CA1291259C - Video theater system - Google Patents
Video theater systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1291259C CA1291259C CA000615631A CA615631A CA1291259C CA 1291259 C CA1291259 C CA 1291259C CA 000615631 A CA000615631 A CA 000615631A CA 615631 A CA615631 A CA 615631A CA 1291259 C CA1291259 C CA 1291259C
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- tape
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In a video theater system, a video projector and a cassette video player are employed for playing a movie. The cassette video player employed in this system uses a video cassette which has various control signals together with a movie program on a video tape. These control signals are recorded at vertical blanking intervals and manage automatic system operation of the video theater.
In a video theater system, a video projector and a cassette video player are employed for playing a movie. The cassette video player employed in this system uses a video cassette which has various control signals together with a movie program on a video tape. These control signals are recorded at vertical blanking intervals and manage automatic system operation of the video theater.
Description
BA~KGROUND OF 'l~E IN~NT~ON
This is a divisional of Canadian application 441,~83.
The present invention generally relates to a video theater system employing a video cassette player and a video projector, and more particularly relates to a video theater system which can be automatically controlled in accordance with control codes recorded on a video tape.
Recently, a video theater using a video projector and a video cassette player has become very popular. This video theater uses a relatively simple apparatus and is therefore suitable for a small movie theater.
Video theaters of this type, however, require man power which is the same as that of a large movie theater in order to control a blackout curtain, screen size, and so on.
Furthermore, since the playback time of the video cassette is one hour, the video cassette must be exchanged to play the movie having a playing time of longer than one hour.
SUMMARY OF T~E IN~7ENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel video theater system.
It ;s another object of the present invention to provide a video theater system employing a video cassette player and a video projector.
It is further an object of the present invention to provide a novel video theater system which can automatically control the theater appliances in accordance with a control signal recorded on a video cassette tape.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a control code wsed in the video theater system according to 3~
': -.. ~ , 5~
the present invention is inserted in the vertical blanking interval of a vi~leo signal. The control signal is read out during a playback mode to automatically control the projection size, screen size, lighting conditions, and so on. On the other hand, a control signal is a]so used to control the sequence play of a pair of video tape recorders (VTRs). Since the maximum play time of the video cassette is one hour, when a video program having a playing time over one ho-ur long is played, the sequence play operation of two VT~s must be carried out. The control code for controlling this sequence play operation is also recorded on the video tape.
According to a further aspect of the invention the video tape has a code recorded on it containing information as to the number of times the video tape has been played. The controller reads the code and automatically increments and re-records it on the video tape for each playback.
The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings through which the like references designate the same elernents and parts.
BRIEF DES~RIPTION OF TlE~E DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a video theater system according to the present invention;
Figures 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a tape pattern on the video tape used in the present invention;
Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a projection size of a video projector used in the video theater system of the present invention;
Figure 4A is a perspective view showing an example of a video cassette which is designed for video theater use;
F;gure 4B is a front view thereof;
Figure 5 is a front view of a VTR -used in the video theater system of the present invention;
~, Figure ~A is a diagram showing a ~ack patter~ on ~he video tape used in the present invention;
Figure 6B is an enlarged view of the ~-ideo ~rack on the video tape used to explain an ID code signal recorded on ~he video track shown in Figure 6A;
Figure 7 is a block diagram of a code signal mixing circuit used in the present invention;
Fi~ure 8 is a block diagram of a code reader employed by the VTR in the present invention;
Figure 9 is a block diagram of a circuit which incre-ments the number of playbacks of the video cassette at each play~ack thereof used in the present invention;
Figure 10 is a diayram used to explain address signals recorded on ~he video tape in the present invention; and Figure 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit necessary for automatic sequence playback in the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Now, the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the attached drawings.
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a video theater system of the present invention.
As shown in Figure 1, a video theater system requires a video projector 1 hung down from a ceiling of a room, and a projector-screen 2 is provided in facing relation to the projector 1. Furthermore, a pair of cassette VTRs 3 and 4 are prepared for ~upplying video signals to the video projector 1. The operation of these VTRs 3 and 4 is controlled by a controller 5. The VTRs 3, 4 and the controller 5 are housed _.. .... .. . ... . . . .. . . .
2~g in a console 6.
In general, in a U-matic (trade mark~ cassette VTR
employing a video tape of, for exampl~, 3/4-inch width, the maximum playing time thereof .~s one nour, for example.
Therefore, when a video program having a playing time longer than one hour is projected, the playing of the video program cannot be carried out continuously ~y one cassette VTR. For this reason, as shown in Figure 1, two cassette VTRs 3 and 4 are prepared, and thus a playing time longer than sne hour can be realized Dy se~uence play o~ two cassette VTRs 3 and 4. Of course, a playing time of more tnan two ~ours can ~e carried out ~y dr~ving two cassette VTRs 3 and 4 successive-ly and alternately. I~ necessary, more than two VTRs may be provided.
In the video theater system, various measuxes are taken to conser~e manpower. Figures 2A and 2B show ~arious signals which ar~ recorded on th.e video tape ~or th.is purpose. Figure 2A s~ows a tape pattern 10 formed on a video tape of a cassette whlch is installed on the VTR 3, while Figure 2B shows a tape pattern 2~ formed on a video tape of a cassette which is ~nstalled on the VTR 4. As shown, the respective ~ideo~ tapes are provided at ~oth ends thereof with w~ite leader tapes 11, 12 and 21, 22.
Considering a video program ~aving a playing time of, for example, two hours, the ~irst half of the video program is recorded in a region or area 13 of the tape pattern 1~, while the second half o~ the ~ideo program is recorded in an area 23 of the tape pattern 2~.
5~
On the tape pattern 10, there are respectively recorded a start code 14, a start command code 15, a theater ID code 16, and a sequence play control code 17.
On the other hand, on - 5a -the tape patterh 20, there are recorded a s~quenc~ play control code 24, a theater ID code 25, an end command code 26, and an end code 27, respectively. In an area 18 of the tape pattern lO, there is recorded the number of play backs of the tape.
That is, the above number of playbacks is incremented by one each time when the video cassette is used and thén re-recorded.
The start command code 15 includes various types of information to automatically play back ~he video program. For example, this command code 15 may include such information signals as follows: a projection size command signal which controls a deflection system of a video projector in such a manner that the size of the projection image 30 of the video projector shown by a broken line in Figure 3 is changed into one of standard size shown by a one-dot broken line 30S, vista vision size shown by a two-dot broken line 30V, and Cinemascope (trade mark) size shown by a solid line 30C
depending on the video program recorded on the video tape~
For example, a screen size command signal may be provided which automatically sets the screen size in the movie theater by moving the black curtain depending on the size of the movie such as standard, vista vision, and Cinemascope recorded on the video tape. A color control command ~ignal may be provided which sets the reference color relative to the relation of the color signals from the video projector (by, for example, skin color reference signal). An audio control command signal may be provided which selectively changes the audio system depending on whether the audio signal recorded on the tape is a monaural or stereophonic signal. A sequence control command signal may be provided which sets the sequence play of the VTRs for the movie recorded on the video tape~
These ~ ~e ~ignals are supérimpose at prede~ermined horizontal scanning intervals in the vertical blanking period.
