STAGE WITH MOVING PARTS

Abstract

A device for constructing a stage includes fixed stage parts and movable stage parts. The device includes a set of actuators provided to be physically connected to the movable stage parts and each including a communication module for communicating with a server. The server includes a central communication module for communicating with communication modules of the actuators. A controller is connected to the server and has an operator interface including input means and visualizing means. The controller and server are configured to generate control signals for each actuator on the basis of an input via the input means. Control signals include a safety parameter which indicates a safety level, and an operator can activate different safety levels with different keys. The device is provided to execute control signals with a safety parameter which corresponds to the activated safety level.

Description

The invention relates to a stage configured to move stage parts.

In recent years a lot of attention has been devoted in the entertainment industry to providing a complete experience. It is not just the artist or act that is important herein. The way in which an artist or act is presented, as well as the setting, lighting and multimedia, is also developed further. Creativity is often impeded here in a practical sense because the technical means for developing certain ideas are not available.

Practical implementation is particularly difficult when predetermined movements of stage parts are desired. It is often possible to find a solution from an industrial application which can be used for the predetermined movements. Integrating these solutions in an entertainment production is however difficult, particularly when a plurality of movements and so a plurality of solutions must together form one whole.

An additional problem, which is more fundamental in practice, relates to safety. Stage parts are often intended for carrying people. In practice, it is hereby no longer possible to use an industrial application in a stage without any problem. This is because safety cannot be guaranteed.

It is an object of the invention to provide a stage in which moving parts can be integrated in a safe and flexible manner.

The invention provides for this purpose a device for constructing a stage, comprising fixed stage parts and movable stage parts, wherein the stage comprises:

• • a set of actuators, each provided to be physically connected to the stage parts and each comprising a communication module for communicating with a server;
  • the server, which comprises a central communication module for communicating with communication modules of the actuators;
  • a controller connected to the server, wherein the controller has an operator interface comprising input means and visualizing means, wherein the controller is configured to generate control signals for each actuator on the basis of an input via the input means;wherein control signals comprise a safety parameter which indicate a safety level and wherein an operator can activate different safety levels with different keys, wherein the system is provided to execute control signals with a safety parameter which corresponds to the activated safety level.

The invention is based on the insight that different actuators, connected to one or more movable stage parts, must be actuated in centralized manner so as to be practicable in an entertainment production. For this purpose the invention provides a server with a central communication module. Each actuator also comprises a communication module. Each actuator can thus be actuated from the server.

By connecting a controller to the server an operator can control the actuators. An operator interface with input means is provided for this purpose. Commands for the actuators can be input via the input means. The visualizing means guide the operator during inputting. Control signals are generated on the basis of the input. It will be apparent that control signals are either generated directly by the controller, wherein the server functions only as an intermediary. Alternatively, control signals are generated by the server on the basis of an input of the controller. The server can here calculate control signals while taking into consideration product properties of the actuator, which were for instance exchanged via the communication modules.

In order to guarantee safety, control signals are provided with a safety parameter. This parameter is related to the nature and the context of the control signal. In an initialization phase or construction phase an operator can request a movement of an actuator via a control signal. The outcome of the requested movement is as yet unknown, and therefore requires a high-level safety check. Such a movement may be performed only when a correspondingly high safety level is active. This means that the conditions are adapted and the people present are qualified to minimize the safety risks. On the other hand, when a determined movement of an actuator has been validated, a lower safety parameter can be allocated so that an operator may perform the movement during an entertainment event.

The safety level is set with different keys. By working with different safety keys it is possible in simple manner to allocate different rights to different people. Each person is given a key which corresponds to the safety level for which he or she is authorized. This way of working can be easily controlled and managed well in a large entertainment production. This also increases safety, because it provides a practical solution for correctly setting and managing safety levels.

Each actuator is preferably provided to transmit activity signals to the server, wherein the controller is configured to generate verification signals for each actuator and wherein the server is configured to compare the activity signals to the verification signals. The controller generates the control signals. Control signals can simultaneously also form the verification signals. Alternatively, the verification signals are generated on the basis of the control signals in order to be able to perform a verification of the movement of the actuator. By comparing activity of the actuator to a verification signal an additional safety is obtained. Variation of movement of the actuator can be determined by this comparison. The safety can be increased further by determining a variation or by undertaking a predetermined action on the basis of the variation.

