GB2403371A

GB2403371A - Autocue prompter with camera

Info

Publication number: GB2403371A
Application number: GB0413724A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Larter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-06-18
Filing date: 2004-06-18
Publication date: 2004-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2024-06-18
Also published as: GB2403371B; GB0413724D0

Abstract

An autocue apparatus 100 for a speaker 10 addressing an audience comprises a reflecting screen 2 to display a projected 4 script or talk, and a camera 6 to provide an image of the speaker to a remote audience, for example a television audience or via a web broadcast. The silvered mirror 2 is dual purpose, displaying the text to be read by speaker 10, and reflecting the public speaker's image to camera 6. Imaging camera device 6 is arranged so a substantially unobstructed view of the speaker is provided to both the local audience in the presence of the presenter, and also to remote viewers. Camera 6 may be located in several positions: see Figures 3, 4 and 10. Further partially transmissive reflectors or beam splitters (2, 3, 8: Figures 5, 6B) may be used, and the apparatus lectern may include touch screen controls.

Description

240337 1

PRESENTATION APPARATUS

The invention relates to imaging, and particularly to an apparatus for use by a speaker when addressing an audience, for example, a conference speaker at a conference.

Speakers at conferences and at other events communicate their material to an audience, the audience is usually arranged on chairs, or standing, in front of the speaker.

The speaker may be on a platform or other area separate to the conference attendees in order that the speaker and the audience can see each other clearly. A lectern or table is usually supplied directly in front of the speaker providing a place for the speaker to put papers, notes, etc. The table or lectern is usually arranged at approximately waist height for ease of use by the speaker and so that the audience has an unrestricted view of the speaker's eyes, face, facial features and gesticulations. Such eye contact is considered a key factor in the sincerity that any audience might attribute to a speaker.

In addition to the table or lectern provided for the speaker, conference prompters such as an Autocue system (Autocue Model "Outrider" or Conference Glass, or referred to as a "Presidential" system) have been in use for a number of years and enable a speaker to read a script of the presentation as the Autocue displays the script to the speaker. The Autocue or prompter is an aid to memory. The Autocue device is placed in view of the speaker or presenter, but should be unseen by the audience.

It is often desirable to record and transmit a speaker's presentation for television or web or other broadcasts however, cameras for effectively broadcasting a live presentation to a remote audience are not compatible with also providing an unrestricted view of the speaker for the "live" local audience. me,

It is accordingly an object of the invention to seek to mitigate these disadvantages of prior cameras.

According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for use by a speaker when addressing an audience, comprising means remotely to display a script to a said speaker and to provide an image of that person to a said audience, whereby a substantially unobstructed view of the speaker is provided to the audience.

Generally, the apparatus is such as to provide a substantially unobstructed view of a said person both to a local and to a remote audience.

In the above, and in the following description, the term script is used to refer to text, pictures, graphics and like indicia, the term speaker is used to refer to conference speaker, teacher, lecturer and performers, such as actors, musicians, singers, T.V. presenters, etc. The term audience is used to refer to one or more people the speaker is addressing. Further, the term "local audience" is used to refer to an audience in the presence of the speaker, for example in the same room or hall. The term "remote audience" is used to refer to those not in the direct presence of the speaker, and thus to whom an image is to be broadcast.

A particular example of use of imaging apparatus of this type is to use a camera to obtain pictures from a live presentation or press conference and to transmit them for broadcast on a television signal or as a web or Internet broadcast. This enables the "live" transmission of the press conference to be seen effectively by the participants in the room and additionally a wider audience. Politicians and other prominent figures may find that this form of imaging and transmission has advantages over the prior art as an unrestricted view of the speaker is provided to all and eye contact, crucial to an audience perceiving the sincerity of the speaker, is maintained with the maximum audience.

Using the invention it is possible, advantageously, to provide means for broadcasting a "live" presentation to a remote audience whilst providing at least an unrestricted view of the speaker for the local audience at the same location as the speaker.

The invention allows speakers who are using script prompting for their speech to disseminate their speech and image via media such as Webcasts as well as other distribution methods. Conversely, the invention allows speakers who are disseminating their image and speech via media - such as Webcasts among other methods - to also use a prompting device to script their speech.

