JPH10327352A - Mixing device with video signal mixer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to easily access by an additional operation element by constructing a local network transmitting data between a mixer, an operating device and an auxiliary operation device with a graphic user interface. SOLUTION: The auxiliary operating device 3 assigns a prescribed function to the operation element of the operation device 2. Thereby, adaptation and operation to work related to a video mixer 1 become easy. The ten keys 16 of the device 2 for inputting numerical values supports operation which should be executed by the device 3. Though the device 2 itself is a comparatively flat panel in general, a matter required little such as an indicator is arranged away from a user, the display screen 22, the operation element, etc., of the device 3 are arranged to be handleable and the ten keys for inputting numerical values 16 is arranged at a position easily accessible from the device 2 to facilitate the input of a numerical value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mixing device having a mixer for video signals and an operating device for transmitting a control signal to the mixer depending on the relevant settings of the operating element.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With the increasing technical facilities for processing video signals and the more stringent requirements in the production of film and television programs, mixing devices for video signals, also called video mixers, have become extremely complex units. It has been developed. The number of operating elements also increases, which requires the operator to have high skills.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a video signal mixing device with an improved facility for use.

[0004]

The object is solved by an auxiliary operating device having a graphic user interface and a local network for transmitting data between the mixer, the operating device and the auxiliary operating device.

[0005]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The mixing device of the present invention has the following advantages. That is, on the one hand, the operator, essentially the director and the video mixer, can use conventional operating devices, which can perform the operations required during production, and, on the other hand, a large number of settings are graphically represented. Individual production, recording and directing staff using the user interface (direct
ing staff) has the advantage that it is performed in a convenient manner.

Particularly for this purpose, at least one
Two operating elements are assigned to the graphic user interface. Graphic user interfaces are used within the scope of the present invention where all operations are performed by a mouse click, a touch on the screen or other "point and click" indicator device. However, additional operating elements provide easy access for the user.

In the mixing device according to the present invention, the auxiliary operating device is implemented so that the setting of the operating element of the operating device is determined in advance. This implementation advantageously provides operating devices for related tasks to be performed,
And thus facilitates adapting the mixer.
The settings for this task are stored and recalled when the same or similar task is performed.

Another advantageous embodiment is characterized by the fact that the auxiliary operating device is implemented to assign predetermined functions to the operating elements of the operating device. This gives the possibility of adapting the mixing device to the relevant task and adapting the directing staff to the mode of operation.

In this embodiment, the numeric keypad of the operation device for inputting numerical values is assigned to the auxiliary operation device. This substantially supports the operations performed by the auxiliary operating device. The operating device itself is generally implemented as a relatively flat panel, but less commonly used operating elements, such as indicator elements,
In particular, operating elements that are not required during manufacture are arranged on the steeper, in a part separable from the panel, further away from the user. The user interface and the operating elements of the auxiliary operating device are also advantageously formed in this part. The previous implementation substantially simplifies the numerical input operation, since the numerical input numeric keypad is located within a range that is easily accessible to the user's hand of the conventional operating device.

[0010] Since the user interface in each menu allows the entry of multiple values, this embodiment is further characterized by: That is, a key indicating a direction juxtaposed to the numeric keypad operates on a graphic user interface like a cursor key, and it is possible to select to assign a numerical value input by the numeric keypad to a value displayed on the graphic user interface. It can be assigned to an auxiliary operating device as possible.

Still another embodiment of the mixing device of the present invention is characterized by the following. That is, the designation assigned to the operating element of the operating device is a predetermined setting for a certain function and / or
Alternatively, a predetermined assignment is indicated, and this designation can be automatically adapted by controlling the auxiliary operating device. This makes it possible to adapt the operating device to different tasks, while the associated designations and assignments of certain functions are stored in memory.

The mixing device according to the invention is very simply realized in that the auxiliary operating device basically comprises a personal computer, an image display device and at least one input device. This has the advantage that many components used in personal computers such as network cards, mass storage devices and graphic cards can be used for this auxiliary operating device.

[0013] More advantageously, a number of programming tools are available which are used in the manufacture of auxiliary operating devices and data links with mixers and operating devices. The personal computer has at least one graphic card, network card, hard disk drive and at least two communication interfaces.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the input device has operating elements arranged around the display screen of the image display device.

However, it is also possible to use a mouse, trackball, keyboard and other input devices (for example, a tablet) in a personal computer in addition to or instead of other input devices.

A further embodiment of the mixing device according to the invention is characterized in that, when an operating element of the operating device is activated, a menu assigned to the relevant operating element is called up on a graphic user interface. This has the advantage that the user working on the operating device can see the display associated with each operation and can make changes with the auxiliary operating device.

