REMOTE CONTROL UNIT FOR A MOTION CAMERA

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a remote control unit for a motion picture camera with a lens servo motor, comprising a movable operating element for setting control commands for an associated camera, an evaluation and control device for generating a servo motor control signal for the camera (including a camera lens) as a function of the set control command and an output device for transmitting the servo motor control signal to the associated camera.

[0002] An electronic motion picture camera typically comprises an integrated optical system (camera lens) or a lens mount for mounting an interchangeable lens, an electronic image sensor for generating image signals from incident light, and an image signal processing device for generating a digital image data stream from the image signals. A remote control unit can be provided to control a conventional or electronic motion picture camera for recording motion pictures and / or to adjust recording parameters, such as the image recording frequency, shutter speed, iris aperture, focus position (sharpness), or focal length (zoom factor) of the camera lens.The iris diaphragm opening, the focus position, and the focal length can be adjusted by a respective lens servomotor, which is integrated into the camera lens or typically arranged as a separate, external unit outside the camera lens and connected to a rotatable lens ring of the camera lens for adjusting the lens. The respective lens servomotor can be controlled by a remote control unit, as known, for example, from DE 196 29 484 A1 and WO 2010 / 046237 A1. To adjust different recording parameters before and especially during a moving image recording, several lens servomotors can be provided, as is known, for example, from DE 42 19 331 A1.

[0003] Furthermore, EP 2 706 407 A2 discloses a remote control unit with an evaluation and control device for wireless communication with a focus adjustment device of a motion picture camera. The evaluation and control device is designed to generate a control signal depending on the angular position of a rotatable control element.

[0004] EP 0 572 101 A1 describes a control element for adjusting photographic parameters of a camera with an adjustment element, where key parameter values ​​can be entered and an acoustic signal is output via headphones. The frequency of the acoustic signal varies depending on the difference between the set parameter value and the key value, allowing the user to concentrate on the photographic process and adjust the parameters to changes in the process.

[0005] US 2017 / 019580 A1 describes a control device for an action camera that is intended to enable voice control of the camera. Furthermore, the control device can play a feedback signal perceptible to a user when a command entered on the control device has been received and / or executed by the camera.

[0006] The ability to remotely control or adjust the recording parameters of a motion picture camera allows a cameraman operating the camera to concentrate exclusively on ensuring the correct camera alignment, which usually changes during the recording of a scene, in order to maintain the desired image section. The corresponding adjustment of the camera's recording parameters, however, can be carried out by a dedicated operator of the remote control unit, such as a camera assistant or focus puller, who can adjust the respective control commands for the camera by moving the control element on the remote control unit. In particular, the operator can set a sequence of control commands previously agreed upon with the cameraman during a recording.

[0007] While such a sequence of camera control commands can generally be easily performed by a camera assistant monitoring the scene during filming, coordination difficulties can arise during interruptions or before filming begins when starting or resuming an agreed control sequence. Before filming begins, the motion picture camera may be switched on and in a standby mode, in which the camera is ready to record, but no recording is yet being made. However, to begin filming, the cameraman must put the motion picture camera into recording mode in order to capture a scene.However, this change from the camera's operating state to the recording state may be difficult to perceive for a camera assistant or focus puller who may be positioned far away from the scene, as they may not be able to hear instructions to start recording.

[0008] To address this problem, the remote control unit can visually signal the camera's recording status, for example, by flashing a light. However, this requires the camera assistant or focus puller to constantly monitor the remote control unit to ensure that the motion picture camera switches to recording mode. This prevents the camera assistant or focus puller from observing the scene being recorded (such as the position of actors), and there is a risk that such a visual signal will be overlooked.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a remote control unit for a moving image camera which reliably and perceptibly indicates to an operator when the camera changes to the recording state, i.e. when a recording of moving images begins.

[0010] This object is achieved by a remote control unit having the features of claim 1.

[0011] The remote control unit comprises a receiving device for receiving operating status signals from the associated camera and a feedback device, wherein the evaluation and control device is designed to control the feedback device to generate a camera status feedback signal, which is directly or indirectly perceptible acoustically and / or haptically, in response to a received operating status signal which represents a change of the associated camera from a standby state to a recording state triggered directly at the camera.