Preferably the apparatus comprises an image-collecting means and a transmission means for transmitting an image from the image collecting means to a remote viewer or audience. More preferably the image collecting means may be one or more cameras, lenses, prisms or other means. The image collecting means may be mounted directly on a prompting device in such a way that the apparatus does not obscure the view of the speaker for the "live" local audience nor obscure the image of the presentation script from the prompter to the speaker. Such image collecting means and apparatus should be slim and unobtrusive and may be transparent. The image collecting means may be arranged on a support means and may be arranged substantially opposite and in line with the speaker to be imaged. The image of the script may be displayed directly on a prompt monitor, it may be reflected or projected onto a screen or mirror for viewing.

Advantageously the invention provides that pictures and images obtained close to the eye line of the speaker with a camera or other image collecting means are broadcast to a remote audience and seen by a local audience. Eye contact is a key factor in an affective presentation to an audience and it has not been possible to provide for this with previous devices.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a reflector means, preferably the reflector means is one or more reflectors adapted to direct an image to the image collecting means. The reflector may be arranged substantially aligned on a horizontal axis with and opposite to the speaker, the image collecting means may be located away from that horizontal axis. The reflector enables the image collecting means to be arranged elsewhere on the apparatus, and away from the horizontal axis, this advantageously reduces the requirement that the image collecting means must necessarily be small, slim, unobtrusive etc in order to provide an unrestricted view of the speaker.

More preferably, the image collecting means is located away from the horizontal axis and provided at an angle of 90 , along the reflective path of the image.

The reflector may be a screen, preferably angled at around 45 to the speaker.

Preferably the screen serves a dual purpose and reflects an image of the speaker back to the image collecting means. The screen is preferably partially transmissive, partially reflective for example a beam splitter. The screen is preferably made of a suitable material with transmissive and reflective properties, such as glass, plastic or acrylic. All or part of the reflector may be a ffill-silvered mirror.

In summary the present invention provides a substantially unrestricted view of the speaker for an imaging and broadcast transmitting apparatus. The invention enables an image from the area in which the speaker's eye is directed to be broadcast as he read his presentation to his local audience while the eye contact with the local audience is maintained and the local and remote audience have a similar unrestricted view of the speaker.

A known conference prompting system is provided by the company Autocue (e. g. Autocue Model "Outrider" or Conference Glass, or referred to as a "Presidential" system).

Such a conference prompting system is represented in Figure 1 by a prompter 1 arranged substantially beneath an angled screen 2. The angled screen is supported on a conference stand 3. The script is projected from the prompting screen 4 to the angled screen 2 and is s viewed by the speaker 10. The operation of this prior art conference stand and the viewing by the speaker of the prompting device and script are illustrated by the solid lines of Figure 1.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention may be used in conjunction with the above described conference prompter.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a speaker and a speaker's view of a typical conference/presentation prompting stand; Figure 2 shows a speaker and a speaker's view of a conference stand and presentation apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3A shows, in front view, a conference/presentation prompting stand and a camera in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3B shows, in side view, the conference/presentation prompting stand and camera of Fig. 3A; Figure 4 shows a conference/presentation prompting stand and a camera in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a speaker and a speaker's view of a conference stand and presentation apparatus of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6A shows, in front view, a conference/presentation prompting apparatus and a camera in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6B shows, in side view, the conference/presentation prompting apparatus and camera of Fig. 6A; Figure 7A shows, in front view, a conference/presentation prompting stand in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7B shows, in side view, the conference/presentation prompting stand of Fig. 7A; Figure 8A shows, in front view, a conference stand in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 8B shows, an overhead view, of the conference stand of Fig. 8A; Figure 9 shows, in front view, a conference stand in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows a speaker and a speaker's view of a conference stand and presentation apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 shows a speaker and a speaker's view of a conference stand and presentation apparatus of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown an apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400. 500, 600, 700 for use by a speaker 10 when addressing an audience, comprising means remotely to display a script to a said speaker and to provide an image of that person to a said audience, whereby a substantially unobstructed view of the speaker is provided to the audience.

As described with reference to the Figures, the apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400. 500, 600, 700 may be used in conjunction with a prompting device such as an Autocue.

