IP Library Granted Patent US 8,170,693
Granted Patent B2
US 8,170,693 · App. 11/856,622 · Granted May 1, 2012

Stage command autostop

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,170,693
App. No.
11/856,622
Granted
May 1, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present system teaches an autostop system for a stage control system in which some of all of the device implemented effects associated with a production may be automatically stopped when certain conditions exist. The conditions causing the effects to stop may be configurable by the show creator to prevent injury to the persons involved with the production and damage to the scenery and equipment.

Claims (10)

1. A method, comprising:

receiving status information relating to a plurality of devices into a processing device; using programming in the processing device for first determining whether a first device of the plurality of devices should be stopped, wherein the determining includes evaluating a condition relating to the status of at least the first device of the plurality of devices;

said programming operating for automatically asserting an autostop signal that stops operation of the first device if the determining determines that said first device is malfunctioning by opening a first switch of a plurality of switches that are in series and are connected to supply power to said first device;

second determining using programming in the processing device whether the plurality of devices should be stopped, wherein the second determining includes evaluating a condition relating to the status of a control that controls the entire plurality of devices, and opening a second switch of said plurality of switches to interrupt said power to said first device, and opening other switches to interrupt power to others of said plurality of devices;

transmitting data to at least one of said devices indicative of an effect sequence to be carried out by said one of said devices only if said first determining and said second determining both determine that the one of the plurality of devices do not need to be stopped;

using the processing device for asserting an autostop signal directed to the plurality of devices if the second determining determines that the control that controls the entire plurality of devices is malfunctioning; and

using a second auto stop signal, which is not created by any processing device, for controlling at least a third switch of said plurality of switches to interrupts said power to said first device, and opening other switches to interrupt power to others of said plurality of devices.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the status information relates to one selected from the group consisting of a position of a device, a position of an object connected to a device, a velocity of a device, an acceleration of a device, a temperature of a device, power consumption of a device, a position of a relay connected to a power connection of a device, a state of a self-resetting fuse connected to a power connection of a device, a processing system connected to a device, and a watchdog device connected to a device.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first determining includes evaluating a condition relating to the effect sequence.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second determining includes evaluating a condition relating to the effect sequence.

Assignments (6)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 10, 2025
From: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP, L.L.C.
To: KKR LOAN ADMINISTRATION SERVICES LLC
Reel/Frame 073058/0722 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 14, 2024
From: ALLY BANK
To: KKR LOAN ADMINISTRATION SERVICES LLC
Reel/Frame 067404/0695 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 13, 2024
From: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP, L.L.C.; MAGIC TO DO 2020 INC.
To: KKR LOAN ADMINISTRATION SERVICES LLC
Reel/Frame 067397/0146 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 10, 2024
From: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP, L.L.C.; MAGIC TO DO 2020 INC.
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 067381/0294 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Oct 7, 2020
From: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP, L.L.C., AS A GRANTOR
To: ALLY BANK, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 053994/0038 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 27, 2007
From: MAYHEW, RUSTY
To: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP, L.L.C
Reel/Frame 020293/0782 →