U.S. patent application number 15/944498 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-09 for follow spot control system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robe Lighting s.r.o.. Invention is credited to Martin Farnik, Pavel Jurik, Josef Valchar, Jindrich Vavrik, Jiri Zatopek.
Application Number | 20180224100 15/944498 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61952549 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180224100 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farnik; Martin ; et
al. |
August 9, 2018 |
Follow Spot Control System
Abstract
A follow spot controller is provided that communicates with a
lighting control desk and with a first automated luminaire. A
physical orientation of the follow spot controller is sensed and
used to replace pan and tilt control parameters received from the
lighting control desk for the first luminaire. The modified control
parameters are sent to the first luminaire. A three-dimensional
model of a performance area and the locations and orientations of
the first luminaire and additional automated luminaires relative to
the performance area may be used to calculate individual pan and
tilt parameters for the additional luminaires based on the first
luminaire's replacement pan and tilt parameters.
Inventors: |
Farnik; Martin; (Roznov pod
Radhostem, CZ) ; Jurik; Pavel; (Prostredni Becva,
CZ) ; Valchar; Josef; (Prostredni Becva, CZ) ;
Vavrik; Jindrich; (Zubri, CZ) ; Zatopek; Jiri;
(Valasske Mezirici, CZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Robe Lighting s.r.o. |
Roznov pod Radhostem |
|
CZ |
|
|
Family ID: |
61952549 |
Appl. No.: |
15/944498 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62480967 |
Apr 3, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 21/15 20130101;
F21V 14/02 20130101; H05B 47/155 20200101; F21W 2131/406 20130101;
F21S 8/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21V 21/15 20060101
F21V021/15; F21V 14/02 20060101 F21V014/02; F21S 8/00 20060101
F21S008/00 |
Claims
1. A follow spot control system, comprising: a memory; a processor
electrically coupled to the memory and configured to execute
instructions received from the memory; and wherein the processor is
further configured to: sense a physical orientation of the follow
spot controller, send operator pan and tilt parameters to a first
automated luminaire of a plurality of automated luminaires based on
the physical orientation of the follow spot controller, and send
individual calculated pan and tilt parameters to each of the
remainder of the plurality of automated luminaires based on (i) the
pan and tilt parameters of the first automated luminaire and (ii) a
three-dimensional model of a surface of a performance area and
locations and mounting orientations of the plurality of automated
luminaires relative to the performance area.
2. The follow spot control system of claim 1, wherein the processor
is further configured to: receive control parameters sent to the
plurality of automated luminaires from a lighting control desk;
replace pan and tilt parameters in the received control parameters
for the first one of the plurality of automated luminaires with the
operator pan and tilt parameters; replace pan and tilt parameters
in the received control parameters for the remainder of the
plurality of automated luminaires with the corresponding individual
calculated pan and tilt parameters; and send the received control
parameters with the replaced pan and tilt parameters to the
plurality of automated luminaires.
3. The follow spot control system of claim 2, further comprising a
user-operated control, wherein the processor is further configured
to replace other control parameters in the received control
parameters with information based on a state of the user-operated
control, and send the received control parameters with the replaced
other control parameters to one or more of the plurality of
automated luminaires.
4. The follow spot control system of claim 2, wherein the processor
is further configured to: replace one or more additional control
parameters in the received control parameters, the replaced
additional control parameters including one or more of zoom,
intensity, and iris control parameters, the replaced additional
control parameters configured to maintain one or both of constant
intensity and constant spot size at a target point on the surface
of the performance area; and send the received control parameters
with the replaced additional control parameters to one or more of
the plurality of automated luminaires.
