DE3151946A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RETRIEVABLE TELEVISION GROUP BROADCASTING - Google Patents

Description

Oipf -Ing. Günter Schliebs ' Bia ^ L · - . . " .. Patent attorneys

" ν nat Horst Zinngrebe." - - in Darmstadt

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description

The invention relates to picture broadcasts and a device for their reproduction, with all devices one Television transmission channel used in intermittent operation will.

In an essentially continuous process will add additional information only during a small Time segment of each frame for the subject of the television broadcast supplied. This is preferably done during the vertical return period. at

XO this method can only cover a limited area of the television picture be covered, e.g. with a print line in the form of a subtitle.

Furthermore, a single picture of a television picture scene or a successive series of such single pictures can be used for the repeated Image demonstration from an original source can be used. A corresponding example is the well-known slow motion or a still picture of a football broadcast for the purpose of deciding whether handball has taken place or not. A modification of this is the repetition of one hundred up to several hundred individual images to create an interesting one To show action of the game. The activity goes from the transmitting station under the control of the program director the end. There is no choice for the individual viewer, what he would like to see.

The invention provides a method and an apparatus for the individual transmission and reception of one or more Video signal frames at television speed. During such a transmission, the full video bandwidth and all other facilities of the video and syn- chronization channel used. The individual images can periodically follow one another in an image burst or an image

Dipl.-Ing. Günter Schliebs Bleu., ^ ... .- Patent Attorneys

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group (English "burst") are sent. This can be during a brief break in a main television program broadcast take place, which is otherwise continuous. Alternatively, a channel can be designated for the picture group broadcasts be.

The picture contents of the picture group individual pictures usually have no relation to one another and to a television broadcast. The individual images can be colored if the remote system allows it Cable television can be used.

A user or viewer at his receiver selects which individual image or which individual images to view should be selected (i.e. specified by him). This choice is communicated to a central broadcasting station, where the desired image content is stored or generated for the request.

There are generally multiple viewers making their choices at any one time. These choices are preferred summarized in a unified sequence of images, which on an empirically planned basis during an interval from perhaps a fraction of a minute to a few minutes. The group of images can open transmitted on any transmission channel with video bandwidth and in all respects to any other video system e.g. in a multiple cable or a satellite system.

The picture group sequence is in the receiver of each viewer saved using the transmission facility. Every viewer can then reproduce all the choices up to the one indicated by him, with he reproduced from one at the beginning "Table of Contents" is supported. Alternatively, coding with an automatic code identification

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dialer used to select only those used by the user to reflect the choice made in its receiver, the material received is too arbitrary for viewing Time saved.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Show it:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the central system in FIG
Transmitting station;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the central controller, part of the central system;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the user facility in FIG
Receiving station;

Figure 5A is a flow diagram of the microprocessor in the central Control, the foreground program;

5B shows a further flow diagram for the microprocessor in the central control, the background program, and

Fig. 6 is a flow chart for the microprocessor in FIG
local control unit.

Fig. 1 shows the central controller 1, which in detail
is shown in FIG. It controls the various other facilities of the broadcasting station.

The request to broadcast a specific one or more certain individual images originate from a user and are transferred electrically to the central control. this can be via an input channel 2, e.g. via a telephone

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management, happen. The user can use the usual telephone set to use with buttons (English "touch-tone type"). A requirement is usually from the Key figure accompanied by the user. This number is used to identify the request for your electronic Processing and also as a certain safeguard against unauthorized use.

In a simple form, the request also includes a number with a few digits, which only includes the denotes special image content to be displayed; e.g. a representation of the volcanic eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Such a number is usually available to the user from a printed catalog or by selection Video broadcasts accessible through the broadcast system if the user wants a more general one Has entered the number relating to the image content. That is, the general category becomes the special category and then the individual choice is determined.

The user · requests a single or several specific complete images. The information you want in video form is usually included in more than one video signaling device in the broadcasting station. It can be about several video tape recorders 3, 4, 5, - η act, all of which have a first set of cables 6 for the control the encoder are connected to the central controller and through a second set of cables 7 for the selective Transport of the video output signal from the video signal generators to the central controller for transmission to the user are also connected to the central controller.

