EP0955740A1 - Studio control system and method for automatisation of lighting and lifting equipment used in a studio environment - Google Patents

Abstract

In such as a television studio there is a control system (2)that communicates with various equipment. The communication is over a bus (1a,1b,1c,1d) and typically the information is relayed to such as a lifting and lighting equipment (3,4). When necessary more than one controller may be used (5)

Description

The invention relates to studio control systems and methods for the automation of lifting and lighting equipment used in the studio area, such as lifting devices, chain hoists, brackets, spotlights, dimmers and the like, as well as methods for configuring a studio control system and methods for identifying a node in a studio control system.

In television studios, a large number of lifting and lighting devices have to be positioned and controlled from a central control computer or a remote control. For example, lifting devices, together with the headlights attached to them, must be positioned vertically and horizontally; the headlights must be adjusted with regard to eight axes (tilting, swiveling, focus, turning the door, four gate flaps) and must be controlled with regard to light intensity and color as well as other effects. These settings are usually not static, but have to be continuous can be changed. Incorrect operation and collisions when positioning the devices must be avoided.

For this purpose, the central control computer is electrically connected to the various devices, transmits control commands to the devices and manages data on the positions and settings of the devices. Communication takes place via a bus under the central control of the control computer, which sends control commands to the connected devices and receives responses from the devices. In view of this structure, the control computers, remote controls and lifting and lighting devices connected to the studio bus can be called nodes of the studio control system.

Although this concept makes it possible to implement flexible and versatile controllable lighting systems, there are some limitations and disadvantages that should be eliminated.

For example, it is a matter of the fact that quasi real-time operation, that is to say the almost instantaneous control of individual or multiple devices, is not possible. Rather, it must be accepted in the known systems that, with an increasing number of devices used, there is a delay between the issue of a control command and the reaction of the addressed device.

Against this background, the first task is to create a studio control system and a process for the automation of lifting and lighting equipment used in the studio area, which do not have the deficits mentioned above.

In particular, the aim is to specify a studio control system and a control method that allows a practically unlimited number of lifting and lighting devices that can be controlled virtually in real time.

Another disadvantage of the known systems is due to the large number of devices and control units required and used. The large number of nodes, i.e. of control computers and / or remote controls as well as lifting and lighting devices, all of which must be controlled both jointly and individually and thus supplied directly and individually with the corresponding control commands via the studio bus, make it necessary for each of these nodes to be uniquely addressable in the overall system . In other words, each node must be assigned a unique address at which it can be reached via the studio control bus. In the known systems, the node addresses are usually set manually on the device in each node using DIP switches. This happens before a control unit or device is integrated into the studio. In particular when setting up a large studio system, but also when replacing or adding a device to an existing studio lighting system, errors can easily occur.

Therefore, the second task is to provide a method for configuring a studio control system that eliminates the need to assign and set device addresses by the user.

This second task is independent of the first task, since even in the known studio control systems and methods, a large number of nodes have to be addressed, i.e. is to be addressed.

The first object is achieved by a studio control system with the features of patent claim 1 and a control method with the features of patent claim 5. Advantageous refinements result from the subclaims.

The studio control system according to the invention comprises a studio bus for the transmission of messages and a plurality of nodes which are designed for connection to the studio bus and for sending and receiving messages via the studio bus, namely several lifting or lighting devices and at least one control unit for controlling the lifting or lighting devices with the help of messages transmitted via the studio bus. The nodes are designed for sending and receiving messages via the studio bus such that when two or more nodes send messages at the same time, the nodes use the content of the message to determine which node continues to send the message. By assigning the bus via the message or the identifier of the message, via which the priority of the message can also be determined, there is no need to transfer permanent control of the entire system to a control unit, for example a control computer, which is usually the result of repeated status queries all existing devices and thus with a significant overhead. According to the invention, real-time controls of the devices are possible since the bus is not used unnecessarily and direct addressing is carried out can be. In addition, in the case of particularly time-critical processes, the priority of the message can ensure the fastest possible response.

In an advantageous further development, the nodes in the studio control system according to the invention are designed for the sending and receiving of messages via the studio bus in such a way that the transmitted messages comprise several fields (P, G, E, S, N) and that when messages are sent simultaneously two or more nodes determine the nodes on the basis of at least one identifier transmitted at the beginning of the message (consisting, for example, of the fields P, G, E, S), which node continues to send the message. By specifying the identifier of a message with the help of one or more fields at the beginning of a message, it can be determined very quickly when a node is transmitting a message whether it can continue the transmission and, on the other hand, a particularly clear structure for those to be transmitted Messages are set up, which can also determine the priority of the message.

In a further embodiment of the studio control system according to the invention, the nodes are designed for sending and receiving messages via the studio bus in such a way that the content of the at least one identifier transmitted at the beginning of the message represents a value which is inversely proportional to the priority of the message. By assigning low values for messages of high priority (importance), for example for emergency situations, it can easily be ensured that these messages even in the event of individual electrical malfunctions Knots have a controlling effect on the studio.

An embodiment of the studio control system according to the invention is advantageous in which the nodes are designed for sending and receiving messages via the studio bus in such a way that the nodes send and receive the messages in digital form bit by bit and that when two or more nodes send messages at the same time the nodes, upon sending each bit of the identifier, determine which node continues sending the message. This enables the studio bus to be arbitrated bit by bit.

The method according to the invention for the automation of lifting and lighting equipment used in the studio area, in which messages are transmitted between the lifting or lighting equipment and at least one control unit via a studio bus, provides that when messages are transmitted simultaneously, the content of the messages determines which message will be transmitted further.

In an advantageous development of the method, the transmitted messages comprise a plurality of fields (P, G, E, S, N) and is determined when messages are sent at the same time using at least one identifier (P, G, E, S) transmitted at the beginning of the message. which message will be transmitted further.

In a further embodiment of the method, the content of the at least one identifier (P, G, E, S) transmitted at the beginning of the message represents a value which is inversely proportional to the priority of the message.

Furthermore, it can be provided in the method according to the invention that the messages are sent and received bit by bit in digital form and that when messages are sent at the same time each bit of the identifier is sent, which message is to be transmitted further.

