Canon U.S.A. has develoepd a new HD portable lens that offers a 4.3mm wide angle of view, a 14x zoom range and special data connections that facilitate direct digital integration of encoder data for zoom, iris, and focus settings into virtual studio systems for visually appealing results.
The portion of the HJ14ex4.3B lens that enables integration with virtual studio systems is called the Digital Drive unit, which allows camera operators to program lens zoom positions and speeds, as well as focus and iris settings. The unit also includes connectors to output positional data into virtual studio systems. Combined with additional data from camera mounts, data from the HJ14ex4.3B enables the virtual set’s render engine to instantly “redraw” the image of the set when on-air studio talent moves or lens settings change. The result is a convincing illusion for TV viewers.
The internal encoder values coming from the Canon lens for zoom and focus are fed—along with data feedback from the rest of the HD camera system—into the real-time render engine of the virtual set system, which drives the 3D data that makes up the virtual studio set.
The Digital Drive unit incorporates Canon-developed ultra-compact rotary encoders capable of 0.1um position detection. These encoders employ an unique Micro Roofmirror Array (MRA) technology that produces 16-bit resolution of the zoom, iris, and focus control positioning. This provides camera operators with the ability to digitally program precise and repeatable settings into their lenses for focus, iris, and zoom positions and speeds. In addition to MRA capability, the Digital Drive unit also includes a connector to output this lens data so it can be used by virtual studio systems.
The new Digital Drive unit that enables data integration can be found on other Canon 2/3-inch format HD lenses as well.
For more information, visit www.canonbroadcast.com.
