Theatrical lighting control network
First Claim
1. A method for operating a node protocol converter for use in theatrical lighting and control system employing a single local area network (LAN) for common communication between a plurality of node protocol converters and multiple control consoles and peripheral controllers, the method comprising:
- coupling a communications interface to the LAN;
storing parameters and protocol information for operation of a rack of a plurality of effect control elements;
coupling a controller to the communications interface and receiving effect settings from the said multiple consoles and peripheral controllers connected to the LAN;
coupling the controller to a memory means to receive a predetermined priority from the said consoles and peripheral controllers and operating on said effect settings based on said priority with said parameters and protocol information to establish an output protocol;
configuring the controller to receive non-networked effect settings, said controller further including controlling pile-on of effect settings received over the LAN and the non-networked effect settings; and
connecting an output interface between the controller and the rack for providing the output protocol to the effect control elements of the rack.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A theatrical lighting control network is disclosed which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establishing lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other controller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for operating a node protocol converter for use in theatrical lighting and control system employing a single local area network (LAN) for common communication between a plurality of node protocol converters and multiple control consoles and peripheral controllers, the method comprising:
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coupling a communications interface to the LAN; storing parameters and protocol information for operation of a rack of a plurality of effect control elements; coupling a controller to the communications interface and receiving effect settings from the said multiple consoles and peripheral controllers connected to the LAN; coupling the controller to a memory means to receive a predetermined priority from the said consoles and peripheral controllers and operating on said effect settings based on said priority with said parameters and protocol information to establish an output protocol; configuring the controller to receive non-networked effect settings, said controller further including controlling pile-on of effect settings received over the LAN and the non-networked effect settings; and connecting an output interface between the controller and the rack for providing the output protocol to the effect control elements of the rack. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification