Video Buttons for a Stage Lighting Console

• US 20080012849A1
• Filed: 07/12/2007
• Published: 01/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Original Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Inventors: Brutsche, Rusty, Snyder, Michael, Bornhorst, James, Reese, Charles
• Granted Patent: US 9,342,157 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/418
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0416 Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/165 following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]

Abstract

Video buttons controlling stage lights. Each of the buttons includes a video part, which displays either video or an image that previews the function that is carried out by the button when it is pressed. The buttons can be full-color buttons that show full color videos. An array of buttons can be grouped together, so that the array can operate in different modes, one of which in which the array shows an overall display, and another of which in which the array shows a single function per button. Different technologies including analog switches, touch screens, and the like can be used.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

providing an array of actuator controls;

enabling any of said actuator controls to control a specified function, where at least one of said actuator controls a different function than another of said actuator controls;

providing a pixel based image displaying part, in each of said actuator controls; and

providing an overall display that is displayed on said entire array of pixel based image displaying parts, such that the entire array displays said display.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein said display is related to functions of one of said buttons.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein said display is related to functions of the group of buttons forming the array.

4. A method as in claim 1, further comprising providing in addition it will control, which selects an array preview function, said additional control, when actuated, causing the entire array to define a preview function, and when deactuated, each button displaying a separate display indicative of its individual function.

5. A method as in claim 1, further comprising providing a single does play driver for the entire array.

6. A method as in claim 1, wherein said providing a display comprises providing a still image display.

7. A method as in claim 1, wherein said providing a display comprises providing a video display.

8. A method as in claim 1, further comprising changing a function of one of said actuator controls, and automatically changing said overall display based on said function.

9. A method as in claim 1, wherein said display comprises an individual displayed for each actuator in the array.

10. A method as in claim 1, wherein said display comprises a single display, which is logically driven to provide a plurality of different portions, one of said portions associated with each for said actuator controls.

11. A method as in claim 1, wherein said display comprises a touch screen display.

20. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a control board, mounted over said display, having holes therein through which said display can be used, said control board having at least one connection thereon.

21. An apparatus as in claim 20, further comprising at least one switch, associated with said actuator bull buttons, said at least one switch mounted on said control board.

12. An apparatus comprising:

a single display;

a video driver, providing in a first mode a single overall display on said single display, and providing in a second mode, multiple separated displays on said single display;

a plurality of actuator bull buttons, each having a window through which said display can be seen.

13. In apparatus as in claim 12, further comprising a controller, which provides information to said video driver indicative of functions of said buttons.

14. An apparatus as in claim 13, wherein said functions of said buttons include an overall function of a single button.

15. An apparatus as in claim 13, wherein said functions of said buttons include an overall functions of said plurality of buttons.

16. An apparatus as in claim 13, further comprising a mote selection, but which allows selecting between a first mode in which a single display is displayed on all of said buttons, and a second mode, in which each button receives an individual display.

17. An apparatus as in claim 16, in which in said second mode, each individual display provides a preview of a function that will be controlled when the button is actuated.

18. An apparatus as in claim 13, wherein said controller adaptively defines a function to be carried out by each of said buttons, and controls sending display information to said buttons indicative of the function to be carried out.

19. An apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said controller allows changing a function to be carried out by a button, and automatically sending new display information to said button.

22. An apparatus as in claim 12, further comprising at least one spring-loaded element, spring loading each of said actuator bull buttons into an ion actuated state, and wherein each of said actuator bull buttons can be pressed into an actuated state against the force of said spring force.

23. An apparatus as in claim 12, further comprising a plurality of optical elements, associated with said actuator bull button.

24. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein said optical elements comprise lenses.

25. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein said display is a touch screen, and said actuator bull buttons comprise buttons that can be moved with actuators thereon.

26. An apparatus as in claim 25, wherein said actuators are see-through actuators.

27. An apparatus as in claim 26, wherein said actuators include at least one portion formed of a transparent material.

28. An apparatus as in claim 26, wherein said actuators include at least one hole therein through which the screen below can be seen.

29. An apparatus as in claim 25, further comprising at least one spring, biasing the actuator into an upward position.

30. An apparatus, comprising:

a single display device,

an array of controlling buttons, arranged adjacent said display device, such that different buttons can be seen through to see portions of said display device below said buttons, and wherein each button use a different portion of said display device;

in actuation part, associated with each button; and

a preview control, controlling whether said single display device displays either a single display that is seen as a group through each of said buttons, or whether said single display displays multiple separate displays, each seen through one of said buttons.

31. An apparatus as in claim 30, wherein said actuation part comprises a mechanical switch.

32. An apparatus as in claim 30, wherein said single display device includes a touch screen, and said actuation part includes a surface of said touch screen.

33. An apparatus as in claim 30, further comprising a processor, controlling an association between each controlling button, and a function that it carries out, and also providing information to the display device indicative of a display that preview said function.