[0012] Since the remote control unit includes a receiving device for receiving operating status signals from the assigned camera, a change of the camera from the standby mode to the recording mode can generally be transmitted to the remote control unit. As already explained above, the camera's standby mode refers to an operating state in which the camera is generally switched on and ready to record, but no recording is taking place. In the recording mode, however, the camera is switched on and is recording the scene (e.g., directly recording the image data in the camera or in a connected recorder, or transmitting the image data for remote storage or broadcast).

[0013] In principle, a camera can also start recording directly from a switched-off state by switching it on, so that in such cases, the switched-off state also means the camera is in standby mode. However, it is usually intended that a camera is first switched on and then put into recording mode by another command, for example, by pressing a "REC" button. In all of these cases, the problem explained above exists: the transition of the camera from standby mode to recording mode is triggered directly by the camera operator on the camera (and not by a control command transmitted from the remote control unit), and this change can therefore be difficult to perceive for a camera assistant or focus puller who may be positioned far away from the scene.

[0014] Activating the feedback device via the evaluation and control unit when a detected camera switch to recording mode and generating a corresponding camera status feedback signal makes it possible to alert the remote control unit operator that the camera has switched to recording mode. Because this feedback signal is audible and / or tactile, it is not necessary for the operator to constantly monitor what is happening in the camera's area or to constantly keep an eye on the remote control unit. This allows the operator to be far away from the camera or to concentrate on the positions of the actors and objects in the scene being recorded.Nevertheless, it is ensured that the operator of the remote control unit reliably perceives the actual start of the recording so that the operator can then set a planned or rehearsed sequence of control commands on the remote control unit.

[0015] Such a camera status feedback signal, which ensures the operator's attention, can, for example, be directly acoustically perceptible if the remote control unit is designed to directly generate sound. For this purpose, the remote control unit can, for example, comprise a loudspeaker. Furthermore, the feedback device can be designed to generate indirectly acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signals. For this purpose, the feedback device can, for example, in response to the received operating status signal, generate a camera status feedback signal which represents audio information and which is converted into sound by a transducer separate from the remote control unit. For this purpose, the feedback device can, in particular, be connected or connectable to an external loudspeaker or headphones, through or on which the sound is ultimately generated.Alternatively or additionally, haptically perceptible camera status feedback signals can also be perceived directly, for example by a tangible vibration of the remote control unit, or indirectly by generating an actually tangible signal by a device provided separately from the remote control unit and which can be carried in a trouser pocket or worn on a wrist, for example.

[0016] The receiving device of the remote control unit and the output device for transmitting the servomotor control signal to the camera can form a common module, for example a transceiver, and / or be part of the evaluation and control device. The evaluation and control device can also be designed as a single unit (e.g. discrete or integrated circuit, microprocessor, ASIC, FPGA) or modularly with several sub-units, so that, for example, the output device and the receiving device can be designed as separate modules and connected to the evaluation and control device. For example, one sub-unit of the evaluation and control device can generate the respective servomotor control signal depending on the set control command, while another sub-unit (which is connected to the one sub-unit, for examplecan also only be connected for signaling purposes) controls the feedback device for generating the camera status feedback signal.

[0017] The motion picture camera associated with the remote control unit can be configured for connecting interchangeable lenses. This allows the motion picture camera to be equipped with various camera lenses adapted to the respective scene. The remote control unit can be configured to generate servo motor control signals for the lens servo motor(s) of the respective camera lens and transmit them to the camera or to a control circuit provided internally or separately therein. The remote control unit can be universally applicable for this purpose, particularly in the case of the common use of external lens servo motors.

