U.S. patent application number 14/057523 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-13 for wireless audio transmission system, receiver, video camera and audio mixer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Yoshiyuki YAHAGI.
Application Number | 20140044277 14/057523 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37198709 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140044277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAHAGI; Yoshiyuki |
February 13, 2014 |
WIRELESS AUDIO TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, RECEIVER, VIDEO CAMERA AND
AUDIO MIXER
Abstract
A wireless audio transmission system includes: a transmitter
having a microphone and a modulator-transmitter transmitting a
radio wave modulated by an audio signal from the microphone; a
receiver having a receiver-demodulator demodulating the audio
signal after receiving the radio wave transmitted from the
transmitter, output ting the audio signal demodulated by the
receiver-demodulator to the outside of the receiver; and a video
camera into which the audio signal output from the receiver is
input, wherein the receiver has a detector detecting frequencies of
a radio wave not being used by other devices based on a reception
level of the radio wave received by the receiver-demodulator and
outputs available frequency information indicating the frequencies
detected by the detector to the video camera, and the video camera
has a controller causing the available frequency information input
from the receiver to be displayed on a display unit attached to the
video camera.
Inventors: |
YAHAGI; Yoshiyuki;
(Kanagawa, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sony Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sony Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
37198709 |
Appl. No.: |
14/057523 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11493067 |
Jul 26, 2006 |
8570368 |
|
|
14057523 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
381/80 ;
381/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/232939 20180801;
H04N 5/60 20130101; H04N 5/23293 20130101; H04H 20/04 20130101;
H04N 5/222 20130101; H04N 9/802 20130101; H04R 3/00 20130101; H04H
20/63 20130101; H04N 5/772 20130101; H04N 5/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/80 ;
381/119 |
International
Class: |
H04R 3/00 20060101
H04R003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 27, 2005 |
JP |
P2005-217821 |
Claims
1-5. (canceled)
6. A receiver comprising: receiving-demodulating means for
demodulating an audio signal from a received radio wave; detection
means for detecting frequencies of a radio wave not being used by
other devices based on a reception level of the radio wave received
by said receiving-demodulating means; and a communication connector
through which communication is performed with an electronic device
having a insertion slot for the receiver when being attached to the
electronic device, wherein the audio signal demodulated by said
receiving-demodulating means and available frequency information
indicating the frequencies detected by said detection means are
output from said communication connector.
7. A receiver according to claim 6, further comprising: a
controller causing said detection means to detect frequencies of a
radio wave not being used by other devices and causing said
available frequency Information to be output from said
communication connector based on a command that is input from the
outside of the receiver and that requests said available frequency
information.
8. A receiver according to claim 6, farther comprising: a
controller setting a frequency of a radio wave to be received by
said receiving-demodulating means in accordance with frequency
selection information based on the input of the frequency selection
information to select the frequency among the frequencies indicated
by said available frequency information from said communication
connector,
9. A receiver according to claim 6, further comprising: a generator
generating reception status information indicating a reception
status of the radio wave with respect to the frequency being
received by said receiving-demodulating means, wherein said
reception status information is output from said communication
connector.
10. A receiver comprising: receiving-demodulating means for
demodulating an audio signal from a received radio wave; detection
means for detecting frequencies of a radio wave not being used by
other devices based on a reception level of the radio wave received
by said receiving-demodulating means; an audio output terminal; and
a data communication terminal, wherein the audio signal demodulated
by said receiving-demodulating means Is output from said audio
output terminal through an audio cable, and available frequency
Information indicating the frequencies detected by said detection
means is output from said data communication terminal through a
data communication cable.
11-14. (canceled)
15. A wireless audio transmission system comprising: a transmitter
having a microphone and a modulator-transmitter transmitting a
radio wave modulated by an audio signal from said microphone; a
receiver having a receiver-demodulator demodulating the audio
signal after receiving the radio wave transmitted from said
transmitter, outputting the audio signal demodulated by said
receiver-demodulator to the outside of the receiver; and an audio
mixer into which the audio signal output from said receiver is
input, wherein said receiver includes a detector detecting
frequencies of a radio wave not being used by other devices based
on a reception level of the radio wave received by said
receiver-demodulator and outputs available frequency information
indicating the frequencies detected by said detector to said audio
mixer, and said audio mixer includes a controller causing said
available frequency information input from said receiver to be
displayed on a display unit attached to the audio mixer.
16. An audio mixer that performs mixing of an audio signal,
comprising: a controller causing available frequency information to
be displayed on a display unit attached to the audio mixer based on
the input of the available frequency information indicating
frequencies of a radio wave not being used by other devices from
the outside of the audio mixer.
17. An audio mixer according to claim 16, wherein said controller
causes status information to be displayed on the display unit based
on the input of the status information indicating a reception
status of the radio wave from the outside of the audio mixer.
18. A receiver comprising: a receiver-demodulator demodulating an
audio signal from a received radio wave; a detector detecting
frequencies of a radio wave not being used by other devices based
on a reception level of the radio wave received by said
receiver-demodulator; and a communication, connector through which
communication is performed with an electronic device having a
insertion slot for the receiver when being attached to the
electronic device, wherein the audio signal demodulated by said
receiver-demodulator and available frequency information indicating
the frequencies detected by said detector are output from said
communication connector.
