WO1995015542A1

WO1995015542A1 - An observation system

Info

Publication number: WO1995015542A1
Application number: PCT/AU1994/000736
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Joseph Gild
Original assignee: Zoom City Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1993-11-30
Filing date: 1994-11-29
Publication date: 1995-06-08
Also published as: CA2177705A1

Abstract

A coin- or token-operated tourist observation system is provided which has a video camera (10), a touch screen display monitor (122), and a computerised control system (40) to control pan and tilt drive motors (16) for moving the camera about pan and tilt axes. The control system (40) is programmed with a plurality of predetermined positions for the video camera (10) corresponding to predetermined locations or landmarks within the range of view of the camera. The user may select to operate the system in a fully automatic 'Guided Tour' mode in which the camera automatically moves sequentially between the predetermined positions displaying the corresponding landmarks during a predetermined period of operation. Alternatively, the system may be operated in a semi-automatic mode in which the user selects some of the predetermined locations to be viewed, or the user may operate the video camera manually by means of a joystick (134) and zoom control buttons (136).

Description

AN OBSERVATION SYSTEM This invention relates to an observation system and is particularly concerned with providing a system for use by tourists for viewing different landmarks and locations from an observation point such as a tall building, an observation platform or the like.

Hitherto, observation systems for tourists have generally consisted of telescopes available for hire at tourist locations. Observation telescopes, however, are relatively unsophisticated and do not provide information on the various landmarks and sights that can be viewed by using the telescope. Consequently, the uninformed tourist is often unaware of all of the landmarks within view and may not readily be able to locate various landmarks that he may wish to view. Thus, the tourist does not benefit fully from use of observation telescopes because of their various limitations. It is therefore desirable to provide a more advanced form of observation system which is available for hire by tourists. It is also desirable to provide an observation system for tourists and the like which is relatively simple to use and which can assist the user in identifying, locating and viewing particular locations and landmarks.

It is further desirable to provide an interactive observation system which can provide various information on particular locations or landmarks whilst the system is in use.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an observation system comprising a video camera mounted for panning movement about a pan axis and/or for tilting movement about a tilt axis, display means connected to the video camera and arranged to display an image of the area or location being viewed by the video camera, control means for controlling movement of the video camera about said pan and/or tilt axis, and token acceptor means arranged to permit operation of said control means and said display means only after insertion of an appropriate token into said token acceptor means.

As used herein, the terms token refers to any item which can represent a monetary value, and includes within its scope such items as coins, bank notes, tickets, cards, credit cards, smart cards and the like, and the term token acceptor means includes such devices as coin-, note- or token-freed apparatus and ticket or card readers.

The control means preferably comprises a computerised control system arranged to send control signals to pan and tilt drive motors for moving the video camera about its pan and tilt axes. Preferably, the control system is programmed with a number of predetermined positions for the camera corresponding to predetermined locations or landmarks within the range of view of the video camera. The observation system may include selection means enabling the user to select one or more of said predetermined locations or landmarks for the camera to view. In a preferred embodiment, the control system includes a central processor unit (CPU) which is programmed with said predetermined positions and a separate camera controller which, in a semi-automatic or "Sightseer" mode is arranged to control the pan and tilt drive motors so as to move the camera automatically to a predetermined position after selection of the location of the landmark corresponding to that position by the user.

Additionally, or alternatively, the camera controller may be arranged to operate in a fully automatic or "Guided Tour" mode to control the pan and tilt drive motors to move the camera automatically to a plurality of predetermined positions in accordance with a preprogrammed sequence. The control console may also include manually controllable means, such as a joystick or pan and tilt control buttons, which, in a manual control or "Freestyle" mode, allows the user to control movement of the camera about the pan and tilt axes without using the selection means or "Guided Tour" mode. The video camera preferably includes a zoom facility and zoom control means which allows the user to control the zoom facility irrespective of whether the camera is being used in the semi-automatic mode or the manual control mode.

