WO2016161486A1

WO2016161486A1 - A controller for and a method for controlling a lighting system having at least one light source

Info

Publication number: WO2016161486A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/050266
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tama Berkeljon; Adam Sasha MARKS
Original assignee: Outsight Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-10
Filing date: 2016-04-11
Publication date: 2016-10-13

Abstract

A lighting system (1) having at least one target light source, in the form of an LED lighting fixture (2), for generating target light in a first studio (3). System (1) includes a hand held input device, in the form of a light sensor (5), for providing an input signal (6) that is indicative of the X+Y CIE coordinates of light emitted from an input source. The input source is a HMI discharge lamp (7) that is located in a second studio (8) that is spaced apart from studio (3). System (1) also includes a controller (11) having a first interface, in the form of a communications interface (12), for receiving signal (6). Controller (11) includes a processor (13) that is responsive to signal (6) for generating an output signal (14) for fixture (2), wherein signal (14) is indicative of colour values and brightness values for the target light. A memory unit (15) stores data indicative of signals (6) and (14), and a second interface, also in the form of interface (12), communicates signal (14) to fixture (2).

Description

A CONTROLLER FOR AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A LIGHTING SYSTEM HAVING AT LEAST ONE LIGHT SOURCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a controller for, and a method for controlling, a lighting system having at least one light source.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for providing space lighting in film and television studios and will be described hereinafter with reference to such applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these particular fields of use and is also applicable to lighting systems and methods of lighting used in other applications such as theatres, public places and buildings, residences, agriculture, automotive and portable road lighting systems.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0004] In a film or television environment, a lighting system typically includes a plurality of spaced apart light fixtures that are required to operate collectively to provide suitable lighting for the environment in which images are to be captured by typically a plurality of spaced apart cameras having respective fields of view. The lighting needs are often quite specific to the given environment and, due to the increasingly high resolution cameras, must be highly consistent and accurate to ensure the correct technical effect and "feel". During the set-up of the lighting fixtures for a given lighting system the technicians and other personnel are often required to undertake a comparison of the different light provided by the individual fixtures and iteratively adjust them to settle upon either a sufficient match between the fixtures or a sufficient contrast. The match or contrast is typically expressed in terms of either colour qualities such as CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) Green/Magenta content, or intensity. If the light sources being compared provide light outside of the white realm then peak wavelength or colour point - represented as X/Y CIE coordinates or micro reciprocal degree (mired) - are often used to describe the colour. Conventional practice in matching the light from two sources involves calculating the difference in mired units as this can be related to a filter or "gel" number with which the technicians are more familiar.

[0005] The comparison and adjustment of the lighting fixtures is difficult, time- consuming, often inaccurate, hard to consistently reproduce, and arduous. For it involves the measurement of the light emitted by both a reference source and a target source, followed by the calculation and experimentation with various filters known as "gels" to attempt to arrive at a sufficient match or contrast of the colour and intensity value.

[0006] In more recent times, as high colour precision LED lighting fixtures become more readily available commercially, the set-up required to produce a technically defined colour content for each given fixture has been reduced due to the use of controls on the lighting fixtures and central control boards for remotely adjusting the individual fixtures. However, considerable time still has to be spent in repositioning or reorientating the fixtures, and refining the light colour and/or intensity to ensure the correct subtleties and "feel" are provided.

[0007] It is noted from DE 102010003949 A1 that the use of LED fixtures for domestic lighting has led to the contemplation of an adjustment tool to colour match an LED fixture. This tool is designed for infrequent use with relatively simple domestic fixtures and only provides for crude matching of light colours. The latter is emphasised by the need stated in the document for repeated iterations to gain a desired match. Such tools are unsuited to use in a highly exacting and demanding environment such as a film studio.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved controller for and a method for controlling a lighting system having at least one light source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a controller for a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light, the controller including:

a first interface for receiving an input signal that is indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source;

a memory unit for storing the input signal;

a processor that is responsive to the input signal for generating an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light; and

a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system.

[001 1 ] In an embodiment, the at least one target light source includes a light fixture for generating the target light. In a further embodiment, the least one target light source includes a plurality of light fixtures for generating the target light. [0012] In an embodiment, the lighting system includes a lighting control console for receiving the output signal and for controlling the light fixture or the plurality of light fixtures to generate the target light. In a further embodiment, the lighting control console is selected from the group including: a preset board; a memory console; and a light movement controller.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first interface includes the second interface.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first interface and the second interface are separate.

