Theatre Design & Technology - Feb 1974 - 13

were cited in the introduction, we can see that they
resulted from the recognition of severe problems and
represent the attempts made to solve them. These
innovations were further supported by the availability of
technical and engineering skills that did not exist in the
Performing Arts alone.
Synthesized Control represents a system that could
help us to resolve these problems with even greater
success. To clarify how this will be achieved, we will
define the basic functions of the system that affect
present design and technical conditions.
Accuracy, speed and reliability are basically integrated
in a Synthesized System, the reason for this being that
operational data wi II be stored as digital information in a
memory device. Once data is stored in digital form it does
not change, and it can be withdrawn from the memory an
infinite number of times and remain accurate. Storing
data is virtually an instantaneous operation and will
certainly increase the speed of actual "set up" of
productions.
One of the basic functions of a Synthesized System is
that it will have the capability of handling any number of
both similar and divergent operations simultaneously. This
wi" a" ow t he user to effectively and accurately
co-ordinate the many varying effects that must take place
at the same time.
In conjunction with these basic assets of synthesized
control, there will be an overall effect on the fundamental
issues of time, money and technical assistance. The
problem being attacked is essentially two-fold. There are
the limitations incurred by any production situation as
well as the overall influencing factors that serve to amplify
them. It is important to note that Synthesized Control
does seek to alleviate both levels of the situation.
The scope of synthesized control is of such magnitude
that it will affect every aspect of Performing Arts practice
including the design of the buildings themselves.
The concept of Synthesized Control is grandiose to say
the least. It represents a system that many members of
our profession have thought of and expounded upon
many times. What has to be determined is whether its
design can incorporate all of the various control functions
of the associated systems. The following represents a basic
study of the categories of theatrical technology which
could be incorporated into such a system. The categories
could, of course, differ with each Synthesized System
design.

Distance of travel is directly related to speed of
movement or motion. Since motorized devices are used
predominantly, there is a need to compensate for
mechanical tolerances. Even though a motor is given the
same command, its responses will not always be identical.
Therefore, there needs to be a way to check and control
its accuracy. It is also important to prevent any errors
from becoming cumulative.
The data used to control these functions is stored in
digital form. This implies that there will be a set number
of combinations which are really discrete steps from one
digital value to the next. The number of combinations or
steps available will determine the resolution factor: e.g.
how many different distance and speed values will be
available for the setting of the associated devices. A
common reSOlution factor must be arrived at after
determining the operating parameters required.
Safety is of the utmost importance. There must be a
manual override system available as well as an error
hand ling and correcting program that is not on Iy related
to mechanical and electronic functions, but to the living
actor as well. This program would constantly check the
actual operation of the equipment and verify mechanical
travel and timing accuracy.
The defined control functions must be incorporated
into the Synthesized Console so that they can be
physically operated efficiently. Direction is a function
which can be recorded as a direct address. It can, however,
vary during the course of one overall operation, and this
must be taken into consideration. Speed and control
should likewise be variable. Since we are now working
with digital information, speed and distance will have to
be defined in terms which relate to the number of discrete
steps available. The actual controllers used to set these
functions should also relate to the digital format.

Stage mechanics include the following devices: vertical
rigging, wagons, revolves, lifts.

Displaying the operations of the associated systems is a
major problem in that there are so many devices involved.
The most important information that shou Id be displayed
is again digital progression accuracy and malfunction. This
should be combined with a type of visual display. The
only way to effectively "see" what is in operation is to
arrive at a system of symbols that clearly and simply
depicts the device itself, location, travel, and completion
of operation. The display of a synchronous operation
involving many elements must be carefully defined if the
display is to be realistic and intelligible.

There are basic control functions which are common to
all of these elements: direction, distance, acceleration,
deceleration and speed. Each of these have various control

These controls must be physica lIy incorporated into the
Synthesized Console; the major problem being that there
are so many devices that must be controlled and set. A

STAGE MECHANICS:

~

ramifications and must be considered. Does the device go
in or out, on-stage, off-stage, up-stage, or down-stage?
Does it rotate counterclockwise or clockwise? The system
must provide a means of setting and operating these
factors.

THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

FEBRUARY. 1974

13
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Feb 1974
