FR2682255A1 - FLASHING DECORATIVE LIGHT APPARATUS BASED ON MUSIC. - Google Patents

Abstract

A decorative light fixture flashing according to the music. The apparatus comprises several channels (LB-LB1 0) each having a buffer amplifier (10), a phase-locked loop circuit (11) having a latch state detection circuit, a constant circuit (12) time, an output circuit (13) connected to the time constant circuit, and a decorative light source (14) connected to the output circuit and controlled by an output signal of the output circuit. Application to entertainment equipment for cabarets.

Description

The present invention relates to a decorative light apparatus which flashes

  following a variation of a sound, such as a low-frequency sound, including a drum, a high frequency sound, including cymbal, or a voice that sings with components at all frequencies, contained in a music that is played or broadcast this

  flashing light device can be mounted

  location such as a cabaret or "karaoke bar"

(improvised singing).

  In places where you can listen to music, such as discos and cabarets, when visual effects are used to facilitate the creation of the desired atmosphere in such a location, a device has been used until now. wherein illumination devices emit light according to the music so that an atmosphere that attracts the human eye and

his ear is created.

  There is already a device that runs under the control of computer programs that have been written

  previously according to the music and another

  flashing of illumination apparatus according to the dynamic behavior or the high and low frequencies of a sound. Such well-known apparatuses are used when the light sources flash appropriately as a result of various types of music, for example. example a type in which the sounds of a drum and of

  cymbal and the bass and soprano voices are mixed.

  The first device working by implementing programs allows a very precise blinking of sources

  luminous according to the music, which has already been

  However, such a device can not allow immediate music processing that has not yet been programmed and therefore lacks flexibility In particular, the device is not suitable for universal use because it is

  expensive and therefore only suitable for commercial use.

  in limited types of locations.

  The aforesaid apparatus for flashing light sources according to the dynamic variation of a sound is a device that responds to a sound by flashing light sources regardless of the nature of the sound, such as whether it is sounds like a drum or cymbal, as long as the sound pressure is the same. When the sound pressure of the music rises at the most crucial moment in the music, this device can cause the light sources to the enlightened state, so that the visual effects obtained

are insufficient.

  Unlike the aforementioned apparatus, there is an apparatus for flashing light sources according to the frequency of a sound This apparatus does not pose the aforementioned problem of the first apparatus and is therefore flexible and efficient for the production of visual effects On

describes it in the following.

  Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functions of a conventional apparatus for

  flashing light sources according to the frequency

  In FIG. 3, the reference 20 L designates a low-pass filter, the reference 21 of the amplifiers, the reference 22 of the detection circuits, the reference 23 of the

  time constant circuits, the reference 24 of the comparisons

  voltage, the reference 25 a reference voltage applied to the voltage comparators, the reference 26 of the

  output circuits and reference 27 of the light sources

  The low pass filter 20 L, the amplifier 21, the detection circuit 22, the time constant circuit 23, the voltage comparator 24, the output circuit

  26 and the light source 27 constitute a function block

  of a channel corresponding to a low sound frequency.

  In FIG. 3, reference 20 B designates a pass filter.

  the reference 20 B 'is another band pass filter having the same circuit structure as the filter B and a frequency band different from that of the filter B, and the reference 20 H a high pass filter A functional block of a channel, which is a flashing light block, is fixed on the back of each of the filters The number of filters corresponds to the number of frequencies In FIG. 3, the identical references designate the same elements of the same functional blocks. emplace-

  entry of the electric music signal.

  When the electric music signal is transmitted by an apparatus, for example from audio frequencies Ad, to

  entry point In, it is first transmitted to the pass filter

  low 20 L, high-pass filter 20 H, and pass filters

  band 20 B and B 'having different bandwidths, and then ranked according to the frequency set in each filter at this time, as the music signal was attenuated by an AC resistive component, which is a LCR component constituting Each filter, the amplifiers 21, which are connected to the filters 20L, 20B, B 'and 20H, amplify the signal. The output signal of each amplifier 21 is transmitted by the corresponding detection circuit 22 so that it forms a signal. dc component which is itself transformed by each circuit 23 at a time constant into a voltage level, in

DC current.

  The output voltages of the time-constant circuits 23 increase when the frequencies of the electrical signal of music transmitted to the input point In approach the central frequencies set in the

  20 L, 20 B, 20 B 'and 20 H filters. In other words, when

  that a frequency among all the frequencies of the music is close to the central frequency of each filter, the

  level of the output voltage of the circuit 23 increases.

  The voltage signal of each circuit 23 reaches a comparator 24 which compares it with the reference voltage. If the output voltage exceeds the reference voltage, the output circuit 26 corresponding to the output voltage is controlled and causes the source to blink. light

corresponding 27.

