JPH03276481A - Video tape recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily access a program in a short time by recording address information of the recording start point of the program in the tape top part of a video tape. CONSTITUTION:In the program recording mode, a CPU 8 for control management data processing gives mark signal data as control signal recording data S44 to an encoder/decoder 54 for CTL recording to record a recording start point mark signal and a recording end point mark signal at the timings of the recording start point and the recording end point of a program video signal. Consequently, a user confirms contents of the start address item and the end address item of each program information to easily find the recording position of the program, which is recorded on a video tape 36 at present, without running the video tape 36 at the fast-forwarding/reproducing speed, and each program is easily accessed.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] The present invention will be explained in the following order.

A: Industrial field of application B: Outline of the invention C: Conventional technology - Problems to be solved by the invention E! 18 (Figs. 1, 3, and 4) F effect (Figs. 1, 3, and 4) (4th embodiment (G1) Overall configuration of video tape recorder (Fig. 4) Figure 1) (
G2) Functional blocks of the videotape recorder (Figure 2) (G3) Videotape recording format (Figures 3 to 6) (G4) Setting processing of the videotape recorder (Figures 7 to 11) (G5 ) Recording of program start address and program end address (Fig. 12) (G6) Second embodiment (Fig. 13) (G7) Other embodiments (Fig. 14) H Effect of invention A Industrial application field Book The present invention relates to a video tape recorder, and is particularly suitable for application to a video tape recorder for civil use.

B. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, in a video tape recorder, data representing the recording start position of a recorded program is recorded in a concentrated manner at the top of the tape, thereby making it possible to further facilitate program access.

C. Prior Art Conventional consumer video tape recorders record multiple programs on a longitudinally extending videotape.
A cue signal is recorded at the beginning of each program. For example, when a user wants to play a desired program from a recorded tape, the user must first set the video tape recorder to search mode and use the video tape to cue. After fast-forwarding the signal to a position where it can be played back, the user first switches to playback mode and checks whether it is the program he or she wants to watch.

Problems to be solved by the invention D However, in this conventional video tape recorder,
Among the recorded video tapes that record multiple programs, select the program that the user wants to play using f! When accessing a program, it is necessary to repeatedly search the video tape recorder when accessing the program, deciding on a program to play, searching for a program to play, or re-recording a recorded program as a new program. However, there is a complication in actually having to fast-forward and play back a videotape for quite a long time.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and by making it possible to determine the recording area of all programs before fast-forwarding the video tape, each program can be easily accessed in a short time. The purpose of this paper is to propose a video tape recorder that can achieve this goal.

E! III! Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve this problem, in the present invention, one or more numbers 11PI, P2, P3- are recorded on the videotape 36.
In the video tape recorder 1, which is capable of recording..., the numbers tflP1 and
Recording start point M K r + of P2, P3...
By recording the address information of s, M K pzs, M K -ss =..., the recording positions of programs P1, P2, P3... on the videotape 36 can be centrally managed. Make it.

The recording start points of each program are indicated at the top of the F-action videotape 36 MKils, MKpts, MKpxs --
By recording the address information in a concentrated manner, it is possible to easily determine the recording position of programs P1, P2, P3, etc. on the video tape 36 just by playing back the top part of the tape. Therefore, each program P1, P2, P
Access to 3... can be dramatically changed to NH4.

G example An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(G1) Overall configuration of video tape recorder In FIG. 1, 1 indicates a video tape recorder (VTR) as a whole, and a recorded video signal S1 input via a video signal processing section 2 is supplied to the video tape recorder main body 3. As a result, this is recorded, and the reproduced video signal S2 is supplied to the monitor 4 via the video signal processing section 2 as a video output signal S3.

In addition to this, a control management data processing section 5 is provided, and inputs an input/output information signal S4 given from a remote controller 6 to a central processing unit (CPU) 8 for processing control management data via a remote control transmitter/receiver 7. As a result, control information S5 is sent to the bus 9, thereby controlling the video signal processing section 2 and the circuit elements constituting the video tape recorder main body 3, and control information S6 is sent to the video tape recorder main body 3 via the bus 10. A control signal S7 for the mechanism elements constituting the video tape recorder body 3 is generated by communicating with a mechanism control central processing unit (CPU) 11 of the video tape recorder main body 3.

The video signal processing unit 2 manually selects the received video signal Sll received by the tuner 21, the external line video signal SL2 supplied from the input line of an external video signal source, and the internal synchronization signal 513 generated in the internal synchronization circuit 22. The signal is inputted to the superimposed fader circuit 24 through the circuit 23, and thus the recorded video signal S1 is obtained at the output terminal of the superimposed fader circuit 24.

The recorded video signal S1 is supplied to the recording circuit 32 through the recording switching circuit 31, and is recorded on the video tape 36 of the video cassette 35 by the magnetic head 34 through the electromagnetic conversion circuit 33 in the recording mode.

In this way, the video signal recorded on the video tape 36 is picked up by the reproduction circuit 37 via the magnetic head 34 and the electromagnetic conversion circuit 33 in the reproduction mode, and is picked up by the reproduction switching circuit 38.
is sent to the video signal processing section 2 as a reproduced video signal S2.

This reproduced video signal S2 is further passed through an output selection circuit 39 to a video processing circuit 40, where it is converted into a video output signal S3 and displayed on the display screen 4A of the monitor 4.

Control management data processing CPU of control management data processing section 5
Reference numeral 8 indicates basic data stored in the basic data memory 43 having a ROM configuration and RAM configuration based on the input/output information signal S4 input from the remote controller 6 or the input information signal S8 input from the VTR keyboard 12. Control information S5 and S6 are sent to buses 9 and 10 by processing the processed data stored in register 44 based on a clock signal from clock circuit 45.

In this embodiment, a card reader 46 is connected to the bus 9, and the control management data processing CPU 8 is connected to the card reader 46.
6, the basic data read from the IC card 47 can be loaded into the register 44.

