DE19731655A1 - Pyrotechnic detonation timing device for synchronisation with music - Google Patents

Abstract

The detonation device is programmed to provide automatic detonation of fireworks in synchronism with a data input signal obtained from the music provided by a CD player, or a time-code signal for a motion controlled camera. The detonation device may provide an 8-bit output signal for controlling a matrix of 15 times 15 detonation circuits. The programming can be provided by a central processing unit, e.g a personal computer or a lap-top computer.

Description

In the field of film and video production it is often necessary to specialize in pyrotechnics ignite effects to the 1/10 second.

In the case of feature film productions, it is often necessary for special effects to be very specific Camera positions are fired.

When burning music fireworks, the effects should be synchronized to the music Clock appear exactly in the sky to leave a rounded overall impression.

TIMECODE signals are currently being used in the field of film and video production used for later editing control. These signals are on sound or image carriers and are transferred from these to the recording unit during the recording averages.

For studio productions using the so-called MOTION CONTROLLED CAMERAS the camera movements are controlled by a computer that is the current one Camera position and direction of travel permanently via an interface to the outside averages.

In the case of music fireworks, the accompanying music is played from a tape, CD or similar.

In all of these applications of pyrotechnics, however, the individual effects of Hand ignited using a variety of igniters.

This requires maximum concentration from the pyrotechnician, especially if at Film and video productions require a multiple reproducibility of the effects. When burning music fireworks it should be noted that a too early or too late the ignited effect is irreversible.

In addition, large fireworks have a z.t. quite considerable "pre-burning time" d. H. from firing a firework to appearing in the sky up to six seconds pass. Ignition to the exact beat is just a coincidence.

The ignitor registered here is capable of the above To remedy problems, since pyrotechnic special effects and fireworks as often as you like and always with same precision can be burned off, so that after one time Sequence programming even assistants are capable of an exact music synchronous or Burn out synchronous fireworks.

The effort of the Ignition circuit wiring extremely minimized. A 20 pin ignition cable is placed along the Burning place relocated and the effects are so-called. Switch boxes connected In this way it is possible with up to 100 fireworks with just one laid cable to ignite.

With a 30-pin cable, this can be expanded to up to 225 ignition circuits. Due to the quick and uncomplicated installation, the fireworker has a lot of work to do saved effort.  

Problem and solution

The following problems were particularly important when developing the ignitor consider:

• 1) In the field of film and video productions, an incredible variety becomes mutual incompatible timecode signals used. Almost every AV device manufacturer has developed its own timecode signal. The device registered here had to be in the Able to read and process all of these timecode signals.
• 2) The coordinate data generated by Motion Controlled Cameras are with the above Timecode signals are not compatible but must still be read by the ignitor can be.
• 3) The sound carriers used in music fireworks often have no timecode so that the device registered here had to be able to have its own timecode generate and save it on sound carriers.
• 4) The "pre-burning times" that occur in fireworks must be recognized by the igniter and be taken into account when igniting.
• 5) The operation and programming of the ignitor must be so simple, fast and sure that even computer inexperienced fireworks without a previous one Computer science studies can operate the device.
• 6) The connection of 100 or a maximum of 225 ignition circuits had to be done so that it does not necessarily lead to a "cable mess" when installing.
• 7) Checking and measuring the connected ignition circuits should be done automatically in seconds by the ignitor.
• 8) The operational safety had to be so great that accidental ignition of Ignition circuits are excluded and the fireworker serving at all times It is possible to stop the ignition process.
• 9) The ignitor should be able to operate as open system later developments to "learn" and process in AV technology. So would be B. conceivable that a sound analysis facility followed language and music during a live concert and transmits the information obtained to the igniter.

Description of the hardware and software

The control of the registered device is carried out by a 32 bit microcontroller in the called another CPU.

The operating system software that controls the device is fixed in a FlashProm drive installed and active immediately after switching on the device.

It monitors the inputs of the device and assigns signals to the input predetermined ignition circuit and controls the ignition output circuit.

The built-in CD player is a CD ROM drive Audio output is led out of the device and its control from the CPU is carried out. Keyboard and display connection correspond to the current PC Default.

On the input side, the device has a serial interface according to the RS 232 standard and an NF modem input with optional baud rate and optional data format. As further inputs there are three connections for hand or foot switches on the device the so-called Interrupt the "dead man's button" when you let go of the ignition process.

One of these three buttons must always be connected while the other two are on Jumper plugs can be replaced. This way, at very spectacular Effects two additional security items are used, which are about compliance with Keep a safe distance.

On the output side, the device has the above-mentioned. Serial interface and a modem output, which is used to record a time code signal generated by the device on sound or video carriers. There is a device in the device to save the programmed ignition sequence files Floppy disk drive. Diskette format and file format correspond to the MS-DOS standard, so that the file can be edited with any PC.

Optionally, the sequence file can also be saved on a chip card.