The circuits for these code signals are used in common as will be described later. For example, these code signals are re-corded at the 12th horizontal scanning interval counted from the V-~ync (vertical synchronizing signal). For example, 16 bits are recorded at one horizontal scanning interval so that the code signals are recorded over several fields, if necessary.
Considering the video theater system, each theater rents the VTR console 6 in which the V~Rs 3, 4 and the con-troller 5 are incorporated together. Of course, a program creator also rents a video program ~o each video theater in the form of a video casRette. In this case, various tech-niques are provided to inhibit unfair personal use of the video cassette delivered for video theater use. One such technique is that the shape of the video cassette for video theater use is designed differently than the shape of a con-ventional video cassette. An example of a video cassette for video theater use is shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Reference numeral 40 designates such a video cassette which comprises an upper half 41, a lower half 42, and a lid 43. ~he upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are each formed by plas~ic molding, and the lid 43 is made of metal and hinged at 43a to the upper half 41. The configuration of this video cassette mentioned above i5 the conventional U-matic video cassette having incorporated therein a supply-reel and a take-up reel around which a video tape is wound. The eature of the video cassette for video theater use lies in a rib 44 provided at both side walls of the video cassette 40. Accordingly, the ~ jlV~ 3 conventional U-matic VTR can not accept ~lLS video cassette for video theater use because of the ribs 44. ~owever, each of the VTRs 3 and 4 for video theater use includes a cassette entrance with the shape as shown in Figure 5. Namely, a cassette opening 51 bored through a front panel S0 includes cut outs 51a coxresponding to the ribs 44 formed at both side walls of ~he cassette 40. Thus, the video casse~te 40 for video theater use can be played by only the VTR for video theater use, hut the video cassette 40 cannot be played by the ordinary VTR, and hence dubbing is inhibited.
Furthermore, in order to avoid unfair dubbing of the video cassette tape delivered to the video theater, an ID
signal is recorded thereon together wi~h the video program.
More particularly, when a video program is recorded on a video cassette for rental use from a master VTR, the theater ID code assigned to each video theater is recorded on the video tape and mixed with the video program.
As shown in Figure 6A, a plurality of video tracks 61 are recorded in slantwise fashion on a video tape 60. For example, an ID code 64 is inserted into the 12th horizontal 6canning interval counted from the V-sync signal 62 of a video signal (see Figure 6B). The ID code 64 is recorded at the 12th horizontal scanning interval of the video tape in the form of digital data so that a general user can not erase this ID code 64 alone without difficulty. In Figure 6B, reference numeral 63 designates the horizontal synchronizing signals.
When the recorded video cassette tape for video theater use is made by superimposing this ID code 64 at horizontal scanning intervals of the video signals, a code signal mixing circuit shown in Figure 7 is employed.
The code signal mixing circuit shown in Figure 7 is used to record not only the theater ID code ~ut also all the code signals mentioned before. Namely, this code signal mixing circuit is used to copy the video program recorded on the master video tape onto a video tape of a rental v~deo cassette.
The code signal mix~ng circu~t s~own ~.n Figure 7 ~ill be described with reference to a case tn w~ich the ~heater ID code ts recorded. ~s pre~iously s~own in Figures 2A and 2B, the theater ID code is superimposed at th.e predetermined portions or areas 16 and 25 in t~e video programs 13 and 23 and then recorded.
In Figure 7, reference numeral 70 designates a master VTR for reproducing a master video tape on which a desired program was recorded and 71 a slave VTR for copying a video tape which. ~ill ~e'delivered to eacn.'~ideo theater. The reproduced video signal ~rom t~i;s master VT~ 7Q is supplied through.'a mixing cIrcuit 72 to the recordea signal input terminal of the sla~e'~TR 71~ T~.e ~ideo s~gnal xepxoduced irom t~e master VTR 7Q is al.so suppli,ed to a synchxonizing separating circuit 73. The horizontal synchronizing signal appearing at th.e output side of the synchronizing separating circuit 73 is supplied to a clQck signal generating circuit 74. The clock signal generating circuit 74 is synchronized ~ith this synchronizing signal. The horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals oPtained at the output side of th.e _ g _ LZ~
synchronizing separating circuit 73 are supplied to a qate pulse generating circuit 75. Reference numeral 76 des.ignates a code setter which sets a particular ID code being assigned to each video theater to which the video tape is delivered.
The ID code signal set ~y this code setter 76 on the basis of a BCD (.binary coded decimal~ coding method is supplied to a latch 77. The latch 77 is triggered at the leading edge of the gate signal from the gate pulse generating circuit 75.
The output signal from th.e latch 77 is supplied to a 16-bit shift register 78 in which parallel data is converted to serial data. The ID code signal according to the BCD coding meth.od obtained at the output side o~ the shift register 78 is fed to the mixing circuit 72 through a switching circuit 79 which is turned on~ and off in response to the control signal being supplied to a control signal input terminal 80 from the outside and a gate circuit 81 which allows the p~ssage of a signal thexethrough during a particular ~o~izontal scanning lnter:Yal~ In this case, when the ID
code signal fQr a particular theater is recorded on the ~h.ole area o~ the video tape, a control signal which allows th~e switching circuit 72 to ~e always on is supplied to the control signal input termtnal 8~. ~owever, th.e ~ollowing versiQn ~ay be possible th~t a control signal wh~ch. will turn on th.is switching ci.rcuit 79 at e~ch predetermined time ~or a predeterm~ned duration of time or a control signal which will turn on the s~itching circuit 72 in the main portion of the recorded contents of the master video 2~9 tape is supplied to the control signal input terminal 80.
When the video tape according to this embodiment i5 obtained, namely, the video tape to be delivered to the video theater is obtained by copying the master video tape which will be supplied to the video projector, it is obtained in the following manner. First, the ID code specified for each video theater to which the video cassette is delivered is set by - lQa -the code settel~ 76. The ID code signaI th set by the code setter 76 is supplied through the la~ch 77 to the shift xegister 7R~ At that timeO the master VTR 70 i~ placed in the playback mode. As a result, ~he video signal played back from this master VTR 70 is supplied to one input terminal of the mixing circuit 72, ~he gake signal from the gate pulse generating circuit 75 is supplied to the gate circuit 81 and during the period of this gate signal, the ID code signal is supplied to the other input terminal of the mixiny circuit 72.
Thus, at ~he output side of this mixing circuit 72 appears a video signal in which the ID code signal is superimposed on the 12th horizontal scanning interval zounted from the V sync signal. This video signal is recorded on the video tape by the slave VTR 71. Therefore, the video tape to be delivered to the video theater is recorded with the ID code signal for the video theater superimposed upon the vertical blanking interval of the video signal.
The video tape thus created is delivered to the video theater of which the ID code is coincident with the prede~
termined ID code~ In the video theatér employing the delivered video tape, a predetermined video program can be projected by the video pro~ector. In this case, since the ID
code signal is superimposed upon the vertical blanking interval of the video signal, no bad influence is exerted on the picture on the screen.
When the unfair copying of the delivered video tape is made, the head office for delivering the video tape to each video theater prepares an ID code reader to detect the ID
code signal superimposed upon the vertical blanking interval of the video signal of the copied video tape, so that it is .
"3 possible to determinedaparticular video theater which performed the unfair copying o~ the video tape by detecting the ID code superimposed on the copied video tape.