If it is necessary to notify the user of the processing results obtained by processing data in the control management data processing CPU 8 in this way, the control management data processing CPU 8
U8 supplies an image display information signal S14 to the video display processor 41 as part of the control information S5, and the image display information signal 314 causes the video RAM 4 to
By supplying the image display signal 315 read from 2 to the superimpose fader circuit 24, a superimposed output is obtained by superimposing the image display signal S15 on the video signal 316 supplied from the input selection circuit 23. By supplying the signal S17 to the video processing circuit 40 through the output selection circuit 39, a video is created by superimposing an image signal consisting of letters, characters, diagrams, etc. on the video signal on the display screen 4A of the monitor 4. The screen is configured to allow interaction with the user by displaying the .

In this embodiment, when an image consisting of letters, characters, diagrams, etc. is displayed on the display screen 4A of the monitor 4, the control management data processing CPU 8 transmits an image signal representing the same image from the remote control transmitter/receiver 7. Input/output information signal S
4 is supplied to the remote controller 6, so that the same image as the display screen 4A of the monitor 4 is displayed on the display screen 6A of the remote controller 6.

Here, the control management data processing CPU is the control information S5.
As part of the process, write management data S25 related to the recording and playback operations of the video tape recorder main body 3 is transferred to the video tape through the image recording encoder 51, and then sequentially through the recording switching circuit 31, the recording circuit 32, and the electromagnetic conversion circuit 33. 3
6, and the management data written in the video recording track is transferred to the electromagnetic conversion circuit 33, the playback circuit 37, and the playback switching circuit 3.
When the data is read through the image recording decoder 52, it can be taken in as read management data 326 via the bus 9.

In addition, in this embodiment, the control management data processing CPU 8 electromagnetically converts write management data 327 similar to the write management data S25 given to the image recording encoder 51 through the audio recording encoder/decoder 53. circuit 3
3, the management data D0 is recorded on the audio recording tracks CH1 and CH2 of the video tape 36 via the magnetic head 34, and the management data D0 is recorded on the audio recording tracks CH1 and CH2 of the video tape 36
The management data D^V recorded on the audio track C) 11 and CH2 is read out from the electromagnetic conversion circuit 33 via the magnetic head 34, and the audio recording encoder/decoder 5
3, it is taken into the control management data processing CPU 8 as read management data S28.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control management data processing CPU
8 supplies the write management data S29 similar to the write management data 325 given to the image recording encoder 51 to the electromagnetic conversion circuit 33 through the CTL recording encoder/decoder 54, thereby converting the management data D4v into magnetic... At the same time, the management data DAY recorded on the control signal recording track TCT of the video tape 36 is transferred to the IT magnetic conversion circuit 33 via the magnetic head 34.
CTL recording encoder/decoder 54
By reading out the data, it is taken into the control management data processing CPU 8 as read management data S30.

(G2) Functional Block Control of Video Tape Recorder The data processing CPU 8 controls the video tape recorder as a whole according to the functional blocks shown in FIG.

That is, when the CPU 8 receives a command input from the keyboard 12, it functions as an interrelated processing means in block BKI, and then functions as a system scheduling means and a database holding means in block BK2. At this time, the system schedule means and database holding means communicate with the timer reservation database holding means of block BK3 while managing the time series of the entire system, and perform the functions as an artificial intelligence module indicated by block BK4 and block BK5. and the function as an application processing means shown in FIG.

In the artificial intelligence module BK4, the CPU 8 determines the content of the command input in natural language according to the input of command items expressed in natural language by the natural language system BK4A.

Then, the habit learning inference system BK4B learns and infers the user's habits based on the manner of command content in the natural language, and the habit database creation system B
Create a habit database using K4C.

In the application processing means BK5, the CPU 8 uses the management database module B by the module processing means BK5A.
K5B, user preference module BK5C, system setting module BK5D and timer reservation module BK5
Executes the function of E.

At the same time, the CPU 8 in the application processing means BK5 executes message display processing in the message system BK5F and display processing on the monitor 4 in the monitor block BK5G.

Such artificial intelligence module BK4 and general processing means BK
5, the CPU 8 executes timer reservation packet processing, flag processing, etc. in the common data area processing block BK6.

The processing in the applied processing means BK5 is performed by the input/output driving means B.
The video player 7' is connected to a recorder main body 3, a monitor 4, a remote control transmitter/receiver 7, and a remote control controller 6 as external devices via K1.

(G3) Video tape recording format As shown in FIG. 3, the video recording track TA and the video recording track TA are formed along the head scanning direction diagonally across the tape running direction a and have different azimuth angles. TBs are formed adjacent to each other in the tape running direction a, and control signal (CTL) recording tracks are formed along the longitudinal direction of the video tape 36 at the outer edges of the entry side ends of the video recording tracks TA and TB. TCT is formed to record the control signal CT, and audio recording tracks CHI and CH2 for two channels are formed at the edge of the video tape 36 on the exit side.

A management database video track recording area F AVW is provided at the beginning of the recording start of the video tape 36 over a predetermined number of video recording tracks TA and TB.
Following A11ll, each video recording track TA and T
A video signal recording area FvD is formed in each area B, in which a video signal for one field is recorded.

Tube El Database video track recording area F AV
The fourth recording track TA and TB belonging to
Management data D av having the configuration shown in the figure is recorded.

In addition, a management data base audio track recording area FAV is located at a predetermined track position, for example, in the tape top portion of the audio recording tracks C)11 and CH2.
A is formed, and management data DAV having the configuration shown in FIG. 4 is similarly recorded in this management database audio track recording area FAVA.

Furthermore, a management database control signal track recording area FAV is located at a predetermined track position in the top portion of the tape, for example, on the control signal recording track TCT.
Similarly, management data DAv having the structure shown in FIG. 4 is recorded in this management database control signal track recording area F AVC.

The management data DAv is such that the volume information block DVN and the program information block D□ are sequentially recorded in that order from the head of the recording track.

The volume information block Dv is management information regarding the video cassette 35 installed in the video tape recorder main body 3, and includes items A1 to A15, for example, as shown in FIG.
It is recorded as volume information Dv□ of 135 [by 83 minutes].

