TWM651846U - Camera control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A camera control device comprising: a main body; a control panel set on the upper surface of the main body; and a substrate positioned inside the main body. The control panel is a touch screen, electrically connected to the substrate, and equipped with a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes multiple virtual buttons. The substrate is provided with a power interface and multiple signal transmission interfaces.

Description

camera control equipment

This invention relates to a camera control device, specifically a camera controller that can capture camera images in real time as virtual button images pre-positioned by the camera.

Cameras are widely used in various activities, such as film production studios, live meetings, school teaching and program production, or live event broadcasts such as concert halls or sports competitions...etc. In order to obtain better photography quality, in most situations it is usually necessary to set up multiple cameras to orient and shoot the target at different angles.

In recent years, PTZ cameras that can perform pan, tilt, and zoom operations have gradually become popular. PTZ cameras have remote control functions, and the direction, angle, and focus of the camera can be adjusted through the control system or remote control. , thereby enabling remote monitoring and shooting. Generally, PTZ cameras provide more flexible and comprehensive video monitoring and shooting capabilities.

After three years of the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, living habits, working patterns, entertainment methods and teaching methods around the world have experienced tremendous changes, which has also had an impact on the shooting and planning of live events. Whether it is on-site remote hybrid teaching, event shooting, conferences, lecture halls and other application scenarios, PTZ cameras are increasingly used. Therefore, it has become an essential condition to preset fixed shooting points with multiple camera positions and multiple angles.

However, at a general event site, when multiple cameras are used to shoot multiple angles, multiple sets of shooting points need to be set. Depending on the complexity of the shooting, it may even be necessary to set up to ten or even a hundred sets of fixed shooting angles.

Existing camera controllers mostly use push-button instrument panels. The fixed shooting point buttons used on the control panel are usually numerical buttons. Once multiple sets of fixed points are set up at the shooting scene, the operator can easily forget the shooting positions corresponding to these numbers. , resulting in the inability to ensure that when switching cameras Go to the correct location. In order to switch cameras smoothly, some operators even need to make other notes next to the buttons to remember the corresponding positions. After changing the shooting scene, the operator needs to re-mark the notes according to the camera configuration, which is very inconvenient in use.

Once the operator makes a mistake in switching to an unexpected camera, the shooting angle may be wrong and the framing may be wrong. In severe cases, it may even require re-shooting, which greatly increases the overall operating cost.

In summary, the purpose of this invention is to provide a camera control device with simple and convenient settings and more convenient operation, which facilitates the user to quickly and intuitively switch among multiple photography base positions.

The creator realized that with the popularity of the Internet, many PTZ cameras have network streaming capabilities. This creation uses the common network streaming mode to instantly capture and save the image from the image transmitted by the camera, and set it as the image of the virtual button.

According to an implementation aspect of the present invention, a camera control device is provided, including: a main body; a control panel disposed on the upper surface of the main body; and a substrate disposed inside the main body; wherein the control panel is a touch screen, and the control panel is a touch screen. It is electrically connected to the substrate and is provided with a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI is equipped with a plurality of virtual buttons, and the substrate is provided with a power interface and a plurality of signal transmission interfaces.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the plurality of virtual buttons include: a plurality of control buttons for setting camera shooting parameters and other system configuration parameters; and a plurality of position buttons for controlling camera switching.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of position buttons has an independent button image, and the number of the button images corresponds to the number of cameras.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the button images are respectively captured and stored from images captured by cameras at different shooting points.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the button images are captured and stored regularly from images captured by cameras at different shooting points.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the plurality of signal transmission interfaces include a sound input port, a sound output port, an image input port, an image output port, a network connection port and a function expansion port, and the signal transmission interfaces pass through the main body A plurality of openings on the rear surface are exposed to the outside of the main body.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the sound output port is a stereo headphone output interface and an RCA sound output interface; the sound input port is an XLR sound input interface.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the image input port and the image output port are HDMI interfaces.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the functional expansion port adopts a USB interface.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the main body has a power switch.

Traditional camera control panels mainly use physical button designs. Since the corresponding shooting angle cannot be directly known from the simple button number, camera switching is less intuitive and greatly increases the operator's chance of error.

In comparison, this creation uses a touch panel to replace the traditional camera control panel. Through the preset shooting point buttons on the panel, the operator can directly check the camera's shooting position through the image on the button. This is intuitive, simple and easy. The smart design greatly reduces possible errors when switching camera shooting positions. This not only improves the efficiency of live event or program production, but also improves the quality of live shooting, further saving costs.