The control system conveniently includes a clock or timing means and is programmed to set a predetermined period of operation for the observation system in one or more of its operational modes corresponding to the amount, or value, of tokens inserted.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an observation system comprising a video camera mounted for panning movement about a pan axis and for tilting movement about a tilt axis, display means connected to the video camera and arranged to display the location being viewed by the video camera, pan and tilt drive motors for moving the video camera about said pan and tilt axes respectively, a computerised control system for controlling operation of the pan and tilt drive motors, and timing means for timing a predetermined period of operation for the computerised control system.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a plurality of mode selection controls are provided whereby two or more of the "Sightseer", "Guided Tour" and "Freestyle" modes are available to a user of the observation system following insertion of the token(s). The clock or timing means may be activated to set the predetermined period of operation, for instance three minutes, after initial selection of one of said modes or after a start button has been pressed. In one embodiment, the user may change from the semi-automatic "Sightseer" to the manual control or "Freestyle" mode, and vice versa, by means of the mode selection controls. The user may also change from the automatic or "Guided Tour" mode to another mode at any time during said predetermined period of operation, but preferably cannot change to the "Guided Tour" mode once either the "Sightseer" mode or "Freestyle" mode has been selected. Preferably, the central processing unit (CPU) includes, or is connected to, data storage means which stores operational programs, data, graphics, and video and audio files representing visual and/or audio instructions and/or information which can be presented to the user to facilitate his or her operation of the machine and/or to augment the video pictures displayed to the user by the display means. The information may be in the form of an audio and/or visual commentary giving tourist information about the predetermined locations or landmarks that have been programmed into the computer.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an observation system comprising a video camera mounted for movement about at least one axis, display means for displaying an image of the location being viewed by the video camera, a computerised control system for controlling movement about said at least axis, the control system being programmed with a number of predetermined positions for the camera corresponding to predetermined locations within the range of view of the camera, and data storage means for storing information about said predetermined locations, whereby an audio/visual commentary about the predetermined locations can be provided to the user during operation of the system. Preferably, the system includes language selection means whereby the user can select one of a plurality of languages in which instructions and the audio/visual commentary is provided to the user.

The display means may comprise a video display screen or computer monitor but preferably it is in the form of a touch screen display which includes touch screen selection and control panels. The touch screen display can thus receive video signals from the camera via the CPU and display real-time pictures of the locations or landmarks being viewed by the video camera. When the user is provided with additional visual instructions or information, the instructions or information may also be displayed on the touch screen display monitor. Further display means may also be provided, for instance in the form of map or panorama display with the predetermined locations or landmarks able to be illuminated or otherwise indicated when said locations or landmarks are selected by the user.

The selection and camera controls operable by the user and the video and other display means are preferably provided in one housing, whereas the video camera and/or camera controller may be located either within said housing or at a location or locations remote from said housing. The selection controls preferably comprise a plurality of selection panels of the touch screen display corresponding to the predetermined locations or landmarks, and to the different modes of operation. The camera movement controls, such as a joystick or control buttons, for manually controlling movement of the camera about its pan and tilt axes, preferably form part of a control console adjacent the touch screen display monitor. The control console may also incorporate zoom control buttons for controlling the zoom facility of the camera. Alternatively, or additionally, the zoom controls may be incorporated into the touch screen display which also displays the video pictures and/or graphical instructions and information and, if provided, the map or panorama display.

Various other advantageous features of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example only, some preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an observation system in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the interconnection of the components of the observation system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing for a modified observation system in accordance with the invention which includes a touch screen display;

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the interconnection of the components of the observation system of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an illustration of a selection screen of the touch screen display of the system of Figure 3 for selecting a language; Figure 6 is an illustration of a selection screen of the touch screen display for selecting the mode of operation;

Figures 7 and 8 are illustrations of selection screens of the touch screen display for selecting locations to be viewed;

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing a general cycle of operation of the observation systems of Figure 1 and 2 and Figures 3 to 6;

Figure 10 consisting of Figures 10a and 10b is a more detailed flow chart showing a preferred method of operation of the system of Figures 3 to 8;

Figures 11 and 12 are other illustrations of the touch screen display of the system of Figure 3 in operation during a preset selection mode displaying in real time a preselected landmark being viewed by the camera; and

Figure 13 and 14 are other illustrations of the touch screen display of the system of Figure 3 showing prerecorded views displayed on the screen as the camera is moving between locations.

The observation system illustrated schematically in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings comprises a video camera 10, a visual display 20, a loudspeaker 60, a control panel 30 with control buttons, and a coin or token acceptor 50, each of which is connected to a computerised control system 40.

The video camera 10 is mounted for panning movement about a pan axis P and for tilting movement about a tilt axis T and has a zoom lens 12 and an automatic focus control. Movement of the video camera 10 about its pan and tilt axes is controlled by respective pan and tilt drivers 16 and associated drive motors, and movement of the zoom lens 12 is controlled by a zoom lens driver 14 and associated drive motor.

The computerised control system 40 comprises a main computer or central processing unit (CPU) 42, a camera controller 44 connected to the CPU 42 and to the zoom lens driver 14 and to the pan and tilt drivers 16, and data storage means 46 connected to the CPU 42. The CPU 42 includes, or is connected to, memory means such as an EPROM which is programmed, e.g. by using a computer keyboard 45, with a set of predetermined positions for the video camera relative to its pan and tilt axes, each predetermined position corresponding to a particular predetermined location or landmark in the range of view of the camera 10 that a tourist may wish to view. The control system 40 and the video camera 10 may be conveniently powered from a mains supply of electricity via a mains power line filter 43.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 the control panel 30 of the system is connected to the CPU of the computer 40 and includes landmark or icon selection control buttons 32, which enable the operator to select one of said predetermined locations or icons for viewing by the camera, pan and tilt control buttons 34 which provide the operator with manual control over panning and tilting movements of the camera and zoom control buttons 36 which enable the operator to zoom in or out when he is viewing a particular location or icon. The control panel preferably also includes mode selection buttons 31, 33 and 35, which enable the user to select various modes such as an automatic mode called "Guided Tour", a semi-automatic mode called "Sightseer" and a manual control mode called "Freestyle" which will be described in greater detail below. The control panel may also include language selection control buttons 39 which enable the operator to select one of a plurality of languages, e.g. English, Japanese, etc. in which visual and/or audio instructions and/or information are provided for the operator. When audio information and/or instructions are provided, the system will include a loudspeaker 60 and an audio power amplifier 62 connected to the CPU 42.

The display 20 of Figures 1 and 2 comprises a video monitor 22 connected to the CPU 42 of the control system 40. In operation, the video camera 10 sends video signals to the CPU 42 which then processes and transmits video signals to the video monitor 22 so that a video picture of the location or landmark in view of the camera can be displayed on the video display screen of the monitor 22. The computer is preferably also arranged to send graphics signals to the video monitor 22 so that the display screen can also display information and/or instructions stored in the data storage means 46 which, in a preferred embodiment, may comprise a CD-ROM which is able to store a very wide range of video and audio information. The display 20 may also include a panorama display indicator 24 which can provide an indication of a particular location or landmark selected by the operator and/or being viewed by the video camera 10. The panorama display indicator 24 may, for instance, be in the form of an identification map display with a plurality of lamps 26, e.g. LEDs, to indicate the predetermined locations or icons corresponding to the predetermined positions of the video camera 10.

The coin or token acceptor 50 comprises a coin or token acceptor slot 52 and a coin- or token-freed mechanism including a coin validation device (not shown) which is arranged to send a trigger signal to the CPU to activate the observation system when either a valid coin or token is inserted into the acceptor slot or when a number of valid coins making up a required monetary value are inserted into the slot. A coin return 54 is also provided to return invalid coins, or coins in excess of the required monetary value, to the user.

Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings show a modified embodiment generally similar to that of Figures 1 and 2 and corresponding reference numerals have been applied to corresponding parts. The modified system of Figures 3 and 4, however, differs primarily from that of Figures 1 and 2 in that it has a joystick control 134 for manually controlling movement of the camera about its pan and tilt axes instead of the pan and tilt control buttons 34 of Figure 1, and also in that the visual display is in the form of a touch screen computer monitor 122 which enables the user to control other features of the system by means of touch screen control panels located within the screen of the monitor 122. Various selection and display screens of the touch screen display are shown in Figures 5 to 8 and 11 to 14. The touch screen display shown in Figure 5 has a plurality of language selection panels 139 corresponding to the language selection control buttons 39 of the embodiment of Figure 1. When one of the languages selection panels 139 is pressed, the touch screen display changes to the mode selection screen of Figure 6. The screen display shown in Figure 6 has three mode selection panels 131, 133 and 135 which enable any one of three modes, respectively known as "Guided Tour", "Sightseer" and "Freestyle", to be selected. If the "Guided Tour" mode is selected by pressing "Guided Tour" selection panel 131 on the touch screen, the control system moves the camera automatically, sequentially stopping at preprogrammed views during a predetermined period of operation, e.g. three minutes.

