Theater Light and Sound Sensor System for Remote Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and maintaining luminance and sound in theaters are subjective, resource-intensive, and prone to inaccuracies, particularly when using internet cameras, which can also pose security risks due to signal interception, and require technician presence for adjustments and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A light and sound sensor system that remotely measures luminance, chromaticity, and infrared illumination, synchronizes audio and video signals, and detects equipment failures, using high-power LEDs, color sensors, infrared sensors, and omnidirectional microphones, with data transmission to a Network Operations Center for real-time monitoring and automatic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If internet cameras are used to monitor luminance and sound, then remote monitoring capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to wide angle lenses and automatic gain control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses specialized sensor arrays (photodetector arrays for luminance, microphone arrays for sound) that replicate the function of traditional measurement instruments but in a compact, integrated form factor suitable for remote deployment without compromising measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters by using telecentric lenses with specific focal lengths and aperture ratios instead of wide angle lenses, and uses manual gain control instead of automatic gain control to ensure accurate luminance measurements while maintaining remote monitoring capability
2Extent of automation
If internet cameras are used for monitoring, then remote access is enabled, but security risks increase due to signal interception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from traditional internet cameras that transmit complete image and audio streams, and implements it through a specialized sensor system that only transmits processed measurement data, thereby reducing the information available for interception and piracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a local processor and encrypted communication layer as intermediaries between the sensors and the remote monitoring station, ensuring that signals are encrypted and cannot be easily intercepted or pirated while maintaining remote access capability
3Measurement precision
If professional light measurement instruments are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to technician travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service monitoring where the integrated sensor system automatically performs measurements, processes data locally, and transmits results without requiring technician presence, thereby eliminating travel time while maintaining professional measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple measurement functions (luminance sensing, sound measurement, infrared detection, synchronization monitoring) into a single integrated device that can be deployed at multiple locations simultaneously, eliminating the need for technicians to travel between different measurement sites
4Ease of operation
If internet cameras with automatic gain control are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to obtain accurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using automatic gain control to optimize display quality (which compromises measurement accuracy), the system inverts the approach by using manual gain control settings and post-processing algorithms to achieve both ease of operation and measurement precision simultaneously
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 precise, remote, and tamper-proof monitoring of theater equipment, reducing technician time, ensuring optimal luminance and sound standards, and providing rapid notification of equipment degradation, while ensuring synchronization and proper functioning of assistive technologies like closed captioning and infrared signals.
Implementation Method 1
A color sensor measures the luminance levels and/or color quality of the screen test pattern
Implementation Method 2
An infrared sensor measures the infrared levels reflected off a display surface from an infrared emitter
Implementation Method 3
An omnidirectional microphone measures the sound pressure levels (SPL) in the display area
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a light and sound sensor system and method for repetitively measuring the luminance, chromaticity, sound, and infrared illumination in a theater to detect any changes thereto so that the images being viewed on the screen and the sound in the theater can be kept at their optimal values. In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system has an audio and video synchronization capability. By monitoring the audio and visual signals in real time, the exact time relationship between the signals is detected to determine whether they are properly synchronized.