GB2603107A

GB2603107A - Overhead Filming Station

Info

Publication number: GB2603107A
Application number: GB2019561.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clark Andrew; Barnes Katie
Original assignee: Katie Barnes Training Acad Ltd
Current assignee: Katie Barnes Training Acad Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-11
Filing date: 2020-12-11
Publication date: 2022-08-03
Also published as: GB202019561D0; WO2022123199A1

Abstract

An overhead filming station 10 suitable for filming tutorials or demonstrations. The station comprises side walls 12, 14 and a ceiling 16 extending between the side walls defining an imaging chamber 18. At least one filming aperture (fig. 7 161, 162) is formed through the ceiling. The ceiling is also arranged to support a filming device in a filming position such that a camera of the filming device can capture images from the imaging chamber 18 through the at least one filming aperture. The ceiling also comprises a display support 165a, 165b arranged to support a display device in a display position. The station may provide a top down or birds eye view of the interior of the filming station.

Description

Overhead filming station

Field

This invention relates to a filming station arranged to capture images from above. In particular, the filming station is arranged to be used to film beauty tutorials and demonstrations (such as make-up tutorials, e.g. nail work tutorials, henna, tattooing, massage or semi-permanent make up, microblading, facial, threading, waxing, aesthetic procedures, eyelash extension, lash lifting and tinting tutorials) or craft or hobby tutorials and demonstrations (e.g. unboxing reveal videos, painting model figures or other artwork or making gift cards, wreath making, flower arranging, origami, paper crafts, airbrushing, sketching, drawing or painting, pottery, sculpture, needlework, cross stitch, embroidery, sewing, knitting, crochet, felt craft, tapestry, quilting, etching, calligraphy, cake decorating, scrapbooking, hand lettering, metal work, leatherwork, wood burning, jewellery making, toy model making, construction toys such as LEGO (RTM), fixing electronic items such as how to fix a plug, streaming of boardgames, dressmaking, cerarn;cs and giass crafts).

The invention is also applicable in relation to a variety of other similar uses as would occur to those skilled in these fields.

Background

Filming of video tutorials for activities such as nail painting and eyelash tinting is popular in the beauty industry, as is filming of tutorials for activities such as painting model figures in the craft industry. Online tutorials filmed from above are popular because they provide a clear, birds-eye view of the activity. Filming can be carried out on the camera of a smartphone or other similar user device (e.g. tablet, webcam, GO Pro (RIM), or on a dedicated camera. Some tutorials can be many hours long.

For the purposes of this specification, filming includes any image capturing, such as (but not limited to) live streaming, recording video for later distributing (possibly after editing), recording still images for later distributing (possibly after editing). The filming station can also be used as a static workstation, when not filming.

As a result, specialist tutorial filming aids have been developed to assist with such filming. For example, overhead phone mounts are popular and provide a good solution to allow a user to conveniently film using a mobile camera device from a suitable angle. A known overhead phone mount has a support (e.g. a stand for placing on the floor or a clamp for clamping to a desk), a flexible arm (e.g. a bendable arm or a reticulated arm) and a phone mount at the end of the arm. The flexible arm can be manipulated to hold the phone in a desired position during filming. An overhead filming view is provided whilst allowing a tutor or demonstrator to have their hands free to carry out the activity, and eliminates any background clutter.

Summary

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a filming station as claimed in claim 1.

The present invention provides advantageous effects relative to the prior art, such as: a) hands-free overhead filming of tutorials; b) comfortable and safe operation for the tutor and the subject; c) good imaging environment in which the effect of undesired shadows is limited; d) sturdy configuration.

Optional features of the invention are claimed in the dependent claims -various advantages are thereby provided as discussed in the detailed description. Any of these optional features may be combined with any other of the optional features as will be appreciated by those skilled in this art.

This apparatus is particularly simple to assemble, disassemble, stow, carry and transport, as well as being easy to clean.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 6 show a filming station according to a first embodiment of the invention with its components assembled in different configurations; Figure 7 shows components of the filming station of the first embodiment; Figures 8 to 10 show the filming station of the first embodiment in different use scenarios; Figure lla shows the filming station of the first embodiment supporting a display device and a first filming device; and Figure 11 b shows the filming station of the first embodiment supporting a display device and a second filming device.

