DE102009007525A1 - Control device for a plurality of light sources and lighting unit comprising a control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A control device (1) for a plurality of light sources (21a, 21b) is provided which has an Ethernet connection (3), at least one light source connection (2a) via which the plurality of light sources (21a) are connected to the control device (21). 1) is connectable, and has an internal memory (4). Furthermore, a lighting unit is provided, which has a control device (1) and a plurality of light sources (21a) which is connected to the control device (1) via the light source connection (2).

Description

The The present invention relates to a control device for a plurality of light sources. Furthermore, the invention relates a lighting unit comprising a control device and a plurality of Includes light sources.

The Control of individual light sources in complex light installations, such as stage lighting, facade lighting and / or Light shows, is usually done via a or more control devices. The control devices receive in this case via an Ethernet connection signals of a control computer, convert these signals into DMX signals and direct the DMX signals continue to the light sources. The DMX signals will follow for example, from an IC (Integrated Circuit) on a board of the light sources for controlling the individual Processed light sources.

at a large number of light sources it is necessary to use several control devices. This may be the problem that arise already slight deviations in the synchrony the image reproduction by the majority of the control devices can arise for a viewer of the overall system are recognizable.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an improved control device specify, in particular by a high reliability and an extended functionality when operating in the network distinguished with other control devices. In particular, should be the control device by an improved synchrony in the signal output in the network with other control devices distinguished. Furthermore, a lighting unit, which is such Control device or a plurality of such control devices has to be indicated.

These Tasks are performed by a control device for a plurality of light sources having the features of the claim 1 solved. Furthermore, these tasks are performed by a lighting unit solved with the features of claim 6. advantageous Embodiments and preferred developments of the control device and the lighting unit are the subject of the dependent Claims.

According to the invention a control device for a plurality of light sources provided that has an ethernet port, at least one light source port and an internal memory. About the light source connection the plurality of light sources is connectable to the control device.

Prefers is the light source connector a DMX connector (DMX: Digital Multiplex) or a DMX-like port, via the DMX signals or DMX-like signals can be transmitted.

A "DMX signal" is a serial signal in which signals are transmitted, for example, at a transmission rate of 250 kbit / s. The DMX signal comprises, for example, 513 bytes, the first byte being a start code indicating the type of signals to be transmitted to a receiver and transmitted via a 3-pin or 5-pin signal line. A signal line for DMX signals follows Standard EIA-485 , In this case, a data signal is transmitted with a line pair, wherein one of the conductors of the pair carries an inverted and the other conductor carries a non-inverted version of the data signal. Input voltages of the signal carrying line pair are at -7 V and +12 V.

at a "DMX-like" signal, the transmission rate be elevated. For example, the transmission rate increased to 1 Mbps. Enable DMX-like signals also a bidirectional data transmission, for example via RDM. RDM refers to Remote Device Management. about RDM is a bidirectional communication in particular over DMX data connections between components possible.

The Control device has an internal memory. Due to the built-in internal memory can receive signals from the internal Memory are retrieved and output to Lichtqellen. For the output of the signals, it is not necessary in particular, the Control device with an external, that is outside the control device arranged to connect control computer. The signals stored in the internal memory are advantageous available at any time. In particular, due to the internal memory a control device can be achieved, which in two different Modes is operable, the so-called live mode and the so-called Replay mode.

Be in "live mode" Signals from an external connected to the control device Control computer output to the control device, by means of Control device converted and passed on to light sources. In this case, the control device is in particular a link between control computers and the light sources used for signal transformation.

In the live mode, therefore, no signals are stored in the internal memory of the control device. Signals are forwarded directly from the control computer to the light sources. Control devices in live mode do not allow him new playback of the same signals and therefore no replay of, for example, light installations or light shows.

in the In contrast, in "Replay mode" signals from the internal memory of the control device to the light sources output. An external control computer can thereby to the control device be connected. However, it is for controlling the light sources not mandatory, an external control computer with the Connect control device. The ones to be delivered from the internal memory Signals may already be available before installing the internal memory be contained in the control device in the internal memory. For example, the internal memory may be an SD memory card, which is removable from the control device, and on the example Signals can be stored with a commercially available external computer. In this case, an external control computer is in operation Control device advantageously not necessary.

Of the Replay mode allows in particular the continuous delivery stored signals from the internal memory. It can from the control device at any time reproducible signals to the Be emitted light sources, which in particular a reproduction, in particular a reproduction of, for example, light shows allows. Identical light shows that are available at any time be achieved with advantage.

