Patent Grant
8300219
A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to pre-installation, precise preliminary aiming of devices to pre-designed orientations, and then efficient and precise installation with precise final aiming, and in particular, to a comprehensive system of preliminary aiming and then installation, and also to specific apparatuses and methodologies that can be used in parts or components of the comprehensive systems.
B. Problems in the Art
A variety of devices exist that need to be installed in relatively precise pre-determined orientation(s) or directions. One example is wireless communications tower devices such as are found on cellular telephone, land mobile radio, or television towers. Normally the transmitter(s) or receiver(s) are installed in pre-planned geographical direction(s) for best signal coverage for a given geographic area. Another example is airport runway towers. The orientation of such lights must be directional and unequivocal to help pilots locate and guide the plane to the runway. A further example is lighting fixtures. Arrays of lighting fixtures are suspended on tall poles. Each fixture is individually oriented in reference to certain unique points on or near the field or target to be lighted. The orientations of each fixture are many times pre-determined to attempt to meet intensity and uniformity minimums across the field or target.
One way to aim or orient such device(s) to its/their desired installed position is to erect the supporting structure and then elevate a worker to the device(s). Each device is then manually adjusted to some approximate orientation by the elevated worker. Alternatively, some method can be devised to find or measure relative to the predetermined orientation. In any event, it is usually difficult for one worker to adjust, aim, and then lock in correct orientation relatively large and cumbersome devices when elevated high in the air or when standing high on a tower. This is especially true if outdoors. Wind, precipitation, or other outside environment factors can make this work very difficult. Even with two or more workers, it is still difficult to adjust, aim and lock in the correct orientation from these high elevations. Additionally, the precise orientation of the devices is difficult to achieve with tools and methods commonly available to field workers.
In the example of sports lighting systems, if the poles and fixtures are erected and then aimed, one or more workers must be elevated high up in the air in difficult working conditions and try to communicate with persons on the ground who would direct the aiming of each fixture. This would use up substantial amounts of time and labor. It usually would require much trial and error. Human error enters into these methods. It is quite difficult to visually identify the center of a beam with the human eye from hundreds of feet, even if attempted at night with the beam projected onto the field. If windy or otherwise unfavorable environmental conditions exist, it is quite difficult for the worker up at the fixtures to be accurate. The mere fact that a crane or other elevating system must be used for substantial periods of time (and thus taken away from other productive use) is quite inefficient and costly.
To reduce field installation time and improve the accuracy of the device orientation or aiming, a preliminary orientation may be set by the manufacturer prior to shipment. This is generally a good practice since the manufacturer or designer of the system understands the needs of the device aiming better than the installation crew. However, accurate preliminary aiming at the manufacturer or assembler can be challenging. Any errors introduced during assembly are often compounded by additional errors during installation. In addition, variances in manufacturing process, personnel and components can also interject errors in the device orientation.
In these examples, accuracy of the final installed aiming can be very important, if not critical. Take the case of a system of lighting fixtures elevated to substantial heights and aimed to specifically predetermined aiming points in the area to be illuminated. One reason to do so is to place light in specific locations. Still further, this can be important when the lighting system includes multiple fixtures. Instead of random or rough aiming of fixtures to achieve lighting of the target area, efficient utilization of light, as well as better uniformity and intensity levels, can be accomplished according to a predesigned plan of aiming each fixture to aiming points in the target area. With recent technological advances in the lighting efficiency from sports lighting fixtures, for example those manufactured by Musco Sports Lighting, LLC of Oskaloosa, Iowa, USA, the precise orientation of the fixtures is desirable to ensure the light is directed to the intended location. Tighter control of the light beam helps reduce wasted light and spill light off the target area. However, it also requires the installation and orientation of the lights to be more exact.
The concept of a pre-designed fixture aiming plan is well known in the sports lighting field. The lighting system must meet minimum intensity and uniformity requirements for the target area. One example is lighting for an athletic field. Computer programs are available and widely used to compute the number of lighting fixtures and their aiming orientation to the target area based on pole locations and light output characteristics from the lighting fixtures. By referring, for example, to
By choice or necessity, many times lighting fixtures are elevated to substantial heights (e.g. from 35 to 150 feet). Also they may be elevated on poles which are offset from the target area such that the distances from each fixture to its aiming location on the field are substantial, even up to hundreds of feet. It can be appreciated, and is well known in the art, that accurate placement of the center of a light beam from a lighting fixture at these great distances from the aiming point is not trivial. In fact, it is quite difficult. Furthermore, any misalignment from the aiming point of even a few degrees (or even less) vertically or horizontally can shift the beam from its intended projection onto the field significantly. Geometrically, a few degrees of offset at the top of a pole hundreds of feet away can shift the beam center quite a few feet. For example, a fixture elevated at 100 feet and aimed 60 degrees from nadir can be off its target aiming point by over 7 feet when the vertical aiming orientation is off by a mere 1 degree (61 degrees from nadir). Thus, such variances from exact aiming accuracy can upset the composite lighting of the target area enough that it would potentially negatively impact intensity and uniformity requirements for such a field.
These types of concerns have been discussed in co-owned issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,764 and related U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/270,098, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,586, and Ser. No. 12/323,838. Not only is it difficult to get precise aiming of lighting fixtures that are attached to cross arms on poles, the methodology of aiming is cumbersome and can be quite inefficient from a resource standpoint. U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,764 and the related applications cited above describe an aiming method having advantages over other methods which rely on aiming fixtures once the pole(s) are erected by elevating a worker to do so. It places a relatively inexpensive collimated light source, such as laser beam pointer or similar unit, on at least one light fixture on each pole or array of lighting fixtures for the field or target. Each fixture of the pole or array is pre-aimed either on the ground or at the factory. The pole and/or array are then simply pivoted to vertical at the appropriate location for the pole and the alignment beam turned on. If it intersects with the correct aiming point on the target area for that fixture (each fixture has its own designed aiming point on the field that is determined by a lighting layout design), it is assumed each other pre-aimed fixture of the pole or whole array is also correctly aimed since the array is essentially a collective group of devices mounted together on a framework that allows the group to act as a composite unit. However, this assumption may interject substantial error into the lighting design. If the fixture with the alignment beam is incorrectly aimed, even a few degrees of error (or less) could materially disrupt the composite lighting of the field, because it would then be likely that all fixtures on that pole would also end up mis-aimed. Error could exist by human error in aiming the fixture with the alignment beam. Or it could exist because of manufacturing tolerances. For example, the cross-arm on which the fixture is mounted may be warped, or there may be manufacturing error or play in the connection between the fixture and the cross-arm. This method also requires a fairly accurate mount of the alignment beam to the fixture so that it at least coincides with a reference, e.g. vertical plane through the aiming axis of the fixture. If not correctly mounted, the assumption the alignment beam is an accurate reference can interject substantial error into the installation. This method also requires workers to accurately find the appropriate aiming point on the field or target for the alignment beam. This interjects substantial risk of human error into the process. It can be difficult to accurately locate a point on a large area such as an athletic field that is many hundreds of feet in length and width. It is difficult to be precise with a measuring tape of those lengths. Thus, even if this method avoids individual aiming of fixtures after elevated on their poles, there are a number of factors that can interject material error into the installation.
Another aspect of aimed devices is the accuracy of the installation of the support structure the devices are mounted to. Examples are poles, towers, and other tall structures. Many times these tall structures are assembled on the ground and must be raised into vertical position and then precisely lowered onto a support base. For example, the base can be a protruding structure that the pole slip mates over or more of an in-ground footing to which the pole could be attached by anchor bolts. Control of the structure alignment during installation is critical to the accuracy of the aimed devices. Often times, the structure (e.g. pole with light fixtures, tower with wireless transceivers, etc.) is held free by the crane to allow the worker to align the structure as needed to achieve the desired orientation of the aimed devices. However, as the structure is lowered to its final position, the worker would benefit from micro level or fine control over the structure rotation to reduce risk of slight movement or misalignment of the structure that can occur due to lack of control by the worker. A method of controlling the structure orientation during installation is needed and solved by this invention.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for improvements in accurate aiming of lighting fixtures that are elevated on poles or other structures designed for a specific accurate angular orientation to target area aiming points. There is also a need in the art of improvement in accurate aiming of other devices that are elevated or supported on structures to substantial heights.