19. A receiver comprising: a receiver-demodulator demodulating an
audio signal from a received radio wave; a detector detecting
frequencies of a radio wave not being used by other devices based
on a reception level of the radio wave received by said
receiver-demodulator; an audio output terminal; and a data
communication terminal, wherein the audio signal demodulated by
said receiver-demodulator is output from said audio output terminal
through an audio cable, and available frequency information
indicating the frequencies detected by said detector is output from
said data communication terminal through a data communication
cable.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention contains subject matter related to
Japanese Patent Application JP 2005-217821 filed in the Japanese
Patent Office on Jul. 27, 2005, the entire contents of which being
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a system in which audio to
be recorded is transmitted using a wireless microphone. Further,
the present invention relates to a receiver, a video camera and an
audio mixer that constitute the system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent years, recording audio that is transmitted using a
wireless microphone has become popular when gathering news
materials and the like. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of
an external appearance of a wireless microphone. A wireless
microphone transmitter (hereinafter referred to as a transmitter)
51 basically has a microphone and a modulator-transmitter
transmitting a radio wave that is modulated by a audio signal from
the microphone. A wireless microphone, transmitter receiver
(hereinafter, referred to as a receiver) 52 basically has a
receiver-demodulator demodulating the audio signal after receiving
the radio wave transmitted from the transmitter 51, and the
demodulated audio signal is output to the outside of the receiver
52.
[0006] FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams each showing an example of
audio transmission system using those transmitter 51 and receiver
52 for audio recording. In the example of FIG. 2A, the transmitter
51 is used by an interviewer. The receiver 52 is attached (or
connected using a cable) to a VTR-incorporated video camera 53.
Then, an audio signal input from the receiver 52 to the video
camera 53 is recorded in the video camera 53 together with video
that is captured by the video camera 53.
[0007] In the example of FIG. 2B, the transmitter 51 is used by an
interviewer but the receiver 52 is connected to a stationary audio
mixer 54 using a cable 55. Then, an audio signal input from the
receiver 52 into the audio mixer 54 is mixed or switched in the
audio mixer 54, and the audio signal output from the audio mixer 54
is recorded in a VTR, audio recorder which are not illustrated, or
VTR-incorporated video camera such as the video camera 53 shown in
FIG. 2A.
[0008] Hereupon, in the case where a wireless microphone including
such transmitter 51 and receiver 52 is used, it is necessary to set
a frequency of a radio wave, used by the wireless microphone
correspondingly to the circumstances of the site.
[0009] Specifically, a wireless microphone is typically made such
that a frequency of a radio wave to be used can be set by selecting
the frequency from a predetermined frequency band. However, there
occurs interference when the same frequency being used by another
device such as a wireless microphone used by others gathered around
the site and a transmission system of a television broadcasting
station located in the same area is selected as a frequency to be
used at the site. Accordingly, it is necessary to select and set an
available frequency that is not being used at the site when arrived
at the site, Further, after starting, for example, news coverage,
the frequency being used may need to be set again in response to
fluctuation in the status of the radio wave due to a shift in the
location and due to interference newly occurred by others gathered,
and the like.
[0010] In the past, a frequency used by a wireless microphone is
set at the site by operating an operation button for switching
frequency that is provided in the transmitter 51 and receiver 52 to
search an available frequency through a trial and error
process.
[0011] In addition, only the followings are known in the past as
the system including a wireless microphone and a video camera shown
in FIG. 2A. There is a system in which only an audio signal (and a
signal showing an RF level thereof) is output from a wireless
microphone to a video camera, or a system in which an audio signal
is output, from a wireless microphone to a video camera and a
control signal for controlling power on/off of the wireless
microphone is output from the video camera to the wireless
microphone (for example, refer to Patent Reference 1).
[0012] [Patent Reference 1] Japanese Published Patent Application
No. 05-183788 (paragraphs 0021 through 0023, FIG. 1)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It takes time until an available frequency is found out when
setting the frequency through a trial and error process as
practiced in the past. Due to this, there is a possibility that a
reporting opportunity might be missed particularly when mobility is
required, for example, at the time of news coverage.
[0014] Here, there is considered a method of quickly setting the
frequency, in which a wireless microphone (for example, the
receiver 52 in FIG. 1) has the function of automatically detecting
available frequencies and the function of displaying information on
the detected available frequencies. Hence, the available
frequencies are confirmed by viewing this information displayed on
the wireless microphone so that the available frequency can be set
as the frequency to be used.
[0015] However, when the receiver 52 is attached or connected to
the video camera 53 as shown in FIG. 2A, there is recognized such a
disadvantage that operability may be reduced if a camera operator
views the display of the receiver 52 while recording video with a
video camera particularly after starting the news coverage.
[0016] Further, when the receiver 52 is connected to the audio
mixer 54 as shown in FIG. 2B, there is also recognized such a
disadvantage that operability may be reduced if an operator views
the display of the receiver 52 while operating the audio mixer 54
after starting the news coverage.
