WO2007028618A1

WO2007028618A1 - Portable reporter equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2007028618A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/008743
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Hohenacker
Original assignee: Earth Television Network Gmbh
Priority date: 2005-09-08
Filing date: 2006-09-07
Publication date: 2007-03-15
Also published as: DE202005014185U1; EP1917802A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable reporter equipment for recording and/or live broadcasting reports involving the carrier of the equipment. Said equipment comprises a support device to be worn on the body by an individual, a fixture, secured to the support unit, for a first camera, rigidly aligned in relation to the support unit, at least one additional camera that is rigidly aligned in relation to the first camera or that is mobile in relation to the support unit, and a control element for the wearer of the equipment for switching between the first camera and the at least one additional camera.

Description

Portable reporter equipment

The invention relates to a portable reporter equipment for recording and / or live transmission of reports involving the wearer of the equipment.

Particularly on television, a form of entertainment is becoming increasingly important, with "people like you and me" in the center of attention, so that viewers can watch their peers in their normal private and professional lives However, more complex formats, which could offer the viewer more complexity, are uninteresting for the producer from an economic point of view, mainly because of the high personnel costs.

The object of the invention is to provide a technical solution that allows entertainment formats of the above-mentioned kind with the lowest possible costs, which are sufficiently complex and varied to enable viewers to be bound for as long as possible.

The solution of this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1.

The portable reporter equipment according to the invention comprises a carrying unit to be worn by a person on the body, a fixed to the support unit holder for a support unit rigidly aligned with the first camera, at least one with respect to the support unit rigidly oriented or movable relative to the support unit further camera, and a control unit for the support of the equipment for switching between the first camera and the at least one further Camera.

Particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, the inventive system in the compilation of a program from a variety of contributions can be used, which are recorded at a variety of locations distributed over a region and / or transmitted live from these. A method and a system for this purpose are the subject of a filed on the same date as the present application protective rights application of the Applicant, so that will not be discussed in more detail below.

For the economic success of such a concept is essential that in particular the staff costs kept as low as possible, but at the same time the viewer contributions are offered, which are not only interesting in terms of content, but also recording technically sophisticated.

Just for this purpose, the portable reporter equipment according to the invention is optimally suited. Despite the mobility of this "studio", the personnel costs are minimal, since both transport and operation of the "studio" facility are done by a single person, who also takes on all other tasks and thus represents a completely self-sufficient reporter. The inventive equipment with at least two cameras, of which a first camera by means of the holder permanently on the face of the wearer of the equipment - in the following: Reporter - can be aligned, and an operable by the reporter control panel for switching between cameras allows the reporter to make technically demanding contributions, although he is on his own. The reporter can effectively use a camera that is always aimed at himself, for example, in interviews or for interim comments on what he has recorded with the other camera.

A separate director is therefore not required according to the invention. For the cut, the reporter immediately provides itself by switching between the individual cameras, i. the operating or switching device is to be regarded as a result of the result as a cutting device. It is particularly advantageous that only a single recording or transmission device is needed, which already the finished or at least precut program is supplied.

Such a mobile reporter, ie the portable studio device according to the invention, can be used particularly advantageously as a supplement to a system comprising a plurality of personnel-free, remotely controllable stationary studios, as already mentioned above. By the invention, such a system can be improved at a very favorable cost / benefit ratio. Preferred embodiments of the invention are also set forth in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

In a preferred configuration, three cameras are provided, two of which are rigidly aligned with the support and the third is a handheld camera. The rigid orientation does not exclude an adjustability of the cameras. The first camera is focused on the face of the reporter and the second camera about in the opposite direction to potential interviewees. The free handheld camera, for example, is used to record details of the surroundings.

Preferably, two microphones are additionally provided, one of which is a handheld microphone, in particular for interview purposes, and the other is a hands-free microphone for the reporter, e.g. in the form of a laryngeal microphone or as part of a headset. In "use" the reporter keeps, for example the interview or partner microphone in one hand, while the other is free for the handheld camera, which can be held on a belt associated with the carrying unit when it is not needed.

The control unit for switching between the cameras holds the reporter in the hand, but it can also be worn on the forearm or wrist of the hand with which he holds the interview microphone.

A control monitor, on which the image data recorded by the currently active camera are shown, can be attached to the holder directly next to the reporter-oriented camera. The control monitor may alternatively or additionally, at least temporarily, to serve as a teleprompter or as an announcement for communications from a central office to the reporter.

Preferably, the carrying unit comprises a central control unit, to which the first camera, the at least one further camera and the operating unit are connected. In the central control unit of the support unit may be a portable computer, in particular on Laptopbzw. Act on a notebook basis.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the carrying unit comprises a power supply unit.

In a further preferred embodiment, the carrying unit is designed as a backpack.

The holder for the first camera may have an elongated shape with the first camera mounted on the holder at a position remote from the carrying unit. With a sufficiently rigid connection between the holder and the carrying unit, the first camera positioned at a sufficient distance can thus be permanently aligned with the face of the reporter in this way.

