GB2193353A

GB2193353A - Recording on video tape using microcomputer and video tape recorder

Info

Publication number: GB2193353A
Application number: GB08531910A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Talluri Stephen Prasad
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-12-30
Filing date: 1985-12-30
Publication date: 1988-02-03
Also published as: GB8531910D0

Abstract

A method of recording graphic images and characters of a microcomputer (1) on video tape using a video tape recorder (5) comprises: (a) Feeding output video signals of the microcomputer to the video tape recorder; (b) Recording the output video signal of the microcomputer on video tape; (c) Repeating the steps (a) and (b) until a full-length feature film is produced; (d) Audio-dubbing the video tape. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Method of and system for recording on video tape using microcomputer and video tape recorder FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is on how to produce video films using a microcomputer and video tape recorder without video camera. The recording of the video signal output of microcomputer on video tape uses the graphics and character generation facilities of a microcomputer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART So far video camera is used to produce video films. In some cases, microcomputer is used to control video tape recorder or television receiver. And in some other cases microcomputer is used in conjunction with television receiver and video tape recorder to display the films. The need of microcomputer whenever video film needs to be displayed adds to the cost of the equipment and makes it difficult for the operator as the system is complex and cumbersome.

So far video output signal of a microcomputer is not recorded on video directly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a simple, inexpensive, practical way of producing video films using graphic and character generation facilities of a microcomputer. This invention relates to recording directly the output of microcomputer video signal on video tape through video tape recorder. Synchronizing the frequency of the RF output signal of the microcomputer and the frequency of the built-in signal-generator of the video tape recorder is an object of my invention.

Another object of the invention is to produce feature films using graphic and character generation facilities of microcomputer.

Another object of the invention is to produce films in different languages using character generation facility of microcomputer.

Yet another object of the invention is audiodubbing on the video tape through a microphone connected directly to the video tape recorder, thus making the tape self-explanatory.

The production cost of the video film is quite less compared to that of the video camera technique. Though live video signals are not present in the films produced using this invention, the graphic and character generation facilities with colours of a microcomputer can outweigh the live production especially in the field of teaching certain points of a diagram block, schematic, or circuit designs. In producing cartoon films using animation and graphic facilities of microcomputer this invention is of immense value. With very less production cost compared to the video camera technique or any other method, cartoon films can be produced.

In developing countries, the use of microcomputers is not common due to lack of experts and lack of microcomputers which are very expensive in those countries. The video film produced using the invention eliminates the presence of microcomputer. The video film is a ready-made package to cater to the needs of the user.

The initial expenditure to start with for producing video films using this invention is approximately six hundred sterling pounds. The break-down of the expenditure is - 300 for video tape recorder, 200 for television receiver, 80 for microcomputer and 20 for microphone. On the contrary, a video camera itself costs more than 600 sterling pounds.

The recurring expenditure is the cost of empty video and audio tapes. Of course an efficient programmer specialized in interactive graphics is the director and producer of the films.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram of the system of recording on video tape using microcomputer, video tape recorder, microphone, audio tape recorder and television receiver.

Figure 2 is a block diagram to illustrate the connection between microcomputer and video tape recorder.

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing various positions of video tape recorder.

Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the frequency and channel selector compartment of the television receiver.

Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of video tape.

Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram showing how to store and retrieve audio signals using audio tape recorder; also how to view the display from the microcomputer on the screen of television receiver.

Figure 7 is a software program for drawing a square Figure 8 is the display generated by microcomputer using the software of Fig. 7 Figure 9 is schematic block diagram of audio tape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI MENTS Referring to the drawing, the method of and the system for recording on video tape using microcomputer and video tape recorder is illustrated in Fig. 1 in a block diagram. In Fig. 2 the RF output signal 7 from the microcomputer 1 is fed as the RF input signal 8 to the video tape recorder 2. The video tape recor der 2 is in tuner position 15 and UHF channel of the built-in signal generator 17 as shown in Fig. 3. The RF output signal 14 of the video tape recorder 2 is then fed as RF input signal to the television receiver 3 by connecting the RF output 14 of the video tape recorder 2 to the RF input 19 of the television receiver 3.