Certain definitions used in the specification are provided below. Also in the examples that follow, a number of terms are used. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided.
Aiming, aim, aimed—this refers to the orientation of a device relative some reference, e.g., some known axis projecting from an output side of the device relative to a known coordinate system. For example, the aiming axis of a device such as a lighting fixture, or radio transmitter is generally established by the manufacturer and will typically align with a geometric feature of the device, but is not limited to such.
Device(s)—apparatus(es) that are to be installed at relatively precise pre-determined aiming.
Optical motion capture system—this refers to the system that tracks the position of markers added to or associated with a device and determines the position and orientation of the device. Optical motion capture systems, sometimes referred to as MOCAP in the art, can be based on passive or active markers. An optical component, such as a video camera, captures the markers in its field(s) of view (camera space). A software component tracks the markers in camera space and provides position feedback which correlates camera space position and orientation to real space. In some cases, multiple cameras are required to provide full range of motion and/or sufficient degrees of freedom of movement information. Optional motion capture systems may also be described as a dynamic measuring system. Optional motion capture systems are commercially offered by a variety of sources. A few examples are: Meta Motion of 268 Bush St. #1, San Francisco, Calif. 94104, USA, see www.metamotion.com, or NDI (Northern Digital, Inc.) of 103 Randall Drive, Waterloo, Ontario CANADA N2V IC5, see www.ndigital.com.
Marker(s)—also known in the art as targets, optical targets, active markers, passive marker(s), or optical marker(s). Markers are features or targets used by the position sensors of an optical motion capture system to determine the position and orientation of the device they are mounted to or associated with. Markers are generally mounted on a frame, sometimes called a rigid body. Different types of markers can be used to fit the individual needs of the tracking system or device to be measured or aligned. The markers may be what are called active markers that emit a signal to the position sensor, such as an infrared signal or strobed or pulsed light, such as LEDs. What are called passive markers are retro-reflective and reflect a signal back to its emitter to indicate the position.
Rigid body(ies)—a rigid body is known in physics as a solid body of finite size having a constant distance between any two given points. For purposes of this description, a rigid body has similar meaning. The rigid body is the frame, fixture, or jig that the markers or targets mount to at a known relationship and constant distance from each other and other known points on the frame, fixture, or jig. The position and orientation of a rigid body can be determined by the known points, generally six parameters or more.
Position sensor—an apparatus that can automatically sense a device within the apparatus' effective range and translate the sensing into a position related to a reference in real space. An optical motion capture system is one example of a position sensor.
Target area—the boundary or surface area in which the aiming of a light or other aimed device is intended to be directed. For lighting, it may also be referred to or known in the art as target lighting area, lighting area, illuminated area, area to be illuminated, field, sports field or variations thereof. Some examples of target areas for aimed lighting devices are parking lots, traveled surfaces, and sports fields such as baseball, soccer or football. For non-lighting devices, such as antennas, the target area may be the acceptance angle of the aimed device or area of coverage.
Alignment beam—a beam of light produced by a light source or light that has been altered by a lens or other method into an output pattern that is at least substantially collimated or pseudo-collimated in at least one plane, but which may or may not diverge in other planes. A collimated light beam is generally described as non-diverging, or does not increase in width as distance from light source increases. The light pattern from the alignment beam, when projected onto a surface (e.g. the target area), can be shaped to produce a single dot, a line that diverges in one direction, crosshairs, concentric circles, squares or other shapes. See http://www.stockeryale.com/i/laser/products/snf.htm for more information about laser beams.
Pole—a pole generally refers to an elongated tube or member that supports and elevates one or more aimed device(s). Poles are not limited to round-in-cross section or cylindrical shapes. For example, square, rectangular or even triangular or oval cross sections are common. In addition, poles may vary in size, height and/or taper from larger to smaller cross section as elevation increases.
Elevating structure—a tower or other elevating structure that provides similar function as a pole.
Landmark—this refers to a point, existing or otherwise on or near the target area. The landmark can be a pre-existing, fixed, object at or on the target area or simply an easy-to-determine location or point. An example would be a home base or home base location on a baseball or softball field. Another example would be a vertical leg of a goal on a football or soccer field. Yet another example may be the center of the field. A further example would be a corner edge of a building, an edge of a roadway, or other identifiable feature.
It is a principal object, feature, aspect, or advantage to provide apparatus, methods, and systems for precision aiming and/or installation of pre-aimed devices that improve over or solve problems and deficiencies in the art.
Other objects, features, aspects, or advantages of the present invention may include apparatus, methods, or systems as above-described which provide one or more of:
In one aspect of the invention, a method and set of apparatuses are utilized in a comprehensive system for accurate pre-aiming and installation of devices on a pole or poles or other elevating structure. The devices are pre-set to an aiming orientation relative to a common reference, for example, a plane or set of planes. The reference plane(s) are then correlated to a feature of the pole or other elevating structure that will be used to elevate or suspend the devices. A position sensor subsystem is utilized to inform a worker when each device is correctly angularly oriented to the reference plane. The position sensor is preprogrammed with the correct aiming orientation for each device. The worker simply manipulates mounting structure for the device to move the device to the correct three-dimensional angular orientation, using the position sensor to confirm the correct orientation to within a highly accurate margin of error, and either locks the device in that orientation or marks the orientation. The pre-aimed device(s) of each pole are then shipped to the installation site as separate components or as part of a structure assembly. At ground or floor level, the devices, any wiring or other associated components, and all other aspects for the final system can be preassembled. The device(s) are already pre-aimed or are brought to their pre-aimed positions as marked on the structure. The pole is preliminarily erected at its pre-designed location and pre-designed rotational orientation. Before the final positioning, an alignment beam or other rotational alignment unit is utilized to confirm the correct rotation of the pole relative to a landmark which has been previously correlated with correct rotational alignment. Once rotational alignment is confirmed, it is assumed each of the pre-aimed devices on the pole is/are correctly aligned or aimed. The system avoids having to elevate workers up to the devices to aim the devices by hand once the pole is erected. All that is required is manipulation and confirmation that the pole is accurately aligned by confirming accurate alignment of the reference plane with a landmark.
Another aspect of the invention relates to aiming lighting fixtures of a multiple light lighting system according to a pre-designed lighting layout with each fixture having an aiming point on a target area. Using an automated angular position sensor, each fixture is pre-aimed relative to a single reference plane. The reference plane is correlated to a portion of the pole. An alignment beam is mounted on the pole in correlation to the reference plane to issue an alignment beam in that plane and a direction that corresponds with a pre-determined landmark at, on or near the target area when the pole is in a correct rotational orientation for correct aiming of the lighting fixtures. The pole is preliminarily erected at its correct location relative the target area and manipulated until a worker or sensor confirms the alignment beam is aligned with the landmark. Once the reference plane represented by the alignment beam is correctly aligned with the landmark, the pre-aimed fixtures, accurately aligned relative to the reference plane, are assumed accurately aimed to their individual pre-designed aiming locations across the target area. This process can be repeated with additional poles or elevating structures and devices for the system using the same landmark as previous poles. Using a single landmark reduces time and may improve the accuracy of the system by referencing all the poles or structures from a common point, eliminating potential measurement errors finding multiple reference points. A single landmark also provides unity with the support structures (e.g. poles), or device arrays (e.g. light fixture arrays), and allow them to function as a composite system.
In another aspect of the invention, the pole is erected onto a footing or base allowing a range of rotational adjustment of the pole. The bottom of the pole is preliminarily lowered or placed onto the footing or base. A tool is operatively connected to the pole and used to rotate the structure until the desired orientation to the landmark is confirmed. In one embodiment, the footing or base is a stub that is fixed in the ground or floor and plumbed, and has an upper end extending above the ground or floor. The bottom of the pole has a complementary configuration to slip fit over the upper end of the footing or base, and can be preliminarily seated on the base or footing. The preliminary seating allows a tool to be attached to the lower end of the pole to turn the pole on the base until correct rotational alignment is confirmed. The pole can then be finally secured or seated on the base or footing.