5. A method of controlling a plurality of follow spots, comprising:
creating a three-dimensional model comprising: one or more surfaces
of a performance area; locations and mounting orientations for each
of a plurality of automated luminaires, relative to the performance
area; and location and mounting orientation for a camera, relative
to the performance area; sensing a physical orientation of a follow
spot controller; sending operator pan and tilt parameters
calculated from the sensed physical orientation to a first
automated luminaire of the plurality of luminaires; calculating a
vector representing a center of a light beam projected by the first
automated luminaire, based on the operator pan and tilt parameters
and the location and mounting orientation of the first automated
luminaire; calculating a target point on a surface of the
performance area based on the vector; calculating individual pan
and tilt parameters for each of the remainder of the plurality of
automated luminaires based on the luminaire target point; and
sending the individual pan and tilt parameters to each associated
automated luminaire.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein sending the individual pan and
tilt parameters to each associated automated luminaire comprises
receiving control parameters sent to the plurality of automated
luminaires from a lighting control desk; replacing pan and tilt
parameters in the received control parameters for the first one of
the plurality of automated luminaires with the operator pan and
tilt parameters; replacing pan and tilt parameters in the received
control parameters for the remainder of the plurality of automated
luminaires with the individual calculated pan and tilt parameters;
and sending the received control parameters with the replaced pan
and tilt parameters to the plurality of automated luminaires.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/480,967 filed Apr. 3, 2017, by Pavel Ju ik, et
al., entitled, "An Improved Follow Spot System", which is
incorporated by reference herein as if reproduced in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure generally relates to a method for providing a
follow spot system, specifically to methods for integrating control
of a follow spot with control of a lighting rig and to adding
automation to such a system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Follow spots are a well-known part of many entertainment
productions and are commonly used in theatres, television studios,
concerts, theme parks, night clubs and other venues. Some follow
spots are manually controlled luminaires where the operator has
control over the direction the luminaire is pointing, typically to
illuminate a performer, and to the color, size and other optical
parameters of the luminaire. A production may include many follow
spots, each with its own operator, as shown in FIG. 1. In this
depiction, four follow spots 60, each with attendant operator 62,
are directed towards a target point 242 on a performance area 240.
A performer may be situated at the target point 242 and, as that
performer moves around the performance area 240, the operators 62
will move their respective follow spots 60 to keep the performer
illuminated.
[0004] In such systems, the skill of the operators 62 may not be
similar, e.g., some operators may be slow to follow the performer
or inaccurate in their use of the follow spot. Attempting to
synchronize color or intensity changes between the multiple
operators may be difficult and/or inaccurate. Additionally, a
lighting designer may wish to situate the follow spots in locations
where it would be difficult or unsafe to place an operator. For
example, above the stage or in areas where there is insufficient
height or space for an operator. Even if it is possible to safely
situate the operator, he may be uncomfortable and forced to remain
in a cramped position for the duration of the event.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one embodiment, a follow spot controller includes a
memory, a processor, and a communication interface. The
communication interface includes a first communication link that
communicates with a lighting control desk and a second
communication link that communicates unidirectionally with an
automated luminaire. The processor senses a physical orientation of
the follow spot controller. The processor also receives control
parameters sent to the automated luminaire from the lighting
control desk, creates modified control parameters by replacing pan
and tilt parameters in the received control parameters with pan and
tilt parameters based on the physical orientation of the follow
spot controller, and sends the modified control parameters to the
automated luminaire.
[0006] In another embodiment, a follow spot control system includes
a memory and a processor. The processor senses a physical
orientation of the follow spot controller and sends operator pan
and tilt parameters to a first automated luminaire based on the
physical orientation of the follow spot controller. The processor
also sends individual calculated pan and tilt parameters to other
automated luminaires based on (i) the pan and tilt parameters of
the first automated luminaire and (ii) a three-dimensional model of
a surface of a performance area and locations and mounting
orientations of the other automated luminaires relative to the
performance area.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, a method of controlling a
plurality of follow spots includes creating a three-dimensional
model that includes one or more surfaces of a performance area;
locations and mounting orientations for automated luminaires,
relative to the performance area; and location and mounting
orientation for a camera, relative to the performance area. The
method also includes calculating a vector that represents the
center of a light beam that is projected by a first automated
luminaire, based on its location and mounting orientation, and
calculating a target point on a surface of the performance area
based on the vector. The method further includes calculating
individual pan and tilt parameters for each of the other automated
luminaires based on the luminaire target point, and sending the
individual pan and tilt parameters to the other automated
luminaires.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure,
reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference
numerals indicate like features.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art follow spot system;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates the main components of an embodiment of a
remotely controlled follow spot system;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the follow spot
controller illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates the main components of a further
embodiment of a remotely controlled follow spot system;
[0013] FIG. 5 presents a block diagram of a control system for a
follow spot controller according to the disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic of an embodiment of a
complete remotely controlled follow spot system as it might be
installed for a production;
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an automated luminaire
modified to be used as a follow spot or a follow spot
controller;
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of an automated
luminaire modified to be used as a follow spot or a follow spot
controller; and
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic of a further embodiment of a
complete remotely controlled follow spot system as it might be
installed for a production.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in
the figures, like numerals being used to refer to like and
corresponding parts of the various drawings.