[0018] In some embodiments, the feedback device may include a loudspeaker, and the camera status feedback signal may comprise an acoustically perceptible sound signal generated by the loudspeaker. In the context of the invention, the term "loudspeaker" refers to any type of sound generator or sound output device (e.g., piezoelectric sound generator). In such embodiments, the camera status feedback signal is thus immediately acoustically perceptible, and an operator of the remote control unit can be alerted directly by the remote control unit to a change of the camera to the recording state.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the volume of the audio signal generated by the loudspeaker can be adjustable to ensure, on the one hand, that the camera status feedback signal is perceived by the operator of the remote control unit and, on the other hand, to prevent the audio signal from disturbing other persons involved in the recording. For this purpose, for example, the evaluation and control device can be connected to a corresponding volume control of the remote control unit, and / or an existing input device of the remote control unit (e.g., for entering control commands or for configuring the remote control unit) can also be used to adjust the volume of the audio signal.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the loudspeaker can be selectively deactivated to selectively prevent the generation of the acoustically perceptible sound signal. For this purpose, the remote control unit can, for example, have a switch (mechanical or virtual switch) by means of which the generation of the acoustically perceptible sound signal can be selectively deactivated.

[0021] Such a sound signal can, in particular, comprise a single tone, a sequence of tones, or a synthetic voice command. Furthermore, the sound signal can be provided as a single, repeating tone, for example, to permanently indicate the camera's recording status.

[0022] In principle, only the audio signal can be generated, although it is also possible for the camera status feedback signal to include additional signals, for example haptic and / or indirectly acoustically perceptible signals.

[0023] The feedback device can have a wired audio signal output and / or a wireless audio signal output, via which the camera status feedback signal can be transmitted to a coupled external audio output device. In such embodiments, the camera status feedback signal can thus be perceived acoustically indirectly, via the external audio output device. A wired audio signal output can enable the transmission of an analog or digital audio signal to a connected audio output device, for example, an external loudspeaker or headphones. In such an embodiment, the feedback device can, for example, comprise a driver that generates an analog driver signal (voltage signal) for the connected audio output device.An audio signal transmitted via a wireless audio signal output can be used by the receiving external audio output device to generate an acoustically perceptible signal according to the signal format and / or radio protocol used, wherein, in particular, a Bluetooth connection can be provided. In such an embodiment, the feedback device can, for example, comprise a radio module that generates the camera status feedback signal as a radio signal in which the audio information is encoded. In this case, too, transmission to an external loudspeaker or headphones can be provided.

[0024] By transmitting the camera status feedback signal to an external audio output device, particularly a headset, an indirectly audible camera status feedback signal can be generated. Particularly when using a headset as an external audio output device, it is possible to ensure that the camera status feedback signal is perceived exclusively by the addressed operator of the remote control unit and not by other persons in the vicinity of the remote control unit. This prevents potential disruption to recording operations due to a camera status feedback signal audible to all participants.

[0025] In some embodiments, the remote control unit can comprise a selection device by means of which the generation of the camera status feedback signal can be selectively suppressed. This allows a potentially disruptive, immediately audible feedback signal to be selectively suppressed for certain recordings or in certain situations, for example, if these recordings require the full attention of all participants anyway or, for example, in animal recordings, if an audio signal could inevitably result in a disruption of the recording.

[0026] In some embodiments, the feedback device can have a loudspeaker and a wired and / or wireless audio signal output. The evaluation and control device can be configured to control the feedback device to output the camera status feedback signal via the audio signal output in response to the received operating state signal, but to suppress the output of an audio signal generated by the loudspeaker if an external audio output device is coupled to the audio signal output. The remote control unit can therefore have a loudspeaker and thus be configured to generate a directly acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signal without the need for additional devices.However, by providing an audio signal output in addition to the loudspeaker, such a remote control unit also optionally enables the generation of an indirectly acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signal on an external sound output device, such as headphones. If such a sound output device is coupled to the audio signal output, suppressing the sound signal generated by the loudspeaker can ensure that only an indirectly acoustically perceptible signal is generated via the external sound output device. Particularly when using headphones, this can ensure that the operator of the remote control unit is reliably alerted when the camera switches to recording mode, while suppressing an additional, in this case unnecessary and potentially disruptive direct sound signal from the loudspeaker.