The holder may comprise a rigid linkage, in particular of two substantially parallel extending, mutually braced support rods. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly directional attachment of the first camera to the support unit, which is synonymous with a Richtrichtstreuen the first camera with respect to the body of the reporter. As already mentioned, another camera is in particular a handheld camera to be held by the reporter.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided according to the invention that the operating unit can be attached to the body of the reporter. The reporter can - as already mentioned - wear the control unit, for example, on the wrist or forearm of the arm with which he holds a handheld microphone for interview purposes. Alternatively, the reporter can attach the operating unit to his upper body or at waist level, for example by means of a suitably formed belt of the carrying unit.

Furthermore, it is proposed according to the invention that a monitor is integrated in the carrying unit, on which the image data recorded by the camera selected on the operating unit in particular can be displayed live. In this way, bystanders can follow the program recorded by the reporter directly on the one hand, and on the other, as if on television, which can cause the reporter to attract attention and attract a considerable amount of attention. In particular, for programs that live to a large extent from "participating", this represents a significant advantage.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the operating unit has a display for displaying the image data recorded by the cameras. This allows the reporter to easily control his work. A display of the operating unit can be configured as a monitoring monitor for the reporter of the equipment that can be connected in parallel with a monitor integrated into the carrying unit. As a result, the reporter can immediately determine at a glance what bystanders are watching on his monitor, which is integrated into the unit of call and is not visible to him / herself. This is particularly advantageous, for example, when permanent or temporary content is shown on this monitor - for example, commercials or posts from other locations - to which the reporter has at least no direct influence.

Furthermore, a mobile radio unit integrated in particular in the carrying unit or another device for the wireless transmission of video and audio signals, in particular within an at least locally existing communication network, can be provided. The reporter equipment can e.g. Communicate with a server or feedpoint over Wi-Fi. In question is also a mobile communication via GPRS or other standards with sufficient bandwidth.

It is also proposed that a headset be provided for the wearer of the equipment. For example, a central studio can give the reporter direct direction instructions.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the carrying unit is assigned a belt which comprises holders for at least one of the cameras, a handheld microphone, the operating unit, a display, a control monitor, and / or further equipment. The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawing, the single figure of which schematically shows an example of a portable reporter equipment according to the invention.

The equipment comprises a backpack-type carrying unit 61 to be supported by the reporter 23 'on the back.

On the support unit 61, a holder 63 is rigidly mounted in the upper area, that movements of the support unit 61 are transmitted directly to the holder 63, so this "allies" and all movements of the support unit 61 "mitzu". The holder 63 is also designed to be so rigid in itself, that at its free, remote from the support unit 61 end first camera 65 with respect to the support unit 61 and thus with respect to the body of the reporter 23 'is aligned absolutely true to the direction. This is achieved in that the holder 63 consists of two substantially mutually parallel, mutually braced support rods 71a, 71b.

In this way, it can in particular be achieved that the face of the reporter 23 'is always recorded with the first camera 65 even when the reporter 23' is moving.

A second camera 66, which is also firmly attached to the holder 63, is aligned in the opposite direction and serves in particular for receiving an interview partner, not shown. Both cameras 65, 66 are preferably each provided with a light ring (not shown) made of LEDs, in order to illuminate the face of the reporter 23 'or the interviewee, and in this way also to be able to easily take pictures at night.

The equipment further includes a third camera 29 which may, in particular, be a conventional digital camera which is held in the hand of the reporter 23 'in the usual manner.

All three cameras 65, 66, 29 are connected to a central control unit 69 integrated in the carrying unit 61, which is a laptop-based or notebook-based computer.

The carrying unit 61 also comprises a power supply unit 79 in the form of a battery pack, to which besides the computer 69 also the cameras 65, 66, 29 as well as further devices, which will be discussed in more detail below, are connected. Alternatively, the individual devices and, in particular, the cameras 65, 66, 29 may also each have their own power supply, at least in part.

Sound recordings are made via a microphone integrated into the third camera 29, the microphone 78 of a headset 77 provided for the reporter 23 ', by means of which the reporter 23' can also communicate with a control center (not shown). For this purpose, a mobile radio unit 75 or another device for wireless communication is integrated into the carrying unit 61, for example. Furthermore, a free-moving handheld microphone 83 is provided for interview purposes. Furthermore, a monitor 18 connected to the control unit 69, which may be provided in the form of a conventional flat screen, is integrated in the carrying unit 61. By means of the control unit 69, the image recorded by the respectively selected camera 65, 66, 29 can be displayed on the monitor 18.

The selection of the camera 65, 66, 29 by means of a likewise connected to the control unit 69 keypad 67, which can fix the reporter 23 'on the wrist or the forearm. The control unit 67 is designed in the manner of a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) and provided with a display 73 and a control panel 74.

At the control panel 74, the reporter 23 'can switch back and forth between the three cameras 65, 66, 29 during an ongoing recording. For example, in interviews, the reporter 23 'carries out himself, he can take turns with the first camera 65 itself and with the second attached to the holder 63 camera 66 the interviewee. The reporter 23 'is so in a person interviewer, cameraman and director, where he also sees through the switching between the cameras 65, 66, 29 immediately takes the cut and thus directly supplies at least a pre-cut program, so a practically finished broadcast , which also advantageously takes less space than the data of several parallel cameras together.