The controller is preferably further provided to set a threshold difference value, wherein the server is configured to stop transmitting control signals or to transmit a control stop signal when activity signals vary from the verification signals by a value greater than the threshold difference value. When a variation between an activity of an actuator and a verification signal becomes too great, it is assumed that there is a safety-compromising problem. The further movement of the actuator is therefore stopped. This is carried out either by transmitting a stop signal as control signal or by stopping transmission of control signals. The server is preferably configured to carry out the comparison periodically with a period of a maximum of 10 seconds, preferably a maximum of 5 second, more preferably a maximum of 2 seconds.

An end position can preferably be set via the controller for each actuator, wherein the server monitors the end position. By monitoring the end position it is possible to avoid an actuator moving a stage part outside a safe zone. The set of actuators preferably comprises at least one or more of a lifting device, a lift, a guide, a cable, a rotator, a roll drop, a turntable and a ground rail.

The visualizing means are preferably configured to visually reproduce the stage and to simulate movements of the actuators herein. This facilitates setting of the movements of the stage parts without considerable safety risks being taken.

The activity signals and verification signals preferably comprise at least one of a position, speed, load and acceleration.

The controller is preferably configured to form groups of actuators from the set of actuators and to relate movements of the actuators in the groups to each other in a time block. Different groups of actuators can preferably be formed in different time blocks. A plurality of time blocks can preferably be formed for each group.

The controller is preferably configured to generate group verification signals for each of the groups, wherein the server is configured to bundle activity signals of actuators of each of the groups and to compare them to the group verification signals.

A dead man's switch is preferably provided on the controller.

The different keys preferably each comprise a physical carrier which is compatible with the controller.

The invention will now be further described on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows a stage which can be constructed with fixed and movable stage parts and with the device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of the manner in which signals can be transmitted in the device according to the invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a further diagram of the manner in which signals can be transmitted in the device according to the invention.

The same or similar elements are designated in the drawing with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a stage 1 with a fixed stage part 2 and a movable stage part 3. According to the invention, a stage is defined as an assembly of components and elements on a ground surface, against walls, on ceilings and on support structures, these together forming the physical and visual framing of an event. This event can be a live event, such as concert, stunt show, stage play, or can be a recording of a visual production. It is not precluded here that seating, when forming an integrated whole with the stage, is deemed at least partially part of the stage. It is thus possible to move the seating or parts of the seating in a space in order to thereby create different aspects and ambiences of the stage.

In FIG. 1 a fixed stage part 2 is shown as raised floor portion. Related to this fixed stage part 2 is a plurality of movable stage parts 3, which together with the fixed stage part 2 form stage 1. FIG. 1 shows a stage 1 with a plurality of different types of movable stage part 3. It will be apparent that this serves only by way of example in order to illustrate the possibilities of the invention. It will also be apparent that stage 1 can comprise a plurality of fixed stage parts 2. Various options are elucidated below as examples with reference to FIG. 1.

In the shown position, movable stage parts 3A and 3B form steps for easy entry onto stage 2. These stage parts 3A and 3B can for instance be slid under fixed stage part 2 in order to clear the space in front of stage 2. Alternatively, stage parts 3A and 3B can be moved upward in order to extend fixed stage part 2. In order to enable this movement of stage parts 3A and 3B a plurality of horizontal guide rails, which can retract movable stage parts 3A and 3B under fixed stage part 2, is for instance provided. Stage parts 3A and 3B can also be moved out from under fixed stage part 2 via the guides. When stage parts 3A and 3B are moved in the height, telescopic legs can be provided, with linear motors in order to change the height of the legs.

Movable stage part 3C is a rotating disc. A rotating disc can be integrated in the surface of a fixed stage part 2. Rotating disc 3C can be driven by a rotator. A rotator is typically formed by an electric motor which drives via a worm wheel a toothed wheel which is connected to rotating disc 3C. The rotating disc 3C is then typically bearing-mounted with a plurality of wheels in a circular guide which is situated under rotating disc 3C.

