Teleprompter systems and related methods

Abstract

To provide easily adjustable teleprompters to accommodate various camera types.SOLUTION: A teleprompter 100 comprises a housing 110 having a side wall 112 defining an external peripheral boundary of an open interior region 120. A back wall 114 of the housing comprises a removable back plate. When mated with the housing 110, the back plate in cooperation with the back wall 114 of the housing blocks light outside the housing from entering the open interior region 120 through a back face. A movable mount 150 coupled with the housing provides at least three degrees of freedom of camera movement relative to the housing, providing means to align a field-of-view of the camera to extend from an aperture of the back plate, through the open interior region of the housing and through the display to align with a user's gaze upon the teleprompter's display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application and the subject matter disclosed therein (collectively, the "Disclosure") generally relate to teleprompters as well as related systems and methods. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to teleprompters having convenient and easily adjustable features to accommodate, for example, various camera types. However, as one example, some of the disclosed teleprompters can accommodate multiple backplate configurations, each suitable for physically coupling with a selected type of camera. [Background technology]

[0002] Teleprompters are widely used, for example, in television production, video recording, live broadcasting, and live streaming, to display text cues to a presenter while allowing the presenter to make eye contact with the camera. The text is usually projected onto the main surface of a glass beam splitter located between the camera lens and the presenter. The presenter can see a reflection of the projected text, and the camera can receive external light through the main surface of the beam splitter. Thus, the camera can see the presenter from behind the beam splitter, and the presenter can see the text from in front of the beam splitter. However, existing teleprompter systems are not limited in their applicability to different camera types, sizes, orientations, and features. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Some of the teleprompters disclosed herein incorporate interchangeable adapters (e.g., backplates) to accommodate a wide variety of camera types, sizes, orientations, and features. Additionally, some of the disclosed teleprompters incorporate adjustable camera mounts to make the disclosed teleprompters compatible with a variety of cameras having a wide range of focal lengths. As a result, the disclosed teleprompters can accommodate a wide range of angles of view, providing users with a variety of production options not previously available using a single teleprompter.

[0004] In some aspects, the disclosed concepts relate generally to teleprompters. Some disclosed concepts relate to systems, methods, and components that provide adaptability and adjustability to teleprompters. However, by way of example, some disclosed teleprompters are compatible with a variety of different backplates, each of which can accommodate one or more camera configurations. Additionally, some disclosed teleprompters include adjustable camera mounts that provide up to four or more degrees of freedom of movement. For example, the disclosed camera mounts can provide up to three translational degrees of freedom and one or more rotational degrees of freedom. Such adjustability allows the disclosed teleprompters to accommodate cameras of different physical sizes and different focal lengths as well as to position each different camera lens directly in line with the presenter's line of sight while using the teleprompter, providing the presenter with the appearance of being in eye contact with the camera while in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect, a teleprompter includes a housing defining an open interior region. The open interior region has a back surface and an opposite front surface. The housing has at least one sidewall that defines an exterior boundary of the open interior region and extends longitudinally from the front surface to the back surface. The housing also has a back wall corresponding to the back surface of the open interior region. The back wall of the housing at least partially defines an opening and a contoured interior perimeter thereof. The back wall of the housing is configured to be mated with a removable backplate that defines an interface region. The interface region of the removable backplate has a contoured exterior perimeter that is complementary to the contoured interior perimeter of the opening defined by the back wall of the housing, such that when the contoured exterior perimeter of the interface region is mated therewith, the removable backplate cooperates with the back wall of the housing to block light outside the housing from entering the open interior region through the back surface. The removable backplate also defines an aperture.

[0006] The display is coupled to the housing defining an exterior boundary of the open interior region and extends across a front of the open interior region. The monitor mount is configured to support the monitor and to orient the monitor laterally relative to the display. The camera mount is movably coupled to the housing to allow at least one degree of freedom of movement of the camera mount relative to the housing. The camera mount also has one or more adjustable couplings to provide at least two camera degrees of freedom of movement for the camera mount. The adjustable couplings hold the camera at a selected position and orientation relative to the camera mount to align a field of view of the camera as extended from an aperture in the removable backplate, through the open interior region of the housing, and through the display to be aligned with a user's line of sight on the display.

[0007] In some embodiments, the rear wall defines an exterior major surface and the contoured interior perimeter defines a shoulder that extends around an opening defined by the housing and laterally outwardly of the opening. The shoulder may be recessed from the exterior major surface of the rear wall.

[0008] The shoulder can extend partially or fully around the opening defined by the backplate. In one embodiment where the shoulder extends partially around the opening, the shoulder extends from the first end to the second end leaving a gap in the shoulder between the first and second ends. The interface surface of the removable backplate can define a tongue configured to fit within the gap in the shoulder. The tongue rests against the housing wall between the first and second ends of the shoulder such that the housing wall is aligned with the rear wall of the housing and defines a fulcrum for the backplate to be rotated into a mating position therewith.

[0009] The disclosed teleprompter may also include one or more threaded fasteners. The housing may also define a threaded recess having threads corresponding to one or more of the helical fasteners. The recess may be complementary to the threads of the fastener to allow the fastener and the housing to be threadably fastened and unfastened to one another. In some embodiments, the backplate defines an opening that is aligned with the threaded recess of the housing when the backplate is in a mated position. One of the fasteners may extend through the opening in the backplate and into the threaded recess. The fastener and tang may hold the backplate in a mated position with the rear wall of the housing when the tang of the backplate is seated in a gap in the shoulder and the fastener extends through the opening in the backplate and the fastener is threadably fastened to the threaded recess of the housing.