The second object is achieved by a method according to claim 9 and a studio control system according to claim 13. Advantageous refinements result from the subclaims.

• (a) Jeder Knoten sendet über den Studiobus eine ihn eindeutig identifizierende Seriennummer an die Steuereinheit.
• (b) Die Steuereinheit empfängt die Seriennummern der Knoten und ordnet jedem Knoten eine eindeutige Knotenadresse zu.
• (c) Die Steuereinheit sendet über den Studiobus an jeden Knoten die zugeordnete Knotenadresse, wobei der Knoten über die Seriennummer angesprochen wird.
• (d) Jeder Knoten empfängt die zugeordnete Knotenadresse und speichert sie derart, daß er über die gespeicherte Knotenadresse angesprochen werden kann.

The configuration is accordingly in a studio control system with a studio bus and several nodes, which are designed for connection to the studio bus and sending and receiving via the studio bus and the lifting or lighting equipment and at least one control unit for controlling the lifting or lighting equipment Devices using control commands transmitted via the studio bus include the following configuration steps:

• (a) Each node sends a unique serial number to the control unit via the studio bus.
• (b) The control unit receives the serial numbers of the nodes and assigns a unique node address to each node.
• (c) The control unit sends the assigned node address to each node via the studio bus, the node being addressed via the serial number.
• (d) Each node receives the assigned node address and stores it in such a way that it can be addressed via the stored node address.

As a result, each node is assigned a much shorter node address using the serial number, which in the conventional systems had to be set manually using DIP switches. It is crucial to recognize that the serial number is suitable for configuration, but because of its length it is not suitable for addressing during operation.

In a studio control system with several control units, the control units first mutually transmit a serial number that uniquely identifies them, and each control unit checks whether their serial number is the lowest or the highest serial number of all control units. The assignment and transmission of the node addresses according to steps (c) and (d) is then carried out by the control unit with the lowest serial number or by the control unit with the highest serial number.

Several control units advantageously store the serial numbers of the nodes and the node addresses assigned to them, so that each control unit can directly control the controllable nodes.

The second task is also solved by a studio control system, the nodes of which are designed or adapted to carry out the method described above. The nodes are designed or adapted to carry out the method according to the invention regularly by programming the nodes accordingly (firmware).

The nodes are also advantageously designed or adapted for carrying out the method described above for automating lifting and lighting equipment used in the studio area. In this case too, the adaptation is essentially carried out by appropriate programming of the nodes (firmware). When using serial numbers for the identification of the nodes, a method for identifying a node in a studio control system with a studio bus and a plurality of nodes, which are designed for connection to the studio bus and for transmission and reception via the studio bus, comprises several lifting devices. or lighting devices and at least one control unit for controlling the lifting or lighting devices with the aid of control commands transmitted via the studio bus, in which the area of all serial numbers provided for the nodes is divided into at least two areas and queried for each area at the nodes whether the serial number that is uniquely assigned to them lies in the area that the areas in which the serial number of no node does not fall, are no longer checked, and that the areas in which the serial number of at least one node falls, as long as again in at least two Areas divided and for each new area, the nodes are queried as to whether the serial number uniquely assigned to them lies in the area until the serial numbers of the nodes are uniquely identified. The division of the serial number ranges and the query at the nodes is advantageously carried out by a control node or a correspondingly adapted (designed) other node.

Accordingly, in a studio control system with a studio bus and a plurality of nodes which are designed for connection to the studio bus and for transmission and reception via the studio bus, they comprise a plurality of lifting or lighting devices and at least one control unit for controlling the lifting or lighting devices with the help of control commands transmitted via the studio bus, the nodes are designed for the implementation of this method.

In an advantageous development, the nodes of the studio control system are also designed to carry out one of the methods described above.

• Fig. 1 den Aufbau eine Ausführungsbeispiels eines Studiosteuerungssystems gemäß der Erfindung;
• Fig. 2 die Darstellung eines Monitorbildes eines Steuerrechners in dem Studiosteuerungssystem gemäß Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 ein Ablaufdiagramm des Zugriffs eines Knotens auf den Studiobus des erfindungsgemäßen Studiosteuerungssystems;
• Fig. 4 eine Darstellung der über den Studiobus übertragenen Mitteilungen; und
• Fig. 5 ein Flußdiagramm eines Konfigurationsverfahrens für Studiosteuerungssysteme.

The different and largely independent aspects of the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

• 1 shows the structure of an embodiment of a studio control system according to the invention;
• FIG. 2 shows a monitor image of a control computer in the studio control system according to FIG. 1;
• 3 shows a flowchart of the access of a node to the studio bus of the studio control system according to the invention;
• 4 shows a representation of the messages transmitted via the studio bus; and
• 5 is a flowchart of a configuration process for studio control systems.

1 schematically shows the basic structure of an exemplary embodiment of a studio control system according to the invention, which comprises a studio bus 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, a control unit 2, two lifting devices 3a and 3b, a plurality of headlights 4a, 4b, 4c and a remote control 5 exists.

On the studio bus, which has the main sections 1a, 1b, 1c shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 2, the lifting devices 3a and 3b, the headlights 4a, 4b and 4c and the remote control 5 are either directly or indirectly connected and are available via the Studio bus in connection with each other by sending messages according to the invention via the studio bus or receiving messages sent via the studio bus. The type, format and content of the communications are described in more detail below.

The main sections 1a, 1b and 1c are fixed in the studio and integrated, for example, in a busbar system, so that each connected device can be easily and reliably connected to both the power supply and the studio bus according to the invention. In some cases, an existing busbar system can be used directly for the construction and operation of a studio control system according to the invention.

The studio bus can be continued in the lifting devices, as shown in FIG. 1 for example on the first lifting device 3a in the form of a studio bus section 1d. In this case, the headlights 4a attached to the lifter 3a are directly connected to the studio bus section 1d, as shown in Fig. 1 for the first headlights 4a. Both the first lifting device 3a and the first headlights 4a are Designed for direct connection to the bus and have a mostly microprocessor-controlled control device 3a-1 and 4a-1 with a suitably designed and non-volatile program stored therein.

