What Is It ?
In its most basic form , automated rigging is the practice of pre-programming the movement of set elements , like a truss , for example , on an axis in physical space . Sounds simple enough , right ? But let ’ s look a little closer .
When I first started training on automated rigging systems , I had a narrow view of what automation was . Like most practical applications in the Canadian live entertainment market , I focused on chain hoists that can move a piece up and down with repeatable accuracy . Typically this would be a lighting truss or a video wall ; however , this is a very narrow view as automation has so much more potential .
When I say “ axis ,” I ’ m referring to a movement along a line . By definition , an axis is a theoretical line that divides something into two parts – top and bottom , left and right ,
near and far – for the purpose of stage movements . These are the three basic axes that an object can move along :
• Vertically ( in / out )
• Horizontally ( stage left / right )
• Through the depth of field
( upstage / downstage ).
An object can also rotate around these axes , resulting in tilt , pitch , and rotation ( see Fig . 1 ).
It ’ s important to note that there is usually more than one way to achieve these movements , be it a chain hoist , a wire rope winch , a rotating turntable , hydraulic rams , trucks , or a beam trolley . The available hardware to automate is often not the limiting factor – typically , it ’ s your budget or imagination .
Fig . 1
Not to scale © Kinesys 2011 Kinesys . co . uk / support
HOW IT WORKS
To automate a machine , it needs to be able to make repeatable movements , be programmable , and in the entertainment world , have a cue system for control during the show . To do this , we need measurable data from the machinery itself . Measuring rotations of a machine is a common way to know if it is moving , in which direction , at what speed , and how many rotations have been made .
So let ’ s focus on automated chain hoists as a typical show element . Now , there is a common misunderstanding with regards to “ intelligent ” chain motors . We often describe these as having a “ link counter ” system , meaning something is counting links of chain as they are processed through the motor . What is in fact going on is an encoder inside the hoist is sending data to the control software pertaining to how many rotations are made by the machine , in which direction , and in some cases , at what speed .
To take this a step further , automation requires encoders for positional data . An encoder can be mounted on almost any piece of moving hardware , one way or another . As long as you can make a gear or shaft turn and you can attach an encoder to it , you have a way to measure the rotation and therefore make use of the data it provides .
So here ’ s how it works . Automation is designed and controlled on the front end by consoles and computer-driven systems , much the same as lighting systems . These controls are integrated into different hardware systems via energizing power drives or switches , like a motor distro or a winch drive , and then process data from sensors such as encoders . The software energizes machinery on cue and acquires data from the encoder so it can tell the machine when to stop in a specific position .
Programming these systems can be done in a number of ways and there are lots of different platforms and approaches , so let ’ s talk basics .
Every manufacturer has their own way of accomplishing the end goal of programming moves in the form of cues . It could a table-based system where you enter values based on the desired travel distance and speed / time . It could be CADbased , where you build a 3D construct in virtual space and the system does more of the calculating for you . Or it could be something more sophisticated like a 3D flight path console with joy-stick interfaces . As with most product families in our industry , the approach changes with each manufacturer . Akin to learning a new sound or lighting console , there is most certainly a learning curve involved and , typically , training required .
The basics of automation can be taught to a competent technician with ease in the right environment . It is important to remember , though , that what you do in the virtual space can have serious implications in real life .
PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING & PRODUCTION • 23