Description of Embodiments

Referring to Figures 1 to 9, there is shown, according to a first embodiment of the invention, a tutorial filming station 10 arranged to film make-up or craft tutorials. The filming station 10 can be used in multiple configurations. In particular, the filming station can be used in a first configuration (Figure 1) to film nail work tutorials with a live subject on all sorts of work surfaces; in a second configuration (Figure 2) to film eyelash tinting tutorials with a live subject; in a third configuration (Figure 3) to film model painting tutorials or nail work tutorials without a live subject; in a fourth configuration (Figure 4) to film other demonstrations with a live subject where further space is required; in a fifth configuration (Figure 5) to film nail work tutorials with a live subject on suitable work surfaces; and in a sixth configuration (Figure 6) to film other demonstrations without a live subject where further space is required. All possible configurations are not shown; others will be apparent to the skilled user (e.g., the configurations of Figures 4 or 6 without using the base panel).

The filming station can be used for any filming any other suitable activity, such as beauty tutorials and demonstrations (such as e.g. tutorials for henna, tattooing, massage or semi-permanent make up, microblading, facial, threading, waxing, aesthetic procedures, eyelash extension, eyelash lifting and tinting tutorials) or craft or hobby tutorials and demonstrations (e.g. unboxing reveal videos, painting model figures or other artwork or making gift cards, wreath making, flower arranging, origami, paper crafts, airbrushing, sketching, drawing or painting, pottery, sculpture, needlework, cross stitch, embroidery, sewing, knitting, crochet, felt craft, tapestry, quilting, etching, calligraphy, cake decorating, scrapbooking, hand lettering, metal work, leatherwork, wood burning, jewellery making, toy model making, construction toys such as LEGO (RIM), fixing electronic items such as how to fix a plug, streaming of boardgames, dressmaking, ceramics and class crafts).

The filming station 10 comprises a left side wall 12, a right side wall 14 and a ceiling 16 extending between the side walls. The ceiling 16 is a rigid ceiling. All of the components (side walls and ceiling) are flat rectangular panels, made of a rigid plastic material, in this example. In combination, the side walls and the ceiling define an imaging chamber 18 underneath the ceiling and between the side walls, in use.

The left side wall has left side wall fixing projections 125 extending therefrom. In this example, there are provided four such projections 125 arranged in two pairs on either side of the left side wall panel 12.

The right side wall has right side wall fixing projections 145 extending therefrom. In this example, there are provided four such projections 145 arranged in two pairs on either side of the right side wall panel 14.

The projections 125, 145 extend in the same plane as the panel itself, so that the flat nature of the panel profile is not interrupted. The side wall fixing projections are L-shaped, as is known for fixing projections in relevant arts. The L-shaped projections extend, in use, horizontally out from each panel and then vertically downwardly as seen in the drawings, as is known for these types of hooked fixing projections.

The ceiling 16 has ceiling fixing projections 163 extending therefrom. In this example, there are provided four such projections 163 arranged in two pairs on either side of the symmetrical ceiling panel 16.

The projections 163 extend in the same plane as the panel itself, so that the flat nature of the ceiling panel profile is preserved. The ceiling projections 163 are in the form of rectangular tabs as is known for fixing projections in relevant arts.

In this example, the filming station 10 further comprises a frame in the form of a front frame member 20 and a back frame member 22. The front and back frame members have slots formed therein. The slots correspond to the projections formed on the side wall panels 12, 14 and the ceiling panel 16. The slots are sized and shaped to receive the projections on the panels 12, 14, 16 such that the panels are retained in the slots to join the panels stably to the frame and form an open tunnel shaped profile within which the imaging chamber 18 is defined.

In this example, the frame members 20, 22 have vertical slots 202, 222 respectively formed therethrough to receive the side wall projections 125, 145, and horizontal slots 204, 224 formed therethrough to receive the ceiling projections 163.

In this example, the front and back frame members 20,22 are identical to each other and symmetrical; and the left and right side walls 12, 14 are identical to each other and are also symmetrical.