[0015] In an embodiment, the controller includes a housing and an input device mounted to the housing for generating the input signal.

[0016] In another embodiment, the controller includes a housing, wherein the input signal is generated by and communicated to the first interface from an input device that is remote from the housing. In an embodiment, the input signal is communicated to the first interface from the input device via a wireless connection. In a further embodiment, the wireless connection is provided, at least in part, by a wireless network.

[0017] In an embodiment, the input signal is communicated to the first interface from the input device via a wired connection.

[0018] In an embodiment, the input device is selected from the group comprising the following items: a light sensor; a video source; a camera; a colour meter; an electronic file created from the output of any one or more of the preceding items; and an electronic device including one or more of the preceding items.

[0019] In an embodiment, the electronic device is a mobile device. In a further embodiment, the mobile device is enabled for wireless communications.

[0020] In an embodiment, the electronic device is selected from the group including: a smartphone; a laptop; and a portable internet enabled device.

[0021 ] In an embodiment, the input source is selected from the group consisting of: a direct source of light; a reflected source of light; and a combination of a direct source of light and a reflected source of light.

[0022] In an embodiment, the at least one second characteristic includes one or more of: a direct colour value; and a colour and brightness value.

[0023] In an embodiment, the output signal is formatted for use in the DMX protocol.

[0024] In an embodiment, the output signal is communicated to the lighting system from the second interface via a wireless connection. In a further embodiment, the wireless connection is provided, at least in part, by a wireless network.

[0025] In an embodiment, the output signal is communicated to the lighting system from the second interface via a wired connection. [0026] In an embodiment, the input signal is in a first format and the output signal is in a second format that is different to the first format.

[0027] In an embodiment, a plurality of the at least one first characteristics are colour values, and the processor is responsive to the colour values to scale the dynamic range for those values and to generate range data indicative of that scaling. In a further embodiment, the processor is responsive to the at least one characteristic of the lighting system, the colour values and the range data when generating the output signal.

[0028] In an embodiment, the controller includes an input device for allowing a user to input commands to the controller. In an embodiment, the controller includes a visual display for selectively displaying indicia to a user. In a further embodiment, the display is a touch screen display and incorporates at least part of the input device.

[0029] In an embodiment, the controller is incorporated into a lighting control console.

[0030] In another embodiment, the controller is incorporated into a light fixture.

[0031 ] In an embodiment, the at least one second characteristics correspond to the at least one first characteristics.

[0032] In an embodiment, the at least one first characteristic is one of: a fixed sample; and a sequence of samples.

[0033] In an embodiment, the lighting system is responsive to the output signal for generating the target light to reproduce the light emitted from the input source. In a further embodiment, the target light is generated to reproduce the light emitted from the input source in real time or pseudo real time.

[0034] In an embodiment, the target light source is an LED light source.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light, the system including:

an input device for providing an input signal that is indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source;

a first interface for receiving the input signal;

a processor that is responsive to the input signal for generating an output signal for the target light source, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light;

a memory unit for storing the input signal and the output signal; and

a second interface for communicating the output signal to the target light source.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for controlling a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light, the method including the steps of: providing a first interface for receiving an input signal that is indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source;

providing a memory unit for storing the input signal;

using a processor that is responsive to the input signal for generating an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light; and

providing a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there it provided a method for controlling a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light, the method including the steps of:

using an input device for providing an input signal that is indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source;

providing a first interface for receiving the input signal;

using a processor that is responsive to the input signal for generating an output signal for the target light source, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light;

providing a memory unit for storing the input signal and the output signal;

providing a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system; and

the target light source being responsive to the output signal for generating the target light.

[0038] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a controller for a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light at a first time and location, the controller including:

a first interface for receiving an input signal that is indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source at a second time and location that is different from the first time and location;

a memory unit for storing the input signal;

a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system.

[0039] In an embodiment the first time and location and the second time and location are contemporaneous. [0040] In an embodiment the first time and location and the second time and location are non-contemporaneous.

[0041 ] In an embodiment the first time and location and the second time and location are physically spaced apart.

[0042] In an embodiment the processor generates the second characteristic of the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of one or more of the at least one first characteristic.