If the "Sightseer" mode is selected by pressing the "Sightseer" selection panel 133 on the touch screen, the user is then able to select desired views from an on screen menu of preprogrammed views as illustrated by Figure 7 which has eight landmark or icon selection panels 132 indicated by Nos. 1-8. When a desired landmark is selected, e.g. No. 6 (the Melbourne Cricket Ground) the camera automatically moves to a position to view the selected landmark as illustrated by Figure 11 and the user then has the option of selecting a preset -zoom from a zoom selection panel 142 on the touch screen monitor 122. Figure 12 illustrates a close up view obtained after pressing the zoom selection panel 142, and if the panel 142 is pressed again, the screen display returns to that of Figure 11. When the viewer wishes to change to another landmark he or she can press another selection panel 138 for "More Views" to retrieve the icon selection screen of Figure 7. If another selection panel 132 is pressed the camera automatically moves to view the newly selected landmark. Preferably, at least one icon selection screen, as illustrated in Figure 8, may be provided to provide further views in addition to the views of Figure 7. The screen display of Figure 8 may be obtained by pressing the "More Views" selection panel of the screen display of Figure 7.

Alternatively, the control system may be programmed to enable the user initially to select a plurality of preprogrammed landmarks to view during the viewing cycle, and after one landmark has been viewed, the user may move to the next selected landmark by pressing a selection panel 140 marked "Next" as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

As shown in each of Figures 5 to 8 and 11 to 14, the touch screen monitor 122 includes a "clock display" 146 to display the time remaining to the user and it may also display other information to the user such as the time of day and the "zoom factor" when the zoom facility is being used.

If the manual control or "Freestyle" mode is selected by pressing the "Freestyle" selection panel 135 on the screen, the user has full control of panning and tilting movements of the camera by means of a joystick 134, and also control of the zoom facility by means of "ZOOM IN" and "ZOOM OUT" buttons 136 on the console. A target sight at the centre of the screen may be used to assist the user in locating the part of the landmark he or she wishes to view in close up.

In a modified embodiment, the observation system may be interchangeable between the "Sightseer" and "Freestyle" modes by providing appropriate selection panels (not shown) on the touch screen display. The user may also change from the "Guided Tour" mode to either the "Sightseer" mode or the "Freestyle" mode, but it is envisaged that the control system will not permit the user to change into "Guided Tour" mode after selection of either the "Sightseer" mode or the "Freestyle" mode.

A typical cycle of operation and other features of the system will now be described with particular reference to the flow charts of Figures 9 to 10.

At the start of each day or prior to play the system occupies a "System Default Position". The computer (CPU) 42, camera controller 44 and camera 10 are never powered down when not in use. The system is therefore always found in its default directional wide shot and the computer monitor 122 screen indicates in English that coins, notes or tokens should be inserted to use the system. A promotional video and audio loop is run. It should entice and welcome those passing to use the observation system. Coin insertion immediately overrides this function. The promotional loop may occasionally include a foreign language loop. The screen has language selection flags and will encourage use and the reading of instructions in the appropriate language. A proximity detector and activation sensor 70 may be provided to detect persons within a certain range of the housing so that the promotional video and audio loop is run only when potential users are within the range of the system.

Commencing Play

Coin Operation A patron walks up to the machine and inserts coins, notes or tokens to a predetermined value, for instance two dollars. Coin instructions in English are displayed above the coin slot 52. Preferably a coin acceptor and validator system is used which has full coin combination and overpay. The coinage deposit progressive total is displayed as coins are inserted and the machine may be arranged to overpay amounts over the predetermined amount. For some countries, for example the U.S.A., it is envisaged that the machine may be arranged to operate on banknotes instead of, or in addition to coins or tokens.

Language Selection

After insertion of the correct coinage a computer generated stylised background immediately comes onto the screen with a language selection menu, indicating how to select the required language, for instance by pressing one of several language selection panels 139 on the touch screen. It is envisaged that at least six languages including English will be available. After a predetermined time, e.g. ten seconds, failure to make a selection will prompt the highlighting of the words "Select Language" (or similar) and an audio loop will reinforce this message. If a language is not selected within 20 seconds the system will default to English.

Mode Selection

As illustrated by Figure 6, instructions will appear on the screen in the selected language along with a message that the user can select one of the three modes. If no selection is made, after 10 seconds there will be an audio prompt message to press a mode selection panel 131, 133 or 135 (or a mode selection button if provided separately). After an additional 10 seconds an on screen message reinforced by an audio message will appear indicating that the time will start to count in 5 seconds and that the system will default to the "Guided Tour" mode and commence.

"Guided Tour" Mode

If "Guided Tour" is selected, the panel 131 on the screen display of Figure 6 is illuminated, and then the camera pans from left to right, sequentially stopping at preselected positions with the screen displaying views of the corresponding locations during a three minute period. When "Guided Tour" mode commences the camera is set for automatic tracking and will hold on its first location for a predetermined time, say seven seconds, and then proceed to the next location. At any point during the viewing, the viewing mode may be changed. This change would take place when a shot has been established. The user may not return to the "Guided Tour" mode during the current three minute cycle.