As described with reference to the Figures 2 and 3, the apparatus 100, 200, may be used in conjunction with a prompting device such as an Autocue. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention used in conjunction with a prompting device 4, the script is projected from the prompting device 4 to the angled screen 2. The speaker 10 views the script on the screen 3 and may use the script as an aid to memory in giving a presentation.

The angle of the screen 2 is at around 45 so that the speaker 10 can view the script of the presentation. The screen 2 serves a dual purpose, it also receives an image of the speaker as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, the image of the speaker 10 is then received by the camera 6 and transmitted or broadcast as required. The screen 2 is made of suitable material, such that it reflects an image of the speaker 10 back to a camera 6. In one embodiment the image of the speaker 10 can be projected to the camera 6. The above-mentioned reflection is illustrated by the dashed lines on Figure 2. The camera 6 does not obscure the text of the script of the presentation and the camera 6 is connected to a broadcast transmission means for transmission and broadcast such as television or web broadcast to remote viewers.

Transmission and broadcast could be to another room in the same building or across the Web or broadcast as a TV signal.

In the preferred embodiment the conference stand 3 is height adjustable and remote controlled. Several such stands could be linked together and controlled together or could be controlled and used separately.

In a second embodiment, the apparatus 200 is again used with a prompter (such as an Autocue).The speaker's script is displayed on a prompting screen 4 as previously described.

The imaging apparatus, camera, 6 mounted directly on the conference stand 3. The speaker reads the script of the presentation from the screen 2 as previously described and the image of the speaker is collected by the camera 6 mounted on the conference stand. The image at the camera 6 may be transmitted or broadcast as previously described. In order to achieve the object of the present invention the camera mounted on the conference stand should be small in order that the local audience retains an unrestricted, relatively un-obscured view of the speaker 10. As an alternative to the camera 6, an imaging system comprising lenses or other optics may be mounted on the conference stand 3 and the image obtained by the lenses then transferred or transmitted to a camera and broadcast means at a location on the conference stand which does not obscure the view of the local audience. Alternatively component parts of a camera could be separated so that, for instance, the lens only is mounted towards the top of the stand. The camera may be in a fixed position or be movable i.e. be able to pan/tilt/revolve/swivel/crane up or down.

In addition, image collecting means comprising one or more cameras or lenses typically mounted on the prompting conference stand may be arranged to obtain a view of the audience from the approximate point of view of the speaker as well as a view of the speaker himself.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 4 where the apparatus 300, comprising imaging apparatus, camera, 6 is shown mounted on a large screen 7 which may be provided at a distance from the speaker 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the screen 7 acts as a prompting screen.

In use the apparatus 100, 200, 300 enables the speaker 10 to be viewed both by the local audience and also to be viewed by a remote audience by broadcasting means. As previously described, both audiences have an unrestricted, relatively un-obscured view of the speaker.

Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of the invention used in conjunction with a prompting device 4, and imaging apparatus comprising two screens 2, 8 which can be mirrors or beamsplitters. The script is projected from the prompting device 4 to the angled screens 2, 8. The speaker 10 views the script on the screen 2 and may use the script as an aid to memory in giving a presentation. The imaging apparatus is adapted to display a script to the speaker 10 and to reflect an image of the speaker 10 back to a camera 6.

The angle of the screen 2 is at around 45 so that the speaker 10 can view the script of the presentation. The screen 2 serves a dual purpose, it also receives an image of the speaker as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, the image of the speaker 10 is then received by the camera 6 and transmitted or broadcast as required.

The screens 2, 8 are made of suitable material, such that they reflect an image of the speaker 10 back to a camera 6 and reflect the script to be displayed as required. The above- mentioned reflections are illustrated by the dashed and solid lines on Figure 5. The camera 6 does not obscure the text of the script of the presentation and the camera 6 is connected to a broadcast transmission means for transmission and broadcast such as television or web broadcast to remote viewers. Transmission and broadcast could be to another room in the same building or across the Web or broadcast as a TV signal.

In a further embodiment shown in Figure 6 the camera 6 is shown with, and enables, multiple image display. The camera can be positioned at the ground level shown in Figure 5.