Similarly, the command codes, etc. as mentioned ~efore can be recorded by setting various codes By the code setter 76.
These various codes are recorded at the positions shown in Fi~ures 2A and 2B.
The codes being recorded to manage the automatic operation include the start code 14, the start command code 15, the sequence play control codes 17 and 24, the end command code 26 and the end code 27, The start command code 17 can include a lighting control si~nal ~esides the control signals mentioned before. In like manner, the end command code 26 can include the ligh.ting control s~ignal to automatically control the lighting condition of th.e video theater. Morevoer, the end command code 26 can include a ~lack curtain control signal by ~hich,-after th.e end of playing, the black curt~in can ~e closed automatically. The ~ideo cassette in whicn these codes are recorded together with.the video program is rented ~y eac~ video the~ter~
The VTR console 6 lnstalled for each video theater lncludes the controller 5 whic~ incorporates; therein a code reader and a circuit ~or per~orming automatic contxol. For example, th~e code reader has the circuitry as shown in Figure 8 and is provided for each VT~
In Figure 8, re~erence numeral 85 designates an input terminal to which.the video signal played ~ack by the VTR is Z5~
supplied. The video signal ~rom this input terminal 85 is supplied to a command gate circuit 86 and also to a synchroniz-ing separating circuit 87. The vertical and horizontal - 12a -æ~3 synchronizing slgnals delivered from the S`y~chronizing separating circuit 87 are supplied to a data gate pulse signal generating circuit 88 which the~ generates a data gate pulse signal synchronized with the vertical synchronizing signal. The data gate pulse signal appearing at the output side of the data gate pulse signal generating circuit 88 i5 supplied to the command gate circuit 86 as its gate signal~
On the other hand, the horizontal synchronizing signal delivered from the synchronizing separating circuit 87 is supplied to a data clock ~ignal oscillating circuit 89 as the synchronizing signal so as to allow the data clock sisnal oscillating circuit 89 to be oscillated in synchronism with the horizontal synchronizing signal. The ou~put signal from the command gate circuit 86 is supplied to, for example, a 16-bit shift register 90 which then reads the same in response to the data clock signal from the data clock signal oscillating circuit 89. The output signal from this shift register 90 is supplied to a 16-bi~ latch circuit 91 when the data gate pulse signal occurs from the data gate pulse signal generating circuit 88. The output signal from the 16-bit latch circuit 91 is supplied to a decoder 92 in which respective command signals are reproduced. The output signal from this decoder 92 is supplied to an interface circuit 93 and a system control apparatus (not shown) is operated by this interface circuit 93. For example, when the recorded video program is a Cinemascope size, in accordance with the start command code 15, the deflection system of the video projector is controlled by the screen-size command signal to allow the projection screen of the video projector to become such as shown by the solid line 30C in Figure 3. Furthermore, in response to the s~
screen size command signal the black curtain is moved to provide a Cinemascope screen si7e, and the audio system is put into, for example, a s-tereophonic mode in response to the audio command signal. The system then plays the Cinemascope movi~ . Such control signals for automatic control use appear at an output terminal 94 of the interface circwit 93, while the output of the latch 91 is delivered to an output terminal 95.
The data from the terminal 95 is used to record the number of playbacks and to carry out the sequence play control. For example, as described before, the program cassette is t`or rental use and the rental fee thereof is determined by the number of playbacks.
Therefore, a program supplier needs to determine the number of playbacks in the video theater. For this purpose, an apparatus for automatically rewriting the number of playbacks is incorporated into the controller 5. The number of playbacks is recorded on the area 18 of the tape pattern 1û (see Figure 2A). When the number of playbacks is incremented by rewriting at each playback, a circuit shown in Figure 9 is employed.
When a video cassette is installed on the VTR 3, its video tape is usually stopped at the position of the start code 14 shown in Figure 2A. When the start button is depressed upon starting of the playback of the video tape, first the VTR 3 plays back the value corresponding to the number of playbacks recorded at the area 18 in the tape pattern 20 shown in Figure 2A. The above playback circuit practically employs the circuit shown in Figure 8, and the data thus obtained is supplied through the output terminal 95 to an input terminal lOO of the circuit shown in Figure 9. The data applied to the input terminal 100 i~ ~upplied through a decode~ 01 to a display apparatus 102 which then.displays the number of playbacks of this video tape up ~o the present time recorded on th2 data record area 18.
When the reading of the number of playbacks from the data record area 18 ends, the VTR 3 is again set to the rewind mode and the video tape thereof is rewound to its predetermined position, ~or example the position of the start code 14. After that, the VTR 3 is set to the recording mode to record on -the data record area 18 of the video tape a signal obtained at a record signal output terminal 103. More particularly, the data applied to the input terminal 100 is supplied to a data increment circuit 104 which increments the data by a digital signal corresponding to n 11~ in decimal notation. The data incremented by the data increment circuit 104 is supplied through a latch 105 to a 16-bit shift register 106. In Figure 9, reference numeral 107 designates a synchronizing signal generating circuit which generates the ver*ical and horizontal synchronizing signals of a video signal. The com-posite synchronizing signal obtained at a composite synchronizing signal output terminal 107a of the synchronizing signal generating circuit 107 is supplied to one input terminal of an adding circuit 108. Moreover, the vertical synchronizing signal obtained at a vertical synchronizing signal output terminal 107V and the horizontal synchronizing signal ohtained at a horizontal synchronizing signal output terminal 107H of the synchronizing signal genexating circuit 107 are respectively supplied to a data gate pulse signal generating circuit 109 which then generates a data gate pulse signal having a pre-determined horizontal scanning interval in the vertical blanking ;t t--~
period synchro~ed with the ver~c~ f'lo~izing signal. In response to this da~a gate pulse signal, the data signal is supplied to the 16-bi~ ~hift register 106. On the other hand, the horizontal synchronizing ~ignal appearing at the horizon-tal synchronizing signal output terminal 107~ o this horizontal synchronizing 6ignal generating circult 107 is supplied to a data clock signal oscillating circuit 110 as ~he synchronizing signal ~hereof. ~s a result, this data clock signal oscillating circuit 110 is oscillated in synchronism with the horizontal ~ynchronizing signal. If necessary, the synchronizing signal genera~ing circuit 107 is operated in synchronism with an external signal applied to a terminal 112.
The output signal from the 16-bit shift register 106 is converted in the parallel to serial form. The serial signal therefrom is supplied through a data signal gate circuit lll to the other input terminal of the adding circuit 108. In this case, the data signal gate circuit 111 is controlled in response to the data gate pulse signal from the data gate pulse signal generating circuit 109.
During the period of the data gate pulse signal in the vertical blanking interval of the video signal obtained at the output side of the adding circuit 108/ a signal incremented by a digital signal "~1" relative to the number of the playbacks at the present tir,le appears at the record signal outpu~ terminal 103 and this signal is recorded at the data record area 18 of the video tape. After the recording of the number of playbacks is ended, the VTR 3 is released from its recording mode and then placed into the playback mode to play back the video program signal. After that, this video program signal is projected by the video projector.