"Sightseer" Mode

If "Sightseer" mode is selected, the panel 133 on the screen display of Figure 6 is illuminated. Then the screen display changes to that of Figure 7 and the viewer must select a desired view from a menu of on screen selection panels 132. The viewer has the option of zooming at certain times using an on screen zoom control panel 142 which only appears when applicable. The viewer can select new views as frequently as desired. At any point in the viewing, the viewing mode can be changed to the "Freestyle" mode. The "Sightseer" mode can be reselected if desired.

"Freestyle" Mode

When "Freestyle" mode is selected, the panel 135 on the touch screen display of Figure 6 is illuminated. The viewer can then operate the camera manually, through the use of the joystick 134, pan and tilt the camera. The lens may be zoomed through the use of off screen zoom buttons. At any point in the viewing, the viewing mode can be changed to the "Sightseer" mode. The "Freestyle" mode can be reselected if desired.

Zoom Operation

Manual Zoom Operation is not functional during the "Guided Tour" mode.

Zoom Operation in the "Sightseer" Mode is limited to a preset zoom in. It is necessary to activate the zoom via the onscreen zoom control panel 142. The panel only appears if the zoom selection is an option for that view.

Zoom Operation in "Freestyle" mode is by means of off screen buttons 136 allowing user to zoom in and zoom out as desired.

Viewback

Figure 14 illustrates "Viewback" which is a still image 144 taken of the building or observation platform where the observation system is located from the location of the next chosen selection. It is an image that is smaller than the video image and is placed over the live video image whilst the camera is panning. It is programmed to function on Sightseer only. When a preset selection is made,

"Viewback" is generated on the computer monitor screen 122 or video display screen 22 after the camera has commenced its journey to the next selection. The only time this does not occur is when the pan or zoom is of an inappropriately short duration. "Viewback" should stay up for a minimum five seconds in the case of the camera arriving first at its selected location and then cut off revealing the user's selection. At all other times it should cut off one second prior to arrival at the selected destination. To heighten interest and allow for variation each "Viewback" may alternate with a still image of the selected landmark 143 as illustrated by

Figure 13. "View back" will preferably not operate in the "Freestyle" mode nor in the "Guided Tour" mode. Audio Narration

This function is programmed for the "Guided Tour" and "Sightseer" modes only. In the "Guided Tour" mode, Audio Narration describes the full tour in the selected language. In the "Sightseer" mode, Audio Narration describes the currently selected view in the selected language. As used herein the term "Audio Narration" includes both narration in words and also other sound effects which may be provided.

End of Play

After two minutes forty-five seconds usage is expired a voice loop is activated. A voice in the currently selected language indicates that time runs out in 15 seconds and a message "If you wish to continue insert a further two dollar coin before time expires." appears on the screen.

After three minutes usage is expired an "End of play" message appears on the screen. Three seconds after the expiry of the three minute usage period the machine should track to its default directional wideshot and the default message will appear on screen.

As "End of Play" appears another Voice loop A is activated in which a voice in the currently selected language informs the player that they may continue, by inserting two dollars and reselecting their chosen language from the menu (once only). If the currently selected language is not English, the message will be repeated in English.

After 30 seconds of inactivity, the system reverts to the Default Position.

From the above description it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a sophisticated observation system for tourists which allows the user to select either an Automatic Tour or a plurality of selected icons or landmarks for automatic viewing, and the system also allows the user to control the video camera manually. The tourist's enjoyment from using the observation system is augmented by visual and audio information and instructions which can be presented to the user when the camera is viewing the predetermined landmarks and as it moves automatically from one location to another. It will also be appreciated that various modifications, additions and alterations may be made to the observation system without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For instance, the computer 40 may be located at a position remote from the housing for the video camera, display and control means and, in an alternative form of the invention, a central computer may be linked to a plurality of video cameras e.g. by a telephone line and modem 80 with display and control means at different locations on an observation platform or the like, the computer having control cards programmed with different predetermined positions corresponding to different landmarks or icons for each camera. Also, the system may include a brochure display and/or dispenser 90 allowing users to obtain brochures giving instructions and information about the observation system and the various landmarks which can be seen by using the observation system.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An observation system comprising a video camera mounted for movement about at least one axis, display means connected to the video camera and arranged to display the location being viewed by the video camera, control means for controlling movement of the video camera about said at least one axis, and token acceptor means arranged to permit operation of said control means only after insertion of an appropriate token into said token acceptor means.