Other aspects according to the invention include a position sensor for pre-aiming devices that utilizes optical motion capture system technology as the position sensor. In one aspect, active optical markers are captured in a multiple camera optical motion capture system. A first set of active optical markers designates a reference plane, or set of planes, that is correlated to a feature of the pole. A second set of active optical markers indicates the angular orientation of an aiming axis of the device in space. The camera system is oriented to capture multiple images of both sets of active markers from different vantage points. A processor or controller has software that can analyze the different images and calculate the three-dimensional angular orientation of the axis of the device relative to the reference plane. The processor or controller is pre-programmed to know the correct angular orientation between the reference plane and the angular orientation of each device, and indicates visually or otherwise to the worker any offset between the axis of the device and the correct aiming. This allows the worker to adjust the device and get feedback and confirmation of when the adjustment aligns with the pre-designed angular orientation within a very small range of acceptable error. This helps eliminate worker error and is efficient.
In another aspect of the invention, the pre-aiming of devices comprises pre-aiming only mounting structure for the device or portion of device assembly, e.g. lighting fixtures to a pole fitter assembly that slip fits onto the top of a pole. This is efficient for workers because they can adjust angular orientation of the mounting structure without having to manipulate the sometimes quite large devices (e.g. lighting fixtures). It also is less cumbersome because the whole pole does not have to be involved, but can be shipped separately to the installation site.
In another aspect of the invention, a tool is designed to allow efficient rotational adjustment of a pre-assembled pole and device(s) which is slip-fit mounted on a base or other mounting means for the pole or structure. The tool comprises a head and a long handle. The head includes a strap and cinching mechanism that can clamp the head around the bottom of a pole. The handle can be pivotally attached but removable from the head. It is optionally pivotable in the vertical directions and rigid in the horizontal direction when clamped on a pole. This provides the worker substantial mechanical advantage and positional adjustability of the handle relative to the pole for rotating the pole about a vertical axis. It is also quick and easy to attach and detach from the pole.
In another aspect of the invention, an aiming apparatus can be used to allow remote confirmation of correct rotational position of a pole or other elevating structure with pre-aimed devices or poles or other elevating structures that require a specific orientation. In one embodiment, an alignment beam is mounted on a vertically erected pole or structure to issue a fan-shaped, diverging beam in generally a vertical plane. It is accurately calibrated in its mounting to correspond the plane of the beam with a reference plane correlated to the pole. A worker can stand even many hundreds of feet away when the pole is erected and “find” the alignment beam by moving his or her eye through the plane of the beam, which would produce a “flash” sensation, even if the beam itself cannot be seen or has relatively low intensity at the site of the worker. The worker on the field can then move to the correct point at the target area in which the vertical reference plane of the pole or elevating structure should be aligned and confirm for a worker rotating the pole or elevating structure that the pole or elevating structure is in correct rotational orientation. The correct point can be a pre-established and easily identified landmark relative the field or target area. Two workers can accomplish this quite efficiently. Alternatively, an aiming sight could be attached to the pole or elevating structure with an outwardly extending wall with a vertical slot aligned with the vertical reference plane of the pole or elevating structure. The spaced-apart wall towards the pole or elevating structure from the outward wall would have a middle section aligned with the slot and left and right sections relative the middle section and slot. The left and right sections could be colored differently or have other visible differences from the middle section and each other. A worker could stand at the correct point on the target area for the vertical reference plane of the pole or other elevating structure and with binoculars or other optical assistance look through the outward extended vertical slot of the aiming sight on the distant pole or other elevating structure. If the worker saw the midpoint between the left and right sides of the aiming sight, the worker could confirm the pole or elevating structure is in correct rotational position. On the other hand, if the line of sight of the worker through the vertical slot sees the left side of the sight rear wall, the worker could communicate to a worker at the pole to rotate the pole counter-clockwise until the worker on the field indicates the sight is centered relative to that worker. Conversely if the worker sees the right hand side of the rear wall of the sight, he or she could communicate to a worker at the pole or structure to rotate the pole or structure clockwise on the base until it is centered.
Another means of detecting the location of the plane of an alignment beam created from laser energy is to use a commercially available laser sensor. An on-field worker could point a commercially available laser sensor towards the alignment beam unit on a pole or elevating structure. Such laser sensors can indicate through displays, LED lights, audibly or otherwise how far away the beam is from dead-on position. The worker can direct or coordinate rotation of the pole or elevating structure to the correct position through some communication. A possibility is a walkie-talkie or radio frequency head set radio. Visible lasers are not necessarily required. For example, an infrared (IR) laser could be used. An IR detector could be used at a position away from the IR laser to detect when in alignment with the non-visible IR laser. A laser sensor could be mounted on a tripod or rod, at the landmark, and a remote worker could operate the laser sensor to detect when the beam is in the correct location.
These and other objects, features, aspects, or advantages of the invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying specification and claims.
For a better understanding of the invention, a few embodiments of systems, apparatus, and methods according to aspects of the invention will now be described in detail. Frequent reference will be taken to the appended Figures. Reference numerals will be used to indicate certain parts and locations in the Figures. The same reference numerals will be used to indicate the same parts and locations throughout the Figures unless otherwise indicated.
The exemplary embodiments will be described in the context of sports lighting fixtures for illuminating a sports field. The context will be a lighting system having a plurality of substantial length poles (35 to 150 feet) of hollow tubular metal on the top of which a pole fitter is slip fit. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,478, incorporated by reference herein for an example of such a pole and pole fitter. The pole fitter comprises a comparatively short hollow tube with one or more perpendicular cross arms. One or more lighting fixtures are mountable to each cross arm with adjustable mounting structure that allows at least two-degrees-freedom-of-movement of the fixture relative the cross arm. The number of poles and types of lighting fixtures for a given field are pre-designed according to a computerized lighting layout plan to produce a certain light intensity and uniformity across a sports field. Such computerized layout plans are well-known in the art. The lighting design includes specific aiming points for each fixture on the playing field to meet the light uniformity and intensity levels. This results in a specific aiming orientation of each fixture relative that aiming point.
It is to be appreciated, however, that the exemplary embodiments can be applied in analogous ways to a variety of other lighting applications. Examples might include but are not limited to parking lot lighting, street or roadway lighting, airport runway lighting, and all sorts of other wide area or specialty lighting. But further, as indicated earlier, the exemplary embodiments can be applied in analogous ways to a variety of non-lighting devices and applications. Non-limiting examples include cellular telephone towers and equipment, land mobile radio towers and equipment, and other wireless communication systems or antennas.
Many of the Figures will be referred to regarding a description below of an overall factory aiming and installation system and method according to one aspect of the invention. This comprehensive system combines several components and methodologies.
First, it utilizes a system to confirm to factory workers correct three dimensional orientation of each light fixture relative to a common reference plane(s) in space. The reference plane(s) are correlated to some feature of the lighting structure to which the fixtures or other devices are attached. This position sensor system, hereafter referred to as “aiming system 10” (
In particular, a pole fitter 100 (see
Each mounting elbow 130 can be mounted to the bottom of cross arm 110 or 112 via mounting plate 134 and adjusted over a substantial range (e.g. 0-120 degrees) of rotational positions around a First Axis (see
System 10 provides many benefits. A lighting design for a sports field can dictate how many poles, how many cross arms per pole, and how many fixtures per cross arm are needed, as well as the aiming angle for each fixture relative the sports field, for each lighting application. System 10 allows pre-aiming of each fixture by pre-aiming just the relatively small and more easily manipulatable cones 120 on pole fitter 100, as compared with having to adjust fully assembled lighting fixtures on fully assembled poles whether horizontally disposed or erected vertically.
This relatively small pole fitter 100 with adjustable cones 120 is also much easier to transport to an aiming station 30 (
Thus, in a mass production factory environment, a factory worker moves the combination of pole fitter 100 with adjustable cones 120 (
In this embodiment, the position sensor system comprises an optical motion capture system.
