FR2586884A1 - Servocontrols with satellite stores - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical and electronic assembly providing for a local processing of information. It can consist of a portable unit 6, Figure 3, which contains the electronic detection and servocontrol elements as well as the possible power stages. Arrangements make it possible to address to each relevant unit change-of-state information within a time of transition between the states likewise transmitted to the unit by connectors 11. Further connectors allow the intake of energy to be processed by 9 with graduated outputs 10. Still further connectors allow local action by 12 and the adoption of possible corrections by 13. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for stage-lighting equipment, stage machinery and machine tools.

Description

 It is known that stage lighting is carried out by means of dimming devices (voltage variators) in static relays grouped in games, more particularly designed under the term of organ games.

 These dimmer assemblies receive on the one hand the information from a control console (1) in FIG. 1 (with or without memories) and on the other hand the energy of the network.

The output of these dimmers delivers a variable voltage, according to the ordering information, which each address via the console, and each of the circuits is connected by a link of variable length to the corresponding load generally constituted by one or more light projectors.

In current solutions, all of the game's dimmers are combined, either in one or more
cabinets (2), either in a room technically suitable for this installation, and the connection with the lighting projectors (3), is carried out by a large number of conductors (4) (at least 2 conductors and an earth connection per circuit).

These current solutions give satisfaction on the
functional plan but have more or less annoying drawbacks depending on the type of installation.

For memory:
-Needs to have a technical room equipped and adapted in volume and ventilation to receive all the dimmers of the organ play.

- very important wiring between the game and the stage lighting projectors as an indication, this wiring can represent in economic value the value of the game
- Lack of flexibility for the permutations or switches of the lighting projectors facing the circuits (to eliminate this drawback certain games are equipped with file bays)
- High cost of modifications or adaptations according to the evolution of the scenic effects or the show.

 The subject of the present invention is a set of new devices intended to eliminate most of the aforementioned drawbacks while retaining the advantages of the sets of dimmer organs.

For this, each dimmer or static contactor is
consisting of an autonomous portable block that can be easily moved, and which has its own autonomy in managing the information and energy transmitted to it.

More particularly, and this is the essence of the present invention, although the other modes
application and implementation described or derived from this invention apply in full, the block includes a memory unit which accompanies the electronic assembly.

The code information by the control console (4) (figure 2) is conveyed for example by a coaxial (5) (not
limitatitf) to which the block (6) is connected, or by the network
proper, which, after filtering, in this case, directly control the level of the block output voltage (6).

The novelty brought by this invention therefore already resides in this mode of local variation of a voltage coming from
from an ordinary common source of a commercial type and for example not limiting that of the "Canalis" of the Telemecanique Company (7) or to be created, this example being cited in concrete terms and not constituting a limitation in the application of the invention.

 More specifically, the information received in digital or analog form locally in the block is stored in memory so that in the absence of other information the voltage level is kept in its state.

This particular point of the invention constitutes a very clear and real progress since it avoids conveying permanently and
in real time, a very large amount of information intended for each dimmer block.

Naturally, the block will only take into account the information intended for it by addressing the information from the control console (taking into account by
a given block will take place when there is a coincidence between the address sent and the address code of the block concerned).

Another characteristic of this invention is the possibility of local processing of information which may or may not be associated with the execution of this invention, the use alone
or simultaneous components of this invention also forming part of the integral protection of the invention.

This local treatment can be, without it being a limitation, a variation of the electric level in a determined time starting from a certain level to arrive * another level, (slope of connection between 2 levels)
A built-in electronic clock ensures the accuracy of transit.

 The control desk (4) therefore addresses the block for the modification of the level which it has from another level to be reached within a given time.

 It is therefore easy to understand the advantages of this invention by its use in devices making it possible to illuminate various spectacle scenes, sound and light theater, illumination, etc. and which are a very great reduction in information. memorize and 8 transmit.

 The technology mentioned can advantageously be, for example, and without this being a limitation in the protection by this patent, constituted by a block (6) in FIG. 3 made of light alloy, cast or spun, very robust, completely waterproof, for be used outside, which also acts as a cooler for the dimmer or for the incorporated electrical and electronic, static or other elements.