In this example, each frame member generally has an inverted U-shaped profile, i.e., each frame member 20, 22 has a pair of legs 206, 226 (arranged vertically, in use, in this example) and a long bar 208, 228 (arranged horizontally, in use, in this example) extending between the tops of the legs. The vertical slots 202, 222 are formed in the legs 206, 226 and the horizontal slots 204, 224 are formed in the long bars 208, 228. In this example, at their bottoms, the legs 206, 226 have feet 207, 227, which are outwardly flared and configured to stably rest on a flat surface, such as a table, a desk, a couch or other work suitable surface.

In this embodiment, the filming station also comprises a removable base panel 24. The base panel 24 is selectively attachable, if required, to the frame in some embodiments. The base panel 24 is configured (sized and shaped) to fit tightly within the side walls when the filming station is assembled. The width of the base is substantially the same as the distance between the side wall panels, in use (i.e., when the sidewalls are slotted into the frame). Furthermore, in this example, the base 24 has a front stepped portion 242 and a back stepped portion 244. In this example, in use, heel parts 207h, 227h of the feet 207, 227 of the frame members 20, 22 protrude inwardly relative to the side walls (see Figure 1). The stepped portions 242, 244 correspond to this profile of the inwardly protruding feet 207, 227 such that, when the filming station is assembled, the base is prevented from moving relative to the assembled frame and the side walls (without having any other slot-projection fixing arrangement with the frame). In other examples, the side walls may have a different non-straight profile, so that the when the base fits in between the walls, it stays in place.

The base is a rigid, flat panel arranged to rest stably on a flat surface. The base panel comprises an anti-reflective surface. In this example, the base is symmetrical. It can also be used upside down. Both sides of the base may comprise an anti-reflective surface (may be useful in case one side becomes damaged or stained). In other embodiments, the other side of the base may comprise a reflective surface, in case a user wishes to create a different lighting effect.

In this embodiment, the filming station also comprises a removable back panel 26. The back panel 26 is selectively attachable, if required, to the frame in some embodiments. The back is a rigid, flat panel too.

In this example, the back wall panel 26 extends in use between the side walls and down from the ceiling (to an activity surface -same height as the frame) to substantially close the back (to form a box that is open only at its front end).

The back 26 is arranged to be selectively attachable at a non-user end (i.e., an end opposite to that at which a user/tutor operates) of the imaging station. When the back wall is attached, even more effective lighting control (no undesired shadows) can be provided. This is useful when filming a tutorial without a live subject, e.g., when working on a dummy or painting model figures.

The back panel 26 can have any suitable fixing mechanism to fix it to the rest of the filming station. In this example, the back panel 26 has fixing slots 261 formed within tabs 262 that protrude from the panel. The tabs are as a pair so that the back is symmetrical.

In use, when the side walls are slotted into the frame, the fixing projections 125, 145 protrude from the frame members at the back of the filming station. The fixing slots 261 correspond in size and shape to the protruding fixing projections 125, 145 such that the back panel 26 can be slotted on.

The back panel has a reflective surface. In some embodiments, the other side of the back panel might have a non-reflective surface and due to its symmetrical profile, the panel can be reversed if a user wishes to use the non-reflective surface.

The ceiling 16 has at least one filming aperture formed therethrough. In this example, the ceiling has first and second filming apertures 161, 162 therethrough. The ceiling is arranged to support a filming device in a suitable filming position such that a camera of the filming device can capture images from above of an activity taking place in the imaging chamber through the filming aperture. Advantageously, an overhead view of the activity can be filmed in a hands-free manner for the user/tutor.

In this example, the rigid nature of the ceiling is able to support a filming device (such as a smartphone or a tablet or a GoPro (RTM)) stably and safely without risk of collapse for a long time (some tutorials can last several hours). The camera of the filming device can be aligned to have an unobstructed view through the aperture and left in position for a long time. The rigid ceiling can also support other objects, such as a tutor's work tools. In this example, the side walls and frame extend above the ceiling so that a raised rim is formed around the perimeter of the ceiling. This forms a tray structure so that objects can be conveniently retained on top of the ceiling (without falling off). In other examples where a tray is provided, a different way of forming the tray may be apparent to the skilled person.

