Abstract:
A method for facilitating space experiences for at least a first space user and for at least first and second different spaces, the method comprising the steps of storing first and second space experience specifications for the first and second different spaces, respectively, wherein the first and second space experience specifications indicate space affordance settings for the first and second spaces, respectively, sensing a trigger event associated with at least one of the first and second different spaces, where the sensed trigger event is associated with the first space, using the first space experience specification to control the first space affordances and where the sensed trigger event is associated with the second space, using the second space experience specification to control the second space affordances.
Abstract:
A dynamically configurable electrical distribution system is provided for selectively connecting an electrical power source to load devices. The system comprises an electrical distribution panel and a plurality of switching devices mounted in the panel each electrically connected between an electrical power source and an associated load device for selectively delivering electrical power to the associated load device. A control system is mounted to the panel for controlling operation of the switching devices. The control system comprises a programmed controller for commanding operation of the switching devices. A memory stores configuration information relating to operation of the switching devices. The control system further comprises a user interface device. The program controller is programmed to implement a configuration routine enabling a user to define operation of the switching devices using the user interface. The configuration routine requests basic information to be entered by the user and responsive to the basic system information entered by the user automatically requests only detailed operation information required based on the entered basic system information.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a control system and method, particularly for providing sophisticated switching control, such as for the provision of irrigation control and/or scheduling lighting schedules, security measures, and other purposes, with respect to a site or a series of sites in an area. A method of control for a distributed event system is disclosed, the method providing control of events at one or more locations, each location associated with a programmable location controller (10) able to cause or permit a prescribed event to be carried out at that location, each location controller (10) able to receive control commands from a remote controller, each location controller (10) having at least two default settings to govern implementation of said prescribed event in case of non-receipt of commands from said remote controller. The default settings may be automatically selectable in accordance with the time, e.g. time of day, day of week and/or season of year.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for synchronizing performance of audio, lighting, animation, and special effects programs at a plurality of remote locations, such as on parade floats, in which the programs are stored at each location as digitally-encoded information in the memory of one or more controllers, and DTMF tone bursts are transmitted over a selected radio frequency as a synchronization signal to each remote location for controlling synchronous performance of the programs by audio, lighting, animation, and special effects systems on the floats. The DTMF tones control retrieval from an audio controller of an audio program and a SMPTE time code signal for synchronous control of the lighting, animation, and special effects systems. The DTMF tone bursts are divided into timecode packets of discrete tones that are transmitted approximately every 700 milliseconds, wherein the first tone is a special control tone for synchronization, followed by several location tones, and the last tone is used to verify a valid timecode packet order.
Abstract:
A method for facilitating space experiences for at least a first space user and for at least first and second different spaces, the method comprising the steps of storing first and second space experience specifications for the first and second different spaces, respectively, wherein the first and second space experience specifications indicate space affordance settings for the first and second spaces, respectively, sensing a trigger event associated with at least one of the first and second different spaces, where the sensed trigger event is associated with the first space, using the first space experience specification to control the first space affordances and where the sensed trigger event is associated with the second space, using the second space experience specification to control the second space affordances.
Abstract:
A method for facilitating space experiences for at least a first space user and for at least first and second different spaces, the method comprising the steps of storing first and second space experience specifications for the first and second different spaces, respectively, wherein the first and second space experience specifications indicate space affordance settings for the first and second spaces, respectively, sensing a trigger event associated with at least one of the first and second different spaces, where the sensed trigger event is associated with the first space, using the first space experience specification to control the first space affordances and where the sensed trigger event is associated with the second space, using the second space experience specification to control the second space affordances.
Abstract:
A method and system for facilitating at least first and second different activities within a first space that includes a first set of environmental control affordances including at least a first subset of lighting devices, the method comprising the steps of monitoring for triggers associated with the first space, when a trigger occurs, determining which of the first and second activities to facilitate, when the first activity is to be facilitated, controlling the environmental control affordances to present a first series of environments associated with the first activity and when the second activity is to be facilitated, controlling the environmental control affordances to present a second series of environments associated with the second activity.
Abstract:
A stage lighting system is comprised of a plurality of lamp units which may have diverse communication protocols, functions and data parameters. The stage lighting system is controlled by a modular control system comprised of a modular controller mainframe interconnected with a plurality of control devices which may have diverse communications protocols and data formats. The modular controller mainframe consists of a plurality of input and output modules, mass storage devices and a main processor kernel, all interconnected by a number of data buses. The input modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various control devices. Similarly, the output modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various types of lamp units. The modular controller mainframe serves as an interface system by providing one or more of said input or output modules with the capability of translating parameter commands, where necessary, to accommodate control devices having diverse communications protocols and output devices having diverse communications protocols, functions and data formats. The system may also include a distributed control system for a lighting system in which two or more fully-functional control devices are online simultaneously to control any function of any of a plurality of luminaries from the control devices. Various methods for arbitrating and resolving conflicts between or among plural control consoles are also used.
Abstract:
A method for facilitating space experiences for at least a first space user and for at least first and second different spaces, the method comprising the steps of storing first and second space experience specifications for the first and second different spaces, respectively, wherein the first and second space experience specifications indicate space affordance settings for the first and second spaces, respectively, sensing a trigger event associated with at least one of the first and second different spaces, where the sensed trigger event is associated with the first space, using the first space experience specification to control the first space affordances and where the sensed trigger event is associated with the second space, using the second space experience specification to control the second space affordances.
Abstract:
A universal translator for an automation and motion control system enables components from different manufacturers to communicate with each other and be controlled by the automation and motion control system. The universal translator can remove unnecessary information from the component to enhance operation of the automation and motion control system.