[0010] Additionally, some embodiments of the removable backplate include an outer peripheral region and a shroud. The shroud may be coupled to the outer peripheral region of the backplate. For example, the shroud may extend from the outer peripheral region of the removable backplate rearwardly of the teleprompter in a longitudinal direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the removable backplate defines an exterior major surface that is opposite the rear surface of the open interior region when the removable backplate is coupled to the rear wall of the housing. An embodiment of the removable backplate can define a recess from the exterior major surface. The recess can have a base with a periphery, and the concave walls can extend from the exterior major surface to the base and around the periphery of the base. Further, the bottom of the recess can define an aperture in the removable backplate. In some embodiments, the bottom of the recess defines a shoulder around the aperture. The shoulder can protrude from the bottom of the recess in a direction away from the open interior region of the housing. In some embodiments, the recess is configured to be removably fastened to the camera in such a manner that when the backplate is in the coupled position, the camera's angle of view extends through the aperture in the base and is aligned with the eye line of the presenter when and while the presenter is reading text projected from the monitor onto the display.

[0012] In some embodiments, the removable backplate is configured to be coupled with one or more interchangeable camera adapters. For example, the backplate can have one or more resiliently movable bosses configured to urge inward against apertures in the backplate from an outermost position to an innermost position.

[0013] The movable boss can hold a camera adapter (e.g., a so-called "step-up ring") on a removable backplate. For example, the exterior major surface can be located outside the aperture through the plate and define a concave track that extends at least partially around the aperture. The backplate can also have a backplate cap with a channel. The backplate cap can have a shape complementary to the concave track and can be located therein. The resiliently movable boss can be movably captured between the concave track and the backplate cap. Additionally, the removable backplate can have a resiliently compressible spring located within the channel defined by the interior wall and the backplate cap. The resiliently compressible spring can be located between the resiliently movable boss and the interior wall, the resiliently compressible spring urging the resiliently movable boss away from the interior wall and toward the interior of the aperture.

[0014] In some embodiments, the recessed track is a U-shaped track that defines an interior region that extends around the aperture in the backplate such that the aperture is located within the interior region of the U-shaped track.

[0015] The exterior major surface of the backplate can define a flange region that extends around the aperture of the backplate between the exterior periphery of the aperture and the recessed track. The step-up ring can have an exterior flange sized to mate with the flange region of the backplate. The resiliently movable boss and the step-up ring can be complementarily configured such that the exterior flange of the step-up ring mates with the flange region of the backplate and the resiliently movable boss retains the step-up ring on the backplate when the resiliently movable boss is in its innermost position. For example, the step-up ring can define a detent and in its innermost position the resiliently movable boss can be positioned within the detent of the step-up ring, thereby retaining the step-up ring on the backplate. In another embodiment, the step-up ring can be positioned between the flange region of the exterior major surface and the resiliently movable boss when the resiliently movable boss is in its innermost position, thereby retaining the step-up ring on the backplate.

[0016] Additionally, the step-up ring can be configured to be removably attached to a camera having an angle of view in such a manner that when the backplate is in the coupled position, an outer flange of the step-up ring couples with a flange region of the backplate, and the angle of view of the camera is aligned with the eye line of the presenter when and while the presenter reads text projected onto the display from the monitor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the camera mount has a first major surface and a second major surface oriented transversely relative to the first major surface. The first major surface is movably coupleable with the housing and the second major surface can define a slot track, for example, to provide an adjustable mounting surface for the camera. For example, the first major surface can be oriented substantially vertically when and while the camera mount is coupled to a teleprompter. The second major surface can be oriented substantially horizontally when and while the camera mount is coupled to a teleprompter.

[0018] The slot track can be a first slot track and the second major surface can define one or more other slot tracks. The camera mount can also include a fastener having a body and a threaded stud. The threaded stud can be sized to extend laterally through the stud slot track and from the second major surface to provide a mounting position for the camera. The fastener is movable in and out of the slot track, thereby providing an adjustable mounting position for the camera.

[0019] In some embodiments, the slot track is straight, while in other embodiments, the slot track is an L-shaped slot track having a first segment extending longitudinally relative to the teleprompter and a second segment extending transversely relative to the first segment.

[0020] The aperture through the backplate can have a centroid and the first segment of the slot track can be oriented perpendicular to the second major surface of the camera mount and laterally offset from a plane that extends through the centroid of the aperture. In other track embodiments, the first segment of the slot track is oriented perpendicular to the second major surface of the camera mount and defines a longitudinal axis that lies in a plane that extends through the centroid of the aperture.

[0021] Also described is a method of operating a teleprompter as described above. The teleprompter may have, for example, a display, a camera mount, and a housing defining an open interior region. The housing may have an opening extending therethrough and a back wall partially defining a boundary of the interior region. The housing may define an interface region extending at least partially around the opening. The teleprompter may have a removable backplate having an interface region matable with the interface region of the housing to block light outside the housing from entering the open interior region through an interface between the interface region of the housing and the interface region of the backplate. The backplate may define an aperture.

[0022] To operate the teleprompter, a camera may be mounted on the camera mount at a selected position and at a selected orientation relative to the camera mount in a manner that extends the camera's field of view through an aperture in the removable backplate, through the open interior area of ​​the housing, and through the display to be aligned with a user's line of sight on the display. Text and other image cues can be projected onto the display.

[0023] The removable backplate may be selected from a plurality of removable backplates depending on one or more characteristics of the camera. The removable backplate may be coupled to a rear wall of the housing. Coupling the removable backplate to the rear wall of the housing may include coupling an interface region of the backplate to an interface region of the housing and holding the backplate in coupled arrangement with the rear wall of the housing with fasteners.

[0024] In some embodiments, the step-up plate may be removably attached to the camera, and the step-up plate may be coupled with a removable back plate.

[0025] During operation, the selected orientation of the camera can be adjusted in response to changes in the user's line of sight on the display.