2. An observation system according to Claim 1 wherein the control means comprises a computerised control system arranged to send control signals to pan and tilt drive motors for moving the video camera about pan and tilt axes respectively.

3. An observation system according to Claim 2 wherein the control system is programmed with a number of predetermined positions for the camera corresponding to predetermined locations within the range of view of the video camera.

4. An observation system according to Claim 3 further including selection means enabling the user to select one or more of said predetermined locations for the camera to view.

5. An observation system according to Claim 4 wherein the control system is arranged to move the camera automatically to a selected one of said predetermined positions upon selection of the location corresponding to that position.

6. An observation system according to Claim 3 wherein the control system is arranged to control the pan and tilt drive motors to move the camera automatically to a plurality of said predetermined positions in accordance with a preprogrammed sequence.

7. An observation system according to Claim 2 wherein the control system includes manually controllable means allowing the user to control movement of the camera about the pan and tilt axes.

8. An observation system according to any one of Claim 2 to 7 wherein the control system includes timing means and is programmed to set a predetermined period of operation for the observation system corresponding to the amount, or value, of the tokens inserted.

9. An observation system according to any one of Claim 2 to 8, wherein the display means comprises a touch screen display screen which includes touch screen selection and control panels connected to the computerised control system.

10. An observation system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the video camera has a zoom facility and the system includes zoom control means allowing the user to control the zoom facility.

11. An observation system comprising a video camera mounted for panning movement about a pan axis and for tilting movement about a tilt axis, display means connected to the video camera and arranged to display the location being viewed by the video camera, pan and tilt drive motors for moving the video camera about said pan and tilt axes respectively, a computerised control system for controlling operation of the pan and tilt drive motors, and timing means for timing a predetermined period of operation for the computerised control system.

12. An observation system according to Claim 11 wherein the control system is programmed with a plurality of predetermined positions for the camera corresponding to predetermined locations within the range of view of the camera, the control system being arranged to control the pan and tilt drive motors to move the camera automatically to a number of said predetermined positions during said predetermined period of operation.

13. An observation system according to Claim 12 further including mode selection means enabling the user to select one of a plurality of different modes of operation.

14. An observation system according to Claim 13 wherein the plurality of modes of operation include a fully automatic mode of operation in which the control system is arranged to move the camera automatically between a plurality of said predetermined positions in accordance with a preprogrammed sequence during said predetermined period of operation.

15. An observation system according to Claim 13 or Claim 14 further including location selection means which, in a semi-automatic mode of operation, enables the user to select one or more of said predetermined locations for the camera to view during said predetermined period of operation.

16. An observation system according to any one of Claims 13 to 15 further including manually controllable means which, in a manual mode of operation, allows the user to control movement of the camera manually during said predetermined period of operation.

17. An observation system according to any one of Claims 13 to 16 wherein the timing means is activated to commence timing of said predetermined period of operation after selection of one of said modes of operation.

18. An observation system according to Claim 17 further including token acceptor means arranged to permit selection of one of said modes of operation only after the acceptor means has received a required value of tokens.

19. An observation system according to any one of Claim 11 to 18 wherein the display means comprises a touch screen display screen which includes touch screen selection and control panels connected to the computerised control system.

20. An observation system according to any one of the preceding claims further including data storage means for storing information about said predetermined locations, whereby an audio/visual commentary about the predetermined locations can be provided to the user as the camera views said predetermined locations.

21. An observation system comprising a video camera mounted for movement about at least one axis, display means for displaying an image of the location being viewed by the video camera, a computerised control system for controlling movement about said at least axis, the control system being programmed with a number of predetermined positions for the camera corresponding to predetermined locations within the range of view of the camera, and data storage means for storing information about said predetermined locations, whereby an audio/visual commentary about the predetermined locations can be provided to the user during operation of the system.

22. An observation system according to Claim 20 or Claim 21 further including language selection means whereby the user can select one of a plurality of languages in which instructions and the audio/visual commentary is provided to the user.

23. An observation system according to any one of Claim 3 to 6, Claims 12 to 15 and 21 wherein, as the camera moves from one predetermined position to the next predetermined position, the display screen is arranged to display a still view of the location corresponding to the next predetermined position.

24. An observation system according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, 12 to 15 and 21 wherein, as the camera moves from one predetermined position to the next predetermined position, the display means is arranged to display a still view of the observation platform taken from the location corresponding to the next predetermined position.