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(11) | EP 4 418 825 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | CONTROL APPARATUS |
| (57) Described is an apparatus (1) for controlling lighting sources, comprising: - a containment body (2) defining a housing (3); - at least one compartment (4A) for at least one battery (14), made in said containment body (2) and relative connector (4B), with said at least one battery (14) defining a first energy source; - at least two or more of the following inputs: - a first two-pole input (I1), connectable to a second external energy source; - a second USB type input (I2), connectable to a third external energy source; - a third input (I3), connectable to a fourth external energy source defined by a lighting source or by an external electronic device; - a control unit (7); - a module (5) for setting up the energy source connected to said battery (14) and to the above-mentioned inputs (11, I2, I3), equipped with an output (U1) connected to the control unit (7) for powering it and configured to allow a switching between the different first, second, third or fourth energy sources so as to bring to the output (U1) the energy alternatively from the first, second, third or fourth energy sources. |
[0002] As is known, in the field of lighting for the purposes of shows, parties or events, the prior art teaches the use of a plurality of lighting sources, which must be controlled by a control apparatus which can control and adjust the various lighting parameters of the sources and/or perform further functions.
[0003] In effect, these lighting sources must be able to create the most diverse lighting effects, colours, etc. and it is therefore necessary to provide a control apparatus which allows, in a dynamic, simple and fast manner, all the parameters of these lighting sources of interest to be adjusted.
[0004] A strongly felt need in the sector in question is therefore that of providing a control device which can be particularly flexible as regards the power supply.
[0005] A further need in the sector is that of providing a control device which can perform numerous functions and provide a plurality of inputs and outputs, in order to be able to adjust the main lighting parameters in an extremely simple, fast and efficient manner.
[0006] The aim of this invention is to satisfy the above-mentioned need, that is to say, to provide a control device which can be particularly flexible with regard to the power supply.
[0007] The technical features of the invention, with reference to the above-mantioned aims, are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates a non-limiting example embodiment of the invention and in which:
- Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the apparatus for controlling lighting sources according to the invention;
- Figure 2 show an embodiment of a module of the control apparatus of Figure 1.
[0008] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes an apparatus for controlling lighting sources.
[0009] An apparatus 1 is thus defined for controlling lighting sources, comprising:
- a containment body 2 defining a housing 3;
- at least one compartment 4A for at least one battery 14 (preferably two batteries 14), made in said containment body 2 and relative connector 4B, with said at least one battery 14 defining a first energy source;
- at least two or more of the following inputs:
- a first two-pole input 11, connectable to a second external energy source;
- a second USB type input I2 (preferably type C), connectable to a third external energy source;
- a third input I3, connectable to a fourth external energy source defined by a lighting source or by an external electronic device;
- a control unit 7;
- a module 5 for setting up the energy source connected to said battery 14 and to the above-mentioned inputs I1, I2, I3, equipped with an output U1 connected to the control unit 7 for powering it and configured to allow a switching between the different first, second, third or fourth energy sources so as to bring to the output U1 the energy alternatively from the first, second, third or fourth energy sources.
[0010] According to the invention, the setting up module 5 is also equipped with a temporary energy storage device 6 for allowing energy to be stored and for maintaining a voltage within a predetermined level during the above-mentioned switching between the different energy sources.
[0011] According to the invention, the apparatus 1 also comprises:
- at least one communication output connector U2, connected to the control unit 7 and connectable to one or more lighting sources 12A, 12B to allow said lighting sources 12A, 12B to be controlled;
- a user interface 8, comprising commands, connected to said control unit 7 for sending and receiving information.
[0012] Advantageously, the control apparatus 1 may operate with a plurality of sources (at least two, as well as the battery 14), in such a way as to be powered according to a very wide range of modes, with obvious advantages in terms of operating flexibility and versatility.
[0013] In particular, the module 5 for setting up the energy source is configured to give greater priority to some energy sources with respect to others, as described in more detail below.
[0014] According to an aspect, the module 5 for setting up the energy source is configured to give maximum priority to the second energy source connected to the first two-pole input I1 or to the fourth energy source connected to the third input I3.