- ~ccordlngly, when the delivered video tape is collected and the number of the playbacks recorded on the data record area 18 is detected, it is possible to figure out whether the number of playbacks is coincident with ~he contracted one or not. If the detected number exceeds the contracted number, the existen~e ~f the unfair use, copying, and so on can be chec~ed.
As described before, the VTR employed as the video signal source for the video projector used in this video ~heater system employs the video cassette having the video tape on which the desired program was recorded. As this video cassette, a video cassette having a one-hour playing time is generally used to play the movie with excellent picture quality. Therefore, when a movie having a playing time longer than one hour is played, it is necessary for a plurality of VTRs, for example two VTRs, to be driven for the sequence play and to change them without disturbing the picture on the screen. When the sequence play of a plurality of VTRs is carried out, it is necessary to change them without disturbing the picture on the screen by use of a system having a simple construction. In other words, a reproduced signal of the address signal 17 recorded at the end of the first video tape reproduced by the first VTR 3 and a reproduced signal of the address signal 24 recorded at the beginning of the second video tape reproduced by the second VTR 4 are compared with each other. Then, in response to the compared difference signal therefrom, the running speed of the second video tape reproduced by the second VTR 4 is controlled.
When the reproduced signals of the address signals by the first and second VTRs 3 and 4 become coincident with each other in stable fashion, the reproduced output signal from the second VTR 4 is used. According to the present invention, the se~uence p~ay of the first and second ~TRs 3 and 4 is carried out and they are changed without disturbing the picture on the soreen.
As shown in Figure 10, for example, the address signals are sequentially recorded in advance by the BCD code at the predetermined positions in the vertical blanking period of the video signal in an end area 120a, for a duration of two minutes, for example, at the time interval 58 to 60 minutes on the first video tape 120. The video signals (including the addre~s signals) which are the same as those recorded in the end area 120a of the video tape 120 during ~he interval of two minutes, for example, are recorded at the start area 121a during an interval of two minutes of khe second video tape 121 which will be played back in succession the next time. During an interval of, fox example, two minutes, the video signals are recorded in superimposed fashion on the first and second video tapes 120 and 121. After that, the video signals of the pro-gram for se~uence play are recorded on the second video tape 121. When the playing time exceeds two hours, the video signals are similarly re~orded b~tween second and third video tapes.
The address signals which are shown in Figure 10 correspond to the sequence play control codes 17 and 24 shown in Figures 2A and 2Br These address signals are recorded by the use of the circuit shown in Figure 7O
In the present embodiment~ the play sequence from the first video tape 120 to the second video tape 121 will now be described. In the video theater, first the first video tape 120 is played back by the first VTR 3, and at that time~ the video cassette in which the second video tape 121 is installed is inserted into the cassette entrance of tt,e ~econd VTR 4 and then placed in ~he playback standby mode. ~hen, f~r example, the timer in the firs~ VTR 3 indicatQs that ~he played back time reaches 58 minutes, the second VTR starts its playbac~.
Figure 11 shows a control circuit necessary for au~o-matic sequence playback. In this figure, reference numeral 150 designates a first VTR, while refexence numeral 151 designa~es ~ second VTR. In each of the firs~ and second VTRs 150 and 151, the se~uence play control codes, namely, the address codes, are played back by the code reader incorpora~ed therein. These repxoduced address codes are respectively supplied to a magnitude compara~or 152. The output signal from the magnitude comparator 152 is supplied ~o an U/D (up-down counter) 155 under one of three conditions that the output signal A is larger than the output signal B, A~ B, the output signal A is equal to the output signal B, A = B and the output signal A is smaller than the outpu~ signal B, A~B. The output from the U/D counter 155 is supplied to a D/A (digital-to-analog) converter 156. Reference numeral 157 designates a voltage controlled oscillator lVCO~ of which the control voltage is controlled in response to a difference between the address signal A of the video tape 120 in the first VTR 150 and the address signal B of the video tape 121 in the second VTR 151 appearing at the output side of the D/A converter 156. The output signal from the VCO 157 is supplied to a driva circuit 161 in the second VTR 151 to which the external synchronization can be applied. The output signal from this drive circuit 161 is supplied to drive a motor 162 which determines the running speed of the video tape 121 in the second VTR 151. The motor 162 in the second VTR 151 is controlled in such manner that the address signal B played back by the seC~nd VTR 151 may coincide with the address signal A played ba~k by the first VTR 150. The output signal provided by ~he magnitude comparator 152 when the address signal A equals the address signal B is supplied to a check circuit 153 which checks whether the condition of the address signal ~ equal to the address signal B (A=B) lasts, for example, for 5 seconds.
When the condition of A=B lasts for 5 ~econds, the output of the check circuit 153 is supplied to a switching signal generating circuit 154 as its control signalO Thus, the switching signal generating circuit 154 produces at its output side the switching signal. The switching signal from the switching signal generating circuit 154 is supplied to a change-over circuit 158 such that its movable contact 158c is changed in position from its first fixed contact 158a to its second ~ixed contact 158b in response to the switching signal.
The first fixed contact 158a of the change-over circuit 158 is supplied with the reproduced video signal from the first VTR 150, while the second fixed contact 158b is supplied with the reproduced video signal from the second VTR 151. The movable contact 158c is connected to a video signal output terminal lS9 from which the video signal is supplied to the video projector.
With the construction as mentioned above, at first the video signal reproduced from the first VTR 150 is supplied through the first fixed contact 158a of the change-over circuit 158, its movable contact 158c, and the output terminal 159 to the video projector. When the timer in the first VTR 150 reaches 58 minutes, the second VTR 151 is also placed in the playback mode. At that time, the code reader shown in Figure 8 extracts the address sig~.~ls A and B recorded in the vertical blanking periods from the first and second VTRs 150 and 151. The address signals A and B are compared with each other in ~he magnitude comparator 152. When there is a difference between the address signals A and B, the revolution speed of the motor 162 which determines the transport speed of the video tape 121 in the second VTR 151 is controlled so as to make the address signals A and B equal to each other. When the address signals A and B become equal to each other in a stable manner, for example ~he condition of A=B lasts for 5 seconds, the switching signal generating circuit 154 generates the switching signal. In response to the switching signal, the movable contact 158c of the change-over circuit 158 is changed in position to its second fixed contact 158b so that the video signal reproduced from the second VTR 151 is ~upplied through the change-over circuit 158 to the video projector and the sequence play of the VTRs 150 and 151 can be accomplished. In this case, when the reproduced signal of the address signal A
recorded in the vertical blanking interval of the video tape 120 in the first VTR 150 becomes equal in a stable manner to the reprodu~ed signal of the address signal B recorded in the vertical blanking interval of the video tape 121 of the second VTR 151, the change-sver circuit 158 is switched to allow the video signal reproduced from the second video tape 121 to be used. Thus, upon this switching, the reproduced picture on the screen is never disturbed.
In the above embodiment, when the address signals ~ and B are not equal in stable fashion to each other after a pxe-determined time elapses, for example ~he first video tape 120 reaches 59 minutes and 40 seconds, it is possible that the movable contact 158c of the change-over circuit 158 is forcibly switchedO And when no address signal exists in the first VTR
150, it is automatically placed in the rewind mode.
Although various minor changes and modifications might be proposed by those skilled in the art, it will be understood that I wish to include within the claims of the patent warranted hereon all such changes and modifications as reasonably come within my contribution to the art.
