Motion video signal processing for recording or reproducing – Local trick play processing – With randomly accessible medium
Reexamination Certificate
1997-05-28
2001-06-19
Nguyen, Huy (Department: 2715)
Motion video signal processing for recording or reproducing
Local trick play processing
With randomly accessible medium
C386S349000, C386S349000, C386S349000, C386S349000, C386S349000, C348S484000, C348S731000, C348S473000, C348S729000, C455S045000, C327S105000, C331S018000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06249642
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to recording and more specifically to an extended play radio and video cassette recorder system and method of operating same to provide extended recording of audio and video images on a single video cassette.
The consumer electronics field is virtually limitless when it comes to products available for performing a number of tasks with audio and/or video. For example, cassette recorders or audio cassette tape decks have existed for many years and provide the capability of taping audio programs or music onto a small cassette tape. However, even state of the art cassette recorders are limited in dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratios. For example, a high-end consumer cassette deck typically has a signal-to-noise ratio of approximately 60-65 dB. Cassette tape decks also typically feature the capability of recording approximately 100 minutes of audio.
Another example of an audio-only tape recorder is a radio cassette recorder. At present, there are several recording radios on the market manufactured by companies such as Sony, Radio Shack and Sagien. Current radio cassette recorders are based upon the standard audio cassette deck formats. These units typically feature a radio and a built-in audio cassette recorder that provides recording capacity of approximately 100 minutes similar to standard tape decks. However, standard cassette decks and radio cassette recorders have many shortcomings. For example, many radio programs run several hours and some disc jockeys are on the air for shifts of approximately six hours. Unfortunately, known audio and radio cassette recorders are limited to a recording time of approximately two hours. Therefore, the need exists for an apparatus for recording extended length radio broadcasts.
Although currently available state of the art radio cassette recorders offer a timer feature for unattended automatic recording, the audio cassette format inherently limits the length of the recording by the size of the typical audio cassette. Many such models only record on one side of a 90 minute cassette, thereby requiring the recordist manually to change or reverse the cassette. The high-end radio recorders offer an auto-reverse feature which flips the tape automatically and continues recording for the entire length of the tape, typically 90 minutes. Thus, a limitation of length of recording is encountered using standard audio cassettes. As an example, four audio cassettes would be required to record a six hour radio program. Such a taping process not only requires excessive operator intervention in monitoring and performing three tape changes, but also creates storage and archival space problems.
Another problem with known systems is that the audio cassette decks typically have non-linear counters and offer rather limited search functions of the cassettes. These counters typically provide only a numeric read-out which does not easily translate to the recording time in hours, minutes and seconds.
Current hi-fi video cassette recorders (VCRs) offer an alternative for taping long periods of video programs. VCRs provide a much longer recording time via the longer video cassettes. For example, a 180 minute VHS cassette can be run in the extended play (EP) mode to provide 9 hours of recording. As an additional benefit, hi-fi VCRs provide a greater dynamic range (approximately 90 dB) which far exceeds that of audio cassette tape decks. Typical VCRs also offer improved counters, including hour, minute, second-type counters which also offer better indexing features and facilitate quick and easy access to specific portions of a recording.
However, VCRs are also limited. Some VCRs may not have a tuner if designed only for taping and playback. Further, the current VCRs which include tuners are unable to receive radio frequency signals from radio stations, etc.
Thus, a need exists for recording radio audio programs, as well as video, while providing much longer recording times and improved features including better access to particular points in the recording.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With the above-discussed disadvantages in mind, an embodiment of the present invention provides an extended play radio video cassette recorder (EPRVCR) capable of receiving radio frequency signals from radio stations as well as video information transmitted on a subband or subcarrier of the radio station channel for subsequent recording on the EPRVCR for up to 9 hours at a time.
An embodiment of the EPRVCR includes a 19 micron head VHS type transport in combination with a world band radio receiver having a direct access digital tuner with multiple memory presets and a remote control. In addition, standard VCR features such as multiple event, extended period timers are included, as well as stereo audio and video inputs and a stereo headphone output. Also, line level stereo audio outputs are provided. In addition, a telescopic antenna and terminals for a connection of external antennas, including co-axial FM 75 ohm, FM 300 ohm and AM are provided. In addition, a single radio and video output using an RCA connector is provided. A front panel signal strength meter is also available to aid in the operation of the EPRVCR
100
. Peripheral equipment such as powered compact speakers or a video monitor can be provided.
A method of recording a video image and a radio signal on a single recording media using a video cassette recorder (VCR) is also provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a VCR having a tuner capable of receiving a radio frequency signal transmitted by a radio station transmitter; receiving the radio frequency signal using the tuner of the VCR; recording the radio frequency signal onto a video cassette using the VCR; and recording a video image onto the video cassette.
An embodiment of the present invention provides the advantage of a new audio and visual media especially directed to the radio industry for enhancing current product capabilities of radio. The EPRVCR increases the enjoyment and information levels of radio as well as the potential for improved advertising comparable to TV.
An embodiment of the EPRVCR provides the advantage of increased recording capacity over standard audio cassette formats as well as an increase in bandwidth and dynamic range. For example the bandwidth is improved to approximately 20 Hz-20 kHz compared with 45 Hz-15 kHz as in standard audio cassettes. The dynamic range is also improved from approximately 65 dB to approximately 90 dB.
An embodiment of the EPRVCR of the present invention also provides a multiple event timer as well as real-time search capability by hour, minute, second instead of simple numeric counters present on most audio cassette decks.
Furthermore, the EPRVCR incorporates a direct access scanning digital tuner with memory functions (presets). The tuner uses digital frequency synthesis just like a VCR. The implication of using this common type of tuner is that radio bands can be picked up by changing the rate at which the wave table is cycled. In other words, an embodiment of the EPRVCR can pick up all the world band radio frequencies/bands by appropriately changing the control settings in the digital frequency synthesis module which is a microprocessor component. When so configured, the EPRVCR provides access to that channel.
In addition, timed event recordings are possible by using similar methods to those of current VCRs. The commands are typically inputted via a hand-held remote control or via controls on the front face of the EPRVCR. When an optional CRT module is provided, on-screen programming display capabilities much like those used on current VCRs are possible.
The EPRVCR system may be used in several ways. First, the EPRVCR may be a stand-alone unit having an LCD readout. A radio station broadcasts an image of its call letters or a logo on a subcarrier sideband which is displayed on the LCD of the EPRVCR when that radio station is tuned in so that the user knows which channel is playing.
Secondly, the EPRVCR system may be used to broadcast
Anderson James M.
Lewis Richard A.
Nguyen Huy
TRW Inc.
Yatsko Michael S.
LandOfFree
Extended play radio vision cassette recorder system and... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Extended play radio vision cassette recorder system and..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Extended play radio vision cassette recorder system and... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2457030