[0015] According to another aspect, the module 5 for setting up the energy source is configured to give the maximum order of priority to one or both between the first two-pole input I1 and the third input I3, followed by the second USB type input I2.
[0016] According to a yet further aspect, the module 5 for setting up the energy source is configured to give minimum priority to the battery 14 defining the first energy source.
[0017] It should be noted that, in this way, advantageously, the apparatus 1 provides the maximum priority to the wired energy sources, whilst the battery 14 operates substantially as a "buffer" (that is to say, as temporary storage) in the cases in which it is not possible to select a wired, that is, continuous, energy source.
[0018] It should be noted that the module 5 for setting up the energy source is preferably configured to allow, if several power supply sources are present simultaneously (respectively connected to the first input I1, to the second input I2 or to the third input I3), connecting to the output U1 the source having the highest voltage value.
[0019] In effect, according to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the module 5 for setting up the energy source comprises a plurality of diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4), positioned in a circuit configuration such as to allow a circulation of current between a predetermined input (I1, I2, I3) or battery 14 and the first output U1 only if the predetermined input (11, I2, I3) or battery 14 has a voltage value greater than that of the other inputs/battery.
[0020] More specifically, the diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) do not allow a circulation of current between a higher voltage supply source towards a lower voltage source whilst, on the other hand, they allow a circulation of current from the higher voltage source towards the output U1.
[0021] In effect, as shown in the diagram in Figure 2, only the diode of the source/input with a greater voltage is conducting, whilst the other diodes, being inversely polarised, are disabled and therefore do not conduct current, effectively isolating electrically the respective energy source.
[0022] With reference in particular to Figure 2, the cathodes of each of the diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) are electrically connected to each other, whilst the anode of each of the diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) is connected to the relative positive pole of an input (I1, I2, I3) or battery 14.
[0023] Preferably, the temporary energy storage device 6 comprises one or more capacitors, as illustrated in Figure 2.
[0024] Thus, more generally speaking, the diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) define the structure of the module 5 for setting up the energy source designed to allow the selection and switching (almost automatically) between the various energy sources.
[0025] It should be noted that, more generally speaking, other embodiments are also possible, for example the setting up module 5 could comprise a digital setting up circuit or a plurality of transistors, suitably controlled to allow the voltage to be delivered when polarised according to a predetermined mode.
[0026] It should be noted that, according to another aspect, the apparatus 1 comprises a module 15 for adjusting the voltage, interposed between the output U1 and the control unit 7.
[0027] In this way, the voltage brought to the control unit 7 is adjusted to a predetermined value, preferably between 4.5 and 5.5 V.
[0028] It should be noted that the expression "the control unit 7 is connected to the output U1" refers both to the case of a direct connection between the control unit 7 and the output U1 of the setting up module 5 and the case of an indirect connection wherein a module for adjusting the voltage 15 is interposed.
[0029] With reference to the electrical parameters of the various sources, the following should be noted.
[0032] It should be noted that said second USB input I2 is preferably configured for connection to an external power-bank energy source.
[0033] Preferably, said second input I2 is configured to be able to receive a voltage, and transmit said voltage to the module 5 for setting up the energy source, of between 5 V and 20 V.
[0034] Preferably, the second input I2 is connected to a module 13 for raising the voltage of the DC-DC type, which is able to raise the input voltage to values of 20V.
[0035] The module 13 for raising the voltage may comprise a voltage converter circuit of the "step up" type.
[0036] Preferably, the first two-pole input I1 is configured to be able to receive a voltage, and transmit said voltage to the module 5 for setting up the energy source, of between 12 V and 48 V DC.
[0037] Preferably, said voltage is supplied at the first input I1 by a DC power supply unit or by an external battery.
[0038] Preferably, the third input I3 is configured to be able to receive a voltage, and transmit said voltage to the module 5 for setting up the power source, substantially equal to 48 V DC (considering the tolerances, preferably between 47 V and 49 V DC).
[0039] As mentioned above, the voltage at the third input I3 is supplied by a lighting source or an external electronic device.
[0040] A further aspect of the apparatus 1 is described below; it will be understood that the apparatus 1 incorporating this aspect can be combined with all the others described above.