The television receiver 3 is in VHF channel by tuning the frequency selector 20 as shown in Fig. 4. The video tape recorder 2 is loaded with the video tape 9 and the RF output signals 7 from the microcomputer 1 are recorded on the video tape 9 by switching on the play 10 and record 11 buttons of the video tape recorder 2.

Synchronizing the frequency of the RF output signals of the microcomputer 1 and the frequency of the built-in signal-generator 17 of the video tape recorder 2 is an object of my invention.

A microphone 4 is connected to the MIC 13 of the video tape recorder 2 as shown in Fig.

1 and 3. By switching on the rewind button 18 of the video tape recorder 2 the video tape 9 is rewind. Audio-dub 12 and play 10 buttons are switched on while the video tape recorder 2 is in camera position 16. Audio signals of a human voice through microphone 4 are recorded on the tape 9. The video tape thus becomes self-explanatory.

The microcomputer 1 with limited memory capacity is used to generate characters and draw diagrams using graphics. The software 26 is stored on audio tape 28 using an audio tape recorder 5. Fig. 6 is a block diagram to illustrate how to store the software 26 an audio tape 28 and how to retrieve the software 26 from the audio tape 28. The characters generated or pictures drawn using graphics of the microcomputer 1 are stored on audio tape by connecting the MIC 24 of microcomputer 1 to the MIC 23 of audio tape recorder 5. The software 26 is recorded on audio tape 28 by switching on the play 29 and the record 30 buttons of the audio tape recorder 5. Several programs like software 26 thus may be stored on audio tape 28.When properly edited, the programs may be called back to the microcomputer 1 memory in the sequence required by connecting the EAR 21 of the audio tape recorder 5 to EAR 22 of the microcomputer 1 and switching on the play button 29 of the audio tape recorder 5. In Fig.

7 software 26 program to draw a square 27 is given. To view the display 27 which is produced using software 26 on the television screen of receiver 3, the RF video signal output 7 of the microcomputer 1 is connected as the RF signal input 19 of the television receiver 3. This time the frequency selector 20 of the receiver 3 is in UHF channel.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the present invention contemplates a video film produced using microcomputer, video tape recorder, microphone, and audio tape recorder. The synchronization of the frequency of the video output signal of the microcomputer and the frequency of the built-in signalgenerator of the video tape recorder is one object; audio-dubbing on the video tape is another object to make the video tape selfexplanatory. The video film produced using this invention is an asset in any field - education, business, entertainment, industry, engineering, medical, science, arts, public information, commerce, health and so on.

Claims

1. Method of recording the output of microcomputer video signal on video tape through video tape recorder-by synchronizing the RF output signal of microcomputer and the built-in signal generator of video tape recorder

2. To use the method of claim 1 to produce feature films using graphic and character generation facilities of microcomputer

3. To use method of claim 1 to produce films of claim 2 in different languages

4. To audio-dub the films of claim 3 to make the video tapes self-explanatory

5. To produce cartoon films using the method of claim 1 & 2

6. To produce educational and feature films of all types for training and teaching purposes using claims 1, 2 & 3

7. To record industrial designs and any artistic designs for record-keeping using claims 1 to 4

8. To record letters of alphabet of any language using claims 1 to 4

9. A system for recording graphic images and characters of microcomputer on video tape recorder which comprises: (a) means for feeding output video signals of microcomputer to video tape recorder; (b) means for audio-dubbing

10. A system according to claim 9 comprising a video tape recorder whose signalgenerator is tuned to the video signal from microcomputer

11. A system according to claim 9 comprising a television or monitor on which the outgoing video signal of video tape recorder is tuned

12. A system according to claim 9 comprising a microphone connected to video tape recorder for audio-dubbing

13. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings attached on the day of filing the patent application.