Alternatively, the lifting devices can be designed such that the studio bus is not continued in the lifting device, as shown in FIG. 1 on the second lifting device 3b. The second headlights 4b attached to the lifting device are then not directly connected to the studio bus 1c, but via the second lifting device 3b, which exchanges with the second headlights 4b via a differently designed communication interface, for example in accordance with the RS485 standard for serial interfaces, data and control commands . The second lifting device 3b takes over the task of receiving messages for the second headlights 4b via the studio bus and forwarding them to the second headlights 4b and secondly sending messages, own and from the second headlights 4b, via the studio bus. The second lifting device 3b is designed accordingly and, for this purpose, has a mostly microprocessor-controlled control device 3b-1 with a correspondingly designed and non-volatile program stored therein.

A headlight can also be connected directly to the bus, as shown in FIG. 1 for a third headlight 4c and the bus section 1b. The third headlight 4c is designed accordingly and, for this purpose, has a mostly microprocessor-controlled control device 4c-1 with an appropriately designed and non-volatile program stored therein.

As further shown in Fig. 1, a control unit 2 is connected to the studio bus. The control unit 2 in the exemplary embodiment consists of a control computer 2a and an interface 2b, via which the control computer 2a is connected to the studio bus. The user operates the studio control system according to the invention on the control computer 2a. On the one hand, the control computer 2a displays the lighting and lifting technology status of the entire studio on a monitor 2c by displaying the current positions / settings for all devices. On the other hand, each lifting or lighting device can be positioned and adjusted via an input device 2d, for example a keyboard and / or a mouse.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a monitor image of the control computer 2a, from which the user can obtain the essential information about each lifting device and each headlight. The monitor image shown in FIG. 2 shows a studio control system according to the invention, which has more lifting and lighting devices than the exemplary embodiment explained in connection with FIG. 1.

The control computer 2a, which is preferably used as a control unit, allows simple selection and control of the devices via an intuitive user interface on which the lifting and lighting devices are shown in different views. The user is supported by a context-sensitive auxiliary system. Individual or multiple linked scenes can be prepared, saved and then set up in the studio independently of the studio. Manual changes to the lifting and lighting equipment are shown directly on the monitor 2c of the control computer 2a shown because changes in the position or the settings are communicated by the devices via the bus.

In the lighting system according to the invention, the control units and devices, which are referred to below as nodes, communicate in the form of messages which are sent via the bus. According to the invention, each node is authorized to send a message if this should be necessary for any reason. For example, lifting devices can be equipped with an absolute encoder for the vertical position, which detects this change when the vertical position is changed manually. The control device of the lifting device detects the change detected by the absolute value transmitter and sends a message to the control unit in order to pass on the change.

In Fig. 3 the course of communication is shown as an example. In a loop 100, which is part of an overall program determining the control of the lifting device, which processes the control device of the lifting device during operation, the control device of the lifting device checks the vertical position by reading out the absolute value encoder, as shown in step 101. If the control device detects a change in the vertical position of the lifting device in step 102, the control device of the lifting device formulates a message in accordance with step 103, the format of which is explained in more detail below. The control device of the lifting device sends this message according to step 104 via the studio bus to the control unit or control units and thus disseminates information about the change in the vertical position of the lifting device. Then the returns Control device of the lifting device back to an operation in which the loop 100 is passed.

Another part of loop 100 is that the lifter controller receives messages via the studio bus. In step 105, the controller receives the messages sent from other nodes over the bus and checks to see if it is a message that is important to the lifter. If this is the case, the control device initiates the control steps corresponding to the content of the message, for example raising or lowering the lifting device, the transmission of settings or the like.

It is essential for the studio control system according to the invention that the nodes connected to the studio bus and communicating via the studio bus can send a message at any time, which is received by all nodes and which triggers a reaction at one or more nodes. According to the invention, the focus is therefore not on a control unit, for example a control computer, and accesses the other nodes via the studio bus; rather, each node has essentially the same authority to access the bus and to transmit messages. Which node can ultimately transmit a message with simultaneous bus access by several nodes depends on the identifier (priority) of the message, via which the priority of the message can also be determined, and not on the node. For this purpose, the messages according to the invention have a format that is particularly suitable for the requirements of studio control systems, for which an exemplary embodiment is explained below based on the standard bus CAN version 2.0B. Through the Based on the CAN version 2.0B standard, a detailed description of a network designed for the studio control system according to the invention, in particular with regard to the components and the lower layers of the communication protocol, can be dispensed with here, since this standard bus is for the Application of the invention is suitable. Other bus systems are also fundamentally suitable for the application of the invention, but no further details will be given here.

The messages of the studio control system according to the invention have the basic structure shown in FIG. 4. Auxiliary information such as start and stop characters, delimiters or error detection and error correction codes are not shown, since this information is predetermined by the network system used. At this point, too, express reference is made to the CAN version 2.0B standard.

As already mentioned, the bus access is regulated via the identifier of the message. If two nodes send at the same time, the identifier of the message decides which of the two nodes can transmit its message completely. In this context, the bitwise bus arbitration method provided by the standard bus CAN version 2.0B can be used to advantage. Thereafter, all nodes can send bit-synchronous messages, even if this enables two or more nodes to occupy the bus almost simultaneously after the bus has not been occupied for a specified period of time. When each bit of a message is sent, each node checks whether the level it has actually placed on the bus is actually present, ie from it itself can be received. If so, the node continues sending its message with the next bit. The bit-wise transmission and checking continues until the node has completely transmitted its message or until a level which it has placed on the bus cannot be determined again on the bus. The node then stops sending its message and becomes the recipient of the higher priority message sent by another node. After receiving the complete notification from the other node, the node tries to send its notification again.

The prerequisite for this bus access method is that the identifiers are uniquely assigned. If two messages with the same identifier are sent, it cannot be determined which message may be sent further. On the other hand, it must be ensured that messages from different nodes are sent bit-synchronously. I.e. the first bit of a first message must be placed on the bus at the same time as the first bit of a second message so that a bus assignment can function via bitwise arbitration.