[0043] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for controlling a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light at a first time and location, the method including:

receiving an input signal with a first interface, the input signal being indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source at a second time and location that is different from the first time and location;

storing the input signal in a memory unit;

being responsive to the input signal for generating with a processor an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light; and

[0044] According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a controller for a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light, the controller including:

a first interface for receiving an input signal that is indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source which includes a reflected source of light;

a memory unit for storing the input signal;

a processor that is responsive to the input signal for generating an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of one or more of the at least one first characteristic; and

a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system.

[0045] In an embodiment the input source includes a combination of a direct source of light and the reflected source of light.

[0046] In an embodiment the second characteristic is a substantially direct reproduction of one or more of the at least one first characteristic. [0047] According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for controlling a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light, the method including:

receiving at a first interface an input signal that is indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source which includes a reflected source of light;

storing the input signal in a memory unit;

being responsive to the input signal for generating with a processor an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of one or more of the at least one first characteristic; and

[0048] According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a controller for a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light, the controller including:

a first interface for receiving an input signal that is indicative of a sequence of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source;

a memory unit for storing the input signal;

a processor that is responsive to the input signal for generating an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of one more of the sequence of the at least one first characteristic; and

a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system.

[0049] In an embodiment the sequence includes a chronological sequence.

[0050] In an embodiment the sequence includes a spatial sequence.

[0051 ] According to a tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for controlling a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light, the method including:

receiving at a first interface an input signal that is indicative of a sequence of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source;

storing the input signal in a memory unit;

being responsive to the input signal for generating with a processor an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of one more of the sequence of the at least one first characteristic; and providing a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system.

[0052] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention there is provided a controller for a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light at a target location, the controller including:

a first interface for receiving an input signal that is indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source at an input location that is spaced apart from the target location;

a memory unit for storing the input signal;

a processor that is responsive to the input signal for generating an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light at the target location of one or more of the at least one first characteristic; and

a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system.

[0053] In an embodiment the reproduction is substantially a direct reproduction.

[0054] In an embodiment the receipt of the first signal by the first interface and the communication of the output signal by the second interface occurs in real-time.

[0055] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for controlling a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light at a target location, the method including:

receiving an input signal with a first interface, the input signal being indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from an input source at an input location that is spaced apart from the target location;

storing the input signal in a memory unit;

being responsive to the input signal for generating with a processor an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light at the target location of one or more of the at least one first characteristic; and

[0056] In an embodiment, the lighting system includes one or more feedback loops for contributing to the reproduction of the first characteristic in the target light source. For example, an automated feedback loop integral with a light fixture for maintaining the desired light output by that fixture. Another example is an image capture device or other input device for providing a feedback signal to the controller as the target light is being generated. [0057] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0058] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments" "an embodiment", "an arrangement", "one arrangement" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or arrangement is included in at least one embodiment or arrangement of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in an embodiment", "in one arrangement", or "in and arrangement" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or arrangement, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or arrangements.

[0059] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of objects in a class of objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, in importance or in any other manner.

[0060] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (that is, to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article unless the context requires otherwise. By way of example, "an element" normally refers to one element or more than one element. The term "about" is used herein to refer to quantities that vary by as much as 30%, preferably by as much as 20%, and more preferably by as much as 10% to a reference quantity. In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms "comprising", "comprised of" or "which comprises" is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term "comprising", when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression "a device comprising A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms "including" or "which includes" or "that includes" as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, "including" is synonymous with and means "comprising". [0064] As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an "exemplary embodiment" is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality.

[0065] In the context of this patent specification the term 'electrical equipment' is intended to refer broadly to electrical and electronic components or combinations of components. This includes electrical cabling and wiring for data, power or other functions, electrical components, either active or passive, circuit boards, and other electrical or electronic components. It will also be appreciated that the singular also includes the plural except where the context otherwise indicates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a system for controlling a lighting system.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a lighting system including multiple light fixtures;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a web-enabled embodiment of the system of

Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a view of a colour picker graphic such as would be displayed to a user of the controller contained within the system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a further system for controlling a lighting system; and

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a further system for controlling a lighting system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Described herein are a controller for and a method for controlling a lighting system having at least one light source.