This is a divisional of Canadian application 441,~83.
The present invention generally relates to a video theater system employing a video cassette player and a video projector, and more particularly relates to a video theater system which can be automatically controlled in accordance with control codes recorded on a video tape.
Recently, a video theater using a video projector and a video cassette player has become very popular. This video theater uses a relatively simple apparatus and is therefore suitable for a small movie theater.
Video theaters of this type, however, require man power which is the same as that of a large movie theater in order to control a blackout curtain, screen size, and so on.
Furthermore, since the playback time of the video cassette is one hour, the video cassette must be exchanged to play the movie having a playing time of longer than one hour.
SUMMARY OF T~E IN~7ENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel video theater system.
It ;s another object of the present invention to provide a video theater system employing a video cassette player and a video projector.
It is further an object of the present invention to provide a novel video theater system which can automatically control the theater appliances in accordance with a control signal recorded on a video cassette tape.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a control code wsed in the video theater system according to 3~
': -.. ~ , 5~
the present invention is inserted in the vertical blanking interval of a vi~leo signal. The control signal is read out during a playback mode to automatically control the projection size, screen size, lighting conditions, and so on. On the other hand, a control signal is a]so used to control the sequence play of a pair of video tape recorders (VTRs). Since the maximum play time of the video cassette is one hour, when a video program having a playing time over one ho-ur long is played, the sequence play operation of two VT~s must be carried out. The control code for controlling this sequence play operation is also recorded on the video tape.
According to a further aspect of the invention the video tape has a code recorded on it containing information as to the number of times the video tape has been played. The controller reads the code and automatically increments and re-records it on the video tape for each playback.
The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings through which the like references designate the same elernents and parts.
BRIEF DES~RIPTION OF TlE~E DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a video theater system according to the present invention;
Figures 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a tape pattern on the video tape used in the present invention;
Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a projection size of a video projector used in the video theater system of the present invention;
Figure 4A is a perspective view showing an example of a video cassette which is designed for video theater use;
F;gure 4B is a front view thereof;
Figure 5 is a front view of a VTR -used in the video theater system of the present invention;
~, Figure ~A is a diagram showing a ~ack patter~ on ~he video tape used in the present invention;
Figure 6B is an enlarged view of the ~-ideo ~rack on the video tape used to explain an ID code signal recorded on ~he video track shown in Figure 6A;
Figure 7 is a block diagram of a code signal mixing circuit used in the present invention;
Fi~ure 8 is a block diagram of a code reader employed by the VTR in the present invention;
Figure 9 is a block diagram of a circuit which incre-ments the number of playbacks of the video cassette at each play~ack thereof used in the present invention;
Figure 10 is a diayram used to explain address signals recorded on ~he video tape in the present invention; and Figure 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit necessary for automatic sequence playback in the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Now, the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the attached drawings.
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a video theater system of the present invention.
As shown in Figure 1, a video theater system requires a video projector 1 hung down from a ceiling of a room, and a projector-screen 2 is provided in facing relation to the projector 1. Furthermore, a pair of cassette VTRs 3 and 4 are prepared for ~upplying video signals to the video projector 1. The operation of these VTRs 3 and 4 is controlled by a controller 5. The VTRs 3, 4 and the controller 5 are housed _.. .... .. . ... . . . .. . . .
2~g in a console 6.
In general, in a U-matic (trade mark~ cassette VTR
employing a video tape of, for exampl~, 3/4-inch width, the maximum playing time thereof .~s one nour, for example.
Therefore, when a video program having a playing time longer than one hour is projected, the playing of the video program cannot be carried out continuously ~y one cassette VTR. For this reason, as shown in Figure 1, two cassette VTRs 3 and 4 are prepared, and thus a playing time longer than sne hour can be realized Dy se~uence play o~ two cassette VTRs 3 and 4. Of course, a playing time of more tnan two ~ours can ~e carried out ~y dr~ving two cassette VTRs 3 and 4 successive-ly and alternately. I~ necessary, more than two VTRs may be provided.
In the video theater system, various measuxes are taken to conser~e manpower. Figures 2A and 2B show ~arious signals which ar~ recorded on th.e video tape ~or th.is purpose. Figure 2A s~ows a tape pattern 10 formed on a video tape of a cassette whlch is installed on the VTR 3, while Figure 2B shows a tape pattern 2~ formed on a video tape of a cassette which is ~nstalled on the VTR 4. As shown, the respective ~ideo~ tapes are provided at ~oth ends thereof with w~ite leader tapes 11, 12 and 21, 22.
Considering a video program ~aving a playing time of, for example, two hours, the ~irst half of the video program is recorded in a region or area 13 of the tape pattern 1~, while the second half o~ the ~ideo program is recorded in an area 23 of the tape pattern 2~.
5~
On the tape pattern 10, there are respectively recorded a start code 14, a start command code 15, a theater ID code 16, and a sequence play control code 17.
On the other hand, on - 5a -the tape patterh 20, there are recorded a s~quenc~ play control code 24, a theater ID code 25, an end command code 26, and an end code 27, respectively. In an area 18 of the tape pattern lO, there is recorded the number of play backs of the tape.
That is, the above number of playbacks is incremented by one each time when the video cassette is used and thén re-recorded.
The start command code 15 includes various types of information to automatically play back ~he video program. For example, this command code 15 may include such information signals as follows: a projection size command signal which controls a deflection system of a video projector in such a manner that the size of the projection image 30 of the video projector shown by a broken line in Figure 3 is changed into one of standard size shown by a one-dot broken line 30S, vista vision size shown by a two-dot broken line 30V, and Cinemascope (trade mark) size shown by a solid line 30C
depending on the video program recorded on the video tape~
For example, a screen size command signal may be provided which automatically sets the screen size in the movie theater by moving the black curtain depending on the size of the movie such as standard, vista vision, and Cinemascope recorded on the video tape. A color control command ~ignal may be provided which sets the reference color relative to the relation of the color signals from the video projector (by, for example, skin color reference signal). An audio control command signal may be provided which selectively changes the audio system depending on whether the audio signal recorded on the tape is a monaural or stereophonic signal. A sequence control command signal may be provided which sets the sequence play of the VTRs for the movie recorded on the video tape~
These ~ ~e ~ignals are supérimpose at prede~ermined horizontal scanning intervals in the vertical blanking period.
The circuits for these code signals are used in common as will be described later. For example, these code signals are re-corded at the 12th horizontal scanning interval counted from the V-~ync (vertical synchronizing signal). For example, 16 bits are recorded at one horizontal scanning interval so that the code signals are recorded over several fields, if necessary.