A controller 12 for the optical motion capture system has the following inputs. A three-dimensional camera vision system 14 is elevated on a stand that can be moved into position to view the aiming station 30 in the factory (see
A second set of active optical markers 19 (e.g. infrared LEDs) is mounted on a rigid body that is secured to a jig that can be removably attached on the face of a cone 120. This jig with the optical markers 19 is referred to as aiming sensor device 18, as its function is to be placed in a consistent position on each cone 120 to establish the aiming axis (i.e. central axis) of each cone 120 by the position sensor system. The aiming sensor device 18 establishes a vector perpendicular to the cone face and then projects that vector onto the planes X′Z′ and X′Y′ established by the reference plane device 16 (see
By methods well known with respect to optical motion capture technology, optical system 14 captures in its camera space multiple concurrent images of the markers of reference plane device 16, and aiming sensor device 18 from different viewing angles for one cone 120. The active markers are strobed LEDs accurately positioned to mark out with those lights an XYZ axis for each of reference plane device 16 and aiming sensor device 18 (see
Computer 22 can communicate with controller 12 to provide it with the set of desired aiming angle orientations for all cones 120 of a particular lighting application. Controller 12 can communicate to a display 20 visible by the factory workers a set of information or graphics that automatically show when a particular cone 120 is adjusted so that the aiming sensor device 18, which represents the central axis of cone 120, is in a very close correspondence with the pre-designed desired angular orientation for that cone 120 relative the references defined by the reference plane device 16. The worker can receive a visual, audible, or other perceivable signal or indicia of correct alignment for that cone 120 and then lock that cone 120 and mounting elbow 130 in the correct pan and tilt angular orientation. This is a highly precise way to help the worker accurately pre-aim the mounting cone 120 for each fixture location on fitter 100 relative to a, e.g., vertical reference plane. It is to be understood that confirmation of correct aiming orientation of each cone 120 is relative to the same reference plane(s), not individually to some aiming point on the field to be lighted and not individually to its mounting elbow 130, cross arm 110 or 112, or some other structural feature of fitter 100. Each aiming orientation is relative to the same, consistent references, as captured and analyzed in camera space. The references are correlated to the backbone 102 of fitter 100, which in turn is correlated to the entire pole (200
As can be appreciated, this factory pre-aiming correlated to a reference eliminates a number of potential causes of aiming error. Each cone 120 is aimed relative to the reference(s) correlated to the vertical backbone 102 of fitter 100. This backbone 102 would slip fit down onto the top of a long vertical pole 200. The slip fitting provides a quite accurate and easy way to connect fitter 100 and pole 200, but also align the longitudinal axis of backbone 102 with that of pole 200. Thus, the references based on backbone 102 essentially become a reference based on the longitudinal axis of the entire pole 200. This eliminates any potential error that might exist if the angular orientation was instead referenced to a cross arm 110 or 112. For example, a cross-arm can sometimes be warped so that it is bent or twisted. This can be caused by uncertainties in manufacturing or assembly processes. This can interject substantial and material error or offset in aiming of one or more fixtures.
Therefore, pre-aiming each mounting cone 120 to the same reference(s) avoids such issues. It is assumed that fitter backbone 102 will fit and be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the long pole 200, which in turn will be slip fit on a base 210 (
Once the cones 120 have been aimed, the whole fixtures 150 (see e.g.
Head 234 has a V-shaped side (
Once the pole 200/fitter 100/fixtures 150 have been assembled on the ground and then raised (e.g. by a lift truck, crane, or other machine), a handle 232 (e.g. 5-6 feet in length) is removably attached to head 234 but is articulatable relative to the pole as shown in
Third, a pole rotational alignment unit can be utilized by a worker on the field or target area to confirm correct rotational position of the pole relative to some predetermined landmark or location. As noted above, this is the only and final adjustment requirement for final aiming and installation of the lighting assembly on base 210. In other words, if cones 120 are factory pre-aimed as described above, once pole 200/fitter 100/and fixtures 150, and other related components are assembled for a pole 200, and that assembly is raised to vertical (
One form of the pole alignment unit is an alignment beam assembly 300 (see
By the same principal as occurs when a person perceives a flash when the highest intensity center of the beam of a conventional flashlight moves past or intersects a human eye, the worker will perceive a flash when his or her eye enters or passes through the vertical plane of the alignment beam (see, e.g., reference numeral 318 in
Pole 200 can be what will be called preliminarily mounted on a slip fit base such as base 210 in a rotational position that tries to aim the alignment beam assembly 300 to the known, visibly or otherwise perceivable landmark on or near the field. From experience, correctly mounted alignment beam assembly 300 (see
Alternatively the worker could use radio or other communication apparatuses or methods including hand signals or non-verbal communication. The on-field worker would then move to and stand at the landmark (e.g.
Alternatively, correct rotational position of the pole can be confirmed as follows. The pole-rotating worker could use a tool such as tool 230 to rotate pole 200 back and forth over a range (e.g. 90 degrees) while the on-field worker stands on the landmark. The on-field worker would signal the pole-rotating worker when he/she perceives the “flash” of the alignment beam. This would be an initial gross positioning of rotation of pole 200 relative the landmark. The pole-rotating worker would then rotate pole 200 over a much narrower angular range (perhaps roughly 10 degrees or so) as slowly as possible. The on-field worker would fine-tune the correct rotational position when perceiving the flash and communicate to the pole-turner to stop rotation. The on-field worker could move his or her head back and forth to double-check correct alignment, if necessary. Alternately, a sensor (e.g. laser sensor), as described elsewhere herein could be used. If any fine tuning is needed, it could be done by communication between the workers and small incremental rotation of the pole. After pole 200 is secured to base 210, the orientation could be verified prior to moving the lifting equipment to the next location. This allows for adjustments to be made without additional crane setup.
The system therefore provides accurate pre-aiming of each fixture at the factory to eliminate manufacturing tolerances, and other uncertainties and potential human error of aiming in other manners. It provides a very efficient and adaptable tool for rotation of the pole before final seating or fixing. And, it provides for an efficient, economical, but remote (from the pole) method of determining the correct rotational orientation of the pole relative the target area.
As can be appreciated, this minimizes labor and time with the added advantage of high accuracy to meet the light aiming design. As mentioned, the accuracy has been found to be within an improved margin of error over many other methods.
The system utilizes an alignment beam to assist in light fixture array aiming, but has at least the following differences over the previously incorporated by reference U.S. Ser. No. 12/323,838.
First, the alignment beam assembly 300 (
Second, by factory pre-aiming the cones 120 relative the pole 200/pole fitter 100, and then knowing the relationships between the alignment beam 318 and the pole 200/100, if the alignment beam 318 lines up with the landmark, it is assumed each of the fixtures 150 of the array are correctly aimed. The only step to line up the alignment beam 318 with the landmark is correct rotation of the pole 200. This can be done efficiently with sensing the “flash” of the alignment beam 318 when standing on the landmark. The pole rotation tool 230 can efficiently be used to rotate the pole 200 into correct position. The result is quicker and more accurate aiming.
Sub-systems or components of the above-described system are described in additional detail individually later in this description.
The apparatus, method and system described herein also relates to any system that could benefit from precise control of the alignment of the devices in the system to ensure the devices function as a composite or aggregate system or the composite aggregate system functions essentially as a single unit.
Computer modeling or other design methods are often used to determine the location and precise orientation of devices that function together to create an overall system. Often times devices, including but not limited to lighting fixtures, are grouped together on a single mounting structure or on multiple structures or are designed for coordinated operation as an aggregate, coordinated system. The model or design of the system creates a pre-planned layout and aiming of the devices to ensure each device contributes to the overall system in the desired manner and the system functions as intended. Often times the model or design is used to provide the customer information on performance of the final product/system. Given an accurate model or system design, the provider may guarantee the system performance illustrated in the model. The challenge for the system provider is controlling the various aspects of manufacturing and installation to ensure the final operating system closely matches the model or design. In other words, the model or plan provides an ideal aiming for the devices, but the challenge is to install the devices accurately according to the plan.
