DE19518944A1 - Video and/or audio transmission recording arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The system stores information about the arrangement between recorded transmissions and recording media in a data base. This allows diverse search functions. Information on unused recording capacity is also stored. The information stored in the data base can be reproduced and edited. A transmission to be recorded is selected, and a suitable recording medium is chosen. The selection of the recording medium also includes selection of a specific, portion of the medium. An index is provided of the beginning and at the end of each recording. A microprocessor and fuzzy logic circuitry may be used to implement the system.

Description

The invention relates to a device for recording Video and / or audio broadcasts. Often, owners of VCRs over a large number of pre-recorded video cassettes. However, the use of this video collection is very high limited, because at best the labels of the video tapes were labeled, but in most cases only one Note collection exists or even entirely on a "bookkeeping tion "has been waived. So the owner of the video collection, as a rule, a quick overview of that of broadcasts recorded to him are lost. The same problem apparently also occurs in collections of audio tapes or other, e.g. B. multimedia records.

The invention has for its object a device to record video and / or audio broadcasts who avoids this problem, especially the user provides an overview of the existing records and if possible with new recordings, the Auf find existing records and in general the administrator supported his collection as far as possible and thereby offers maximum comfort at the same time, in particular needs a minimum of input from the user. This object is achieved by a device for Recording of video and / or audio broadcasts with features solved according to claim 1.

Under "Video and / or audio broadcasts" in this Zu context in addition to conventional radio or television programs also understand other types of digital or analog information the, such as B. video, audio or multimedia data from communication networks, video-on-demand transmissions or other image and / or sound data to be archived, e.g. B. in the  Medical technology, science or for educational purposes (Re thorikseminar, lecture recordings, etc.). A preferred one Embodiment of the present invention is a ge suitably equipped digital or analog video and / or Audio recorder, which ver can add or to an external receiving device or a communication network can be connected. Under "On drawing media "should not only in this context conventional video and / or audio cassettes understood who but any type of recording medium that is suitable for the recording of programs of the above Is suitable. Of the Expression "information about the content" of such programs is potentially intended to make all information more descriptive (such as Keywords, film genre, summary, actor, com mentors, etc.), bibliographical (e.g. title, author, Producer, place and year of publication, etc.) and / or general include my content indexing type. Preferably this is to be understood as the title of the program.

The term "record" always refers to the memory the shipment itself, whereas the expression "spoke tion "below to facilitate understanding preferably and where possible for storing the information about the assignment between recorded programs and Recording media or recording sites on these me is used. The identity of a recording medium can be by a cassette number or one on an up lettering attached to the drawing medium or by other, essentially equivalent means are encoded as long as it is possible to use a specific recording medium identify this "information about identity". The "inclusion" of information is said to be of various forms Recording, e.g. B. via integrated readers, keyboards, Interfaces to external devices, receivers, decoders, etc. include. Because the invention does not apply to devices with integrated media for storing information about the assignment between recorded programs and  Recording media or recording sites on these Media is restricted by the expression "Spei assurance or transfer "also embodiments of the invention included, where this information about a suitable interface to an external device, e.g. B. one Computer, passed on and stored there.

Advantageous further developments and preferred embodiments the invention emerge from the subclaims.

The term "recording point" is the common idea based on the fact that on a recording medium i.a. several Programs (generally consecutively) can be recorded. He therefore relates to certain parts of a recording me diums, starting points of these parts, or other information to find a program on a recording medium to be suitable with. Since experience has shown that Record Me serve with different characteristics (capacity, up drawing format, etc.) gives a preferred execution Form of the present invention, the recording and storage save or share relevant information.

In the following the invention is based on a preferred embodiment Example and described in more detail with the help of the figures.

To make the description clear and easy for the expert understandable and not with too many abstract Overloading terms is preferably one Terminology from the field of conventional video recorders used. However, these devices correspond to only one preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is not limited to video recorders. The expert is of course able to do this this way details described on other embodiments of the Transfer invention.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a possible sequence of an automatic recording according to the present invention

Fig. 2 shows schematically a possible sequence of timer programming in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

VCR owners often have a large one Number of pre-recorded video tapes. The use of this However, video collection is very limited because at best the labels of the videotapes were labeled in the in most cases, however, there is only one collection of notes or was even completely dispensed with "bookkeeping". So has the owner of the video collection usually quickly the Overview of the programs recorded by him lost Ren. The same problem obviously also occurs with Samm lungs of audio tapes or others, e.g. B. multimedia on drawings on.