Considering the video theater system, each theater rents the VTR console 6 in which the V~Rs 3, 4 and the con-troller 5 are incorporated together. Of course, a program creator also rents a video program ~o each video theater in the form of a video casRette. In this case, various tech-niques are provided to inhibit unfair personal use of the video cassette delivered for video theater use. One such technique is that the shape of the video cassette for video theater use is designed differently than the shape of a con-ventional video cassette. An example of a video cassette for video theater use is shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Reference numeral 40 designates such a video cassette which comprises an upper half 41, a lower half 42, and a lid 43. ~he upper half 41 and the lower half 42 are each formed by plas~ic molding, and the lid 43 is made of metal and hinged at 43a to the upper half 41. The configuration of this video cassette mentioned above i5 the conventional U-matic video cassette having incorporated therein a supply-reel and a take-up reel around which a video tape is wound. The eature of the video cassette for video theater use lies in a rib 44 provided at both side walls of the video cassette 40. Accordingly, the ~ jlV~ 3 conventional U-matic VTR can not accept ~lLS video cassette for video theater use because of the ribs 44. ~owever, each of the VTRs 3 and 4 for video theater use includes a cassette entrance with the shape as shown in Figure 5. Namely, a cassette opening 51 bored through a front panel S0 includes cut outs 51a coxresponding to the ribs 44 formed at both side walls of ~he cassette 40. Thus, the video casse~te 40 for video theater use can be played by only the VTR for video theater use, hut the video cassette 40 cannot be played by the ordinary VTR, and hence dubbing is inhibited.
Furthermore, in order to avoid unfair dubbing of the video cassette tape delivered to the video theater, an ID
signal is recorded thereon together wi~h the video program.
More particularly, when a video program is recorded on a video cassette for rental use from a master VTR, the theater ID code assigned to each video theater is recorded on the video tape and mixed with the video program.
As shown in Figure 6A, a plurality of video tracks 61 are recorded in slantwise fashion on a video tape 60. For example, an ID code 64 is inserted into the 12th horizontal 6canning interval counted from the V-sync signal 62 of a video signal (see Figure 6B). The ID code 64 is recorded at the 12th horizontal scanning interval of the video tape in the form of digital data so that a general user can not erase this ID code 64 alone without difficulty. In Figure 6B, reference numeral 63 designates the horizontal synchronizing signals.
When the recorded video cassette tape for video theater use is made by superimposing this ID code 64 at horizontal scanning intervals of the video signals, a code signal mixing circuit shown in Figure 7 is employed.
The code signal mixing circuit shown in Figure 7 is used to record not only the theater ID code ~ut also all the code signals mentioned before. Namely, this code signal mixing circuit is used to copy the video program recorded on the master video tape onto a video tape of a rental v~deo cassette.
The code signal mix~ng circu~t s~own ~.n Figure 7 ~ill be described with reference to a case tn w~ich the ~heater ID code ts recorded. ~s pre~iously s~own in Figures 2A and 2B, the theater ID code is superimposed at th.e predetermined portions or areas 16 and 25 in t~e video programs 13 and 23 and then recorded.
In Figure 7, reference numeral 70 designates a master VTR for reproducing a master video tape on which a desired program was recorded and 71 a slave VTR for copying a video tape which. ~ill ~e'delivered to eacn.'~ideo theater. The reproduced video signal ~rom t~i;s master VT~ 7Q is supplied through.'a mixing cIrcuit 72 to the recordea signal input terminal of the sla~e'~TR 71~ T~.e ~ideo s~gnal xepxoduced irom t~e master VTR 7Q is al.so suppli,ed to a synchxonizing separating circuit 73. The horizontal synchronizing signal appearing at th.e output side of the synchronizing separating circuit 73 is supplied to a clQck signal generating circuit 74. The clock signal generating circuit 74 is synchronized ~ith this synchronizing signal. The horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals oPtained at the output side of th.e _ g _ LZ~
synchronizing separating circuit 73 are supplied to a qate pulse generating circuit 75. Reference numeral 76 des.ignates a code setter which sets a particular ID code being assigned to each video theater to which the video tape is delivered.
The ID code signal set ~y this code setter 76 on the basis of a BCD (.binary coded decimal~ coding method is supplied to a latch 77. The latch 77 is triggered at the leading edge of the gate signal from the gate pulse generating circuit 75.
The output signal from th.e latch 77 is supplied to a 16-bit shift register 78 in which parallel data is converted to serial data. The ID code signal according to the BCD coding meth.od obtained at the output side o~ the shift register 78 is fed to the mixing circuit 72 through a switching circuit 79 which is turned on~ and off in response to the control signal being supplied to a control signal input terminal 80 from the outside and a gate circuit 81 which allows the p~ssage of a signal thexethrough during a particular ~o~izontal scanning lnter:Yal~ In this case, when the ID
code signal fQr a particular theater is recorded on the ~h.ole area o~ the video tape, a control signal which allows th~e switching circuit 72 to ~e always on is supplied to the control signal input termtnal 8~. ~owever, th.e ~ollowing versiQn ~ay be possible th~t a control signal wh~ch. will turn on th.is switching ci.rcuit 79 at e~ch predetermined time ~or a predeterm~ned duration of time or a control signal which will turn on the s~itching circuit 72 in the main portion of the recorded contents of the master video 2~9 tape is supplied to the control signal input terminal 80.
When the video tape according to this embodiment i5 obtained, namely, the video tape to be delivered to the video theater is obtained by copying the master video tape which will be supplied to the video projector, it is obtained in the following manner. First, the ID code specified for each video theater to which the video cassette is delivered is set by - lQa -the code settel~ 76. The ID code signaI th set by the code setter 76 is supplied through the la~ch 77 to the shift xegister 7R~ At that timeO the master VTR 70 i~ placed in the playback mode. As a result, ~he video signal played back from this master VTR 70 is supplied to one input terminal of the mixing circuit 72, ~he gake signal from the gate pulse generating circuit 75 is supplied to the gate circuit 81 and during the period of this gate signal, the ID code signal is supplied to the other input terminal of the mixiny circuit 72.
Thus, at ~he output side of this mixing circuit 72 appears a video signal in which the ID code signal is superimposed on the 12th horizontal scanning interval zounted from the V sync signal. This video signal is recorded on the video tape by the slave VTR 71. Therefore, the video tape to be delivered to the video theater is recorded with the ID code signal for the video theater superimposed upon the vertical blanking interval of the video signal.
The video tape thus created is delivered to the video theater of which the ID code is coincident with the prede~
termined ID code~ In the video theatér employing the delivered video tape, a predetermined video program can be projected by the video pro~ector. In this case, since the ID
code signal is superimposed upon the vertical blanking interval of the video signal, no bad influence is exerted on the picture on the screen.
When the unfair copying of the delivered video tape is made, the head office for delivering the video tape to each video theater prepares an ID code reader to detect the ID
code signal superimposed upon the vertical blanking interval of the video signal of the copied video tape, so that it is .
"3 possible to determinedaparticular video theater which performed the unfair copying o~ the video tape by detecting the ID code superimposed on the copied video tape.
Similarly, the command codes, etc. as mentioned ~efore can be recorded by setting various codes By the code setter 76.
These various codes are recorded at the positions shown in Fi~ures 2A and 2B.