Each video signal generator is activated individually by a suitable code number, which includes the individual image sought, and is used to advance to the desired entry

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zelbild, which is then taken over as a video signal by the central controller for further processing will.

In the usual mode of operation, consecutive Requests are received from the central controller, and one or more video signaling devices are switched in one after the other Activity set to deliver the requested visuals.

Corresponding to each individual requested frame Video signals are immediately forwarded to the tape assembler 8. These frames are consecutive and recorded in contiguous location on the tape for the content of a subsequent burst of images or an image group of individual single images to satisfy one or more requirements produce. The tape assembler is a video recording and playback device. Its control for arranging each video frame in direct relation to another, i.e. it is switched on / off by the central controller 1 via a suitable control line. the Units 1-8 generate a video signal of one or more each representing a specified image Frames.

Another low frequency channel AU connects the tape assembler 8 with the central control 1. This enables the time code control for indexing the related video material.

A transmission system 9 receives the picture group video signal, which now reproduces the user choice decisions, and directs it to a transmission channel.

The transmission system represents a broadband transmission channel. It can be a television transmitter for long-distance

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Visual broadcasts, cable television, or satellite broadcasts Directional beam transmitter act, which the video signal for the specified image edited by the user at video speed was requested. The term "broadband" covers a considerable area, normally it is understood to mean the frequency band from a few Hz up to 4.5 MHz, with one around the Factor 50% narrower or wider band is possible. The device according to the invention and the method work In any case. The width of the tape determines how detailed the images are.

In Fig. 1, the control / status line 10 connects the central control with the transmission system, in particular around prepare the transmission system to receive the group of images when the appropriate time for transmission has come is.

Fig. 2 shows in detail the central controller 1, included by a dashed line. For the sake of completeness, some of the remaining units are also included from Fig. 1 also shown.

The microprocessor 14 performs general control and follows a software program designed for the microprocessor, which is in the form of flowcharts in Fig. 5 is shown. The microprocessor can be implemented as a general purpose computer with integrated circuits such as the Intel 8085 model.

The manifold 15 connects the microprocessor to the various other units within the dashed lines Line of the circuit in FIG. 2. In a conventional embodiment, the bus can have 8 data lines, 16 Address lines and some other lines for control, i.e. write, read and timing lines include.

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A read-only memory 16 (ROM), e.g. an Intel 2716 memory, serves as a tape command circuit for the microprocessor 14 to give the floppy disk control circuit 17 access to enable a series of commands. The floppy disk control circuit 17 then accesses the program that is in the program storage device, the floppy disk 18, is located; it is usually a magnetic recording material.

The program is then stored in RAM memory 19 under the control of microprocessor 14. at the RAM memory 19 can be a semiconductor memory with the possibility of rewriting and trade with any access; E.g. the Mostek MK 4116, which has a field of 8x2 for 32 768 bytes is set up.

It is now possible to begin executing the program that is not just the operating program for the Microprocessor 14, but also mutual reference information between the catalog selection numbers and the associated Contains tape reel and frame numbers; also reference information between the tape reel number and the number of the player. All of this information is supplied by the floppy disk 18 and stored in the RAM memory 19 is stored.

The telephone interface 20 serves as a device for communication with the user. Your lower section has facilities for processing data and for control purposes, e.g. a call detector circuit, an "earpiece switch" relay, a line termination converter, and a push button detector circuit.

The data includes the functions "Call has been received" or "Call has not been received", "Cradle lifted"

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or not, etc .; whether or not numbers are received via pushbutton tone, and if so, those Counting. Other functions are "pick up the handset cradle", answer a call signal, and if applicable the payment. Other functions are "pick up the handset cradle", answer a call signal and "hang up the handset cradle" at the end of the conversation with the user.

The mentioned information flows in both directions through the data and control interface 21. This comprises conventional integrated digital circuits of the middle Degree of integration, which is usual for microprocessors for decoding addresses, for unit selection and to control three-state gates for inputting selected data on the bus 15 the-

l · 5 nen, as well as flip-flops for storing selected ones Data from the bus line 15. The elements Texas Instruments, Inc. 74 LS 240, 74LS 30, 74LS 138 and 74LS 259 can be used.