To help the user here, the Video recorder automatically an appropriate database (Vi deothek) build, which then gives the user an overview of all available titles and an assignment of titles and Allow video tape number. Table 1 is an example and schematically such an overview according to one preferred embodiment of the invention.  

Table 1

Contents of the database

The user then only has to insert the requested tape and the VCR automatically searches for the beginning place the desired title. Such a database enables light also the realization of other features, such as. B. an automatic search for a tape with a sufficient large remaining capacity.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention a video recorder (or generally a device according to Claim 1) with suitable storage means and a process sor equipped, if this does not already exist are. In another preferred embodiment of the Invention is the memory and processor functionality Used personal computer with which the invention Device communicates. The basic idea of the inventor In any case, the automatic entry of new entries is a must in the database (video store), the possibility of selecting egg ner recorded program from the video store and the  closing automatic start of this broadcast, and further, the possibility of searching for a suitable recording medium um as well as a suitable reception point on this recording medium before the start of the recording.

The invention assumes that the device for drawing of programs has a facility that receiving programs and receiving information about the content of such programs. An acquaintance Such devices are programmable video recorders with teletext decoder (VPT). To do this, the following are before considerations helpful:

There are basically three types of from the user's perspective Video recordings:

• - Temporary recordings with only short-term interesting Content (e.g. Tagesschau, Sportschau, etc.), the only serve to delay the viewing of a sen enable, but their content - over a long period of time Spaces viewed - quickly lost their topicality. These You generally want to record do not save in a database.
• - Recordings that you do not know in advance whether you can want to cancel or delete it at short notice.
• - Recordings that you know in advance that you will open them wants to keep it in the long run.

If in principle every record is recorded in the database the user would have to use the temporary ones in particular Always delete recordings by hand, with what not inconsiderable effort. Would on the other hand, all recordings initially only in a list of new recordings (new admission list) recorded, so the Be explicitly use each film from this new recording list later in the database (video store), which also with would be quite expensive. The invention sees take appropriate measures to reduce the effort for the user to keep acceptable limits.  

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for this a device in front of the user in addition to the automati rule new entries in the database, z. B. with Help of the VPT functionality of a video recorder, the fol offers the following additional features:

• - Manual entry of new entries in the database,
• - changing (editing) entries,
• - delete and restore entries,
• - display and search functions,
• - index search and
• - Set up.

Automatic entry of new entries in the database

The invention provides the creation and management of a Database for storing information about the assignment between recorded programs and recordings serve before. Such a database can be stored in a memory device according to the invention itself or in an external Memory, e.g. B. on the hard drive one with the fiction device connected to personal computers will. One record contains a. an identity of the Recording medium, e.g. B. a cassette number, a designation recording location (index), the maximum recording capacity of the empty recording medium (cassette length, e.g. B. E-180), information about the remaining capacity of the recording medium (tape remainder), the title of a recorded program, the counter status, the duration of the recording or recorded program and the date of recording. Some this data - e.g. B. the title and the date of recording - can automatically - e.g. B. from a teletext table - recorded will. Depending on the embodiment of the invention, some of the mentioned data is missing, or other - e.g. B. and the source the broadcast - to come.  

In a special embodiment of the invention also other data, such as B. the counter status and after Recording also automatically determines the duration of the recording and calculates the remaining capacity if necessary be net. Even the index, that is the information about the Recording location of a record on a record Media can be from the number of the recording medium (Cassette number), the counter status and other information can be calculated from the database (for the cassette number mer 11 from Table 1 would be z. B. at counter reading 2:11 (= 1: 29 + 0: 42) the new index value 3).

The cassette number or more generally the identity of one Recording medium is preferably made by the user himself entered; depending on the embodiment of the invention, it can be a But also be a short text (cassette name), which via a keyboard - e.g. B. the device itself or a keyboard of a connected PC - entered can be. Another embodiment of the invention provides before that unused recording media when first Insert into the device automatically with a media number are always initialized. Then the user remains still the job of keeping this media number on the record Attachment medium so that this medium later alone can be found by him using this number. However, the advantage remains that the later again Inserting such an initialized recording medium, the user does not manually enter the identity each time must, since this can then be read automatically. If in the embodiments of the described below For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the user the identity of a medium (cassette number) always by hand must enter, this is only for the sake of clarity Description will; however, the invention is of ordinary skill in the art also understood in the sense that manual entry such an identity just as well by an automatic Reading could be replaced.  

