Console/lamp unit coordination and communication in lighting systems
First Claim
1. A lighting system having a plurality of multiple parameter lamp units each with respective control means for adjusting parameters of the associated lamp, a remote console control system for exercising control over said lamp units, a communication link between said console control system and said units, and a communication control system for coordinating the exchange of information between said console system and said lamps comprising:
- (1) in said lamp units,i. a processor including a communication controller coupled to said link for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to said console control system;
ii. lamp identification means associated with the respective lamp processor for identifying each lamp to the console control system;
iii. said processor including means for recognizing calls from said console control system which require a reply by the respective lamp unit;
iv. said processor also including means for generating said replies;
(2) in said console control system;
i. a processor including(1) a communication controller coupled to said link for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to said lamp units; and
(2) means for selectively and coordinately exercising communication control over said lamp units.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A stage lighting system has a plurality of automated lamp units which can vary the parameters of a light beam for pan, tilt, brightness, intensity and size. A control console is connected to each of the lamp units via a bidirectional data link. A communication system provides for the exchange of information between the lamps and the console control system, permitting the console controller to selectively and coordinately test and control the individual lamps. To this end, each of the lamp units includes a microprocessor and a memory where lighting cues may be stored for recall and execution. Control programs for driving each of the lamp parameters are also stored in the memory as are various routines for initializing, testing and diagnosing the lamps. The console includes a microprocessor as well as memory. Commands entered at the console to change the lighting effect produce signals broadcast to all of the lamp units, each of which responds individually and independently to change the light parameters based upon its own operating programs and current state. Programs in the console controller provide for lamp polling and the execution of comprehensive testing regimes to insure a trouble free performance.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. A lighting system having a plurality of multiple parameter lamp units each with respective control means for adjusting parameters of the associated lamp, a remote console control system for exercising control over said lamp units, a communication link between said console control system and said units, and a communication control system for coordinating the exchange of information between said console system and said lamps comprising:
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(1) in said lamp units, i. a processor including a communication controller coupled to said link for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to said console control system; ii. lamp identification means associated with the respective lamp processor for identifying each lamp to the console control system; iii. said processor including means for recognizing calls from said console control system which require a reply by the respective lamp unit; iv. said processor also including means for generating said replies; (2) in said console control system; i. a processor including (1) a communication controller coupled to said link for receiving signals from, and transmitting signals to said lamp units; and (2) means for selectively and coordinately exercising communication control over said lamp units. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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2. A lighting system having a plurality of multiple parameter lamp units each with respective control means for adjusting parameters of the associated lamp, a remote console control system for exercising control over said lamp units, a on link between said console control system and said units, and a communication control system for controlling communication between said console system and said lamps comprising:
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(1) in said lamp units, i. a processor including a communication controller coupled to said link for receiving signals from said console control system; ii. lamp identification means associated with the respective lamp processor for addressing the lamp; iii. said processor including means for recognizing calls from said console control system which require action by the respective lamp unit; (2) in said console control system; i. a processor including (1) a communication controller coupled to said link for transmitting signals to said lamp units; and (2) means for selectively and coordinately exercising communication control over said lamp units.
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Specification