[0026] The above and other features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] Referring to the drawings, and in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout, aspects of the presently disclosed principles are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view showing a teleprompter including a shroud. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of the teleprompter of FIG. 1 with the shroud removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top rear perspective view of the teleprompter as in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the teleprompter assembly. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5 is an exploded rear perspective view of the teleprompter assembly as in FIG. 4. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of a teleprompter assembly such as that of FIGS. 4 and 5a. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a rear and left perspective view of a portion of the teleprompter housing. [Figure 7] 7 is a front and bottom perspective view of a portion of the housing of the teleprompter as in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a backplate such as that of FIG. 8 assembled with a teleprompter housing. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front left perspective view of the back plate. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a rear right-side perspective view of the backplate as in FIG. 10. [Figure 12]FIG. 2 is a front left perspective view of the back plate. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a rear right-side perspective view of the backplate as in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front left perspective view of the back plate. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a rear right-side perspective view of the backplate as in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view from above of the camera mount. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a rear left perspective view from below of the camera mount as in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a rear left perspective view from below of the camera mount as in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the camera mount as in FIG. 16. [Figure 20] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the bottom end of the camera mount as in FIG. 16. [Figure 21] FIG. 17 is a left side elevational view of the camera mount as in FIG. 16. [Figure 22] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the camera mount as in FIG. 16. [Figure 23] FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the camera mount as in FIG. 16. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is an exploded front right side perspective view of the teleprompter housing and monitor tray. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view from the right side and below of the teleprompter housing and monitor tray as in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is an exploded right and top perspective view of the teleprompter housing and backplate. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is an exploded right and top perspective view of the teleprompter housing and backplate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Various principles related to teleprompters are described below. For example, some of the disclosed principles relate to teleprompter adapters that are compatible with a variety of different camera types, sizes, orientations, and features. Additionally, some of the disclosed principles relate to adjustable camera mounts that further expand the compatibility of teleprompters across a range of focal lengths, as well as different presenters who tend to find different positions on the teleprompter screen. However, the description of specific embodiments in this application is merely a specific example selected to facilitate the explanation of the disclosed principles. One or more of the disclosed principles may be integrated into various other embodiments to achieve any of a variety of corresponding system characteristics, as will be apparent from a review of this disclosure.

[0029] Thus, systems having different attributes than the specific features discussed herein may embody one or more of the presently disclosed principles and may be used in applications not specifically described herein, and such alternative embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] I. Overview

[0031] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown an embodiment of a teleprompter having features generally as described herein. The teleprompter 100 shown has a housing 110 defining an open interior region 120 (Figure 3). The open interior region has a front surface 122 (Figure 4) and an opposing rear surface 124 (Figure 5a). Referring again to Figures 1-3, the housing also has a sidewall 112 which defines an exterior boundary of the open interior region and extends longitudinally from the front surface 122 to the rear surface 124 of the open interior region.

[0032] A display, e.g., a beam splitter 130, is shown coupled to the housing 110 and extending across the front of the open interior area 120. In FIG. 1, a monitor (or projector) 140 is oriented laterally relative to the display 130, e.g., below the display, in a manner in which the monitor projects an image, e.g., text or other cues, onto the display. The teleprompter 100 includes a monitor tray 142 configured to support a monitor, e.g., a commercially available tablet, in a manner in which the monitor is oriented laterally relative to the display from a position below the display, such that an image of the monitor is projected onto the display 130. For example, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the monitor tray 142 can have a base plate 142a and a frame 142b coupled to the base plate to hold the monitor 140 therebetween.

[0033] Ultimately, the display reflects the incident light from the monitor so that the image from the monitor is visible to the presenter in front of the teleprompter. For example, beamsplitter 130 in FIG.

[0034] As described more fully below, a camera (not shown) may be mounted behind the beamsplitter 130, and the camera's field of view may be extended through the beamsplitter. The presenter's reading of text or other cues reflected by the beamsplitter directs the presenter's gaze towards the camera lens, providing the impression that the presenter is looking at the camera. Incoming light from the monitor is reflected by the beamsplitter towards the presenter, allowing the camera to capture an image of the presenter without being affected by the image projected by the monitor.

[0035] The housing also has a back wall 114 that corresponds to the back of the open interior area 120. As shown in FIG. 5a, for example, the back wall 114 defines an opening 116. In some embodiments, the opening 116 provides a standard interface 118 (FIGS. 6-9) that is compatible with a variety of removable and interchangeable backplates. The standard interface allows each interchangeable backplate to be coupled with the housing and prevent external light from entering the interior, which would reduce the presenter's perceived quality of the image reflected by the beam splitter. Additionally, each interchangeable backplate can provide a camera interface that is compatible with one or more selected camera types, configurations, and features. By defining the standard interface 118 between the housing 110 and a variety of interchangeable backplates, for example, the backplates, as described in connection with one or more of FIGS. 10-15, the teleprompter 100 can be manufactured to be compatible with a much greater variety of camera types, configurations, and features than existing teleprompters having fixed back wall configurations. Furthermore, the standard interface between the housing 110s and the various interchangeable backplates makes it more convenient for users to use cameras of different types, configurations, and features inasmuch as the user only needs to replace the backplate to change the camera, in contrast to the fact that users often need to replace an existing teleprompter when they need to change the camera.

[0036] In addition to the flexibility afforded by the interchangeable backplates, the disclosed teleprompter also incorporates an easily adaptable camera mount to provide the user with an easily adjustable and customizable teleprompter platform. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-5a and 16-20, a camera mount 150 may be located rearward of the open interior area 120 and mounted to the housing 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the camera mount 150 provides at least three degrees of freedom of movement for the mounted camera. For example, the mount 150 (and the camera mounted thereto) can translate vertically relative to the housing 110 by an interface provided between a vertically oriented wall 152 of the mount and an opposing vertically oriented wall 111 of the housing. The horizontally oriented wall 154 of the mount can define one or more slots 155 or other camera mounting features to provide two or more degrees of freedom of movement for the camera (not shown) relative to the mount 150. For example, the camera can translate continuously longitudinally and laterally in the slot 153 (FIG. 16). Alternatively, the camera may be mounted in any of a number of positions longitudinally and laterally in a number of slots forming two slot arrays 157 adjacent to a central longitudinal slot 159. In combination with the vertical movement of mount 150 relative to housing 110, a camera (not shown) supported by the camera mount can have at least three degrees of freedom of movement relative to other components of teleprompter 100 (e.g., housing 110, display 130, open interior area 120).