The problems in the art that are solved by the apparatuses, methods and systems discussed herein are the precise orientation control of devices that are part of an aggregate system. While methods and systems exist to attempt to precisely control the orientation of individual aimed devices, typically a function of the manufacturing process, the devices must then be installed in the desired orientation so that the collective group of devices acts as a composite unit. The apparatus, method and system discussed herein provides for a composite unit, aggregation or coordination of devices by precise control of the installed orientation of the devices or arrays of devices.
Further objects, features, advantages, or aspects of these aspects of the present invention include an apparatus, method, or system which;
A method according to one such aspect comprises controlling the orientation of the installed devices by referencing from or to a common point. In one example, the devices are light fixtures that make up a lighting system. The light fixtures may be individually mounted to an elevated structure or pre-mounted on a mounting frame as a pre-aimed array that is mounted to an elevated structure or pole as have been previously described. The methods, systems and apparatuses discussed herein assist with the pre-aiming of devices, such as sport lighting light fixtures, and field orientation of the pre-aimed devices as part of the installation. One embodiment uses an alignment beam to aid the installer with positioning the devices in the correct aiming orientation. This simplifies the installation process for the contractor and generally improves accuracy of the orientation. One additional benefit is that this method of controlling the orientation of the aimed devices is suitable for creating a composite system. In the example of a lighting system, each light fixture contributes to a portion of the overall system since no one single light fixture can effectively cover the entire area to be illuminated. Computer modeling and other tools are used by the lighting designer to determine the type of light fixtures required, and their quantity, location and orientation. The light from each light fixture is directed to a specific area to achieve the desired lighting results. Many times, groups or arrays of light fixtures are mounted together on a common frame. Each light fixture in the array is assembled and orientated in relationship to the other light fixtures in the array. By using controlled methods to orientate the light fixtures, the collective light beams from the array essentially produce a single composite beam. The composite beam from the array of light fixtures usually contributes light to a portion of the target area. In this example regarding light fixtures, referencing the aiming of each fixture to a common reference (e.g. reference plane XZ and/or XY), facilitates this composite functioning of the entire array. Light from additional arrays of light fixtures contributes to the remaining portions of the target.
Since it is not generally practical to illuminate a whole target with a composite beam from one unified array, controlling the installation of multiple arrays or individual devices is usually important to achieve desired results. By using a common or central reference point (e.g. landmark, see
More specifically, using the wide area lighting embodiments described earlier as an example, the fixtures 150 of the lighting array on the pole 200 are pre-aimed in the factory per the pre-defined lighting design using the type of reference described. The light output from the array of this method produces a composite beam of light from the array. Each fixture of the array contributes to a portion of the composite beam. Since the orientation of each fixture in the array is precisely controlled, the composite beam of light may closely replicate the beam shape, intensity and other characteristics used by the lighting designer for the computer generated lighting model. The addition of controlling the alignment of the pole or light array as a composite beam to a common or single landmark reference point allows the composite beam to function together with other such composite beams, as a coordinated, composite beam, so to speak, for the entire target area, or as a composite lighting or illumination system.
Additional description of examples of components that can be used for various aspects of the exemplary embodiments will now be set forth. Analogous results are possible with devices other than lighting fixtures. For example, there may be a need to aim directional antennas each in different pre-designed directions to provide composite coverage of an area. Another example is aiming of plural audio speakers for composite coverage (e.g. in an arena). Other non-exclusive examples are mentioned herein. The devices might be elevated each on its own pole or elevating structure, or as sets or arrays of plural devices on each pole or elevating structure.
In one aspect of this idea of composite coordination, plural arrays of devices are in different locations relative to one another. A reference (e.g. XZ plane of
Consider the case of sports lighting. Most lighting systems for a sports field include at least several poles each elevating an array of at least several lighting fixtures. If individual lighting fixtures are aimed to individual points on the field, there is no single unified point of reference for such aiming. If individual fixtures in an array on one pole are aimed relative a common reference point, but not any other fixtures on any other pole, there is still a gap in this unified single reference. The aspect described herein does use a single unifying reference point or landmark which at least each array on a separate pole is referenced to promote this composite coordination.
The Figures, particularly FIGS. 1-5A-C, 6A-C, 7A-B, and 8, illustrate and provide additional details regarding an aiming system 10 according to one aspect of the exemplary embodiments. System 10 uses a position sensor system. An example of such is an optical motion capture system such as the OPTOTRAK PROseries Optical Tracker, Model 2000 system commercially available from NDI (Northern Digital, Inc.) of 103 Randall Drive, Waterloo, Ontario CANADA N2V IC5. The system includes the NDI Optotrak software package with customized features to fit the needs of the devices to be aimed. It includes optical active markers, a position sensor imaging sub-system having multiple cameras, a system control unit of s-type, and a computer interface (PCI, Ethernet 10-1000 Mbps, SCSI). Its cameras are elevated on a portable stand that can be adjusted in height and orientation (see
Accuracy of these types of systems is a fraction of an inch with appropriate setup, operation and calibration. This translates to within a small fraction of a degree for angular relationships. It can simultaneously track up to a relatively large number of markers.
The aiming system 10 digitally records movements and computes relative position and angular orientation between its markers. The software records the positions, angles and, if needed or desired, such things as velocities, accelerations and impulses of markers relative to one another or to a reference.
The aiming system 10 triangulates the 3D position of a marker or what is sometimes called a “target” on a rigid body (each “rigid body” can have one or more markers or targets) between one or more cameras calibrated to provide overlapping projections. The system produces data with three degrees of freedom for each marker. Rotational information is inferred from the relative orientation of three or more markers. An analogy is shoulder, elbow, and wrist markers on a human could provide the angle of the elbow. With the aiming system 10, after processing the software exports data in near real time, e.g., provides calculated 3D angular orientation of, in one example, a measured cone 120.
In this embodiment, the active markers are LEDs which illuminate one at a time very quickly (e.g. by strobing one marker one at a time or tracking multiple markers over time and modulating the amplitude or pulse width to provide marker identification). The system can produce unique marker identifications to reduce turnaround and eliminate marker swapping and provide cleaner data. Marker swapping can occur if one marker passes over another.
It is to be understood, however, that other types of position sensor systems could be utilized. One example would be a passive optical system with markers coated with a retro reflective material to reflect light back to position sensors. Camera sensitivity can be adjusted to identify only the bright markers and ignore background or anything else in the field of view. Still further types of position sensors are possible. One example is a semi-passive imperceptible marker system wherein photosensitive markers are used to receive an emitted optical signal and determine positions and orientation. Even markerless systems are possible wherein the camera detects features of the aimed device and determines the device's position and orientation. Examples are object identification or image identification systems that can be programmed or trained to identify a shape or pattern in, e.g. camera space. All these alternative examples of position sensor systems are commercially available. Others are possible.
Non-optical systems are possible. Inertial motion capture is based on miniature inertial sensors, biomechanical models and sensor fusion algorithms. Mechanical motion capture directly tracks angles with rigid structures of jointed, straight metal or plastic rods linked together with potentiometers. Magnetic systems calculate position and orientation by relative magnetic flux of three orthogonal coils on both transmitter and each receiver. RF (radio frequency) positioning systems are becoming more viable as higher frequency RF units allow greater precision than older RF technologies (50 GHz or higher are desirable for higher accuracy).
Other details about the aiming system 10 of the exemplary embodiment are as follows.
(a) It can provide a 20 m3 volume for measuring quite large parts and assemblies, including of the size of the assembly shown in
(b) It may be relatively portable and easy to set up or move (
(c) The system computer runs software from motion capture manufacturer and third-party software utilities and is readily programmable for custom application.
(d) It is a real-time optical measurement system designed to track 3D locations of “targets” or “markers”. By attaching three or more targets to a rigid body, the system can return both the position and the orientation of the object. In turn, the rigid body with its markers is configured to mount on fixtures or jigs which can be removably mounted to (1) a light cone 120 using aiming sensor device 18, (2) along the pole fitter and against a cross arm using reference plane device 16, respectively, as previously described. Thus, the system has the ability to measure the orientation of a light cone 120 relative to pre-defined planes established by the rigid body on reference plane device 16.