The studio control system according to the invention is distinguished by the definition of the individual fields which build up the message (data telegrams), which are shown in FIG. 4. The first field "Priority (P)" essentially determines the priority with which the message is sent over the bus. According to the invention, the following priority levels are distinguished: level description P0 emergency P1 Synchronous groups P2 Control commands from computers to devices P3 Feedback from devices to computers P4 Data exchange between computers P5 Parameterization P6 configuration

Below these priority levels, several group levels are defined in the second field "Group (G)" as follows:

P0 (emergency)

G0

Emergency stop for the entire system

G1

Emergency stop for lifting devices

G3

Emergency stop for stirrups (headlights)

G5

Emergency stop for dimmer / DMX (spotlight)

P1 (synchronous groups)

G1

Synchronous group control commands

G3

Synchronous group feedback

G5

Configuration of a synchronous group

P2 (control of devices)

G1

Orders to lifting devices

G3

Commands to dimmer / DMX (spotlight)

G5

Commands to bracket (headlights)

P3 (device feedback)

G1

Feedback from lifting devices

G3

Feedback from dimmers / DMX (spotlights)

G5

Feedback from stirrups (headlights)

P4 (data exchange between computers)

G1

Feedback from computers

G3

Computer sends data

P5 (parameterization)

G0

Parameterization requirement lifting devices

G1

Parameterization request bracket (headlights)

G2

Download for lifting devices

G3

Download for bracket (headlight)

G4

Parameterization response lifting devices

G5

Parameterization response bracket (headlight)

P6 (configuration)

G1

Configuration request

G4

Configuration response: Device reports with properties

G3

Set the node address

In the exemplary embodiment explained here of the structure of the messages which are sent and received in a studio control system according to the invention, the second field “Group (G)” also determines the priority of the respective message. This will be explained in more detail below.

The messages that have the value 0 in the first field P have the highest priority (priority P0). The value P0 denotes emergency messages, which can be further differentiated with the help of the second field G. If the value 0 also occurs in the second field G (group G0), this means not only that the message has the highest priority, but that this has it Notification ensures an emergency shutdown of the entire studio system; lifting devices forward the message to the headlights and DMX. If the value 1 occurs in the second field G (group G1), this means an emergency shutdown of one, several or all lifting devices. The value 3 in the second field G (group G3) leads to an emergency shutdown of one, several or all headlight brackets and the value 5 in the second field G (group G5) results in an emergency shutdown of one, several or all dimmers / DMX (headlights).

The priority has the following effects: If a node sends the message for the emergency stop for headlamp brackets, i.e.P0G3, this message is transmitted with a delay if another node sends the message P0G0 or P0G1 around the entire system or around at the same time Stop lifting equipment.

The third field "Receiver (E)" contains the node address of the node to which the message is directed. The fourth field "Sender (S)" contains the address of the node that sends the message. The node address is set manually, for example via DIP switches on the device, or automatically determined by the studio control system in a configuration step for each node. With the aid of the receiver field E, one or more devices can also be addressed specifically in the event of emergency messages.

The configuration of the studio control system is described in detail below, since it is an independent solution to the second task mentioned above, which can also be used in studio control systems in which the invention described here is not used. However, the solutions are Both of the above-mentioned tasks are particularly suitable for joint use.

By merging the above-mentioned fields (P, G, E, S), two requirements can be met at the same time: It is possible to determine the priorities in a meaningful way while at the same time ensuring that each identifier is unique.

The fifth field "Message (N)" finally contains the message that the sending node sends to the addressed node or nodes. It should be noted that it is not necessary for all messages to have a message field. For example, the emergency messages described above are valid without a message field.