Fig. 2 is used to illustrate a timer programming tion. As shown in this flow chart, there is more than one way to program the recording of a program. Depending on the information provided by the user, the device according to the invention (for example a video recorder) can assume three different states after programming, which have different effects on the recording and storage in the database. The user can choose the type of programming depending on his current needs. With regard to the representation in FIGS. 1 and 2, the following three states are possible:

• A) The identity of the current recording medium (recording number) is known (e.g. predefined); the index (the recording location) is arbitrary ( 21 ). This means that the recording starts at the recording point (e.g. tape position) at which the recording medium is currently (randomly or not). The recorded or to be recorded program (or their data) are recorded together with this cassette number in the database ( 11 ).
• B) The identity of the current recording medium (recording number) is known (e.g. predefined); the index (the recording location) was set to "next possible" ( 22 ). This means that the recording should take place in the first place on the recording medium, which provides sufficient free remaining capacity. The device according to the invention automatically searches for such a recording location shortly before the start of recording and can usually check whether the correct recording medium has been inserted ( 12 ).
• C) No shot number was entered ( 23 ). In this case, the recording starts from where the medium is. There is (initially) no entry in the database. However, the data is preferably kept in the memory (new admission list) for some time and can be subsequently added to the database if necessary ( 13 ).

For this, the known timer block is a conventional recording devices (e.g. VCR) as follows by three add additional lines:

A first line is used to record the identity of the Auf drawing medium (e.g. cassette number), which is automatically ge can be read or entered by the user.

A second line to record one of the two values "as soon as possible" or "any" - if necessary in a suitable one Coded way - with which the user can enter whether the Record on the specified recording medium on the next possible position (i.e. in the first free position the medium, which provides sufficient residual capacity) or should take place anywhere.

A third line to record one of the two values "perma nent "or" temporary "- if necessary in a suitable manner co with which the user can enter whether the assignment transmission of the program to the medium permanently in the database registered or only temporarily (e.g. in a new edition list) should be saved.

Filling in the corresponding line is not included in FIG. 2, since the default setting does not usually have to be changed. In this context, the term "temporary" means that the recording is included in the database, but that it is marked as "erasable". Erasable means that this entry is considered to be non-existent when searching for a remaining band for a new recording. In a further embodiment of the invention, in addition to the possible values “permanent” and “temporary”, a third variant is also provided, which is characterized by the parameter “initially permanent, temporary after a week”. In another variant, temporarily, this could also mean that the recording is fixed for one or seven days (this can be set in the setup) and is then only considered to be deleted by the system. This would be particularly interesting for daily or weekly recordings. The distinction between permanent and temporary entries in this database can also be made clear in a suitable graphical user interface by highlighting temporary entries accordingly.

In order that the user does not have to fill in these three lines in every case, standard presettings (default settings) are provided according to the invention, which can be preset via the setup of the database. The programming options in a preferred embodiment of the invention are described in detail in accordance with FIG. 1. If the user wants to program a program to be recorded using VPT, he will either - as is already known from the prior art - get an overview of all saved timer blocks, from where he can enter the timer block with a corresponding key. or he immediately sees the content of the timer block just programmed. He already has the option of confirming the displayed data in the timer overview by pressing "back to TV" as before ( 25 ). This is always correct if the recording on the tape just inserted is to take place at the next sufficiently large free space, if the default setting for temporary or permanent is correct, and if the user has already given the video recorder the number of the communicated previously inserted cassette. The cassette number can be communicated to the system just like the length specification of the cassette via a suitable keyboard. If these requirements are met, the programming is already finished.

If all the requirements except the current cassette number are met, the user is prompted to enter the cassette number by a red flashing of the timer entry in the timer overview ( 26 ). If he does this after changing to the timer block, the programming is already finished afterwards ( 27 ).

The user also has the option of skipping the prompt for the cassette number by directly pressing "back to the TV". In this case, the program is recorded and the data is saved in the new admission list ( 28 ). This is generally useful if the user assumes that he does not want to save the program in the database - and also not for long on the tape. The entry in the new admission list is used so that the information of the admission for the database (video library) is not lost. The user can view this list on the screen and enter the missing cartridge number to update his database. If he does not do this, the corresponding recordings are not included in the database and are considered free tape capacities when searching for a suitable tape rest, which can then lead to deletion of these recordings (possibly not really intended by the user).

The three cases described show that the programming are usually carried out without much additional effort can.

