Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – Condenser in the supply circuit – Condenser in shunt to the load device and the supply
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-29
2001-08-07
Wong, Don (Department: 2821)
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
Condenser in the supply circuit
Condenser in shunt to the load device and the supply
C315S291000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06271634
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to strobe lighting control systems, and more particularly to serial data control systems which separate the command recognition function from the command executing function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electronic strobe lights are popular in the theatrical lighting and special effects market. In many applications, multiple strobe lights are located in various places in a facility, and they are all controlled from a central location. Typically, both frequency and speed of flashing can be adjusted as desired from the control location.
Strobe lights and other theatrical devices are often controlled using a serial transmission format adopted by the USITT, known as DMX-512. This standard is widely used to control lighting and other products such as color changers and fog machines in the theatrical field. Using serial data transmission, a plurality of devices can be controlled by a single line.
Each strobe light in a system using the DMX-512 format recognizes commands directed to it, and decodes and executes the commands. One control system for such strobe lights is disclosed in Tulk et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,039. However, this system uses one microprocessor to perform both the command recognition function and the command execution function. The system also has some limitations in terms of cost, complexity and features. Moreover, strobe intensity is controlled by a ramp generator, which of course is an analog signal. While analog control is generally acceptable, its precision is limited.
Thus, there is a need for control systems for strobe lights and other theatrical devices which are controlled through serial data links and are simpler and less expensive than known devices. There is also a need for strobe lights and control systems for strobe lights which more precisely control intensity, and have more features than existing devices.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide new strobe light control systems.
Another object is to provide new serial data control systems which are simpler and less expensive than known devices.
Still another object is to provide new serial data control systems which separate the command recognition and command execution functions.
Yet another object is to provide new strobe control systems which control strobe intensity with greater precision.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A system for controlling strobe lights and the like with serial data has a first processor for recognizing or decoding commands, and a second processor for executing the decoded commands. The first processor continually monitors the system for additional commands, and interrupts the second processor when a command is received. Also, firing of the strobe lights is controlled digitally, for precise control over both timing and intensity.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4717861 (1988-01-01), Yuasa et al.
patent: 5078039 (1992-01-01), Tulk et al.
patent: 5315700 (1994-05-01), Johnston et al.
Diversitronics, Inc.
Greer Burns & Crain Ltd
Tran Thuy Vinh
Wong Don
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