[0027] In order to achieve automatic suppression of the sound signal generated by the loudspeaker, the evaluation and control device can be designed to detect the coupling of an external sound output device, in particular a headphone, to the audio signal output and, as a result, to suppress the output of a sound signal generated by the loudspeaker and / or to deactivate the loudspeaker.

[0028] In some embodiments, the feedback device may comprise a vibration device, wherein the camera status feedback signal may comprise a vibration signal generated by the vibration device and perceptible by an operator of the remote control unit. Such a directly haptically perceptible camera status feedback signal can also reliably alert a user holding the remote control unit to a change of the camera to the recording mode without having to constantly keep an eye on the video camera or the remote control unit.

[0029] In particular, the feedback device can be designed to generate such a vibration signal alternatively or in addition to a directly and / or indirectly acoustically perceptible sound signal. For example, it can be provided that the camera status feedback signal comprises, in addition to the directly haptically perceptible vibration signal, an indirectly acoustically perceptible sound signal, which is generated at a headset coupled to the remote control unit via an audio signal output. By means of such a multiply perceptible camera status feedback signal, for example, an operator of the remote control unit who removes a headset intended for transmitting an indirectly acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signal during a break in filming can be alerted to the camera's change to the recording mode by the additionally generated haptically perceptible vibration signal.Conversely, an operator who temporarily puts down the remote control unit can be informed of this change via the headphones.

[0030] The evaluation and control device can be configured, in response to a received operating state signal representing a change of the associated camera from the recording state back to the standby state, to control the feedback device to generate a further camera status feedback signal that can be perceived directly or indirectly acoustically and / or haptically. This also allows the termination of filming to be reliably transmitted to the operator of the remote control unit, so that any coordination difficulties between a cameraman operating the camera and the operator can be ruled out even during such a change in the camera's operating state. In embodiments that include a selection device, the further camera status feedback signal can also be selectively suppressed by means of this selection device.

[0031] The camera status feedback signal and the additional camera status feedback signal can be different from one another. By distinguishing the respective camera status feedback signals in this way, it can be ensured that the operator of the remote control unit can always clearly see which operating state the camera has changed to. For example, with directly or indirectly audible feedback signals, the pitch or frequency of a generated tone and / or the number of generated tones can differ depending on the change in the camera's operating state, or different tone sequences can be generated. With haptically perceptible camera status feedback signals, for example, the number of vibrations that occur can differ.

[0032] In some embodiments, the evaluation and control device can be configured to control the feedback device to generate a setting value feedback signal, which is directly or indirectly perceptible acoustically and / or haptically, depending on the control command set by the operator using the control element. In such embodiments, the feedback device can therefore not only serve to indicate a change in the operating state of the camera, but can also, for example, alert an operator to the achievement of a specified control command or a corresponding position or movement of the control element (e.g., reaching a predetermined focus position).This allows the operator to set the control commands without having to constantly keep an eye on the remote control unit. Instead, they can continuously observe the scene being recorded to ensure the correct timing of the control commands. The setting value feedback signals can be generated and / or handled in the same way as the camera status feedback signals described above. The setting value feedback signals can also be transmitted to an external audio output device and / or optionally suppressed.

[0033] The feedback device can be configured to generate setting value feedback signals assigned to different control commands and distinguishable from one another. For example, it can be provided that, as a result of an adjustment of the control element, the set control command or a value of a recording parameter set on the camera, such as a focus position, is communicated to the operator acoustically (e.g., as a synthesized voice message). The operator can thus always be informed of the settings made.

[0034] The feedback device can comprise an optical signal generator designed to generate optically perceptible display signals alternatively or in addition to the camera status feedback signals. Such optically perceptible display signals can also alert the operator to a change in the operating state of the camera. In particular, such display signals can be provided in addition to the acoustically and / or haptically perceptible camera status feedback signals or with optional suppression of the camera status feedback signals. For example, an operator of the remote control unit can thereby be alerted to a change in the operating state of the camera by the optically perceptible signal even in situations in which the generation of an acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signal could result in disruptions to the recording operation.