In other embodiments, the ceiling may comprise a further filming device support (e.g., a clamp or strap or support rails or any other suitable support mechanism to help keep the filming device in position).

The filming apertures 161, 162 are square. In other examples, they may be any other suitable shape, e.g., circular or rectangular or oval. The filming apertures are sized to allow a filming device resting on the ceiling to have an unobstructed view through the aperture into the imaging chamber below, in this example about 4cm2 (2cm x 2cm). In other examples, the filming aperture might be between 1cm2 and 5cm2. In other embodiments, it may be slightly larger still. In general, having a smaller filming aperture is beneficial as the camera lens need only peek through -the integrity of the tunnel is thereby maintained minimising the risk of introducing undesired shadows or uncontrolled light from gaps between the ceiling and the filming device. Also, the device can be supported in a stable manner, without risk of falling

S

through a large aperture. The filming aperture should be at least large enough to film through (allow an unobstructed view to a camera) and at least small enough to prevent a small filming device (e.g., a small smartphone, a GoPro (RTM)) from falling through.

In this example, the first filming aperture 161 is located near a front side of the ceiling. In use, as will be described further below, the front side is the side that the tutor/demonstrator sits -the filming device is therefore placed within easy reach for adjustment, if needed.

The second filming aperture 162 is located centrally on the rectangular ceiling to facilitate a birds-eye view of the centre of the imaging chamber, in use. Therefore, in this example, multiple options for overhead filming positions are provided. Some activities are more suited for a tutor to be close to the action (in which case the first filming aperture will be more appropriate); other activities may be better suited for a more central imaging position.

The ceiling also comprises a display support arranged to support a display device in a display position. The display support is arranged to receive and stably support a display device such as a tablet, a smartphone, or a display screen, typically a relatively flat profile display device / screen. The display position is a position in which the display device is held upright so that it can be easily viewed face on (or face-to-face) by a user/tutor sitting at the front end of the filming station. This feature will be apparent from the drawings.

In this example, the display support is in the form of a pair of identical support members 165a and 165b.

The support members are flat panels and are fixable to the ceiling by any suitable mechanism. In this example, each support member has a generally flat base having an L-shaped hook projection protruding down and across therefrom. The ceiling has corresponding slots 166a, 166b formed thereon arranged to tightly receive the L-shaped projections and allow them to fit in place by sliding across as will be apparent by the hook shape of the projections (see Figure 7). The slots are placed 14.6cm apart on the ceiling and configured such that, when the support members are slotted into place, a display device can be supported in the display position. In other embodiments, the slots can be a different distance apart.

Each support member has a sloped support surface 167a, 167b with a support ledge 168a, 168b near the bottom of the sloped support surface. A retaining lip 169a, 169b extends upwardly from each support ledge. A display device (e.g., a tablet display device) can be placed on the two aligned angled support surfaces and will be held in place by the support ledges 168a, 168b in the display position such that the display faces the front of the filming station (where it is easily viewable by a tutor using the filming station).

In other embodiments (not shown in the drawings), a different way of fixing the support member to the base may be provided. E.g., each support member may have a base having a notch formed therein. The ceiling may have a protruding bar formed on its upper surface and be arranged to fit tightly with the notches to engage the support members with the ceiling. The bar may extend parallel to the front edge of the ceiling. Therefore, the support members can be attached spaced apart (at a distance selected by a user, e.g., a relatively short distance apart if the display device is a smartphone, or a longer distance apart for a larger display device such as a tablet computing device) on the ceiling by engaging the notches with the bar.

Other configurations for display supports will be apparent to the skilled person. The display support may be formed integrally with the ceiling or may be in the form of one or more attachments that attached to the ceiling to form the complete display support.

In this example, the filming station also includes an illumination mechanism arranged to illuminate the imaging chamber in a consistent and controlled manner that is particularly suitable for filming make-up (and other) tutorials in the imaging tunnel environment. The illumination mechanism is in the form of multiple LED lights (not shown) attached to the underside of the ceiling, i.e., within the imaging chamber. In this way, a desired lighting (ideally consistent, bright with no shadows) within the imaging chamber/tunnel can be achieved. The lights are positioned to suit desired lighting requirements as per the dimensions of the imaging chamber.