Of the Replay mode is particularly advantageous in case of failure of one external control computer connected to the control device. In particular, a control device is characterized with internal memory by a high reliability, because signals at failure the external control computer with advantage are further available. at Failure of the external control computer can signal with Advantage obtained directly from the internal memory and to the light sources be issued.

Further The internal memory advantageously allows buffering the signals received from the external control computer.

Further the control device is familiar with the internal memory Advantage through an extended functionality during operation in the network with other control devices, since signals are sent directly from the internal memory are available. The individual control devices The signals from the internal memory may preferably synchronized in time with the plurality of light sources associated with the individual control devices are connected, make, with Advantage of a synchronous playback of, for example, light shows or light installations.

at In a preferred embodiment, the internal memory is off Removable removable disk drive controller, especially an SD memory card.

An "SD memory card" is a digital storage medium that uses the principle of flash storage is working. SD memory cards are known and will be known to those skilled in the art therefore not explained in detail at this point.

at Another preferred embodiment, the control device at least one other light source connection, via a plurality of further light sources with the control device is connectable.

A Control device, in particular two or more light source connections has, in each case via the plurality of further light sources is connectable to the control device, allows with Advantage the control of a variety of light sources with only a control device. As a result, are particularly complex Light installations, such as stage lighting, Facade lighting or light shows containing a variety of light sources need, possible.

about the Ethernet port of the control device is preferably one external control computer connectable to the control device.

at a preferred embodiment of the control device has the Control device on a power supply connection. On the Power supply connection can be used to advantage the power supply the control device.

alternative can the power supply of the control device over the Ethernet connection or via the light source connection respectively. In the case of the light source connection, the power supply via two pins.

It So there are several ways to power the control device. The power supply of the control device Among other things, via the power adapter port, the Ethernet port or the light source connection. The different possibilities Among other things, the power supply increase with advantage Reliability of the control device. In particular, allows in case of failure of a power supply, for example, on the Power supply connection is connected, a switching of the power supply to the Ethernet port or the light source port. Especially is on a power supply via the Ethernet or the Light source connection with advantage no separate power supply required.

Especially increases the reliability of individual with advantage Control devices when used in a network with multiple Control devices. The risk of failure of a control device in the whole system due to a failure of one with the control device Connected power supply can be due to the different possibilities the power supply of the individual control devices with advantage be reduced.

at a preferred embodiment of the control device has the Control device on an IR receiver (IR: infrared).

Of the IR receiver allows operation with advantage the control device by means of a remote control. This allows the control of the plurality of light sources by means of the control device preferably without direct access to the external control computer. This is particularly advantageous when the external control computer in a separate room to the control device and the light sources is arranged. Due to the IR receiver enabled Advantageously, a flexible operation of the control device.

at Another preferred embodiment is the control device Part of a lighting unit. The lighting unit has in particular a control device and a plurality of light sources, with the control device connected via the light source connection is on.

there For example, the plurality of light sources may be detected by the control device be controlled. Preferably, the light source connection a DMX connector or a DMX-like connector. about The DMX connection can use up to 512 bytes of DMX signals a resolution of 8 bits each are transmitted. Each DMX signal is then followed by, for example, one IC on a board of a light source for controlling the individual Light source, such as LEDs, processed. The brightness of the Light sources can for example via a Pulse width modulation (PWM) be regulated.

at a preferred embodiment of the lighting unit is the Control device via the Ethernet connection with a connected to external control computer.

signals which are issued by the external control computer can so over the Ethernet connection to the control device to get redirected. The control device converts that of the Control computer received signals in, for example, 512 bytes DMX signals in turn, via the light source connection to the Majority of light sources are forwarded. The control device therefore, in particular, provides the link between the external control computer and light sources.

at a preferred embodiment of the lighting unit has the Control device on another light source connection, via a plurality of further light sources with the control device connected is.

In In this case, the control device has two light source connections on, which can forward signals to light sources. Thereby For example, a plurality of light sources can be connected to a control device be, which in particular advantageously with a synchronous control the different light sources can be guaranteed.

in the Compared to a control device with only one light source connection can in a control device with two light source terminals twice as many light sources connected to the control device and operated with the control device. elaborate Light installations, such as stage lighting and Facade lighting requiring a variety of light sources are possible with advantage.

at In a preferred embodiment, the light sources are RGB LEDs.