[0017] Moreover, although FIGS. 2A and 2B show the examples of
externally attaching or connecting the receiver 52 to the video
camera 53 and the stationary audio mixer 54, it is also conceivable
in the future that the receiver is incorporated in a compact video
camera and in a portable audio mixer. In such case, it is
practically difficult to view the display of the receiver.
[0018] The inventor of the present invention has recognized the
above-described problems, it is desirable to confirm available
frequencies under excellent operability in audio transmission
systems shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B in which an audio signal is input
from a wireless microphone into a video camera and audio mixer for
audio recording so that a frequency to be used by the wireless
microphone can be set.
[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a wireless audio transmission system that includes a
transmitter, a receiver and a video camera. The transmitter has a
microphone and a modulator-transmitter transmitting a radio wave
modulated by an audio signal from the microphone. The receiver has
a receiver-demodulator demodulating the audio signal after
receiving the radio wave transmitted from the transmitter and
outputs the audio signal demodulated by the receiver-demodulator to
the outside of the receiver. The audio signal, output from the
receiver is input to the video camera. Further in this wireless
audio transmission system, the receiver has a detector detecting
frequencies of a radio wave not being used by other devices based
on a reception level of the radio wave received by the
receiver-demodulator and outputs available frequency information
indicating the frequencies detected by the detector to the video
camera. In addition, the video camera, has a controller causing the
available frequency information input from the receiver to be
displayed on a display unit attached to the video camera.
[0020] Further, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a wireless audio transmission system
that includes a transmitter, a receiver and an audio mixer. The
transmitter has a microphone and a modulator-transmitter
transmitting a radio wave modulated by an audio signal front the
microphone. The receiver has a receiver-demodulator demodulating
the audio signal after receiving the radio wave transmitted from
the transmitter and outputs the audio signal demodulated by the
receiver-demodulator to the outside of the receiver. The audio
signal output from the receiver is input to the audio mixer.
Further in this wireless audio transmission system, the receiver
has a detector detecting frequencies of a radio wave not being used
by other devices based on a reception level of the radio wave
received by the receiver-demodulator and outputs available
frequency information indicating the frequencies detected by the
detector to the audio mixer. In addition, the audio mixer has a
controller causing the available frequency information input from
the receiver to be displayed on a display unit attached to the
audio mixer.
[0021] Further, according to embodiments of the present invention,
a receiver, video camera and audio mixer that constitute the
above-described wireless audio transmission systems are
provided.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, for example, according to an
embodiment of the present invention, a receiver automatically
detects available frequencies and causes available frequency
information indicating the detected frequencies to be input into
the video camera and audio mixer in an audio transmission system in
which an audio signal is input from a wireless microphone into a
video camera and audio mixer for audio recording.
[0023] Specifically, not only audio signals but also data that is
the available frequency information is output from the wireless
microphone to the video camera and audio mixer.
[0024] Further, the video camera and audio mixer causes the
available frequency information input from the wireless microphone
to be displayed on display units attached to the video camera and
audio mixer.
[0025] Therefore, a camera operator can confirm the available
frequencies by viewing the information displayed on that video
camera, and an operator operating the audio mixer can confirm the
available frequencies by viewing the information displayed on that
audio mixer.
[0026] Accordingly, the camera operator and operator of the audio
mixer can set the frequency to be used by the wireless microphone
after the available frequencies are confirmed under excellent
operability.
[0027] According to the embodiments of the present invention, such
effectiveness is obtained that the available frequency is confirmed
and the frequency to be used by the wireless microphone can be set
under excellent operability in the audio transmission system in
which the audio signal is input from the wireless microphone, into
the video camera and audio mixer for audio recording.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example, of an external
appearance of a wireless microphone;
[0029] FIG. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing examples of audio
transmission systems using a wireless microphone transmitter;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an audio
transmission system to which the present invention is applied;
[0031] FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a configuration of a
receiver in FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a frequency band
that is used by the receiver and transmitter in FIG. 3;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing kinds of serial data that are
transmitted and received by the receiver in FIG. 3;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a method of
detecting available frequencies that is executed by the receiver in
FIG. 3;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing portions among the
configuration of the video camera in FIG. 3, which are related to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a display example of
available frequency information on a view finder of the video
camera in FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a
reception status on the view finder of the video camera in FIG.
3;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another embodiment of an audio
transmission system to which the present invention is applied;
and
[0039] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing portions among a
configuration of an audio mixer in FIG. 11, which are related to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are
specifically explained using the accompanied drawings. In the
followings, two systems are explained, one of which is a system
where an audio signal is input from a wireless microphone into a
VTR-incorporated video camera, and the other of which is a system
where an audio signal is input from a wireless microphone into an
audio mixer.
[System with Audio Signal Input into Video Camera]
[0041] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an audio transmission system
to which the present invention is applied. Similarly to the system
shown in FIG. 2A, audio transmitted using a wireless microphone is
input into a VTR-incorporated video camera at the site of news
coverage or the like.
