Test Machine for an Automated Light

• US 20100268625A1
• Filed: 04/26/2010
• Published: 10/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Original Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Inventors: Lee, Robin, Conti, Chris
• Granted Patent: US 8,401,931 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/29
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0875 Itemisation or classification of parts, supplies or services, e.g. bill of materials
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/203 Inventory monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/18 via data-bus transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/20 Responsive to malfunctions or to light source life; for protection

Abstract

A moving light tester includes plural sensors, each of which can test a function of the moving light. A conveyor can move the light between the sensors. Once tested, information about the test is used to characterize the light, to determine if it needs repair, or can be re rented. The information can also be used to create inventory lists, and bills for damage. The testing can include automated testing for gobos, colors, noise, heating and movement, or other tests.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

using a computer for determining information about an automated light;

using said computer for commanding the automated light to display at least a plurality of functions;

determining information in said computer indicative of whether the automated light has properly displayed said plurality of functions; and

storing said information about said automated light and said information indicative of whether said automated light has properly displayed said functions in said computer as changed data in said computer.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein said determining information comprises automatically determining information about the automated light.

3. A method as in claim 1, further comprising maintaining an inventory list which includes information about automated lights that have been tested, and about individual parts that are installed within the tested automated lights.

4. A method as in claim 3, further comprising, as part of said testing functions, testing said individual parts that are installed within the tested automated lights.

5. A method as in claim 4, wherein said individual parts include light shaping gobos.

6. A method as in claim 4, wherein said individual lights include light changing color filters.

7. A method as in claim 1, wherein said functions include a gobo shape, and wherein said testing includes testing said gobo shape to determine if said gobo shape matches with a specified gobo shape by a specified amount.

8. A method as in claim 1, wherein said functions include a color filter, and wherein said testing includes testing said color of filter to determine if its color matches with a specified color by a specified amount.

9. A method as in claim 1, wherein said functions include a gobo, and further comprising testing for scratches on the gobo.

10. A method as in claim 1, wherein said functions include at least pan and tilt movement of the automated light, and said testing comprises programming a preprogrammed sequence of movements into the light and determining if the light carries out said preprogrammed sequence of movements.

11. A method as in claim 1, wherein said functions include testing for noise.

12. A method as in claim 1, wherein said functions include testing for cooling.

13. A method as in claim 12, wherein said testing for cooling comprises testing for airflow.

14. A method as in claim 12, wherein said testing for cooling comprises determining infrared information indicative of the light, and using said infrared information to test for one of excess heat or inadequate cooling in specified locations.

15. A method as in claim 1, wherein said testing comprises testing for missing parts in the light.

16. A method as in claim 15, further comprising comparing parts of the light during testing with parts of the light at a previous time, and creating information indicative of differences between said parts during testing and said parts of said previous time.

17. A method as in claim 1, further comprising automatically determining information about the light, and determining information indicative of proper operation of the light type.

18-59. -59. (canceled)

60. An apparatus comprising:

a controller that obtains information about replaceable parts that are within an automated light;

a memory that stores information about parts that were in the light at a previous time, and

wherein said controller creates information indicative of differences between said parts said parts at said previous time.

61. An apparatus as in claim 60, wherein said controller also operates to command the automated light to display at least a plurality of functions and determines whether the automated light has properly displayed said plurality of functions and stores said information indicative of whether said automated light has properly displayed said functions.

62. An apparatus as in claim 61 further comprising a scanner wherein said determining information comprises automatically determining information about the automated light.

63. An apparatus as in claim 62, further comprising maintaining an inventory list which includes information about lights that have been tested, and about individual parts that are installed within the tested automated lights.

64. An apparatus as in claim 63, wherein said removable parts include light shaping gobos.

65. An apparatus as in claim 63, wherein said removable parts include light changing color filters.

66-68. -68. (canceled)