"RGB LEDs" are especially LEDs, the radiation in red, green and blue Emit wavelength range. RGB LEDs are particularly suitable for producing white mixed light.

RGB LEDs are known in the art and are therefore not at this point explained in more detail.

to Driving an RGB LED, for example, 3 bytes of 512 bytes DMX signals required, the bytes preferably brightness information included for the RGB LEDs. A control device with Therefore, a DMX port that outputs a 512-byte DMX signal may serve as a driver for about 170 RGB LEDs. A control device with two DMX connectors, each one 512 byte DMX signal can output as driver for about 2 × 170 RGB LEDs are used.

In a preferred embodiment, the lighting unit has a control device with an Ethernet connection, at least one light source connection and an internal memory. Further, the lighting unit has a plurality of RGB LEDs connected to the control device via the light source terminal. The control device has a further light source connection, via which the control device connects to a plurality of further RGB LEDs that is. Furthermore, the control device is connected via the Ethernet connection to an external control computer. The control device has a power supply connection and an IR receiver. The internal memory of the control device is preferably an SD memory card.

at a further preferred embodiment, the lighting unit a plurality of further control devices, each with at least a light source connection. About the light source connection is in each case a plurality of further light sources, respectively one of the plurality of other control devices connected.

at a further preferred embodiment of the lighting unit are the control devices via an ethernet connection with each other and with an external control computer for forwarding the signals from the external control computer to the light sources connected.

The Plurality of light sources and the plurality of other light sources thus receive signals from an external control computer.

Especially it is with a large number of light sources, like it necessary, for example, in complex light installations is required, a plurality of control devices for driving to use the individual light sources. The individual control devices can in this case by means of the Ethernet port in series with each other and connected to the external control computer. The external one Control computer gives signals to the individual control devices which convert these into light source signals and to the Forward light sources.

The individual control devices are so operable in live mode.

at a further advantageous embodiment of the lighting unit the other control devices each have an internal memory, in each of which signals of an external control computer stored are.

With Advantage allows the internal memory of the individual control devices buffering the signals received from the external control computer. Furthermore, the signals from the internal memory without direct access to the external control computer. This advantageously allows a synchronous output the signals in a network of multiple control devices.

Preferably are the plurality of light sources and the majority of others Light sources each via the light source connection with each one of the plurality of control devices for forwarding the signals from the internal memory connected to the light sources.

The Plurality of light sources and the plurality of other light sources thus each receive signals from the internal memory.

The Individual control devices can be operated in replay mode.

Preferably The control devices can each have the required Power consumption associated with the respective control device Determine light sources via the respective light source connection. Particularly preferably, the control devices can each this information, for example, to the control computer and / or forward the other control devices.

at a preferred embodiment of the lighting unit are the in the internal memory stored signals of the individual control devices advantageously matched. For example, in each internal memory stores fragments of a complete performance, which complement each other at the start of the overall performance advantageous.

there can start the lighting unit the entire Fragments of each internal memory are retrieved, so the fragments complement each other to form the complete picture. Alternatively, only fragments of individual internal Memory can be retrieved only to parts of the overall presentation complete.

at a preferred embodiment of the lighting unit the plurality of light sources and the plurality of other light sources the Signals from the internal memories are synchronous.

Preferably is the synchronous output of the signals in a network of several Achieved control devices by means of a start signal. The start signal, for example, from one of the control devices to the others Control devices is released, synchronized with advantage the serial output of the light source signals of the individual control devices with each other (load release method). After receiving the start signal through the individual control devices can signals the internal memory to the plurality of light sources and the plurality be issued by other light sources so that a total of synchronous playback is possible.

As a result, a temporally synchronous output of the light source signals of the individual with advantage NEN control devices to the light sources possible. A lighting unit with a plurality of control devices and a synchronous reproduction of light installations or light shows in the network can be achieved with advantage.

A Lighting unit, which has several control devices each an internal memory can operate in live mode or in replay mode become. In live mode, the light sources receive signals from the external Control computer without the signals in each internal Store the memory devices are stored. In replay mode the signals of the external control computer are in the individual stored internal memory and can subsequently be retrieved at any time from the individual internal memories.

Further features, advantages, preferred embodiments and expediencies of the control device and the lighting unit will become apparent from the following in connection with the 1 and 2 explained embodiments.

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a control device according to the invention, and

2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a lighting unit according to the invention.

Same or equivalent components are always the same Provided with reference numerals. The illustrated components as well as the Size ratios of the components with each other are not to be considered as true to scale.