The three state gates have normal binary high and binary low states as well as one open circuit state. This allows a large number of these gates to be connected to the bus 15.

When a gate is in the fully open circuit state is located, it does not burden the manifold and therefore does not affect any other process the manifold. The circuit structure is similar as with the earlier communal telephone line. Each three-state gate has a pin for its control. An address decoder decodes the specific address of the associated gate. As soon this address occurs, only this particular three-state gate becomes set to the active state and

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then informs the bus of the condition that belongs to this input of the gate.

The speech synthesis device 22 is, for example, part of the devices for communication with the user. It receives data from the microprocessor 14 regarding voice messages sent to the user should be returned, and converts this data into the speech sounds to be sent to the user. Common Voice messages take a call from the user and provide accelerated assistance when making the selection, correct errors made by the user, inform the user of the transmission time his selection (s) and the page number (s) of his Select, end the call and arrange to hang up the phone at the end of the message. as The speech synthesis processor, Inc. TMS5200 from Texas Instruments may serve as a speech synthesis device.

Furthermore, the time of day clock 23 in FIG. 2 provides information about the real time which is used to formulate when a group broadcast can take place. There can be a single chip for digit formation along with some mid-level select chips, available from National Semiconductor Corporation, for example. This time of day clock is connected to the manifold 15. As a time standard for operation The time of day clock can have a piezo crystal that works at 32 kHz, for example, connected to the clock.

The control panel 24 for control and operating states An operator instructs the initial setup as well as the subsequent monitoring and, if necessary, changes. The operation panel 24 is connected to the bus 15 via the input / output circuit 25. Through this an addressable port interface connection is created

DipHng. Günter Schliebs Blatt JrtT "Patent Attorneys

Dr. rer. nat. Horst Zinngrebe "'Z.'". .: - "", in Darmstadt-

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connection to the manifold. This interface is the data and control interface 21 for the telephone described above is comparable. With a similar circuit structure but the address code is different,

At the bottom left in Fig. 2 represent various sources for the several video signal generators 3, 4, 5, -η shown in Fig. 1. Each of these devices is connected to the collecting line 15 via the machine input / output units 26, 26 ′.

In Fig. 2, a video tape recorder (VTR) 3 together with the machine input / output unit is used as the video signal generator 26, as an example of the various signal sources and accompanying input / output units, which are shown in more detail emerge from FIG. 1.

A known time code output signal is sent from the video tape recorder 3 to the input / output unit 26 via the Line 27 is transmitted to provide the microprocessor 14 with address information. The machine on / Output unit 26 is similar to the interface 21 described above, except that it is additionally known time code reading circuits and devices for transmitting selected data therefrom Has circuits on the busbar 15.

Another output signal of the video tape recorder 3 is on a line 29 on the way to the final Transmission passed to the video switching and VI code insertion unit 30. The unit 30 has known insert circuits for VI code (vertical interval code) and known video routing circuits.

The unit 31 is constructed in a similar way to the interface 21. These two additional Circuits take data on the bus 15

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from the microprocessor 14 when the addresses for these interfaces are available.

The video signal generator 4 and its machine input / output unit 26 'are shown in dashed lines in FIG. These Unit and any others are based on the circuits for the video tape recorder 3 and deliver output signals the video switching unit 30. The video switching unit 30 generates the correct video signal from the set of various video signal generators under the control of the microprocessor 14 output by the switching and VI code control unit 31.

In this way the unique code given by the microprocessor is put into the vertical interval I (VI) or synchronization interval inserted, whereupon the lines for this information individually for each of the (several) selected frames can be selected.

This selected video signal then goes to the tape assembler 8; see Fig. 2. The tape assembler 8 is over the tape assembler input / output unit 32 is connected to the manifold 15. This input / output unit is the machine input / output unit 26, except that their address and digital controls are for the recorded Function is different.

The tape assembler 8, which is a video recording and reproducing device has time code information recorded in advance, and under the control of the on / off Output unit 32 causes the microprocessor 14 the tape assembler 8 to position its video tape so that which usually several individual images that are not related to one another are arranged in a contiguous manner.

