GB2116396A

GB2116396A - A portable studio for the "live" video transmission of animated cartoons, captions and other flat copy

Info

Publication number: GB2116396A
Application number: GB08302222A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian E Mason; Richard Andrew Johnson
Original assignee: ANIFORMS Ltd
Current assignee: ANIFORMS Ltd
Priority date: 1982-01-29
Filing date: 1983-01-27
Publication date: 1983-09-21
Also published as: GB2116396B; GB8302222D0

Abstract

A portable, self-contained video display device comprises a box structure having a hinged front cover 16, the inner surface 15 of which is adapted to support visual material to be displayed. A hinged rear cover 13 of the box structure is arranged to support a video camera, and within the box structure is located a mirror 12 for deflecting the optical axis of the camera in such a manner that the surface 15 lies in the focal plane of the camera. A person seated facing the device is thus able to provide an animated video display by manipulating visual material located upon the surface 15. The device may also incorporate a video monitor 17 for use by the person operating the device, as well as light sources 14 for illuminating the surface 15. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A portable studio for the "live" video transmission of animated cartoons, captions and other flat copy The presentation of a live cartoon show using the method described in Patent Specifications Nos. 946,284 and 1,511,875 requires most of the facilities of a small T.V. studio. Thus when used at conferences, exhibitions, schools, shops, etc., a substantial area must be made available. Also the set up time for the sensitive video, audio and lighting equipment can be considerable even for a skilled operator, particularly when space is less than desirable. A typical set up is shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1, a video camera 1 and lighting 2 fed from a power controller 3 are arranged on a tripod to accurately focus on an object, such as an animated cartoon 4, set up on a suitably angled display table. Sound from a microphone 5 is amplified by an amplifier 6 and the video signal from the camera is processed in an electronic controller 7, placed within easy reach of the operator. These signals are fed to a loudspeaker 8 and video monitor 9 placed in sight of the audience. An additional video monitor 10 is used to enable the operator to check the finished presentation.

Each piece of electronic and electrical equipment is fed with its own power supply, resulting in an unsightly and dangerous array of cables. A further problem encountered is the frequent electrical breakdowns caused by constant dismantling of plugs, sockets and connectors.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a more compact arrangement which is more convenient to set up and use than such known arrangements.

The invention accordingly provides a portable, self-contained video display device comprising a box structure having on two opposite sides thereof extendable covers defining between them a compartment for the storage of a video camera, one of said covers having an internal surface adapted to provide a support for visual material to be displayed by said device and the other of said covers providing a mounting for the video camera, a mirror being arranged to be supported within said compartment, and said covers, when extended, being arranged to be supported in predetermined positions such that the optical axis of the lens of the video camera is deflected by said mirror and the said internal surface of said one cover lies in the focal plane of the camera.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a known arrangement as described above, Figure 2 is a similar view of an arrangement incorporating a display device according to the invention, Figures 3a and 3b are respectively a side elevation and a front elevation of the display device shown in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the display device of Figures 2 and 3 when closed for transport.

Referring to Figures 2-4 of the drawings, the equipment contained in the studio outline 11, has been reduced to a self-contained suitcase-sized box, fitted with telescopic legs, requiring the addition of only a power suppiy and a chair for the operator. In making the design compact, attention had to be paid to the optical characteristics required to give a satisfactory video picture of the animated cartoon object. It was found that at least 1 metre distance was required from camera to object which could not be reduced by means of wide angled lenses, because of distortion of elevated portions of the animation. Thus a mirror 12 was used to effectively halve the distance required, whilst the video signal could be processed to reverse the mirror image effect.

The camera is mounted in the box on a rear hinged flap 13, which can be swung back into, and retained by means not shown at, the correct operating angle between mirror and object. The lighting 14 mounted within the box can now be placed very close to the object resulting in a lower power requirement. This also has the advantage of improved operator comfort, owing to the lower heat generated. The object 1 5 is placed on the internal supporting surface of the hinged front flap 1 6 of the box, which, when open, is retained, by means not shown, at the correct angle in relation to the camera and mirror.

All electronic control equipment and the operator's monitor, is contained in a compartment 17, above the mirror, such that all controls are within easy reach. The complete compartment and equipment can be removed and carried separately to further simplify transportions if required.

It has been estimated that the set up time for the portable studio will be less than 10 minutes compared with up to two hours with the conventional system.

The box, when closed, will preferably measure 950 mm high x 630 mm wide x 360 mm deep, which will fit easily in most car boots.

In addition to the presentation of live cartoons, the studio can be used for flat copy or captions during a performance or intervals as follows.

A framework 18 (see Figure 3b), placed behind the cartoon object on the operating table can be used to superimpose captions alongside the cartoon video picture without resorting to additional electronic equipment. A further framework 10 (see Figure 3a) carrying flat copy, such as an article from a magazine, can be moved in front of the mirror enabling the equipment to substitute for a slide projector and without the cost of making the slides. This framework can be made in the form of a cassette, carrying a quantity of artwork which may be shown consecutively.

