Controlled light sculptures for visual effects in music performance applications

Abstract

Controlled light sculptures suggestive of instrument elements and rotating speakers associated with contemporary music performances. In one embodiment, rotating speaker systems are visually emulated. One such rotating light system includes a controllable light source configured to emit visible light responsive to a MIDI light control signal. The system also includes a rotating light-travel modulation element for creating visual motion of light distribution employing light emitted by the light source. The visual motion provided by the light-travel modulation element is responsive to a MIDI motion control signal. Either or both of the light control and motion control signals may be controlled responsive to musical signals, user controls, floor controls, non-MIDI signals, and the like. In other embodiments, an array of light columns or pyramids visually emulate organ pipes, instrument strings, and the like, via controllable light sources responsive to light control signals. These light control signals may be controlled responsive to musical signals, instrument actuators, floor controllers, and MIDI signals, among others.

1 - 38 . (canceled)  
   
   
       39 . A rotating light system, comprising: 
 at least one controllable light source configured to emit visible light responsive to a MIDI light control signal; and    a rotating light-travel modulation element for creating visual motion of light distribution employing said light emitted by said at least one light source, wherein said visual motion provided by said light-travel modulation element is responsive to a MIDI motion control signal.    
   
   
       40 . The rotating light system according to  claim 39 , further comprising: 
 a motor for rotating said light-travel modulation element responsive to said MIDI motion control signal.    
   
   
       41 . The rotating light system according to  claim 39 , wherein said light-travel modulation element comprises a rotating beacon.  
   
   
       42 . The rotating light system according to  claim 41 , wherein said rotating beacon comprises a reflector which reflects said light emitted by said at least one light source.  
   
   
       43 . The rotating light system according to  claim 39 , wherein said rotating light-travel modulation element comprises an outer rotating shell.  
   
   
       44 . The rotating light system according to  claim 39 , wherein said visual motion of distributed light exhibits a perceivable speed of travel as controlled by said MIDI motion control signal.  
   
   
       45 . The rotating light system according to  claim 39 , wherein said visual motion of distributed light exhibits a perceivable direction of travel as controlled by said MIDI motion control signal.  
   
   
       46 . The rotating light system according to  claim 39 , further comprising: 
 an outer shell containing said controllable light source and said light-travel modulation element.    
   
   
       47 . The rotating light system according to  claim 46 , wherein said outer shell is formed using a plurality of intersecting and substantially planar surfaces.  
   
   
       48 . The rotating light system according to  claim 47 , wherein said outer shell is formed using four intersecting and substantially planar surfaces to form a pyramid.  
   
   
       49 . The rotating light system according to  claim 46 , further comprising: 
 a transparent enclosure containing said controllable light source and said light-travel modulation element.    
   
   
       50 . The rotating light system according to  claim 49 , wherein said transparent enclosure is formed using a plurality of intersecting and substantially planar surfaces.  
   
   
       51 . The rotating light system according to  claim 49 , wherein said outer shell is formed using six intersecting and substantially planar surfaces to form a cube.  
   
   
       52 . The rotating light system according to  claim 39 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of controllable light sources, each configured to emit visible light responsive to said MIDI light control signal; and    a rotating light-travel modulation element associated with each of said plurality of controllable light sources, each of said plurality of light-travel modulation elements creating visual motion of light distribution employing said light emitted by said associated light source, wherein said visual motion provided by each of said plurality of light-travel modulation elements is responsive to said MIDI motion control signal; and    a plurality of outer shells, each containing one of said plurality of rotating light-travel modulation elements and associated light source, wherein each of said plurality of outer shells are arranged vertically relative to each other.    
   
   
       53 . The rotating light system according to  claim 52 , wherein adjacent ones of said outer shells contain rotating light-travel modulation elements which rotate in opposing directions.  
   
   
       54 . The rotating light system according to  claim 52 , wherein adjacent ones of said outer shells contain rotating light-travel modulation elements which rotate at variable speeds and in opposing directions.  
   
   
       55 . A rotating light system, comprising: 
 at least one controllable light source configured to emit visible light responsive to a light control signal; and    a rotating light-travel modulation element for creating visual motion of light distribution employing said light emitted by said at least one light source, wherein said visual motion provided by said light-travel modulation element is responsive to a motion control signal, and wherein said light system is responsive to a music signal.    
   