[0019] The disclosure generally relates to a method for providing
remote control of a follow spot system. A physical orientation of a
follow spot controller is sensed and used to control one or more
automated luminaires. A three-dimensional model may be used to
translate operator control of a first automated luminaire into pan
and tilt control of other automated luminaires.
[0020] In recent years, it has become common to use automated
luminaires on entertainment productions. These are luminaires where
the pan and tilt position of the luminaire light beam can be
remotely controlled from a lighting desk by an operator. Many
products also provide control over other parameters such as the
focus, beam size, beam shape and beam pattern. Attempts have been
made in the past to combine these two technologies such that the
effect of a follow spot can be achieved by using a remotely
controlled automated light. However, such attempts have often
failed or been less than satisfactory because of the slow response
time of the system or the difficulty an operator had in accurately
aiming a luminaire at a small spot on a stage and moving the light
around in a manner which appears natural and organic, rather than
mechanical and robotic. Jerky robotic movement is annoying to the
audience, distracts them from the performer, and reduces their
enjoyment of the performance.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a remotely
controlled follow spot system according to the disclosure.
Automated luminaires 120 and 122 are connected via a first lighting
control communication link 232 to a follow spot controller 200. In
turn, follow spot controller 200 is connected via a second lighting
control communication link 236 to main lighting control desk 126.
Each automated luminaire 120 may have its light output, pan and
tilt position, color, beam size and other parameters controlled.
First lighting control communication link 232 preferably uses
DMX512 (Digital Multiplex) protocol, which is an industry standard,
unidirectional communication protocol. However, the disclosure is
not so limited and other communication protocols may be used,
including Art-Net, ACN (Architecture for Control Networks), and
Streaming ACN. Similarly, second lighting control communication
link 236 is here shown as utilizing Art-Net, however the disclosure
is not so limited and other communication interfaces or networks
may be used. Both first and second lighting control communication
links 232 and 236 may be wired, wireless, or optical communication
links.
[0022] Follow spot controller 200 provides a bridge between first
and second lighting control links 232 and 236 and may override or
replace a limited set of parameters sent from lighting control desk
126 to automated luminaires 120. For example, follow spot
controller 200 may override just the pan and tilt parameters for
one or more of the automated luminaires 120 and 122, thereby
controlling which directions the automated luminaires are pointing,
while lighting control desk 126 retains control of the other
parameters of the automated luminaires such as light intensity,
size, color, and so on. In this way, an operator of follow spot
controller 200 may concentrate solely on directing the pan and tilt
parameters of one or more of the automated luminaires 120 and 122
and not be concerned about other parameters. In other embodiments,
the override may include other light characteristics, such as an
iris or focusing of the light beam and/or its intensity. In such
embodiments, the overridden characteristics may be selectable by an
operator of the follow spot controller 200 or an operator of the
control desk 126. In such embodiments, the overridden
characteristics may be selected based upon cue data stored in the
follow spot controller 200 or in the control desk 126.
[0023] Follow spot controller 200 may control a single automated
luminaire or may simultaneously control multiple automated
luminaires. In the case where multiple automated luminaires 122
and/or 120 are being controlled, follow spot controller 200 may
substantially continuously compensate for the different locations
of each of the luminaires relative to the performance area 240 and
adjust the pan and tilt parameters sent to each luminaire such that
each luminaire is directed to the same spot on the performance area
240 based on the pan and tilt parameters of the manually controlled
follow spot. Such substantially continuous compensation is
described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 9.
