Tosca at the Albert hall with TiMax Tracker February 2008 – Alistair Muir
Location Tracking for voice and effects imaging
Stunningly Accurate * Reassuringly smart * Unparalleled versatility
The TiMax Tracker (TT) real-time location system is a break-through in ultra-wideband (UWB) RF technology developed to track the actors and performers around a stage or any event space in 3D. TT can automatically control a TiMax delay matrix to make the audio image from the actors’ radio mics precisely track their stage positions in real-time. The TT system can also be used to make electronic sound effects follow the movement of actors, animatronics or stage scenery, within immersive surround or 3D audio panoramas created by the TiMax audio matrix. TiMax Tracker’s real-time showcontrol outputs can also be used to trigger other media such as lighting or video servers.
TT is an indoor and outdoor radar system. It delivers very high positional accuracy (~15cm/6”) and speed of response in traditionally challenging environments at reliability levels unachievable by contemporary technologies such as conventional RFID or WiFi. The system consists of three components:
• Battery powered miniature UWB pulse transmitter TT Tags worn by the performers;
• Radar (UWB) TT Sensors mounted around the performance area which receive the signals from the tags;
• Software platform which analyses the data from the sensors, generates an animated image of actors moving around the stage, and sends location control data to the TiMax audio matrix (or other media), all in real-time.
Features
• Radar-controlled audio and showcontrol
• Tracks multiple performers in 3D space
• Unparalleled UWB tracking accuracy and speed
• Performers audio follows them round the stage
• Improved intelligibility, greater dramatic impact
• Operator-free realtime delay imaging
• Indoors or outdoors, any sized venue
For a large-scale performance “in-the-round” such as arena operas and pageant-style events typically six TT Sensors would be mounted around the auditorium perimeter. A conventional proscenium stage configuration would usually need only three or four sensors. Smaller proscenium stages and studio theatres can achieve good results with just two sensors. In each case, the TT Tags only need to be seen by two sensors at any time to maintain accurate 3D localisation. Additional sensors help cover a larger performance area and add redundancy by eliminating tracking errors caused by body blocking and reflective or absorbent stage scenery.
For outdoor events covering several hundreds of metres, or site-wide such as in a theme park, the TT system can be scaled up indefinitely by configuring a number of adjacent groups of Sensors as “cells” which interact as one large system. These are combined via an Ethernet network to a central Location Server computer. The server can have multiple clients so that e.g. stage managers and radio mic handlers can all monitor stage action, tag signal strength and battery levels at the same time as the sound engineer. TiMax Tracker is ideally suited to roof-less outdoor shows by mounting TT Sensors around the perimeter of the performance space.
TiMax Tracker Software and TiMax Audio Imaging Matrix
The TiMax Tracker software displays the TT Tags locations across multiple stage Tracking Zones and maps them to TiMax audio matrix Image Definitions. These are pre-programmed at system setup to create appropriate audio localisations corresponding to performers’ positions on the stage.
The TT tracking software sends communicates with the TiMax audio matrix showcontrol software via a stream of MIDI messages containing the tag numbers (i.e. Timax Inputs) and their stage locations
(i.e. TiMax Image Definitions). The TiMax delay-matrix applies corresponding level and delay values to the actors’ microphones to achieve accurate audio localisation for the whole audience.
This all happens in real-time without intervention from the operator thereby significantly reducing pre-programming time in rehearsal. And the TiMax showcontrol software and audio matrix can also handle continuous TT automatic tracking at the same time as running other Playlist imaging or sound effects Cues triggered manually or externally
Intelligent Location Software
TiMax Tracker incorporates a sophisticated Location Engine configuration accurately self-calibrates the system after entering a few simple location details. An intelligent Calibration Wizard automatically orientates each Sensor’s AOA and TDOA tracking resources in a few seconds, including picosecond offsets for the the different lengths of CAT5 timing cables linking them together.
The Sensors are networked via CAT5 back to a POE Ethernet switch which provide their power. The switch is connected to a PC running the TT Location Engine platform and TiMax Tracker Map application which is used to control and monitor the TT Tags during the show.
