EP1494501B1 - Device consisting of a wireless microphone and a receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

A microphone with radio communication with telephone and other equipment has switch or keyboard or electronic switching system and includes a receiver. The system may be designed to avoid leaving the microphone switched on. The radio transmitter for the microphone may send low-frequency signals to control TV cameras etc.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement consisting of a wireless microphone and a receiver.

Such arrangements are already known and in operation. The receiver has a low-frequency output which, on the one hand, while transmitting the wireless microphone, transmits the transmission sound (program sound) and, on the other hand, while the wireless microphone is not on-air, allows consultation with the director.

The fact that the sounds of the wireless microphone are constantly in the director, is disturbed by the ambient noise, the director.

The EP 0 806 758 A1 discloses a wireless companion device. This includes a device housing for transmitting accompanying sound and text to at least one television receiver and a radio receiver in a wireless manner. The housing is housed in the housing of a microphone and includes a program memory for storing a program and data; a microprocessor for controlling the entire device in accordance with the program and the data read from the program memory; an image memory for storing image data and text data; an LCD display for displaying selection and reservation conditions of a song; a sound memory for storing accompanying sound data; a sound source circuit for processing the accompanying sound data corresponding to a desired song, and read out from the sound memory to produce an accompanying sound signal; a video processor for converting image and text data corresponding to the desired song and read out of the image memory into a television signal; and transmission means comprising at least first transmission means for mixing the television signal output from the video processor and a voice signal provided by a microphone so as to transmit a mixed signal to the television receiver wirelessly and a second transmission means for transmitting the accompanying audio signal coming from has been output to the sound source circuit and to mix the voice signal provided by the microphone so as to wirelessly transmit a composite signal to the radio receiver.

It is an object of the present invention to avoid this disadvantage.

This object is achieved in that the microphone contains a telecontrol function in the form of a switching or Aufschalteinrichtung, the receiver includes an electrical switch and the switch performs an adjustable signal assignment of the transmitted audio signal on the receiver integrated low-frequency outputs, as well as the switching signal for further use Provides, such. B. for remote control of devices and the low-frequency outputs with the switching or Aufschaltfunktion alternately, can be switched parallel, active and inactive.

A low-frequency output is dedicated to the program tone or transmit sound, while the other low-frequency outputs are intended for directional consultation. The fact that the switching or Aufschaltfunktion the contact with the director can be kept short, namely only if a consultation is required, are not constantly the environmental noise of the microphone on the spot. As a result, the director will not be disturbed further.

Preferably, the switching or Aufschaltfunktion is controlled by a button, switch or an electrical accessory.

Many technical developments have made the work of television producers in recent years easier. We're introducing a new generation of wireless handheld microphones that feature an intercom function to solve common problems.

Sports events have become mass events in recent years and will be televised at their expense. Unusual camera settings and interview positions are as popular as conference calls between several sporting events. Perfect communication is therefore indispensable and expensive digital matrix intercom systems with digital intercom stations have become indispensable. Widely used are the systems of Riedel, IBT or Drake.

The buttons of the digital intercoms can be assigned to different speech destinations, so that a targeted communication between different people can also take place in parallel. In hectic situations, several people can be addressed simultaneously or groups of people can be grouped or grouped together.

Not all persons in a production can be equipped with a microphone unit. This is also how wireless systems are used, which call managers or set technicians to connect to the control rooms.
However, communication is especially important for the actors in front of the camera. Editorial and stage directions provide reporters and moderators with latest information or changes in the program flow. Also, the program sound is an important guide to the remarks of the previous speaker to take or to refer to a moderation. Therefore, almost all moderators work with a wireless return.
The moderators are individually addressable via programmed keys and can also be contacted during your moderation. Only the feedback of the protagonists is limited. If all other parties have call stations or at least wireless telephone systems with talk buttons, the actors use their microphones to speak back to directing or editing. Of course, this communication does not take place during the moderation, but shortly before and after the red light many things are usually to be discussed and clarified. The choice of interviewees must be matched as well as the selection of scenes to be recorded, and these can usually only shortly before set.

The microphone signals are thus fed into the intercom independent of the controller so that they can be permanently monitored at the corresponding positions, such as the director or the editor of the program. Of course, if several reporters are involved in the broadcast, communication must be available to all. With large transmissions, therefore, 4 or more signals from microphones are present at a station.
The disadvantage of this persistence circuit is the fact that the ambient noise is continuously transmitted via the microphones. If one thinks of football matches or ice hockey broadcasts with a large audience, one can certainly understand that the "soundscape" on the headsets of the stations will be annoying in the long run. Even more problematic is when commands become incomprehensible because they are superimposed by a cheering crowd of fans.
So far, there was no switching function, with which one could realize the connection of the microphones temporarily. On-demand communication creates peace of mind and ensures that no one has to turn down the volume of the microphone signals on the stations so that other commands do not go down in the noise of the microphone signals.

An important step in solving this problem is a product innovation from Wisycom. The manufacturer of wireless products is internationally known and specializes in practical HF technology.
In the new generation of wireless microphones, a pushbutton has been integrated, which triggers a changeover or activation in the receiver. The receiver unit is equipped with 2 audio outputs, which are switched alternately depending on the button press. The first output provides the signal at idle and we are connected to the input of the audio mixer. The second output is connected only at the push of a button and can be connected directly to the intercom.
If the reporter wants to talk to the intercom, he presses the button and the audio signal is switched from output 1 to output 2. The first output is mute for the duration of the key press. When the button is released, the second (intercom) output is muted and the signal is again on the first output on the mixer. The disturbing background noises are only transmitted for the duration of the call and are no longer permanently due to the switchover. In this way it is ensured that no commands are sent by mistake over the transmission line because the microphone was already open for the next moderation.

In addition to the concentration-enhancing rest on the intercom comes another advantage to bear. The call signaling of the PTT buttons on the intercom panels with adjacent command, could not be used for externally fed continuous signals so far.
The control for the signaling of external signals is carried out by all intercom manufacturers via a threshold value circuit. If a certain signal level is exceeded, a light function is activated on the corresponding button. The addressee immediately knows who wants to speak to him and where he can answer.
But if, as in the case described above ambient noise exists, this level is never exceeded. The result is that the button lights up permanently, even if the microphone is not spoken.

Only through the use of the switched output, the signaling comes again meaningfully used. The threshold value of the intercom is permanently undershot by the muted second receiver output. Only the switched on audio, triggered by pressing the button on the transmitter, exceeds the threshold and the signaling is activated. If the actors had to be recognized by the voice because of the lack of signalisation, the button will now flash showing who has spoken and which key can be answered.

The switching function opens even more applications.

The communication between executives and field offices for, for example, news or election programs is usually realized via 4-wire voice connections. Mostly telephone hybrids, GSM interfaces or ISDN codecs are used. Through these lines, technical and content agreements between process and local direction are made. So that the reporters or moderators can follow the current program in front of the camera, an additional N-1 line is usually set up. The local OB truck switches the signal to a receiver and via an ear plug, the actors can listen in and are accessible from the flow director via the N-1. If a reporter wants to get in touch with the running director, he can talk about the transmission line via his handheld microphone. For this purpose, however, the fader must be open, the transmission line is already available, the line to be turned on to the direction and be heard there. Alternatively, the local technician can address the director over the 4-wire and pass the desired message.

With the intercom function, the switched output of the receiver can now be summed up with the 4-wire. The reporter can thus communicate independently of the transmission line at the touch of a button with the directional control. The return path from the sequence control is already available in the form of the N-1.

function Description

A switching device in the receiving unit is remotely controlled by a wireless microphone via a button. The switching means switches the transmitted audio signal in such a way that the main output of the receiver is muted during the duration of the key press on the remote control and instead the audio signal is output via the now active, switched output. At the The actual audio transmission from the hand-held transmitter to the receiver station does not change during the switching operations. As a trigger for switching by pressing a button on the transmitter is the interruption of a digital signature, which is permanently transmitted from the handheld microphone to the receiving station. The missing signature triggers an electrical diversion of the already demodulated audio signal in the receiver to the already mentioned switched output. The transmission of the switching signal requires no additional bandwidth. In the following, reference is made to the main output with state 1 and to the "switching output" with state 2.

purpose

The variable switching of the transmitted audio signal serves the different reuse of the signal in certain situations of an application (production, transmission, transmission). In state 1, the transmitted audio signal is used in the way it corresponds to the previous use of wireless microphone systems.
At the time of state 2, the signal can be used for advanced applications that allow only temporary signal injection, such as communication.
For stateful reuse, the signal is provided via two independent outputs that are mutually muted.

Examples of applications:

• Ein Reporter interviewt vor und nach, sowie während der Halbzeitpause eines Fußballspiels ausgesuchte Spieler. Während seines Interviews soll seine Signal entweder live gesendet oder auf Band aufgezeichnet werden. Dies entspricht dem vorher beschriebenen Zustand 1. Während des Spiels sollen redaktionelle Absprachen mit dem Regisseur oder einem Redaktionskollegen getroffen werden. Dazu muß das Signal über Sprechstellen hörbar gemacht werden. Diese sollen aber nur während der Kommunikationsphase das Signal des Mikrofons wiedergeben. Hi kommt also der Zustand 2 zum Tragen, der Reporter kann eine bedarfsabhängige Aufschaltung seines Mikrofons auf die Intercom einleiten.
• Ein Reporter berichtet über eine Landtagswahl und ist mit einem lokalen Ü-Wagen vor Ort. Die Hauptregie ist in einem zentralen Sendezentrum untergebracht. Über eine Hilfsleitung N-1 (Telefon) kann der Reporter das Echtzeitsignal aus der zentralen Senderegie hören, über die er auch vom Hauptregisseur in der Zentralregie aus über Tastendruck ansprechbar. Der Reporter kann dem Regisseur aber nicht direkt antworten. Der klassische Signalverlauf führt das Signal nur bis zum Audiomischpult. Eine Sprechmöglichkeit zur Hauptregie steht in der Regel nur der Ü-Wagenbesatzung zur Verfügung. Über eine sogenannte 4-Draht-Verbindung wird eine Sprechverbindung zwischen Hauptregie und Ü-Wagen aufrechterhalten. Diese Verbindungen werden über Telefon, GSM oder ISDN-Leitungen realisiert, die zur Anpassung an vorhandene Technik auf entsprechende Hybriden geschaltet werden. Aufgrund der niedrigen Kosten bleiben die Verbindungen für die Dauer des gesamten Einsatzes hergestellt. Die dauerhafte Aufschaltung des Reportermikrofons auf die 4-Draht ist aber wegen der Nebengeräusche nicht praktikabel. Zuviel Lärm in der Zentralregie würde den Betrieb empfindlich stören. Eine vom Reporter gesteuerte temporäre Aufschaltung läßt sich aber mit Zustand 2 erreichen. Das Signal des geschalteten Ausgangs wird auf die bestehende 4-Drahtverbindung mit aufsummiert und ermöglicht so eine direkte Kommunikation bis zur Hauptregie. Eine schnelle Antwort des Reporters auf eine Frage des Regisseurs vereinfacht Abläufe erheblich und verhindert Fehlinterpretationen. Kurzfristige Änderungen lassen sich so betriebssicher mit allen Beteiligten absprechen und klären.

The technology gives protagonists the opportunity to independently trigger a switching function via their handheld microphone. This realized depending on the interconnection of a mute, or switching his microphone signal, which can be distributed through the two separate outputs to 2 independent positions. The following examples are intended to explain the function of the technology for applications in television and radio productions and are exemplary for further applications:

• A reporter interviews before and after, as well as during the half-time break of a football match selected players. During his interview, his signal should either be broadcast live or recorded on tape. This corresponds to the previously described state 1. During the game editorial Agreements are made with the director or an editorial colleague. For this, the signal must be made audible via microphone units. These should only reproduce the signal of the microphone during the communication phase. So Hi comes to fruition, the reporter can initiate an on-demand hook-up of his microphone to the intercom.
• A reporter reports on a state election and is on site with a local OB van. The main direction is housed in a central broadcasting center. Via an auxiliary line N-1 (telephone), the reporter can hear the real-time signal from the central broadcasting system, via which he can also be addressed by the main director in the central control via the touch of a button. The reporter can not answer the director directly. The classic waveform only passes the signal to the audio mixer. A speech opportunity to the main direction is usually only the OB car crew available. A so-called 4-wire connection maintains a voice connection between the main direction and the OB truck. These connections are realized over telephone, GSM or ISDN lines, which are switched to appropriate hybrids for adaptation to existing technology. Due to the low cost, the connections are made for the duration of the entire operation. The permanent connection of the reporter microphone to the 4-wire is not practical because of the background noise. Too much noise in the central control would disturb the operation sensitively. However, a reporter-controlled temporary activation can be achieved with state 2. The signal of the switched output is added to the existing 4-wire connection with and thus allows direct communication to the main direction. A quick response from the reporter to a director's question greatly simplifies operations and prevents misinterpretations. Short-term changes can thus be reliably agreed and clarified with all those involved.

One of the highest goals of the technology is an optimization of procedures, as well as the avoidance of misunderstandings and incorrect operations. The best possible communication significantly improves the collusion of those responsible, so that in Future imponderables can be avoided, which were directly related to the previous technology.

Claims (6)

1. Arrangement comprising a wireless microphone and a receiver, wherein the wireless microphone comprises the following features:

   - a switching means for generating a switching signal; and

   - a transmitter for transmitting an audio signal and the switching signal;

   wherein the receiver comprises the following features:

   - an electrical change-over switch; and

   - integrated-audio signal outputs, one audio signal output of which is for the program and, respectively, transmission tone, and at least one further audio signal output of which is for consultations with the direction; and

   wherein the electrical change-over switch is configured such that

   (a) the integrated audio signal outputs can be switched active and inactive depending on the switching signal and the audio signal can be transmitted via an integrated audio signal output which is switched active, and

   (b) the switching signal can be utilized for the remote control of further devices.
2. Arrangement of claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the switching means is configured as a key, especially a pushbutton key, as a switch or as additional equipment.
3. Arrangement of claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the electrical change-over switch is configured such that the integrated audio signals can be switched to alternately depending on keypress and especially can be muted, switched on and switched over.
4. Arrangement of any of claims 1 or 3,
   characterised in that
   one of the integrated audio signal outputs is connected with a communication system/intercom system.
5. Arrangement of any of claims 1 or 4,
   characterised in that
   the transmitter of the wireless microphone is configured such that it permanently transmits the audio signal.
6. Arrangement of any of claims 1 or 5,
   characterised in that
   the switching signal is configured as an interruption of a digital signature, which is otherwise transmitted from the transmitter of the wireless microphone to the receiver permanently along the way, wherein the received audio signal can be demodulated by the receiver.