AU728529B2 - Output frequency control apparatus for RF converter and video instrument being equipped therewith - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S): Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000.

INVENTION TITLE: Output frequency control apparatus for RF converter and video instrument being equipped therewith The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter for setting and controlling output frequencies of an RF converter which converts a video signal into an RF signal to be outputted, and the invention also relates to a video instrument such as a VTR for outputting a video signal.

Frequencies of television channels are allotted, depending on the country (region), in their interior such that they do not overlap with each other. Television 15 channels for outputting an RF (radio frequency) signal for a *"video tape recorder may be classified into a fixed channel output type which is employed, for instance, in Japan or the and a variable channel output type which is employed, for instance, in Europe. A fixed channel output type is arranged, for instance in Japan, such that e.g. channel 1 and channel 2 are fixed, and either of them may be switched and selected by sliding switch. A variable channel output type is arranged, for instance, such that e.g. a knob of a variable condenser is rotated for arbitrarily selecting among multiple channels.

In the case of a variable channel output type, one channel of a television receiver is set to an empty channel on which nothing is being broadcast, and an RF output channel of a video tape recorder is adjusted, by rotating the knob of the variable condenser, such that an output image of the video tape recorder is made to be on the screen of the television receiver.

In recent years, a type in which frequency setting is performed through digital data PLL method) is alternatively being employed as types suitable for European users. Such a type is arranged such that a television receiver is made to select an empty channel and by making an RF output channel of the video tape recorder to be selected for this empty channel through digital data, an output image 15 of the video tape recorder is made to be on the screen of the television receiver.

As mentioned above, since frequencies of television channels are allotted as to be different from country to country, setting of RF output frequencies are thus similarly 20 different. Accordingly, designing was performed for each RF output frequency which differs from country to country which resulted in a poor designing efficiency, poor production efficiency due to increases in produced types as well as complications in management of stock and shipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above discussed circumstances, and it is an object thereof to provide an output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter and a video instrument being equipped therewith which can be sold to multiple countries for which allotted frequencies of television channels are different, and which enables an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

The output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter according to the present invention is an output frequency control apparatus for setting and controlling *output frequencies of an RF converter which converts a video 0 15 signal into an RF signal to be outputted to a predetermined channel of a reproducing instrument, the apparatus comprising: storing means for storing initial values of *"frequency of video signal and channel number when setting the ee •output frequency; changing means for sequentially changing 20 the output frequency from initial value by turns of channel numbers by following instructions from outside when setting the output frequency; display signal outputting means for outputting a display signal which displays an output frequency and a corresponding channel number; and RF signal setting means for setting the output frequency and the

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corresponding channel number indicated by the display signal outputted by the display signal outputting means as an RF signal by following instructions from outside.

In such an output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter according to the present invention, the storing means stores therein initial values of frequency of video signal and channel number when setting output frequency of an RF converter, and when setting an output frequency of an RF converter, the changing means sequentially changes output frequency of the RF converter from initial value by turns of channel numbers by following instructions from outside. At this time, the display signal outputting means outputs a display signal for displaying an output frequency and a corresponding channel number, and a display device of the 15 video instrument of the main body displays the output frequency and the corresponding channel number. Then, the RF signal setting means sets the output frequency and the corresponding channel number which are displayed by the "display device as an RF signal by following instructions from 20 outside.

With this arrangement, it is made possible to sell video instruments being equipped with such output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to multiple countries (regions) in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be achieved for an increase in 'I designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

The output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter according to the present invention further comprises returning means for directly returning an output frequency to an initial value by following instructions from outside when setting an output frequency.

In such the output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter according to the present invention, returning means is capable of directly returning an output frequency of the RF converter to an initial value by following instructions from outside when setting an output frequency for the RF converter.

With this arrangement, it is made possible to sell video instruments being equipped with such output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to multiple countries (regions) S. in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be achieved for an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment, and further, the user can easily perform setting of output frequencies for an RF converter.

The output frequency control apparatus for an RF 4L converter according to the present invention is arranged such that a group of frequencies and channel numbers changed by the changing means are preliminarily set.

In such an output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter, a group of frequencies and channel numbers changed by the changing means are preliminarily set, whereby the number of frequencies and channel numbers that are to be selected by the user for setting output frequency for an RF converter can be limited, and the user can easily perform setting of output frequency of an RF converter. Further, it is made possible to sell video instruments being equipped with such output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to multiple countries (regions) in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different,

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and it can thus be achieved for an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

The output frequency control apparatus for an RF .20 converter according to the present invention further comprises switching means, to which a plurality of groups of frequency and channel number are set as initial values, for changing between a plurality of groups of frequency and channel number by following instructions from outside when setting output frequencies.