Movable stage part 3D is a platform which is suspended via cables from a support structure. In the shown embodiment stage part 3D is round and is suspended via three cables from a support structure. At the top, the cables are typically held on a roller which can be operated by a motor so that the platform 3D can be moved upward and downward. The rollers can optionally further be placed on horizontal and/or rotational guides, such that the platform 3D can perform not only an upward and downward movement but also a horizontal movement in the air. This allows platform 3D to float through the air.

Stage part 3E is a walkway which can be moved upward and downward with the right-hand side in the embodiment of FIG. 1. For this purpose walkway 3E is connected on the right-hand side to a lifting device. FIG. 1 illustrates the manner in which in particular a combination of a walkway 3E and a platform 3D enables dynamic use of the stage.

Stage part 3J is a hook and shows an alternative use of a lifting device, wherein a hook is connected to the lifting device. A person or an object can be lifted and lowered via the hook 3J. Hook 3J can further be combined with horizontal rails, wherein the lifting device is movable horizontally such that the hook is movable in the space not only upward and downward, but also horizontally.

Movable stage part 3G is a multimedia screen. Multimedia screens can be integrated statically and movably in a stage in many ways in order to enable visual effects. In the shown embodiment multimedia screen 3G is suspended from a support structure by means of two horizontal guides so that multimedia screen 3G can be moved forward and rearward.

Movable stage part 3H is a lighting rig on which a plurality of lights are mounted. The lighting rig can be moved horizontally and/or be moved vertically by means of horizontal guides and/or lifting devices.

The above described examples make it clear that different mechanisms and devices can be combined with each other in order to obtain a stage with fixed and movable parts. Each movable stage part 3 is connected to an actuator which controls the movement. An actuator can be formed by a device chosen from various devices, comprising a lifting device, a lift, a guide, a cable, a rolling device, a roll drop, a turntable, a ground rail or other known mechanisms whereby a horizontal, vertical, rotation or combined movement can be realized.

FIG. 1 shows several actuators by way of example. Actuators 4A and 4B are guides which can move multimedia screen 3G horizontally. Actuator 4C is a lifting device which can move hook 3J upward and downward. Actuator 4D is a lifting device which can tilt walkway 3E. Actuators 4E, 4F and 4G are rollers for rolling up cables in order to together move platform 3D upward and downward. It will be apparent here that an uneven movement of rollers 4E, 4F and 4G will cause a tilting of platform 3D. In some cases this will be desirable, to a limited extent. Great variations will however always be undesirable and can result in overloading of the system. Each actuator 4 is provided with a communication module (not shown) for communicating with a server. The operation thereof will be further elucidated below with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a structure of a system as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows here particularly the way in which signals are transmitted to the different elements. A plurality of actuators 4A-4G are shown on the right-hand side of the figure. All actuators are connected to a server 5. It will be apparent that each of the actuators is provided for this purpose with a communication module (not shown). Server 5 is provided with a central communication module (not shown). The communication between the central communication module of server 5 and the communication modules of actuators 4 can run through a wire connection and according to different protocols. Alternatively, the communication can be implemented wirelessly.

Server 5 is connected to a controller 6. In the figure controller 6 and server 5 are drawn as separate elements which are connected to each other. The skilled person will appreciate that such a connection can be implemented in wired or wireless manner. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, controller 6 is integrated in server 5 and they form one whole.

Controller 6 is provided with input means 7. Two types of input means 7 are shown in FIG. 2. Input means 7A are a keyboard or keypad. Input means 7B are a joystick. A joystick works intuitively for inputting movements. Further options for input means are a touchscreen, pushbuttons, pedals, pressure-sensitive sensors and other known input means. Controller 6 further has visualizing means 9. The visualizing means provide visual feedback to an operator during operation of the input means, when the actuators are moved and/or when a movement is simulated.