The search for a suitable recording medium or a suitable recording location on such a recording medium is described below ( 29 ). If the user wants to record a program, but no longer has an overview of which cassette he still has how much free tape capacity, all cassette numbers that still have a free space in the required length are displayed in the device according to the invention after calling the tape remainder search function. Multiple answers per cassette are also possible. After selecting a line from a list (e.g. by pressing the appropriate key), the program returns to the timer block and automatically transfers the cassette number and the index value "next possible index" to the timer block.

In the description of the invention to date, it has always been assumed that the recording should always take place on the cassette currently inserted. However, this will not always be the case. Therefore, the user has the option in the timer block to enter a recording number or to overwrite the existing one ( 27 ). Since the device according to the invention searches for this next possible index position when specifying "next possible index" about five minutes before the start of recording, it usually also notes whether the correct cassette has been inserted. If an incorrect cassette has been inserted, it will generally not find any index marking at the recording point (counter status) read from the database at the next possible index point. In this case, a recording can be dispensed with by default ( 14 in FIG. 1), which protects the existing stock of recordings against unintentional dubbing.

Finally, there is the case that the index is set to the value "arbitrary" ( 24 ). This makes sense if, on the one hand, you want an entry in the database, but the recording is to take place somewhere, not in a specific recording location.

Manual entry of new entries

The entry of new entries into the database by hand should not be necessary during operation. However, it will may be necessary if, after purchasing the invent device according to its already recorded cassettes would like to subsequently add to the database. Therefor  are available to the user depending on the embodiment of the invention different input options available. she range from a menu-oriented entry as with conventional Chen VCRs to the front of the invention suitable keyboard to be connected directly, up to a keyboard of one connected to the VCR Personal computers. The expert can easily get more Introduce input options. In a preferred one Embodiment of the present invention is about such Input means also changing entries in the database possible. A need to change entries might be best in the case of incorrect title entries due to worse Teletext reception conditions or if the title is too long or the displayable section of the title is not suitable appears to indicate the program.

Delete and restore entries

According to the invention, the possibility of deleting and Restore entries to the database are provided. To delete an entry in the database, use the suitable means selected and with the help of a appropriate command deleted. Deleting here means that this part of the video cassette when looking for a tape rest is considered empty for a new recording. This corresponds to the transition from a permanent at a pace rare entry. The difference between permanent and temporary or normal and deleted entries can also using a standard graphical user interface in appropriately visualized. Under a This will restore an entry in the database Undo the delete function understood. When deleting and To restore entries, the index number of the Update the next following entries on the cassette be settled. It must also be checked whether the how making an entry for one on this cartridge pre-programmed but not yet recorded  sufficient tape capacity is still available. Is if not, a warning can be given to the user will give. In general, it makes sense that only perma nent entries in the database have an index number, while temporary entries, i.e. those that are deleted can have no index number. On the associated up drawing medium, this is different. The index stays there (Initial identifier) of a temporary recording yes as long as until it is dubbed.

A preferred embodiment of the invention direction sees the provision of the following display and Search functions before:

• - Display of all recordings
• - Display all recordings of a specific recording medium to
• - Display of new admissions not previously recorded (in the database) men (new admission list)
• - Search for recording titles
• - Search by category
• - index search
• - Search for free recording capacity on one up drawing medium (tape residue).

Display of all recordings

In this mode, all recordings, e.g. B. alphabe table, sorted by title, and there are their tapes number and cassette index are displayed. By pressing one suitable button, the user can go to the previous or after Mark the following entry or select a title. To Choosing a title will prompt the user who insert the specified or associated cassette. After insertion the device automatically searches for the beginning of the cassette selected recording and switches to playback.  

Displays all recordings on a specific cassette

In this mode, after entering the desired Cassette number All records of this cassette in the displayed in the correct order. There are also the same options like displaying all recordings.

Display of new entries that cannot be recorded (new entry list)

The titles of the respective records are displayed here shows for which no cassette number has been entered. The List includes a certain number of titles. Exceeds the number of titles the length of the list, so the oldest Title automatically deleted.

Search for specific records (title search)

After manually entering one or more (Initial) letters of a film title all films with these Initial letters are displayed in alphabetical order. Here too are further functions, such as under "display of all recordings" described, possible.

Search by categories

This operating mode requires that the entries in the Database can assign certain categories. The assignment could already happen in the timer block or later by changing an entry. In the categories entries should already be specified (add via setup bar) and easily via the menu with the appropriate buttons can be chosen. Suggestions for categories are e.g. B. Feature film, children's film, news / magazine, sports, education, Culture. Additions entered by the user could be at for example westerns, cartoons, etc. It will all entries of the selected category are displayed to the user.  

Here, too, the person skilled in the art can easily perform other functions, such as described above, complete.

Index search

After entering an index number "n" is inserted on the Cassette the index (the nth permanent record in the Database) searched and switched to playback. Next this operating mode, a search for the be provided next beginning, which - as before known - to those physically present on the tape Index positions.

Bandrest products

This feature is very useful if you have a larger one Accumulation of video tapes, but the overview has lost which cassettes still have which free Kapa capacities are present. The function is usually at Programming process called, but it can also be done separately can be selected.

Function when called in the programming process

All cassette numbers are displayed, one more have free space in the required length (Multiple answers per cassette possible). After selecting one Line from the list (as already described, e.g. by Operation of certain keys) the program returns to the timer block and automatically transfers the cassette number mer and index = "next possible" in the timer block. Of the The user should then be at least five minutes before recording mestart insert the cassette with the correct number. It is z. B. possible, the required cassette number in one Display once the display shows timer in the VCR blinks.  

Function when called separately

After entering the desired free tape length (e.g. in min ten) all cassette numbers are displayed, one more have free space in the desired length (Multiple answers per cassette possible). The remaining band search can also be limited to a video cassette. There are after calling the subroutine "residual tape search" the poss ability to enter a cassette number. In this case the search is limited to the entered cassette. On Switching to the consideration of all cassettes is possible.

Set up

System entries are defined under Setup. Following feast Layings are possible:

• - "temporary / permanent" as default value
• - Default index: "next possible" or "any" as default value ( 24 ),
• - add and change the list of categories,
• - Index not found (probably wrong video cassette inserted): "Recording / no recording".

Here it is determined whether as default for the type of Entry should be "temporary" or "permanent" and whether as Default setting for the index value "next possible" or should be "any".

Furthermore, the list of categories should be here by the user zer can be added.

Furthermore, it can be specified here whether the video recorder is to record a programmed program if it cannot find the index number entered manually or during the remaining tape search at the associated metering station (and the surrounding area) that can be read from the database ( 14 ).

The functions of the Vorrich provided according to the invention for example, through further development video recorder as follows:

• - Adding a microprocessor and providing Storage capacity as required
• - Electronic reading of the tape drive display by the Control of the device according to the invention
• - The In already existing in conventional systems dexsuchlauf (search for a start of recording) must do so be improved that the search run "over the target impose ", ie the 3-6 seconds that the device next to the stops desired position, corrected itself, so that a possible recording really starts at the desired location and a broadcast does not last several seconds with another Program overlaps (and partially deletes it) A coupling between index search and counter should be realized so that the search is faster, with less Wear for the video head and across multiple indices can happen. Coupling here means that the VCR based on the entries in the database (video store) Tape counter knows and this with fast forward and Controlled return. Only in the immediate vicinity of the ge the actual search is added switches and found the spot exactly.
• - It should be a little fuzzy logic or equivalent Means are provided so that the display of uneigentli Chen recordings ("film corpses") with a length of z. B. less than a minute can be avoided.
• - Not only the beginning of the recording needs an index identifier, but also the end of the recording to start the next recording to be able to find.
• - There should be a suitable backup of the memory against Power failure to protect data will be provided.

Claims (12)

1. Device for recording video and / or audio broadcasts with means

• - to receive video and / or audio broadcasts,
• - To record such programs on suitable recording media
• - to receive information about the content of such programs,
• - to hold information about the identity of a recording medium, and
• - For storing or forwarding information about the assignment between recorded programs and recording media.

2. Device according to claim 1 with means for receiving and Storage or disclosure of information about the assignment between recorded programs and recording put on recording media. 3. Device according to one of the preceding claims Means for recording and storing or forwarding In information about properties of a recording medium. 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims Means for recording and storing or forwarding In information about still unused recording capacities recording medium. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims Means for storing such information via record media and the assignment between recorded Programs and recording media in a database. 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims Means to share such information via record  media and the assignment between recorded Shipments and recording media to a database. 7. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6 with means to edit the content of such a database. 8. Device according to one of claims 5, 6 or 7 with Mit to search for entries in such a database. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims with means

• - to display an overview of the consignments to be received,
• - to select a program to be recorded, and
• - To determine a suitable recording medium for recording a selected broadcast.

10. The device according to claim 9 with means for determining a suitable recording site for recording a selected program on the determined recording medium. 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims with means

• - to display an overview of recorded programs,
• - to select a recorded program, and
• - to determine the identity of the recording medium on which this selected program was recorded.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 with means for determining the recording corresponding to the selected program place on the determined recording medium.