[0037] Further details of the disclosed principles are presented below. Section II describes principles relating to the teleprompter housing. Section III describes principles relating to interchangeable backplates that are compatible with some housing embodiments. Section IV describes principles relating to a camera mount that provides the user with substantial flexibility when mounting a camera to the teleprompter. Section V describes principles relating to the assembly and use of the disclosed teleprompter, and Section VI describes principles relating to other embodiments.

[0038] II. Teleprompter housing

[0039] As noted, the teleprompter housing 110 shown in FIG. 1 defines an open interior region 120. A beam splitter 130 extends across the front of the open interior region supported by the housing. The housing 110 has side walls 112 that define an exterior peripheral boundary of the open interior region. A rear wall 114 of the housing defines an opening 116 and its contoured interior perimeter. The opening 116 shown in FIGS. 6-9 has a contoured interior perimeter that is configured to mate with a backplate, for example, backplate 160 (FIG. 5a) having a complementary contoured region. When assembled together, the housing 110 and backplate 160 block any light outside the housing from entering the open interior region 120 except through the beam splitter 130. This improves the user's perception of the reflected image that is projected onto the beam splitter as well as the image captured by a camera (not shown) mounted on the rear of the housing and backplate assembly.

[0040] A movable mount 150 coupled to the housing 110 allows at least one degree of freedom of movement of the camera mount relative to the housing (e.g., vertically in the view of FIGS. 1-5a). As described more fully below, some mounting embodiments provide additional options for adjusting the position and orientation of the camera relative to the housing, e.g., relative to the presenter's line of sight as the presenter interprets cues reflected by the beamsplitter.

[0041] 6-9, the housing 110 may define an exterior major surface through which an opening 116 extends. In Figures 6-9, the rear wall 114 of the housing 110 defines the opening 116. However, in other embodiments, the opening 116 may extend around a bend or edge of the housing 110, such that, for example, the opening extends from the rear wall 114 into one or more of the side walls 112.

[0042] In any such embodiment, whether the opening is limited to a single wall or spans two or more walls, the interior periphery of the opening can provide a standard interface area 118 for mating and fastening with a backplate having complementary features. Each of the various backplates can have a camera interface compatible with a selected range of camera configurations. Thus, the standard opening 116 defined by the housing 110 can be easily made compatible with a wide range of camera configurations, for example, by alternating one backplate compatible with a first range of camera configurations with another backplate compatible with a different (e.g., second) range of camera configurations.

[0043] As an additional example, the standard interface area defined by opening 116 may include a contoured interior perimeter of the opening that defines a shoulder 119 that extends around the opening and laterally outwardly of the opening. The shoulder 119 may be recessed from the exterior major surface 113 of the back wall 114. In particular, the housing wall may define a shoulder (or flange) 119 that is recessed from the exterior major surface 113 of the housing 110. The shoulder 119 may extend fully or partially around the aperture of the opening 116, for example, from the periphery of the recess 117 laterally inwardly.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6-9, the shoulder 119 can extend partially around the opening 116 from the first end 119a to the second end 119b, leaving a gap 121 in the shoulder between the first and second ends. The gap in the shoulder can provide a convenient means for aligning and securing the backplate to the housing. For example, as shown in Figure 9, a removable backplate can fit within the gap 121 and define a tang 161 that overlaps the housing wall 114 and provides a fulcrum 163 for the backplate to align with and rotate into a mating position with the housing.

[0045] Other approaches for providing a mating fastener between the backplate and the housing are possible as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and the present disclosure is not limited to the particular interface embodiment shown in the drawings.

[0046] III. Backplate

[0047] As briefly discussed above, the removable backplate 160 can define a contoured interface region 164 that is complementary to a contoured interior perimeter of the opening 116 defined by the rear wall 114 of the housing 110. FIG. 9, for example, shows that when the contoured perimeter of the backplate's interface region 163 mates with the corresponding contoured perimeter of the opening 116 defined by the housing, the removable backplate can overlap the rear wall of the housing to block external light from entering the interior region 120 of the housing. In FIGS. 9-15, the interface region 163 of each removable backplate 160, 160a, 160b defines a tongue 161 that is configured to fit within the gap 121 in the shoulder and overlap a corresponding region of the housing wall. The edge of the housing wall can provide a fulcrum 163 (FIG. 9) upon which the tongue of the backplate 160, 160a, 160b rests, and the gap in the shoulder can align the backplate with the rear wall of the housing. Once the backplate is aligned and the tang is seated on the fulcrum, the backplate can be rotated into a mating position with the housing, an example of such a mating position is shown in FIG.

[0048] The teleprompter may include one or more fasteners for removably securing the backplate to the housing. For example, as shown in FIG. 5a, a thumbscrew 170 may have an oversized head 172 graspable by a user and a threaded stud 174 extending longitudinally from the head. In a corresponding manner, the housing may define a threaded recess 171 (FIG. 4) having threads corresponding to those of the thumbscrew 170. Additionally, the backplates 160, 160a, 160b may define through holes 166 that are aligned with the threaded recess 171 of the housing when the backplates are in the coupled position, allowing a fastener to extend through the through hole in the backplate and into the threaded recess.