• Mitteilung: P0G0E0Ss (Notstop für die gesamte Anlage)
  Diese Mitteilung besitzt die oberste Priorität und richtet sich an sämtliche in dem erfindungsgemäßen Studiosteuerungssystem vorhandenen Knoten. Aus diesem Grund enthält die Mitteilung im Empfänger-Feld E den Wert 0. Im Sender-Feld gibt der sendende Knoten seine Knotenadresse an.
• Mitteilung: P0G1EeSs (Notaus für Hebegeräte)
  Mit dieser Mitteilung werden Hebegeräte im Notfall außer Betrieb gesetzt. Wird im Empfänger-Feld E eine bestimmte Knotenadresse für ein Hebegerät angegeben, richtet sich die Mitteilung nur an diesen Knoten, d.h. dieses Hebegerät. Enthält das Empfänger-Feld den Wert 0 werden sämtliche Hebegeräte angehalten.
• Mitteilung: P0G3EeSs (Notaus für Bügel)
  Mit dieser Mitteilung werden Bügel (Scheinwerfer) im Notfall außer Betrieb gesetzt. Wird im Empfänger-Feld E eine bestimmte Knotenadresse für einen Bügel angegeben, richtet sich die Mitteilung nur an diesen Knoten. Enthält das Empfänger-Feld E den Wert 0 werden sämtliche Bügel angehalten.
• Mitteilung: P0G5EeSs (Notaus für Dimmer/DMX)
  Mit dieser Mitteilung werden Dimmer/DMX im Notfall außer Betrieb gesetzt. Wird im Empfänger-Feld eine bestimmte Knotenadresse für einen Dimmer/DMX angegeben, richtet sich die Mitteilung nur an diesen Knoten. Enthält das Empfänger-Feld E den Wert 0 werden sämtliche Dimmer/DMX ausgeschaltet.
• Mitteilung: P1G1EeSsNn (Synchrongruppen-Steuerbefehle)
  Bei Mitteilungen dieser Art handelt es sich um Steuerbefehle, die von einer Steuereinheit, beispielsweise einem Steuerrechner oder einer Fernbedienung an Synchrongruppen übertragen werden. Statt einer Knoten-Zieladresse im Empfängerfeld E wird die Synchrongruppennummer übertragen. Bei Broadcast-Mitteilungen werden alle Geräte angesprochen, die in einer beliebigen Synchrongruppe zusammengefaßt sind. Über die Antwort kann eine Aufstellung der Synchrongruppen und der darin zusammengefaßten Geräte ermittelt werden. Vorteilhaft reserviert eine Steuereinheit durch eine entsprechende Nachricht im Nachrichtenfeld N eine Synchrongruppe, bevor sie durch einen anderen Befehl von der Steuereinheit selektiert, gesteuert oder abgefragt wird.
• Mitteilung: P1G3EeSsNn (Synchrongruppen-Rückmeldung)
  Mit einer Mitteilung dieses Formats übertragen Synchrongruppen Daten bezüglich der Einstellungen und der Positionen der zusammengefaßten Geräte. Die Datenübertragung erfolgt zyklisch, bei Änderung eines Wertes oder als Antwort auf eine Anfrage von einer Steuereinheit. Die Synchrongruppen-Rückmeldungen können Broadcast-Meldungen sein, d.h. eine Mitteilung mit dem Wert 0 im Empfänger-Feld E.
• Mitteilung: P1G5EeSsNn (Synchrongruppen-Konfiguration)
  Um eine Synchrongruppe aus mehreren Geräten aufzubauen bzw. eine Synchrongruppe aufzulösen, werden Mitteilungen dieses Formats von einer Steuereinheit an die Geräte übertragen, die zu einer Synchrongruppe zusammengefaßt werden sollen bzw. deren Synchrongruppe aufgelöst werden soll. Im Nachrichtenfeld N wird an die Geräte eine entsprechende Nachricht übertragen.
• Mitteilung: P2G1EeSsNn (Hebegeräte-Steuerbefehle)
• Mitteilung: P2G3EeSsNn (Dimmer-Steuerbefehle)
• Mitteilung: P2G5EeSsNn (Bügel-Steuerbefehle)
  Mit Mitteilungen dieses Formats werden Hebegeräte, Dimmer/DMX und Bügel (Scheinwerfer) angesprochen, wobei die Nachricht n im Nachrichtenfeld N den Steuerbefehl selbst enthält.
• Mitteilung: P3G1EeSsNn (Hebegeräte-Rückmeldungen)
• Mitteilung: P3G3EeSsNn (Dimmer/DMX-Rückmeldungen)
• Mitteilung: P3G5EeSsNn (Bügel-Rückmeldungen)
  Diese Mitteilungen stellen Rückmeldungen von Hebegeräten, Dimmern/DMX und Bügeln (Scheinwerfern) dar. Die Daten werden im Nachrichtenfeld N übertragen. Diese Mitteilung kann von einem Knoten auch dafür genutzt werden, sich regelmäßig zu melden, wenn keine anderen Mitteilungen von dem Knoten über ein vorgegebenes Zeitintervall hinweg übertragen wurden.
• Mitteilung: P4G1EeSsNn (Rückmeldungen von Steuereinheiten)
• Mitteilung: P4G3EeSsNn (Datenübertragung von Steuereinheiten)
  Mitteilungen dieses Formats sind vorgesehen für die Rückmeldungen und Datenübertragungen von Steuereinheiten, beispielsweise Steuerrechnern untereinander. Die Rückmeldungen und Daten werden im Nachrichtenfeld N übertragen.
• Mitteilung: P5G0EeSsNn (Parametrisierungsauforderung für Hebegeräte)
• Mitteilung: P5G1EeSsNn (Parametrisierungsaufforderung für Bügel)
• Mitteilung: P5G4EeSsNn (Parametrisierungsantwort von Hebegeräten)
• Mitteilung: P5G5EeSsNn (Parametrisierungsantwort von Bügeln)
  Mitteilungen dieses Formats betreffen die Anforderung und Lieferung von Parametern, die bei einzelnen Geräten eingestellt wurden.
• Mitteilung: P5G2EeSsNn (Parameter-Download von Hebegeräten)
• Mitteilung: P5G3EeSsNn (Parameter-Download von Bügeln)
  Ergänzend zu den zuvor erwähnten Parametrisierungsantworten von Hebegeräten und Bügeln kann ein Download der Parameter in hexadezimalen Format, beispielsweise dem Intel-Hex-Format vorgesehen werden. Damit ist eine hohe Übertragungssicherheit und eine automatische Endeerkennung gewährleistet.
• Mitteilung: P6G1Sn (Konfigurationsaufforderung)
• Mitteilung: P6G2Sn (Konfigurationsantwort)
• Mitteilung: P6G3Sn (Setzen der Knotenadresse)

Some of the messages that can be constructed from the system described above are described in more detail below.