The carrying unit 61 also includes a belt 81 on which the reporter 23 'can temporarily carry the digital camera 29, the operating part 67 and the handheld microphone 83 when not in use. The belt 81 can also for storing or holding additional equipment such as spare batteries.

When using the switching function of the operating part 67 explained above, the actual recording consequently consists of individual recordings made one after the other in time, each coming from one of the three cameras 65, 66, 29. This "program" can be stored on a storage device assigned to the control unit 69 or, if the carrying unit 61 is also equipped with a suitable transmitting device, sent to a central station, either live or after temporary storage in the control unit 69.

The functionality of the display 73 on the control panel 67 can basically be chosen arbitrarily. For example, on the display 73, the image of either the one not currently active, i. the just not delivering the actual recording, or the currently active camera 65, 66, 29 are displayed.

The display 73 can also be operated in accordance with the operating mode of the monitor 18 integrated in the carrying unit 61 and, as it were, connected in parallel with the monitor 18, so that the reporter 23 'can see on the display 73 what is currently being seen on the monitor 18 for bystanders is.

As already mentioned in the introductory part, such contents can also be shown on the monitor 18-and therefore possibly also on the display 73 -which do not originate from the cameras 65, 29 but are stored, for example, in the control unit 69 or received externally be when the Carrying unit 61 is also equipped with a suitable receiving device for this purpose.

Notwithstanding the illustrated embodiment, the display 73 or such a control monitor can alternatively or additionally be attached to the support 63, directly next to the first camera 65 directed towards the reporter 23 '. In this way, the reporter 23' has the What is being recorded, always in view, even if he is currently "on air".

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

18 monitor

23 'vehicle of equipment, mobile reporter

29 third camera, handheld camera

61 carrying unit

63 bracket

65 first camera

66 second camera

67 Control unit, control panel

69 central control unit, computer

71a, 71b Handrail

73 Display

74 control panel

75 mobile unit

77 headset

78 Hands-free microphone

79 power supply unit

81 belt

83 hand microphone

Claims

claims

1. Portable reporter equipment for recording and / or live transmission of reports involving the wearer of the equipment with a carrying unit (61) to be carried by a person (23 ') on the body, a support (63) attached to the support unit (61) a rigidly oriented with respect to the support unit (61) first

Camera (65), at least one further camera (66, 29) rigidly oriented relative to the support unit (61) or movable relative to the support unit (61), and - a control unit (67) for the support (23 ') of the equipment for switching between the first camera (65) and the at least one further camera (66, 29).

2. Portable reporter equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that a further camera (66) on the holder (63) is mounted, which is aligned at least approximately opposite to the first camera (65).

3. Portable reporter equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrying unit (61) comprises a central control unit (69), to which the first camera (65), the at least one further camera (66, 29) and the control unit ( 67) are connected.

4. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying unit (61) is designed as a backpack.

The portable reporter kit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (63) has an elongated shape and the first camera (65) is attached to the holder (63) at a position away from the carrying unit (61).

6. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (63) comprises a rigid rod, in particular of two substantially parallel, mutually braced support rods (71a, 71b).

7. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further camera (29) is a handheld camera to be held by the wearer (23 ') of the equipment.

8. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (67) can be attached to the body of the carrier (23 ') of the equipment.

9. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the carrying unit (61) a monitor (18) is integrated, on which of the respectively on the operating unit (67) selected camera (65, 66, 29) recorded Image data can be displayed in particular live.

10. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display monitor (73) serving in particular as a control monitor for the carrier (23 ') of the equipment is provided for displaying the image data recorded by at least one of the cameras (65, 66, 29) which is integrated in the control unit (67) or in is arranged near a camera with respect to the support unit (61) rigidly aligned camera (65).

11. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display (73) as a with a in the support unit (61) integrated monitor (18) parallel switchable monitor for the support (23 ') of the equipment is formed ,

12. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recording unit, in particular in the carrying unit (61), is provided for storing the recorded data, in particular in a coded form.

13. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an in particular in the support unit (61) integrated mobile unit (75) or other means for the wireless transmission of video and audio signals, in particular within an at least locally existing communication network, is provided.

14. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a headset (77) for the support (23 ') of the equipment is provided.

15. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying unit (61) comprises a power supply unit (79).

16. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a central control unit (69) of the carrying unit (61) comprises a portable computer, in particular on a laptop or notebook basis.

17. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying unit (61) is associated with a belt (81), the holders for at least one of the cameras (65, 66, 29), a hand-held microphone (83), the control unit (67), a display (73), a control monitor and / or other equipment includes.

18. Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the cameras (65, 66, 29) an illumination device is integrated, in particular in the form of a camera

(65, 66, 29) preferably in the range of the camera lens surrounding, preferably LEDs comprehensive light ring.

Portable reporter equipment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one microphone is provided which acts as a handheld microphone (83) to be held in the hand by the wearer (23 ') of the equipment or in relation to the support (23 ') the equipment permanently installable hands-free microphone (78) for the carrier (23') is formed.