Wireless Control Data Transmission for Lighting Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing DMX protocol for controlling lighting and other effects equipment is cumbersome, requiring additional hardware, complex programming, and knowledge of the protocol, which limits its use among casual users due to the need for cables, controllers, and programming for each event and venue.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for wireless transmission of control data using Bluetooth-enabled devices, where a smart device automatically discovers, pairs, and groups lighting fixtures, allowing for coordinated control without the need for DMX knowledge or programming, using a software application to send control signals wirelessly and integrate with both wireless and non-wireless devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DMX protocol is used to control lighting equipment, then control capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to required hardware, cables, and programming knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from complex DMX hardware systems and relocates it to a mobile device application. The controller hardware, cables, and programming complexity are removed from the user's workflow, leaving only the essential control capability accessible through a user-friendly interface on a smartphone or tablet.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the lighting equipment. Instead of requiring users to directly interface with complex DMX controllers and protocols, the application serves as a mediator that handles all communication and control logic, translating user actions into equipment commands through wireless communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DMX controllers and cables are used, then control capability is achieved, but portability and cost worsen due to additional hardware that must be transported
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs multiple functions: it serves as the controller, the interface, the communication module, and the power source for the control system. This universal device replaces the dedicated DMX controller, cables, and programming equipment, allowing users to control lighting equipment using a device they already possess and carry daily.
3Productivity
If DMX programming is required for each event, then control precision is achieved, but time consumption and ease of operation worsen due to need to learn and program for each venue
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting available lighting equipment and pre-configuring control parameters upon first use. The application stores equipment profiles and control settings, eliminating the need for users to re-program for each event or venue. The equipment is automatically identified and ready for control before the user even arrives at the venue.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method for transmission of control data is provided. Application software executed on a smart phone or other computing device communicates with lighting fixtures or other configurable devices to automatically detect and pair with the devices without requiring a user to go through a pairing process. Additionally, the application software automatically places the devices in groups to coordinate the operation of those devices without requiring any complicated programming effort by a user. Further, the application software instructs each group of devices to provide a particular output or result, which may be different from group to group.