[0041] According to an aspect, the control unit 7 is configured to send to said output connector U2 communication signals according to the RDM protocol (or alternatively one-way RDX).
[0042] Preferably, said communication output connector U2 is a three-pole connector (preferably XLR, even more preferably of a female type).
[0043] According to another aspect, the apparatus comprises a protection module, not illustrated, interposed between the control unit 7 and the output connector U2, to protect the control unit 7 from any overvoltages which can reach the connector U2.
[0044] According to another aspect, the control unit 7 comprises a wireless communication module 9, connected to said control unit 7 for sending control signals to, or receiving data from, the lighting sources 12A, 12A. According to another aspect, the user interface 8 comprises at least one display unit 11 and the apparatus 1 further comprises a control input, configured to allow a connection to be set up to a lighting source.
[0045] The control unit 7 is configured to receive setting up data, by means of said control input, transmitted from the lighting source, and to make available a setting up display on the basis of said setting up data on the display unit 11.
[0046] More specifically, the control unit 7 is configured for generating said set-up display (made available on the display 11) by means of a method of emulating said lighting source which has transmitted the set-up data.
[0047] Basically, advantageously, the control unit 7 emulates on the display unit 11 how much would be visible on the display unit of the remote lighting source, allowing any setting to be displayed as if operating on the physical display unit of the remote lighting source.
[0048] Advantageously, that allows setting up using the control apparatus 1 as if it were on the remote lighting source, without the need to be close to the lighting source. If one merely imagines that in a lighting system the lighting sources are often positioned in the most diverse positions, which are even difficult to access, it will be immediately clear how advantageous it is to be able to emulate the display unit of the lighting source; in this way, thanks to the control apparatus 1 there is the certainty of setting up the lighting source in an optimum manner since it is as if the lighting source were operating remotely.
[0049] It should be noted that the interface 8 may comprise commands of any type, for example pushbuttons, switches, selectors, etc.
[0050] According to an aspect, the interface 8 may comprise a display unit 11 of the touch screen type, which may therefore make available touch type pushbuttons or commands directly on the display unit surface.
[0051] According to another aspect, the apparatus 1 comprises:
- a further fourth recording input I4, to which a lighting source or an electronic device can be connected and operatively connected to the control unit 7;
- a third output connector U3, connected to the control unit 7;
- a memory 10, connected to the control unit 7.
[0052] According to this aspect, the control unit 7 is configured to record in the memory 10 the signal received at the fourth recording input I4 and to make it available at the third output connector U3.
[0053] According to another aspect, the control unit 7 is configured for making available at the third output connector U3 the signal of the fourth recording input I4 recorded in the memory 10 following the selection of a specific command in said user interface 8.
[0054] It should be noted that, advantageously, according to this aspect, it is possible to record the signal of an electronic device and simulate its presence even when it is disconnected or switched off to the apparatus 1. In effect, by selecting a specific command it is possible to activate transmission of the signal previously stored in the memory 10. This is advantageous in a numerous series of situations where it is useful to be able to provide the signal of a peripheral device (in its absence) so as to perform one or more control functions.
[0055] It should be noted that the apparatus 1 proposed is particularly flexible and at the same time allows a plurality of functions to be integrated in the apparatus 1.
[0056] In effect, with regard to the power supply sources, it is possible to power the apparatus 1 according to a plurality of sources, guaranteeing in all contexts that the apparatus 1 can be used according to the most convenient and functional method for the user.
[0057] Moreover, as described, several sources may be connected to the control apparatus 1; the control apparatus 1 is configured for automatically selecting the sources with the highest voltage, thus guaranteeing that the control unit 7 is supplied correctly.
[0058] Moreover, the presence of the module 5 for setting up the energy source and the temporary storage device 6 are such that the apparatus 1 can be switched from one source to another without causing malfunctions due to a voltage drop. This is particularly advantageous if the method for powering the apparatus 1 is to be changed "on the fly", that is to say, without switching it off and thus guaranteeing continuity of control for the entire power supply system.