[0068] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a lighting system 1 having at least one target light source, in the form of an LED lighting fixture 2, for generating target light in a first location in the form of a studio 3. System 1 includes a hand held input device, in the form of a light sensor 5, for providing an input signal 6 that is indicative of a first characteristic, being the X+Y CIE coordinates, of light emitted from an input source. In this embodiment the input source is a HMI discharge lamp 7 that is located in a second location in the form of a studio 8 that is spaced apart from studio 3. System 1 also includes a controller 1 1 having a first interface, in the form of a communications interface d, for receiving signal 6. Controller 1 1 includes a processor 13 that is responsive to signal 6 for generating an output signal 14 for fixture 2, wherein signal 14 is indicative of colour values and brightness values for the target light. A memory unit 15 stores data indicative of signals 6 and 14, and a second interface, also in the form of interface 12, communicates signal 14 to fixture 2.

[0069] It will be appreciated that studio 3 and studio 8 are for practical purposes independently illuminated. In some embodiments, the studios are relatively close, while in other embodiments the studios are vastly spatially separated. In some embodiments, either or both of studios 3 and 8 are substituted with rooms, halls, outdoor areas, or the like.

[0070] In Figure 1 the lighting provided in studio 3 is represented by a single fixture 2. However, in other embodiments the studio lighting system includes a plurality of spaced apart lighting fixtures, and signal 14 is generated by controller 1 1 to provide colour values and brightness values for each of the fixtures to influence not only the light produced by the individual fixtures, but the overall light produced in any one or more locations within studio 3. In other embodiments, signal 14 is generated by controller 1 1 for a sub-set of the fixtures in studio 3. An example of an alternative studio lighting system, system 20, is provided in Figure 2. System 20 includes four spaced apart and cooperating like lighting fixtures 21 that are centrally connected by a lighting control console 22. In this embodiment console 22 is a console designated as "HOG4" and which is distributed by High End Systems. In other embodiments different consoles from the same or other parties are used. Furthermore, in this example, signal 14 is communicated from interface 12 to console 22, where it is further processed for allowing coordination and/or synchronisation of the light emitted by the individual fixtures 21 . This coordination and synchronisation is able to provide for a constant light colour and intensity at any one or more locations in the studio, or to provide a succession of light colours and intensities at those locations. It will also be appreciated that in other embodiments one or more of fixtures 21 are different from other such fixtures.

[0071 ] It will be appreciated that the orientation of fixtures 21 is illustrative only, and many other orientations are available. Moreover, while in Figure 2 fixtures 21 are like fixtures, in other embodiments a combination of different fixtures are used.

[0072] Fixtures 21 each include a plurality of red, green and blue LEDs that are selectively driven to collectively provide the desired colour and intensity of the target light. Moreover, each fixture includes an output sensor for detecting the combined output of the fixture and for allowing self adjustment of the fixture to produce the desired quality of light. That is, fixtures 21 are able to compensate for performance variations of the LEDs over the operating lifetime of those LEDs. It also allows fixtures 21 to be provided with the output signal 14 which is indicative of colour values and brightness values for the target light rather than being indicative of specific settings for the LEDs. In broad terms, the output signal is used by fixtures 21 to allow a reproduction in the target light one or more of the first characteristics, and this is achieved by having processing of the output signal done at fixtures 21 such that each of those fixtures arrive at its own specific settings for the LEDs. This contributes to an automated, rapid and accurate provision of the desired light characteristics in the target light by fixtures 21 .

[0073] In the Figure 2 embodiment, console 22 is a memory console and processor 13 generates signal 14 in accordance with the DMX protocol. In other embodiments console 22 is a preset board, a moving light controller, or other such controller. Moreover, processor 13, in other embodiments, generates signal 14 in a format other than the DMX protocol.

[0074] Although the first and second interfaces in the Figure 1 embodiment are provided by the same interface - that is, communications interface 12 - in other embodiments separate interfaces are used.

[0075] Controller 1 1 is disposed within a housing 25 that has the form factor of a tablet device and includes the many other components that are typically found in such devices. Examples of these components include an internet enabled wireless communications interface (that is, such as interface 12), a processor (that is, such as processor 13) memory, (such as memory unit 15), resident software (not shown) and a touch screen (not shown). In this embodiment the input device (light sensor 5) is physically separate from housing 25 and typically in use remote from housing 25, which is facilitated by the wireless communication between the two. However, in other embodiments the input device is mounted to or within housing 25. Moreover, in further embodiments, the communication between sensor 5 and interface 12 is by a wired connection. An example of this is provided where controller 1 1 is embodied as a smartphone, and the input device is a camera that is integrated with the smartphone.