[0024] Follow spot controller 200 may incorporate a display screen
that displays a live video signal received via communication link
234 from a camera 124 mounted on an automated luminaire 122 (or
several cameras on several luminaires (not shown)). The
communication link 234 may be a wired, wireless, or optical
communication link. Such a live video display may allow the
operator controlling follow spot controller 200 to see the
performance area 240 and the lighting and more accurately control
the pan and tilt position of the automated luminaires 122 and/or
120. Such a system allows the follow spot controller 200 to be
situated in a convenient and safe location for the operator. Follow
spot controller 200 may be mounted on a tripod or stand 238 to
locate the follow spot controller 200 at a comfortable height for
the operator.
[0025] In some embodiments, the communication link 234 is an analog
video signal. In other embodiments, the communication link 234 is a
digital communication link that carries a digital video signal. In
still other embodiments, the communication link 234 may be
bidirectional, allowing an operator of the follow spot controller
200 to control set up and other parameters of the camera 124.
[0026] In further embodiments, multiple follow spot controllers 200
may be used in a single production. Each follow spot controller 200
would have its own attendant operator and would control one or more
automated luminaires 122.
[0027] FIG. 3 presents a schematic view of the follow spot
controller 200 of FIG. 2. The follow spot controller 200 includes
an operating handle 216, which an operator uses to move the follow
spot controller 200 to control the movement of an automated
luminaire 120. The handle 216 is fitted with encoders (not shown)
to provide the follow spot controller 200 with information relating
to a direction the operator has moved the handle 216 in at least
pan and tilt axes of movement. In a simple system, the follow spot
controller 200 may include only the handle 216.
[0028] In some embodiments, the follow spot controller 200 includes
additional user-operated controls such as faders or knobs 214
mounted on the handle 216, the position or other state of which
controls a parameter of the automated luminaire 120 and/or 122. In
other embodiments, grips of the handle 216 are user-operated
controls that rotate relative to the handle 216, their rotational
state providing control of other parameters, such as focus,
intensity, or beam angle. Such additional controls may be
assignable to any desired function (or parameter) of the automated
luminaire 120. For example, one fader may control a brightness of
the luminaire, while another controls a beam size. Additionally,
yet further user-operated controls 212 may be provided on the
console 204 and their rotational state used to control still other
parameters.
[0029] In some embodiments, the console 204 provides the ability to
store and recall cues containing information such as pan and tilt,
color, size, or any other parameters of the luminaires under its
control. The console 204 may also contain a display 206 that
provides information and feedback relating to the control and
working of the system, as well as function buttons 210 and
indicators 208.
[0030] Follow spot controller 200 may also include a display screen
202 showing a live video signal from a camera, as described
earlier. In some embodiments, the operator may select between
different video feeds using the control functionality of console
204.
[0031] In some embodiments, the follow spot controller 200 is fixed
in position, while in other embodiments it is gimballed so that it
can be panned and tilted to point at different locations on the
performance area 240 or around the house (performance facility). In
installations where the controller is located to provide the
operator a direct view of the performance area 240, the operator
can point the follow spots by dead reckoning while directly
observing the performance area 240 by eye. In installations where
the operator cannot directly view the performance area 240, the
operator may rely on the display screen 202 and a camera mounted on
the follow spot controller 200, where the camera is positioned to
allow a view of the performance area 240. In still other
embodiments, the operator may rely on the display screen 202 and
the camera 124 mounted on the automated luminaire 122.
[0032] In some embodiments, the controller does not physically
move. Instead, the operator controls the follow spots' motion via a
joystick or other interface device. In such embodiments, the follow
spot controller 200 and the display screen 202 are stationary, but
the displayed view changes with the direction of the follow spots
based on the user's manipulation of the joystick.
[0033] In other embodiments the control is combined. The follow
spots' motion matches the pointing of the follow spot controller
200 when the performer or target point 242 is viewable from the
location of the controller or by the camera relied on by the
controller. When the target point 242 is outside that range, the
display screen 202 presents a three-dimensional (3-D) rendered view
(or virtual view), allowing the follow spots to follow a performer
or target point 242 that is not in view of the operator or the
camera.