[0042] A wireless microphone transmitter receiver (hereinafter,
referred to as a receiver) 1 is attached to a receiver insertion
slot that is provided in the rear of a VTR-incorporated video
camera 2. A wireless microphone transmitter (hereinafter, referred
to as a transmitter) 3 is used by an interviewer. An audio signal
transmitted from the transmitter 3 to the receiver 1 is input from
the receiver 1 into the video camera 2 and is recorded into the
video camera 2 together with video captured by the video camera
2.
[0043] Further, the receiver 1 in this system detects frequencies
that are not being used at the site by other devices such as
wireless microphones of other media gathered at the site and a
transmission system of a television broadcasting station located in
the same area. Then, data (available frequency information)
indicating the detected frequencies is input from the receiver 1
into the video camera 2.
[0044] In the video camera 2, this available frequency information
is displayed on a view finder 4 attached to the video camera 2.
Also, data (frequency selection information) indicating the
frequency selected among those available frequencies is sent from
the video camera 2 to the transmitter 3 by infrared data
communication.
[0045] Next, a configuration for the input/output and display of
data is explained. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a configuration of the
receiver 1, in which FIG. 4A is a front view showing an external
appearance and FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing a
circuit-configuration thereof.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4A, the receiver 1 has two receiving
antennas (branches) 5 and 6 for diversity reception on the upper
side of a body and has a communication connector 7 on the lower
side of the body. Although not illustrated, the communication
connector 7 has an audio signal output pin and, a data
communication pin for performing data communication based on RS232C
standard that is one of serial communication formats.
[0047] FIG. 4B shows a simplified circuit configuration of the
receiver 1, because a general configuration of a receiver of a
diversity reception method is widely known. In the receiver 1, an
audio signal is demodulated in a demodulation circuit 10 through an
RF amplifier 8 and a frequency selection circuit (band pass filter
having variable passing band, or the like) 9 from a radio wave
received by the receiving antenna 5 in FIG. 4A. Further, an audio
signal is demodulated in a demodulation circuit 13 through an RF
amplifier 11 and a frequency selection circuit 12 from a radio wave
received by the receiving antenna 6 in FIG. 4A.
[0048] Then, either the audio signal from the demodulation circuits
10 or the audio signal from the demodulation circuit 13 is selected
in a branch selection circuit 14 based on outputs from, the
frequency selection circuits 9 and 12, and the like. The audio
signal selected in the branch selection circuit 14 is output from
the above-described audio signal output pin of the communication
connector 7 to the outside (to the video camera 3 in FIG. 3).
[0049] A CPU 15 controls each portion in the receiver 1 and
performs data communication with the outside (with the video camera
3 in FIG. 3) through the above-described data communication pin of
the communication connector 7.
[0050] In the receiver 1 and the transmitter 3 of FIG. 3, a
frequency of a radio wave to be used is selected from a
predetermined frequency band (group) (selected in the frequency
selection circuits 9 and 12 in the receiver 1) to be set,
[0051] FIG. 5 shows an example of this frequency band. In this
example, a frequency to be used can be selected among forty-seven
frequencies from 68-01 (794.125 MHz) to 68-47 (799.875 MHz) in TV
68ch which is one of television broadcasting frequency bands in the
United States. It should be noted that this frequency band (group)
is not fixed but is set by data sent to the CPU 15 through the
communication connector 7 in the receiver 1.
[0052] FIG. 6 shows a specific example of serial data transmitted
and received by the receiver 1 through the communication connector
7. "Frequency Setting" is a command (received by the receiver 1)
for setting a frequency to be used between the receiver 1 and
transmitter 3, "Frequency Status" is data (transmitted by the
receiver 1) indicating the frequency that is set based on the
"Frequency Setting" command.
[0053] "Group/Channel Setting" is a command (received by the
receiver 1) for setting a frequency band (group) as shown in FIG.
5. "Group/Channel Status" is data (received by the receiver 1)
indicating the frequency band (group) that is set based on the
"Group/Channel Setting" command.
[0054] "TONE Squelch, NOISE Squelch, MUTING Setting" is a command
(received by the receiver 1) for setting ON/OFF of the tone squelch
function, noise squelch function and muting. The tone squelch
function is to prevent noise by being muted in states other than
the state where a tone exists (state where RF is generated at a
certain determined frequency). The noise squelch function is to
perform, muting when a noise level of the audio signal exceeds a
reference value.
[0055] "RF Squelch Level Setting" is a command (received by the
receiver 1) for setting a value at which an RF squelch level is
applied. The RF squelch function is to perform muting when the
received RF signal becomes less than a predetermined level.
[0056] "Battery Status" is data (transmitted by the receiver 1)
indicating a voltage of a battery incorporated in the transmitter 3
in FIG. 3.
[0057] "RF Level Status" is data (transmitted by the receiver 1)
indicating a level of the RP signal being received by the receiver
1.
[0058] "AF Level Status" is data (transmitted by the receiver 1)
indicating an AF level that is an audio level of the audio signal
extracted from the RF signal being received by the receiver 1.
