the system to provide clear graphical display when needed while maintaining the capability for transparent observation when the operator needs to view the lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparency parameter of the display unit is made variable, allowing optimization between two competing requirements: clear graphical element display and transparent observation of the lighting system. The parameter can be adjusted based on the current operational context.
3Loss of information
If the operator changes seating position to observe the lighting system, then visibility of lighting devices is improved, but operation efficiency and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable transparency of the display unit acts as an intermediary that allows the operator to simultaneously access both the graphical interface and the lighting system view without physical repositioning. This mediator eliminates the need to choose between viewing the display or the lighting system.
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
Enhances operator convenience by enabling observation of lighting devices without changing position, reducing disruptions and improving usability during programming.
Implementation Method 1
the display surface of the display unit is formed by a transparent LED display
Implementation Method 2
the display surface of the display unit is formed by the combination of a projection unit with at least one projection surface and at least one projector
Implementation Method 3
the projection surface of the projection unit is required to be switchable between a transparent state and an intransparent state
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting control console for controlling a lighting system, wherein digital adjustment commands are generated in the lighting control console and can be transmitted to the lighting devices of the lighting system via data connections includes at least one digital processor and at least one digital memory for generating, managing and storing the adjustment commands, and at least one display unit. Graphical elements can be displayed graphically for the operator at the display unit on a display surface. The display unit is made of an at least partially transparent material in the region of the display surface, wherein the display unit can be switched between a transparency mode and a display mode, and wherein the display unit (06) is partially transparent upon activation of the transparency mode in the region of the display surface and enables the operator to look through the display surface. The display unit enables the graphical representation of graphical elements on the display surface for the operator upon activation of the display mode in the region of the display surface.