[0034] In some embodiments, the follow spot controller 200
automatically or manually switches control of the luminaires 120
and/or 122 back to the main control desk 126 and then, at a later
time, allows the operator of the follow spot controller 200 to take
back control of the luminaires 120 and 122.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a remotely
controlled follow spot system according to the disclosure. In this
embodiment, a camera 134 is provided that is separately mounted
from any automated luminaire controlled by the follow spot
controller 200. The camera 134 is mounted on a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
system 132 such that the operator may control an orientation of the
camera 134, thereby controlling a view obtained by the camera 134.
In various embodiments, such control of the orientation of the
camera 134 is provided by the follow spot controller 200 or by a
separate camera controller. When provided by the follow spot
controller 200, such control of the camera 134 may be provided in a
separate mode of operation of the follow spot controller 200 from a
mode where the follow spot controller 200 controls the luminaire
122.
[0036] In other embodiments, such a separately mounted camera may
be mounted in a fixed orientation, providing a static view of the
performance area 240.
[0037] FIG. 5 presents a block diagram of a control system (or
controller) 500 for a follow spot controller according to the
disclosure. The control system 500 is suitable for use in follow
spot controllers 200, 300, or 400, as described with reference to
FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, respectively. The control system 500 includes a
processor 502 electrically coupled to a memory 504. The processor
502 is implemented by hardware and software. The processor 502 may
be implemented as one or more Central Processing Unit (CPU) chips,
cores (e.g., as a multi-core processor), field-programmable gate
arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs),
and digital signal processors (DSPs).
[0038] The processor 502 is further electrically coupled to and in
communication with a communication interface 506 and one or more
sensors, actuators, and/or controls 508. The communication
interface 506 is coupled to, and configured to communicate with,
automated luminaires 120 and 122 via first lighting control
communication link 232. The communication interface 506 also is
coupled to, and configured to communicate with, lighting control
desk 126 via second lighting control communication link 236.
[0039] The processor 502 is further electrically coupled to and in
communication with a video interface 510, which is in turn
electrically coupled to a video camera via communication link 234.
The video interface 510 is further electrically coupled to the
display screen 202.
[0040] The control system 500 is suitable for implementing
processes, follow spot control, continuous compensation, and other
functionality as disclosed herein, which may be implemented as
instructions stored in the memory 504 and executed by the processor
502.
[0041] The memory 504 comprises one or more disks, tape drives,
and/or solid-state drives and may be used as an over-flow data
storage device, to store programs when such programs are selected
for execution, and to store instructions and data that are read
during program execution. The memory 504 may be volatile and/or
non-volatile and may be read-only memory (ROM), random access
memory (RAM), ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM), and/or
static random-access memory (SRAM).
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic of a first embodiment of a
remotely controlled follow spot system according to the disclosure,
as it might be installed for a production. Automated luminaires 120
are rigged (or mounted) above and/or around a performance area 240.
At least one luminaire 122 is fitted with a video camera 124. In
other embodiments, a camera may be mounted in a PTZ system, as
described with reference to FIG. 4. Control data for the luminaires
120 and 122 is routed from a lighting control desk 126 through a
second lighting control communication link 236 to a follow spot
controller 200 and then via a first lighting control communication
link 232 to luminaires 120 and 122. A video signal is routed back
from camera 124 via communication link 234 to a display screen 202
on the follow spot controller 200. The image from the camera 124
may be displayed directly on the display screen 202 or may be
processed in the follow spot controller 200 before being
displayed.
[0043] As described previously, an operator of the follow spot
controller 200 may take over control of some, or all, of the
control parameters of one or more of the luminaires 120 and 122. In
particular, the follow spot controller 200 may control the pan and
tilt parameters of one or more of luminaires 120 and 122 and direct
them to illuminate a target point 242 on performance area 240. In
other embodiments, controls of the follow spot controller 200 may
control other parameters of one or more of the luminaires 120 and
122, e.g. brightness, focus, beam size, and/or color. Target point
242 may indicate a performer, and the operator may then move the
handles on follow spot controller 200 such that the connected
luminaire or luminaires continues to illuminate the performer as
he/she moves around the performance area 240.
[0044] The performance area 240 may include a stage or dais, a
surrounding area, and/or some or all of the facility in which a
performance takes place.
[0045] In some embodiments, a modified automated luminaire may be
used as a follow spot controller according to the disclosure. FIG.