  As previously described, when the center frequencies of the filters are set in

  frequencies corresponding to the sound of a drum and cym-

  However, the filters used in the device are of the universal type and have a characteristic of about -6 d B

  As a result, a range of audio frequencies (

  between 20 Hz and 20 k Hz) can be divided into up to three bands when the illumination sources must flash completely reliably.

  frequency bands which form the range of audiofre-

  quences equals the number of blinking sources The light sources do not blink accurately and synchronously according to the dynamic behavior of the music sound. Even if one device solves this problem, filters, each with a characteristic of about -18dB per octave, should be used because

  possibilities of amplification of the signal by amplifi-

  cators and the accuracy of operation of the voltage comparators are limited In addition, the circuit of such a

  apparatus is complicated The aforementioned range of audiofre-

  In this way, such a device is not very effective for the production of visual effects and it controls flashing sources by monotonous on / off. In addition, despite the high cost of the device it functions in a manner quite similar to that of a toy and therefore does not sufficiently satisfy the human visual sensibility.

  The present invention has been realized for the purpose of

  the aforementioned problems posed by the conventional apparatus

  The object of the invention is to provide a compact, low-cost decorative flashing light apparatus which can ensure precise and accurate flashing of light sources in channels according to

  music (frequency of sound), and also allowing a reduction

  reliable number of components required in the circuits The audio range (between 20 Hz

  and 20 kHz) can be divided into about ten frequencies.

  For this purpose, the invention relates to a decorative flashing light apparatus having music-based flashes and having a plurality of channels, each having a buffer amplifier, a phase-locked loop circuit connected to the buffer amplifier and having a latch state detecting circuit which creates a digital output signal, a time constant circuit connected to the phase locked loop circuit, an output circuit connected to the time constant circuit, and a decorative light source connected to the output circuit and controlled by an output signal of the output circuit, and a signal input point by

  which are fed the input terminals of the amplifiers

  channel buffers and by which an electrical signal

  music is transmitted by audio-visual equipment.

  the free operating frequencies and capture ranges of the phase-locked loop circuits of the channels being set arbitrarily in the range

  audiofrequencies so that the frequencies of

  and the capture ranges are not essentially overlapping, the phase-locked loop circuits being set so that they are locked on the only frequencies corresponding to the capture ranges which are arbitrarily set in all the components at the frequencies constituting the musical signal, so that the time constant circuits integrate an output signal from the latch state detection circuits of the phase locked loop circuitry and provide a stable signal which controls the output circuits by causing the operation light sources

decorative.

  Other features and advantages of the invention

  will be better understood by reading the description

  which will follow of embodiments, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of an embodiment of flashing light apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of a phase-locked loop circuit used in the flashing light apparatus according to the invention; and Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing

  the functions of the classic device.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a flashing light apparatus according to the invention will now be described. In the drawings, the reference 10 designates buffer amplifiers and the reference 11 of the phase-locked loop circuits. The input of a phase difference comparator 11a of each circuit It is connected to the output terminal of each buffer amplifier 10 As shown in FIG. 2, each phase-locked loop circuit 11 has a detection circuit 11d in that the circuit 11 is locked or not (this circuit being called the latch state detection circuit 11d). The reference 12 designates time constant circuits connected to the circuits 11. The circuits 12 first integrate the signals which are transmitted by the circuits. lld lock state detection circuits and

  indicate the locking of the latch-loop circuits

  These circuits 12 with a transient time constant

  then form the signals into voltage signals and transmit them to the next stage circuits. Reference 13 designates output circuits which are connected to the time constant circuits 12 and which are controlled by the signals from the circuits 12. designates light sources which are connected to the output circuits 13 and which are operated by the output circuits 13. According to the invention, any light source can be used independently of its light emission process, in the measurement where it can emit visible rays For example, light emitting diodes, heating tubes and discharge tubes, for example fluorescent or neon tubes, can be used as a light source. Of course, each output circuit 13 has a construction corresponding to the source emission process

luminous 14.

  In the flashing light apparatus according to the invention

  the amplifier 10, the green-loop circuit 11

  phase rusting, the circuit 12 with a time constant, the output circuit 13 and the light source 14 above constitute a flashing light block LB, which is a functional block of a channel corresponding to any one of the frequencies of a For example, when a flashing light is of such a construction that the range of audiofrequencies of a

  For example, music is divided into ten frequency ranges.

  In this way, ten light sources flash by all or nothing. Thus, ten parallel flashing light blocks are arranged next to each other, each forming a channel. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a flashing light apparatus according to the invention in which four flashing light blocks LB, LB 2, LB 3 and LB 10, each forming a channel, are represented for the

  convenience of description and representation On the

  FIG. 1, the identical references denote blocks

  Analog functionalities The input terminals of the amplifiers

  10 flashing light blocks are connected to a signal input point In which a signal is inputted.

  of music from, for example, an apparatus

Ad audio frequency.