In such an output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter according to the present invention, a plurality of groups of frequencies and channels numbers are set, and when setting output frequency for an RF converter, the switching means is capable of switching between the groups of frequencies and channel numbers by following instructions from outside.

With this arrangement, the number of frequencies and channel numbers that are to be selected by the user for setting output frequency for an RF converter can be limited, and the user can easily perform setting of output frequency of an RF converter. Further, it is made possible to sell video instruments being equipped with such output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to multiple countries 15 (regions) in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be achieved for an .:oo increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production S. efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

In the output frequency control apparatus for an RF "000 0converter according to the present invention, the initial 0 values is common to a plurality of groups of frequencies and 000 .000 channel numbers set for each country.

In such an output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter according to the present invention, the initial value for setting output frequency of an RF converter is common to a plurality of groups of frequencies and channel numbers set for each country, and the user can easily perform setting of output frequency for an RF converter. Further, it is made possible to sell video instruments being equipped with such output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to multiple countries (regions) in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be achieved for an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

For instance, FIG. 1A denotes a table of UHF channels used in New Zealand, and FIG. IB a table of UHF channels used in Australia. When comparing these tables, it can be understood that there exist channel 28 in both countries which are both of 527.25 MHz. By using this fact, an output *..frequency control apparatus for an RF converter as discussed above can be realized.

Further, the video instrument according to the present invention is equipped with the above discussed output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter. .o$0 Since such a video instrument according to the present invention is equipped with the above discussed output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter, it is made possible to sell video instruments being equipped with such output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to multiple countries (regions) in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be achieved for an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

The above and further objects and features of the invention will more fully be apparent from the following detailed description with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a diagram showing tables of UHF channels as 0. 15 used in New Zealand as one example; 0000 FIG. 1B is a diagram showing tables of UHF channels as used in Australia as one example; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of an output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter and a video instrument being equipped therewith according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of setting operations of the output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter according to the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of setting I operations of the output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be explained based on the drawings showing an embodiment thereof.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter and a video instrument being equipped therewith according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Such a video instrument is a video tape recorder 11, and a video signal as received by an antenna 4 is sent to an RF converter 3. The RF converter 3 converts the video signal into an RF signal that is sent to a television receiver 8 via 15 an output terminal (To-TV).

The video signal received by the antenna 4 is further sent to a video-audio circuit 6 via a tuner/interface (I/F) circuit 5 and is recorded on a video tape loaded on a mecha-servo circuit 7. On the other hand, at the time of 20 reproduction, the video signal reproduced from the video tape loaded on the mecha-servo circuit 7 is sent to the video-audio circuit 6, is converted into an RF signal by the RF converter 3, and is sent to the television receiver 8 via the output terminal (To-TV).

Operations of a key switch group 2 for operating the video tape recorder 11 are transmitted to a microcomputer 1.

The microcomputer 1 controls, in accordance with the operations of the key switch group 2, the RF converter 3, tuner/interface circuit 5, video-audio circuit 6, mecha-servo circuit 7 and a display device 9. The microcomputer 1 further reads out, when required, programs and data from a ROM It should be noted that it is possible to utilize as the display device 9 a fluorescent display tube or LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like, and it is also possible to utilize the television receiver 8 through OSD (on screen display) functions.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are flowcharts showing examples of setting operations of the output frequency control apparatus 0* 15 for an RF converter in the video tape recorder 11 of the above arrangement. Setting operations of this output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter will now be explained by referring to the flowcharts of FIG. 3 and FIG.

0* 4.

There are stored on the ROM 10 of the output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter, a UHF channel table of New Zealand as shown in FIG. 1A, a UHF channel table of Australia as shown in FIG. 1B, and as initial values for setting output frequencies for the RF converter 3 "channel 28" and "527.25 MHz" which are a channel number and an identical frequency common to both UHF channel tables. It should be noted that other similar VHF channel tables and initial values are also being stored.

