Computer system for the timed firing of pyrotechnic devices that uses a closed or open ethernet network.

Abstract

Some of the most advanced fireworks displays incorporate music, video, lights, and other special effects. For the seamless operation of these displays, the presence of computerized firing systems on the market can be greatly appreciated. In addition to entertainment value, the abilities of initiating a fireworks display from a distance and being able to stop a display at any time has made shooting fireworks displays safer than ever. However, because of the expense of this hardware, these elaborate displays can be far out of reach for anyone who has a lower budget. The idea outlined in this patent will help solve that issue by suggesting an asynchronous computerized firing system. This system can be initiated using a personal computer without any proprietary hardware with the exception of low cost modules.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . The proposed system will control pyrotechnic events using a digital transfer method utilized by personal computers. 
     
     
         1 a. The system proposed in  claim 1  will utilize a personal computer as the main firing computer to control pyrotechnic events. 
     
     
         1 b. The system proposed in  claim 1  will control pyrotechnic events using an ad hoc, user-configurable digital network. 
     
     
         1 c. The system proposed in  claim 1  will utilize a network based on a Transmission Control Protocol connection. 
     
     
         1 d. The system proposed in  claim 1  will have a constant open connection between the firing computer and the modules. 
     
     
         1 e. The system proposed in  claim 1  will utilize cost effective cabling for the establishment and maintenance of the created digital network. 
     
     
         1 f. The system proposed in  claim 1  will be capable of internet connectivity. 
     
     
         1 g. The system proposed in  claim 1  will be capable of cell network connectivity. 
     
     
         1 h. The system proposed in  claim 1 , utilizing the digitally created network, will be capable of being inter-linked with other special effects systems to control other timed effects (lighting, video, etc.) 
     
     
         2 . The proposed system will utilize personal computer networking hardware to establish, maintain, and close this connection. 
     
     
         2 a. The networking hardware noted in  claim 2  will allow modules to be of low cost. 
     
     
         2 b. The networking hardware noted in  claim 2  will allow modules to be readily available and easy to construct. 
     
     
         2 c. The network hardware noted in  claim 2  will have hardwired programming so no modification of the module is required by the end user. 
     
     
         2 d. The network hardware noted in  claim 2  will have the ability to utilize wireless connectivity for the establishment and maintenance of the created digital network. 
     
     
         2 e. The network hardware noted in  claim 2  will allow individual modules to contain the capability of wireless connectivity. 
     
     
         2 f. The network hardware noted in  claim 2  will allow the proposed system to be capable of wireless connectivity between the firing computer and interconnected modules with the use of a centralized hub. 
     
     
         2 g. The network hardware noted in  claim 2 , in addition to  claims 2 e and  2 f will allow the proposed system the capability of using any combination of means of wired and/or wireless connectivity. 
     
     
         3 . The proposed system will utilize a program, run off the firing computer, to design, maintain, and execute the triggering of pyrotechnic devices. 
     
     
         3 a. The program proposed in  claim 3  will be responsible for the communication between the firing computer and attached modules. 
     
     
         3 b. The program proposed in  claim 3  will be responsible for keeping timing by which to trigger pyrotechnic devices. 
     
     
         3 c. The program proposed in  claim 3  will be responsible for transmitting firing commands to cause the triggering of pyrotechnic devices.