When a batch of images or a group of images, usually consisting of several individual images, after assembling in the tape assembler

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is to be transmitted, the video signals are reproduced from the video tape of the same and from the video transmission equipment 9 added. This is preferably done according to an empirically established plan; i.e., about every half Hour or with greater or lesser frequency, depending on the requirements of the user or from other suitable Points of view.

The transmitter input / output unit 33 is connected to the collecting line 15 and via the control and status line 10 the video transmission system or the video transmission system 9 connected. The final signal for the release of the The image group is transmitted via the transmitter input / output unit 33 from the microprocessor 14.

The video transmission system 9 has been described in connection with FIG. 1. The transmitter input / output unit 33 is connected to it by the line 10 and to the collecting line 15 for the purpose of control. The transmitter on / Output unit 33 corresponds to unit 21 apart from one different address.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the user's equipment located in a home, office, or shop.

The receiver 40 picks up the incoming transmitted signal. Depending on the type of transmission channel it can Doing so around a television receiver for the signal a television station, a power amplifier for a video cable signal, a satellite receiver for be the signal of a satellite transmission or a directional receiver for directional beam transmitters.

The video cassette recorder 41 is used to store one or several frames after they are used as video signals were transferred. A high quality device, for example from Panasonic, RCA or Sony, is preferably used for this purpose.

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used.

Usually the receiver 40 is with the video cassette recorder 41 connected for recording the entire incoming image group of individual images.

Use of the overall system begins with reference to a catalog of the information available. In In a mature system, the range of information available is very large. The catalog can be printed as a Publication or a user using a simple code such as 001 via the Transmission and reception system are presented. Similar measures can be used for a number of general Picture themes are provided so that the user is not overwhelmed by what is available.

The telephone 42 in Fig. 3 is the usual one of the Local telephone company installed push-button device and is usually connected to the telephone line connected, via this facility the user can make his request known to the control center by calling calls there as usual. After the speech synthesis unit 22 in the control center has asked the user to do so, he selects the selection of individual images via pushbuttons, that he wishes to see. The central controller 1 determines when the image group that these selections contains, will be sent, and which of the page numbers used indicate the selection made by the user will.

The central control processes all requirements and has information on how many requests are still ahead of this particular user. This size is programmed to estimate how long the expected time interval is before the request that particular user will be assembled on the tape assembler of FIG.

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Assuming a picture group transmission every half hour, further assuming that the next picture group transmission is due at ten minutes and the user's selection can be put together in seven minutes in this case, the speech synthesis device 22 is instructed to inform the user that his picture group transmission is done in ten minutes. Otherwise, if the queue of other requirements and the compilation time for the requirements IQ tion of the user twelve minutes or longer require, so the announcement is to inform you that the desired image group show will take place in 40 minutes.

After this information, the user gives the time of the picture group transmission and the page numbers of his selection into its local control unit 43.

Alternatively, the device can be made that by pressing a key at the user the Transmission time and the page numbers of the selection electronically can be entered directly into the local control unit over the telephone line. The voice response can be omitted or supplemented by a simple code that is recorded directly by the local control unit will.

After reception, the group of pictures is stored on video tape in the video cassette recorder 41. Thereafter the user can view his selection or multiple selections at any time by simply clicking the local control unit 43 turns on. This activates the cassette recorder 41 as a reproducing device is set and reproduces the frame repeatedly at video speed. It appears on the TV screen 44, which consists of a picture tube with the associated deflection circuits.

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The reproduced video signal is transferred from the video cassette recorder 41 to the local control unit for the purpose of extraction the VI code information needed to locate the user-specified page or pages will. Optionally, the television screen can be darkened for all other pages possibly contained in the picture group will. In addition, it is possible to use a system known per se and possibly provided in the local control unit The page number can be displayed in a corner of the video image. Such a display is desirable when the user wants to check all pages of an image group.

The local control unit either automatically or manually switches the video cassette recorder to the still image mode, the continuous viewing of a selected individual image or each individual image to enable by hand control.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the local control unit in the user's facility. The main function of the local Control unit consists in storing a specific page of selected video information in the locally stored to find the transferred image group. The structure follows that of the central controller 1 in Fig. 2, but is simpler, because there are only fewer numerous and changing tasks to be performed.