Ribs (8) provide an additional heat exchange surface and allow, for example, the fixing of
- carrying handles
- clamping of the blocks together
- fixing of blocks to the floor or walls.

Total tightness at high pressure also has a definite advantage in places open to the public.
avoiding contact and possible smoke escape linked to the appearance of damage.

 For added security, the internal components can advantageously be molded in an incombustible resin.

 The block will thus be able to withstand shocks, transport, possibly serve without risk of running board, it will also be able to resist strong acceleration, 9 a fall from a great height, without damaging damage to its functioning, etc ...

On the block will be
- waterproof or non-waterproof connectors for the energy supply (9)
- waterproof or non-waterproof connectors for graduated energy output (10)
- possibly, the information connector (11) if they do not pass through the energy supply link
- 1 waterproof connector or not (12) for direct level control by a potentiometer or a portable keyboard.

These devices can also find their
application in other fields than that of lighting and can control robotic devices in all industrial fields or not, and any application of the principles set out above are part of this invention.

The order can be realistic by any means
appropriate delivering digital or analog information, with or without feedback information, especially in robotics where local processing allows permanent precise counting of positions, levels, etc ... outside of any new set point.

 Advantageously, developed codes such as IEE 488, RS 232, V 24, or possibly other more specific codes recognized by computer transmission networks can be used.

Advantageously, and without the following application
or a limitation, a commercially available calculator can be used to indicate the level of the instructions and the corresponding computer addresses.

 Similarly, it can be used for all storage devices such as internal memories RAM, ROM, EPROM, flexible disks, hard disks, etc.

 One can cite Q by way of example, without this limitation of this invention, one of the many possible applications which more particularly relates to systems called "organ games of theaters" which make it possible to vary the light effects in shows. .

In this application, the operator has at his disposal the keyboard of a non-specialized management computer unit for example, comprising
- the CPU

- the keyboard
- internal RAM (generally RAM)
- the mass memory block (disk or floppy for example)
- the reading screen
- the printer
Three main instructions allow you to act on each dimmer
- the coded address of the dimmer, for example in the form of a row or circuit number;
- the level of the output voltage of the dimmer, for example O d 220 volts or O é 100% in level - - the transit time between 2 levels (previous level to next level, whatever the direction ).

Additional instructions can be memorized for each dimmer or by group, such as for example
- the number of the light effect of several projectors connected to several dimmers, which gathers in the memory the information of a set of instructions 9 to be addressed simultaneously to modify the effect.

 - when recording, a direct mode can be applied so that at a level indicated on the keyboard, corresponds a corresponding illumination of the projector (s) (3) (use for adjusting the effects).

 - non-linearity instructions can be memorized for each dimmer to obtain a voltage variation according to the different illumination law depending on the type of lamp used in the projector.

 It should be noted that a particular embodiment of the invention makes it possible to compensate for the light yield curve of the source by incorporating into the projector a photoelectric cell giving measurement of the luminous flux emitted and or of its temperature. colored and connected to the connector (13).

 This information is then processed at the level of the dimmer block, opposite the decoded and mbmorized setpoint value. An auxiliary amplifier then allows the dimmer to be controlled as a function of the difference between the flow measurement and the setpoint, and therefore allows rigorous control of the flow thus enslaved.

 This arrangement therefore advantageously makes it possible to compensate for the effects due to aging or to the blacking of the lamp.

 If the projector is of the gelatin filtering screen type, the downstream position of the cell will take into account the loss of flux due to this filter and the differential control will ensure absorption compensation.

 In this precise case, a calculation carried out at the level of the computer console will allow a tri or quadrichromic dosage of colors therefore the reproduction with fidelity of any shade of the Maxwell Triangle.

The information zero may not be electric but correspond to the visible light emission threshold, for example the dark red and, by variation of the curve, a display at 40% for example corresponds to real Q 40X of the full power of the lamp (or 40X of the light emitted)
The choice of the curve can be stored in the memory either at the desk or, preferably, in the dimmer block, when it is connected to a projector of a specific type, the call of the corresponding curve is stored locally at l 'permanent state.

At rehearsals, effects are recorded
on the memories by central on the screen, and are saved by duplication in the mass memory and by printing on paper by the printer.