The output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter performs the following operations: when the key switch group 2 is operated and an RF converter setting mode for setting an output frequency of the RF converter 3 is selected, an RF signal of 527.25 MHz which is the initial value is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and "28 RF", indicating "channel 28" and "RF converter setting mode", is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step Then, when a "CHUP" key (channel up key) included in the key switch group 2 is operated ("YES" at Step S12), an A 15 mode, which is an RF converter setting mode suitable in Australia, is assumed (Step S14), an RF signal of channel 29 of 534.25 MHz is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and "29 A RF", indicating "channel 29", "A mode", and "RF converter setting mode", is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step S16).

Next, when the "CHUP" key is operated ("YES" at Step S18), an RF signal of channel 30 of 541.25 MHz is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and "30 A RF", indicating "channel 30", "A mode", and "RF converter setting mode", is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step •1 At this time, when the "CHUP" key is not operated ("NO" at Step S18) but a "CHDN" key (channel down key) included in the key switch group 2 is operated ("YES" at Step S26), the process returns to the initial state, an RF signal of 527.25 MHz which is the initial value is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and "28 RF" is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step SIO). Since the initial state is not limited to be the A mode, is not displayed.

When the "CHUP" key is similarly operated thereafter, an RF signal of +1 channel is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and a display indicating channel", "A mode", and "RF converter setting mode" is displayed on the screen of the display device 9. When channel 69, which is the maximum channel is reached, an RF signal of 814.25 MHz is made to be 15 outputted, and "69 A RF", indicating "channel 69", "A mode", and "RF converter setting mode", is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step S22).

S When being in this state, the process returns to the initial state, no matter which of the "CHUP" key or "CHDN" 20 key is operated (both "YES" at Steps S24, S28), an RF signal of 527.25 MHz which is the initial value is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and "28 RF" is displayed on the display device 9 (Step When the key switch group 2 is operated during the above operations and the RF converter setting mode is completed, the frequency for a channel number which had been displayed on the screen of the display device 9 at that time is set as the output frequency of the RF converter 3, and the microcomputer 1 stored this channel number and frequency.

An NZ mode which is a RF converter setting mode suitable in New Zealand is assumed (Step S32), when the "CHDN" key (channel down key) included in the key switch group 2 is operated ("YES" at Step S30) when the output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter is in the initial state, the RF converter 3 outputs an RF signal of 527.25 MHz, and the screen of the display device 9 displays "28 RF", indicating "channel 28" and "RF converter setting mode" (Step S10). In this case, an RF signal of channel 29 of 535.25 MHz is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and "29 n RF" 15 indicating "channel 29", "NZ mode" and "RF converter setting mode" is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step S34).

Next, when the "CHDN' key is operated ("YES" at Step S36), an RF signal of channel 30 of 543.25 MHz is made to be 20 outputted by the RF converter 3, and "30 n RF", indicating "channel 30", "NZ mode", and "RF converter setting mode", is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step S38).

At this time, when the "CHDN" key is not operated ("NO" at Step S36) but the "CHUP" key included in the key switch group 2 is operated ("YES" at Step S50), the process returns 1 to the initial state, an RF signal of 527.25 MHz which is the initial value is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and "28 RF" is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step S10). Since the initial state is not limited to be the NZ mode, is not displayed.

When the "CHDN" key is similarly operated thereafter, an RF signal of +1 channel is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and a display indicating channel", "NZ mode", and "RF converter setting mode" is displayed on the screen of the display device 9. When channel 69, which is the maximum channel is reached, an RF signal of 855.25 MHz is made to be outputted, and "69 n RF", indicating "channel 69", "NZ mode", and "RF converter setting mode", is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step 15 When the "CHDN" key is operated in this condition ("YES" at Step S42), it is made to be channel 21, which is the minimum channel, an RF signal of 471.25 MHz is outputted, and "21 n RF", indicating "channel 21", "NZ mode", and "RF converter setting mode", is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step S44).

.When the "CHDN" key is similarly operated thereafter, an RF signal of +1 channel is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and a display indicating channel", "NZ mode", and "RF converter setting mode" is displayed on the screen of the display device 9. When channel 27 is reached, 'I t I an RF signal of 519.25 MHz is made to be outputted, and "27 n RF", indicating "channel 27", "NZ mode", and "RF converter setting mode", is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step S46).

When being in this state, the process returns to the initial state, no matter which of the "CHUP" key or "CHDN" key is operated (both "YES" at Steps S48, S54), an RF signal of 527.25 MHz which is the initial value, is made to be outputted by the RF converter 3, and "28 RF" is displayed on the screen of the display device 9 (Step When the key switch group 2 is operated during the above operations and the RF converter setting mode is completed, the frequency for a channel number which had been displayed on the screen of the display device 9 at that time is set as 15 the output frequency of the RF converter 3, and the microcomputer 1 stored this channel number and frequency.