   
       56 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , further comprising: 
 a motor for rotating said light-travel modulation element responsive to said motion control signal.    
   
   
       57 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , wherein said light-travel modulation element comprises a rotating beacon.  
   
   
       58 . The rotating light system according to  claim 57 , wherein said rotating beacon comprises a reflector which reflects said light emitted by said at least one light source.  
   
   
       59 . The rotating light system according to  claim 57 , wherein said rotating light-travel modulation element comprises an outer rotating shell.  
   
   
       60 . The rotating light system according to  claim 57 , wherein said visual motion of distributed light exhibits a perceivable speed of travel as controlled by said motion control signal.  
   
   
       61 . The rotating light system according to  claim 57 , wherein said visual motion of distributed light exhibits a perceivable direction of travel as controlled by said motion control signal.  
   
   
       62 . The rotating light system according to  claim 57 , further comprising: 
 an outer shell containing said controllable light source and said light-travel modulation element.    
   
   
       63 . The rotating light system according to  claim 62 , wherein said outer shell is formed using a plurality of intersecting and substantially planar surfaces.  
   
   
       64 . The rotating light system according to  claim 63 , wherein said outer shell is formed using four intersecting and substantially planar surfaces to form a pyramid.  
   
   
       65 . The rotating light system according to  claim 62 , further comprising: 
 a transparent enclosure containing said controllable light source and said light-travel modulation element.    
   
   
       66 . The rotating light system according to  claim 65 , wherein said transparent enclosure is formed using a plurality of intersecting and substantially planar surfaces.  
   
   
       67 . The rotating light system according to  claim 65 , wherein said outer shell is formed using six intersecting and substantially planar surfaces to form a cube.  
   
   
       68 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of controllable light sources, each configured to emit visible light responsive to said light control signal; and    a rotating light-travel modulation element associated with each of said plurality of controllable light sources, each of said plurality of light-travel modulation elements creating visual motion of light distribution employing said light emitted by said associated light source, wherein said visual motion provided by each of said plurality of light-travel modulation elements is responsive to said motion control signal; and    a plurality of outer shells, each containing one of said plurality of rotating light-travel modulation elements and associated light source, wherein each of said plurality of outer shells are arranged vertically relative to each other.    
   
   
       69 . The rotating light system according to  claim 68 , wherein adjacent ones of said outer shells contain rotating light-travel modulation elements which rotate in opposing directions.  
   
   
       70 . The rotating light system according to  claim 68 , wherein adjacent ones of said outer shells contain rotating light-travel modulation elements which rotate at variable speeds.  
   
   
       71 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , wherein said light control signal is generated responsive to an amplitude of said music signal.  
   
   
       72 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , wherein said light control signal is generated responsive to a pitch of said music signal.  
   
   
       73 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , wherein said light control signal is generated responsive to a timbre of said music signal.  
   
   
       74 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , wherein said light control signal is generated responsive to an overtone variation of said music signal.  
   
   
       75 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , wherein said motion control signal is generated responsive to an amplitude of said music signal.  
   
   
       76 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , wherein said motion control signal is generated responsive to a pitch of said music signal.  
   
   
       77 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , wherein said motion control signal is generated responsive to a timbre of said music signal.  
   
   
       78 . The rotating light system according to  claim 55 , wherein said motion control signal is generated responsive to an overtone variation of said music signal.  
   
   
       79 . A rotating light system, comprising: 
 a controllable light source configured to emit visible light responsive to a light control signal; and    a rotating light-travel modulation element for creating visual motion of distributed light based upon said light emitted by said light source, wherein said visual motion provided by said light-travel modulation element is responsive to a motion control signal, said motion control signal having been generated responsive to a first audio signal provided to an audio signal processing system.    
   
   
       80 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , further comprising: 
 a motor for rotating said light-travel modulation element responsive to said motion control signal.    
   
   
       81 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , wherein said light-travel modulation element comprises a rotating beacon.  
   
   
       82 . The rotating light system according to  claim 81 , wherein said rotating beacon comprises a reflector which reflects said light source.  
   
   
       83 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , wherein said rotating light-travel modulation element comprises an outer rotating shell.  
   
   
       84 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , wherein said visual motion of distributed light exhibits a perceivable speed of travel as controlled by said motion control signal.  
   
   
       85 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , wherein said visual motion of distributed light exhibits a perceivable direction of travel as controlled by said motion control signal.  
   
