INVENTIONS   TECHNOLOGY / ENGINEERING

Throughout my endeavors I am constantly seeking emerging technologies and techniques to produce  interesting products and solutions. Below are some of the technological diciplines I have utilized in my projects.

OPTICS / MICRO MECHANICAL:

Gained extensive experience in the repair an maintenance of lens and camera systems at NASA in  late 70's. This helped propel interest in optics and micro mechanics used frequently in the design of laser and video systems.

 

ELECTRONICS;

Began studying electronics in video studio and audio studio electronics an an early age. Having a strong understanding of these principles has been invaluable throughout my career.

 

 

LASERS;

35+ year history in touring and industrial system development, laser simulation and alternative electro mechanical optical systems, Produced first and only moving head laser system with full CDRH USA approval. Class IV Audience Scanning Projector.

 

AUTOMATION / ROBOTICS:

Extensive application experience utilizing actuators, galvanometers, servo and steppers to produce robotic animatronic and positioning systems.

COMPOSITES/ ADVANCED MATERIALS:

Using Carbon Fiber , Aramid Honeycomb panels, Nomex,  Sorbothane and other similar materials  have proven invaluable in the production of many of my products with respect to strength, weight, heat insulation and vibration isolation.

 

VIRTUAL REALITY:

New  opportunities are being discovered almost daily, given the advancement and acceptance of VR and 360 video. While VR  technology has entered the main stream, many states of development will evolve as applications become  common place in the years to come.

 

ALTERNATIVE IMAGING & MULTI-DIMENSIONAL DISPLAY SYSTEMS:

 Holographic, 3D, Glasses Free 3D are just some of the examples of current display options currently available. Some of these will become more evident as we progress.

 

 

3D COMPUTER SIMULATION  / PRE-VIZ:

I have been at the forefront of Simulation in live entertainment for over 20 years.  Founding ESP Studios and driving the development of 3D Stereoscopic interaction with these models.

 

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING PROJECTS

1984 ....ASL,  AUDIENCE SCANNING LASER

 

Developed first ever FDA /  BRH  (CDRH / FDA) approved  Audience Scanning Laser projector.  The ASL, allowed the output to be safely pointed directly into the audience. This had never  been achieved in the US for public sale. These lasers although only a hundred milliwatts were very intense when used with proper media and lighting. We debuted 24 ASL's on strategic dates of Sting's Blue Turtles tour. An additional 24 units were sold to night clubs.  The scanning system based on inertia and opto-mechanics, was the only approved method of laser audience scanning until 2000. The development of this product was too far ahead of its time for mass market penetration, due to the high product cost and market education. At the time these units sold for $7500. Today over 1 million similar laser projectors have been sold worldwide due to changes in regulations and laser classifications at price points under $100.

 

2012  INTERACTIVE LASER MIDI TRIGGER INSTRUMENT

 

My association with  with MOBIUS 8 (John Laraio) began in 2005. John was already an established musician and performance artist at that time. He had developed a unique instrument, the HYDRA. The Hydra was played through hand controlling IR beams that triggered midi samples and lasers. He had opened for NSync's 2000-2001 world tour so was well established. I began working with him on laser programming and he was also instrumental in the development of Vegas Lasers laser rental company that utilized our LX lasers. In 2012 John approached me about doing a rework of the Hydra adding lasers into the IR units so the audience would see him actually manipulating the beams as he played. This project encompassed a completely new frame, packing and adding the 1 watt blue and 1 watt green lasers to each of the  13 BEAM units.  To achieve ATA compliance, since John flew to a lot of gigs, all new aspects of the rig were produced in carbon fiber to reduce weight. The end result can be seen in his current performances.  MOBIUS 8

2015  HD VIDEO DRUM SHELL SURFACES

 

DRUMTEK became a reality in late 2015.  Utilizing advanced laser video projection and active optics I was able to achieve the first full HD video drum shells. This application of technology and art is one of my favorite ongoing projects.  While long term goals are to fully develop multiple drum product ranging from the video shells and heads to robotic Hi-Hats cymbal stands and ergonomic orthopedic drum thrones. for more info click on the DRUMTEK link.

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CONTACT     Don@Performancearts.net    702.885.5198

2002-2004  VLS1  (LX1) (MOVING YOKE LASER PROJECTORS)

 

The advent of compact, high output solid state lasers  provided the opportunity to  finally development of a moving yoke laser projector that could be run from a lighting console through DMX. Once again meeting  resistance from the CDRH / FDA made the compliance aspect equally as daunting as the physical development. The LX1, based on a High End Studio Spot 250 yoke produced ultra high resolution laser graphics and multiple diffraction effects as well as the ability to reposition projection from one location to another through the automation. This greatly simplified the process and number of lasers required to project upstate graphics as well as audience atmospheric effects. The unit was 100% DMX controlled from the lighting console and although only green, the beam was so tight and crisp that ultra long throw graphics and beam effects could be used in a variety of applications. At a price of 30K our focus was on major tours and high end clubs and theaters. This was the first and still is the only CDRH approved moving yoke projector in the US.

We debuted at LDI 2003 winning best new product and  booth awards while landing a spot with Linkin Park and POD  on the Linkin Park Meteora tour.  Three LX1’s were featured and placed on top of dual sub speaker cabinets at the front of the stage. A very advanced vibration isolation system was also developed to accommodate the placement.  next up COLOR!!!

 

2004-2008  LXColor   (MOVING YOKE LASER PROJECTORS)

 

With the success of the LX1,  the demand for a full color version was upon us. The solid state laser source industry was evolving quickly and we began developing our own full color laser with partners Laser Quantum who at the time produce the highest beam quality available. The new laser source required us to develop our own yoke / fixture for the product. The LXColor was quiet a departure from traditional moving lights both in  function and physical design.  With the existing approval for our laser yoke safety systems, focus on expanded capabilities consumed the development schedule. While the new LXC would retain the LX1's basic control function making them compatible with existing LX1's, the new LXC  offered direct integration of Pangolin's Live Pro software package. This required the LXC to include a control computer for each unit.  At a new price of 85K per unit, each system included composite ultralight road cases, powerful PC, DMX control, full Pangolin software and hardware,  rack mounted UPS as well as cable and operation packages. W