[0035] It can be provided that the remote control unit comprises a base part, which in particular can have a handle for holding the remote control unit, wherein the operating element is movable relative to the base part, and wherein the control commands correspond to a respective position or movement of the operating element relative to the base part. The movable operating element can, for example, comprise a button, a switch, a rotary actuator (e.g., setting wheel) and / or a linear actuator (e.g., slide control). In particular, such a movable operating element can comprise a rotatable setting wheel, by means of which the control commands or respective desired values ​​of parameters to be changed on the camera can be set.

[0036] The remote control unit can comprise a display device for displaying at least one symbol, wherein the evaluation and control device can be configured to change the position or value of the symbol depending on the set control command. Such a display device can enable the operator to check the setting made using the control element and, if necessary, adjust the control command transmitted to the camera if the set parameter does not have the intended value. In particular, the display device can be configured to directly display the value of a set parameter in order to provide a simple means of control.

[0037] In some embodiments, the output device can be configured to wirelessly transmit the servo motor control signal to the associated camera, and the receiving device can be configured to wirelessly receive the operating status signals from the associated camera. The output device and the receiving device can thus be configured as radio modules or connected to a radio module to enable wireless communication between the remote control unit and the associated camera. In particular, this can ensure that an operator of the remote control unit only needs to be in sufficient proximity to the camera to enable an exchange of radio signals between the camera and the remote control unit.

[0038] The invention is explained below purely by way of example using possible embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0039] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a moving image camera, Fig. 2 is an exemplary view of a remote control unit for the moving image camera, and Figs. 3 to 6 are respective schematic representations of possible embodiments of the remote control unit to illustrate its functionality.

[0040] Fig. 1shows a motion picture camera 13 with a camera body 55, to which an interchangeable lens 49 is mounted. This interchangeable lens 49 has three lens rings 16, 18, and 20, which can be adjusted by means of respective external lens servomotors 15, 17, and 19. For example, the first lens ring 16 can be provided to adjust the focus distance of the lens 49, while by rotating the second lens ring 18, for example, a desired focal length setting can be made. Furthermore, the third lens ring 20 can be provided in particular to be able to adjust an iris diaphragm opening by means of the associated third lens servomotor 19. The servomotors 15, 17, and 19 are part of a lens ring drive unit 51, which is connected to the camera body 55 (e.g., via support rods), but can be a separate and independent unit from the motion picture camera 13.However, the servo motors 15, 17, 19 and the lens ring drive unit 51 are assigned to a respective motion picture camera 13 via the interchangeable lens 49 used. The lens ring drive unit 51 can include a communication interface and / or a control circuit for receiving servo motor control signals or for correspondingly controlling the lens servo motors 15, 17, 19. Furthermore, a viewfinder 53 is arranged on the camera body 55, by means of which a cameraman operating the motion picture camera 13 can target an image section to be recorded.

[0041] Because the motion picture camera 13 is equipped with an interchangeable lens 49 that can be connected to the camera body 55, lenses 49 of different designs can also be connected to the camera body 55 in order to flexibly provide a motion picture camera 13 that allows optimal settings for a scene to be recorded. For example, lenses 49 with a fixed focal length can also be provided, which have only two lens rings 16 and 20 for adjusting the focus position and the iris diaphragm opening by means of associated servo motors 17 and 19.

[0042] During the recording of a scene, it is usually intended that the camera 13 or its lens 49 is moved by a cameraman in order to focus on a particular image section to be recorded. Corresponding adjustments to the recording parameters that may be required when changing the image section, for example the focus distance, are usually carried out by a camera assistant or focus puller using a remote control unit 11, the possible configuration of which is Fig. 2 is illustrated.

[0043] The motion picture camera 13 with the lens 49 shown here is for illustrative purposes only. In principle, the remote control unit 11 can also be configured to remotely adjust other types of motion picture cameras 13 or other types of lenses 49, which, for example, can have integrated lens servo motors instead of the externally rotatable lens rings 16, 18, 20 for the external servo motors 15, 17, 19.

