Device for video transmission between a camera and a control room

• US 7,030,906 B2
• Filed: 04/04/2001
• Issued: 04/18/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomson Licensing (Vantiva SA)
• Original Assignee: Thomson Licensing (Vantiva SA)
• Inventors: Auffret, Eric
• Primary Examiner(s): DIEP, NHON THANH
• Application Number:
  US09/825,690
• Publication Number:
  US 20010035905A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,840 Days
• Field of Search: 348/159, 348/143, 348/154, 348/164, 340/539.13, 340/555, 340/556, 340/557, 340/686.1, 340/686.2, 455/456.1
• US Class Current: 348/159
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 3/783 using amplitude comparison of signals derived from static detectors or detector systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 3/7864 T.V. type tracking systems
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/125 Means for positioning
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/02 using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/28 Mobile studios
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

The invention relates to a wireless camera system which comprises a camera 10 fitted with a transmitter 11 for sending images by radio frequency and a directional receiving antenna 12 for receiving the images from the transmitter 11. The camera 10 comprises an identification means which transmits a locating signal. The antenna 12 comprises a locating means 13 for locating the locating signal and a servo-control means for directing the antenna at the transmitter 11 of the camera 10. The invention also relates to the camera 10 and the antenna 12 individually.

Claims

1. Video transmission system comprising:

a camera including a transmitter for sending image by radio frequency and identification means for transmitting a locating signal; and

a directional antenna for receiving the image from the transmitter of the camera, the antenna including locating means for locating the locating signal and a servo-control means for directing the antenna at the transmitter of the camera.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the identification means is an optical means.

3. System according to claim 2, wherein the optical means is an emitter of visible light.

4. System according to claim 2, wherein the optical means comprises an infrared emitter (14).

5. System according to claim 1, wherein the locating means comprises a matrix sensor.

6. System according to claim 5, wherein the matrix sensor is placed at the centre of the directional antenna.

7. System according to claim 1, wherein the locating means comprises at least three detectors.

8. System according to claim 7, wherein the detectors are situated around the perimeter of the antenna.

9. System according to claim 1, wherein the locating signal identifies a camera from amongst several cameras.

10. Directional antenna for receiving the images from a camera, the antenna comprising a locating means for locating a locating signal and a servo-control means for directing the antenna at the transmitter of the camera.

11. Antenna according to claim 10, wherein the locating means comprises a matrix sensor.

12. Antenna according to claim 11, wherein the matrix sensor is placed at the centre of the directional antenna.

13. Antenna according to claim 10, wherein the locating means comprises at least three infrared detectors.

14. Antenna according to claim 13, wherein the detectors are situated around the perimeter of the antenna.