[0049] Such complementary fasteners, recesses, and through holes allow the fasteners and housing to be threadably fastened and unthreaded to one another, compressing the backplate therebetween. The oversized heads of the thumb screws allow a user to easily thread and unthread the fasteners with the housing, thereby allowing a user to secure the backplate to the housing using only their hands and without relying on other tools, such as a screwdriver, pliers, or wrench.

[0050] Additionally, the removable backplate can define an aperture through which the field of view of the camera can be extended. In other words, for example, the camera can be positioned to view the aperture defined by the backplate. Some embodiments of the backplate, e.g., backplate 160b, define an aperture 165b that corresponds to a particular camera configuration. For example, some cameras have one or more mechanical features defined by an interface, e.g., the body of the camera, that is complementary to an area of ​​the backplate adjacent the backplate aperture. In other backplate embodiments, e.g., backplates 160, 160a, the backplate aperture 165, 165a is wider than the field of view of the camera. In any one of the backplate embodiments, the removable backplate can be coupled to the housing and cooperate with the housing to block light outside the housing from entering the open interior area through the back surface.

[0051] For example, with reference to Figures 1, 10, and 11, a "universal" backplate 160 may incorporate a shroud 169 or curtain that may cover or surround a camera (not shown). For example, the backplate 160 (Figures 10 and 11) may define an outer peripheral region 162 to which the shroud is coupled. In some embodiments, as in Figure 1, the shroud 169 extends from the outer peripheral region 162 of the removable backplate rearwardly along the length of the teleprompter. A suitable shroud may be hard or rigid, such as made of plastic, metal, or other, e.g., composite, materials. In other embodiments, a suitable shroud may be in the form of a cape, bag, or curtain made of a suitable material, e.g., woven fabric or thin plastic sheeting.

[0052] As noted, some backplate embodiments are compatible with a particular camera or camera type. For example, the removable backplate 160b (FIGS. 14 and 15) can define an exterior major surface 180 that is located opposite the rear of the open interior region 120 when the removable backplate 160b is coupled to the rear wall 114 of the housing 110. The removable backplate 160a can also define a recess 181 from the exterior major surface 180. In FIG. 14, the recess has a bottom 182. A peripheral wall 183 of the recess 181 can extend from the exterior major surface 180 to the bottom 181. The bottom 181 can define an aperture 165b of the removable backplate 160b. Additionally, the bottom of the recess can define a shoulder 184 around the aperture 160b. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the shoulder 184 projects from the bottom 182 of the recess in a direction away from the open interior region of the housing. Such recess 181 may be configured to removably fasten with a camera (not shown) having complementary features to hold the camera in the backplate 160b. Additionally, the camera may have an angle of view that is aligned with the eye line of the presenter when and while the backplate 160b is in its mated position with the housing 110 and the presenter is reading text projected from the monitor 140 onto the display 130.

[0053] In other embodiments, the removable backplate can define an exterior major surface 180a that is located opposite the rear of the open interior area 120 when the removable backplate 160a is coupled to the rear wall 114 of the housing 110, as in the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15. However, unlike the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15, the removable backplate 160a shown in Figures 12 and 13 can incorporate different camera interfaces. For example, the backplate 160a can be compatible with a variety of so-called step-up rings that can be attached to or fastened to a variety of camera configurations, e.g., a variety of camera lens or body configurations (not shown). More specifically, the backplate 160a includes one or more (two in Figures 12 and 13) resiliently movable bosses 185 that are configured to push inwardly relative to the aperture 165a in the backplate 160a from an outermost position to an innermost position relative to the aperture 165a.

[0054] The exterior major surface 180a of the backplate 160a can define a track, e.g., a recessed track 186, located exterior to the aperture 165a. The recessed track 186 can extend partially around the aperture 165a. A backplate cap 187 can define a channel 188, and the backplate cap can have a shape complementary to the recessed track 186. The backplate cap 187 can be located within the recessed track 186. The backplate 160a can also define an interior wall 189.

[0055] 12 and 13, the concave track may be a U-shaped track that defines an interior region 186a. Such a U-shaped track may be extended around aperture 165a such that the aperture is located within the interior region of the U-shaped track.

[0056] The resiliently movable boss can be movably captured between the exterior major surface 180a (e.g., in the area of ​​the recessed track 186) and the backplate cap 187 (e.g., in a portion of the channel 188). Also, the resiliently compressible spring 185a can be located in the space between the channel defined by the backplate cap and the recessed track. Furthermore, the resiliently compressible spring 185a can be located between the resiliently movable boss 185 and the interior wall 189 such that the resiliently compressible spring urges the resiliently movable boss away from the interior wall, e.g., inwardly toward a central region of the aperture 165a.

[0057] Additionally, the exterior major surface 180a of the backplate 160a can define a flange region 190 around the aperture 165a, e.g., extending between the exterior perimeter 191 of the aperture and the recessed track 186. Such a flange 190 can provide a mating surface for a step-up ring (not shown) having a correspondingly sized exterior flange. For example, the step-up ring can have a generally annular profile with an internal opening that matches in shape the aperture 165a defined by the backplate. In some embodiments, the internal opening of the step-up ring can be circular, and in other embodiments, polygonal. In some cases, the size of the internal opening can accommodate a considered camera field of view, yet still be large enough to provide a flange surface for the step-up ring to mate with the flange region 190 of the backplate. For step-up rings that are larger or smaller than the aperture and flange of a given backplate will allow, a similar but different backplate can be substituted for the incompatible backplate.

[0058] The resiliently movable boss 185 and the step-up ring can be complementarily configured such that the resiliently movable boss retains the step-up ring on the backplate when the outer flange of the step-up ring mates with the flange region 190 of the backplate. For example, when the resiliently movable boss is in its innermost position, the boss 185 can rest in a detent defined by the step-up ring to retain the step-up ring on the backplate. In other embodiments, the resiliently movable boss 185 can overlap the body of the step-up ring, and the step-up ring is located between the flange region 190 of the backplate and the resiliently movable boss to retain the step-up ring on the backplate.

[0059] The disclosed step-up ring may be removably attached to a selected camera in such a manner that when the backplate is in a mating position, an outer flange of the step-up ring mates with a flange area of ​​the backplate, and the angle of view of the camera is aligned with the eye line of the presenter when and while the presenter reads text projected onto the display from the monitor.

[0060] IV. Camera mount

[0061] As noted above, a camera mount can provide the camera with multiple, e.g., three or more, degrees of freedom of movement. For example, referring to Figures 16-20, mount 150 has a vertically oriented wall 152 and a slot 152a through which a stud 174 (Figure 5a) of thumbscrew 170 extends such that the stud (thumb screw) is threadedly fastened to rear wall 111 of the housing (Figure 5a). The major surface defined by the vertically oriented wall of the mount can slide vertically relative to the housing from an upper extent corresponding to the lower end of slot 152a to a lower extent corresponding to the upper end of the slot, providing one degree of freedom of movement.

[0062] Camera mount 150 also has a horizontally oriented wall 154 extending longitudinally rearward from vertically oriented wall 152. Horizontally oriented wall 154 provides at least two degrees of freedom of movement of the camera relative to the mount (e.g., longitudinally and laterally from the horizontal plane). For example, horizontally oriented wall 154 can define a single or slot track that allows the camera to move relative to a major surface of wall 154.

[0063] The mount 150 may also include a thumb screw 170 extending laterally through one or more of the slot tracks 153, 155, 157, 159 and on a major surface of the horizontally oriented wall 154 to provide a mounting position for the camera. The fasteners are movable into and out of the slot tracks to provide an adjustable mounting position for the camera. As shown in FIG. 16, one or more of the slot tracks 159 may be straight and one or more of the slot tracks 153 may be L-shaped, for example, with a first segment 153a extending longitudinally relative to the teleprompter and a second segment 153b extending transversely relative to the first segment. Other track configurations are possible, for example, T-shaped, U-shaped, etc. The mount 150 may also define a plurality of slots or tracks arranged in one or more arrays, as shown in FIG. 16 by the array 157 next to the longitudinally elongated track 159.

[0064] 10-15, each aperture 165, 165a, 165b through the backplate can have a zone centroid (e.g., a "center" for an irregular polygon, or a center for a circle, square, or other regular polygon). A vertical plane can be defined that is orthogonal to the major plane of the horizontal extension wall 154 and passes through the zone centroid of the aperture 165, 165a, 165b. In some track embodiments, for example, as in FIG. 16, segments 153a, 153b of the slot track 153 or slot track 155 may be offset laterally from the plane. Other track segments can be aligned, for example, as in track 159. Some track segments, for example, track 155 and segment 153b, are transverse to such a plane, while other track segments are parallel to the plane, for example, as in segment 153a. For example, the slot track can define a longitudinal axis that lies in the plane, or that is parallel to the plane but offset from the plane. Other track segments have their longitudinal axes transverse to the plane.

[0065] The combination of vertical movement of the mount and horizontal movement of the camera longitudinally and laterally relative to the mount provides at least three degrees of freedom of movement of the camera relative to the teleprompter housing, and some mount embodiments have couplings that in turn provide one or more additional degrees of freedom to the camera, for example in rotation. The camera mount provides the user with the ability to align the camera's field of view as it extends from an aperture in the removable backplate, through the open interior area of ​​the housing, and through the display to be aligned with the user's line of sight on the teleprompter display.

[0066] V. Assembly and Operation

[0067] Exemplary methods of assembly and operation of the disclosed teleprompter are described below. During setup of the teleprompter, a backplate compatible with a user's preferred camera can be selected from a plurality of interchangeable backplates depending on, for example, one or more characteristics of the camera. Further, the backplate can be held in a coupled arrangement with the rear wall of the housing by fasteners, for example, one or more thumb screws. The backplate can be coupled with the camera. For example, a step-up plate can be removably attached to the camera, and the step-up plate can be coupled with a removable backplate, or vice versa. Similarly, the camera can be coupled with the backplate before the backplate is coupled with the teleprompter housing, or vice versa.

[0068] In some embodiments, a user may select a "universal" backplate, such as backplate 160 in FIGS.

[0069] Also, a user may mount a preferred camera on the teleprompter's camera mount, e.g., camera mount 150, at a selected position and selected orientation relative to the horizontal extension wall 154. Not only may the vertical position of the camera mount be selected, but the position and orientation of the camera relative to the horizontal extension wall may also be selected by the user. In summary, the position and orientation of the camera mount may be selected such that the camera's field of view extends through the aperture in the removable backplate, through the open interior area of ​​the housing, and through the display. In a preferred approach, the axis of the camera's field of view is aligned with the presenter's line of sight on the display as and while the presenter reads cues, text, or other prompts on the display.

[0070] When the camera is mounted in a position and orientation selected relative to the presenter's intended or similar line of sight, text or other image cues can be projected onto the display, for example, by monitor 140. In some cases, the camera's position, orientation, or both can be adjusted in response to changes in the user's line of sight on the display. For example, the vertical position of the mount can be adjusted or the horizontal (lateral or longitudinal) position of the camera can be adjusted.

[0071] VI. Other Examples

[0072] The above examples generally relate to teleprompter systems and methods that can be used with a wide variety of cameras while improving the alignment of the presenter's line of sight with the camera's viewing angle in various cameras compared to existing teleprompters. Such description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed principles. Embodiments that differ from those specifically described above do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, and any accompanying changes in the configuration of the respective devices, as well as changes in the order of the method operations described herein, are considered based on the principles disclosed herein. Various modifications to the examples described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0073] For example, the wrap interface between the shoulder defined by the housing and the replaceable backplate, as described above, is one possible embodiment of a complementary interface between the housing and the plate. Similarly, the opening defined by the housing is only one example of such an opening, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of interface configurations are possible using the disclosed principles. For example, as one alternative embodiment, the housing and the plate may define a complementary rail track interface, e.g., where the housing defines a number of studs or bosses and the plate may define one or more channels (or tracks) that slidably engage with one or more of the studs or bosses of the housing, or vice versa.

[0074] Directions and other relative references (e.g., above, below, top, bottom, left, right, back, front, etc.) may be used to facilitate discussion of the figures and principles herein, but are not intended to be limiting. For example, specific terms such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," etc. may be used. Such terms are used to provide some clarity of explanation when dealing with relative relationships, where applicable, particularly with respect to the illustrated embodiment. However, such terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and / or orientations, for example. With respect to an object, a "top" surface can become a "bottom" surface by simply flipping the object over. Nevertheless, this is still the same surface and the object remains the same. As used herein, "and / or" means "and" and "or," not just "and" or "or." Additionally, all patent and non-patent literature cited herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0075] And, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be adapted to various configurations and / or uses without departing from the principles disclosed herein. For example, the principles described above with respect to any particular embodiment may be combined with the principles described with respect to other embodiments described herein. Accordingly, all structural and functional equivalents to the features and method operations of the various embodiments described in the disclosure that are known or that may later become known to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the principles described and the features and operations claimed herein. Accordingly, neither the claims nor these detailed descriptions are to be construed in a limiting sense, as those skilled in the art, after reviewing this disclosure, will appreciate the wide variety of teleprompters and related methods and systems that may be devised using the various concepts described herein.

[0076] Moreover, nothing disclosed in this application is intended to be offered to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in a claim. No claim feature is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC 112(f) unless the feature is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or "step for."

[0077] The scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, and reference to a singular feature, such as the use of "a" or "one," means "one and only one" and is not intended to mean "one or more," unless specifically stated. Moreover, in view of the many possible embodiments to which the disclosed principles may be applied, the present invention reserves the right to claim any and all combinations of the features and techniques described herein, as well as combinations that are more specific but not expressly recited in any claim presented at any time throughout this application or the prosecution of any application claiming the benefit of or priority therefrom, including, for example, the right to claim all that are within the scope and spirit of the foregoing description, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A method of operating a teleprompter including a display, a camera mount, and a housing defining an open interior region, the housing having an opening extending therethrough and a back wall partially defining a boundary of the interior region, the housing defining an interface region extending at least partially around the opening, the teleprompter further including a removable backplate having an interface region matable with the interface region of the housing to block light outside the housing from entering the open interior region through an interface between the interface region of the housing and the interface region of the backplate, the backplate defining an aperture, the method comprising: mounting a camera on the camera mount at a selected position and at a selected orientation relative to the camera mount in a manner that extends a field of view of the camera through an aperture in the removable backplate, through an open interior area of ​​the housing, and through the display to be aligned with a user's line of sight on the display; projecting text or other image cues onto said display.

2. 2. The method of operating a teleprompter according to claim 1, further comprising the step of adjusting a selected orientation of said camera in response to a change in a user's line of sight on said display.

3. selecting the removable backplate from a plurality of removable backplates in response to one or more characteristics of the camera; 2. The method of operating a teleprompter as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of: coupling said removable backplate with a rear wall of said housing.

4. 4. The method of operating a teleprompter of claim 3, wherein the act of coupling the removable backplate to the rear wall of the housing includes the steps of coupling an interface region of the backplate to an interface region of the housing and holding the backplate in coupled arrangement with the rear wall of the housing with fasteners.

5. 2. The method of operating a teleprompter of claim 1, further comprising the steps of removably attaching a step-up plate to said camera, and coupling said step-up plate with said removable backplate.

6. A teleprompter, a housing defining an open interior region, the open interior region having a back surface and an opposite front surface, the housing having at least one sidewall defining an exterior boundary of the open interior region and extending longitudinally from the front surface to the back surface, the housing further having a back wall corresponding to the back surface of the open interior region, the back wall of the housing defining an opening and a contoured interior perimeter thereof, the back wall of the housing being configured to be mated with a removable backplate defining the interface region having a contoured exterior perimeter complementary to a contoured interior perimeter of an opening defined by the back wall of the housing such that when the contoured exterior perimeters of the interface regions are mated, the removable backplate cooperates with the back wall of the housing to block light outside the housing from entering the open interior region through the back surface, the removable backplate defining an aperture; a display coupled to the housing and extending across a front surface of the open interior area, the display defining an exterior boundary of the open interior area; a monitor mount configured to support a monitor and orient the monitor laterally relative to the display; a camera mount movably coupled to the housing to allow at least one degree of freedom of movement of the camera mount relative to the housing, the camera mount providing at least two camera degrees of freedom of movement relative to the camera mount, and further comprising one or more adjustable couplings configured to hold the camera at a selected position and orientation relative to the camera mount to align a camera's field of view as extended from an aperture in the removable backplate, through an open interior area of ​​the housing, and through the display to be aligned with a user's line of sight on the display.

7. 7. The teleprompter of claim 6, wherein the rear wall includes an exterior major surface, and the contoured inner perimeter includes a shoulder that extends around the opening and laterally outwardly of the opening, the shoulder being recessed from the exterior major surface of the rear wall.

8. 8. The teleprompter of claim 7, wherein the shoulder extends partially around an opening defined by the backplate from a first end to a second end leaving a gap in the shoulder between the first end and the second end.

9. 9. The teleprompter of claim 8, wherein an interface surface of the removable backplate defines a tongue configured to fit within a gap in the shoulder and to provide a fulcrum for the backplate to be aligned with a rear wall of the housing and rotated into a mating position with the housing.