The Map screen displays a representation of the stage in 2D or 3D, using a simple outline image created within the TT software or a more detailed picture imported as a jpg or dxf. The Map also lists the TT Tags and displays next to them a real-time indication of their signal strength (QoS, battery level and the current Zone they’re in.
Multiple three-dimensional Tracking Zones are superimposed onto the Map either as user-defined square or oval shapes, or individually tailored to represent any complex shaped Zone to be covered on stage. This is useful for extending Tracking Zones onto thrusts and ramps, or up staircases and stage-lifts.
Simple 2D or 3D coloured icons show the location and movement of performers in 3D space, and these can also be replaced by jpeg renderings showing an actual performer’s costume for example.
Up to 60 tags can be accommodated within each TiMaxTracker cell, or an indefinite number across interlinked cells. Each tag’s refresh rate can be individually adjusted to suit the performer’s movements, so bandwidth can be reduced for sluggish movers and allocated more liberally for roller-skaters or dancers. For very large-scale environments the system can be set to automatically vary individual tag refresh rates based on continuous analysis of their movements. Statistical data filtering can also be applied separately to each tag to compensate individually for any spurious interference.
TT Sensors Technology
The TT Sensor is a precision measuring instrument containing an array of internal antennae and ultra-wideband (UWB) radio receivers. The sensors calculate the location of the TT Tags based on reception of the detected UWB signals transmitted from the tags. Each sensor also has a bi-directional 2.4GHz control and telemetry link for instructing and monitoring the tags.
Each sensor independently determines both the azimuth and elevation Angle of Arrival (AOA) of the UWB signal, providing a bearing to each tag. The Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) information is determined between the network of sensors interconnected with a timing cable.
TiMax Tracker therefore offers a very low entry-level cost which can be scaled incrementally to provide a high degree of redundancy and reliability for more complex or hostile environments. TT Sensors are environment-resistant to IP30 as standard and fully weatherproofed versions are available.
Technical Specification
Size and Weight: Dimensions: 20cm (8”) x 14cm (5.5”) x 6cm (2.4”) Weight: 650g
Operating Conditions: Temperature: Standard: -20°C to 60°C (-4F to 140F) Extended temperature ranges available on request
Humidity: 0 to 95%, Non-condensing
Enclosure: Standard IP30
Operating Range: Standard up to 160m (500 feet) OFM
Precision: Achievable accuracy better than 15cm (6”) in 3D
Radio Frequencies: Ultra-wideband 6GHz – 8GHz Telemetry channel 2.4GHz
Certifications: FCC part 15; EU CE Intrinsic Safety – Class 1 Div 1, Zone 1 on request
Power Supply: Power-over-Ethernet IEEE 802.3af Low voltage 12V DC @ 10W
Mounting Options (supplied): Adjustable mounting bracket, trussclamp or screw plate
TT Tags employ a unique dual-radio architecture. At the command of the TT Sensors, the tags transmit ultra-wideband (UWB) radar pulses for the sensors to use as location data. They also have a bi-directional 2.4GHz radio link which is used as a control and telemetry channel.
The two-way communication function allows the system to instruct and dynamically manage the tags; vary update rates, send self-identification commands to illuminate an LED, and monitor battery life. TT Tags are water-resistant to IP63 as standard.
Technical Specification
Size and Weight: Dimensions: 38mm (1.5”) x 39mm (1.5”) x 16.5mm (0.65”) Weight: 25g
Operating Conditions: Temperature: Standard: -20°C to 60°C (-4F to 140F) Extended: -30°C to 70°C
(-22F to 158F) Further temperature ranges available on request Humidity: 0 to 95%, Non-condensing
Enclosure: Standard IP63
Peripherals: LED (user programmable) Push button (user programmable) Motion detector
Radio Frequencies: Ultra-wideband 6GHz – 8GHz UWB pulse Update Rate 0.01Hz - 20Hz Telemetry channel 2.4GHz
Certifications: FCC part 15, subpart F (pending); EU CE Intrinsic Safety – Class 1 Div 1, Zone 1 on request
Power Supply & Battery Life: 3v coin cell (CR2477)
Over 5 years at a continuous 5 second beacon rate
4-6 months under typical show conditions