In the current Autocue prompt systems used with cameras and hand held cameras the configuration is such that the camera is mounted behind the image display monitor or screen.

The screen is mounted in front of the camera with a reflector above the image display monitor or screen. A speaker views the image display monitor screen and the camera records the speaker. This type of camera is not compatible with also providing an unrestricted view of the speaker to a local audience. A hand held camera must be steadied and counter- balanced to ensure smooth camera shots and movement. The configuration with an image display monitor at the front has the problem that most of the weight of the apparatus is out at the front and it is therefore difficult to counter-balance the camera and ensure smooth camera shots.

The further embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 6 overcomes the problems with such prior art systems. By using the prompt/image display reflector screen 4 to also gather the image for the camera 6 it allows the whole system to be configured in a vertical alignment. The camera 6 moves, tilts or swings on base 7 and changes the viewed area of the screen 2. More than one camera 6 can be used. For instance if a picture of the speaker or presenter's feet were required the camera would swivel on it's mount behind the screen 2, 8, for example a beamsplitter, to view a lower area of the screen. The apparatus of Figure 2 removes the need for the whole apparatus (mirrors, monitor etc.) to move in order to obtain that lower picture.

Figure 6A shows multiple images displayed on the prompter screen 4. A large single image could also be displayed. This allows presenter/speaker to view - largely peripherally - any number of other images that may be useful. If any of these require a 'Direct Eye Line' camera view (for instance a 'down-the-line' interview) then using multiple cameras (or one moving camera 6) would allow this as each camera can 'view' a different area of the reflection - specifically that which coincides with the 'down-the-line' image.

Control of which images are displayed - and where they are displayed on the reflector - could be by the presenter/speaker themselves or by any member of staff. Control could be by Touch Screen.

These features could be useful in all areas of production, but may have particular relevance for productions where the number of staff/technicians are low - such as at 0300 hours on a 24 hour news channel.

In present systems where a speaker is talking in front of a large screen displaying a talk or image if a prompt screen 2 is used it is used solely for a brief prompt image or key words. This has lead to the common use in recent years of a monitor placed at a point in front of the speaker/presenter (usually on the floor) that shows what is being displayed on the large screen that is situated behind the speaker/presenter. These monitors have become known as comfort monitors and their purpose is to remove the need for the speaker/presenter to turn around in order to see what the large screen is displaying. The comfort monitor is usually set-up between a speaker/presenter and the audience A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 7A and B. This embodiment shows a novel apparatus 300 for presenting a combination of images to the speaker 10.

The images that are displayed to the speaker/presenter 10 could be controlled by the speaker/presenter themselves or remotely. There could be more that two images displayed.

A still further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 8. This embodiment shows a novel apparatus 400 for presenting a combination of images to the speaker 10 on a lectern stand in front of the speaker 10. The lectern apparatus 400 would display either the prompt image or the large screen image or both or any number of images, directly on the lectern top 41. The images are projected from image source, camera or lens 6.

The lectern top 41 may be of a Touch Screen type in order that the speaker/presenter can control what is being displayed either on the lectern top 41 or the large screen or both.

The image 42 appears on the lectern top 41. The lectern base or chassis 44 can have an inner construction filled with any material, or can display a company logo or other image as appropriate.

In a further embodiment, shown in Figure 9, the lectern apparatus 500 may be of a digital white board construction. The top 51 of the lectern 500 comprises a digital whiteboard so that the speaker/presenter 10 draws on/make notes on the whiteboard. The whole image (including any graphics displayed) would be shown on a large screen to an audience. The apparatus 500 is an improvement on the laser pointer type of arrangement.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 10, a camera or lens 6 is placed behind the prompt screen 2 so as to obtain a 'Direct Eye Line' image of the speaker/presenter 10. The advantages of obtaining and maintaining direct eye line eye contact, which is crucial to an audience perceiving the sincerity of the speaker are described above. A speaker using apparatus 600 of the embodiment of the invention is able to maintain direct eye line eye contact with the maximum audience.

