Showdesign

PSN-Beyond Gateway: the laser switches off automatically when someone walks into the zone

Tracking systems send the position and height of performers, cameras or set pieces onto the network in real time via PSN (PosiStageNet). Our gateway in TouchDesigner reads that data, compares the height (Z) of every tracker with the safe height below the beams and only enables the output in Pangolin Beyond while everyone stays below it. If someone enters the zone, the laser switches off immediately; once the zone is clear again, it switches back on.

In development: we are building this gateway right now. More soon.

Hoist

Zone output once the show position is reached

When the truss with the laser hangs from chain hoists, it is lowered from the grid to its show position. The gateway reads the height of the laser and only enables the zone output in Pangolin Beyond once that height has been reached. As soon as the truss moves up again, the output switches off immediately.

Height (Z)

The laser switches off when someone enters the zone

Once the truss is at its show position, the gateway guards the zone by height. When a tracker rises above the safe height, for example on a lift, the gateway blocks the output until the zone is clear again.

How it works

From tracking data to a safe laser

  1. Tracking
    The tracking system follows every tracker and sends its position several times per second via PSN, an open protocol supported by many systems.
  2. Gateway in TouchDesigner
    The gateway reads the PSN data live: which trackers exist and where they are.
  3. Zone check on height (Z)
    For every laser we define a safe height: everything above it, up to the truss, is laser zone. When a tracker rises above that height, for example on a lift or a tall set piece, the zone counts as occupied.
  4. Enable / disable in Beyond
    Zone occupied: the gateway blocks the laser output in Pangolin Beyond immediately. Zone clear: the output is enabled again. The show keeps running; only the laser waits.

Why

An extra layer of safety

Zoning and a certified laser safety officer remain the foundation of every show. The PSN gateway adds an automatic layer on top: the laser responds within a fraction of a second to what happens on stage, even when a performer suddenly ends up somewhere other than planned.

Contact

Want to know more about the PSN-Beyond Gateway?

Tell us about your show and your tracking system. We are happy to think along about the zones, the network and the control.