[0044] The Fig. 2The remote control unit 11 shown has an operating element 21, which is designed as an adjusting wheel and is rotatable relative to a base part 45 about a rotation axis D. By rotating the operating element 21 or changing its rotational position relative to the base part 45, control commands for the camera 13 can be set, which are transmitted as servomotor control signals S to the motion picture camera 13 or to the associated lens ring drive unit 51 with the lens servomotors 15, 17 and 19 (see also Fig. 3 to 6 ).

[0045] As the Fig. 3 to 6show, the remote control unit 11 has an evaluation and control device 23 connected to the operating element 21 or the base part 45, which is designed to detect the set control command for the camera 13 and to generate a corresponding servo motor control signal S. In order to transmit the generated servo motor control signal S to the camera 13, the evaluation and control device 23 comprises an output device 25. The output device 25 can be connected to a radio module 59 in order to be able to transmit the servo motor control signal S wirelessly, in particular via a radio connection, to the camera 13 (cf. Fig. 3 , 5 and 6). This can, in particular, enable the operator of the remote control unit 11 to position himself during filming in a location that allows an optimal overview of the recording operation, without the operator having to follow any movements of the cameraman. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the output device 25 is connected to a wired camera connection 61, via which the camera 13 or an associated external lens ring drive unit 51 can be connected to the remote control unit 11 via a cable 57 (cf. Fig. 4 ).

[0046] In order to facilitate the verification of a correct setting of the remote-controlled moving image camera 13, the remote control unit 11 further comprises a display device 47 which is designed to display a symbol and to change the symbol and / or its position depending on the set control command (cf. Fig. 2). In particular, the respective currently set value of a set recording parameter, for example a focal length, can be displayed on the display device 47, so that an operator of the remote control unit 11 can immediately check the setting made.

[0047] It is important for a camera assistant or focus puller operating the remote control unit 11 to reliably detect the start of a moving image recording so that they can then set a planned or rehearsed sequence of control commands on the remote control unit 11. To reliably indicate such a change in the operating state of the camera 13 to the operator of the remote control unit 11, an acoustic and / or haptic signal is provided.

[0048] For this purpose, the remote control unit 11 has a receiving device 27 for receiving operating state signals B from the camera 13. This reception of the operating state signals B can, like the transmission of the servo motor control signal S by means of the output device 25, be carried out wirelessly via the radio module 59 (see. Fig. 3 , 5 and 6 ) and / or wired via a camera connection 61 (cf. Fig. 4). Furthermore, the remote control unit 11 comprises a feedback device 29, wherein the evaluation and control device 23 is designed, in response to receipt of the operating state signal B, which represents a change of the assigned camera 13 to the recording state, to control the feedback device 29 to generate a directly or indirectly acoustically and / or haptically perceptible camera status feedback signal R. By making this feedback signal R acoustically and / or haptically perceptible, it can be achieved that the operator of the remote control unit 11 is reliably made aware of a change of the camera 13 to the recording state, even if the operator does not constantly keep the moving image camera or the remote control unit in view.

[0049] In the Fig. 3In the embodiment shown, the feedback device 29 is connected to a loudspeaker 31 for generating an immediately acoustically perceptible feedback signal R. In response to an operating status signal B received wirelessly by means of the radio module 59 via the receiving device 27 from the camera 13, the feedback device 29 can be caused by the evaluation and control device 23 to generate an audio signal T via the loudspeaker 31, which here forms the camera status feedback signal R. By means of such an immediately acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signal R, the operator of the remote control unit 11 can be made aware of a successful change of the camera 13 to the recording state.

[0050] Likewise, according to the embodiment of the Fig. 4In response to an operating status signal B transmitted via a cable 57 and received at a camera connection 61, such a sound signal T or an immediately acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signal R is generated by means of the loudspeaker 31.

[0051] How Fig. 5As illustrated, the feedback device 29 can also be connected to a radio module 59 (in particular to the already mentioned radio module 59 or another radio module). This can make it possible to transmit a generated camera status feedback signal R wirelessly to an external audio output device 37, which is designed here as a headset. For example, transmission via a Bluetooth connection according to a common transmission protocol can be provided. Furthermore, the feedback device 29, in addition to this radio module 59 functioning as a wireless audio signal output 35, can be connected to a wired audio signal output 33 (e.g., a headphone jack), through which the external audio output device 37 can be connected to the remote control unit 11 via a cable 57 (see also Fig. 6 ).