The lens/camera 6 may be situated in the middle of the screen/reflector 2. The lens/camera 6 is as unobtrusive to an audiences' view as possible. The lens/camera 6 is linked to suitable transmission means with link 66, as appropriate. The apparatus 600 is intended mainly for use in a 'live' (present) audience situation and would be set-up between the audience and the speaker/presenter. Apparatus 600 and camera 6 do not require a 'hood' or black cloth' arrangement behind the camera fitting to the edge of the reflector which is used with existing, standard on-camera type of apparatus.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the "direct eye line" image of the speaker/presenter 10 obtained from the camera or lens 6 placed behind the front screen 2 is improved with additional components. In some situations with the camerallens 6 looking through the conference glass or prompt screen 2 extraneous light can be refracted causing a prism effect or flare visually within the glass prompt screen 2. This visual effect arises because the prompting reflector/screen 2 extends beyond the edge of the camerallens 6. The extraneous light can be reflected or refracted from within the glass 2 to the lens or camera 6 causing a flare effect. This can lead to a poor quality image from the lens or camera 6. In order to address the "flared" image, a very thin glass prompt screen 2 can be used, reducing the amount of light refracted within the glass. Alternatively, or as well, the edges of the glass prompt screen 2 could be ground off or frosted or "etched" in order to provide a physical barrier within the glass or reflector prompt screen 2 that would frustrate the internal reflections and refraction causing the prism effect. The physical barrier could be a tinted glass. In an alternative embodiment the glass/reflector prompt screen 2 could include non- symmetrical or non-parallel surfaces so that the light within the glass does not bounce and reflect from the glass into the camera or lens 6.

One or more additional cameras/lenses may be mounted on the prompting stand 3 to give a 'speakers eye view' of the audience/interior. This camera lens could be on a remote controlled head and move to follow a subject - for instance an award winner leaving their place in the audience to approach a stage and the speaker 10 to accept an award. In a further embodiment, shown in Figure 11, the apparatus 700 may include a microphone 70. The microphone 70 is linked to suitable transmission means with link 77, as appropriate. The apparatus 700 is a 'complete' system in that it provides a camera, microphone and prompter in one unit. The fast developing market for web-casting could use and benefit from this embodiment (for instance, college lecturers are increasingly web-casting their lectures).

The embodiment shown in Figure 7 (dual display apparatus) could be used in conjunction with either of the embodiments shown in Figures 10 and 1 1.

Although only single apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 have been illustrated in the embodiments one or more stands and/or one or more cameras may be connected or linked together to a 'base' station to be controlled/used separately. The connection 5 to the other apparatus and to the base station may be by cable or wireless means.

The connection 5 may be radio, microwave or infra red for example.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the image-collecting means, in particular the reflector means may comprise an additional screen, mirror or other reflector provided to reflect an image of the speaker for collection and transmission. Alternatively, the means for displaying a script to a speaker may comprise more than one screen, mirror, prism, other optics or display means.

The prompter conference stand may be a telescopic or otherwise movable stand. The reflector means may be one or more reflector screens. A further screen, in addition to the angled prompting screen may be provided in order to reflect the image of the speaker. The stand or the reflector screen or any part of the apparatus may be operated and adjusted by the speaker himself or by another. Operation may be manually, by hand, or by remote control or other means such as motorised or automatic means. Similarly, the camera (and camera focus/zoom/iris etc), lenses or other image collecting means may move and may be operated and adjusted manually, by hand, or by remote control or other means. Movement may be in any direction or plane for example, the apparatus components may pan/track/tilt or crane.

Any part, of or the entire system may be automatically motorised or otherwise moveable (to follow the presenter/speaker as a 'target') or be programmed (with a memory) to pan/track/tilt or crane. The whole system may move on the floor during the presentation in order to keep the speaker centre frame.

Other variations include a screen of any size and type suitable to display a prompting script for example CRT/TFT/LCD/plasma screens with front or back projection screens.

The screen could be used in conjunction with a directional filter that limits the field of view of the screen to the point of view of the speaker. The screen could move to follow the movement of the speaker either by hand or remote control and if remote control it could use technology that 'sees' the position of the speaker or be programmed to move in that way.