10:Camera controller

11: Physical buttons

12:Control lever

20:Camera control equipment

21:Subject

22:Control Panel

23: Graphical user interface

23a:Control button

23b: Position button

24:Power interface

25: Signal transmission interface

26:Power switch

A:Substrate

In order to enable those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to better understand the technical implications of the present invention, the technical features of the present invention will be described below with reference to drawings. Among them, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation panel of a conventional camera controller; Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of the operating surface of a conventional camera controller; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the camera controller of the present invention; Figure 4 is a rear view of the camera controller of the present invention; Figure 5 is a view of the camera controller of the present invention A schematic structural diagram; and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the graphical user interface of the camera controller of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is another schematic diagram of the graphical user interface of the camera controller of the present invention.

In the following description of examples or embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that may be implemented are shown by way of illustration, and in the drawings, the same reference numerals and symbols may be used. Used to specify the same or similar components even if they are shown in different drawings from each other. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of common knowledge functions and components herein will be omitted when it is determined that the description may make subject matter in certain embodiments of the present invention relatively unclear. Terms used herein such as "includes," "has," "includes," "consists of," "consists of," and "consist of" are generally intended to allow for the addition of other elements, unless these terms are consistent with the terms Used together "only". As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In addition, for the convenience of explanation, the dimensions shown in the drawings may not be actual proportions. The dimensions and proportions shown are for reference purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The actual implemented products may vary depending on the needs. Consider adjustments and changes.

First, refer to FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation panel of a conventional camera controller 10 . It can be seen that the operation panel of a common camera controller 10 mostly uses physical buttons 11 and a control lever 12 .

Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of the operation panel of the conventional camera controller 10. It can be seen that in order to facilitate the identification of the camera shooting positions corresponding to different buttons, the operator has arranged the host, podium, screen, audience, etc. on the physical buttons 11. Left, Audience Center, Audience Right...etc.

Figures 3 to 4 are views from different angles of this creation, and Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of this creation. First, refer to Figure 3, which is a perspective view of the camera controller of this invention. This invention provides a camera control device 20, including: a main body 21; a control panel 22, which is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 21; and a substrate A (see Figure 5), which is disposed inside the main body 21; wherein, the control panel 22 It is a touch screen, which is electrically connected to the substrate A and is provided with a graphical user interface 23 (GUI). The graphical user interface 23 is equipped with a plurality of virtual buttons, and the substrate A is provided with a power interface. 24. Multiple signal transmission interfaces 25 and power switches 26.

Compared with the conventional operation panel of the camera controller 10, the control panel 22 of this invention adopts a touch screen. Its advantage is that the touch screen can be customized through a graphical user interface (GUI). The interface allows users to set independent graphics for different buttons through customizable features to identify different functions.

Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the camera controller graphical user interface 23 of the present invention. It has a plurality of virtual buttons and can be further divided into: a plurality of control buttons 23a for setting the shooting parameters and other parameters of the camera. System configuration parameters; and a plurality of position buttons 23b to control camera switching.

According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of position buttons 23b has an independent button image, and the number of the button images corresponds to the number of cameras.

In other words, when there are several cameras in the shooting scene, a corresponding number of position buttons 23b are set in the graphical user interface 23. Each position button 23b corresponds to a camera in the shooting scene, and the operator only needs to press the camera The corresponding position button 23b can be used to switch between cameras.

For example, when there are four cameras at the scene, the number of position buttons 23b is also four.

Preferably, in order to allow the operator to intuitively identify the camera corresponding to each position button 23b, the image of each position button 23b should directly display the image captured by the corresponding camera.

With the widespread use of the Internet, many PTZ cameras also have the function of network streaming signals. This project uses general network streaming mode signals to capture the images transmitted from the cameras into pictures in real time. And store it, and set this stored picture as the image of the position button 23b.

In other words, the operator can adjust the direction of the camera and aim it at the shooting target, and then capture the picture captured by the camera as an image of the position button 23b to replace the traditional digital button as a preset shooting fixed point. , the representative image of the position button 23b of each preset shooting point position is the picture currently shot by the camera.

FIG. 7 is another schematic diagram of the graphical user interface of the camera controller of the present invention. The user can set the image of the position button 23b in the graphical user interface.