The information in item A1 represents "r format version",
1. The relevant management data D AV is determined by the [Hyde] data.
By recording the version number of the video cassette 35, the format version can be identified when the video cassette 35 is loaded, and the management data DAv of the old version can be identified.
Set up your system to handle this even if

Item A2 represents the "number of repeated recordings", and for example, 1 [byte] of data is used to store the management data DAV for the management database audio track recording area FAVA.
When recording, record the number of times it is repeated. In this way, the number of times the management data DAv is recorded using the audio signal recording method is recorded as a reference rent.

Item A3 represents the "number of screens used", for example 1 [byte]
The number of screens used when recording the management data Dav on the video cassette 35 (i.e., the number of recording tracks occupied by the management database video track recording area FAVV) is recorded using the data of The system is able to determine the location.

Item A4 represents the "number of used programs", and records the number of programs reserved or recorded on the video cassette 35 and the presence or absence of recording space using, for example, 1 [byte] of data.

In this embodiment, the Oth to 6th bits allow the number of reserved or recorded programs to be recorded up to 32 programs, and the 7th bit indicates whether there is recording space (represented by a logical 0). ) or there is no recording space (represented by a logic "1"). By doing this, even if the maximum number of used programs is less than 32 programs depending on the tape length of the video cassette 35 or the length of reserved or recorded programs, if there is no recording space, this can be used as the seventh program. can be confirmed by a bit of

Item A5 represents "date and time of generation", and records the date and time when the management data DAV was first written into the video cassette 35, for example, using the data of 5 [Hyde].

In this example, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th bytes each contain 1 minute, hour, day 4, month 1, and year in two-digit binary coded decimal numbers. The video cassette 3 is recorded according to the volume information D□ of the item representing the date and time of generation.
It is possible to judge the age of 5.

Item A6 represents "update date and time", and records the date and time when the management data DAY was changed using data of, for example, 51 bytes.

In this embodiment, the update date and time data are the first, second, third,
The 4th and 5th bytes are sequentially ``minute'', ``hour'', and 1 day''.
, "month", and "year" are recorded in binary coded decimal notation, thus making it possible to confirm when the currently used management data D0 was changed.

Item A7 represents the "system volume number." For example, if the video cassette 35 is a so-called series product, the series number is recorded using 8 [bytes] of data, and the series number is recorded using 8 [bytes] of data. The system volume number can be displayed on the monitor by adding the system volume number to the recording reservation information held by the video tape recorder body 3. This makes it possible to inform the user of the video tape 36 to be reserved for recording.

Item A8 represents "screen display color", for example 2 [byte]
For example, when displaying a list, etc., the display color can be specified based on the data, and when the user attaches the video cassette 35 and displays the list display screen, the user It is designed so that it can be immediately determined which cassette is installed.

Item A9 represents "various flags", for example 1 [byte]
This data allows multiple types of flag data to be recorded.

In this embodiment, the user can record a "record prohibition" flag in the O-th bit, thereby allowing the recorded contents of the video cassette 35 to be saved.

Furthermore, a "formatted" flag can be entered by the system in the first bit, thereby making it possible to confirm whether the entire recording area of the video tape 136 has been completely formatted.

Furthermore, the second and third bits allow the system to input an "address mode" flag indicating the type of program end address, so that even if the program end address is recorded in a different mode by the video cassette 35, This can be reliably detected.

The item AIO represents "video cassette class II" and is designed to record the tape length and tape type using, for example, 2 [byte] data.

In this embodiment, the first byte can be automatically set by the system, whereas the second byte can be set by the user as necessary. Thus, when the video cassette 35 is loaded, by checking the type and length of the tape, it is possible to check the hub diameter to be used.

The item All represents "password" and allows the user to register a password expressed in a 4-digit binary coded decimal number using 2 [byte] data, for example.

In this way, when the user inserts the video cassette 35 with a registered password into the video tape recorder body 3, if the user cannot correctly input the password registered on the video cassette 35, recording and playback of the video cassette 35 is prohibited. , so that the contents of the videotape 36 cannot be viewed.

Item A12 represents a "user volume number", and is configured such that the user can record a video cassette organizing number, that is, a volume number, on the video cassette 35 according to his/her preference using, for example, 2 [byte] data. In the case of , the number is O~6400 in binary coded decimal notation.
A volume number can be assigned within the range of 0, and the user volume number can be added to the recording reservation information held by the video tape recorder body 3 to display it on the monitor. This has been done so that you can be informed.

Item A13 represents "playback order", and for example, the playback order of up to 32 programs can be recorded as needed using 32 [bytes] of data, so that in so-called program playback mode, the playback order of up to 32 programs can be recorded from the first byte. Third
Programs recorded in that order up to the second byte can be sequentially specified and played back.

Item A14 represents "recording order", and for example, 32 [bytes] of data can be used to store up to 32 recording positions in 32 recording order positions.
It is possible to record program numbers.

In this way, in so-called program playback, programs with program numbers recorded in that order from the first byte to the 32nd byte can be played back in sequence.

Item A15 represents [volume label], for example, 40
[The data in the byte:] allows the user to label the video cassette 35 with a title, etc. as necessary, and also adds a volume label to the recording reservation information held by the video tape recorder body 3. This allows the video tape 36 to be displayed on the monitor, thereby informing the user of the video tape 36 to be scheduled for recording.

In this embodiment, a maximum of 40 characters can be recorded when the ASCII code is used, and a maximum of 20 characters can be recorded when the 5-JIS code is used.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the program information block D□ includes program information as shown in FIG. It is composed of □ and □.

Item B1 represents a "start address", and for example, the start address value of each program is determined based on the start address of the video tape 36 using 3 [byte] data, and the program is recorded in the video signal recording area FvI of the video cassette 35. written by the system after the

In this example, the address value modes are time mode ("seconds", "minutes", and "hours" are expressed in binary coded decimal notation), and program number mode (VASS (VH3), video
o address signal 5earch
(represents the program number based on the VH3 standard) and control signal mode (CTL (β) represents the program number based on the standard).
(expressed by the number of pulses) can be selectively applied.

Item B2 represents "end address", and records the program end address value from the beginning position of the videotape 36 using, for example, 3 [byte] data.