The microprocessor 4 7, the bus line 48, the read-only memory 49 and the random memory 50 are of the same type as the corresponding units of the central controller 1.

Because of its greater simplicity, the entire control program is fixed and stored in the read-only memory 49. Accordingly, the random memory 50 can be smaller in this case. An Intel 8085,

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as read-only memory 49 an Intel 2716, and as random memory 50 two Intel 2142 can be used.

The machine input / output unit 51 performs the same function as the unit 26. The input / output unit 51 controls the video cassette recorder 41 for the purpose of video reproduction User.

A relatively simple control / status panel 52 allows allows the user to carry out basic functions, e.g. switching the system on and off, selecting and the initiation of control functions.

The control panel input / output unit 5 3 connects the Control / status operator panel with bus 48. This operator panel input / output unit does the same Functions like the control panel input / output unit 25.

The VI code reading unit 54 is connected to the reproduced video signal fed from the video cassette recorder. The VI code reading unit 54 interprets the vertical interval code of the one or more lines that were deleted during the vertical blanking interval of the Video signal occur. A suitable code is the well-known SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television) code Engineers code). This code uses only one line.

The code reading unit 54 is also connected to the manifold 48 tied together. This structure allows the microprocessor 47 to extract the VI code data it needs for its program for the localization of the required page.

The time of day clock 46 feeds the manifold 48.

The video character generator 56 also receives the reproduced video signal from the line 5 5. The page number

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of the vertical interval information is used as an auxiliary video signal which is put on the television screen 44 in FIG. This formulation is done with the help of well-known Devices employing integrated circuits such as National Semiconductor Part No. NM 5840 or similar parts. This gives a page number that can be read by the human eye for the insertion in a corner of the TV picture.

FIG. 5A is a flow diagram for the microprocessor 14 the central controller 1 as a foreground program. Figure 5B provides the same illustration for the background program.

The microprocessor 14 is arranged for multi-process operation, i.e. for a program which simultaneously executes two Functions. The execution is usually carried out by an interrupt program, which is the one program partially executes, then moves to the other program and partially executes it, then to the first program goes over to the execution of another part, and so on.

The foreground program usually performs the main functions.

In FIG. 5A, the foreground program begins at "Start" with the initial conditions. The program continues at decision point 61, “sending time?”. This refers to the transmission of a group of images from Frames according to the present invention. The answer is sometimes "yes", but mostly "no". If "no" the process continues until the second decision point 62, “Are there any requirements?”. If no requirements are present, the function returns to the beginning, as indicated by the arrow on the "No" line. These Loop is repeated many times and several times in a second

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run through.

If the answer to "request?" "Yes" will be requested video material in the video tape recorders and playback devices 1, 2, -η localized and played. This is the program step "Localization and playback of the requested video material" 63.

These video signals are then passed on to the tape assembler 8, and a relevant vertical interval code (VI code) is inserted; Program step 64.

In program step 6 5 are then in the tape assembler 8 the requested individual image (s) are recorded continuously on video tape.

This is followed by elimination from the list of requirements; that is, the request that was just handled is removed from the list. After this program step 66 it is reversed Program at the beginning of the decision "Send time?" back and the process repeats.

Less frequently than the expiration of the requirements program the "sending time" will occur. The "yes" to this actuates program step 67, which prescribes "Rewind tape assembler 8 to the beginning of the current picture group sequence". The program then continues to 68, "Playback of the group of pictures video recording for the transmission, routing signal to the transmitter ". The transmitter is responsible for the takeover and the transmission of the Group of images prepared.

The program flow then continues to 69, "Position the tape for the next group of pictures and start video information record ". Each group of images can be separated from the next by a blank image; the Image groups can, however, also follow one another directly

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gen. A tape filled with image group records can be kept for a while for future reference, but the tape can also be made using the known Can be used again.

Simultaneously with the foreground program described above the background program according to FIG. 5B also runs. There is a starting point 70 "Start" when switching. Program flow continues to "control / status panel" at 71 which is the unit 24 in FIG. 2 corresponds. This control panel is scanned to the state entered by the operator of the controls.