During the performance of the show, the effects numbers can be called up either individually by
preparation with the use of an effect send button, either automatically in the order of effects by simply pressing a send button, which automatically prepares the next effect (classic and known use of effect light).

Screen and printer control always remains
valid, and any effect editing is possible even during play, by direct access to each dimmer by the keyboard.

 All effects are possible this way, and require very complex procession effects, often very difficult to obtain manually.

By this same device, 3 or more pieces of information, conveyed by the same coaxial, allow remote control of each projector by acting on 3 or more commands.
- Site orientation
- Orientation in azimuth
- Source focus
For this, the block also includes the output connectors to the projector with the feedback circuit of information emitted by the sensors to precisely check that the positions are indeed a reflection of the information transmitted and by acting by amplifying the difference between the setpoint and the actual position which controls the drive motor in the right direction.

 The existing organ playing desks can receive an extension of capacity by the addition of satellite memory dimmers by a simple interface for converting analog information from potentiometers for example into corresponding digital information.

It should be noted that the use of a configuration of management IT equipment allows
- a good performance / price ratio for the console
- a very small footprint
- transport of the keyboard alone in the room at the level of the first rows of the orchestra to facilitate the adjustment of the projectors during rehearsals.

 One or more potentiometers on the keypad or keyboard with digital interface allow quick and sensitive adjustment of the dimmer called up on the keypad.

 A radio control (14) fig. 2 can also allow operator mobility and is for example provided with a numeric keypad on which the number of the called dimmer is dialed, appearing on a display integrated into the keyboard, calculator type by example, coupled with a portable FM modulation transmitter.

 A validation of the call number immediately connects the dimmer controlled, by a second dialing on the keyboard of the level sought in percentage, a third validation controls the level of lighting and the transition time.

 The transmitter is for example of the A command type from 3 to 100 scans per second and has as many channels as necessary to ensure the transmission of a block of information plus 2 channels reserved for permanent synchronization at each scan.

The command is on the other hand of the positive type, that is, A-
to say that in the event of lack of permanent information, the receiver remains in the state.

 In summary, this radio control is similar to those used for construction cranes for example.

 This detailed assembly does not constitute a limitation of the invention but is intended simply to illustrate its numerous advantages.

 As is obvious and as it moreover already results from the foregoing, the invention is in no way limited to those of its modes of application, no more than to those of the embodiments, of its various parts, having been more specifically envisaged; on the contrary, it embraces all its variants.

 Likewise, in industry for example, the memorization of the positions of a lathe tool for example, and its movements over time, can be memorized and controlled, in satellite memorization.

 Many other applications can benefit from this invention, such as stage machinery for example, with moving carriers, closing curtains, etc.

 This invention is therefore of particular importance by transmitting only the information necessary for the changes of states, by making the economy of identical permanent information apart from the changes of states.

Claims (5)

1.- Mobile servo blocks With satellite storage (6) allowing the dimming of a voltage of a current or of a power of an electrical nature, or simply switching by a change of state information coming from a central control characterized in that they have their own autonomy in managing the information and the energy which is transmitted to them by means of mimizing the information received until the reception of new state change information, and auxiliary information such as the time of the tooth  passage from one state to another state and further computer addressing to each block to communicate exclusive instructions concerning it by means of a transmission in serial code on a simple circuit. This transmission comprising the code word, the address and the information for each block (6) by a control console (4). 2. Control according to claim I, characterized in that it relates to a sealed monobloc element having a high mechanical resistance and a total seal against water coming from the outside and containing without danger the pressure of the possible gases caused by the destruction of an internal organ. 3. Control according to claim 1 in that it relates to the possibility of local processing of other information such as the position control of a movable member by feedback or formation of a real position sensor or by feedback. information from a photoelectric cell delivering information proportional to the light flux, with or without filter, of a light projector. (3) 4.- Control according to claim 1 in that it relates to the ability to vary the response curve of the  device for it to conform to a linear characteristic starting from a non-linear characteristic. 5- Arrangements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that they relate to easy adaptation to existing control devices or light sources. 6.- Arrangements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that they relate to the radio control (14) or infrared control A for remote maneuvering, outside the console.  7.- Arrangements according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that they relate to the control of any equipment initially remote-controlled by transmitting only the information necessary for changes of state.