   
       86 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , further comprising: 
 an outer shell containing said controllable light source and said light-travel modulation element.    
   
   
       87 . The rotating light system according to  claim 86 , wherein said outer shell is formed using a plurality of intersecting and substantially planar surfaces.  
   
   
       88 . The rotating light system according to  claim 87 , wherein said outer shell forms a pyramid.  
   
   
       89 . The rotating light system according to  claim 86 , further comprising: 
 a transparent enclosure containing said controllable light source and said light-travel modulation element.    
   
   
       90 . The rotating light system according to  claim 89 , wherein said transparent enclosure is formed using a plurality of intersecting and substantially planar surfaces.  
   
   
       91 . The rotating light system according to  claim 89 , wherein said outer shell is formed using six intersecting and substantially planar surfaces to form a cube.  
   
   
       92 . The rotating light system according to  claim 89 , wherein said outer shell is formed using five intersecting and substantially planar surfaces to form a cubic frame having an open end.  
   
   
       93 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of controllable light sources, each configured to emit visible light responsive to said light control signal; and    a rotating light-travel modulation element associated with each of said plurality of controllable light sources, each of said plurality of light-travel modulation elements creating visual motion of light distribution employing said light emitted by said associated light source, wherein said visual motion provided by each of said plurality of light-travel modulation elements is responsive to said motion control signal; and    a plurality of outer shells, each containing one of said plurality of rotating light-travel modulation elements and associated light source, wherein each of said plurality of outer shells are arranged vertically relative to each other.    
   
   
       94 . The rotating light system according to  claim 93 , wherein adjacent ones of said outer shells contain rotating light-travel modulation elements which rotate in opposing directions.  
   
   
       95 . The rotating light system according to  claim 93 , wherein adjacent ones of said outer shells contain rotating light-travel modulation elements which rotate at variable speeds and in opposing directions.  
   
   
       96 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , wherein said light control signal is generated responsive to a second audio signal provided to said audio signal processing system.  
   
   
       97 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , wherein said audio signal processing system is under stored program control.  
   
   
       98 . The rotating light system according to  claim 97 , wherein said stored program control comprises sequencing.  
   
   
       99 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , wherein said light control signal is generated responsive to signals processed within said audio signal processing system.  
   
   
       100 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , wherein said light control signal is generated responsive to signals extracted by said audio signal processing system.  
   
   
       101 . The rotating light system according to  claim 79 , wherein said first audio signal is generated by said audio signal processing system responsive to signals generated by a musical instrument.  
   
   
       102 . The rotating light system according to  claim 101 , wherein said audio signal processing system is under stored program control.  
   
   
       103 . The rotating light system according to  claim 102 , wherein said light control signal is responsive to said stored program control of said audio signal processing system.  
   
   
       104 . The rotating light system according to  claim 102 , wherein said stored program control comprises sequencing.  
   
   
       105 . The rotating light system according to  claim 101 , wherein said light control signal is generated responsive to signals processed within said audio signal processing system.  
   
   
       106 . The rotating light system according to  claim 101 , wherein said light control signal is generated responsive to signals extracted by said audio signal processing system.  
   
   
       107 . The rotating light system according to  claim 101 , wherein said visual motion of distributed light is synchronized to a rotating speaker simulation in audio signal processing elements.  
   
   
       108 . A rotating light system, comprising: 
 a controllable light source configured to emit visible light responsive to a light control signal provided by a foot controller; and    a rotating light-travel modulation element for creating visual motion of distributed light based upon said light emitted by said light source, wherein said visual motion provided by said light-travel modulation element is responsive to a motion control signal provided by a foot controller.    
   
   
       109 . The rotating light system according to  claim 108 , further comprising: 
 a motor for rotating said light-travel modulation element responsive to said motion control signal.    
   
   
       110 . The rotating light system according to  claim 108 , wherein said light-travel modulation element comprises a rotating beacon.  
   
   
       111 . The rotating light system according to  claim 110 , wherein said rotating beacon comprises a reflector which reflects said light emitted by said light source.  
   
   
       112 . The rotating light system according to  claim 108 , wherein said rotating light-travel modulation element comprises an outer rotating shell.  
   
   
       113 . The rotating light system according to  claim 108 , wherein said visual motion of distributed light exhibits a perceivable speed of travel as controlled by said motion control signal.  
   
