File system for a stage lighting array system

• US 7,441,160 B2
• Filed: 03/16/2007
• Issued: 10/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Original Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Inventors: Hunt, Mark A.
• Primary Examiner(s): BARNES-BULLOCK, CRYSTAL JOY
• Application Number:
  US11/687,593
• Publication Number:
  US 20070168862A1
• Time in Patent Office: 585 Days
• Field of Search: 714/57, 715/735, 715/740, 715/760, 715/771, 700/3, 700/17, 700/19, 700/286, 700/295, 700/297, 362/85, 362/233, 362/285, 362/286, 362/301, 353/62, 353/72, 353/85, 345/6, 345/423, 315/189, 315/291, 315/312, 315316-318, 315/362
• US Class Current: 714/57
• 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 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.

10. A system as in claim 9, wherein said signal is a signal adapted for controlling a projector which uses digital micromirror devices.

11. A system as in claim 9, 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 9, wherein said video processor processes a plurality of said effects as a plurality of different layers.

13. 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.