  In the flashing light apparatus according to the invention

  The light sources 14 of the respective flashing blocks LB to LB 10 flash in a controlled manner according to the distribution frequencies of the audio frequency range (between 20 Hz and 20 k Hz). The audio frequency range is divided so that, in principle, these frequencies do not overlap each other

  in the following such an operation.

  In circuits 11 with locking loop of

  phase of the flashing light blocks LB to LB 10, frequency

  free operating conditions which are, for example, Hz, 500 Hz, 1 k Hz, 2 k Hz, 4 k Hz, 6 k Hz, 8 k Hz, 15 k Hz and 18 k Hz are set in the oscillators The capture ranges used for normal operating frequencies are also

  set in the respective circuits 11 with a vertical loop

  The capture ranges are set to as small a value as possible so that the operating ranges of the phase-locked loop circuits do not have overlapping frequencies. The operating characteristics of each oscillator 11b are modified or modified. a variable resistor is used for adjusting the level of a control voltage V 2 applied to each oscillator 11b so that the capture range can be adjusted. In FIG. 2, the reference 11a designates a phase difference comparator which compares real time the phase of a frequency f 1 at a frequency f 2 contained in the music signal The frequency f 1 is transmitted by each buffer amplifier 10, while the frequency f 2 comes from the respective oscillator 11b The reference lic designates a loop filter which integrates the output signal V 1 of the phase shift comparator 11a so that it creates a positive or negative output voltage e V 2 of a DC component This output voltage V 2 is used as the control voltage of the oscillator 11b. The reference C 1 designates a capacitor and the reference R 1 a resistor, both incorporated in FIG.

each oscillator 1b.

  When the phase-locked loop circuit 11 is locked, it is controlled by the output signal V 2 of the filter lic so that each oscillator 11b

  follows the frequency f transmitted to the comparator lia Cepen-

  when the input frequency f 1 transmitted to the

  lla is not within the lock range.

  lage, the oscillator llb can not follow the frequency f1.

  In other words, the lic filter does not create the signal of

output V 2.

  It is therefore possible to detect the fact that the phase-locked loop circuit 11 is locked or not by detection because there exists an output signal V 2 of the filter lic. The reference 11d designates a

  detection circuit because the circuit 11 is

  rusted or not (this circuit being referred to in the following latch state detection circuit lld) This circuit lld is incorporated in each phase-locked loop circuit 11 and its output signal is used for the detection of the fact that the circuit 11 is locked or not A detection signal from the circuit lld is

  transmitted to the circuit corresponding to time constant 12.

  The normal frequencies of free operation and the capture ranges are set in the oscillators llb of the circuits. Blinking light blocks LB to LB 10

  so that they are different.

  normalization and capture ranges are included

  in the range of audiofrequencies The different frequencies

  are used for the detection that the circuits 11 of the blocks LB to LB 10, each forming a channel, are locked or not Thus, after detection that the circuit 11 of the flashing block is locked, the detection signal is transmitted by the circuit lld for detecting the state of lock at circuit 12 with a constant of

  time in which it is integrated.

  the output circuit 13 which in turn

  the light source 14.

  Thus, each light source 14 is controlled

  only when the circuit 11 of the flashing block corresponds to

  The light source 14 does not function

  when circuit 11 is not locked.

  The same music signal is transmitted to the In input

  towards all flashing light units LB to LB 10 Cepen-

  In view of the differences between the normal operating frequencies and the capture ranges of the circuits 11, the sources 14 of the blocks LB to LB 10 flash with

different way.

  In the preceding embodiment of flashing light apparatus according to the invention, the normal operating frequencies of the oscillators 11b of the circuits 11

  are regulated so that they do not show

  However, the normal operating frequencies of the oscillators 11b can be set at twelve tempered range levels on the basis of 440 Hz. Each capture range can be narrowed within a range in which the various operations of the circuits do not occur. are not affected This setting and this reduction makes it possible to flash the light sources 14 in a manner that corresponds to the twelve tempered range levels that are contained in the music signal transmitted by the input point In The light sources 14 flash in a manner which corresponds substantially to the twelve levels of tempered range of the music, for example corresponding to a score of 440 Hz, according to international standards,

  and the light is in harmony with the music.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the output terminal of the audio-frequency equipment

  Ad is connected to the input point In of the light device

  flashing so that the music signal is

  Init instead of the In point of entry, a microphone (no

  shown) having an amplifier can be set externally

  The microphone picks up sound from, for example, a loudspeaker and transforms it into a music signal that can be incorporated into the flashing light.

  is transmitted to the flashing light.