Controller 6 is further provided for receiving a key 8. For this purpose controller 6 preferably has a key opening. The key 8 is preferably a physical key. The key can be analog, such as house keys, can be digital, for instance a USB key or a memory card functioning as a key, or a combination thereof, such as modern car keys. Different keys 8 are provided which correspond with different safety levels of the stage. Different functions which can be performed with the device of the invention are here allocated to a safety level. In other words, a safety parameter which indicates a safety level can be added to every control signal which is transmitted to an actuator. The control signal will only be transmitted or only be executed when the safety level related to the safety parameter is activated by a corresponding key 8 in controller 6. This will be elucidated further hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Controller 6 preferably further comprises a dead man's switch 18. Working at predetermined safety levels may require dead man's switch 18 to be operated. In the event that an operator becomes unwell, the dead man's switch will be released and the system goes into a safety mode.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the manner in which control signals can be generated and transmitted in the device of the invention. FIG. 3 shows here a timeline 17 for each of a controller 6, a server 5 and an actuator 4. The process starts with connecting a key 8 to controller 6, whereby a safety level 12 is activated. Controller 6 can communicate this safety level 12 to server 5. Server 5 can optionally (not shown) communicate the safety level 12 on to the actuators 4. This latter allows the actuators to execute, not execute or partially execute control signals on the basis of the communicated safety level 12.

After a safety level has been set, an input 20 can be detected via input means 7. This input 20 is converted by controller 6 into a control signal 10A, which is transmitted to server 5. A safety parameter is coupled to the control signal 10A. Server 5 verifies whether the safety parameter corresponds with the safety level set by key 8. This is shown with first verification 21. When first verification 21 produces a positive result, the control signal is transmitted to the actuator so that the actuator is actuated. This is shown with arrow 10B. When an actuator 4 is actuated, the actuator will preferably transmit an activity signal 13, in which actuator 4 informs server 5 of its operation, back to server 5. Activity signals 13 preferably comprise a speed, position, acceleration and a load of the actuator 4.

Controller 6 will generate a verification signal 14 on the basis of the input 20, typically taking into consideration additional parameters. This verification signal 14 preferably comprises a verification speed, verification position, verification acceleration and verification load for the actuated actuator. This verification signal 14 can be compared to the activity signal 13 of the actuator 4. This is illustrated in second verification arrow 22. If it should be the case that verification signal 14 differs from the activity signal by a value greater than a threshold difference value, a stop signal 23 can be transmitted. This is because a variation greater than a threshold value implies that the actuator 4 has a different reaction to the verification signal 10B than expected or that the boundary parameters are different than expected or that there is a defect or communication problem or that other irregularities are occurring. In the context of a stage on which people are typically present, such an irregularity is absolutely undesired, and can cause safety risks. The operation of the actuator is therefore stopped. Depending on how the actuator 4 is configured, stopping the operation can be done by stopping the transmission of control signals. Alternatively, a stop signal can be transmitted to the actuator 4.

In FIG. 3 a memory 19 is further shown on server 5. The memory 19 can be used for diverse purposes, for instance for storing the most recently set safety level. Memory 19 is preferably used to store control signals 10 which have been tested and validated. Following validation, a lower safety level can be linked to the control signal. This means that if a high safety level is active during initialization, the operator must have a safety key 8 to activate this high safety level. At this high safety level the stage is typically closed to people, so that stage parts can move without any immediate risk of injury. This allows different control signals to be tested during an initialization phase, until a set of validated control signals remains. These are stored in memory 19 and can then be given a lower safety level. This lower safety level corresponds with a key 8 which is used by an operator during an event. This operator is able to have the validated control signals from memory 19 be executed. During this lower safety level, people will however typically be present on the stage. The above-described method allows a safe operation of complex movements of stage parts.

FIG. 4 shows the manner in which control signals can be activated and transmitted in an alternative manner. FIG. 4 shows a diagram which is similar to the diagram of FIG. 3. In FIG. 4 a first safety key 8A is connected to controller 6 in order to set a first safety level. The first phase in FIG. 4 is an initialization phase in which communication between controller 6 and server 5 results in groups 16 of actuators being stored in memory 19. For each group 16 control signals 10 and associated safety parameters 11 are stored in memory 19. FIG. 4 shows a group A.