In this embodiment, the program end address value can select the time mode, program number mode, and control signal mode in the same way as the program start address value.

Item B3 represents "various flags", for example 1 [byte]
Information representing the handling status of the program information is recorded using the data.

In this embodiment, "recording method information" (indicating whether or not the program is on record 11) is written in the 0th bit, and the 1st
and write "recording end status information" (representing the end status when recording is completed) to the second bit, write "recording permission flag" (representing whether recording should be prohibited or not) to the third bit, and ``Seen flag information'' (indicating whether the user has watched the recording program at least once) is written in 4 bits.

Item B4 represents the "system program number", for example 1 [
Byte] data records a series of serial numbers assigned by the system to the program.

In this example, r
, "2", etc. are written as the system number.

Item B5 represents the "program number", for example 1 [byte]
The data allows the user to input the number of series programs (for example, serial dramas).

Item B6 represents a "category code", and records the category of the program content (eg, sports, news, drama, etc.) using, for example, 1 [byte] of data.

Item B7 represents "input source", for example 1 [byte]
The input source indicating where the program was obtained is recorded by the data.

In this embodiment, the channel number selected by the tuner 21 (FIG. 1) and the external line number of the external line video signal S12 are written as information representing the source content.

Item B8 represents "recording/operation mode", and the recording mode for the video cassette 35 and the operation mode at the time of recording are written in, for example, 1 [byte] of data.

In this embodiment, the recording mode is video cassette 3.
5 is recorded by a video tape recorder of "β method", rVH3 method", or "8 mm video method", the recording mode is written, and in the case of β method, "βIs mode", "β■ In the case of VH5 system, write the types of "rSP method", "LP method", and "rEP method".
Also, in the case of 8 mm video format, the type of "SP mode" or "rLP mode" is written. Furthermore, the type of operation mode during recording, such as "normal recording mode" or "mode in which only the reference signal is written in advance," is written.

Item B9 represents "recording start time" and records the start time of a reserved or recorded program using, for example, 5 [bytes] of data.

In this example, the user writes "minute", "hour", "day", "month", and "year" in the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth bytes in binary coded decimal notation. It is done like this.

Item BIO represents "recording end time", and records the end time of a reserved or recorded program using, for example, 2-byte data.

In this embodiment, "minute" and "hour" data are written in the first and second bytes in binary coded decimal notation.

Item Bll represents "scheduled recording control information", for example, 10
[Byte] data causes the video tape recorder main body 3 (FIG. 1) to perform a scheduled recording operation during a scheduled recording operation, and information for controlling peripheral equipment to be operated in response to this is recorded.

Item BL2 represents "title", and the user writes character information representing the title of the program using, for example, 40 (bytes) of data.

(G4) Video tape recorder setting processing CPU 8 uses control management data processing unit 5,
A processing program RTO1 for the video signal processing section 2 and the video tape recorder body 3 shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9
By processing according to RTI and RT31, it is controlled to the operating state specified by the user.

In the case of this embodiment, the remote controller 6 has a display screen 6A having a touch panel on a liquid crystal panel on the operation panel on the surface of the case, as shown in FIG.
When designated items are displayed as a list on the display screen 6A, a designated signal regarding the displayed item can be input by directly pressing and clicking each displayed item. In addition, after specifying a predetermined display item by moving the cursor displayed on the display screen 6A using the four-direction cursor keys 6B, a specification signal regarding the display item is input by operating the execution key 6C. It is made to be obtained.

Furthermore, the remote controller 6 has a normal operation command key 6D, a menu display command key 6E, a management data mode command key 6F, and reservation 1 and reservation 2 operation mode designation keys 6G and 6H. In contrast, the operation mode of the video tape recorder 1 can be specified.

Step SP of the input information processing program RTO in Figure 7
In I, the CPU waits for tS to be turned on, and when a positive result is obtained, it is determined in step SP2 whether or not the power-on operation is the first time, and if it is the first time, steps SP3, SF3 and By sequentially executing the processing of SF3, the message "Setting the time" is displayed on the display screen 4A of the monitor 4 and the display screen 6A of the remote controller 6, and then the current time is set using the system setting operation mode. A message "Time has been set" is displayed on display screens 4A and 6A.

In this way, the video tape recorder 1 enters the standby state for commands with the current time set.

This command standby state is maintained even when a negative result is obtained in step SP2, and thus the "management database", "system settings", "favorite settings" and "timer reservation" items are maintained in the command standby state. You can now perform selective operations.

In fact, in this command standby state, when the menu display mode designation key 6E is operated on the remote control controller 6 (or keyboard 12), the CPU 8 displays "management database", "system settings", etc. on the display screens 6A and 4A. By displaying "favorite settings" and "timer reservation" operation mode designation, the user can designate one of the operation modes by a click operation.

The "management database" mode is the management database video track recording area F of the video tape 36 (FIG. 3).
An operation mode in which the management data D, , (Fig. 4) is recorded in the AVV or the management database audio track recording area F AV&, or the recorded management data D0 is used to drive and control the video tape recorder main body 3. ,
In the CPtJ8, when the "Management Database" item among the menu display items is clicked in step SP6, a video cassette 35 having a tape (this is called a management data tape) on which management data I) av is recorded is set in step SP7. determine whether or not
When set, after each process of the management database is executed in subroutine RT1, step SP
In step SP8, it is determined whether or not the contents of the management database have been changed, and if the contents have been changed, in step SP9, the management database video track recording area F maw or the management database audio track recording area F a is
Processing such as rewriting the recorded data of vA with the changed management data is executed.

(The processing for the management database is completed, and it is determined in step 5pio whether or not the power has been turned off. If a negative result is obtained, the process returns to the command standby state described above, and if a positive result is obtained. When this occurs, the input information processing program is terminated in step 5PII.

Upon entering the various processing routines RT1 for the management database described above, the CPU 8 executes step 5P2, as shown in FIG.
1, after displaying the management data list on the display screen 6A of the remote controller 6 and the display screen 4A of the monitor 4, the system enters a command standby state.