• Notice: P0G0E0Ss (emergency stop for the entire system)
  This message has the highest priority and is aimed at all nodes present in the studio control system according to the invention. For this reason, the message in the recipient field E contains the value 0. In the sender field, the sending node specifies its node address.
• Notice: P0G1EeSs (emergency stop for lifting devices)
  With this message lifting devices are put out of operation in an emergency. Is a certain one in the recipient field E. Given the node address for a lifting device, the message is directed only to this node, ie this lifting device. If the recipient field contains the value 0, all lifting devices are stopped.
• Notice: P0G3EeSs (emergency stop for bracket)
  With this message, brackets (headlights) are deactivated in an emergency. If a specific node address for a bracket is specified in the recipient field E, the message is directed only to this node. If the recipient field E contains the value 0, all stirrups are stopped.
• Message: P0G5EeSs (emergency stop for dimmer / DMX)
  With this message, dimmers / DMX will be deactivated in an emergency. If a specific node address for a dimmer / DMX is specified in the recipient field, the message is only addressed to this node. If the receiver field E contains the value 0, all dimmers / DMX are switched off.
• Message: P1G1EeSsNn (synchronous group control commands)
  Messages of this type are control commands which are transmitted from a control unit, for example a control computer or a remote control, to synchronous groups. Instead of a node destination address in the receiver field E, the synchronous group number is transmitted. With broadcast messages, all devices are addressed that are combined in any synchronous group. Using the answer, a list of the synchronous groups and the devices grouped together can be determined. A control unit advantageously reserves a synchronous group by means of a corresponding message in the message field N before it is selected, controlled or queried by the control unit using another command.
• Message: P1G3EeSsNn (synchronous group feedback)
  With a message of this format, synchronous groups transmit data regarding the settings and the positions of the combined devices. Data is transmitted cyclically, when a value changes or in response to a request from a control unit. The synchronous group feedback can be broadcast messages, ie a message with the value 0 in the receiver field E.
• Message: P1G5EeSsNn (synchronous group configuration)
  In order to set up a synchronous group from several devices or to dissolve a synchronous group, messages of this format are transmitted from a control unit to the devices which are to be combined to form a synchronous group or whose synchronous group is to be dissolved. A corresponding message is transmitted to the devices in the message field N.
• Notice: P2G1EeSsNn (lifting device control commands)
• Message: P2G3EeSsNn (dimmer control commands)
• Message: P2G5EeSsNn (bracket control commands)
  Messages of this format address lifting devices, dimmers / DMX and brackets (headlights), with message n in message field N containing the control command itself.
• Message: P3G1EeSsNn (lifting device feedback)
• Message: P3G3EeSsNn (dimmer / DMX feedback)
• Message: P3G5EeSsNn (temple feedback)
  These messages represent feedback from lifting devices, dimmers / DMX and brackets (spotlights). The data is transmitted in message field N. This message can also be used by a node to report regularly if no other messages have been transmitted by the node over a predetermined time interval.
• Message: P4G1EeSsNn (feedback from control units)
• Communication: P4G3EeSsNn (data transfer from control units)
  Messages of this format are provided for the feedback and data transmission of control units, for example control computers to one another. The feedback and data are transmitted in the message field N.
• Message: P5G0EeSsNn (parameterization request for lifting devices)
• Message: P5G1EeSsNn (parameterization request for bracket)
• Message: P5G4EeSsNn (parameterization response of lifting devices)
• Message: P5G5EeSsNn (parameterization response of stirrups)
  Messages in this format relate to the request and delivery of parameters that have been set for individual devices.
• Notice: P5G2EeSsNn (parameter download of lifting devices)
• Message: P5G3EeSsNn (parameter download of stirrups)
  In addition to the parameterization responses of lifting devices and stirrups mentioned above, the parameters can be downloaded in hexadecimal format, for example the Intel Hex format. This ensures high transmission security and automatic end detection.
• Message: P6G1Sn (configuration prompt)
• Message: P6G2Sn (configuration response)
• Message: P6G3Sn (setting the node address)

The studio control system according to the invention is configured with these commands. In particular, this involves setting the node addresses under which the individual nodes, i.e. the devices and control units can be addressed after configuration.

The configuration of a multi-node studio system will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. This is an embodiment of the solution to the second problem mentioned above. The solution of the second task can advantageously be used together with the previously described solution of the first task, but represents an independent solution idea, the can also be used with conventional studio control systems.

In the configuration of the studio system according to the invention, the serial numbers of the nodes are used for the first identification and configuration. The serial number is a device-specific, unique identification of each individual node, i.e. understood every control computer, every remote control and every lifting and lighting device that can be used in the studio system; corresponding serial number systems are known. The serial number is available in a non-volatile memory of the node in electronic form or can be provided so that the serial number can be processed by the nodes during configuration and during operation. However, the serial numbers are generally not suitable for addressing the nodes in operation, since the transmission and detection of the usually very long serial numbers is too complex overall.

According to the invention, the serial numbers are only used to allow a configuration to run initially, for example when the studio system is switched on (for the first time), in the event of a reset of the studio system or when a node is added to an already configured system, by means of which each or the newly added node a unique, much shorter node address is assigned. The task of assigning the node addresses is carried out by a control node, since usually only this type of node is designed accordingly. The lifting and lighting devices that are controlled by the control nodes are usually not suitable for performing this task take over. The control nodes are, for example, control computers or remote controls.

For configuration, according to the invention, in a studio control system (cf. FIG. 1) with a studio bus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) and several nodes, which are designed for connection to the studio bus and for sending and receiving via the studio bus, and which are lifted - or lighting devices (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c) and at least one control unit (2; 5) for controlling the lifting or lighting devices with the aid of control commands transmitted via the studio bus, the following configuration steps are carried out: (a ) Each node sends a unique serial number to the control unit via the studio bus. (b) The control unit receives the serial numbers of the nodes and assigns a unique node address to each node. (c) The control unit sends the assigned node address to each node via the studio bus, the node being addressed via the serial number. (d) Each node receives the assigned node address and stores it in such a way that it can be addressed via the stored node address.

This basic process is described in more detail below. It is taken into account that several control units can be present in the studio system.

As shown in the flow diagram in FIG. 5, after the studio system is switched on (step 100), any control node SK sends a configuration request KA (step 101), for example in the form of the previously described message P6G1SnN (where N identifies the control nodes), to all control nodes SK connected to the studio control bus are connected. The control nodes respond to the configuration request KA with a configuration response (step 102), for example in the form of the previously described message P6G2SnN (where N can contain information about a node address that may still be present). Each control node SK transmits its own serial number SN both in the configuration request and in the configuration response. Since the serial numbers of all control nodes are available in all control nodes in this way, in a further step (step 103) the control node SK _min with the lowest (or highest) serial number SN _min can carry out the configuration and, in addition, a configuration request KA to all Send nodes with which not only the control nodes but also all other nodes, that is to say the lifting and lighting devices, are caused to delete the node addresses that are still present (step 103). The message P6G1SnN (where N identifies all nodes) can also be used here, for example, in the form described above. In response to this configuration request, all addressed nodes of the studio system delete the node addresses stored with them and send a configuration response (step 104), for example in the form of the previously described message P6G2SnN (where N contains information about the device type). The configuration response of each node contains its serial number SN, so that in the control node SK _min carrying out the configuration, if desired, but also in all other control nodes, all the serial numbers accumulate and are temporarily stored. The control node SK _min carrying out the configuration assigns a unique short node address to each node of the studio system and transmits the node address to the respective node (Step 105). The control node SK _min uses the temporarily stored serial numbers SN to identify the nodes that cannot be addressed at this point in time via a short node address. In order to transmit the node address, the control node SK _min carrying out the configuration sends a message to each node, for example in the form of the previously described message P6G3SnN (where N contains the node address), with which the control node transmits the new (short) node address to the addressed node . The respective addressed node receives this message, saves the node address and can then be addressed (addressed) using the short node address.

The following table shows an estimate of the time required to carry out the configuration described above for a studio system which consists of 3 control computers, 2 remote controls and 100 lifting devices, each with 6 brackets (spotlights). Furthermore, a transmission speed of 100 kbit / s was assumed for the estimation. Configuration step Message Time requirement After power-up, any computer sends a configuration request to all control nodes P6G1Sn \ 0x80 0.88 ms 5 control nodes answer P6G2Sn \ 0x ?? \ 0x70 \ 0x01 5.35 ms Computer with the lowest serial number sends a configuration request (deletion of possible node addresses) P6G1Sn \ 0xFF 0.88 ms 5 control nodes answer P6G2Sn \ 0x00 \ 0x70 \ 0x01 5.35 ms 100 lifting devices answer P6G2Sn \ 0x00 \ 0x10 \ 0x30 107.00 ms Computer with the lowest serial number sends new node addresses to control nodes (0x01-0x05) and lifting devices (0x20-0x84) P6G3Sn \ 0x ?? 92.40 ms TOTAL: 211.86 ms

This estimate of the time required was based on the studio control system and method described above in a realization based on the CAN version 2.0B standard.

Following the configuration described above, the control node carrying out the configuration can request the current parameters from all nodes, for example with the aid of the previously described messages P5Gx (with x = 1 ... 5). The assigned node addresses can now be used. An analog estimate of the time required for the above-mentioned studio system results in approximately 2655 ms for the transmission of the parameters, so that taking into account dead times, a studio system of the above-mentioned order of magnitude is completely configured and parameterized within approximately 10 to 20 s after each power-up .

If a node is added to a system that has already been configured, the node sends a configuration response, for example with the message P6G2SnN, without being prompted by a control node, and repeats this at a predetermined time interval until the control node with the lowest (or highest) serial number SK _min , the had previously carried out the configuration of the overall system, transfers a node address to the newly added node, for example using the message P2G3SnN (N is the new short node address, n the serial number SN of the node). The newly added node receives this message, saves the short node address assigned in it and can then be addressed (addressed) using the short node address. Following the configuration, the control node carrying out the configuration can request the current parameters from the newly added node, for example with the aid of the previously described messages P5Gx (with x = 1 ... 5). The assigned node address can now be used.

At this point, it should be noted that adding a node to an already configured system also means resetting a node, which is required, for example, because of a node malfunction or caused by an unintentional interruption in the power supply. By a reset, i.e. resetting to an initial state is no longer accessible to the node under the short node address assigned to it, provided that the relevant data is not temporarily stored or other countermeasures are taken. In order to include a node that has been put back into the initial state in the otherwise already configured overall system, the previously described individual configuration can be carried out, thereby avoiding a new configuration of the overall system.

In the description of the studio control system shown schematically in FIG. 1, it was explained for the second lifting device 3b that the headlights 4b connected to the second lifting device 3b are not directly connected to the studio bus 1c and that another interface, for example a serial interface, is between the lifting device and the headlights can be provided. In order to be able to transmit control commands to the headlight, the second lifting device 3b must be able to identify and address the connected headlights 4b. In this context, dynamic addressing, which is achieved on the basis of the serial number of the headlight, is advantageous. The serial number of the headlight bracket must be unique and can have the following structure, for example: 7 bit manuf. No. 7 bit device type 21 bit freely selectable number

The manufacturer number (manufacturer no.) Identifies the manufacturer of the headlight. The code number for the device type can be freely assigned by the manufacturer, but must be made known so that an identification or classification can also be made by others. The freely selectable number can be freely assigned by the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer can only assign the freely selectable number once for a device type. This serial number system is also suitable for use in the previously described method for configuring a studio control system, even if serial numbers are assigned to the other nodes. A distinction can be made about the device type.

After switching on, the headlight brackets 4b do not yet have any addresses assigned to them. In accordance with the invention described below, the second lifting device 3b searches for connected headlight brackets and assigns a unique address to each bracket. So that not all possible serial numbers have to be queried individually, the entire range of possible serial numbers is divided into two or more areas. The second lifting device 3b then checks the serial number ranges and asks the headlamp brackets whether ironing with a serial number is present in the area in question. If a bracket detects that its serial number is in the range queried, the bracket sends a signal to the lifting device 3b, which can be very short, for example a break signal. The serial number ranges in which no feedback from a headlamp bracket to the lifting device occurs within a certain period of time (timeout) are no longer checked by the lifting device. The areas in which the serial number of more than one headlight bracket falls are determined by the lifting device 3b based on the multiple Feedback recognized by the headlight bracket. These areas are subdivided and checked again.

The area between two serial numbers is queried via a broadcast command by transmitting the two serial numbers to the headlight bracket. The two transmitted serial numbers are included in the range. If exactly one serial number is to be queried, this serial number is used twice. If the serial number of a headlight is in the area and no address has been assigned to this bracket, the bracket answers the serial number request with a break signal of 2 character lengths. After the lifting device 3b has determined the serial numbers of the connected headlights 4b, a unique address can be assigned to each headlight. Headlights that have already been assigned an address no longer respond to the query of the serial number ranges. This makes it quicker to recognize headlamp brackets that are attached during operation.

Abfrageschritte notwendig. Somit sind beispielsweise bei 4 Scheinwerfern und 35 Bit langen Seriennummern max. 127 Abtrageschritte erforderlich. Bei einer seriellen Schnittstelle mit einer Übertragungsgeschwindigkeit von 9600 Bit/s und Telegrammlängen von 12 Byte (1 Byte Broadcastkennung, 2 x 5 Byte Seriennummer, 1 Byte Prüfsumme) und Antworten von 2 Bytezeiten kann bei einem Timeout eine Zeit von 20 ms für eine komplette Abfrage angenommen werden. Damit wird eine Zeit von maximal 20 ms x 217 = 4,34 s für die Erkennung aller 4 angeschlossenen Scheinwerferbügel benötigt. Zu beachten ist, daß dabei der ungünstigste Fall, nämlich statistisch gleichverteilte Seriennummern betrachtet wurde.With this procedure, the headlamp bracket can be identified very quickly based on the (very long) serial numbers. For the detection of n headlights and serial numbers with a length of m bits are maximum ${\text{(2 xnx (m - n + 1)) + (2}}^{\text{n}}\text{- 1)}$

Query steps necessary. Thus, for example with 4 headlights and 35 bit long serial numbers, max. 127 removal steps required. With a serial interface with a transmission speed of 9600 bit / s and telegram lengths of 12 bytes (1 byte broadcast identifier, 2 x 5 byte serial number, 1 byte checksum) and responses of 2 byte times, a timeout can result in a Time of 20 ms for a complete query. This means that a maximum time of 20 ms x 217 = 4.34 s is required to recognize all 4 connected headlight brackets. It should be noted that the worst case, namely statistically evenly distributed serial numbers, was considered.