[0059] "Message Setting" is a command (received by the receiver 1)
for setting character information (for example, user name) as a
message.
[0060] "Available Frequency Search" is a command (received by the
receiver 1) for detecting an available frequency not being used by
other devices from the frequency band that is set based on the
above-described "Group/Channel Setting" command. "Available
Frequency Status" is data (transmitted by the receiver 1)
indicating the available frequency that is detected based on the
"Available Frequency Search" command.
[0061] Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, the following commands
are also transmitted and received (received by the receiver 1)
through the communication connector 7. Those are commands
requesting data on the "Frequency Status", "Group/channel Status",
a status of set result based on "TONE Squelch, NOISE Squelch,
MUTING Setting" command, a status of set result based on the "RF
Squelch Level Setting" command, "Battery Status", "RF Level
Status", "AF Level Status", a status of set result based on the
"Message Setting" command.
[0062] FIG. 7 shows a method of detecting an available frequency
that is executed by the CPU 15 in the receiver 1 based on the
"Available Frequency Search" command when the frequency band shown
in FIG. 5 is used as an example. First, a window is set at a
frequency range in the vicinity of 734.125 MHz that is the
frequency of 68-01 channel in FIG. 5 (in terms of the configuration
of FIG. 4B, a frequency range in the vicinity of 794.125 MHz is
selected by the frequency selection circuits 9 and 12), and an RF
level of the radio wave of this frequency range is measured.
Further, it is judged that 794.125 MHz is currently used when the
RF level is equal to or more than the RF squelch level (that, is
set based on the above-described "RF squelch level setting"
command).
[0063] Subsequently, this window is moved to a frequency range in
the vicinity of 794.250 MHz that is the frequency of 68-02 channel
in FIG. 5 (a frequency range in the vicinity of 794.250 MHz is
selected by the frequency selection circuits 9 and 12 in FIG. 4),
and an RF level of the radio wave of this frequency range is
measured. When the RF level is less than the RF squelch level this
time, it is judged that 794.250 MHz is an available frequency.
[0064] Further, similar processing is repeated using this window
and a frequency range in the vicinity of each of 68-03 through
68-47 channels in FIG. 5 is sequentially scanned.
[0065] With respect to the video camera 2 in FIG. 3 the
configuration of an imaging system, video processing system, audio
processing system and recording/reproducing system (VTR portion) is
similar to that of a typical VTR-incorporated video camera. FIG. 8
is a block diagram showing the configuration of the video camera 2
regarding portions related to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0066] In the video camera 2 is provided a communication connector
16 having an audio signal input pin and data communication pin (for
performing data communication based on RS232C standard)
correspondingly to the communication connector 7 (FIG. 4) of the
receiver 1.
[0067] An audio signal input from the communication connector 16 is
recorded in a VTR portion (not shown) through an audio processing
system (not shown).
[0068] A CPU 17 is a processor controlling each portion In the
video camera 2, and with respect to processing relating to the
embodiment of the present invention the CPU 17 performs data
communication with the outside (with the receiver 1 in FIG. 3.)
through the above-described data, communication pin of the
communication connector 16 based on operation of an operation panel
21. Further, based on a result of that communication the CPU 17
controls an LCD driver 18 (that is a circuit driving an LCD 19
constituting the view finder 4 in FIG. 3) and an infrared
transmission unit 20.
[0069] In the operation panel 21, although not shown, the following
operation buttons are provided in addition to operation buttons
having the same functions as a typical VTR-incorporated video
camera.
[0070] (1) An operation button to request, available frequency
information (hereinafter, referred to as "Available Frequency
Button")
[0071] (2) An operation button to select a frequency among the
displayed available frequencies (hereinafter, referred to as
"Frequency Selection Button")
[0072] (3) An operation button to request status information
indicating a receiving state of a radio wave (hereinafter, referred
to as "Status Button")
[0073] Next, in the state where the receiver 1 is attached to the
video camera 2 as shown in FIG. 3, processing of the video camera 2
and receiver 1 based on operation of each of those "Available
Frequency Button", "Frequency Selection Button" and "Status Button"
is explained.
[0074] When "Available Frequency Button" is operated, the CPU 17 in
the video camera 2 transmits the "Available Frequency Search"
command (FIG. 6) to the receiver 1 through the communication
connector 16.
[0075] The CPU 15 (in FIG. 4B) in the receiver 1 detects available
frequencies by the above-described method of FIG. 7 based on this
"Available Frequency Search" command, and sends back "Available
Frequency Status" (FIG. 6) to the video camera 2 through the
communication connector 7.
[0076] The CPU 17 in the video camera 2 controls the LCD driver 18
based on this "Available Frequency Status" to display frequency
information available at present on the view finder 4 (FIG. 3).
When a video being captured by the imaging system of the video
camera 2 is displayed on the view finder 4, the display on the view
finder is switched,
[0077] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of a display
screen of this available frequency information. First, a screen as
shown in FIG. 9A is displayed. The following boxes and buttons are
provided on this screen.