1. An apparatus (1) for controlling lighting sources, comprising:
- a containment body (2) defining a housing (3);
- at least one compartment (4A) for at least one battery (14), made in said containment body (2) and relative connector (4B), with said at least one battery (14) defining a first energy source;
- at least two or more of the following inputs:
- a first two-pole input (11), connectable to a second external energy source;
- a second USB type input (I2), connectable to a third external energy source;
- a third input (I3), connectable to a fourth external energy source defined by a lighting source or by an external electronic device;
- a control unit (7);
- a module (5) for setting up the energy source connected to said battery (14) and to the above-mentioned inputs (I1, I2, I3), equipped with an output (U1) connected to the control unit (7) for powering it and configured to allow a switching between the different first, second, third or fourth energy sources so as to bring to the output (U1) the energy alternatively from the first, second, third or fourth energy sources, the setting up module (5) being also equipped with a temporary energy storage device (6) to allow energy to be stored and to maintain a voltage within a predetermined level during the above-mentioned switching between the different energy sources;
- at least one communication output connector (U2), connected to the control unit (7) and connectable to one or more lighting sources (12A, 12B) to allow the control unit (7) to control said lighting sources (12A, 12B);
- a user interface (8), comprising commands, connected to said control unit (7) for sending and receiving information, and a display unit (11), and wherein the apparatus (1) further comprises a control input, configured to allow setting up a connection to a lighting source, and wherein the control unit (7) is configured for receiving setting up data, by means of said control input, transmitted from the lighting source, and for displaying, on the display unit (11), a setting up display on the basis of said setting up data, wherein the control unit (7) is configured for generating said setting up display by means of a mode of emulation of said lighting source which has transmitted the setting up data.
2. The control apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the apparatus
(1) comprises the above-mentioned first two-pole input (11), connectable to a second
external energy source.
3. The control apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
apparatus (1) comprises the above-mentioned second input (I2) of the USB type, connectable
to a third external energy source.
4. The control apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
apparatus (1) comprises the above-mentioned third input (I3), connectable to a fourth
external energy source defined by a lighting source or by an external electronic device.
5. The control apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
control unit (7) is configured to send to said output connector (U2) signals according
to the RDM protocol, or alternatively one-way DMX.
6. The control apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising
a wireless communication module (9), connected to said control unit (7) for sending
control signals to lighting sources (12A, 12B).
7. The control apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
module (5) for setting up the energy source is configured to give greater priority
to some energy sources with respect to others.
8. The control apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein the module (5) for setting
up the energy source is configured to give maximum priority to the second energy source
connected to the first two-pole input (11) or to the fourth energy source connected
to the third input (I3).
9. The control apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the module
(5) for setting up the energy source is configured to give the maximum order of priority
to one or both between the first two-pole input (11) and the third input (I3), followed
by the second USB type input (I2).
10. The control apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the module
(5) for setting up the energy source is configured to give minimum priority to the
battery (14) defining the first energy source.
11. The control apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:
- a further fourth recording input (I4), to which a lighting source or an electronic device can be connected and operatively connected to the control unit (7);
- a third output connector (U3), connected to the control unit (7);
- a memory (10), connected to the control unit (7);
and wherein the control unit (7) is configured to record in the memory (10) the signal received at the fourth recording input (I4) and to make it available at the third output connector (U3).12. The control apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control unit
(7) is configured for making available at the third output connector (U3) the signal
of the fourth recording input (I4) recorded in the memory (10) following the selection
of a specific command in said user interface (8).
13. The control apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
module (5) for setting up the source comprises a plurality of diodes (D1, D2, D3,
D4), each diode (D1, D2, D3, D4) being associated with one of the inputs (I1, I2,
I3) and the above-mentioned battery (14), the cathodes of these diodes being electrically
connected to each other and connected to said first output (U1) whilst the anode of
each of the diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) being connected to the positive pole of one of
the inputs (11, I2, I3) or the above-mentioned battery (14).
14. A lighting system, comprising the control apparatus (1) according to any one of the
preceding claims and a plurality of lighting sources (12A, 12B), connected to said
control apparatus (1) for being controlled by it.