Virtual Reality Interface for Show Control

Abstract

A system for designing light and sound systems for use in stage productions. Virtual reality interfaces facilitate the selection and location of lighting and sound displays by providing a real-time simulation of the devices and the display produced thereby. The system also calculates parameters with respect to structural elements used for mounting the lighting and sound equipment. In addition, the virtual reality interface permits the simulation of the packing of the lighting and sound equipment and the automatic calculation of parameters relating to packing space, package weight, preferred location, and order of packing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to virtual reality control for planning and interacting with stage lighting design and production. More specifically, the present invention defines a virtual reality design system that facilitates interaction between a stage lighting designer and many aspects of the stage lighting event.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The production of a modern stage performance is a complex undertaking. This is partially due to the complicated interaction of various effects created by the combination of lighting and sound apparatus. The designer of these effects combines all of these effects into a cohesive whole which furthers the artistic aims of the performance.[0003]A myriad of details must be considered and planned in this design process. Designers or technicians must envision and create appropriate lighting and sound effects. That requires planning of numerous details of the equipment. These details include the location and operation ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020]The inventors recognized that the three dimensional user interface could facilitate entry of all of this data and information. The preferred user interface is a virtual reality operating system. This allows simulation of the three dimensional problem more accurately than by using two dimensional tools.

[0021]Virtual reality allows an individual to interact with a computer simulation in a three-dimensional virtual world using multi-dimensional and multi-sensory interactive interface devices. Because the human brain has a high degree of skill in recognizing spatial patterns, the complex relationships inherent in these design tasks are more readily apparent in a three dimensional visual-spatial display. Examples of such virtual reality devices include head mounted “eye phones” providing a visual display of a simulated scene; tactile sensitive gloves worn by the user for touching, pointing, and interacting with objects in the simulated display; sound input to the user corresponding to sounds generated in the simulation; and a voice recognition system responsive to the user's verbal commands. Hand and body motion sensors enhance the virtual reality experience by sensing turning of the user and then shifting the view in the visual display, just as the view would shift when turning in the real world. The combined result of these kinds of interfaces can generate a realistic sensation of actually existing in the virtual three dimensional environment. Virtual reality has been the subject of many patents and publications, including, for example, the book “Artificial Reality”, by Myron Kruegger, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,554, which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0024]Techniques are also described to simulate the apparatus producing the effects. This provides the designer with an accurate and intuitive control over the simulation, as well as an accurate view of lighting displays, scenery and other equipment including sound. This will improve the quality and efficiency of the design process.

[0032]The above described input data is used to form a computer-based simulation. The user can interact with this simulation by reaching into the virtual image and adjusting its characteristics. For example, if the user is not satisfied with the lighting effects on the stage, the user reaches into the virtual image of the stage and grabs one or more of the light fixtures. A drop down menu preferably appears, displaying characteristics of the light fixtures. The user can easily adjust a parameter of the light fixture by simply pointing to the parameter on the drop down menu. Alternatively, the user may use voice commands to modify the simulation. In the lighting design process, the user can adjust the position of the light fixture by simply grabbing the light fixture and pointing it in the desired direction. Another simulation displays the ICON (™) control console which is normally used to control the lighting system, and allows the user to enter commands in VR space on the simulated console.

[0037]The present invention for the first time uses virtual reality to form a karaoke style simulation system. Preferably this is carried out by forming a simulation of, for example, a rock and roll band with or without lighting effects, playing the actual music. The user places himself in the virtual reality environment, essentially seeing himself in the presence of the rock and roll band and the stage lighting effects. This “ultimate karaoke” provides the ability to add and or remove aspects of the simulation, and to provide a more realistic simulation for the user.

Problems solved by technology

The production of a modern stage performance is a complex undertaking.

This is partially due to the complicated interaction of various effects created by the combination of lighting and sound apparatus.

Previous design processes have used disorganized techniques for planning the operation, e.g., on paper, or by trial and error using actual equipment on a stage.

However, such systems are limited by the lack of realism in the two-dimensional display.

Further, the complex user interfaces of these systems has generally restricted their use to designers having experience with such systems.

Moreover, the two dimensional display of the inherently three dimensional effect has made it difficult for the designer to visualize the end result.

Problems can arise with the above-described design process.

For example, creating drawings is very time consuming.

Errors often occur in measurements made using these drawings.

There may not be time to correct such errors given the severe time constraints in the construction of stage performances.

Also, calculation of structural load values and limits is time consuming and prone to human error.

Moving the lighting and sound equipment presents another challenge for stage production.

Performing this task often leads to inefficient truck packing, because of the difficulty in visualizing and planning for all of these packing considerations.

Unfortunately, trial and error is slow and error prone.

This can result in delays or damage to the equipment and / or truck.

Another problem is timing.

However, this requires experience and is prone to errors.

The actual operation could take much more or less time.

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