The program flow then continues to decision point 72 “Has there been a call?”. The call is through a telephone call detector circuit was detected.

Most of the time there will be no call; the program is running through the "no" loop back to rescan the control panel at 71.

If the answer to the question "Have you got a call?" is given with "Yes", an "automatic response circuit" activated. That is, a load resistor is placed on the telephone line so that the The telephone circuit stops ringing. Program step 73 is thus carried out.

A voice then confirms that the picture group transmission parts has been reached and the user is prompted to enter their requirements; Program step 74. This is done by the user using his touch phone for the numeric code of his taken Dial (s) operated regardless of the fact that he already reached the originally called telephone number Has. A computer program will then check whether its

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Requirement (s) are valid. This happens at the branch point 75 "Request valid?".

If it doesn't, either because of the requirement contains too many digits or a first digit is incorrect because it does not correspond to a catalog number, see above asks for a suitable formulated by the central controller and by the speech synthesis unit 22 in FIG. 2 Executed voice announcement to correct the request. This is done using the "No" function from point 75 to Point "Requirement correction" 76. The program runs back to the input of the "Requirement input" 74 to the to receive corrected input.

If the requirement (s) are valid, they are accepted, and a voice announcement asks the user if he has any further requirements for frames. This is the "yes" function from decision point 75 to decision point 77 "Additional requirements?". If the answer to point 77 is "yes", the program goes back to the input of the "request input" 74.

If there are no further requirements from the user, If the program proceeds via "No" from point 77 to "Entering the waiting list, calculating and displaying time and page numbers "78. These steps are carried out by the central controller, which also includes the individual images or input the frame requested into the tape assembler 8 in FIG.

A voice announcement is then given over the telephone line to the user, which the transmission time and the Page numbers, and a termination announcement after which the telephone line of the picture group broadcaster returns to the state of the attached hearing fork and is thus ready for the next call.

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All of this takes place in program step 79, and then the program returns to point 71 "Operate." The activity potential for the microprocessor returns to the "Starf" state.

Figure 6 shows a flow diagram for the microprocessor the local control unit 43. This is a single program flow chart.

The program begins at "Start" 81, the introductory one Conditions. Then follows at 82 "scan mode control". This program step checks the switch positions on the control / status panel 52 which determine what the user wishes to do.

With this initial guidance, the program arrives at the first decision point 83 which asks "Is that Control set for recording? "If the answer is" No "as usual, the sequence goes to the next Decision point 84 which asks, "Is the controller set to display at 82?" If the answer If "No" is, the system is idle and the program returns after "Start", the controller scans at 82 again, and so on.

If the user has switched the control to recording at 82, the answer at 8 3 will be "yes". The program then proceeds to decision point 85, "Is it time to record?" In general the answer is "no" and the program circles around point 85 until it is time to record has come.

If the answer is "yes", program step 86 "switch video cassette recorder to recording" is activated.

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and the recording of the incoming picture group is carried out.

Decision point 87, "Is it time to stop recording?" is also activated. The program circles in the "no" loop from decision point 87 as long as recording continues. To When the recording is finished, the answer at this point is "Yes". This has the effect of switching off the recorder at point 88 and turn on end of recording lamp ". In the unit 52 in FIG. 4 shows the indicator lamp for the end of recording.

When this recording process is finished, the Return the program to the beginning at "Start" 81 to wait for the next command.

If, on the other hand, the user had the controller 82 set to play, the answer at 84 is "yes". The program expects the user at 89 to "enter the desired frame selection". It acts it is a page number or a picture number of your choice, expressed in system-standard form. The program then reads the choice at "Read the code of the video signal from the video cassette recorder", point 90. This is it is the vertical interval time code, for example the SMPTE code.

At decision point 91 the question is then asked, "Does the code in the video cassette recorder match the selection code?" In general, the Answer "No", so that the program continues after 92, "Continue video tape until selection".