Therefore, the station does not require additional light sources and less editing is required post-filming or post-photography. This feature offers advantages compared with, for example, having lights only on the entrance to the chamber, since shadows are reduced.

In some examples, the LEDs comprise an LED array. In some examples, the LEDs comprise non-flickering LEDs to facilitate better filming results.

In other embodiments, the LEDs may be removable and replaceable. The removable and replaceable LED lights might have adhesive backing attachments that can adhesively attach to the underside of the ceiling 16, and that can also be peeled away from the ceiling, repositioned and reattached to provide a specific desired lighting configuration within the imaging chamber.

In one example, the illumination mechanism comprises strips of LED lights at or near the perimeter of the rectangular ceiling. Two long LED strips and two shorter LEDs strips form a generally rectangular LED array near the perimeter of the ceiling on its underside. The individual LED light intensity may be about 6000K, which provides good quality lighting and removes the need to adjust lighting on a filming device such as a camera, and subsequent editing which most lighting setups do require.

In one example, the four LED strips may be peelable and replaceable to provide convenient configurability, and also to allow for cleaning of the ceiling surface.

In some embodiments, the filming station further comprises a height adjustment mechanism arranged to selectively raise the frame, ceiling and side walls. In this example, the height adjustment mechanism is in the form of identical, symmetrical left and right height extension panels 32, 34 that have slots 321, 341 formed therein configured to correspond with the bottom of the feet of the frame members such that they can tightly slot together. The slots are formed in pairs of spaced fixing tabs 322, 342 that extend upwardly from the left and right height extension panels 32, 34 at their front and back ends. In other examples, the slots may be formed in the main section of the panel, i.e., without such slots.

In this example, the extension panels have a flat, horizontal bottom edge so that they can stably rest on a work surface. In other examples, the extension panels may have further feet arranged to rest on the activity surface.

The left and right height extension panels are sized and shaped to maintain the substantially closed nature of the imaging tunnel to reduce or prevent undesired shadows forming in the imaging chamber due to external light sources. In this example, the height adjustment panels are about 20 cm in height and so

B

are able to raise the frame by 20cm -this can provide a comfortable extra amount of space for a subject lying down in the imaging chamber whilst an activity (such as eyelash tinting) is being recorded. The extra space may also be useful for a tutor to work in.

In some examples, the filming station also includes one or more visible guide markers (not shown) arranged to guide a user/tutor to perform an activity within a desired filming region within the imaging chamber. This feature might be useful to help a tutor carrying out an activity to more easily prevent straying outside of the ideal filming area -in combination with the display device, this can be a particularly useful feature. Regardless of whether the tutor is looking up or down, they have an effective guide.

The guide markers might also be useful to ensure that close-by tools or other objects (that are placed on the base or work surface) are not undesirably kept in shot while filming. The guide marker or markers may be in the form of movable guide marker(s) (e.g., peelable, replaceable stickers), and/or might be placeable on any one or more of the base, side walls, height extension panels or back panel.

The guide markers may be spot markers (e.g., cross markers, such as X-markers) or may be circles defining a region or any other suitable profile marker.

In other examples, the guide marker(s) may be permanent or fixed. For example, the guide marker may be in the form of a printed or etched or otherwise visible circle (that is not within the imaged area).

The guide marker may be white or translucent so that it does not show up on a video image, even if it is located within the area being imaged.

In this embodiment, the filming station has a height (without the height extension panels) of about 29cm, a width of about 66cm, a depth without the base of about 28cm, and a depth with the base of about 37cm. Ranges of suitable values for other embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person, and some ranges are provided in the claims.

The height, width, and depth of the imaging tunnel are defined by the frame and other components. The dimensions have been selected specifically as they are suitable for the intended uses.

The height is chosen to be a good height for most users a) in a seated position, a seated tutor can work on nails and comfortably view the supported display; and b) a seated subject can comfortably place their arms such that their hands and nails are comfortably in place in the imaging tunnel and chamber.

