File system for a stage lighting array system

• US 20070168862A1
• Filed: 03/16/2007
• Published: 07/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Original Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Inventors: Hunt, Mark
• Granted Patent: US 7,441,160 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/705
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 Coordinated control of two or more light sources

Abstract

A file system for a stage lighting system that maintains the different files associated with the stage lighting system. Each of the files that can represent an effect are maintained within the system within a configuration file. The configuration file can be updated on each start of the system so that the system can maintain information indicative of current configuration files. A test mode can also be entered in which a pre-formed show can be tested against the current state of the configuration files.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

obtaining a show, comprising a plurality of lighting effects, wherein each lighting effect includes at least one stored file representing operations to be carried out on the light;

testing the show by executing each of the lighting effects, by calling the stored files from memory within a computer system, displaying information indicative of the stored files if present, and displaying an error indication if the stored files are not present.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein said error indication comprises a default screen with a bar shown across the screen in place of the lighting effect.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the error indication also includes a name of the file which is missing.

4. A method as in claim 1, wherein said testing comprises reading a plurality of different layers which collectively represent an effect, and combining said layers to produce an output signal, and displaying said output signal.

5. A method as in claim 4, wherein said displaying comprises displaying on a user interface.

6. A method as in claim 5, further comprising sharing the user interface between a plurality of different computers, each of said computers capable of testing the show within stored files within the local computer.

7. A method as in claim 1, wherein said testing the show comprises searching all files that are stored on a local computer system for files within the executed show.

8. A method as in claim 1, further comprising maintaining an index of files of lighting effects, and searching the index of files.

9. A method as in claim 1, further comprising maintaining an XML file which includes information about lighting effects on the computer system, and searching the XML file for said lighting effects.

10. A system as in claim 8, further comprising a video processor, which processes said effects according to commands, and produces a signal indicative of said effects.

11. A system as in claim 10, wherein said signal includes at least one portion which represents an image whose outer shape has been shaped by one of said effects.

12. A system as in claim 10, wherein said video processor processes a plurality of said effects as a plurality of different layers.

13. A system as in claim 10, wherein said signal is a signal adapted for controlling a projector which uses digital micromirror devices.