[0078] (1) Boxes 22 and 23 displaying respectively the group number
(here, 00) and television channel number (here, TV 68ch in FIG. 5)
of the frequency band (group) that is set in advance based on the
"Group/Channel Setting" command (FIG. 6)
[0079] (2) Boxes 24 displaying an RF level of individual frequency
channels (here, 68-01 through 68-47 channels in FIG. 5) in the
frequency band (group) displayed in the boxes 22 and 23 by
predetermined number (16 in this figure) of channels at a time
[0080] (3) Buttons 25 and 26 for switching the number of frequency
channels displayed in the boxes 24 forward and backward
respectively
[0081] When an operation of specifying a frequency channel in the
boxes 24 is performed using the operation panel 21 in the state
where the screen of FIG. 9A is displayed, a screen shown in FIG. 9B
is displayed with respect to the specified frequency channel. The
following boxes and buttons are provided on this screen.
[0082] (1) Boxes 27 and 28 displaying respectively the number
(here, 68-03 in FIG. 5) and frequency (here, 794.375 MHz) of the
specified frequency channel
[0083] (2) A box 29 displaying an RF level (outlined bar chart) and
an RF squelch level (shaded bar chart) with respect to the
frequency channel displayed in the boxes 27 and 28 (bar charts A
indicate the radio wave reception levels regarding the receiving
antenna 5 in FIGS. 4A and bar charts B indicate the radio wave
reception levels regarding the receiving antenna 6 in FIGS. 4A)
[0084] (3) A box 30 displaying a check mark, when the frequency
channel displayed in the boxes 27 and 28 is being used at
present
[0085] When any available frequency (frequency channel without the
check mark being displayed in the box 30 in FIG. 9B) is selected by
the above-described "Frequency Selection Button" in the operation
panel 21 in the state where either the screen of FIG. 9A or the
screen of FIG. 9B is displayed, the CPU 17 in the video camera 2
transmits the "Frequency Setting" command (FIG. 6) to the receiver
1 through the communication connector 16, causing the selected
available frequency to be used.
[0086] The CPU 15 in the receiver 1 sets a reception frequency
(frequency selected by the frequency selection circuits 9 and 12 in
FIG. 4B) based on this "Frequency Setting" command. Further, the
CPU 15 sends "Frequency Status" (FIG. 6) back to the video camera 2
through the communication connector 7.
[0087] Furthermore, the CPU 17 in the video camera 2 transmits the
"Frequency Setting" command (FIG. 6) to the transmitter 3 in FIG. 3
through the infrared transmission unit 20 (FIG. 8), causing the
selected available frequency to be used.
[0088] Similarly to a typical wireless microphone transmitter, the
transmitter 3 has a microphone and a modulator-transmitter
transmitting a radio wave modulated by an audio signal from the
microphone (as well as transmitting a radio wave modulated by a
signal outside the audio range showing that voltage of the battery
in the transmitter is lowered). In addition, although not shown in
the figure, the transmitter 3 has an infrared reception unit and a
CPU setting a transmission frequency based, on a command received
by this infrared reception unit. Further, the transmitter 3 sets a
transmission frequency based on the "Frequency Setting" command
from the video camera 2,
[0089] Accordingly, an audio signal Is transmitted to the receiver
1 from the transmitter 3 using the frequency that is selected by
"Frequency Selection Button" in the operation panel 21 of the video
camera 2. Further, the audio signal is input from the receiver 1 to
the video camera 2 to be recorded in the video camera 2.
[0090] When the above-described "Status Button" in the operation
panel 21 is operated in the state where the audio signal is thus
being transmitted from the transmitter 3 to the receiver 1, the CPU
17 in the video camera 2 transmits to the receiver 1 through the
communication connector 16 such commands requesting the following
status information. Specifically, the commands request data on
"Frequency Status", "Group/channel Status", "Battery Status", "RF
Level Status" and "AF Level Status" in FIG. 6 and data on the
statuses of set results based on "TONE Squelch, NOISE Squelch,
MUTING Setting" command, "RF Squelch Level Setting" command and
"Message Setting" command in FIG. 6.
[0091] The CPU 15 in the receiver 1 sends back the data on each
status requested by those commands to the video camera 2 through
the communication connector 7.
[0092] The CPU 17 in the video camera 2 causes the present
reception status to be displayed on the view finder 4 (FIG. 3) by
controlling the LCD driver 18 based on the data on those statuses.
When the video being captured by the imaging system of the video
camera 2 is displayed on the view finder 4, the display is
switched.
[0093] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen
of this reception status. The following boxes are provided on this
screen,
[0094] (1) A box 31 displaying a user name and an
identification
[0095] name
[0096] (2) Boxes 32 and 33 displaying respectively the frequency
and channel number being used
[0097] (3) A box 34 displaying the group number of the frequency
band (group) being set
[0098] (4) A box 35 alarming with light that the battery in the
transmitter 3 will be consumed in a certain period of time
[0099] (5) A box 36 alarming by changing a color of light that the
RF level becomes higher than the RF squelch level
[0100] (6) A box 37 displaying ON/OFF state of the tone squelch
function
[0101] (7) A box 38 displaying ON/OFF state of the noise squelch
function
[0102] (8) A box 39 displaying the RF level (outline bar chart) and
the RF squelch level (shaded bar chart) with respect to the
frequency being used (bar charts A indicate the levels with respect
to the receiving antenna 5 in FIGS. 4A and bar charts B indicate
the levels with respect to the receiving antenna 6 in FIGS. 4A)
[0103] (9) A box 40 displaying the AF level with respect to the
frequency being used
[0104] Next, explanation is made with respect to operation of a
camera operator operating the video camera 2 and setting a
frequency of a radio wave to be used by the receiver 1 and
transmitter 3 in the system shown in FIG. 3.