The width is chosen to be compact, but greater than the typical shoulder width of a person, so that a) a seated subject can place their hands comfortably in the imaging chamber and a seated tutor can work on their nails; and b) a laid down subject can comfortably fit in the imaging chamber and a seated tutor can work on lashes and comfortably view the display.

The depth is chosen so that a seated subject can comfortably place their hands into the imaging chamber and a seated tutor can comfortably reach their hands and work in the imaging tunnel. The depth is not too short so that there is a sufficient length of tunnel (for good, controlled lighting (without significant undesired shadows).

All panels, in the described examples, are made of a non-absorbent material that is easily wipeable, e.g., a rigid plastic material. The panel surfaces do not absorb splashes and do not easily stain, e.g., from stray make-up or paint. Panel surfaces are made from an alcohol-resistant material in this case such that make-up and cosmetics stains can be wiped off quite easily. For example, the panel surfaces are ideally not made from paper, card or fabric.

All panels are provided as substantially flat panels to allow for flat packing, further making storage, stowing and portability easier.

All of the internal surfaces of the station are white, since this provides a good lighting environment. In other embodiments, different colours or combinations of colours may be provided. In other examples, these specific panel features may not be present.

In some embodiments, instead of a frame to which the panels attach, the panels are arranged to attach to each other directly (without a frame or any other intermediary). Suitable inter-panel fixing mechanisms for such examples will be apparent to the skilled person.

From the description above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, assembly methods for the various configurations will already be apparent. In other examples, different fixing mechanisms suitable for joining together panels may be provided. In yet further examples, the some or all of the panels may be formed integrally with each other. The present example provides for a particularly easy-to-assemble and portable flat pack construction. However, other examples without this feature still fall within the scope of this invention.

Returning to the present example, assembly of the filming station 10 is achieved by fixing the necessary components (for the intended use or configuration) in the frame. The required panels and frame members are slotted together. As previously noted, the base, the height extension panels, and the back panel are optional depending upon the desired configuration. Some further assembly details are described below with reference to some typical use scenarios -other use scenarios will be apparent to the skilled reader.

Initially the side walls are hook slotted into one frame member (either the front or the back frame member), then the ceiling is slotted into the same frame member, and then the other of the frame members is hook slotted into the side walls and the ceiling. The frame members and the side walls are slightly flexible to allow easy assembly, and to help prevent damage to panels.

The support members 165a and 165b are hook slotted into the corresponding ceiling slots 166a, 166b that are arranged to tightly receive them.

The filming station is now ready to be set down on a work surface, to support a filming device on the ceiling such that it can film activity within the imaging chamber and to support a display device in the display position such that a tutor or demonstrator sitting at the front of the station has a good view thereof.

Referring to Figures Band 1, a tutor 36 performs nail work on a subject 38. The nail work is to be filmed and broadcast as a live streamed tutorial. As described previously, the assembled filming station 10 is suitably sized and configured for placing on a work surface, in this case a table (not shown), such that the tutor 36, in a seated position at the front of the station, can work comfortably within the imaging chamber, that is within the centre of the imaging chamber and nearby surrounding areas. Similarly, the subject 38, in a seated position at the back of the station, can sit comfortably with a hand or hands placed in the imaging chamber.

Within the imaging chamber, a controlled filming environment (controlled lighting conditions in the filming area) is provided.

A filming device having a camera (e.g., a dedicated camera 50 or a smartphone 52) as shown in Figures lla and llb can be placed over the required filming aperture with its camera pointing downwards to film within the imaging chamber 18. The first filming aperture 161 is located near a front side of the ceiling. In use, the filming device is therefore placed within easy reach for adjustment by the tutor, if needed.

As also seen from Figures 11 a and 11 b, the display 54 of a display device (in this case a tablet with a large display) is conveniently placed in the display position, i.e. facing the tutor 36. Figures lla and llb do not show the base.