(e) The system comes with a computerized system control 12 responsible for data processing and controlling targets and computer (see
(f) When mounted in operating position (
(g) The reference plane device 16 will provide enough information to determine (1) a plane orthogonal to the reference plane device (established by the reference plane device 16), and (2) a plane parallel to reference plane device 16. The reference planes orthogonal and parallel established by the reference plane device also establish the planes relative to the pole fitter 100.
(h) When mounted in operative position on a lamp cone 120 (
(i) The camera vision system 14 has a fixed field of view (see, e.g., www.ndigital.com/industrial/optotrakproseries-models.php). Camera vision system 14 could also be re-oriented for two measurements to cover a larger number of cones 120 than might be in a single field of view for camera vision system 14.
(j) Software will assist assembly workers in the alignment of light cones 120 (
As can be appreciated, other or different features could be included and used.
Aiming system 10 according to the optical motion capture system in this embodiment can be applied to factory aiming of fitter 100 of
The camera vision system 14 can be moved on its portable stand so each camera's field of view captures the area around the factory aiming station or jig 30 (see
Once fitter 100 is held by jig 30 in generally horizontal position (
Reference plane device 16 (
As shown in
As illustrated in
The designer/assembler database would have relevant information of this type correlated to the job assembly ID number that would be communicated to the system.
The factory worker would start aiming system 10 and input operator or worker identification number (ID) and the lighting system job that is to be factory pre-aimed (Job Assembly number or ID) (see
The desired aiming angles for each cone 120 for a given fitter 100 would be accessed by the system by scanning a barcode 101 on a document attached to or correlated to the fitter 100 (
Once the barcode is scanned, display 20 shows a Job Number and what the job should actually look like (e.g. gives a graphical representation of the number of cones per cross arm, and a cone number for each cone) (
As indicated at
Fitter 100 would be taken to aiming station 30, placed in horizontal position (see
Reference plane device 16 would be placed on backbone 102 of fitter 100 (
Aiming sensor device 18 would be operatively mounted on a first cone 120 of the array of cones 120 on fitter 100 (
Camera vision system 14 would be turned on, as would the strobing active markers 17 and 19 mounted on reference plane device 16 and aiming sensor device 18 respectively. The round circle to the right of the word “Reference plane device” in
Once the aiming sensor device 18 and reference plane device 16 are in good sight of the cameras, the display 20 automatically displays the information the operator needs to aim the cone 120. An aiming assistance display could appear on display 20 (see
The operator/worker would have previously released or loosened the cone 120 so that it can be manually angularly manipulated or adjusted, and would watch display 20 as a guide as to how to pan and tilt cone 120 into correct position.
Using the camera images, the software of aiming system 10 would calculate the angular offset of the aiming axis of that particular cone 120 relative to the pre-programmed desired aiming orientation (vertical/tilt and horizontal/pan) relative to the reference planes established by reference plane device 16. It is to be remembered this pre-programmed orientation is pursuant to a lighting design that has desired aiming angles for all cones 120 of fitter 100.
In the example of
Thus, display 20 may provide one or several visually perceptible indicia of the status of cone 120 relative to its desired, pre-programmed orientation. In this example there are several. First, the actual numerical desired and measured horizontal and vertical angles are shown in the boxes in the upper right-hand corner (
As circle 92 is brought closer to being coaxial with circle 90, the operator is given gross or coarse visual confirmations that measured angle in both horizontal and vertical directions is closer. The operator can use one, some, or all of the visual indicators. In this example, bars 94 and 96 (see
As the operator approaches the correct aiming angles, the highlighted backgrounds of the current measured angle numerical values position switch from red to yellow to green. The bars below are another visual for the operators to use, showing their current position by way of the black marker lines 94 and 96. The yellow-green region is the tolerance set by the manufacturer, operator, or the software.
It can be appreciated that not all of these different visual indicators are required. However, the combination can promote higher accuracy by providing more visual indications of alignment within an acceptable margin of error. Display 20 can be in the proximity of fitter 100 and positioned conveniently for clear view and perception by the workers. The workers can glance up at the screen and even if they cannot see circles 90 and 92 precisely or even read the numeric numbers, the red and green indicators can provide the feedback of confirmation of alignment within acceptable margin of error.
The yellow-green region is the tolerance set by the manufacturer or the software. Once the operator lands both angles in the acceptable region, he/she tightens the relevant nuts on cone 120 and elbow 130 to fix those parts in place, and then uses what is called the “lock down” feature of system 10.
As can be appreciated, when correct alignment of a cone 120 is indicated on display 20, workers tighten the appropriate hardware relative cone 120 and mounting elbow 130 to the lock it into position. As indicated at
Once the relevant nuts are tightened, the operator verifies the angles are still in the acceptable region and then uses the lock down function. The display 20 shows the final angles “H” and “V” the cone 120 was set at and allows the operator to accept these angles (see “Accept” button in
Note also that if either angle is not within tolerance, display 20 will show the final status of the cone 120 and the system will not allow the operator to accept until the angles are aimed correctly (i.e. within tolerance). Display 20 can use red colors to give a visual prompt to the operator that aiming is not correct. The operator will then hit “Re-Aim”, and correctly aim the cone 120 to its acceptable tolerance.
If the operator does try to accept angles out of tolerance, the above visual prompt or a similar message will appear. An available feature of this example is a password that can be available to allow deviation from the indicated aiming angles if there is a situation where a cone 120 needs to be aimed differently from what the production initially called for, but this password is only given to authorized persons who can approve a different angle(s).
When the cone 120 is correctly locked down, one of the initial job screens can be viewed or automatically displays and shows the status of that cone (
As can be appreciated, the aiming system 10 can be used for each of the cones 120 of a fitter 100. Display 20 would show the appropriate cone or fixture (device) number and its pre-determined aiming orientation (vertical and horizontal angles). The software/display could instruct the worker to start with a particular cone and advance through the cones in a certain sequence. The worker would simply move aiming sensor device 18 from one cone 120 to the next cone 120, and aim and lock down each cone according to each cone's predetermined angles that are displayed on display 20. This is efficient and non-cumbersome. The worker only has to angularly orient the cone and tighten a couple bolts for each cone 120 and elbow 130. This avoids having to manipulate cone 120 and elbow 130 with the entire fixture (reflector 150, visor 152, and lamp 154) in place (as in
Once all cones 120 for the fitter 100 are aimed, display 20 shows the status of all cones 120. If all cone icons are green, the operator hits a “Complete” button (could be in display of
When the “Complete” button or state is activated, display 20 shows the final status and data for all cones 120 (
When each cone 120 has been aimed with aiming system 10, reference plane device 16 and aiming sensor device 18 are removed and fitter 100 can then be removed from aiming station 30 and moved to a next station where any remaining processes, if any, required on the fitter assembly can be completed.
In this example, as is conventional for multiple pole, multiple light fixture sports lighting, each fixture on each pole 200 has a specific pre-calculated or designed aiming angle to the target area or sports field for a similarly pre-calculated or designed pole height and position, and pre-selected light source and optic system. Essentially a projection of the central or aiming axis of a fixture 150 to a point on the field, in
However, utilizing system 10 allows each cone 120 to be pre-aimed relative to a reference plane along the longitudinal axis of backbone 102 of fitter 100 by methods previously described. Thus, when pre-aimed fitter 100 with final assembled fixtures is shipped to the installation location, the fixtures are already pre-aimed because the cones 120 and mounting plates 134 are pre-aimed and locked down to those positions relative to each other and their cross-arm. All that is required is that each pre-aimed fitter 100 (
In this example, once preliminarily seated on base 210, the pole 200 is rotated to swing the plane of the alignment beam across the landmark on the field (e.g. home plate). When the alignment beam aligns with the landmark, such as home plate, installation aiming is done. There are no measurements to find aiming points on the field.
The worker(s) simply correctly mount the jig with laser on a device and then manipulate the device with its collimated beam to the correct aiming orientation relative the correct point 402 on the projected grid. The device can be locked or marked to the correct aiming orientation as with system 10. Optionally, the operator can enter into the computer that the device has been aimed, move the jig to the next device, and repeat until all devices are aimed. Alternatively, a jig with collimated source can be concurrently mounted to each device.
Therefore, as indicated at
On the other hand, a computerized or other controller-based system 420 could be operatively in electronic communication with one or more jigs and projector 406. In one aspect, a database of aiming angles for each cone 120-1, -2, and -3 relative to a reference plane for fitter 100 can be accessible by computer 420 or stored on it. Software could be programmed to access the database and create a grid image and automatically place the aiming points for each fixture or cone for that particular fitter 100 on the grid image. The computer 420 could instruct that constructed grid image and aiming points to be projected and could instruct a collimated beam 410-1, -2, and/or -3 to be turned on. Worker or workers could then individually or simultaneously adjust cones 120-1, -2, and/or -3 to the respective projecting aiming point(s) and lock it/them in place.
A next fitter 100 with multiple cones 120 could then be placed in its reference position relative to screen 404. The database could be accessed by computer 420 to generate a new grid and aiming points 400 for the new fitter 100. The process could be repeated.
This system is similar to system 10 in that it bases aiming off of a reference plane correlated to fitter 100 or fitter 102. The fitter must also have a known position and orientation relative to the projected grid and aiming points 400. The system of
One possible limitation of the system of
In the example of
An option according to this embodiment could be a static grid that is permanently on a screen 400 or wall. That grid could have essentially rows and columns of cells that could be of equal area. Instead of imaging aiming points on the grid, the system might simply inform the worker that for cone 120-1, for example, collimated beam 410-1 should point to cell J-7 where columns are identified as A-Z and rows as 1-20 for the grid.
By referring to
As can be appreciated, it would usually not matter how close or far from screen 404 projector 406 is or devices 120 because grid 400 would retain the proportionality of the grid cells and the aiming points in relation to those grid cells and the grid as a whole. In other words, dots 1, 2, and 3 would remain in the same relative positions to their grid cells and each other whether the projection of grid 400 was closer to projector 406 and cones 120 or farther away than shown in
It is desirable to have a fairly precisely known relationship between the reference plane of devices mounted on tube 102 and the plane of grid 400. Projection from projection 406 would most beneficially be from substantially the same general direction as devices 120 relative to grid 400 so that there is less potential distortion of the projected grid 400. For example, if projector 406 was severely to one side or the other of the general direction of devices 120, it could result in an elongation in one direction of the grid and its cells.
For cones 120 of the type discussed regarding the first embodiment fixtures 150, fitter tube 102 with its cones 120 should be at least several feet away from projected grid 400. One example is 10-20 feet away and grid 400 being 10-20 feet tall. Variations, of course, are possible.
One jig and collimated laser to generate a beam 410 could be used, one at a time sequentially for each cone 120. The jig can be attached to each cone 120 by a similar mounting lock in mechanism as previously described. Alternatives are possible. An alternative would be to build in a collimated laser for each cone 120 with its beam 410 in a known relationship to the central aiming axis of cone 120.
If fixture cones 120-1, -2 and -3 are typical sports lighting aiming angles, those angles would typically be between 15° and 45° down from a plane orthogonal to fitter tube 102 and generally through cross arm 110. For the substantially steeper angles, this would mean that grid 400 would extend substantially below cones 120 if fitter tube 102 is vertical. Therefore, optionally, fitter tube 102 could be tilted backwards so that a predominant number of beam directions 410 are horizontal or closer to horizontal. Another possibility would be to lay fitter tube 102 horizontal and project the grid 400 on a ceiling.
In the example shown in
As with the other embodiments, a computer program (or other means or methods) is informed of the desired aiming angles of each cone 120 relative to its reference plane or planes related to fitter 102 or associated structure. With these known geometrical relationships, software or by other means can calculate a vector from the position of each cone 120 to the center of target 412 in relationship to a vector representing the central aiming axis for each cone 120 if aimed to its predesigned aiming orientation relative the reference plane or planes. As indicated above, by utilization of some accurately controllable articulatable apparatus, a collimated beam source could be mounted to that apparatus, which in turn could be mounted to a jig that can be removably mounted across the face of each cone 120. A computer or other controller, once being informed of the known relationships and the intended predesigned aiming orientation of a cone 120, could move the beam source so that its beam 410 aligns with the center of target 412. The central axis of cone 120 would then be correctly aimed to its predesigned aiming orientation. This would be repeated for each cone 120. The beam 410 would have a different angle to target 412 for each cone 120.
Utilizing commercially available numerically controlled articulators or stepper motors, quite high accuracy (on the level of accuracy to be within a few degrees or even a fraction of a degree like the prior embodiments) are possible, assuming the correct mounting of the beam source to each cone 120 and accurate knowledge of the previously described geometric relationships.
Examples of some of these types of servos or numerically articulatable members are commercially available from a variety of sources. One example is Baldor Electric Co., Fort Smith, Ark. (USA) (www.baldor.com). A PC computer application allows programming of the motion control which is sent through an interface to the motion controller. For example, an elongated laser pointer can be held at one end in a mechanical coupling capable of tilting the elongated laser in any direction away from and at an acute angle with a reference axis. Servo, stepper, or analogous accurately controllable motor(s) or actuator(s) are operably connected to the mechanical coupling and a two-axis motion control or similar apparatus to instruct the direction and degree of tilt. The motion controller can be in communication with a PC or database to obtain the offset (direction and degree of tilt) from the central axis of the cone 120 or device that is calculated for the laser to align with an offset target when the cone 120 or device central axis in correct orientation. They can be instructed from a computer or some other digital system. The computer or digital system can access the known geometrical relationships and predesigned aiming axis for each of the cones 120 from a database or otherwise for each set of cones 120.
The embodiment of
One option would be to utilize more than one target 412. Each of the plural targets could have a known relationship with the other components and by straight forward calculations, similar aiming could be accomplished. For example, there might be a number of static or permanent aiming points around the work area. Depending on the aiming of each of the devices, different aiming targets or points 412 could be used for different devices.
As illustrated, the system of
A position sensor system like that of system 10 could be used to measure the angular position of each cone 120. This could be done with utilization of active markers 17 and 19, one on fitter tube 120 to establish a reference plane and one on the open end of each cone 120 to establish the plane of that open face and thus the central aiming axis 410 for each such fixture cone 120. Using that position sensor system, computer 420 could be continuously informed of the angle of central aiming axis 410 of a cone 120 relative to reference plane.
Using commercially available virtual reality systems and methods, a virtual reality venue could be computer-generated that could be displayed to a worker 450 via a headset 451. By known virtual reality methods, the virtual reality venue could be, as illustrated in
The position sensor system camera 14 (like system 10) informs computer 420 of the angle of central axis 410 of cone 420. Computer 420 would translate that into some indication in virtual reality space relative to field 452. One example would be a dot or other graphic representing the virtual intersection of central axis 410 of cone 420 with the virtual field 452. The worker then simply manipulates the aiming direction of cone 120 until the spot representing its central axis relative to field 452 aligns with the displayed aiming point 402 on field 452. The worker would then lock cone 120 in place. The worker would then move to the next cone 120 and repeat for the other virtual aiming points 402 on virtual field 452. The worker would continue for all of the cones.
By known virtual reality methods, the worker would perceive field 452 as being much larger in size than the headset 451. Effectively, it would be a projection 430 in virtual reality. An advantage is that the worker can move around, turn his or her body or head, and continue to view the same virtual field 452 with the virtual aiming points 402-1, -2, and -3. In other words, the worker could actually turn towards each cone 120 and manipulate it while viewing the virtual field 452 and how the virtual intersection of the aiming of cone 120 coincides (or does not) with its associated aiming point on virtual field 452. Manual adjustment of a cone 120 by the worker results in a directly proportional movement of the graphic dot on the virtual field so the worker knows if he/she is adjusting the cone 120 closer or further relative the correct aiming direction.