[0052] By transmitting the camera status feedback signal R to an external sound output device 37 and in particular a headset, an indirectly acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signal R can be generated, namely acoustically perceptible on the connected sound output device 37. By such transmission to a headset 37, it can be achieved in particular that the operator of the remote control unit 11 is reliably informed of a change in the operating state of the camera 13, without, for example, other persons in the vicinity of the remote control unit 11 being disturbed by a directly acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signal R. For this purpose, as Fig. 6illustrated, the evaluation and control device 23 can be designed to automatically suppress the generation of a sound signal T by means of the loudspeaker 31 when the external sound output device 37 is connected to the remote control unit 11. Likewise, such suppression of the sound signal T can also be provided when a wireless connection is detected between the radio module 59 and an external sound output device 37. In principle, it can also be provided to design the remote control unit 11 without a loudspeaker 31 and exclusively for generating indirectly acoustically perceptible camera status feedback signals R by means of an external sound output device 37 and in particular on a headset.

[0053] As the Fig. 5 and 6As further shown, the feedback device 29 can additionally, but in principle also alternatively, have a vibration device 41 (vibration generator) to the loudspeaker 31, so that the camera status feedback signal R can comprise a directly haptically perceptible vibration signal V. By means of such a haptically perceptible vibration signal V, an operator of the remote control unit 11, who holds the remote control unit 11 in his hand during an interruption in recording operation, can be immediately and reliably alerted to a change of the camera 13 to the recording state. Furthermore, the feedback device 29 can be connected to an optical signal generator 43 in order to be able to indicate the change of the camera 13 to the recording state to the operator of the remote control unit 11 additionally by means of an optically perceptible display signal A.

[0054] Furthermore, it can be provided that the evaluation and control device 23 is designed to control the feedback device 29 to generate an acoustically and / or haptically perceptible camera status feedback signal R even when the camera 13 changes from the recording state to the standby state. In particular, the camera status feedback signals R can differ from one another depending on the change that has taken place. Furthermore, the remote control unit 11 can comprise a selection device 39 (e.g., a mechanical or virtual switch), by means of which the generation of a camera status feedback signal R for a respective operating state signal B can be selectively suppressed (cf. Fig. 6 ). Alternatively or additionally, the remote control unit 11 may have a switch 39 by means of which the audio signal output at the loudspeaker 31 can be selectively switched off.

[0055] It can also be provided that the evaluation and control device 23 is designed to generate acoustically and / or haptically perceptible setting value feedback signals E by means of the feedback device 29 depending on the set control command. For example, it can be provided to generate an acoustically perceptible sound signal T by means of the loudspeaker 31 or an external sound output device 37 when a parameter of the camera 13 reaches a predetermined value. The operator of the remote control unit 11 can thus continuously observe the recording operation while adjusting the camera 13 or the lens 49 without having to look at the remote control unit 11 to check the setting. The setting value feedback signal E can be handled in the same way as a camera status feedback signal R and, for example, also transmitted to a coupled external sound output device 37.

[0056] While the output device 25 and the receiving device 27 in the Fig. 3 to 6 As shown as being comprised by the evaluation and control device 23, the output device 25 and the receiving device 27 can equally be provided as separate modules and merely connected to the evaluation and control device 23. Furthermore, the output device 25 and the receiving device 27 can be designed, for example, as a common module in the form of a transceiver. As an alternative to a separately provided radio module 59, the output device 25, the receiving device 27, and the feedback device 29 themselves can also comprise respective radio modules or be designed as such.