[0076] Preferentially, the wireless connection between sensor 5 (or other input device) and controller 1 1 is provided, at least in part, by a wireless network 30, as shown in Figure 3. Network 30 is defined and controlled by a server system 31 . This server system also includes a web server for providing and managing a web interface 32 though which all communications are made between the various elements connected to that network. Accordingly, in this embodiment, fixture 2, sensor 5, and controller 1 1 all include unique IP addresses and respective wireless interfaces for allowing connection to network 30, and to communicate, as required, via interface 32. [0077] While in the Figure 1 embodiment use is made of light sensor 5, in other embodiments different input devices are used. One example of a different input device is a raw sensor, such as the sensor marketed by MAZeT GmbH under the model description "MMCS6 multi-spectral sensor in SMD LCC10 package". This sensor is able to be packaged within housing 25, or in a standalone device with the required processor and controls that has a wired or wireless connection to interface 12. In other embodiments, such a sensor, and the required processor and controls, are packaged within a lighting fixture.

[0078] A further input device that is available for use in system 1 is a video source (not shown). The video images captured by this source undergo the necessary image processing inside controller 1 1 to extract the required colour values and/or intensity values. For example, in some embodiments either a portion of the images is used directly, or averaged, to produce a colour value. In some embodiments different parts of the images are used to map lighting characteristics to spaced apart target lighting fixtures.

[0079] A further input device is for example a camera that has captured an image, a set of looped images, or an image set to be used to provide a basis for the effects required from the light emitted from fixture 2. Controller 1 1 provides the relevant technician with the ability to manipulate the image data to arrive at the desired effect.

[0080] In other embodiment, the still images, video images, or other input data that is used to form the input signal is stored in an electronic form as input data on a hand held portable electronic device such a smartphone or other storage device. This input data is able to be image data (for still or video images) or sample data (for a light meter) that is representative of an external source of light that was captured at some prior time. That is, while it may have been processed, it is a captured image of the external source, and not a constructed or machine only generated image.

[0081 ] In some embodiments controller 1 1 selectively displays to the technician a colour picker graphic, such as that illustrated in Figure 4. The colours are able to be selected via the touch screen display, (or by other manual input devices that are used in other embodiments). The colour picker graphic is used by the technician to aid in the manipulation of sampled colours provided to controller 1 1 from the relevant input device, or for providing a base colour for either cross-fading to or mixing with the originating colour or colours.

[0082] A further input device that is used in other embodiments includes a colour meter. A wide variety of such meters are available. By way of example, the colour meter supplied by Sekonic Corporation and designated as the "C-700 SpectroMaster" is suitable for use in the embodiments described above. [0083] In some embodiments the input device is a mobile web-enabled device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or the like, whether making use of iOS, Android, Windows or other operating platforms. Such devices are able to run specific resident software - that is, one or more APPs - that allow colours to be selected by the user of the device. Those colours are able to be selected from one or more of a variety of sources, for example from an inbuilt camera, from any pre-recorded image or video, or an image streamed from another source. In addition these device, having web connectivity, are able to connect to local or remote colour sensors.

[0084] In the Figure 1 embodiment, sensor 5 detects the light emitted from lamp 7. That is, sensor 5 is detecting the light from a direct source of light. However, in other embodiments sensor 5 detects light from reflected source of light such as a colour wheel. In further embodiments, sensor 5 detects light from a combination of a direct source of light and a reflected source of light.

[0085] The input signal 6 is able to be in one of a variety of formats depending upon the input device and its output. However, once signal 6 is received by controller 1 1 the colour data is extracted from signal 6 and processed into a universal format such as X+Y CIE coordinates and is stored in memory unit 15. In other embodiments a different format is used by processor 13.

[0086] The stored colour data is transformed into other formats by processor 13 (such as CCT and Green magenta axis, or mired) to allow, for example, a sufficiently accurate representation of those colours on the display of controller 1 1 . Moreover, the colour data is then able to be scaled for dynamic range and to provide a read-out showing the approximate range of colour values over time, or colour values in a given sample, depending on the source.

[0087] Controller 1 1 also allows the colour and range data to be scaled into values that are able to be replicated by the target light source - in this instance fixture 2 - or the closest approximation thereof. Moreover, controller 1 1 is able to display to the technician any scaling and out of range calculations, and to allow that technician to make any adjustments that are believed required to provide the best scientific or artistic fit. With that done, controller 1 1 allows the recording of the scaling or colour offsets from a single or multiple measurements and/or the display of the changes as offsets from the original measurement in one of the known or arising measurement metrics.