At this time, "Label", "Reservation Cancellation", "
"Auto play", "Manual reservation", "Program information confirmation"
and "Management Data Reservation" item 1 are displayed, and this makes it possible to specify that one item.

Here, the "Label" item is the volume information block D□ or the program information block D□ (fourth
This represents an operation mode in which you can select and set one of the volume information or program information included in the step 5.
When the "Label" item is clicked on P22, the "Password", "Recording Mode", "Tape Type", "Category" and "Title" items are displayed on the display screen, allowing you to select that one item. become a state.

Here, when the user clicks on the "Password" item,
In step 5P23, the CPU 8 allows the user to rewrite the password data recorded in the item All of the volume information... (FIG. 5).

Similarly, in step SP24, the CPU 8 can designate the recording/operation mode recorded in item B8 of the program information DP, IK (FIG. 6) and write the recording mode data therein.

Further, the CPU 8 is configured to be able to rewrite the tape type data among the data representing the type of video cassette recorded in the item AIO of the volume information Dv□ (FIG. 5) in step 5P25.

In addition, the CPU 8 in step 5P26 selects the program information D□.
8 (Fig. 6), the category code data recorded in item B6 can be rewritten.

Further, the CPU 8 is configured to be able to rewrite the title data recorded in the item B12 of the program information in step 5P27 (FIG. 6).

In this way, the CPU 8 rewrites the data of the "Password" item to "Title j" item in steps 5P23 to 5P27, and when the "end" item is specified in step 5P28, the CPU 8 ends the processing of the management database and returns to step 5P29. Then, the process returns to the management database processing loop shown in FIG. 7 and enters the process of step SP8.

On the other hand, when the user clicks on the "Cancel Reservation" item in the command standby state where the management data list is displayed in step 5P21 of FIG. Cancel all program reservations.

Also, when the user clicks on the "Autoplay" item, C.
PU8 sets the volume information Dv in step 5P31.
The reproduction order data of item AL3 of MX (FIG. 5) is reproduced in a fixed order and rewritten as necessary.

When the user clicks on the "manual reservation" item, the CPU 8 sequentially accepts manual settings for a predetermined number of programs and inputs them as management data.

When the processing of steps 5P30, SF31 and 5P32 is completed, the CPU 8 executes the steps 5P28 and 5P29 described above.
and returns to the management database processing loop (FIG. 7).

Further, when the CPU 8 is in the standby state for a command to display the management data list in step SP2i of FIG.
8 enters the process of step 5P33 and goes to step 5P34
Switch the display on the display screen and proceed to step 5P3.
5, or 5P36, or 5P37, or 5P38, volume information Dv, x (Fig. 5) and program information D
0, (Figure 6) "Recording permission" item, "Saw flag"
The display mode becomes such that the recorded contents of the item, "Category" item, and "Title" item can be confirmed or rewritten.

In this example, "recording permission" item, "saw flag"
A predetermined pictorial display, that is, a character, is used as the data for the item, "category" item, and "title" item, which makes it possible to check and change information recorded for multiple reserved programs using a relatively small display area. It has been made possible to do so.

When the processing of steps 5P35 to 5P3B is thus completed, the CPU 8 returns to the management database processing loop (FIG. 7) via steps 5P28 and 5p29.

Furthermore, when the user clicks on the "Management Data Reservation" item in the command standby state where the management data list is displayed, the CPU enters the management data subroutine RT3, which forms part of the processing procedure shown in FIG. Management data reservation processing procedure R for switching reservation modes such as
Execute T31.

At this time, the CPU 8 causes the user to select the timer reservation mode in step SP41.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, as a list of specified items that can be presented to the user for specifying and selecting specified items of management data, words consisting of word input items that express specified items using natural language. A designated item list TBL and a graphic designated item list consisting of graphic input items that represent designated items using graphic elements such as Roman letters, numbers, and symbols as usual are prepared, and the CPU 8, in step SP41, The user is allowed to select and specify either verbal input or graphic input as the reservation screen to be used.

If the word input is selected as a result, the CPU 8 moves to step 5P42, displays the word designation item list TBL on the display screen, and takes into the register 44 the data corresponding to the word input item specified by the user.

Conversely, if graphic input is selected, the CP
U8 moves to step 5P43, displays the graphic designation item list on the display screen, and stores the data corresponding to the graphic input item specified by the user in the register 44.
Incorporate into.

In this way, when the user's specified input operation is completed, the CPU 8
ends the management data reservation input process and returns to the management database processing loop shown in FIG.

At this time, the CPU 8 subsequently displays the "registration" item, "change" item, and "inquiry" item on the display screen, and in step 5P
51, SF32, and SF33, when the user clicks on the "registration" item, "change" item, or "inquiry" item, a process to execute this is entered.

In order to process the clicked item, the CPU 8 is configured to display a calendar reservation table, a weekly reservation table, and a daily child table in accordance with the user's selection in steps 5P54, 5P55, and 5P56, respectively. The start time and/or end time of a reserved program is written on a calendar reservation table, weekly reservation table, or daily child table.

After completing this process, the CPU 8 executes the above-mentioned step 5P2.
In step 8, the processing program for the management database is terminated, and the process returns to the management database processing loop (FIG. 7) from step 5P29.

The above is performed in step S in the initial command standby state shown in FIG.
By clicking on the "Management Database" item on P6, you can record, change, and record the management data on videotape.
This is a confirmation process, but if the user clicks on any other specified item, that is, the "system settings" item, the "favorite settings" item, or the "timer reservation" item in the initial command standby state, the CPU 8 executes processing for setting operating conditions for each part of the video tape recorder 1.

That is, in step SP61 of FIG.
When you click on ``System Settings,'' the display screen displays ``Current Time'' item, ``Sleep Timer'' item, ``Recording Mode'' item, ``Noise Elimination'' item, ``rBS Online'' item, ``Autoset'' item, and ``Tuner Preset'' item. ” item and “Line input” item are displayed, and these items can be selected in steps 5P62.5P63.5P64.5P6 respectively.
By clicking on 5.5P66.5P67.5P68 or 5P69, you can set the operating conditions for each part of the system, and when you finish this setting process, c
pus ends the processing of the system setting processing loop and moves to the above-mentioned step 5PlO.