The ignition sequence controlled by the CPU is in the form of an 8 bit parallel signal the ignition output circuit transmits. Here the signal is based on two 4 bit words shared and fed these two data words to a demultiplexer circuit. The first 4 bits control 15 channels, which represent the negative pole of the ignition voltage (tens). The second 4 bits control 15 channels, which represent the positive pole of the ignition voltage (one position).

In this way it is possible to have a maximum of 15 × 15 ignition circuits with a 30-pin connector Connect cables. The connected ignition boxes are then installed over their Set the rotary switch to the corresponding minus channel, which then connects to the 10 minus pole sockets on the ignition box. The plus poles of the ignition voltage are present on all ignition boxes. If, for example, ignition circuit No. 15 is triggered, it is due to all connected Ignition boxes at the positive pole terminal 5 the positive pole of the ignition voltage. At the Zünd box, which is set to No. 10 using the rotary switch, is now also a minus pole of the ignition voltage. The ignition circuit is only on this box, on terminal no.5 closed.

In practice, however, usually 100 ignition circuits are sufficient, so that the device in its Basic configuration will be equipped with 10 × 10 ignition circuits.  

description

The registered device consists of a CPU, which performs all control tasks takes over. On the input side, the device has a serial interface, a built-in CD player, a modem connection, a keyboard connection, a floppy disk drive, a chip card reader, a connection for a "dead man button", one Ignition circuit test input and the input for a permanent ignition current source.

On the output side, the device has a monitor or LCD display connection, a time code signal output, the NF output of the CD player and the 20 pin Ignition output connection.

function 1.) Ignition with already existing time code

The external time code encoder z. B. DAT or VCR will use the time code input of the ignitor connected. While the music is playing it becomes the The fire button on the device is to be used for sequences in which ignition is to take place later operated. Regardless of the format of the input signal, the device remembers the Ignite the necessary sequence and write it to an internal file. This process is repeated until all ignition circuits have been programmed.

After programming, a test run can be carried out on the screen be performed. Changes to the ignition sequence can still be made here. The next step is to tell the system which effect for which time code sequence should be ignited. To do this, insert a floppy disk with the effects database placed, this database knows the pre-burning times and effect lengths of pyrotechnics Objects and sentences. If an effect is now selected for an ignition circuit, the e.g. B. has 4.5 seconds pre-burn time, then the device asks whether the pre-burn time is correct should be viewed. If this is negated, then the internal file for this ignition remains circle unchanged. If consideration is required, then the pre-burn time subtracted from the triggering time specified for this ignition circuit, so that when igniting the effect is triggered 4.5 seconds earlier. That means the real one Effect takes place exactly to the desired music sequence.

When all ignition circuits have been defined in this form, the internal sequence file can be saved saved on diskette or chip card and now stands for the use of the device to disposal.

2.) Ignition control with time code not yet available

The sound or image recording device is connected to the time code output of the device connected. For example the left audio channel of a cassette recorder. The music source is connected to the free channel of the recording device. Now the start time for the time code signal is entered and the music transfer started. The music is now recorded on one channel and the other on the Continuous timecode of the ignitor. When the recording is done, will continue as in 1.).

Since stereo quality of the music is not absolutely necessary for fireworks, The advantage of this method is that any commercially available stereo recording device is suitable for timecode without expensive additional equipment.  

3.) Ignition control by connected MOTION CONTROLLED CAMERA

The computer output of the Motion controlled camera connected. It will then continue as in 1.) method.

4.) Ignition using a built-in CD player

The system is informed which track of the CD is played during the fireworks shall be. Since the CD player is directly connected to the CPU, the exact Track position of the CD reading head permanently recognized and this information as a timecode at the entrance is treated. The programming is done as described under 1.), however, when the fireworks burn down the NF output the igniter is fed to a mixer or amplifier, so that in stereo quality the fireworks music is supplied by the ignitor.

Claims (8)

1. An igniter for pyrotechnic phrases and objects that is capable of Receiving data and depending on its previous programming, to automatically fire fireworks, taking the format or the nature of the input signal is optional. 2. An ignitor that has a built-in CD player and thus the Fireworks music plays independently and the runtime data, the music as information for independent ignition depending on its previous one Programming uses. 3. An ignitor that is able to generate a timecode and this on Record commercially available sound and video recorders. 4. An ignitor that is able to pre-burn fireworks recognize and take this into account automatically in the automatic ignition. 5. An ignitor that processes an 8-bit digital signal at its output so that A maximum of 15 × 15 ignition circuits can be operated via a corresponding ± matrix can, whereby for the connection of the ignition circuits to the device only a 30 pin Cable is necessary.   The protection claims under 1.) should also exist if the CPU of the device is replaced by a PC, laptop, or other computer. The protection claims under 2.) should also exist if instead of the built-in CD players a DAT recorder or another picture or sound playback device built in becomes. The protection claims under 5.) should also exist if another, is used as an 8 bit digital signal.