[0057] The remote control unit 11 thus offers a simple way to inform its operator about a change of the associated motion picture camera 13 from the standby state to the recording state and to ensure that this change in operating state is recognized. Any disruptions to recording operations due to missing the start of a recording and the resulting lack of or delayed adjustment of the parameters of the camera 13 can thus be reliably prevented. List of reference symbols

[0058] 11Remote control unit 13Motion picture camera 15First lens actuator 16First lens ring 17Second lens actuator 18Second lens ring 19Third lens actuator 20Third lens ring 21Control element 23Evaluation and control device 25Output device 27Receiving device 29Feedback device 31Speaker 33Wired audio signal output 35Wireless audio signal output 37External sound output device 39Selector, switch 41Vibration device 43Optical signal generator 45Base part 47Display device 49Interchangeable lens 51Lens ring drive unit 53Viewfinder 55Camera body 57Cable 59Radio module 61Camera connection ADisplay signal BOperating status signal DRotation axis EEtching value feedback signal RCamera status feedback signal SSertutor control signal TToom signal VVibration signal

Claims

1. A remote control unit (11) for a motion picture camera (13) having a lens actuating motor (15, 17, 19), comprising a movable operating element (21) for setting control commands for an associated camera (13); an evaluation and control device (23) for generating an actuating motor control signal (S) for the camera (13) in dependence on the set control command; and an output device (25) for transmitting the actuating motor control signal (S) to the associated camera (13), wherein the remote control unit (11) comprises a reception device (27) for receiving operating state signals (B) from the associated camera (13); and a feedback device (29), characterized in that the evaluation and control device (23) is configured, in response to a received operating state signal (B) which represents a change, not triggered at the remote control unit, of the associated camera (13) from a standby state to a recording state, to control the feedback device (29) to generate a camera status feedback signal (R) which is directly or indirectly acoustically and / or haptically perceivable.

2. A remote control unit (11) according to claim 1, wherein the feedback device (29) has a loudspeaker (31), and wherein the camera status feedback signal (R) comprises an acoustically perceivable sound signal (T) generated by the loudspeaker (31).

3. A remote control unit (11) according to claim 2, wherein the volume of the generated sound signal (T) is adjustable.

4. A remote control unit (11) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the remote control unit (11) has a switch (39) by means of which the generation of the sound signal (T) can be selectively switched off.

5. A remote control unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feedback device (29) has a wired audio signal output (33) and / or a wireless audio signal output (35) via which the camera status feedback signal (R) can be transmitted to a coupled external sound output device (37).

6. A remote control unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote control unit (11) comprises a selection device (39) by means of which the generation of the camera status feedback signal (R) can be selectively suppressed.

7. A remote control unit (11) according to claim 2 and claim 5, wherein the evaluation and control device (23) is configured, in response to the received operating state signal (B), to control the feedback device (29) to output the camera status feedback signal (R) via the audio signal output and said evaluation and control device (23) is, however, configured to suppress an output of the sound signal (T) generated by the loudspeaker (31) when an external sound output device (37) is coupled to the audio signal output (33, 35).

8. A remote control unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feedback device (29) has a vibration device (41), and wherein the camera status feedback signal (R) comprises a vibration signal (V) which is generated by the vibration device (41) and which can be sensed by an operator of the remote control unit (11).

9. A remote control unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation and control device (23) is configured, in response to a received operating state signal (B) which represents a change of the associated camera (13) from the recording state to the standby state, to control the feedback device (29) to generate a further camera status feedback signal (E) which is directly or indirectly acoustically and / or haptically perceivable.

10. A remote control unit (11) according to claim 9, wherein the camera status feedback signal (R) and the further camera status feedback signal (R) differ from one another.

11. A remote control unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation and control device (23) is configured to control the feedback device (29), in dependence on the control command set by means of the operating element (21), to generate a setting value feedback signal (E) which is directly or indirectly acoustically and / or haptically perceivable.

12. A remote control unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote control unit (11) comprises a base part (45), wherein the operating element (21) is movable relative to the base part (45), and wherein the control commands correspond to a respective position or movement of the operating element (21) relative to the base part (45).

13. A remote control unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output device (25) is configured for a wireless transmission of the actuating motor control signal (S) to the associated camera (13), and wherein the reception device (27) is configured for a wireless reception of the operating state signals (B) from the associated camera (13).