1 shows a schematic representation of a control device 1 that with a plurality of light sources 21a is connectable. The control device 1 In particular, it has an Ethernet connection 3 , a light source connection 2a over which the majority of light sources 21a with the control device 1 connectable, and an internal memory 4 on. Furthermore, the control device 1 of the 1 another light source connection 2 B on, over which a plurality of further light sources 21b with the control device 1 is connectable. Next, the control device 1 a power supply connection 6 on, over which the power supply of the control device 1 can be done. For remote control, the control device 1 an IR receiver 5 on.

The power supply of the control device 1 can via the power supply connector 6 , the ethernet port 3 or one of the light source connectors 2a . 2 B respectively. In particular, in the case of a power supply via the Ethernet port 3 or one of the light source connectors 2a . 2 B no separate power supply required. The different ways to power the control device 1 advantageously increase the reliability of the control device 1 , For example, fails the power supply, which s.den power supply connection 6 is connected, so the power supply of the control device allows 1 via one of the other ports, such as the Ethernet port 3 or the light source connection 2a . 2 B , A switch in case of failure of the power supply of the control device 1 during operation of the control device 1 on one of the other connections 2a . 2 B . 3 is possible with advantage, causing a failure of the control device 1 can be avoided.

The IR receiver 5 the control device 1 advantageously allows remote control of the control device 1 , This is a control of the control device 1 without direct access to, for example, an external control computer possible. This is particularly advantageous when an external control computer is arranged in a separate room.

The light source connections 2a . 2 B are each with a plurality of light sources 21a . 21b connectable. In particular, the light source connections 2a . 2 B each connectable to a plurality of RGB LEDs. Through the light source connections 2a . 2 B is by means of the control device 1 a variety of light sources 21a . 21b controllable. In particular, such complex light installations, such as stage lighting, facade lighting or light shows, can be realized.

Via the Ethernet connection 3 Preferably, an external control computer is connected. Signals that the control device 1 received from the external control computer via the Ethernet connection, by means of the control device 1 converted into light source signals. The light source signals are then received by the controller 1 via the light source connections 2a . 2 B to the plurality of light sources 21a . 21b forwarded. In particular, the light source signals are processed, for example, by an IC on a circuit board of the light sources for controlling the individual light sources. The control device 1 thus represents a link between a central control computer and the plurality of light sources. In this case, the control device 1 operated in live mode.

The light source connections are preferred 2a . 2 B DMX connectors, each one 512 bytes Output DMX signal. To drive RGB LEDs, for example, 3 bytes of the respective 512 bytes of DMX signals are required, the bytes preferably containing the brightness information for the RGB LEDs. A control device 1 with a DMX connection 2a which outputs a 512-byte DMX signal can therefore be used as a driver for about 170 RGB LEDs. Indicates a control device 1 two DMX connections 2a . 2 B on, each of which outputs a 512-byte DMX signal, about 2 × 170 RGB LEDs can by means of the control device 1 be controlled.

The control device 1 also has an internal memory 4 on. The internal memory 4 is preferably a removable removable disk, in particular an SD memory card. In particular, signals from an external control computer, via the ethernet port 3 to the control device 1 in the internal memory 4 be stored. This makes it possible, the signals from the external control computer at any time from the internal memory 4 retrieve. Due to the built-in internal memory 4 is thus a replay mode of the control device 1 possible. The replay mode is preferably possible even in the event of failure of the external control computer.

A control device with an integrated internal memory 4 can thus be operated in live mode or in replay mode.

The internal memory 4 further enables buffering of the signals received from the control computer.

In a plurality of control devices 1 that are interconnected is due to the built-in internal memory 4 a synchronous output of the stored signals, in particular to a start signal possible. This distinguishes a control device 1 that have an internal memory 4 high reliability and extended functionality when operating in the network with other control devices 1 out. In particular, a synchronous reproduction of, for example, light shows in the network with multiple control devices 1 possible.

2 shows a schematic representation of a lighting unit, the plurality of control devices 1a . 1b . 1c according to the embodiment of the 1 having. Furthermore, the lighting unit has an external control computer 31 , a plurality of light sources 21a that with a first light source connection 2a are connected, and a plurality of further light sources 21b that with another light source connection 2 B are connected to.

The Ethernet connection 3 the individual control devices 1 is serial with each other and with the external control computer 31 via an ethernet connection 32 connected. Each of the control devices 1 has an internal memory 4 , in particular an SD memory card.