As discussed so far, according to the output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter of the present invention, it is made possible to sell video instruments 20 being equipped with this output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to multiple countries (regions)in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be achieved for an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

According to the output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter of the present invention, it is made possible to sell video instruments being equipped with this output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to multiple countries (region) in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be achieved for an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment, and further, the user can easily perform setting of output frequencies for an RF converter.

According to the output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter of the present invention, the number of frequencies and channel numbers that are to be selected by the user for setting output frequencies for an RF converter *are limited, and the user can easily perform setting of output frequencies for an RF converter. Further, it is made "possible to sell video instruments being equipped with this output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to .multiple countries (regions) in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be achieved for an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

According to the output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter of the present invention, the user can easily perform setting of output frequencies for an RF converter.

Further, it is made possible to sell video instruments being equipped with this output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter to multiple countries (regions) in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be achieved for an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

According to the video instrument of the present invention, it is made possible to sell them to multiple 15 countries (regions) in which the allotted frequencies for television channels are different, and it can thus be S* achieved for an increase in designing efficiency, an increase in production efficiency due to decreases in produced types as well as simplification in management of stock and shipment.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiments are therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.

Throughout this specification and the claims :which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

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Claims (6)

1. An output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter for setting and controlling output frequency of an RF converter which converts a video signal into an RF signal to be outputted to a predetermined channel of a reproducing instrument, comprising: storing means for storing initial values of frequency of video signal and channel number when setting the output frequency; changing means for sequentially changing the output frequency from initial value by turns of channel numbers by following instructions from outside when setting the output frequency; display signal outputting means for outputting a display signal which displays an output frequency and a corresponding channel number; and RF signal setting means for setting the output frequency and the corresponding channel number indicated by said display signal outputted by said display signal outputting means as an RF signal by following instructions from outside.

2. The output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter as set forth in Claim 1, wherein group of frequencies and channel numbers changed by said hg. changing means are preliminarily set.

3. The output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter as set forth in Claim 1 or 2, further comprising returning means for directly returning the output frequency to said initial value by following instructions from outside when setting an output frequency.

4. The output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter as set forth in Claim 3, further comprising switching means, to which a plurality of groups of frequency and channel number are set as initial values, for changing between said plurality of groups of frequency and channel number by following instructions from outside when setting output frequencies. The output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter as set forth in Claim 4, wherein said initial values is common to a plurality of groups of frequencies and channel numbers set for each country.

6. A video instrument being equipped with an output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter for setting and controlling output frequency of an RF converter which converts a video signal into an RF signal to be outputted to a predetermined channel of a reproducing instrument, said output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter comprising: storing means for storing initial values of frequency of video signal and channel number when setting the output frequency; changing means for sequentihally hanging the output frequency from initial valu by turns/of channel numbers by following instructions from outs-id'e when setting the output frequency; display signal outputting means for outputting a display signal which displays an output frequency and a corresponding channel number; and RF signal setting means for setting the output frequency and the corresponding channel number indicated by said display signal outputted by said display signal outputting means as an RF signal by following instructions from outside.

97. The video instrument as set forth in Claim 6, wherein group of frequencies and channel numbers changed by said changing means of said output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter are preliminarily set. 8. The video instrument as set forth in Claim 6 or 7, wherein said output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter further comprising returning means for directly returning the output frequency to said initial value by following instructions from outside when setting an output frequency. 9. The video instrument as set forth in Claim 8, wherein said output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter further comprising switching means, to which a plurality of groups of frequency and channel number are set as initial values, for changing between said plurality of :"groups of frequency and channel number by following instructions from outside when setting output frequencies. 10. The video instrument as set forth in Claim 9, *e~e wherein said initial values set in said output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter is common to a plurality of groups of frequencies and channel numbers set for each country. country. h, 1 24 11. An output frequency control apparatus for an RF converter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings and/or Examples. 12. A video instrument substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings and/or Examples. 13. The steps, features, compositions and compounds disclosed herein or referred to or indicated in the specification and/or claims of this application, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. 4* DATED this TWENTY SIXTH day of MAY 1998 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. 0 by DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys for the applicant(s) 00