The mixing device is always used for different purposes and is used by different users. The settings can be stored permanently so as not to have to reprocess the settings for certain tasks and certain users. In this case, it may be considered that not all of the devices (resources) of the mixing device are frequently required for each task. Therefore, another embodiment is characterized in that the predeterminable tasks and the assignment of the mixing devices of the individual devices of the mixer to the user are stored in the auxiliary operating device and processed by the graphic user interface.

[0018]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention;

The same components in the figures have the same reference numerals. The graphical implementation with various colors, shadows and 3D effects provided for the present invention in FIGS. 3-5 has been simplified by black lines and shaded areas due to limitations in the patent application drawing. It has been replaced by the illustration.

In the mixing device shown in FIG. 1, a video mixer 1, an operating device 2, an auxiliary operating device 3 and a personal computer 4 are interconnected via a local network 5, preferably a chipper network. The personal computer 4 is optional and does not require further description to explain the present invention. Each of the connected devices has an interface in the form of a network card 6.

The mixer 1 is also known per se. However, for the sake of clarity, for example, the input side 7 of the video signal, the crossbar 8 and the fader circuits 9, 10, 11 and the output side 12 are shown. The crossbar 8 and the fader circuits 9 to 11 are controlled by the arithmetic unit 13. The arithmetic unit 13 converts a command received via the local network into a setting signal for the crossbar 8 and the fader circuits 9 to 11, and supplies status information of the mixing device to other components via the local network 5.

The operating device 2, which is also a known type,
Key 1 for selecting the video signal to be mixed
4. It has a fader circuit 15 and a series of other operating elements not shown in FIG. Such operating elements are, for example, trick figures (key patterns)
Or to adjust the chrominance signal value for the chroma key or color area generation signal (matte signal). This color area generation signal (mat signal) is a signal representing a basically monochromatic or dichromatic area having a continuous or trick pattern controlled color change, and if necessary as a background signal or other in the image. Used to fill the area. The operating device 2 is further provided with a numeric keypad 16 for inputting numerical values. A video recorder, laser disk, disk recorder or video effect device is also operated by the mixing device, in particular positioned and switched to a recording mode or a playback mode. The operating device 2 is provided with a plurality of keys 17 for this purpose.

The operating device 2 and the mixer 1 have a plurality of ports 1
Other devices, such as a crossbar, a video recorder and a video effect device, are connected and controlled through the ports 18 and 19.

The auxiliary operating device 3 has a personal computer 21 substantially.
1 is connected to an image display device 22 and an input device 23. The display screen of this display device is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display of TFT technology. The input device 23 is a keyboard, especially a keyboard adapted for a display as shown in FIGS. However, a mouse or trackball may alternatively or additionally be used.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a personal computer 2.
1, an auxiliary operating device 3 having a display screen 22 and an input device 23 arranged around the display screen 22 is illustrated. The personal computer 21 has, in particular, a motherboard 24, a network card 25, a graphic card 26, a disk controller 27 and two R232 interfaces 30. Digital V from this graphic card 26
The GA signal is transmitted to the display screen 22.
The disk controller 27 controls a hard disk 28 and a disk drive mechanism 29.

The display screen 22 is implemented as a graphic user interface using a suitable program. In this graphic user interface, the operating elements 31 of the input device 23 are associated with the individual contents of the display screen 22.

Various menus are visualized on the display screen 22 depending on the operation to be performed. Switching areas, hereinafter referred to as buttons, are located at the upper edge, lower edge and left edge of the display screen. These buttons correspond to adjacently located keys for that function.

Digipots 41-44 are located at the right edge of display screen 22 (FIG. 3). Field 45 to set various values
~ 48 are used. These fields 45-48 are located inside the right edge of the display screen 22, i.e., near the digipot. These fields display the name and the value which is set in the form of a diagram column or as a number. In the menu shown, only three of these inputs are possible. The blank field 45 indicates that input is possible in principle with the digit pot 41, but has nothing to do with this menu.

The menu shown in FIG. 3: M / E1
In the selection of KEY1 Main Luminance, three different values are assigned to the digipots 42, 43, 44. This assignment is made for keys 49, 50, 51, 6
7, 68, 69 or by clicking the buttons 52, 53, 54 with the mouse. The corresponding column has three fields 55, 56, 57; 58, 59, 60; 6 respectively.
1, 62, 63, and these fields 55, 5
6, 57; 58, 59, 60; 61, 62, 63 display set values as bar diagrams. A small button in the form of an arrow next to the bar diagram is used to change settings by mouse click. In addition, the settings can be changed by dragging the upper edge of the bar with the mouse.