An example of a virtual reality system that could be configured for the embodiment of
Prior attempts to manually rotate pole 200 on base 120 include inserting a steel bar or long 2×4 lumber into a hand hole or jacking ear along the side of pole 200 and moving the bar laterally. However, this is cumbersome and is not precise. For example, if the worker overshoots the correct position, he/she may have to withdraw the metal bar, walk around to the other side of the pole, insert the bar into the opposite side of the pole and try to rotate the pole accurately in the reverse direction. Tool 230 allows the worker to rotate the pole in either direction without changing the connection of the tool to the pole or moving very much in position.
Handle 232 can be installed onto head 234. When installed, handle 232 extends away from pole 200, but is pivotable in generally a vertical plane so that a worker 360 can move handle 232 up or down for the worker's preferred or desired orientation relative to tool head 234. Because head 234 is securely cinched on pole 200, horizontal movement of handle 232 by worker 360 is generally sufficient to manually rotate the yet-to-be-seated pole 200 in either direction around the vertical axis of pole 200.
As shown in
Head 234, receiver 250, and member 258 can be made of metal or other quite strong material to take the forces needed to rotate pole 200 on base 120. To advance pin 266 down linear slot 252, handle 232 must be orthogonal to the socket (
Once rotated to correct position, the pole 200 is then securely seated on base 210 in a plumb position. Alternately, the pole 200 or other structure could be securely seated and attached on an anchor bolt-type foundation or other supporting means.
As shown in
Referring to
Using the aiming method previously described in the aiming system 10 or alternate aiming system, the alignment beam 318 issues in a plane oriented from a reference plane used to aim each of the cones 120. For example, beam 318 issues in plane X″Z″ diagrammatically illustrated in
First, alignment beam source 310, with generally cylindrical body, can be essentially clamped in bracket 320 (
Secondly, plate 336 is pivotal relative to plate 330 by attachment of the corresponding ears 338 and 334 by rivets 340. Plate 330 is mounted to housing 306 by rivets or fasteners 332. Threaded fastener/spring/nut combination 342 is positioned as indicated in
The rotationally adjustment of alignment beam source 310 controlled by brackets 320/322 and threaded bolt assembly 326, and horizontal adjustment controlled by brackets 330/336 and threaded bolt assembly 342 work together to calibrate the alignment beam to be parallel to the defined reference plane of recessed areas 309 of housing 306 used for the aiming. For this example, the reference plane is based off these three recessed flat areas 309 cast in the outer housing 306. Other features of housing 306 could be used to establish a reference plane for aiming the completed unit 300. The vertical alignment of alignment beam 318 is controlled by “rotation adjuster” screw 326 (
As previously described, once calibrated so that beam 318 is parallel to the reference plane, the aiming (e.g. horizontal orientation) of assembled alignment beam unit 300 mounted on bracket 302 can be completed using the aiming system 10 previously described. It would be beneficial if the alignment beam 318 were within 0.1 degrees or so of dead on to its designed aiming direction. It is believed that as much as +/− three inch variance at the landmark or aiming point can in many cases be acceptable, but more accuracy is usually possible with this method. The horizontal orientation of the alignment beam 318 is determined by the relationship of the landmark location (or other aiming point) and the desired location of the devices and the orientation of the devices. This horizontal orientation of unit 300 is determined by the lighting designer or other person and provided to the worker aiming the alignment beam unit 300 with, e.g., aiming system 10.
When the entire assembled structure with the pre-aimed devices is initially preliminarily lowered onto base 210, fan-shaped alignment beam 318 would allow someone on or near the field to locate it by using the flash phenomenon previously described, even though the beam 318 itself could not be seen. This is an effective and efficient, as well as accurate, way to find the vertical reference plane for the entire pole. When the on-field worker confirms the flash at the appropriate and accurate landmark or aiming point that should coincide with the vertical reference plane, the correct rotational orientation of pole 200 is confirmed.
In the present embodiment, alignment beam source 310 is a Class 2M laser beam during operation and all procedures of operation. Wavelength is 635-660 nm. Laser beam power for the classification is less than 1 mW CW. Beam diameter is less than 5 mm at aperture. Divergence is less than 1.5 mrad×1 radian. Transverse beam mode is TEM00. Other laser beams or collimated or pseudo-collimated light sources may be used.
It can be appreciated that the alignment beam could be battery powered within the housing unit 300. It could be turned on when assembling the pole and fitter and fixtures on the ground. It would need only a limited operation life for the elevation and rotation of the pole into correct position. The battery could then expire, as the alignment beam would not be needed again. Alternatively, an infrared (IR) remote control might be used to turn it on or off. Operation at selected, spaced apart times could be desired. For example, alignment could be periodically re-checked. Or poles 200 might be taken down for replacement or maintenance of poles or fixtures, and the alignment beam could be re-energized to realign the pole when re-erected.
However, as indicated in the Figures, the alignment beam source could be hard-wired to a remote power source provide permanent access to electrical power. A hard-wired switch could turn the alignment beam on or off when needed.
A slightly different pole alignment method is as follows. A convex mirror could be placed on pole 200 in a position correlated with the reference plane and the on-field worker could stand on the landmark with an alignment beam. The on-field worker would shine the alignment beam in the direction of the minor. When the pole is correctly rotated relative the landmark, the on-field worker should perceive the “flash” in the mirror to confirm correct alignment. Alternatively, the worker could walk laterally relative the pole, shining the alignment beam at the minor. When the flash is perceived, the worker would know how far and in what direction he/she is offset from the landmark and could direct rotation of the pole to the correct position.
Another possibility is the use of laser beam sensors. An on-field worker could point a commercially available laser beam sensor towards the alignment beam on pole 200. Such sensors can indicate through displays, LED lights, or audibly how far away the beam is from dead-on position. The worker can direct rotation of the pole to the correct position through some communication. A possibility is a walkie-talkie or radio frequency head set radio. A commercially available laser beam sensor is a Model 54 or 56 Thunder laser detector from Apache Technologies, Dayton, Ohio USA (+/−45 degree reception angle, accurate to within ⅛ inch, and truth at up to 500 feet whether laser beam is visible or not). It detects laser beam energy and responds with lights, a display, or sound to indicate closeness of proximity to the beam, and then when the detector is dead on the beam. Visible laser beams are not necessarily required. For example, an infrared (IR) laser beam could be used. An IR detector could be used at a position away from the IR laser beam to detect when in alignment with the non-visible IR laser beam.
An alternative or additional pole rotation confirmation tool is shown at
A worker standing on the field at the correct location (e.g. the landmark) for the desired rotation of pole 200 would look (unaided or aided, e.g. with binoculars or the like) through vertical slot 388 in front wall 386. If that worker's line of sight 396 reveals portion 390 of back wall 382, the worker would assume pole 200 is in correct rotational position. However, as indicated in
As can be appreciated, this method using tool 380 is less complex. It may be difficult to be as accurate as alignment beam assembly 300. It may require use of binoculars, a sighting scope, or other visual assistance. A rifle scope with bull's eye or cross hairs could be used for quite high accuracy. Use of mechanical sight 380 could be done without having to energize alignment beam 310, if one is mounted on pole 200, or sight 380 could be used instead of alignment beam 310.
It will be appreciated that the present invention can take many forms and embodiments. The foregoing exemplary embodiments are by example and illustration only and are not inclusive or exclusive of the various forms and embodiments the invention and/or its aspects can take.
For example, as mentioned, different types of position sensing equipment can be used to indicate correct factory aiming of cones 120 or other devices. Also, factory aiming could be accomplished with entire fixtures or devices in place and/or with fixtures or devices on the poles. It is conceivable also that the aiming system 10 or other forms could be transported to a location outside of a main centralized factory. For example, it could be set up in a building or appropriate place near or on site of the installation.
Tools 230 and 380 could take various forms and embodiments. Variations obvious to those skilled in the art will be included.
Likewise, the precise form and configuration of alignment beam assembly 300 could vary. Variations obvious to those skilled in the art will be included within the aspects of the invention which are defined by the appended claims.
This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser. No. 12/418,379 filed Apr. 13, 2009, now abandoned, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to provisional application Ser. No. 61/042,613 filed Apr. 4, 2008, herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61042613 | Apr 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12418379 | Apr 2009 | US |
| Child | 12534335 | US |