The procedure described here is suitable for the identification of headlight brackets and other nodes in a studio control system, in general, independently of the previously described methods. For this purpose, the check can be carried out by a control node.

Claims (18)

Studio control system with - a studio bus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) for the transmission of messages, and - Several nodes, which are designed for connection to the studio bus and for sending and receiving messages via the studio bus, comprising several lifting or lighting devices (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c) and at least one control unit (2; 5 ) for the control of the lifting or lighting equipment with the help of messages transmitted via the studio bus, characterized in that the nodes (2; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c; 5) are designed for sending and receiving messages via the studio bus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) in such a way that when two or more messages are sent simultaneously Nodes determine the nodes based on the content of the message which node continues sending the message. Studio control system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the nodes (2; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c; 5) are designed for sending and receiving messages via the studio bus such that the transmitted messages comprise several fields (P, G, E, S, N) and that when messages are sent simultaneously by two or more nodes, the nodes are determined using at least one identifier (P, G, E, S) transmitted at the beginning of the message, which node continues sending the message. Studio control system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the nodes (2; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c; 5) are designed for sending and receiving messages via the studio bus such that the content of the at least one at the beginning of the message transmitted identifier (P, G, E, S) represents a value that is inversely proportional to the priority of the message. Studio control system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the nodes (2; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c; 5) are designed for sending and receiving messages via the studio bus in such a way that the nodes receive the messages in digitally send and receive, and that when two or more nodes send messages simultaneously, the nodes determine which node continues sending the message when each bit of the message identifier is sent. Process for the automation of lifting and lighting equipment used in the studio area, in which messages are transmitted between the lifting or lighting equipment (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c) and at least one control unit (2; 5) via a studio bus characterized in that when messages are transmitted simultaneously based on the content of the Messages is determined which message is to be transmitted further. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the transmitted messages comprise a plurality of fields (P, G, E, S, N) and that when messages are sent at the same time using at least one identifier (P, G, E, S ) it is determined which message will be transmitted further. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the content of the at least one identifier (P, G, E, S) transmitted at the beginning of the message represents a value which is inversely proportional to the priority of the message. Method according to Claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the messages are sent and received bit by bit in digital form and that, when messages are sent at the same time as each bit of the identifier of a message is sent, which message is to be transmitted further. Method for configuring a studio control system with a studio bus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) and several nodes, which are designed for connection to the studio bus and for sending and receiving via the studio bus, comprising several lifting or lighting devices (3a, 3b ; 4a, 4b, 4c) and at least one control unit (2; 5) for controlling the lifting or lighting devices with the aid of control commands transmitted via the studio bus, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the following steps: (a) Each node sends a unique serial number to the at least one control unit via the studio bus. (b) The at least one control unit receives the serial numbers of the nodes and assigns a unique node address to each node. (c) The at least one control unit sends the assigned node address to each node via the studio bus, the node being addressed via the serial number. (d) Each node receives the assigned node address and stores it in such a way that it can be addressed via the stored node address. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one control unit stores the serial numbers of the nodes and the assigned node addresses. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that in a studio control system with a plurality of control units, the control units first mutually transmit a serial number which uniquely identifies them, and in that the assignment and transmission of the node addresses in accordance with steps (c) and (d) is carried out by the control unit with the lowest serial number or carried out by the control unit with the highest serial number. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that a plurality of control units receive and store the serial numbers of the nodes and the assigned node addresses. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that when a node is added to a configured system, the node sends a unique serial number via the studio bus to the at least one control unit which receives at least one control unit the serial number of the added node, the assigns a unique node address to the added node and transmits the assigned node address to the added node via the studio bus, the added node being addressed via the serial number, and the added node receiving the assigned node address and storing it in such a way that it is addressed via the stored node address can. Studio control system with a studio bus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) and several nodes, which are designed for connection to the studio bus and for sending and receiving via the studio bus, comprising several lifting or lighting devices (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b , 4c) and at least one control unit (2; 5) for controlling the lifting or lighting devices with the aid of control commands transmitted via the studio bus, characterized in that the nodes (2; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c; 5 ) are designed for carrying out the method according to one of claims 9 to 13. Studio control system according to claim 14, characterized in that the nodes (2; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c; 5) are designed for carrying out the method according to one of claims 5 to 8. Method for identifying a node in a studio control system with a studio bus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) and several nodes, which are designed for connection to the studio bus and for transmission and reception via the studio bus, comprising several lifting or lighting devices ( 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c) and at least one control unit (2; 5) for controlling the lifting or lighting devices with the aid of control commands transmitted via the studio bus, characterized in that the range of all serial numbers provided for the nodes in at least two areas are divided and for each area the nodes are queried as to whether the serial number that is uniquely assigned to them lies in the area that the areas in which the serial number of no node does not fall, and that the areas in which the serial number of at least one node falls as long as it is divided into at least two areas and for each new area in the Node is queried whether the serial number uniquely assigned for it lies in the area until the serial numbers of the nodes are uniquely identified. Studio control system with a studio bus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) and several nodes, which are designed for connection to the studio bus and for sending and receiving via the studio bus, comprising several lifting or lighting devices (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c) and at least one control unit (2; 5) for controlling the lifting or lighting devices with the aid of Control commands transmitted via the studio bus, characterized in that the nodes (2; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c; 5) are designed for carrying out the method according to claim 15. Studio control system according to Claim 17, characterized in that the nodes (2; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b, 4c; 5) are designed for carrying out the method according to one of Claims 5 to 12.

Images