In contrast, when the CPU 8 clicks on the "favorite settings" item in step SP71, the display screen displays the "screen display" item, "management database" item, "user set" item, "character" item, and "timer reservation" item. '' item, ``User Level'' item, ``Message'' item, and ``Audio'' item are displayed on the display screen, and these items are respectively set in step 5P72.5P73.5P74.5P75.
, SF36, SF37, SF38, or 5P79, the CPU 8 executes the processing of each item, and when the processing is completed, the CPU 8 moves to step 5PIO described above.

Further, in the initial command standby state, when the user clicks on the "timer reservation" item in the subsequent step SP81, the CPU 8 displays "Registered item j, "change"" on the display screen.
Display the item and "Inquiry" item, and the user can proceed to step 5P.
82.5 When each item is clicked on P83 or SF34, the "Calendar Reservation Table" item, the "1 Week Reservation Table" item, and the "1 Day Child Schedule" item are displayed on the display screen. Then, when the user specifies one of them, CP
U8 makes a calendar reservation table, a weekly reservation table, or 1 in steps 5P85, 5P86 or 5P87 respectively
By displaying the Japanese schedule, the user can make a reservation for a program using the reservation table.

After the CPU 8 completes the processing of the timer reservation processing loop, the CPU 8 moves to step 5pio described above.

In this way, by executing the input information processing program RTO shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 8 can reliably control the video tape recorder main body 3 based on the input data input by the user.

(G5) When one or more programs P1, P2, P3... are recorded on the videotape 36, the CPU 8 for recording control management data processing of program start address and program end address records each program. Data representing the start point and recording end point as a program start address value and a program end address value from the top of the tape is stored as program information Dp□ (Figure 6).
By this, when performing processing such as playing back or re-recording each program of the recorded video tape 36, it is recorded in the start address field B1 and end address field B2 of the program. The system is designed to confirm the recording position without running the tape.

First, the control management data processing CPU 8 inputs data of each item of the management data DAv (FIG. 4) as input/output information S4 via the remote control transmitter/receiver 7 by the user operating the remote controller 6. At this time, this is stored in the register 44, and then, for example, when the video cassette 35 is ejected and the management data recording mode is entered, the control management data processing CPU 8,
Write management data DAv of register 44 Management data S2
The image recording encoder 51 converts this into a data video signal S42 and supplies it to the recording circuit 32 via the recording switching circuit 31.

At this time, the recording circuit 32 processes the data video signal S42 in the same way as the recorded video signal S1 to form the video! The signal is recorded on the video recording tracks TA and TB (FIG. 3) of the video tape 36 via the magnetic conversion circuit and the video head constituting the magnetic head 34 as a signal corresponding to one field's worth of video signal.

Thus, on the video tape 36, for example, the management database video track recording area FA is located at the top of the tape.
vw (FIG. 3) is formed, and a management data video signal vDtlAv is recorded in the management database video track recording area FAIV as shown in FIG. 12(B).

During this recording operation, the control management data processing CPU 8
T L Note & [The mark recording data is transferred as control signal recording data S44 to the encoder/decoder 54, and the CTL recording encoder/decoder 54 converts this into a data control signal S46! [Control signal that constitutes the conversion circuit 33! A recording start point mark signal MKot (see FIG.
C)).

Thereafter, the control management data processing CPU 8 records the control signal CT in the control signal recording track TCT by transferring the control signal as the control signal recording data 344, and also records the control signal CT in the control signal recording track TCT, and also records the control signal CT in the control signal recording track TCT (see FIG. 12(B)). ) At the timing of the recording end point, the control signal recording data S
By giving 44 again, the recording end point mark signal M
Record K.

When the control management data processing CPU 8 enters the program recording mode, the management database video track recording area F AV
Programs P1, P2, P3, .
Program video signal V D P I, VI) B
, V D P s ・” ”・ is recorded (see Fig. 12 (
B)) At the same time, the corresponding program audio signal AD, .
, AD, □, A D F s... are recorded on the audio recording tracks CH1 and CH2 (see Fig. 12 (A
)) together with the control signals CT p 1, CTrz
, CTpy... are recorded on the control signal recording track TCT (FIG. 12(C)).

C for control management data processing in such program recording mode.
PU8 receives program video signals V D p +, V Dpz, V
At the timing of the recording start point and recording end point of D F 3..., by giving mark signal data as the control signal recording data S44 to the CTL recording encoder/decoder 54, the recording start point mark signal M Kr1s is generated. , M Krts , M KP,!・
. . . and recording end point mark signal MK p l a, MK, □0, MKpst . . . (Figure 12 (C
)).

In this embodiment, the mark signals M K = s and MK,
□, MK□, and MKF, E, MKrzs and MK,
□0MK P i s and M K P , l a...
. . . are tape position address values from the tape top reference point of the video tape 36, and these tape position address values, for example, change the value of a tape counter circuit provided in the video tape recorder main body 3 to a mechanism control C.
The information is obtained by transferring it to the control management data processing CPU 8 via the PU 1l.

In the above configuration, when the recorded video cassette 35 is loaded into the video tape recorder main body 3, the control management data processing CPU 8 enters the management database playback mode while communicating with the mechanism control CPU 1 to manage the video tape 36. Database video track recording area F Data video signals picked up from the AVV are transferred to the magnetic herad 34, the video electromagnetic conversion circuit 33, and the playback circuit 3.
7. Read through the reproduction switching circuit 38 and the image recording decoder 52 and write it into the register 44.

Thus, the register 44 contains the management data DAv (FIG. 4).
is held as management data unique to the videotape 36, and the program information block D0 contains program information D□X ( (Fig. 6) is maintained.

Thus, programs P1, P2, P3, etc. are entered in the start address field B1 and end address field B2 of each program information DFIK.
Recording start point and recording end point M K p + s
and MKp+t, MK□, and MKptt, MKP
The positional information of 3S and MKPzt .