[0088] Once the required processing has occurred - part automatically by processor 13, and part in response to technician input - signal 14 is generated and communicated to fixture 2. The communication is able to be practically immediate, or alternatively, delayed indefinitely. It is usual for data to be stored in unit 15 that is indicative of the characteristics of the light to be emitted by fixture 2 that has been encapsulated in signal 14. The exact nature of signal 14, however, will vary, depending upon the nature of fixture 2. For example, in some instances, signal 14 is indicative only of direct colour values. However, in other instances, signal 14 is indicative of colour values and brightness values. In other instances, the relevant fixture requires other or additional characteristics.

[0089] It will be appreciated that sensor 5 is able to obtain a sample of the desired characteristics of the light emitted by lamp 7 and have that quickly communicated to controller 1 1 , where it is able to be processed and an output signal generated and communicated to fixture 2. Accordingly, after only a very small delay - in the order of milliseconds assuming no further manipulation of the data is required by the technician using controller 1 1 - fixture 2 is controlled to emit light that emulates that emitted by the remote lamp 7. Accordingly, system 1 operates to allow the real time - that is, pseudo real time or, in practical terms, real time - reproduction of the sampled light.

[0090] Moreover, where the input device has a high sample rate and the network bandwidth allows, controller 1 1 enables fixture 2 to emit light that tracks the light emitted momentarily before by lamp 7. Another example is where the sampled light is an ambient light level in studio 3, studio 8, or elsewhere.

[0091 ] In still further embodiments, the input device obtains a sequence of samples of the characteristics of the light emitted by a light source that varies, and has those samples sent as signal 6 to controller 1 1 . An example of such a light source includes a fireplace. Another example includes a sunlit space that is shadowed by a cloud.

[0092] In some embodiments a further light sensor is used to determine one or more characteristics of the light emitted by fixture 2. The output from this sensor is provided to controller 1 1 to form a further feedback loop for refinement of the lighting provided in studio 3. Moreover, in some embodiments a plurality of such further sensors are spaced apart within studio 3 for facilitating the delivery of desired lighting outcomes at those locations.

[0093] The input source is able to be selected from a wide range of sources or combination of sources. These include, by way of example only, one or more of the following:

• A light fixture.

• A plurality of light fixtures.

• Ambient light.

• A reflected surface illuminated by one or more light fixtures and/or ambient light. [0094] A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 5, where corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In particular, there is illustrated a controller 31 for a lighting system 32 having a plurality of target light sources 33, which will be described in further detail below, that are spaced apart in studio 3 for generating target light. Controller 31 includes interface 12 (not illustrated) for receiving input signal 6 from a smartphone 34 that is indicative of at least one first characteristic of light emitted from four input sources, where each input source includes a reflected source of light. The input sources are four white cards 35 which are spaced apart in a film set that is located within studio 8. The film set is illuminated by lighting fixtures 36 (only one of which is illustrated) and is in the field of view of a camera 37. The cards 35 are about 30 mm x 30 mm and provide for a relatively uniform and like reflection of the light that impinges upon those cards. In other embodiments different sized cards are used, which may be smaller or larger than cards 35. In some embodiments three dimensional cards are used such as spheres, cubes, pyramids and the like. One particularly preferred colour card is referred to as a SMPTE Test Chart and which is sourced from DSC Labs. Another example is referred to as a CamWhite card, also sourced from DSC Labs. Preferentially, the cards are located at the periphery, or outside of the field of view, of camera 37. More preferentially, the cards are discretely placed about the set to avoid interfering with the scene being filmed while still providing the required lighting information at those specific locations. It will be appreciated that signal 6 includes X+Y CIE coordinates for the light emitted from each of cards 35. In other embodiments use is made of one or more colour reference charts or colour checker charts. If so, these are located at the periphery of the field of view of the camera and typically automatically edited from the captured images once the required measurement data has been obtained about the light characteristics.

[0095] Smartphone 34 includes an integrated camera which functions as an input device. That is, the integrated camera has a field of view that includes cards 35 and, using its image capture function, captures one or more image containing preferentially all of cards 35. In some instances a single image is used to generate an instantaneous characteristic for light reflected from the four cards, while in other embodiments a plurality of images are captured and averaged or otherwise mathematically manipulated to give rise to the static or instantaneous characteristics. In further instances, a plurality of images is captured to extract a time sequence of light characteristics for each card that is included in signal 6. Smartphone 34 runs resident software to extract from the captured images to extract X+Y CIE coordinates for the light emitted from each of cards 35 and to subsequently generate signal 6. In those embodiments where a time sequence of light characteristics are required, these can be obtained and sent as a batch, including timing information, for reproduction at a later time, or streamed to allow reproduction in real time.