In a known manner, the display device can be connected to the output of the camera to display live/in real time the filmed activity (from within the imaging chamber 18), e.g. via screen mirroring or via the internet or any other suitable connected applications. Advantageously, the display device is also able to receive other communications in a known manner, e.g. messages from viewers of the live stream, e.g. via social media or any other suitable platform, such as an online platform upon which the live stream is being broadcast, so that the tutor can interact with viewers during the live-streamed tutorial. For example, the tutor might respond to viewer queries by modifying the tutorial activity, providing further examples or working techniques, requesting alternative angles or views of the work subject or providing commentary or answers in addition to the activity. The tutor can also keep a live line-of-sight view of what is being filmed and streamed to ensure that there is no technical issue (e.g. a drop in connection or feed), or that the activity is being performed in a desired or correct region of the filmed area.

To assemble the filming station 10 for the use shown in Figure 8, the base is first placed on the work surface, i.e. the table. Then, the assembled filming station is placed around the base -the same configuration is also shown in Figure 1. This configuration is stable -the frame and the base cannot move relative to each other because of the size, shape and fit of the base within the side walls, as previously described. A substantially closed imaging tunnel and chamber (with a controlled lighting environment therein) are conveniently formed between the base, side walls and ceiling. The base is non-reflective so that lights illuminating the activity in the chamber do not reflect substantially back in to the camera of the imaging device.

In another example (see Figures lla and 11b), if there is a suitable work surface, then the filming station can be used without the base such that the imaging tunnel and chamber (with controlled lighting) are formed between the work surface (instead of the base), side walls and ceiling.

In another example (see Figure 5), if there is no live subject, e.g. if the tutor is working on a dummy hand, or if a model painter is demonstrating how to paint model figures, then the back panel can be added to the filming station. Initial assembly is carried out in a similar manner to that for the configurations of Figures 8 and 11a). Then, the back panel is slid on (as previously described) to the protruding parts of the back of the side walls. In this example, the imaging chamber is a box open at the front side only (with controlled lighting) and is formed between the work surface (instead of the base), side walls, back and ceiling.

If more space is needed, then the height extension panels (or other height extension mechanism in other embodiments) are used. The height extension panels can also be used in cases in which more space is not necessary, but a higher filming position is desirable.

Figure 9 shows the filming station set up in an imaging tunnel configuration suitable for filming eyelash tinting tutorials. The tutor 36 performs eyelash work on the subject 38. The nail work is to be filmed and broadcast as a live streamed tutorial. In this case, the subject is lying down on a couch (not shown) and the height extended filming station rests on the couch. The base is placed on the couch too, with the subject 38 lying comfortably with their head within the imaging chamber. The extra height of the imaging chamber 18 is useful to provide comfort to the subject, to allow easier access for the subject and also to provide extra working space for the tutor 36.

In this example, when assembled, the distance between the height extension panels is greater than the width between the side walls. Therefore, the base is not a tight fit between the height extension panels as it is between the side walls. However, the base can still be used -also see Figure 4. There are small gaps between the base and the height extension panels at the left and right sides -these gaps are acceptable because these sections are not in the region captured by the camera.

Figure 10 shows the filming station set up in the same imaging tunnel configuration as Figure 9, but with the tutor 36 seated at the front side and the filming station being used on a table 40. The back panel is not attached and a live subject (not shown) can place their hands in the imaging area from the rear of the station 10. In this example, there is further space provided for either the subject or tutor, which may be useful for some types of work.

In the examples of Figures 9 and 10, the station 10 is assembled as previously described and then the height extension panels 32, 34 are slotted into the feet of the frame members. The base is placed on the work surface (e.g. couch or table), and then the height extension panels 32, 34 are placed around the base.

In other examples (see Figure 2), the height extension panels can be used without the base and are placed directly on the work surface.

Figure 6 shows a configuration in which the height extension panels are used with the base. This might be useful for a demonstration without a live subject where extra space is required, or where a higher filming position is desirable.

In all examples, the top of the ceiling can be used as a tray to hold tools or other objects. In some examples, the ceiling has a rim (as previous described); in other examples, there may not be a rim.

The above-described guide markers can be used with the filming station in any configuration.

The above-described illumination mechanism(s) can be used with the filming station in any configuration. The illumination mechanism may be powered by battery or mains power.