Therefore, by checking the contents of the start address item B1 and end address item B2 of each program information D It is possible to know the information directly without having to perform complicated operations such as running the program at high speed, and thereby it is possible to easily access each program.

For example, if the user wants to play back programs recorded on the videotape 36 in a desired order, the control management data processing CPU 8 may rearrange the start and end addresses of each program in the desired order.
Program playback can be easily realized through such simple processing.

For example, if you want to record a new program on the videotape 36 or re-record an already recorded program as a new program, you can use the start address and end address of the recorded program centrally managed in the register 44. The address can be used to plan new recording locations.

When the user wants to cue a desired program to perform such processing, the control management data processing CPU 8 uses the start address of the program to cue based on the specified information input from the remote controller 6. After reading out the end address from the register 44, the video tape 36 is run in fast forward mode while communicating with the mechanism control CPU 11, and the control signal head of the magnetic head 34 sends signals to each program P1, P2, P3, etc. Mark signals MK, . . . are correspondingly recorded.

and M Kept, M Kpyo, and M Kpzg.
, M Kr5s, and MKpit... are sequentially picked up and imported via the CTL recording encoder/decoder 54, and it is determined whether or not they match the set address. Processing can be performed to obtain a state in which the cueing of the videotape 36 is completed when the signal is obtained.

In addition, when recording a program on a new program videotape 36, at the same time as recording the new program, a recording start point mark signal and a recording end point mark signal are recorded on the control signal recording track TCT, When the recording operation mode ends, the address indicated by the recording start point mark signal and recording end point mark signal is added to the start address item B1 of the management data DAv of the register 44, which constitutes the program information D□8 of the corresponding program. and write in the end address field B2.

In this way, each time a new program is recorded, the start address data and end address data of the recording start point and recording end point can be centrally managed in the register 44.

Eventually, when the processing for the video tape 36 is completed and the user attempts to eject the video cassette 36, the control management data processing CPU 8 receives specified information from the remote control controller 6, and sends the message via the mechanism control CPU II. Rewind the video tape 36 once to the tape top position, then start the video track TAST.
B management database video track recording area F A%
After recording the management data video signal VDDAV on the video cassette 35, the video cassette 35 is ejected.

As a result, address information representing the recording position of each program on the videotape 36 can be held in the tape top portion of the videotape 36 as information unique to the videotape 36, and this information can be stored in the tape top portion of the videocassette 36.
Each time it is attached to the video tape recorder main body 3, it can be easily read out and used.

(G6) Second Embodiment FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment. Corresponding parts to those in FIG. 12 are given the same reference numerals, and as shown in FIG. signal CT
o, CTPI, CTP□, CT pz...
・For recording start point mark signals MK, , MKp,s
, MKpts, MKpxs..., and the recording start point mark signals MK o s, M
K□, ,MK□, ,MK,3. A count mark signal MK8 consisting of numerical data representing a predetermined numerical value is recorded at a predetermined interval from .
...(Fig. 12(C)) is omitted.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 13, the CPU for control management data processing
8 is a management database video track recording area F a
When recording management data DAV in vv (Fig. 13 (
B)) A recording start point mark signal MK and a count mark signal M K x are recorded via the CTL recording encoder/decoder 54 at timings corresponding to the recording start points of the video recording tracks TA and TB.

Similarly, the control management data processing CPU 8 assigns programs P1, P2, P3, etc. to video tracks TA and TB.
・Program video signal VD□, VD, , VDpx...
. . ., a recording start point mark signal M K P l s , at a timing corresponding to the recording start point.
M.K.P. , MKp-s, . . . are recorded, and subsequently, a count mark signal MK is recorded, respectively.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 13, program video signals V of programs P1, P2, P3, . . . are placed on video tracks TA and TB.
When D□, VDP2, VDP3, .
MKP! ! The address of ... is set as the management data I) av of the register 44 and the program information D□8 of the corresponding program.
At the same time, the number of count mark signals MK8 up to the recording end point of the program is written as the end address item B2 in the program information Dpxx.

The start address and end address thus written in the management data DAv are recorded in the management database video track recording area FAVV as the management data video signal VD□ when the video cassette 35 is ejected.

In this way, when the user specifies one of the programs from the recorded video tape 36 and intends to play it back, the management data video signal VDDAV recorded in the video recording tracks TA and TB is read out to the register 44, and Based on the program start address, the control management data processing CPU 8 locates the beginning of the program and starts playback.

The feeding amount of the video tape 36 in this playback mode is determined by counting the number of marks of the count mark signal MK picked up from the control signal recording track TCT by the control management data processing CPU 8 (by monitoring the number of marks). If it matches the end address data written in the end address item B2 of the register 44, the control management data processing CPU 8 determines that the program has been played up to its recording end point, and ends the playback operation.

In addition, when re-recording a new program to any one of the recording programs, the control management data processing CPU 8, upon receiving a command signal from the remote controller 6, addresses the start address and end address of the newly rewritten program. is read from the program information D□ of the register 44, the videotape 36 is cued up to the start address, and a new program is output from the video signal processing section 2 as the video input signal S1 to the recording circuit 32, electromagnetic conversion circuit 33, Recording is performed on a video tape 36 via a magnetic head 34.

In this recording mode, the feeding amount of the video tape 36 is determined by the number of count mark signals MK read out from the control signal recording track TCT by the control management data processing CPU 8.
The new program is monitored by counting, and when the count value matches the end address, recording of the new program is ended.

In this way, a new program can be re-recorded in the recording position of a specific program (that is, the area between the recording start point and the recording end point) in the recording method video channel 136 without excess or deficiency.

Even with the configuration shown in FIG. 13, recording of programs on the videotape 36 can be easily and reliably managed in the same manner as described above with respect to FIG.

(G7) Other embodiments (1) In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, management data DAV is recorded on the video recording tracks TA and TB, and recording of each program is started on the control signal recording track TCT. We have described the case where a mark signal representing a point and a recording end point is recorded, but instead of this,
Management data DAv is transferred to audio recording tracks CHI, C
Even if the signal is recorded on the tape top portion of H2 or the control signal recording track TCT, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

In addition, the mark signal is controlled by the control signal recording track TCT.
Instead of recording on the audio recording track CHI
, CH2 or the video recording tracks TA and TB.