[0096] In other embodiments, signal 6 is provided by camera 37.

[0097] Studio 3 includes plurality of spaced apart light fixtures 40 (only one shown) for providing illumination to a film set that is in the field of view of a camera 41 . Target light sources, in the form of four spaced apart like white cards, are correspondingly relatively located to respective ones of cards 35.

[0098] Also located in studio 3 is a sensor device, in the form of a smartphone 44 with an integrated camera. The integrated camera has field of view that includes sources 33 and images are selectively captured, and light characteristics from sources 33 extracted and wirelessly communicated to controller 31 , via interface 12, in the form of a sensor signal 45.

[0099] In other embodiments different sensor devices are used. For example, in one such embodiment use is made of a wirelessly enabled light meter. In other embodiments use is made of a light meter that interacts with smartphone 44. In still further embodiments, camera 41 performs the role of the sensor device.

[00100] Controller 31 includes a processor (not shown) that is responsive to signal 6 and signal 45 for generating output signal 14 that is indicative of characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of the characteristics earlier determined for the input light. That is, using the feedback loop provided by smartphone 44 and signal 45, controller 31 is able to reproduce in the target light, at the four specific locations, the measured characteristics of the input light.

[00101 ] It will be appreciated that in the above embodiment studios 3 and 8 are physically spaced apart locations. In other studios are separated by time rather than location. That is, in some embodiments studios 3 and 8 are the same studio, but at different times, to allow for a non-contemporaneous reproduction of the lighting characteristics. In further embodiments, both the physical locations and time are spaced apart. Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention provides a controller for a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light at a first time and location, the controller including:

a memory unit for storing the input signal; a processor that is responsive to the input signal for generating an output signal for the lighting system, wherein the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light; and

a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system.

[00102] Referring to Figure 6 there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention wherein corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In particular, there is provided a controller 51 for a lighting system 52 having a target light source 53 for generating target light. The source 53 is a face of a television presenter 54 in the field during live coverage. That is, source 53 is a reflected light source. In this embodiment, the face of presenter 54 also acts as an input source, although at a prior time to be used as a target source.

[00103] That is, prior to the live coverage, a camera 55, having the face of presenter 54 in its field of view, captures one or more images of the face of presenter 54, and from this or these images is extracted at least one first characteristic of the input source. From this is generated signal 6. It will be appreciated that, due being in the field, the field of view of camera 55 will also capture other sources of light, either direct and/or reflected. Accordingly, the relevant parts of the image or images are selected, manually or automatically, as required, to include the face of presenter 54. The operator (not shown) of camera 55 is able to then indicate which captured image is to form the input signal. Moreover, as camera 55 includes a display, it is possible for the operator to manually adjust a lighting fixture 56 (often mounted to camera 55) to obtained the desired level of artificial illumination of the presenter's face. Once that has been achieved, and before any live filming occurs, the extracted characteristics of the input source are transmitted to controller 51 by way of signal 6.

[00104] Controller 51 includes a first interface (not shown) for receiving signal 6 from camera 55. Controller 51 includes a processor (not shown) that is responsive to signal 6, and a signal 45 from camera 55, for generating output signal 14 for the lighting system 52. The signal 45 is similar to that referred to in Figure 5. The output signal is indicative of the characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of the measured characteristic of the input light source.

At a first time camera 55 provides signal 6, and at a later time a sequence of signals 45. The initial signal 6 provides controller 51 with the characteristics to be reproduced in the target light, and the signals 45 allow controller 51 to continually adjust fixture 56, to counteract other changing sources of light, such that the target light retains the earlier measured characteristics. Accordingly, notwithstanding that the light conditions in the live filming will vary, controller 51 varies the output of fixture 56 to maintain a more constant and consistent lighting of the face of presenter 54.

[00105] The above embodiment is also applicable in a studio, for example, to prevent ambient light changes - for example, should an external door be opened during filming - from disturbing the desired reproduction of the characteristics of the input light source by the target light source.