[0105] When arriving at a site for news coverage, the camera
operator first operates "Available Frequency Button" in the
operation panel 21 of the video camera 2 in order to select an
available frequency that is not being used at the site by other
devices such as wireless microphones of reporting staff of other
media gathered at the site and transmission systems of television
broadcasting stations located in the same area.
[0106] With this, the "Available Frequency Search" command is sent,
from the video camera 2 to the receiver 1, and "Available Frequency
Status" indicating available frequencies detected by the method of
FIG. 7 is sent back from the receiver 1 to the video camera 2 and
so the available frequency information is displayed on the view
finder 4 of the video camera 2 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
[0107] The camera operator confirms the presently available
frequencies by viewing the display of this available frequency
information on the view finder 4 and selects any one of the
available frequencies by "Frequency Selection Button" in the
operation panel 21 of the video camera 2.
[0108] Then, the "Frequency Setting" command causing the selected
available frequency to be used is sent from the video camera 2 to
the receiver 1 and transmitter 3 so that the frequency to be used
by the receiver 1 and transmitter 3 is set to the available
frequency.
[0109] Accordingly, news coverage can be started to record audio
without causing any interference with the other devices.
[0110] After that, the camera operator operates "Status Button" in
the operation panel 21 of the video camera 2 during the news
coverage in accordance with a necessity (when the location is moved
and when other reporting crews newly joined in the neighborhood,
for example).
[0111] Then, a command requesting data on the status is sent from
the video camera 2 to the receiver 1, and the requested status data
is sent back from the receiver 1 to the video camera 2 and so the
reception status is displayed on the view finder 4 of the video
camera 2 as shown in FIG. 10.
[0112] Even the available frequency selected when starting the news
coverage, there is such a possibility that, the reception level
deteriorates and the interference occurs, because the status of the
radio waives changes with a movement of the location, thereafter
and as new reporting crew joins. The camera operator can confirm
the present, reception status by viewing the display of this
reception status on the view finder 4 (particularly, boxes 36
through 39 in FIG. 10).
[0113] When the reception status deteriorated, the frequency used
by the receiver 1 and transmitter 3 can be changed into another
frequency of excellent reception status by operating "Available
Frequency Button" and "Frequency Selection Button" of the video
camera 2 in a similar manner to the operation when arriving at the
site.
[0114] Thus, according to this system the camera operator operating
the video camera 2 can confirm available frequencies by displaying
available frequency information on the view finder 4 of the video
camera 2 itself by operating the operation panel 21 of the video
camera 2. Then, the frequency to be used by the receiver 1 and
transmitter 3 can be set by the operation of the operation panel 21
of the video camera 2.
[0115] Therefore, available frequencies are confirmed under
excellent operability and so the frequency to be used by the
receiver 1 and transmitter 3 can be set without taking time.
[0116] Furthermore, according to this system even after setting the
frequency to be used by the receiver 1 and transmitter 3, the
reception status can be displayed, on the view finder 4 of the
video camera 2 itself by the operation of the operation panel 21 of
the video camera 2 and so the camera operator operating the video
camera 2 can confirm the present reception status.
[0117] Therefore, even after starting news coverage, the present
reception status can be confirmed under excellent operability and
the frequency to be used by the receiver 1 and transmitter 3 can be
set again without taking time when the reception status
deteriorated.
[0118] Accordingly, audio can be record without missing a reporting
opportunity even in the site of news coverage where the mobility
may be required.
[System with Audio Signal Input into Audio Mixer]
[0119] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of an audio transmission
system to which the present invention is applied, in which the same
reference numerals are given, to portions common to those in FIG.
3. In this system, audio transmitted using a wireless microphone is
input into an audio mixer at the site of news coverage or the like,
similarly to the system shown in FIG. 2B.
[0120] The transmitter 3 is used by an interviewer and the receiver
1 is incorporated in a. portable audio mixer 41 (fixed in the audio
mixer 41 with an antenna portion being exposed to the outside). On
the front surface of the audio mixer 41 are provided an LCD display
portion 42 and an operation panel 43, The Interviewer or another
staff may use the audio mixer 41 by slinging it from his/her own
shoulder using a shoulder strap. An audio signal transmitted from
the transmitter 3 to the receiver 1 is Input into the audio mixer
41 from the receiver 1, and the audio signal output from the audio
mixer 41 is recorded in a VTR that is not illustrated or in a
VTR-incorporated video camera such as the video camera 2 shown in
FIG. 3.