The codes being recorded to manage the automatic operation include the start code 14, the start command code 15, the sequence play control codes 17 and 24, the end command code 26 and the end code 27, The start command code 17 can include a lighting control si~nal ~esides the control signals mentioned before. In like manner, the end command code 26 can include the ligh.ting control s~ignal to automatically control the lighting condition of th.e video theater. Morevoer, the end command code 26 can include a ~lack curtain control signal by ~hich,-after th.e end of playing, the black curt~in can ~e closed automatically. The ~ideo cassette in whicn these codes are recorded together with.the video program is rented ~y eac~ video the~ter~
The VTR console 6 lnstalled for each video theater lncludes the controller 5 whic~ incorporates; therein a code reader and a circuit ~or per~orming automatic contxol. For example, th~e code reader has the circuitry as shown in Figure 8 and is provided for each VT~
In Figure 8, re~erence numeral 85 designates an input terminal to which.the video signal played ~ack by the VTR is Z5~
supplied. The video signal ~rom this input terminal 85 is supplied to a command gate circuit 86 and also to a synchroniz-ing separating circuit 87. The vertical and horizontal - 12a -æ~3 synchronizing slgnals delivered from the S`y~chronizing separating circuit 87 are supplied to a data gate pulse signal generating circuit 88 which the~ generates a data gate pulse signal synchronized with the vertical synchronizing signal. The data gate pulse signal appearing at the output side of the data gate pulse signal generating circuit 88 i5 supplied to the command gate circuit 86 as its gate signal~
On the other hand, the horizontal synchronizing signal delivered from the synchronizing separating circuit 87 is supplied to a data clock ~ignal oscillating circuit 89 as the synchronizing signal so as to allow the data clock sisnal oscillating circuit 89 to be oscillated in synchronism with the horizontal synchronizing signal. The ou~put signal from the command gate circuit 86 is supplied to, for example, a 16-bit shift register 90 which then reads the same in response to the data clock signal from the data clock signal oscillating circuit 89. The output signal from this shift register 90 is supplied to a 16-bi~ latch circuit 91 when the data gate pulse signal occurs from the data gate pulse signal generating circuit 88. The output signal from the 16-bit latch circuit 91 is supplied to a decoder 92 in which respective command signals are reproduced. The output signal from this decoder 92 is supplied to an interface circuit 93 and a system control apparatus (not shown) is operated by this interface circuit 93. For example, when the recorded video program is a Cinemascope size, in accordance with the start command code 15, the deflection system of the video projector is controlled by the screen-size command signal to allow the projection screen of the video projector to become such as shown by the solid line 30C in Figure 3. Furthermore, in response to the s~
screen size command signal the black curtain is moved to provide a Cinemascope screen si7e, and the audio system is put into, for example, a s-tereophonic mode in response to the audio command signal. The system then plays the Cinemascope movi~ . Such control signals for automatic control use appear at an output terminal 94 of the interface circwit 93, while the output of the latch 91 is delivered to an output terminal 95.
The data from the terminal 95 is used to record the number of playbacks and to carry out the sequence play control. For example, as described before, the program cassette is t`or rental use and the rental fee thereof is determined by the number of playbacks.
Therefore, a program supplier needs to determine the number of playbacks in the video theater. For this purpose, an apparatus for automatically rewriting the number of playbacks is incorporated into the controller 5. The number of playbacks is recorded on the area 18 of the tape pattern 1û (see Figure 2A). When the number of playbacks is incremented by rewriting at each playback, a circuit shown in Figure 9 is employed.
When a video cassette is installed on the VTR 3, its video tape is usually stopped at the position of the start code 14 shown in Figure 2A. When the start button is depressed upon starting of the playback of the video tape, first the VTR 3 plays back the value corresponding to the number of playbacks recorded at the area 18 in the tape pattern 20 shown in Figure 2A. The above playback circuit practically employs the circuit shown in Figure 8, and the data thus obtained is supplied through the output terminal 95 to an input terminal lOO of the circuit shown in Figure 9. The data applied to the input terminal 100 i~ ~upplied through a decode~ 01 to a display apparatus 102 which then.displays the number of playbacks of this video tape up ~o the present time recorded on th2 data record area 18.
When the reading of the number of playbacks from the data record area 18 ends, the VTR 3 is again set to the rewind mode and the video tape thereof is rewound to its predetermined position, ~or example the position of the start code 14. After that, the VTR 3 is set to the recording mode to record on -the data record area 18 of the video tape a signal obtained at a record signal output terminal 103. More particularly, the data applied to the input terminal 100 is supplied to a data increment circuit 104 which increments the data by a digital signal corresponding to n 11~ in decimal notation. The data incremented by the data increment circuit 104 is supplied through a latch 105 to a 16-bit shift register 106. In Figure 9, reference numeral 107 designates a synchronizing signal generating circuit which generates the ver*ical and horizontal synchronizing signals of a video signal. The com-posite synchronizing signal obtained at a composite synchronizing signal output terminal 107a of the synchronizing signal generating circuit 107 is supplied to one input terminal of an adding circuit 108. Moreover, the vertical synchronizing signal obtained at a vertical synchronizing signal output terminal 107V and the horizontal synchronizing signal ohtained at a horizontal synchronizing signal output terminal 107H of the synchronizing signal genexating circuit 107 are respectively supplied to a data gate pulse signal generating circuit 109 which then generates a data gate pulse signal having a pre-determined horizontal scanning interval in the vertical blanking ;t t--~
period synchro~ed with the ver~c~ f'lo~izing signal. In response to this da~a gate pulse signal, the data signal is supplied to the 16-bi~ ~hift register 106. On the other hand, the horizontal synchronizing ~ignal appearing at the horizon-tal synchronizing signal output terminal 107~ o this horizontal synchronizing 6ignal generating circult 107 is supplied to a data clock signal oscillating circuit 110 as ~he synchronizing signal ~hereof. ~s a result, this data clock signal oscillating circuit 110 is oscillated in synchronism with the horizontal ~ynchronizing signal. If necessary, the synchronizing signal genera~ing circuit 107 is operated in synchronism with an external signal applied to a terminal 112.
The output signal from the 16-bit shift register 106 is converted in the parallel to serial form. The serial signal therefrom is supplied through a data signal gate circuit lll to the other input terminal of the adding circuit 108. In this case, the data signal gate circuit 111 is controlled in response to the data gate pulse signal from the data gate pulse signal generating circuit 109.
During the period of the data gate pulse signal in the vertical blanking interval of the video signal obtained at the output side of the adding circuit 108/ a signal incremented by a digital signal "~1" relative to the number of the playbacks at the present tir,le appears at the record signal outpu~ terminal 103 and this signal is recorded at the data record area 18 of the video tape. After the recording of the number of playbacks is ended, the VTR 3 is released from its recording mode and then placed into the playback mode to play back the video program signal. After that, this video program signal is projected by the video projector.
- ~ccordlngly, when the delivered video tape is collected and the number of the playbacks recorded on the data record area 18 is detected, it is possible to figure out whether the number of playbacks is coincident with ~he contracted one or not. If the detected number exceeds the contracted number, the existen~e ~f the unfair use, copying, and so on can be chec~ed.
As described before, the VTR employed as the video signal source for the video projector used in this video ~heater system employs the video cassette having the video tape on which the desired program was recorded. As this video cassette, a video cassette having a one-hour playing time is generally used to play the movie with excellent picture quality. Therefore, when a movie having a playing time longer than one hour is played, it is necessary for a plurality of VTRs, for example two VTRs, to be driven for the sequence play and to change them without disturbing the picture on the screen. When the sequence play of a plurality of VTRs is carried out, it is necessary to change them without disturbing the picture on the screen by use of a system having a simple construction. In other words, a reproduced signal of the address signal 17 recorded at the end of the first video tape reproduced by the first VTR 3 and a reproduced signal of the address signal 24 recorded at the beginning of the second video tape reproduced by the second VTR 4 are compared with each other. Then, in response to the compared difference signal therefrom, the running speed of the second video tape reproduced by the second VTR 4 is controlled.
