Remote Control Unit Acoustic Feedback for Camera Recording State

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control units for motion picture cameras struggle to reliably and perceptibly indicate to operators when the camera transitions from a standby state to a recording state, especially when the operator is positioned far away from the scene.

Innovation Solution

A remote control unit equipped with a receiving device for receiving operating status signals from the camera and a feedback device that generates a camera status feedback signal, which is acoustically and/or haptically perceptible, to inform the operator of the camera's recording state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a visual signal (e.g., flashing light) is used to indicate camera recording status, then the operator can be alerted to recording state changes, but the operator must constantly monitor the remote control unit which prevents observation of the scene and increases risk of overlooking the signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of recording status indicationVSAvoidoperator attention allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual signaling mechanisms with acoustic feedback mechanisms. The evaluation and control device generates acoustic signals that are directly perceptible to the operator, eliminating the need for visual monitoring while maintaining reliable notification of recording state changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic intermediary channel between the camera and operator. The acoustic feedback signal acts as a mediator that conveys recording status information without requiring the operator's visual attention, allowing simultaneous observation of the scene and reception of status information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the operator constantly monitors the remote control unit to ensure camera switches to recording mode, then recording status can be reliably detected, but the operator cannot focus on the scene being recorded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of recording mode changeVSAvoidoperator focus on scene
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the evaluation and control device receives operating status signals from the camera and generates acoustic feedback signals in response. This closed-loop feedback system automatically notifies the operator of recording mode changes without requiring continuous manual monitoring, allowing the operator to maintain focus on the scene.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If visual signals are used to indicate camera status, then information can be transmitted to the operator, but the signal may be overlooked when the operator is positioned far from the scene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission of camera status informationVSAvoidperceptibility of status indication
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes visual information transmission with acoustic information transmission. The acoustic feedback signals are directly perceptible to the operator regardless of distance from the scene, ensuring reliable delivery of camera status information without the risks associated with visual signals being overlooked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3835864B1Remote control unit for moving image camera
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 ARNOLD & RICHTER CINE TECHNIK GMBH & CO BETRIEBS KG
  • EP3835864B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3835864B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3835864B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A remote control unit (11) for a moving image camera (13) with lens actuator comprises a movable control element (21) for setting control commands for an associated camera, an evaluation and control unit (23) for generating an actuator control signal (S) for the camera depending on the set control command, an output unit (25) for transmitting the actuator control signal, a receiving unit (27) for receiving operating status signals (B) from the associated camera, and a feedback unit (29), wherein the evaluation and control unit is configured to control the feedback unit to generate a camera status feedback signal (R) in response to a received operating status signal, which represents a change of the associated camera from a standby state to a recording state, which is directly or indirectly perceptible acoustically and/or haptically.