(2) In the embodiment of FIG. 13, number mP1. P2,
Recording start point mark signal MK□5, M of P3...
A case has been described in which K pis , M K P33 . . . and the count mark signal MKX are recorded on the same recording track, that is, the control signal recording track TCT. , MKP□S, MKpxs...
. . . may be recorded on a recording track different from that of the count mark signal MKX.

(3) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a mark signal of a predetermined code (that is, a constant value) is recorded as the count mark signal MKX for each unit tape feed amount (or feed time), and the corresponding count is recorded in the playback mode. The current tape feed position or recording end point is determined by picking up mark signals and counting the number of mark signals, but instead of this, a count mark signal MKX is used that corresponds to the tape feed amount (or feed time). The numerical data to be incremented may be generated, for example, in the control management data processing CPU 8 and recorded as the count mark signal MKX.

In this case, the sequentially recorded count mark signals M K It can be expressed in terms of quantity (or feed time).

(4) In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, address values based on the reference address position of the tape top are used as data to be written to the start address item B1 and end address item B2 of the program information DPIX (Fig. 6). , that is, an absolute address value is used, but instead of this, when the count mark signal MK x is a constant value as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. It is also possible to use the number of marks from .

Second, when using the count mark signal MK, a value that is incremented according to the tape feed amount (or feed time), the tape feed that the count mark signal MK x at the recording end point has as the end address. The value of the amount (or feeding time) may be used as is.

Thirdly, if the count mark signal MKx records a value that is incremented in accordance with the tape feed amount (or feed time), the end address is the tape feed amount (or feed time) at the recording start point of the program. The difference between the value and the value of the tape feed amount (or feed time) at the recording end point may be used.

Fourth, if a constant value is recorded as the count mark signal MKx, the first mark signal at the top of the tape (i.e., the count mark signal MKX, which may include a recording start point mark signal and a recording end point mark signal) The number of mark signals from the point to the recording end point of the program may be used.

(5) In the above embodiment, data indicating the position on the video tape 36 with the reference address position at the top of the tape of the video tape 36 as the base point is used as the start address and the end address. Also, the recording time of each program may be used as the reference for the end address.

In this case, the control management data processing CPU 8 (Fig. 1) sends recording start point mark signals MK□s, MKP2-, MK when recording each program P1, P2, P3...
The recording date and time are recorded in the control signal recording track TCT as PI3..., and in the case of FIG. 12, a recording end point mark signal MKp+t,
The recording end time is recorded as MKpz*, MKP3a, etc., and in the case of FIG. The count mark signal MK is recorded together.

Thus, when the recording of programs P1, P2, P3, etc. is finished, the recording start point mark signals MKF,s, MKpzs recorded on the control signal recording track TCT are recorded.
, MKrffs... and recording end point mark signal M Kp+i , M KF□, , MK, ,...
. is written in the start address item B1 and the end address item B2 as program information DFIx (FIG. 6) in the register 44 by the control management data processing CPU 8, respectively, and when the video cassette 35 is subsequently ejected, Management data video signal VDI
, recorded on the videotape 36 as AV.

When a desired program is to be played from the recorded video cassette 35 created in this way, when the video cassette 35 is loaded into the video tape recorder main body 3, the management data video signal ■DDAv is transmitted to the control management data processing CP.
By being read into the register 44 by U8,
After that, when one of the recorded programs is designated by the user and playback is started, the control management data processing CPU 8
As shown in FIG. 14, the recording date and time display R2O of the program displayed on the display screen 4A of the monitor 4 is displayed, for example, in the lower right corner of the display screen 4A.

In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the control management data processing CPU
8 presets the recording start time in the playback time counter when the playback of the program is started, and then counts up the playback time and displays the count contents in the recording display REC, □
□It is made to be displayed in a closed manner, thus display screen 4A
This can be displayed at the top as the recording time progresses.

In addition, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the control management data processing C
PU8 sends a count mark signal M while playing the program.
K, is played back and displayed as a recording time display RECTI□.

In this embodiment, a recording time display REC7 with the same content as the recording time display RE Cy+□ is displayed on the display device 3A of the video tape recorder main body 3. 8 is displayed, and a current time display PBt+xt is also displayed at the upper right corner of the display screen 4A of the monitor 4.

Thus, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 14, the date and time when the program being viewed during playback was recorded can be displayed in accordance with the playback progress of the program, thereby realizing a video tape recorder that is multi-functional. .

H Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to centrally manage the start address representing the recording start point of each program recorded on a videotape as part of the management data at the top of the videotape. By doing this, you can easily check the recording position of each program on each videotape, and when you try to play back each program or re-record a new program, you can easily check the recording position of each program. Access may be made easier.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a videotape recorder including an information input device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing its functional blocks, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the recording format on the videotape. Figures, Figures 4 to 6
The figure shows a route map and diagram showing the configuration of the management database, Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the input information processing procedure of the video tape recorder, Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the management database, and Figure 1O. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of the word specification item list; FIG. 12 is a route map showing the first embodiment of the format of start and end addresses; FIG. 13 is a route map showing the format of the second embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a front view of the main body of the monitor and video tape recorder for explaining another embodiment. 1...Video tape recorder, 2...
Video signal processing unit, 3...Video tape recorder body, 4...Monitor, 5...Control management data processing unit, 6...Remote control controller , 8... Central processing unit for control management data processing (CPU), 12... Keyboard, 3
2...Recording circuit, 33...Electromagnetic conversion circuit, 33A, 33B, 33C...CTL. Video, audio electromagnetic conversion circuit, 35...video cassette, 36...video tape, 37.
...Reproduction circuit, 51.52... Encoder for image recording, 53... Encoder/decoder for audio recording, 54... Encoder/decoder for CTL recording. Figure 4. Volume/■ Ikuyuki Ai's configuration.

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a videotape recorder that is capable of recording one or more programs on a videotape, address information of the recording start point of the program is recorded in the tape top portion of the videotape. A video tape recorder characterized in that the recording position of the above program can be centrally managed.