Fields 55-57 are used for displaying and adjusting the transparency, width and position of the border, and fields 58-60 are for transparency, gain and clipping threshold (cl).
Used for adjusting the ipping threshold. The button 53 and the key 50 are used to start the automatic setting of the clipping threshold. Fields 61-63 are used to set smooth transition and position values for the key signal. Buttons 64, 65, 66 are provided in the same row at the upper edge of the display screen and have corresponding keys 67, 68, 69 on the upper side of the display screen. These keys 67, 6
8, 69 are also partially related to the frame, clip gain vs. cleanup / density mode selection and "P / S / S" functions. Buttons 64-66 marked when one of keys 67-69 is actuated or at the tip of an arrow
When one of the is clicked, a selection menu appears on the display screen. The desired setting, for example the type of frame, is performed from this selection menu by clicking on the corresponding area of this selection menu or by actuating the keys above the corresponding area of this selection menu.

The various menus used to process commands or to adjust the equipment at the mixer are invoked by the keys summarized in block 70.
For example, the start menu is called by the key 71. The installation menu is activated by key 72
The application menu is called by a key 73 and the menu for personal data, for example a user name and password, is called by a key 74. The key 75 is used to invoke a menu for various mixer components, such as a keying unit, a fader circuit or a trick generator.

The keys 76 located on the left edge of the display screen and the adjacent buttons 77 located on the display screen are menu dependent, as are the keys in the upper row 78 and the lower row 79. In most cases, the upper row of keys 80 and 81 and the lower row of keys 82
83 and the key 84 in the left column do not have this dependency, i.e., no menu dependent function. Independently of the menu that is commonly called and like the buttons 80'-84 'to which they belong, these keys have the following designations: That is, the key 80 above the button 80 'labeled "Deligate" is used to delegate an individual menu to one of a plurality of similar resources (devices), for example, a chroma key device. When this key 80 is operated, the sub-menu shown in FIG. 4 appears. This submenu allows one of the devices to be selected by activating a super-paused key or by clicking on the relevant button in this submenu.

Keys 81 and buttons 81 'are used to copy or exchange settings to or from another menu.

Automatically exchanging menus by manipulating the operating device includes the key 82 and button 82 '.
Blocked by

Keys 83 and buttons 83 'are used to insert set values into fields 55-63 by numbers. This setting is stored in the "Personality" menu for individuals who operate like other settings. Yet another function of key 83 and button 83 'is to delegate input to numeric keypad 16 (FIG. 1) by double clicking. The key 17 is used like a cursor key.
That is, the fields 55 to 63 can be selected in the menu illustrated as an example in FIG. 3 and then the value displayed there can be changed by the ten keys. The key 84 and button 84 'allow the user to return to the previously called menu.

The buttons are implemented graphically so that the type of button and possibly the switching state can be easily identified. For example, button 8
Buttons having a frame such as 4 'are dialog buttons. Buttons without a frame, such as button 53, trigger an action. Buttons in a lower row having a line on an upper edge or buttons in an upper row having a line on a lower edge have an on / off switching function, and indicate a switching state by a change in color of the line. The buttons used in each menu are shown in black letters. Irrelevant buttons, on the other hand, are not shown in text or deviate in color,
For example, one of those shown in gray. A button with a triangle pointing to the edge indicates that the submenu will be superimposed during operation.

Each menu is clearly characterized by a name in a special field 85. Another field 86 is used for various displays and inputs. Clicking on an individual character string in this field 86 reveals other fields.

FIG. 4 illustrates still another menu portion. For example, the “port” menu is Digipot 4
3, 44 and the bottom row of keys (FIG. 3) are used to move the cursor, resulting in ports 18, 19 (FIG. 1).
Indicates that the corresponding settings can be made in the list. Keys and fields 91-96 are provided with corresponding arrow symbols to indicate the function of the digipots and keys. Without using operating elements arranged outside the display screen 22, the corresponding field 9
The cursor can be moved by clicking on 1-96 or by clicking on a position on a window 97 provided for the cursor. A long list can be browsed by the scroll bar 98.

A further portion of the menu illustrated in FIG. 4 is the “Delegate” key 80 (FIG. 3) or button 8
Activating 0 'indicates that a submenu will appear. This submenu is superimposed on the adjacent button, so that the assignment to the superposed key can be identified. Thus, selection from this submenu is easily possible by using the superposed key or by clicking one of the buttons 101-104. This submenu can be closed by clicking the button 105.

The more specific details illustrated in FIG. 4 illustrate the following. That is, field 106
Indicate that the keys and the buttons 107, 108 and 109 belonging to the keys give the user the possibility of one out of n selection.

When displaying and entering parameters in a continuous range of values, also referred to as analog values, a convenient, intuitive display is particularly important. This applies both for the set value and for the further information required in connection with this value. This is achieved by the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 in which the bar diagram is segmented in various colors, the bar diagram is marked, and numerical values are additionally displayed. Due to the unavoidable constraints for patent applications, colors are shown as shaded areas, and gray letters in the actual embodiment are shown thinner than other letters.