From there the program returns to point 90 to determine whether the required code match

Dipl.-Ing. Gunter Schliebs Blatu2 "3. - Patent arvälte

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is satisfied. If this is not the case, the process repeats through 92 until a code match is reached. The answer at decision point 91 is then "yes" and the step "play back the selected one." Video signal "93 is initiated. This sets the video cassette recorder 41 in FIG the display on the television screen 44 in progress.

While stage 93 is running, the question is repeatedly asked at decision point 94, "Playback ended?" As long as the User viewed the playback of the selected frame, the answer is "no" and the program circles in the "no" loop. When the user selects the single image display no longer wishes, he operates a control belonging to stage 82, which his wish registered. Then at point 94 the answer is "yes". As a result, the program returns to "Start" 81, and the The user's system is ready to accept another command when he has entered in step 82 will.

The data for the decision "Is it time to record?" at decision point 85 come from random memory 50 associated with microprocessor 47 is. In these the recording time is in hours, minutes and seconds have been entered in advance in 24-hour format. The time of day clock gives the correct time, once the user has set it to the correct time of day.

Obviously, when these two times coincide, it is "time to record". Agreement 0 can be recognized by repeatedly subtracting the two times. If the result of this operation is exactly zero, the times are the same.

Dipl.-Ing. Günter Schliebs sheet 2r4 ~ patent attorneys

Dr. rer. nat Horst Zinngrebe '. - "- in Darmatadi

_ 1% - " E.

The time is entered into the memory by the user after the user receives this information from the telephone exchange the image group broadcasting station has received via voice announcement. This happens after the processing its request in the computer, as described above.

Alternatively, the central controller can be set up for entering this point in time so that it receives the code via the telephone line to the user from the telephone interface 20 directly into the random memory 50 of the Microprocessor 47 with the aid of a second telephone interface in Fig. 4 transmits.

The duration of the recording can be adjusted according to the conditions of use of the system. For a minute 1800 individual images are recorded. The length of time can then be set, taking into account a margin for small inaccuracies in the two involved watches.

A range of suitable broadband channels for transmission has been listed above. Mainly the sharing of the transmission channel was proposed; e.g. in a television program broadcast, which is normally the broadcast channel for less than a minute and not often used for group transfers would be.

Alternatively, the use of a particular channel in a cable television system or an equivalent system are provided. This is a separate broadband channel that is exclusively or almost exclusively is used for group broadcasting.

Because of the different image content in each of the

">r> i -Ing. Gunter Schliebs BInIt 2-0 * Patent Attorneys

, ν rpr 'int. Horst Zinngrebe in Darmstadt

E.

"The broadcast appears with individual still pictures of the picture group as a series of kaleidoscopic flashes that are incomprehensible to any observer.

This is in contrast to the usual television broadcast, in which every single image remains almost the same like the previous and the following single image. This creates the demonstration of an ongoing one Image.

A special channel could do a lot and practically continuously be used; However, when viewed the transmission does not result in a photo presentation in the usual sense of the word, but a series of incomprehensible flashes.

A significant difference between the two types of display is the very low concentration of optical Information in the representation of the television program in which thousands of individual images are the same or can have almost the same image content; compared to the image group display, in which each individual image is different.

The efficiency in transmitting significant optical image contents is in the group of images transmission system several thousand times larger. With the picture group system, you can print an entire magazine in a fraction of a minute be transmitted. Twenty volumes of a monthly can be transcribed in one hour. Magazines and other periodicals can be grouped to subscribers "Delivered" with significant paper and transport cost savings.

Instead of the video tape recorder 41 and 8, 3, 4 and others, large-scale digital storage can be achieved using Semiconductor or other video storage devices

Dipl.-Ing. Günter Schliebs Blatt ^ σ _ Patent Attorneys

Dr. rer. nat. Horst Zinngrebe - in Darmstadt ■

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are provided.

The expression "empirically drawn up plan" means that although operational reasons a group of pictures in every half hour, but this is not necessarily the case. The time interval can be according to the existing wishes and possibilities may be shorter or longer.

If there is an assigned transmission channel, the time interval between the request of the user can be and the broadcast of his group of pictures are limited to a few minutes. The time would be with the instant Traffic levels in the system vary.

To the facilities for forming a frame video signal a slide projector with a television camera, a film projection apparatus with an image stop and a television camera, or a television camera that includes an original scene, a magazine page, a drawing or takes photography or something else.

The term group of pictures or burst means a number of individual pictures in television picture format which usually consist of two interlaced fields, with the US standard of 525 lines, 30 frames 60 fields per second. As noted above, there is usually no relationship between the image contents of the successive individual images, as is the case with normal television is.

The term video speed means the formation of a (television) video signal with a scanning speed such that that the continuity of the movement of the image content, which is recognizable to the human eye, is preserved remain. Although lower and higher speeds can be used, the US standard is 60

-I -! Ng. Günter Schliebs sheet ^ f . .. patent attorneys

re; nat Horst Zinngrebe ·; ir. Darmstadt

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Fields (interlacing two to one), 30 frames per second a recognized speed.

The term user denotes a viewer at a system with a television screen according to the invention. Of the The term subscriber could be used instead if the user pays for the group shows. Technically, all three words are interchangeable.

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Claims (1)

Applicant: EECO INCORPORATED, 1601 EaST Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, California, 92701, U.S.A. Claims Method of playing a specified full Image at a remote location, characterized in that only one video signal frame of the specified Image content is formed; that this video signal frame over a broadband transmission channel at video speed is transferred and saved after the transfer at video speed and that the saved A frame of video signal is repeatedly reproduced at the original video speed as necessary will. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that several different specified images are selected and the Method steps according to claim 1, one after the other for the one single image of the first image, then for the one single image of the second picture and so on up to the last selected picture, and that the video signals, which represent the different individual images, together before transmission via the broadband transmission kancil. Dipl.-Ing. Günter Schliebs sheet_ 2 _ "... Patent attorneys Dr. rer. nat. Horst Zinngrebe "* .- - ~ z ''. '.-"". In Darmstadt «E 546 Ι - be arranged hanging. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that a unique code is inserted into the video signal, which designates each of the several selected individual images, and that subsequent to code agreement is checked in order to reproduce only a given frame from a number of such frames. 4. .Verfahren according to claim 3, characterized in that a collection of successive different ones Video signal frames given as a coherent group of images for transmission in the broadband transmission channel will. · 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the image group of the video signal individual images in the broadband channel is entered according to an empirically established plan. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a video signal frame in a mutually exclusive manner of the specified image content is faded into an otherwise continuous video image transmission will. 7. Device for carrying out the method according to a or more of claims 1-6, with a video signal device (1-8) for the formation of a specified one Picture frame video signal; with a television transmission system (9) with sufficient bandwidth to transmit the video signal for the specified image at video speed; with a television receiver (40) for recording the video signals from the transmission system (9); with a video signal memory (41), the Dinl.-Ing. Günter Schliebs sheet - 3 - ■. Patent attorneys or. rci. nat. Horst Zinngrebe. '.''.' .. ' In Darmstadt Rait video speed at least the video signal for the stores a specified image and which is connected to the television receiver (40); with a TV screen (44) and a local control unit (43) responsible for selecting the specified image for display with the video signal memory (41) and the television screen (44) is connected. 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the video signal device (1-8) a central controller (1) for the requirements of several specified · images and their sequential processing. 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the central control (1) with several video signal transmitters (3, 4 - n) for the specified images and with a tape assembler (8), which outputs a coherent video signal for the specified images. 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the central controller (1) has a microprocessor (14) Storage devices (16, 19) and floppy disk computer program memories (18), a telephone interface (20) with Data / control interface (21) and speech synthesis device (22), a video switching unit (30) with switching control unit (31) for inserting a vertical interval code into each frame in the contiguous video signal and a collecting line (15) for connecting the units of the central controller (1) for control by the Contains microprocessor (14). 11. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the local control unit (43) has a microprocessor (47) with memories (49.50), a vertical interval code reading unit (54) connected to the video signal memory (41) for retrieving the transmitted Vertical interval codes DipHng. Günter Schliebs bid}. .4 ... - - Patent attorneys Dr. rer. naL Horst Zinngrebe .-; ; "" - '..'". in Darmstadt is connected, and comprises a manifold (48) which interconnects the units of the local control unit (43) for control by the microprocessor (47).