[00106] In further embodiments, the controller is also responsive to one or more characteristics of any camera that is being used for filming under light conditions provided by the lighting system being controlled. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that different cameras have different spectral sensitivities, image capture devices, and lenses that can give rise to a different effect to other cameras experiencing the same lighting conditions. Accordingly, with the controller being responsive to this additional input it is able to even more accurately reproduce the required target lighting conditions at the relevant time and place.

[00107] In still further embodiments the controller, in generating the output signal, is also responsive to an on set colour grading tool. This tool is operated by an on set colourist and is used to apply various refinements and changes to one or more colours appearing in an image, where those changes are to be propagated into like colours in subsequent images. In particular, the controller is responsive to the input from the colour grading tool to adjust the lighting to achieve, or at least partially achieve, the effect being sought from the tool. Common examples of such tools include SpeedGrade, DaVinci Resolve and BaseLight. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other tools are also available.

[00108] The main advantages provided by one or more of the embodiments include that those embodiments allow:

• Accurate reproduction of a lighting condition.

• Contemporaneous or non-contemporaneous reproduction of the desired lighting condition.

• Reproduction of the desired lighting condition is possible in the same physical location, or a remote physical location.

• Accommodation of changes in other lighting sources or ambient light changes.

• Chronological sequences of lighting conditions to be reproduced.

• Automated capture and reproduction of lighting conditions.

• In addition to the automated reproduction, the receipt of human input, and being responsive to that input to provide industry standard functions such as that provided by a lighting desk operator and/or colourist. • A user to detect, view and synthesize any one or more characteristics of light in a scene under observation.

• A user to make automated adjustments of a camera and/or a lighting fixture to maintain or modify the appearance of a scene.

• The use of a look up table (LUT), which is able to be applied to a combination of one or more lighting fixtures and a camera to push a desired "look" or "effect" further in a certain direction.

• Optimisation of the lighting conditions to provide more latitude for post production adjustments.

• Optimisation of the lighting conditions to create a high contrast look in camera.

• Automatically balancing of the lighting based upon the type of camera sensor being used. For example, an ARRI ALEXA camera sensor is often balanced to be more magenta than a RED DRAGON camera sensor.

• The use of an interface for interacting with a colour grading system.

• The use of an interface for interacting with a lighting control console.

• The management of the lighting conditions to accommodate a calibration of several cameras to each other in response to their differences in spectral responses.

[00109] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, Figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[001 10] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[001 1 1 ] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[001 12] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term "coupled" or "connected", when used in the description and claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device A coupled to a device B" should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. Rather, it means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[001 13] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas or flowcharts provided are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A controller for a lighting system having at least one target light source for generating target light, the controller including:

a memory unit for storing the input signal;

a second interface for communicating the output signal to the lighting system.

2. A controller according to claim 1 wherein the target light source generates the target light as a first time and location and the light is emitted from the input source at a second time and location that is different from the first time and location.

3. A controller according to claim 2 wherein the first time and location and the second time and location are contemporaneous.

4. A controller according to claim 2 wherein the first time and location and the second time and location are non-contemporaneous.

5. A controller according to claim 2 wherein the first time and location and the second time and location are physically spaced apart.

6. A controller according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the processor generates the second characteristic of the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of one or more of the at least one first characteristic.

7. A controller according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the input source includes a reflected source of light, and the output signal is indicative of the at least one second characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of one or more of the at least one first characteristic.

8. A controller according to claim 7 wherein the input source is a combination of a direct source of light and the reflected source of light.

9. A controller according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the second characteristic is a substantially direct reproduction of one or more of the at least one first characteristic.

10. A controller according to claim 1 wherein the input signal is indicative of a sequence of at least one first characteristics of light emitted from the input source and the output signal is indicative of at least one second characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light of one more of the sequence of the at least one first characteristic.

1 1 . A controller according to claim 10 wherein the sequence includes a chronological sequence.

12. A controller according to claim 10 or claim 1 1 wherein the sequence includes a spatial sequence.

13. A controller according to claim 1 wherein the target light is generated at a target location, the input source emits the light at an input location that is spaced apart from the target location, and the output signal is indicative of the at least one second characteristic for the target light to allow a reproduction in the target light at the target location of one or more of the at least one first characteristic.

14. A controller according to claim 13 wherein the reproduction is substantially a direct reproduction.

15. A controller according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the receipt of the first signal by the first interface and the communication of the output signal by the second interface occurs in real time.