A further variation includes a camera or lens that could be controlled using commands embodied in the prompting script or linked to the prompting script. The control could include the control of movements such as to zoom or pan or track, focusing on a speaker or any part of the display for transmission. In this variation when a specific point is passed in the script, the camera would pick up the embedded command and, for example zoom into a close up image and operate accordingly.

Furthermore, any part of or entire system may be automatically motorisedlmoveable (to follow the presenter/speaker as a 'target') or be programmed (with a memory) to I pan/track/tilt or crane. The whole system may move on the floor during the presentation in order to keep the speaker centre frame.

In addition, the system may include one or more microphones mounted on or in any part of the system to obtain sound, either of the speaker, the audience or ambient sound.

Claims

1 An apparatus for use by a speaker when addressing an audience, comprising means remotely to display a script to a said speaker and to provide an image of that speaker to a said audiences whereby a substantially unobstructed view of the speaker is provided to the said audience and whereby the apparatus is such as to provide a substantially unobstructed view of a said speaker both to a local and to a remote audience 2 An apparatus according to claim I further comprising image collecting means for obtaining an image of a speaker 3 An apparatus according lo claim 2 wherein the image collecting means comprises one or more optical elements 4 An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein tle optical element comprises a camera, lens, pr ism or other optical apparatus An apparatus according to claim 27 claim 3 or claim 4 wilerehl the image collecting means includes a reflecting means 6 An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the image collecting means is arranged substantially opposite to and on an eye line with a said speaker 7 An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the image collecting means is arranged on a support means 8 An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 7 wherein the image collecting means is located away from a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis defined by an eye line of a said speaker with an audience 9. An apparatus according to claims 8 wherein the image collecting means is provided at an angle of 90 away from the horizontal axis and along a reflective path of the image.

10. An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 9 wherein the image collecting means comprises component parts, the component parts being separate from each other.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 comprising an image collector and a reflector wherein the reflector is adapted to direct an image to said image collector.

12. An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 11 wherein the imaging apparatus includes a beam splitter.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the reflector is partially transmissive and partially reflective.

14. An apparatus according to claim 11, claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the reflector is a screen.

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 11, 12, 13 or 14 wherein the reflector comprises, in whole or in part, a full silvered mirror.

16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein reflector or screen is angled at 45 to a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis defined by an eye line of a said speaker with an audience.

17. An apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 16 comprising more than one screen or reflector.

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus further comprises transmission means for transmitting an image from an image collector to a remote viewer.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein an image collecting means and a support means are unobtrusive.

20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in combination with a speaker prompt or conference prompt.

21. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 20 whereby the image collector is both adapted to display a script to a said speaker and to reflect an image of the said speaker back to the transmission means.

22. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 21 wherein the transmission of the image includes TV broadcasting and web broadcasting.

23. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein any one part or all of the apparatus is movable.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the movement of any one part or all of the apparatus includes any one or all of the following: tilt, revolve, swivel, crane up or crane down.

25. An apparatus according to claim 23 or claim 24 wherein a moveable part is controlled to move by remote control or adapted to move by a command embedded in a script displayed to a speaker.

26. An apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 25 wherein a moveable part is controlled to move such that a said speaker is kept in frame centre of the image provided to an audience.

27. An imaging apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising at least one support stand and one or more cameras; the stand and the one or more cameras adapted to be connected or linked together.

28. An imaging apparatus according to claim 27 wherein any one or more of, the at least one support stand or one or more cameras is adapted to be connected or linked to a base station.

29. An imaging apparatus according to any claim 28 wherein a camera or stand is controlled or used individually.

30. An imaging apparatus according to claim 27 or claim 28 wherein the connection between individual apparatus elements and connection to the base station is by cable or wireless means.

31. An imaging apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the image collecting means comprises a camera mounted behind a screen.

32. An imaging apparatus according to Claim 31, the screen including a frustration means to disrupt and frustrate optical feedback to the camera.

33. An imaging apparatus according to Claim 32, wherein the frustration means comprises a part of the screen, said part including an etched or tinted or frosted or ground portion or a barrier.

34 An Unaging apparatus according to Claims 31 or 32 wherein the frustration means comprises non-parallel planes of the screen An imaging apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising, a microphone 36 An apparatus as hereinbelore described with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of Figures I to I I