For example: Figure 7 shows four position buttons 23b. The operator can first select the position button 23b that he wants to customize (for example: the second position button 23b is selected in the figure), and then take the photo. After the camera is aligned with the shooting target, the save button is pressed to directly capture the image into a picture through the network stream transmitted by the camera, and save it as a representative picture of the virtual button 23b.

Therefore, according to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the button images of the position button 23b are respectively captured and stored from images captured by cameras at different shooting points.

However, in the actual shooting scene, it is possible that due to the adjustment of the scene light source or the scene, the shooting image of the camera at the same shooting point will change, thereby causing a discrepancy with the button image on the position button 23b.

If you want to solve the above situation, a more intuitive approach is to directly use the position button 23b to instantly display the captured image of the camera as a virtual button for the camera's preset point. However, this approach is too costly and does not meet market demand.

A more compromise approach can be to allow the operator to redefine the button image on the position button 23b. That is, when the conditions of the shooting scene change greatly, the camera's shooting screen can be re-captured and stored as a picture, and then the image can be re-acquired. Set as an image of the position button 23b. However, the operator may not redefine the button image on the position button 23b due to busyness or negligence, so that the button image cannot be updated immediately.

Therefore, according to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the button images are captured and stored regularly from images captured by cameras at different shooting points. This processing method allows the control system to regularly capture the shooting images of each camera and store them as pictures, and then reset them to the images of the position button 23b. The advantage of this approach is that the button image can be updated regularly so that the image of the position button 23b reflects the shooting status of the corresponding camera.

In addition, camera controllers generally need to meet the input and output requirements of various signals. According to another implementation aspect of the present invention, the plurality of signal transmission interfaces 25 include transmission ports such as a voice input port, a voice output port, an image input port, an image output port, a network connection port, and a function expansion port.

In order to facilitate the connection of various signal transmission lines, the above-mentioned signal transmission interface 25 is exposed to the outside of the main body through a plurality of openings on the rear surface of the main body, so as to facilitate the operator to directly install various types of wires.

The signal transmission interface 25 must meet the requirements of mainstream signal transmission interfaces. For example, the sound output port is a stereo headphone output interface and an RCA sound output interface; the sound input port is an XLR sound input interface. Among them, the RCA sound output interface is an unbalanced output channel, which can output mixed or Delayed sound; stereo headphone interface allows the operator to connect headphones and other equipment for monitoring; XLR sound input interface allows the connection of external sound devices or microphones and other equipment.

In addition, the image input port and image output port are based on current mainstream equipment specifications and can use HDMI interface; the network connection port can use RJ45 interface; the function expansion port can use USB interface.

However, the above-mentioned types of transmission ports are only examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of this invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field can understand that any transmission interface with the same or similar functions may be used in this invention. Under creation.

In summary, the purpose of this invention is to provide a camera control device with simple and convenient settings and more convenient operation, which facilitates the user to quickly and intuitively switch among multiple photography base positions.

By using a touch screen to replace the dashboard of the traditional camera controller, and using a graphical user interface, the operator can set independent graphics for different buttons in a user-customizable manner, allowing the operator to easily distinguish between different Buttons corresponding to the cameras to switch between cameras correctly and quickly.

20:Camera control equipment

21:Subject

22:Control Panel

23: Graphical user interface

Claims (10)

A camera control device including: The main body; the control panel, which is arranged on the upper surface of the main body; and the base plate, which is arranged inside the main body; wherein, The control panel is a touch screen, which is electrically connected to the substrate and is provided with a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI is equipped with a plurality of virtual buttons, and the substrate is provided with a power interface and Multiple signal transmission interfaces. The camera control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of virtual keys include: A plurality of control buttons for setting the camera's shooting parameters and other system configuration parameters; and Multiple position buttons to control camera switching. The camera control device as described in claim 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of position buttons has an independent button image, and the number of the button images corresponds to the number of cameras. The camera control device as described in claim 3, wherein, These button images are respectively captured and stored from images captured by cameras at different shooting points. The camera control device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, These button images are regularly captured and stored from images captured by cameras at different shooting points. The camera control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of signal transmission interfaces include a sound input port, a sound output port, an image input port, an image output port, a network connection port and a function expansion port. These signal transmission interfaces are exposed to the body through a plurality of openings on the surface of the body. outside. The camera control device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The sound output port is a stereo headphone output interface and an RCA sound output interface; The sound input port is an XLR sound input interface. The camera control device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The image input port and the image output port are HDMI interfaces. The camera control device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, This functional expansion port uses a USB interface. The camera control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The body has a power switch.