[0121] Configurations and processing of the receiver 1 and
transmitter 3 are the same as those explained in the system of FIG.
3.
[0122] The audio mixer 41 has a similar configuration to a typical
audio mixer with respect to portions regarding an audio processing
system (an equalizer and fader to adjust sound volume and circuits
to perform audio mixing and switching). FIG. 12 is a block diagram
showing portions with respect to the configuration of the audio
mixer 41 particularly relating to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0123] The audio mixer 41 includes a communication connector 44
having an audio signal input pin and a data communication pin to
perform data communication based on RS232C standard correspondingly
to the communication connector 7 of the receiver 1 (FIGS. 4A and
4B).
[0124] An audio signal input from the communication connector 44 is
output from the audio mixer 41 through the audio processing system
(not illustrated).
[0125] A CPU 45 is a processor controlling each portion in the
audio mixer 41 and further performs, as processing related to the
embodiment of the present invention, data communication with the
outside (receiver 1 in FIG. 11) through the above-described data
communication pin of the communication connector 44 based on the
operation of the operation panel 43 (FIG. 11). Further, the CPU 45
controls an LCD driver 46 that is a circuit driving an LCD 47
constituting the LCD display portion 42 in FIG. 11 and an infrared
transmission unit 48 based on a result of that communication. This
processing by the CPU 45 Is the same as the processing executed by
the CPU 17 (FIG. 8) in the video camera 2 in the system shown in
FIG. 3.
[0126] In the operation panel 43 are provided "Available Frequency
Button", "Frequency Selection Button" and "Status Button" having
the same functions as those provided in the operation panel 21 of
the video camera 2 in the system of FIG. 3, in addition to
operation buttons having the same functions as those in a typical
audio mixer although not shown in the figure.
[0127] According to the system of FIG. 11, the available frequency
information is displayed on the LCD display portion 42 of the audio
mixer 41 itself by operation of the operation panel 43 of the audio
mixer 41 similarly to the system of FIG. 3 and so an interviewer or
another staff operating the audio mixer 41 can confirm available
frequencies. Then, the frequency to be used by the receiver 1 and
transmitter 3 can be set by the operation of the operation panel 43
of the audio mixer 41.
[0128] Therefore, available frequencies are confirmed under
excellent operability and so the frequency to be used by the
receiver 1 and transmitter 3 can be set without taking time.
[0129] Further, even after the frequency used in the receiver 1 and
transmitter 3 is set, the reception status is displayed on the LCD
display portion 42 of the audio mixer 41 by the operation of the
operation panel 43 of the audio mixer 41 similarly to the system of
FIG. 3 and so the present reception status can be confirmed.
[0130] Therefore, after starting news coverage, the present
reception status can be confirmed under excellent operability and
the frequency to be used by the receiver 1 and transmitter 3 can be
set again without taking time when the reception status
deteriorated.
[0131] Accordingly, it becomes possible to record audio without
missing a reporting opportunity even in the site such as news
coverage where mobility may be required.
[0132] Note that, the receiver 1 in the system shown in FIG. 3 is
attached to the video camera 2 having the receiver insertion slot.
However, not limited thereto, the receiver 1 may be connected using
a cable to a small video camera in which a receiver insertion slot
may not be provided, or the receiver 1 may be incorporated in a
video camera.
[0133] In addition, the receiver 1 is incorporated in the audio
mixer 41 in the system shown in FIG. 11, however, the receiver 1
may be attached to an audio mixer which has a receiver insertion
slot.
[0134] Furthermore, the receiver 1 is attached to the
VTR-incorporated video camera in the system shown in FIG. 3.
However, not limited thereto. The receiver 1 may be attached to a
video camera in which other recording apparatuses than a VTR (for
example, optical disc apparatus) are incorporated, or the receiver
1 may be attached to a video camera in which a recording apparatus
is not incorporated (an audio signal input from the receiver 1 into
the video camera is output from the video camera to a VTR and the
like).
[0135] Further, in the system shown in FIG. 11, audio transmitted
using the wireless microphone is input into the audio mixer 41 at
the site of news coverage and the like. However, as another
embodiment of the present invention, audio transmitted using the
wireless microphone such as voice of singer and sound of musical
instrument may be input into the audio mixer 41 in a concert hall,
at the site of live performance and the like. In such cases also,
the performance can be smoothly carried out, because a present
reception status is confirmed under excellent operability during
the performance and so the transmitter 3 can be replaced with
another transmitter 3 before consuming the battery, for
example.
[0136] Furthermore, the "Frequency Setting" command is transmitted
from the video camera 2 and the audio mixer 41 to the transmitter 3
by the infrared data communication in the systems shown in FIG. 3
and FIG. 11. However, the "Frequency Setting" command may be
transmitted from the video camera 2 and the audio mixer 41 to the
transmitter 3 by other wireless communication methods than the
method using infrared rays, or the "Frequency Setting" command may
be transmitted from the video camera 2 and the audio mixer 41 to
the transmitter 3 by wired communication.
[0137] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that
various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and
alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other
factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims
or the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *