Method and apparatus for effectively capturing a traditionally delivered classroom or a presentation and making it available for review over the Internet using remote production control
First Claim
1. A system for recording classroom instruction, comprising:
- two or more video cameras in a classroom, at least a first camera assigned to an instructor and at least a second camera assigned to the audience, wherein the cameras are PTZ-controllable over a network;
an operator computer connected to the cameras via a network, the operator computer configured with user interface software comprising;
displays of the video signals from the cameras; and
user interface controls to permit cuts between the video signals from the cameras.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided to record classroom instruction with high production values, using networks and operators provided by the university, corporation, or other customer. Operators need not be trained video professionals and can operate from other locations on the campus. Instructors and students are not required to change any practices already existing in unrecorded classes. Two or more video cameras are deployed in the classroom, one assigned to the instructor and others assigned to the audience or students. The instructor wears a wireless microphone, and in some embodiments, an emitter of positional information. In some embodiments, two receivers of the positional information enable the instructor video camera to follow the instructor automatically. Video and audio signals are sent over a network to an operator computer, where the operator provides intelligent cuts between the various video cameras, monitors audio levels, and manually controls the video and audio devices in the classroom, the result being a level of production values heretofore unavailable without resort to an expensive setup with highly trained, in-class video professionals.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A system for recording classroom instruction, comprising:
-
two or more video cameras in a classroom, at least a first camera assigned to an instructor and at least a second camera assigned to the audience, wherein the cameras are PTZ-controllable over a network;
an operator computer connected to the cameras via a network, the operator computer configured with user interface software comprising;
displays of the video signals from the cameras; and
user interface controls to permit cuts between the video signals from the cameras. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A system for controlling the recording of audio signals from classroom instruction, comprising:
-
an audio mixer for mixing the audio signals from two or more microphones and outputting a mixed audio signal, and outputting a separate reference signal;
means for inputting control signals to the mixer from a classroom server;
means for receiving audio output signals from the mixer into the classroom server;
means for transmitting the control signals and the audio output signals from the classroom server to an operator computer over a network;
means for displaying user interface controls on the operator computer, wherein a human operator can control the levels of the audio signals from the microphones, prior to the mixing of the audio signals by the mixer.
-
-
9. A method for controlling the recording of classroom instruction, comprising the steps of:
-
displaying, on a display screen coupled to an operator computer, video signals from one or more video cameras deployed in a classroom, wherein the cameras are controllable via a network connected to the operator computer, wherein a first camera is dedicated to the instructor, and wherein at least one of the cameras is dedicated to the audience; and
displaying a user interface control on the operator computer, wherein a human operator can make cuts between the video signals from the cameras; and
- View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A method of providing recording of classroom instruction to a customer, comprising the steps of:
-
deploying two or more video cameras in a classroom, at least a first camera assigned to an instructor and at least a second camera assigned to an audience, wherein the cameras are PTZ-controllable over a network, wherein the network is controlled by a customer, and wherein the classroom is controlled by a customer;
deploying an operator computer connected to the cameras via the network, wherein the operator computer is configured with user interface software comprising;
displays of the video signals from the cameras;
user interface controls to manually direct the pan, tilt, and zoom of one or more of the cameras;
user interface controls to permit cuts between the video signals from the cameras; and
utilizing a person acting in the employ of the customer as the operator of the operator computer. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification