KR200160475Y1 - Vcr scheduling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The VCR schedule controller receives broadcast data by a programmable tuner connected to the teletext receiver 4 via an antenna 1 or a cable 2. The teletext receiver 4 is connected to the microprocessor 5. The output of the microprocessor is connected to the video display generator 10, which generates text for the television receiver 60 to display a message from the microprocessor 5. After processing the data inserted into the broadcast program, the microprocessor 5 generates a queue for display on the TV receiver. The remote control receiver 20 receives a command from the remote controller 22 input by the viewer in response to the queue. The remote control receiver 20 supplies a control signal to the microprocessor to store the data inserted into the broadcast program in the memory 9. At this time, the microprocessor sends a message to the display generator 10 in response to the viewer input. The microprocessor 5 monitors the system clock 6 and compares it with the stored schedule from the inserted auxiliary data. When the system time coincides with any of the scheduled times, the microprocessor 5 sets the programmable tuner 3 to the stored channel and starts recording to the VCR 30.

Description

[Designation name]

VCR Scheduling System

[Brief Description of Drawings]

1 is a block diagram of a system for VCR scheduling according to the present invention.

2 is a block diagram of a system for VCR scheduling according to the present invention.

[Detailed Description of Design]

[Purpose of designation]

The technical field to which the design belongs and the prior art in the field

The present invention is directed to an improvement in the invention of US Pat. Nos. 4, 706, 121, issued Nov. 10, 1987, entitled "TV Schedule System and Method."

The present invention generally relates to a system that inserts television assistance data into a television broadcast and enables the viewer to record the assistance data by means of a cue. Such auxiliary data may include schedule information such as time, channel, program name, and program type. The recorded auxiliary data is used to automatically program a video cassette recorder (VCR) for recording an auxiliary broadcast program defined by schedule information.

The above-mentioned related patent discloses a system and method for a user to select a broadcast program from schedule information provided to a television set and record it in a VCR. The prior art of the patent shows various systems and methods for improving the functionality of television sets and / or VCRs.

Although a number of such systems and methods are known, none of these systems and methods provide a way to provide supplemental information about what is being broadcast to a viewer. An example of such supplemental information that would be of interest to any particular viewer is information about the product being advertised during regular broadcasts. Since such advertising time is very expensive, especially during times with many viewers or during sports broadcasts, commercials typically have a length of 30 seconds to 1 minute. For many products being advertised, viewers need more information than they can provide during commercials, such as with regard to features, price and unique efficacy, before they decide to purchase the product. The ability to selectively provide such supplemental information to desired viewers would be of substantial value to advertisers and other providers of broadcast information.

[Technical Challenges to be Done]

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a system that enables a viewer to interactively select and receive supplemental information related to television broadcast material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of providing auxiliary information for recording when a broadcast time zone is cheap.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows a viewer to select auxiliary information from a menu.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a VCR schedule control device that provides an improved index of data recorded on a tape.

[Configuration and Action of Design]

This and other related objects can be achieved by the system of the present invention for VCR scheduling described below. The VCR scheduling system according to the present invention has a recorder, a broadcast receiver, and a data processor connected to the recorder and the broadcast receiver. The data processor includes means for providing a queue to the broadcast receiver during the broadcast. One means for receiving a user response to the queue is connected to the data processor. The means for responding to the user response to the queue controls the recording device for recording auxiliary information.

According to the present invention, a system for providing auxiliary information during regular broadcasting includes means for providing a cue indicating availability of auxiliary information related to regular broadcasting. The response to the queue is received from the user. The assistance information is supplied to the user after receiving the queue response from the user. Preferably, the auxiliary information is broadcast later. Schedule information for the auxiliary information is provided during regular broadcasting. This schedule information is stored after the user responds to the queue, and is used to record the auxiliary information in the recording apparatus when the auxiliary information is broadcast.

This system allows auxiliary information to be selectively delivered to the viewer when it is advantageous and convenient for the broadcaster, and also retrieved by the viewer in a quick and convenient manner. One method for transmitting auxiliary data is to use a video blanking period (VBI) segment of a video signal for transmitting data in teletext format. An apparatus based on a teletext receiver is used to decode auxiliary data.

The cue can be a caption (subtitle) on the screen, an audio signal or message, an indicator on the device, or something that can attract the viewer's attention. The cue may be selectively generated by the system of the present invention based on the contents of the received auxiliary data, or may be included in the regular broadcasted video or sound. The viewer responds to the queue by pressing a key on the remote controller, or by switching on the system, or making a loud sound, or by any other means capable of operating the system to store auxiliary data in memory.

When the viewer successfully stores the data by the cue, the system can suggest a training completion. This may be another caption, voice signal or message, or another to inform the viewer that a response to the queue has been made. At that time, the system will automatically match the VCR to the scheduled channel and time defined by the ancillary data.

The above objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be more clearly understood by the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of a complete VCR schedule controller according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the controller may be provided in the VCR or provided separately from the VCR, providing input to the VCR via remote means of the VCR.

The broadcast data is received by the programmable TV tuner 3 via the antenna 1 or the cable 2, which tuner 3 has an output connected to the input 14 of the teletext receiver 4. This teletext receiver 4 may be a Sears Caption Decoder. The output of the teletext receiver 4 is connected to the microprocessor 5. The output 11 of the microprocessor is connected to a video display generator 10 that is used to produce text for the television receiver 60. The video switch 15 connects the output 17 of the display generator 10 to the TV receiver 60 such that a message from the microprocessor 5 is displayed.

The microprocessor 5 has a random access memory (RAM) 9 and a system clock / calendar 6. After processing the inserted data, the microprocessor 5 generates a cue by outputting a symbol or message to the display generator 10 so that the cue is displayed on the TV receiver 60. The remote control receiver 20 receives a command from the remote controller 22 by viewer input in response to the queue. The remote control receiver 20 is connected to the input line 21 and supplies a control signal so that the microprocessor 5 stores the inserted data, that is, scheduled data, in the memory 9. The microprocessor 5 then sends a message to the display generator 10 in response to viewer input.

The queue may be executed in many other ways without passing through the microprocessor 5. The simplest is a voice or visual stimulus that is part of the sound or video portion of a regular broadcast. In this case, the video display generator 10 and the video switch 15 are not necessary. Providing a cue to be added to the acoustic or video portion of the signal provided on the TV receiver 60 by the microprocessor 5 separately from the acoustic or video portion of the regular broadcast as in the VBI is intended for the viewer without the system of the present invention. Does not stimulate.

The microprocessor 5 monitors the system clock 6 and compares it with the stored schedule of inserted auxiliary data. When the system time matches any of the scheduled times, the microprocessor 5 sets the programmable TV tuner 3 to the stored channel and writes to the VCR 30 by a control signal on line 32. Initiate. The VCR receives a signal from antenna 35 or cable 36.

In addition to obtaining schedule information as part of the broadcast, in the system 90 shown in FIG. 2, the schedule information can be received and processed by the computer 5 using the modem 94. Based on the user's selection, one or more program schedule lists are stored in the computer memory. In broadcasting, the computer 5 activates the VCR 30 for recording of the selected program. The serial output port 32 of the computer 5 is connected to the control bus of the VCR 30 so as to turn on the VCR, control channel selection, and record a program.

The system 90 has a feature for automatically converting a television guide station list to a channel selected by a cable user. In order to eliminate the need to convert the station list to local channel numbers each time the VCR 30 is programmed for unattended recording, a memory is provided so that the user only needs one conversion. The conversion is then processed by the computer 5. The entry table is provided on the screen requiring the user to enter the cable channel number corresponding to each station name or number. Alternatively, the station name or number and cable number may be read from the barcode conversion guide, using a barcode reader. In either method, the transform data is stored in a table in memory. During unattended recording, the channel number corresponding to the station name is used by the computer 5 to control the channel selection in the VCR 30. In such a conversion recorded locally in the system 90, the cable schedule information is supplied to the cable channel name (e.g., ESPN) locally or nationally to provide the cable service created by the controller 90. Is selected with the appropriate local channel number.

System 90 uses electronic indexing for automatic retrieval of a program. During recording, the storage location of the program is verified by a capstan counter with digital readout. The index information identifying where the program is recorded is stored in a log with the name of the program. During playback, the VCR 30 automatically goes to the indexed position and starts playback.

Line 101 from VCR 30 is a serial bus containing index data. It is connected to the serial input port of the computer 5. The search is performed by comparing the current index value with the stored index value. The search is complete when the index value from the VCR 30 matches the stored index value.

In addition, system 90 provides for self-indexed cassette recording. At the beginning of each cassette tape, a complete description of the position of the beginning and end of every program recorded in the cassette is stored with the program name. During playback, this information is read by the teletext decoder of the VCR 30 and displayed on the screen so that the user can quickly confirm that it has been recorded and automatically access the desired program. Access is by choosing a name from the log.

During recording, a complete log is generated for each tape as described above. Before the tape is removed from the VCR 30, the tape is rewound for the first time, and log information is recorded using the VBI data encoder 110 of the type described in our patent referenced above. ) Is recorded on the track. Line 102 is a serial output from computer 5 to VBI encoder 110, and line 103 is connected to the video input port of VCR 30 and transmits a video signal with embedded log information. While log information is being recorded, VCR 30 receives its signal from antenna input 35 to video input.