Various other modifications may be made to this invention without departing from its scope.

Where the description states that a feature is present in a particular example or in a particular embodiment, there will be other examples or embodiments apparent to the skilled reader in which the feature is not present.

Embodiments of the invention share the concept that this invention allows a user to capture professional video and pictures without complex equipment -the tutor/demonstrator is able to maintain a comfortable, unobstructed view of the activity at all times and to see the tutorial in real time as it is being streamed or filmed.

Claims

Claims 1. An overhead filming station arranged to film tutorials or demonstrations comprises side walls and a ceiling extending between the side walls, the side walls and the ceiling defining an imaging chamber, wherein a filming aperture is formed through the ceiling, the ceiling is arranged to support a filming device in a filming position such that a camera of the filming device can capture images from the imaging chamber through the filming aperture, and wherein the ceiling further comprises a display support arranged to support a display device in a display position.
2. The filming station of claim 1 wherein the ceiling comprises a rigid ceiling arranged to support the filming device in the filming position.
3. The filming station of claim 1 or claim 2 further comprises a base, optionally a selectively attachable base, arranged to extend between the side walls.
4. The filming station of claim 3 wherein the base has a substantially non-reflective surface.
5. The filming station of any preceding claim wherein the display support comprises one or more display support members arranged to support the filming device in the filming position, each display support member having a first display fixing means, such as a hooked projection, the ceiling comprising a second display fixing means, such as a slot corresponding to the hooked projection, wherein the first and second display fixing mechanisms are arranged to engage with each other to fix the display support members to the ceiling.
6. The filming station of any preceding claim wherein the filming aperture is sized to just allow a filming device an unobstructed view, optionally about 8cm2.
7. The filming station of any preceding claim wherein the filming aperture is located near a front side of the ceiling.
8. The filming station of any preceding claim wherein the ceiling has more than one filming aperture formed therethrough, wherein a first filming aperture is located near a user side and a second filming aperture is located at or near the centre of the ceiling.
9. The filming station of any preceding claim wherein the imaging station comprises a selectively attachable height adjustment mechanism arranged to selectively raise the ceiling and side walls, optionally by about 20cm.
10. The filming station of any preceding claim wherein a ceiling rim extends around a perimeter region of the ceiling and is arranged to form a tray on top of the ceiling, and optionally wherein, in use, the side walls extend up beyond the ceiling to form the ceiling rim.
11. The filming station of any preceding claim further comprises a selectively attachable back wall.
12. The filming station of any preceding claim further comprises a frame arranged to support any one or more of the side walls; the ceiling; the back wall; the height adjustment mechanism and the base.
13. The filming station of claim 12 wherein the frame comprises two opposed frame members; and optionally each frame member has fixing slots formed therethrough to receive corresponding fixing projections on any one or more of the side walls, the ceiling, the back wall, the height adjustment mechanism and the base.
14. The filming station of any preceding claim wherein any one or more of: the ceiling; the side walls; the back wall; the base; and the height adjustment mechanism; comprise panels, optionally rigid panels
15. The filming station of claim 14 when dependent on claim 12 or claim 13, wherein any one or more of the panels comprise a fixing arrangement arranged to fix the or each panel to the frame; or arranged to fix the or each panel directly to each other.
16. The filming station of any preceding claim wherein any one or more of the panels has a substantially non-absorbent surface.
17. The filming station of any preceding claim further comprises one or more visible guide markers arranged to guide a user to perform an activity within a desired filming region within the imaging chamber.
18. The filming station of any preceding claim further comprises an illumination mechanism on the underside of the ceiling, wherein the illumination mechanism is arranged to illuminate the imaging chamber, and optionally wherein the illumination mechanism comprises repositionable LED strips.
19. The filming station of any preceding claim wherein any one or more of: the height of the filming station is 20cm to 50cm, optionally about 29cm; the width of the filming station is 30cm to 80cm, optionally about 66cm; and the depth of the filming station without base is 20cm to 40cm, optionally about 28cm. the depth of the filming station with base is 30cm to 50cm, optionally about 37cm.