   
       114 . The rotating light system according to  claim 108 , wherein said visual motion of distributed light exhibits a perceivable direction of travel as controlled by said motion control signal.  
   
   
       115 . The rotating light system according to  claim 108 , further comprising: 
 an outer shell containing said controllable light source and said light-travel modulation element.    
   
   
       116 . The rotating light system according to  claim 115 , wherein said outer shell is formed using a plurality of intersecting and substantially planar surfaces.  
   
   
       117 . The rotating light system according to  claim 116 , wherein said outer shell forms a pyramid.  
   
   
       118 . The rotating light system according to  claim 115 , further comprising: 
 a transparent enclosure containing said controllable light source and said light-travel modulation element.    
   
   
       119 . The rotating light system according to claim  1118 , wherein said transparent enclosure is formed using a plurality of intersecting and substantially planar surfaces.  
   
   
       120 . The rotating light system according to  claim 118 , wherein said outer shell is formed using six intersecting and substantially planar surfaces to form a cube.  
   
   
       121 . The rotating light system according to  claim 118 , wherein said outer shell is formed using five intersecting and substantially planar surfaces to form a cubic frame having an open end.  
   
   
       122 . The rotating light system according to  claim 108 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of controllable light sources, each configured to emit visible light responsive to said light control signal; and    a rotating light-travel modulation element associated with each of said plurality of controllable light sources, each of said plurality of light-travel modulation elements creating visual motion of light distribution employing said light emitted by said associated light source, wherein said visual motion provided by each of said plurality of light-travel modulation elements is responsive to said motion control signal; and    a plurality of outer shells, each containing one of said plurality of rotating light-travel modulation elements and associated light source, wherein each of said plurality of outer shells are arranged vertically relative to each other.    
   
   
       123 . The rotating light system according to  claim 122 , wherein adjacent ones of said outer shells contain rotating light-travel modulation elements which rotate in opposing directions.  
   
   
       124 . The rotating light system according to  claim 122 , wherein adjacent ones of said outer shells contain rotating light-travel modulation elements which rotate at variable speeds and in opposing directions.  
   
   
       125 . The rotating light system according to  claim 108 , wherein said light control signal is a signal of MIDI format.  
   
   
       126 . The rotating light system according to  claim 108 , wherein said motion control signal is a signal of MIDI format.  
   
   
       127 . A lighted structure array, comprising: 
 an array of discrete translucent structures, each capable of radially conducting and dispersing light; and    a separate light source associated with each of said array of translucent structures, each of said array of light sources configured to illuminate an associated translucent structure responsive to a control signal.    
   
   
       128 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said array of discrete translucent structures is pyramid shaped.  
   
   
       129 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said array of discrete translucent structures is column shaped.  
   
   
       130 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said array of light sources emits colored light.  
   
   
       131 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said array of light sources comprises a colored gel.  
   
   
       132 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said array of light sources comprises a reflector.  
   
   
       133 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said array of light sources comprises a light-transmitting rod.  
   
   
       134 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said array of light sources comprises a light-scattering rod.  
   
   
       135 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein each of said array of discrete translucent structures are structured and arranged to represent instrument strings.  
   
   
       136 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein each of said array of discrete translucent structures are structured and arranged to represent organ pipes.  
   
   
       137 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein said at least one of said plurality of control signals is responsive to musical signals which have been generated responsive to vibrating strings of a stringed instrument.  
   
   
       138 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein said at least one of said plurality of control signals is responsive to musical signals which have been generated responsive to operation of buttons associated with a musical instrument.  
   
   
       139 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said plurality of control signals is responsive to musical signals which have been generated responsive to operation of actuators associated with a musical instrument.  
   
   
       140 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said plurality of control signals is responsive to musical signals which have been generated responsive to operation of keys associated with a musical instrument.  
   
   
       141 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said plurality of control signals is responsive to musical signals which have been generated responsive to operation of a strumpad.  
   
   
       142 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said plurality of control signals is responsive to musical signals which have been generated responsive to operation of a touchpad.  
   
   
       143 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said plurality of control signals is responsive to musical signals which have been generated responsive to operation of a foot-operated controller.  
   
   
       144 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said plurality of control signals is responsive to musical signals which have been generated responsive to MIDI signals.  
   
   
       145 . The lighted structure array according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of said plurality of light control signals is a signal of MIDI format.