During playback, VBI teletext decoder 108 receives data from the VCR via line 107. The line 107 is the video output port of the VCR 30. After decoding, the data is received at the second input port by computer 5 via line 106. As shown and described, the configuration and operation of the embodiment of Figure 2 of the present invention is the same as the configuration and operation of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Details of the implementation system of the present invention are described in the above referenced patents, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

It is now apparent to those skilled in the art that a novel VCR schedule system has been provided that can achieve the object of the present invention. Such a system allows the viewer to interactively select additional information related to the information being broadcast. This is done by menu selection. The additional information may be broadcast for recording by the viewer when the cost is less or less used with respect to the broadcast.

In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the form and details of the present invention may be variously changed. Of course, such changes are included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[Effect of design]

The present invention has the effect that a viewer can interactively select and receive auxiliary broadcast information related to television broadcast material.

Claims (20)

A system comprising a recording device, a broadcast receiver, and a data processor connected to the recording device and the broadcast receiver, the data processor comprising: means for providing a cue to the broadcast receiver at a first time during regular broadcast; Means for being connected to the data processor to receive a user's response to the queue; Means for controlling the recording device in response to a user's response to the queue to record auxiliary broadcast information at a second time later than the first time, the user interactively receiving auxiliary broadcast information related to the regular broadcast. VCR scheduling system characterized in that the selection and receiving. The method of claim 1, wherein the schedule information for the auxiliary broadcast information is provided in addition to a regular broadcast, the data processor stores the schedule information in response to a user's response to a queue, and the auxiliary broadcast information is to be broadcast. And use the schedule information when recording the auxiliary broadcast information by the recording device. 3. A VCR scheduling system according to claim 2, wherein the recording device is a video cassette recorder and the broadcast receiver is a television receiver. The VCR scheduling system of claim 1, wherein the data processor is configured to provide a confirmation signal to the user in response to the user's response to the queue. The VCR scheduling system of claim 1, wherein the data processor is configured to display a menu to the user and receive a user's menu selection in response to the user's response to the queue. The VCR scheduling system of claim 1, further comprising means for generating and storing an index of recorded material. 7. The VCR scheduling system of claim 6, further comprising means for recording the index on a tape containing the recorded material. A broadcast information recording system comprising an apparatus for receiving and recording broadcast information, means for receiving and storing schedule information, and a data processor connected to the recording apparatus, wherein the data processor receives schedule information from the recording apparatus. And means for generating and storing an index for the position and identification of the recorded broadcast information from the index input. A system for recording and indexing broadcast information comprising a recording device for receiving and recording broadcast information and a data processor connected to the recording device, the data processor including means for generating and storing an index of the recorded broadcast information. And the system comprises means for recording an index on a recording medium having recorded material. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising means for selecting broadcast information for recording from schedule information, wherein the means for generating and storing the index is configured to edit the index from schedule information. Indexing system. A system for allowing a user to interactively select and receive auxiliary broadcast information related to regular broadcasting, comprising: a television receiver; A data processor connected to the television receiver; Means for recovering a cue provided during regular broadcasting from a television receiver; Means for displaying a cue on the television receiver; Means connected to the data processor for receiving a user response to the queue; Means for displaying auxiliary broadcast information associated with the regular broadcast on the television receiver in response to a user response to the cue. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the auxiliary broadcast information is broadcast at a later time than the queue; And a recording device controlled by the data processor for recording the auxiliary broadcast information later in time than the queue. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the recording apparatus is controlled by the data processor to reproduce the auxiliary broadcast information in response to a user command, and the means for displaying the auxiliary broadcast information displays the reproduced auxiliary information. System. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising means for recovering schedule information for the auxiliary broadcast information, and means for storing the schedule information after a user's response to the queue. Controlled system. 15. The system of any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising means for displaying an acknowledgment of the user response on the television receiver. 15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising means for displaying a user menu on the television receiver in response to a user response to the cue, wherein the data processor receives a user menu selection to receive a user menu selection. Optionally providing auxiliary broadcast information. 15. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising means for generating and storing an index of recorded material. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for creating and storing the index stores the index on a tape including recorded data. 9. The broadcast information system according to claim 8, wherein the means for generating and storing the index is configured to store at least a title of broadcast information as an index input from schedule information. 20. The broadcast information system according to claim 19, wherein the means for generating and storing the index is configured to store at least the recorded information in a numerically displayed position as an index input from the recording apparatus.