1. A portable, self-contained video display

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION A portable studio for the "live" video transmission of animated cartoons, captions and other flat copy The presentation of a live cartoon show using the method described in Patent Specifications Nos. 946,284 and 1,511,875 requires most of the facilities of a small T.V. studio. Thus when used at conferences, exhibitions, schools, shops, etc., a substantial area must be made available. Also the set up time for the sensitive video, audio and lighting equipment can be considerable even for a skilled operator, particularly when space is less than desirable. A typical set up is shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings. Referring to Figure 1, a video camera 1 and lighting 2 fed from a power controller 3 are arranged on a tripod to accurately focus on an object, such as an animated cartoon 4, set up on a suitably angled display table. Sound from a microphone 5 is amplified by an amplifier 6 and the video signal from the camera is processed in an electronic controller 7, placed within easy reach of the operator. These signals are fed to a loudspeaker 8 and video monitor 9 placed in sight of the audience. An additional video monitor 10 is used to enable the operator to check the finished presentation. Each piece of electronic and electrical equipment is fed with its own power supply, resulting in an unsightly and dangerous array of cables. A further problem encountered is the frequent electrical breakdowns caused by constant dismantling of plugs, sockets and connectors. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a more compact arrangement which is more convenient to set up and use than such known arrangements. The invention accordingly provides a portable, self-contained video display device comprising a box structure having on two opposite sides thereof extendable covers defining between them a compartment for the storage of a video camera, one of said covers having an internal surface adapted to provide a support for visual material to be displayed by said device and the other of said covers providing a mounting for the video camera, a mirror being arranged to be supported within said compartment, and said covers, when extended, being arranged to be supported in predetermined positions such that the optical axis of the lens of the video camera is deflected by said mirror and the said internal surface of said one cover lies in the focal plane of the camera. The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a known arrangement as described above, Figure 2 is a similar view of an arrangement incorporating a display device according to the invention, Figures 3a and 3b are respectively a side elevation and a front elevation of the display device shown in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the display device of Figures 2 and 3 when closed for transport. Referring to Figures 2-4 of the drawings, the equipment contained in the studio outline 11, has been reduced to a self-contained suitcase-sized box, fitted with telescopic legs, requiring the addition of only a power suppiy and a chair for the operator. In making the design compact, attention had to be paid to the optical characteristics required to give a satisfactory video picture of the animated cartoon object. It was found that at least 1 metre distance was required from camera to object which could not be reduced by means of wide angled lenses, because of distortion of elevated portions of the animation. Thus a mirror 12 was used to effectively halve the distance required, whilst the video signal could be processed to reverse the mirror image effect. The camera is mounted in the box on a rear hinged flap 13, which can be swung back into, and retained by means not shown at, the correct operating angle between mirror and object. The lighting 14 mounted within the box can now be placed very close to the object resulting in a lower power requirement. This also has the advantage of improved operator comfort, owing to the lower heat generated. The object 1 5 is placed on the internal supporting surface of the hinged front flap 1 6 of the box, which, when open, is retained, by means not shown, at the correct angle in relation to the camera and mirror. All electronic control equipment and the operator's monitor, is contained in a compartment 17, above the mirror, such that all controls are within easy reach. The complete compartment and equipment can be removed and carried separately to further simplify transportions if required. It has been estimated that the set up time for the portable studio will be less than 10 minutes compared with up to two hours with the conventional system. The box, when closed, will preferably measure 950 mm high x 630 mm wide x 360 mm deep, which will fit easily in most car boots. In addition to the presentation of live cartoons, the studio can be used for flat copy or captions during a performance or intervals as follows. A framework 18 (see Figure 3b), placed behind the cartoon object on the operating table can be used to superimpose captions alongside the cartoon video picture without resorting to additional electronic equipment. A further framework 10 (see Figure 3a) carrying flat copy, such as an article from a magazine, can be moved in front of the mirror enabling the equipment to substitute for a slide projector and without the cost of making the slides. This framework can be made in the form of a cassette, carrying a quantity of artwork which may be shown consecutively. CLAIMS

1. A portable, self-contained video display device comprising a box structure having on two opposite sides thereof extendable covers defining between them a compartment for the storage of a video camera, one of said covers having an internal surface adapted to provide a support for visual material to be displayed by said device and the other of said covers providing a mounting for the video camera, a mirror being arranged to be supported within said compartment, and said covers, when extended, being arranged to be supported in predetermined positions such that the optical axis of the lens of the video camera is deflected by said mirror and the said internal surface of said one cover lies in the focal plane of the camera.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said box structure is provided with stowable supporting legs, by means of which it may be supported in an upright operating position, and said one cover comprises a flat panel hinged, with reference to said operating position, about a horizontal axis in the lower frontal region of said box structure, the arrangement being such that said one cover, when hinged open into its extended position, is arranged to facilitate manipulation of material supported on said internal surface thereof by a person seated facing the box structure.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said supporting legs are arranged to telescope into the box structure for stowage.

4. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said box structure comprises, adjacent said compartment, a further compartment for the storage of a video monitor.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 4, as appended to Claim 2 or 3, wherein said second compartment is located in the upper region of the box structure, above said first compartment, when in said operating position, and has an openable cover providing access to said video monitor by a person seated facing the box structure.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, wherein said compartments are respectively tocated in mutually separable portions of said box structure.

7. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein said box structure contains one or more light sources for illuminating the said internal surface of said one cover, said light source or sources being arranged to be enclosed by said one cover when in the closed position.

8. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7, including a further support for visual material to be displayed, said further support being arranged to be supported over, or in place of, said mirror.

9. A portable, self-contained video display device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

10. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, in combination with a video display device incorporating means for effecting lateral reversal of the video image to provide a laterally correct image from the image reflected by said mirror.