In field 111, the relevant settings that have not been delegated to a given device are clearly visible because the background of the bar diagram has the same color as field 111 itself. The bar itself is black. However, in field 112, the background of the bar diagram is a deviated color (white) to indicate that this value has been delegated. The bar itself is, for example, blue. This is also true for the value of field 113. In this field 113 an additional marking 121 is provided. A field 114 indicates the setting of the chromaticity value (Hue). The setting of this chromaticity value (Hue) has an angle from 0 ° to 360 °, but is advantageously shown as a bar diagram in this embodiment. There are three markings 122, 123, and 124, and these three markings 122, 123, and 124 represent a predetermined color. Field 115 is not important in this menu and is therefore shown in solid color without a bar.

Fields 116 to 120 are field 1
It shows the same values as 11 to 115, but additionally has a numerical display of each value.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a mixing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an auxiliary operation device.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a graphic user interface having a menu of auxiliary operating devices and additional operating elements.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of another plurality of menus.

FIG. 5 shows various display fields and input fields for analog values.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 video mixer 2 operating device 3 auxiliary operating device 4 personal computer 5 local network 6 network card 7 video signal input side 8 crossbar 9 fader circuit 10 fader circuit 11 fader circuit 12 output side 13 arithmetic unit 14 key 15 fader circuit 16 numeric keypad 17 Key 18 Port 19 Port 21 Personal Computer 22 Display Screen 23 Input Device 24 Motherboard 25 Network Card 26 Graphic Card 27 Disk Controller 28 Hard Disk 29 Disk Drive Mechanism 30 R232 Interface 31 Operating Element 41-44 Digipot 45-48 Field 52-54 Button 49 , 50, 51, 67, 68, 69 keys 55-57 feel 58-63 field 64-66 button 67-69 key 70 block 71-76 key 78 upper row 79 lower row 80-84 key 80'-84 'button 91-96 key and field 97 window 98 scroll bar 101-105 button 106 Field 107-109 Button 111-120 Field 121-124 Marking

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Rolf Gltzibeck, Germany Frankfurt am Main Edu. Bernsteinweg 5 (72) Inventor Volker Dalheimer Germany Riedstadt Friedrichstrasse 5 (72) Inventor Alfred Krug Germany Kirchzel Hauptstrasse 8a (72) Inventor Liner writer Germany Over Ramstadt Potsdamer Strasse 48 (72) Inventor Sven Papke Germany Heppenheim Gel Tonerstrasse 2

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A mixing device having an operating device for transmitting control signals to said mixer depending on a video signal mixer and associated settings of an operating element, comprising: an auxiliary operating device (3) having a graphic user interface (22); A local network (5) for transmitting data between the mixer (1), the operating device (2) and the auxiliary operating device (3),
A mixing device comprising a video signal mixer and an operating device for transmitting a control signal to said mixer depending on an associated setting of an operating element. 2. The at least one operating element (3)
1) Graphic user interface (22)
The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the mixing device is assigned to 3. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary operating device is implemented to determine in advance the settings of the operating elements of the operating device. 4. The auxiliary operating device (3) is implemented to assign a predetermined function to an operating element (14, 15) of the operating device (2). 3. The mixing device according to claim 1. 5. The mixing device according to claim 4, wherein the numeric keypad (16) of the operating device (2) is assigned to the auxiliary operating device (3) for inputting a numerical value. 6. A key (17) for indicating a direction juxtaposed to a numeric keypad operates on a graphic user interface (22) like a cursor key, and further sets a value displayed on the graphic user interface (22) to the value. 6. An auxiliary operating device (3), which can be assigned to a numerical value input by a numeric keypad (16) so that it can be selected.
The mixing device as described in the above. 7. The operating element (14) of the operating device (2).
Designation (designat) assigned to
ion) indicates a predetermined setting and / or a predetermined assignment to a certain function, said designating being automatically adaptable by controlling an auxiliary operating device (3). The mixing device according to any one of claims 3 to 6. 8. An auxiliary operating device (3) comprising a personal computer (21), an image display device and at least one input device (23). The mixing device according to any one of the preceding claims. 9. The personal computer (21) has at least one graphic card (26), a network card (25), a hard disk drive (28) and at least two communication interfaces (30). The mixing device as described in the above. 10. The input device (23) has operating elements arranged around a display screen (22) of the image display device.
Or the mixing device according to 9. 11. An operating element (14-1) of an operating device.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: activating the menu associated with the associated operating element on the graphic user interface.
The mixing device according to any one of claims 10 to 10. 12. The individual equipment (8, 9,...) Of the mixer (1).
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predeterminable tasks of the mixing device and the assignment to the user are stored in an auxiliary operating device and further processed by a graphic user interface. The mixing device according to claim 1.