Video buttons for a stage lighting console

• US 9,342,157 B2
• Filed: 07/12/2007
• Issued: 05/17/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Original Assignee: Production Resource Group LLC
• Inventors: Snyder, Michael, Bornhorst, James, Reese, Charles, Brutsche, Rusty
• Primary Examiner(s): FARAGALLA, MICHAEL A
• Application Number:
  US11/777,028
• Publication Number:
  US 20080012849A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,232 Days
• Field of Search: 345 11- 6, 345/173
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 as an array of physical buttons that can be physically moved to control a function associated therewith;

enabling any of said actuator controls to control a specified function by moving one of said physical buttons, where at least one of said actuator controls a different function than another of said actuator controls, and where the buttons are moved to control functions;

providing a pixel based image displaying part, in each of said actuator controls such that said pixel based image displaying part can be seen through the actuator control; and

providing an overall single display that is displayed using all of the actuator controls of the entire array of pixel based image displaying parts, such that the entire array of actuator controls displays said display, and each individual control of the array of actuator controls shows said displaying part through the actuator control and the single scene on the display being seen through all of the actuator control such that each actuator forms a single pixel of the single scene.

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 buttons forming the array.

4. A method as in claim 1, further comprising providing an additional 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 display 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 display 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, and said physical button is moved to touch the 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 actuatable 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 actuatable buttons, each having a window through which said display can be seen, and where said plurality of actuatable movable buttons show a single overall display formed of each of the plurality of displays seen through multiple windows on the plurality of actuatable buttons in said first mode, and where said plurality of actuatable buttons show, in said second mode, said multiple separated displays with each separated display seen through one of said plurality of actuatable buttons, and where each of said buttons is moved to actuate a function.

13. An 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 actuatable buttons into an actuated state, and wherein each of said actuatable buttons can be pressed into an actuated state against a force of said spring force.

23. An apparatus as in claim 22, further comprising a plurality of optical elements, associated with said actuatable buttons.

24. An apparatus as in claim 23, wherein said optical elements comprise lenses.

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

26. An apparatus as in claim 25, wherein said actuatable buttons include 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 at least one of said actuatable buttons 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 uses a different portion of said display device;

an actuation part, associated with each button; and

a preview control, controlling whether said single display device displays either a single display that is seen through the group of said buttons such that each button forms a single pixel of the single scene, 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 button moves to touch 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 previews said function.