7 illustrates a first embodiment of an automated luminaire 300
according to the disclosure, which has been modified to be used as
a follow spot or as a follow spot controller. The automated
luminaire 300 is a hybrid automated/manually controlled fixture.
The automated luminaire 300 is modified to be used as a follow spot
or a follow spot controller by a hands-on human user as he would a
traditional manual follow spot. A conventional automated luminaire
may be modified by adding handles 316 and 317. By overriding or
disabling the internal motor drives that control "pan" motion of
yoke 302, relative to base 303, and "tilt" movement of head 301,
relative to yoke 302, an operator can control the pan and tilt
position of automated luminaire 300 using handles 316 and 317. In
some embodiments, controls 314 and console 304 provide control over
further parameters of the luminaire. Such an automated luminaire
may be manually controlled by the operator in the manner of a prior
art follow spot.
[0046] Additionally, the automated luminaire 300 functions as a
follow spot controller 200 as described with reference to FIG. 2.
In such an embodiment, sensors in the pan and tilt mechanisms of
automated luminaire 300 sense the operator's movement of the
automated luminaire 300. In embodiments that include controls 314
and console 304, the automated luminaire 300 both tracks its
movement by monitoring its pan and tilt position, as well as
monitoring the operator's manipulations of other light modulating
controls.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of an automated
luminaire 400 that has been modified to be used as a follow spot or
as a follow spot controller. A conventional luminaire 400 is
modified by adding handles 416 and 417 and overriding the internal
motor drives that control pan motion of yoke 402 relative to base
403 and tilt movement of head 401 relative to yoke 402. An operator
can direct automated luminaire 400 by grasping the handles 416 and
417 and moving the head 401. In some embodiments, controls 414 and
console 404 provide control over further parameters of the
luminaire. The operator can thus control the automated luminaire
400 in the same manner as a conventional follow spot. In some
embodiments, the automated luminaire 400 may function as a follow
spot controller 200 as described with reference to FIG. 2. In such
embodiments, sensors in the pan and tilt mechanisms of the
automated luminaire 400 sense the operator's movement of the
luminaire.
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic of a second embodiment of a
remotely controlled follow spot system according to the disclosure,
as it might be installed for a production. Multiple automated
luminaires 120 are rigged to illuminate a performance area 240. The
control data for the luminaires 120 is routed from a lighting
control desk 126 through network 236 to a combined luminaire and
follow spot controller 400 and then via network 232 to luminaires
120. In other embodiments, the automated luminaire 300, described
with reference to FIG. 7, may be used in the system shown in FIG.
9.
[0049] As described previously, an operator of the combined
luminaire and follow spot controller 400 may take over control of
some or all of the control parameters of one or more of the
luminaires 120. In such a circumstance, the automated luminaire
becomes a follow spot controller. In particular, combined luminaire
and follow spot controller 400 may control the pan and tilt
positions of one or more of luminaires 120 such that they are
collectively and individually directed to illuminate a target
point, 242, on performance area 240. Thus the control of automated
follow spots can be controlled by the manual control of a single
follow spot. Target point 242 may indicate a performer, and the
operator may then move the handles on combined luminaire and follow
spot controller 400 to illuminate the performer with luminaires 120
as she moves around the performance area 240.
[0050] As described briefly with reference to FIG. 2, in some
embodiments, a processor, controller, or other control system in a
follow spot controller according to the disclosure provides
continuous compensation of pan and tilt positions of one or more
automated luminaires 120, based on an operator's manipulation of
the follow spot controller 200 to control the automated luminaire
122. The control system creates a 3-D model of the performance area
240 (represented by one or more surfaces), and locations and
mounting orientations of the automated luminaires 120 and 122
relative to the performance area 240. The 3-D model may also
include locations and mounting orientations relative to the
performance area 240 of the camera 124 and (where used) the camera
134.
[0051] Such a 3-D model may be determined from manual measurements
of the surface and locations and mounting orientations. In other
embodiments, the extent and locations and mounting orientations may
be determined using sensors placed in or on the performance area
240, the automated luminaires 120 and 122, and/or the camera 124.
In still other embodiments, the extent and locations of mounting
orientations may be determined by the operator moving the center of
the light beam projected by the luminaire 122 to each of a
plurality of predetermined calibration points in the performance
area 240, and indicating to the system the illuminated calibration
point.
[0052] As the operator moves the luminaire 122 associated with the
camera 124, the control system calculates a 3-D vector representing
the center of a light beam projected by the luminaire 122. Based on
the calculated 3-D vector and, in some embodiments, the location
and mounting orientation relative to the performance area 240 of
the camera 124, the control system calculates a location of the
target point 242 on the performance area 240.
[0053] Based on the calculated location of the target point 242 and
the locations and mounting orientations relative to the performance
area 240 of the automated luminaires 120, the control system
calculates individual pan and tilt parameters for each automated
luminaire 120 that will result in light beams that also intersect
the performance area 240 at the target point 242. These
calculations are performed substantially continuously in real time
to provide continuous compensation of orientations of the automated
luminaires 120, based on the operator's manipulation of the follow
spot controller 200.
[0054] For the purposes of this disclosure, substantially
continuously means sufficiently frequently to prevent perceivably
jerky movement of the automated luminaires 120 and/or 122. In some
embodiments, such calculated pan and tilt parameters are sent to
each automated luminaire 120 at least once every 100 milliseconds.
In a preferred embodiment, such calculated pan and tilt parameters
are sent to each automated luminaire 120 at least once every 23
milliseconds.
[0055] In embodiments where independent camera 134 is used, pan and
tilt parameters may also be calculated for the camera 134 that will
result in the camera 134 automatically tracking to provide a view
of the performance area 240 at the target point 242. Such camera
pan and tilt parameters may be recalculated substantially
continuously as described above, or with a period comparable to the
recalculation of pan and tilt parameters for the automated
luminaires 120.
[0056] Based on the calculated location of the target point 242 and
the location and mounting orientation of the camera relative to the
performance area 240 of the automated luminaires 120, the follow
spot controller 200 calculates individual pan and tilt parameters
for each automated luminaire 120 that will result in light beams
that also intersect the performance area 240 at the target point
242.
[0057] In some embodiments the follow spot controller 200 (or
modified automated luminaire 400) may also control one or more of
beam zoom, iris, and light intensity for each controlled automated
luminaire 120 or 122. Such control of beam zoom and/or iris would
enable the follow spot controller 200 to maintain a constant beam
size from each controlled luminaire on a performer as the performer
moves within the performance area 240. Further, such control of
intensity would enable the follow spot controller 200 to maintain a
consistent light intensity on performers as they move within the
performance area 240. In applications where the performance is
being captured by a video or film camera it is of benefit to
maintain a consistent light level on the performer, so that the
camera does not have to be adjusted as the performer moves.
[0058] In such embodiments, the performer's position establishes a
target point 242 in the 3-D model, as calculated from an operator's
use of the follow spot controller 200 to point a controlled
luminaire at the performer. The follow spot controller 200 may use
an initial beam zoom, iris, and/or light intensity for each
controlled luminaire, along with a varying throw distance from each
controlled luminaire to the calculated moving target point in the
3-D model, to determine changes to make to the beam zoom, iris,
and/or light intensity for each controlled luminaire. In such
embodiments, an operator of the lighting control desk 126 (or the
follow spot controller 200 or modified automated luminaire 400) may
choose to allow any one, or any combination, of beam zoom, iris,
and light intensity of controlled luminaires to be automatically
adjusted by the follow spot controller 200 in order to maintain one
or both of beam size and target light intensity, in addition to pan
and tilt, for controlled luminaires.
[0059] In some embodiments, such a 3-D model is used to provide an
operator with a virtual view of the performance area, for example
where neither the operator nor any camera has a view of the
performance area 240. In various embodiments, such continuous
compensation may be provided by a control system in any of follow
spot controller 200, modified automated luminaire 300, or modified
automated luminaire 400. In other embodiments such continuous
compensation is provided by a control system of the lighting
control desk 126. In various embodiments, such continuous
compensation is enabled and disabled from one of the follow spot
controller 200 or lighting control desk 126, and may be enabled for
selected ones of the automated luminaires 120.
[0060] While the disclosure has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure
herein. The disclosure has been described in detail, it should be
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can
be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure.
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