  When the flashing light with such a microphone is mounted on a vehicle, the microphone may

* 2682255

  sensing various vibrations, which can give errors for the detection of the sound of the music In order to prevent or prevent these errors, a vibration damping material, for example a damping material, based on sponge or glass wool, can be conveniently placed between the microphone and an organ to which it is attached. In this embodiment, the output circuits 13 are used for flashing light sources in a manner corresponding to the various frequencies of a musical signal. However, an external output terminal can also be used for connecting other sources.

  light and a motor in parallel with the light sources

  In such a structure, in addition to the light sources 14, the additional sources are flashing and a mobile display device is controlled by the motor.

  external in synchronism with the light sources 14.

  An adapter (not shown) used exclusively

  for reception may be placed in front of the point of

  In and can be connected to a transmission device.

  The latter transmits a music signal to the input point In via a transmission medium, for example the

  light, using fiber optic cable

  radio waves or infrared rays

  In this way, the transmission format of the music signal at the In point of entry can be enlarged and the range of use of the flashing light

can be expanded.

  As described previously, according to the invention, phase-locked loop circuits are used for flashing light sources in a manner corresponding to several frequencies of the range of audio frequencies contained in a musical signal. The range of audio frequencies is divided so that the different parts do not overlap With respect to the conventional flashing apparatus working in synchronism with a musical signal, the flashing light apparatus according to the invention does not require a bandpass filter or detection circuit, which is a constituent of the circuit, so that the number of components and the assembly time

are reduced.

  The phase locked loop circuits that are used are formed on a single integrated circuit chip and can be easily obtained at a low price

  so that the previous advantages are further accentuated.

  Phase-locked loop circuits, whose operating conditions can be easily modified and adjusted, are used to control the output circuits that turn light sources into

  The setting and modification of the characteristics

  Operating modes allow a change in the flashing mode of the light sources and the like in various ways that can not be achieved with the conventional apparatus. The flashing light apparatus according to the invention can be effectively used as a decorative apparatus. Of course, various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to luminous appliances

  decorative turn signals that have just been described

  as non-limitative examples without departing from

of the invention.

Claims (5)

  1 flashing decorative light device in function   music, characterized in that it comprises:   several channels (LB-LB 10) each having an ampli-   buffer circuit (10), a phase locked loop circuit (11) connected to the buffer amplifier and having a latch state detecting circuit (11d) which creates a digital output signal, a circuit (12) with a time constant connected to the phase-locked loop circuit (11) and an output circuit (13) connected to the time constant circuit, and a decorative light source (14) connected to the output circuit and controlled by a signal the output circuit of the output circuit, and a signal input point (In) to which the input terminals of the channel buffer amplifiers (10) are connected, and by which an electric music signal is transmitted by an apparatus of the free operating frequencies and capture ranges of the phase-locked loop circuits (11) of the channels being arbitrarily set within a range of   of audio frequencies so that the operating frequencies   free use and the catching areas do not overlap   essentially not, the latch-lock circuits (11)   the timing ranges being set so that they are locked with respect to the only frequencies corresponding to the capture ranges which are arbitrarily set for all the frequency components constituting the musical signal, so that the time constant circuits (12)   integrate an output signal from the detection circuits (11 d)   latching state of the phase locked loop circuits (11) to provide a stable signal   which controls the output circuits that control them-   even decorative light sources.   2 Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the free operating frequencies of the phase-locked circuits (11) are set at twelve tempered range levels corresponding to a rating of 440 Hz, according to international standards, and ranges capture of the phase locked loop circuits (11) are narrowed so that the decorative light sources (14) flash in a manner which corresponds only to the twelve temperate range levels used in the music   transmitted for the formation of the music signal.   3 Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a microphone incorporated in the apparatus or a terminal   input that allows the connection of a microphone to the   externally, a microphone amplifier, and an input switching device connected to the microphone so that the microphone picks up the sound of the music transmitted by a speaker, and that sound is transformed into an electric music signal which is transmitted at the point of entry of the signal.   Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that   that it is mounted on a vehicle, and a material of amor-   vibration, based on sponge or glass wool, is placed between the microphone and a   the apparatus so that errors in the detection of musical sounds are reduced, these errors being able to be caused by the state of the road and the vibrations of the vehicle engine.   Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an external output terminal   for the connection of an engine and light sources   additional sources in parallel with the sources   decorative lights (14) which are connected to the cir-   outlets (13) and are incorporated in the apparatus, the   additional light sources are placed outside the the device.   6 Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an adapter used exclusively for receiving a voice signal which is transmitted by a transmission apparatus implementing a cable to   optical fibers, microwave frequencies or infrared rays   for the transmission of the wireless voice signal, the musical electrical signal introduced by the adapter being   transmitted to the point of entry to control the device.