10. 10. The teleprompter of claim 9, further comprising a fastener defining a thread, the housing defining a threaded recess having a complementary corresponding thread to the thread of the fastener to allow the fastener and the housing to be threadably fastened and unfastened to one another, and the backplate further defining an opening aligned with the threaded recess of the housing when the backplate is in the coupled position such that the fastener extends through the opening in the backplate and into the threaded recess.

11. 11. The teleprompter of claim 10, wherein the fastener and the tang hold the backplate in a mating position with the rear wall of the housing when the tang of the backplate is seated in the gap in the shoulder, the fastener extends through an opening in the backplate, and the fastener threadably engages with a threaded recess in the housing.

12. 7. The teleprompter of claim 6, further comprising the removable backplate, the removable backplate further comprising an outer peripheral region, and the teleprompter further comprising a shroud coupled to the outer peripheral region of the backplate.

13. 13. The teleprompter of claim 12, wherein the shroud extends rearwardly of the teleprompter from an outer peripheral region of the removable backplate.

14. 7. The teleprompter of claim 6, further comprising a removable backplate defining an exterior major surface located opposite a rear surface of the open interior area when the removable backplate is coupled to a rear wall of the housing, the removable backplate defining a recess from the exterior major surface, the recess having a bottom with a periphery, a recessed wall extending from the exterior major surface to the bottom and around the periphery of the bottom, the bottom of the recess defining an aperture in the removable backplate.

15. 15. The teleprompter of claim 14, wherein the bottom of the recess defines a shoulder about the aperture, the shoulder projecting from the bottom of the recess in a direction away from the open interior region of the housing.

16. 15. The teleprompter of claim 14, wherein the recess is further configured to be removably fastened to a camera having an angle of view in such a manner that when the backplate is in a coupled position and the presenter reads text projected onto the display from the monitor, the angle of view of the camera extends through the aperture and is aligned with the eye line of the presenter.

17. 7. The teleprompter of claim 6, further comprising a removable backplate defining an exterior major surface located opposite a rear surface of the open interior area when the removable backplate is coupled with a rear wall of the housing, the removable backplate further comprising resiliently movable bosses configured to urge inward against apertures in the backplate from an outermost position to an innermost position.

18. 18. The teleprompter of claim 17, wherein the exterior major surface defines a concave track located exterior to the aperture, the concave track extending partially around the aperture, the backplate further including a backplate cap having a channel, the backplate cap having a shape complementary to and located within the concave track, and the resiliently movable boss is movably captured between the concave track of the exterior major surface and the channel of the backplate cap.

19. 20. The teleprompter of claim 18, wherein the removable backplate further includes a resiliently compressible spring positioned within a channel defined by an interior wall and the backplate cap, the resiliently compressible spring being positioned between the resiliently movable boss and the interior wall such that the resiliently compressible spring urges the resiliently movable boss away from the interior wall.

20. 20. The teleprompter of claim 19, wherein the concave track is a U-shaped track defining an interior area, the U-shaped track extending around an aperture in the backplate such that the aperture is located within the interior area of ​​the U-shaped track.

21. 20. The teleprompter of claim 19, wherein an exterior major surface of the backplate defines a flange area extending around the aperture in the backplate between an exterior periphery of the aperture and the concave track, the teleprompter further comprising a step-up ring having an exterior flange sized to mate with the flange area of ​​the backplate, the resiliently movable boss and the step-up ring being complementarily configured such that an exterior flange of the step-up ring mates with the flange area of ​​the backplate and the resiliently movable boss retains the step-up ring with the backplate when the resiliently movable boss is in the innermost position.

22. 22. The teleprompter of claim 21, wherein the step-up ring defines a detent, and wherein in the innermost position the resiliently movable boss is located within the detent of the step-up ring, thereby retaining the step-up ring with the backplate.

23. 22. The teleprompter of claim 21, wherein the step-up ring is located between a flange area of ​​the exterior major surface and the resiliently movable boss when the resiliently movable boss is in the innermost position, thereby retaining the step-up ring on the backplate.

24. 22. The teleprompter of claim 21, wherein the step-up ring is further configured to be removably attached to a camera having an angle of view in such a manner that when the backplate is in a coupled position and an outer flange of the step-up ring is coupled with a flange region of the backplate, the angle of view of the camera is aligned with a presenter's line of sight when and while the presenter reads text projected onto the display from the monitor.

25. 7. The teleprompter of claim 6, wherein the camera mount includes a first major surface and a second major surface oriented transversely to the first major surface, the first major surface being movably coupleable with the housing, and the second major surface defining a slot track.

26. 26. The teleprompter of claim 25, wherein the slot track is a first slot track and the second major surface defines one or more other slot tracks.

27. 26. The teleprompter of claim 25, wherein the first major surface is oriented substantially vertically when and during the time the camera mount is mated with the teleprompter, and the second major surface is oriented substantially horizontally when and during the time the camera mount is mated with the teleprompter.

28. 26. The teleprompter of claim 25, wherein the camera mount further comprises a fastener including a body and a threaded stud, the threaded stud sized to extend laterally through the slotted track and from the second major surface to provide a mounting location for a camera.

29. 30. The teleprompter of claim 28, wherein the fastener is movable into and out of the slotted track to provide an adjustable camera mounting position.

30. 26. The teleprompter of claim 25, wherein the slot track is a straight line.

31. 26. The teleprompter of claim 25, wherein the slotted track is an L-shaped slotted track having a first segment extending longitudinally relative to the teleprompter and a second segment extending transversely relative to the first segment.

32. 32. The teleprompter of claim 31, wherein the aperture through the backplate has a centroid, and the first segment of the slot track is oriented perpendicular to a second major surface of the camera mount and is laterally offset from a plane that extends through the centroid of the aperture.

33. 32. The teleprompter of claim 31, wherein the aperture through the backplate has a centroid, and the first segment of the slot track defines a longitudinal axis that is oriented perpendicular to a second major surface of the camera mount and lies in a plane that extends through the centroid of the aperture.

Images