A like in the embodiment of 2 illustrated illumination unit is in particular for controlling individual light sources 21a . 21b For complex light installations, such as stage lighting, facade lighting or light shows, usable.

The control devices 1 of the network receive signals from the external control computer 31 via the Ethernet connection 3 , The signals are stored in the internal memory 4 the individual control devices 1 stored. The signals are always from the internal memory 4 the individual control devices 1 available. A reproduction of light shows or light installations is thus possible with advantage.

Next can through the internal memory 4 a failure of the external control computer 31 be compensated.

Furthermore, there is a lighting unit according to the embodiment of 2 the possibility that all light sources 21a . 21b which are at least partially due to different control devices 1a . 1b . 1c are connected, temporally synchronous signals from the respective internal memory 4 receive.

In this case, one of the control devices 1a . 1b . 1c preferably a start signal to the other control devices 1a . 1b . 1c , Because of this start signal, the internal memory give 4 the further control devices, the signals stored there to the light sources 21a . 21b from. Due to the start signal is so a synchronous playback of light shows and light installations in the network of several control devices 1a . 1b . 1c possible. The danger of temporal deviations in the synchronicity of the picture reproduction can by the internal memory 4 be reduced with advantage.

For temporal synchronism also signal delays between the different control devices 1 to each other and to the light sources 21a . 21b be determined, so that the synchronicity of each light source 21a . 21b can be further improved.

The invention is not limited by the description based on the embodiments of these, but includes each new feature and any combination of features, which in particular which includes any combination of features in the claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or embodiments.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• - Standard EIA-485 [0008]

Claims (15)

Control device ( 1 ) for a plurality of light sources ( 21a ) - an Ethernet port ( 3 ), - at least one light source connection ( 2a ) over which the plurality of light sources ( 21a ) with the control device ( 1 ), and - an internal memory ( 4 ) having. Control device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the internal memory ( 4 ) is a removable removable disk. Control device ( 1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the internal memory ( 4 ) is an SD memory card. Control device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device ( 1 ) at least one further light source connection ( 2 B ), via which a plurality of further light sources ( 21b ) with the control device ( 1 ) is connectable. Control device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device ( 1 ) a power supply connector ( 6 ) having. Control device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device ( 1 ) an IR receiver ( 5 ) having. Lighting unit, which is a control device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6 and a plurality of light sources ( 21a ) connected to the control device ( 1 ) via the light source connector ( 2a ) is connected. Lighting unit according to claim 7, wherein the control device ( 1 ) via the Ethernet port ( 3 ) with an external control computer ( 31 ) connected is. Lighting unit according to one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, wherein the control device ( 1 ) at least one further light source connection ( 2 B ), via which a plurality of further light sources ( 21b ) with the control device ( 1 ) connected is. Lighting unit according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the light sources ( 21a . 21b ) RGB LEDs are. Lighting unit according to claim 7, wherein - the light sources ( 21a ) RGB LEDs are, - the control device ( 1 ) another light source connection ( 2 B ), over which the control device ( 1 ) with a plurality of further RGB LEDs ( 21b ), - the control device ( 1 ) via the Ethernet port ( 3 ) with an external control computer ( 31 ), - the control device ( 1 ) a power supply connector ( 6 ), - the control device ( 1 ) an IR receiver ( 5 ), and - the internal memory ( 4 ) is a removable removable disk. Lighting unit according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 11, wherein the lighting unit comprises a plurality of further control devices ( 1a . 1b . 1c ) each having at least one light source connection ( 2a . 2 B ), in each case via the plurality of further light sources ( 21a . 21b ) each with one of the plurality of further control devices ( 1a . 1b . 1c ) connected is. Lighting unit according to claim 12, wherein the control devices ( 1a . 1b . 1c ) via an Ethernet connection ( 32 ) with each other and with an external control computer ( 31 ) for forwarding the signals from the external control computer ( 31 ) to the light sources ( 21a . 21b ) are connected. Lighting unit according to claim 12, wherein the further control devices ( 1a . 1b . 1c ) each have an internal memory ( 4 ), in each of which signals of an external control computer ( 31 ) are stored. Lighting unit according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of light sources ( 21a . 21b ) and the plurality of further light sources ( 21a . 21b ) via the light source connection ( 2a . 2 B ) each with one of the plurality of control devices ( 1a . 1b . 1c ) for forwarding the signals from the internal memory ( 4 ) are connected to the light sources.