FIG. 4 shows a second phase, after initialization, in which a second safety key 8B is connected to the controller. The second safety key 8B corresponds to a lower safety level. This phase is the operational phase or the live phase or the use phase. Via input means 7 an operator can request execution of the control signals of group A, as illustrated with arrow A. Server 5 will retrieve corresponding control signals 10 from memory 19. Server 5 will also verify whether the safety parameter 11 corresponds with the safety level set by the key 8B. When this is positive, control signals 10A, 10B, 10C will be transmitted to the corresponding actuators 4A, 4B, 4C. Each actuator will also transmit an activity signal 14A, 14B, 14C to server 5, which will verify the activities against predetermined verification signals, similarly to the above described mechanism. This allows a safe operation of a system during a live event.

In the figures computing power in server 5 is used to determine control signals, verify the safety level and decide whether control signals will be executed or transmitted. It will be apparent that these functions of server 5 can be distributed in the device, wherein for instance actuators can also have operating restrictions determined on the basis of the safety level. This for instance allows for having the server transmit control signals which do not correspond to the safety level, wherein each actuator decides on the basis of the safety level whether or not to execute the control signals. Things such as the maximum operating speed of an actuator, setting and monitoring of end positions of an actuator, executing the verification between activity signals and verification signals and so on can be carried out by the actuator, the server, the controller or combinations thereof.

With respect to the keys 8, there are preferably at least two different keys which set different safety levels. A first safety level is the safety level of the programmer The programmer has rights to test new movements and to validate movements and store them in the memory. In other words, the programmer can preset and preprogram movements during an initialization phase. The second level corresponds to the level of the operator. The operator has read rights and rights to perform preprogrammed movements. The operator will typically operate the controller during the event. Further keys can additionally be provided, for instance a key of an administrator who has programmer rights but also has rights to add and remove users, as well as rights to change more general settings. A key can more preferably also be provided with read rights only, wherein only the status of the different components of the system can be read. It is also possible to envisage intermediate safety levels, wherein movements which were not preprogrammed can be performed by an operator of the controller, within determined limits.

The skilled person will appreciate on the basis of the above description that the invention can be embodied in different ways and on the basis of different principles. The invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. The above described embodiments and the figures are purely illustrative and serve only to increase understanding of the invention. The invention will not therefore be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A device for constructing a stage, comprising fixed stage parts and movable stage parts, wherein the device comprises: a set of actuators, each provided to be physically connected to the movable stage parts and each comprising a communication module for communicating with a server;the server, which comprises a central communication module for communicating with communication modules of the actuators; anda controller connected to the server, wherein the controller has an operator interface comprising input means and visualizing means, wherein the controller and server are configured to generate control signals for each actuator on the basis of an input via the input means;

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein each actuator is provided to transmit activity signals to the server, and wherein the controller and server are configured to generate verification signals for each actuator and wherein the server is configured to compare the activity signals to the verification signals.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is further provided to set a threshold difference value and wherein the server is configured to stop transmitting control signals or to transmit a stop signal when activity signals vary from the verification signals by a value greater than the threshold difference value.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the server is configured to carry out the comparison periodically with a period of a maximum of 10 seconds.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein an end position can be set via the controller for each actuator and wherein the server monitors the end position.

6. The device according to any claim 1, wherein the set of actuators comprises at least one or more of a lifting device, a lift, a guide, a cable, a rotator, a roll drop, a turntable and a ground rail.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the visualizing means are configured to visually reproduce the stage and to simulate movements of the actuators herein.

8. The device according to claim 2, wherein the activity signals and verification signals comprise at least one of a position, speed, load and acceleration.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to form groups of actuators from the set of actuators and to relate movements of the actuators in the groups to each other in a time block.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein different groups of actuators can be formed in different time blocks.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of time blocks can be formed for each group.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to generate group verification signals for each of the groups and wherein the server is configured to bundle activity signals of actuators of each of the groups and to compare them to the group verification signals.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein a dead man's switch is provided on the controller.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the different keys each comprise a physical carrier which is compatible with the controller.

15. A stage comprising at least one fixed stage part and at least one movable stage part, wherein the movable stage part is connected to a device according to claim 1.

16. The device according to claim 2, wherein the server is configured to carry out the comparison periodically with a period of a maximum of 5 seconds.

17. The device according to claim 2, wherein the server is configured to carry out the comparison periodically with a period of a maximum of 2 seconds