When the reproduced signals of the address signals by the first and second VTRs 3 and 4 become coincident with each other in stable fashion, the reproduced output signal from the second VTR 4 is used. According to the present invention, the se~uence p~ay of the first and second ~TRs 3 and 4 is carried out and they are changed without disturbing the picture on the soreen.
As shown in Figure 10, for example, the address signals are sequentially recorded in advance by the BCD code at the predetermined positions in the vertical blanking period of the video signal in an end area 120a, for a duration of two minutes, for example, at the time interval 58 to 60 minutes on the first video tape 120. The video signals (including the addre~s signals) which are the same as those recorded in the end area 120a of the video tape 120 during ~he interval of two minutes, for example, are recorded at the start area 121a during an interval of two minutes of khe second video tape 121 which will be played back in succession the next time. During an interval of, fox example, two minutes, the video signals are recorded in superimposed fashion on the first and second video tapes 120 and 121. After that, the video signals of the pro-gram for se~uence play are recorded on the second video tape 121. When the playing time exceeds two hours, the video signals are similarly re~orded b~tween second and third video tapes.
The address signals which are shown in Figure 10 correspond to the sequence play control codes 17 and 24 shown in Figures 2A and 2Br These address signals are recorded by the use of the circuit shown in Figure 7O
In the present embodiment~ the play sequence from the first video tape 120 to the second video tape 121 will now be described. In the video theater, first the first video tape 120 is played back by the first VTR 3, and at that time~ the video cassette in which the second video tape 121 is installed is inserted into the cassette entrance of tt,e ~econd VTR 4 and then placed in ~he playback standby mode. ~hen, f~r example, the timer in the firs~ VTR 3 indicatQs that ~he played back time reaches 58 minutes, the second VTR starts its playbac~.
Figure 11 shows a control circuit necessary for au~o-matic sequence playback. In this figure, reference numeral 150 designates a first VTR, while refexence numeral 151 designa~es ~ second VTR. In each of the firs~ and second VTRs 150 and 151, the se~uence play control codes, namely, the address codes, are played back by the code reader incorpora~ed therein. These repxoduced address codes are respectively supplied to a magnitude compara~or 152. The output signal from the magnitude comparator 152 is supplied ~o an U/D (up-down counter) 155 under one of three conditions that the output signal A is larger than the output signal B, A~ B, the output signal A is equal to the output signal B, A = B and the output signal A is smaller than the outpu~ signal B, A~B. The output from the U/D counter 155 is supplied to a D/A (digital-to-analog) converter 156. Reference numeral 157 designates a voltage controlled oscillator lVCO~ of which the control voltage is controlled in response to a difference between the address signal A of the video tape 120 in the first VTR 150 and the address signal B of the video tape 121 in the second VTR 151 appearing at the output side of the D/A converter 156. The output signal from the VCO 157 is supplied to a driva circuit 161 in the second VTR 151 to which the external synchronization can be applied. The output signal from this drive circuit 161 is supplied to drive a motor 162 which determines the running speed of the video tape 121 in the second VTR 151. The motor 162 in the second VTR 151 is controlled in such manner that the address signal B played back by the seC~nd VTR 151 may coincide with the address signal A played ba~k by the first VTR 150. The output signal provided by ~he magnitude comparator 152 when the address signal A equals the address signal B is supplied to a check circuit 153 which checks whether the condition of the address signal ~ equal to the address signal B (A=B) lasts, for example, for 5 seconds.
When the condition of A=B lasts for 5 ~econds, the output of the check circuit 153 is supplied to a switching signal generating circuit 154 as its control signalO Thus, the switching signal generating circuit 154 produces at its output side the switching signal. The switching signal from the switching signal generating circuit 154 is supplied to a change-over circuit 158 such that its movable contact 158c is changed in position from its first fixed contact 158a to its second ~ixed contact 158b in response to the switching signal.
The first fixed contact 158a of the change-over circuit 158 is supplied with the reproduced video signal from the first VTR 150, while the second fixed contact 158b is supplied with the reproduced video signal from the second VTR 151. The movable contact 158c is connected to a video signal output terminal lS9 from which the video signal is supplied to the video projector.
With the construction as mentioned above, at first the video signal reproduced from the first VTR 150 is supplied through the first fixed contact 158a of the change-over circuit 158, its movable contact 158c, and the output terminal 159 to the video projector. When the timer in the first VTR 150 reaches 58 minutes, the second VTR 151 is also placed in the playback mode. At that time, the code reader shown in Figure 8 extracts the address sig~.~ls A and B recorded in the vertical blanking periods from the first and second VTRs 150 and 151. The address signals A and B are compared with each other in ~he magnitude comparator 152. When there is a difference between the address signals A and B, the revolution speed of the motor 162 which determines the transport speed of the video tape 121 in the second VTR 151 is controlled so as to make the address signals A and B equal to each other. When the address signals A and B become equal to each other in a stable manner, for example ~he condition of A=B lasts for 5 seconds, the switching signal generating circuit 154 generates the switching signal. In response to the switching signal, the movable contact 158c of the change-over circuit 158 is changed in position to its second fixed contact 158b so that the video signal reproduced from the second VTR 151 is ~upplied through the change-over circuit 158 to the video projector and the sequence play of the VTRs 150 and 151 can be accomplished. In this case, when the reproduced signal of the address signal A
recorded in the vertical blanking interval of the video tape 120 in the first VTR 150 becomes equal in a stable manner to the reprodu~ed signal of the address signal B recorded in the vertical blanking interval of the video tape 121 of the second VTR 151, the change-sver circuit 158 is switched to allow the video signal reproduced from the second video tape 121 to be used. Thus, upon this switching, the reproduced picture on the screen is never disturbed.
In the above embodiment, when the address signals ~ and B are not equal in stable fashion to each other after a pxe-determined time elapses, for example ~he first video tape 120 reaches 59 minutes and 40 seconds, it is possible that the movable contact 158c of the change-over circuit 158 is forcibly switchedO And when no address signal exists in the first VTR
150, it is automatically placed in the rewind mode.
Although various minor changes and modifications might be proposed by those skilled in the art, it will be understood that I wish to include within the claims of the patent warranted hereon all such changes and modifications as reasonably come within my contribution to the art.
Claims
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OF PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A video theatre system, comprising;
a video projector;
a projector-screen;
a video cassette player;
a video cassette containing a video tape for playback in the cassette player;
a theatre controller means for controlling operation of the theatre system;
said video tape having a video program, and recorded information codes recorded on a plurality of slant tracks in the tape, said controller means including information code reader means for generating code signals based on said recordedinformation codes recorded on said slant tracks, wherein said information codes recorded on said slant tracks include a code corresponding to a number of playbacks of said video cassette; and said controller means further includes a code recording circuit means for recording and for reading the number of prior playbacks from said slant tracks of said video cassette and means for erasing said number, means generating a signalproportional to said number of playbacks plus one, and means for recording said number plus one value on said video tape.
PROPERTY OF PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A video theatre system, comprising;
a video projector;
a projector-screen;
a video cassette player;
a video cassette containing a video tape for playback in the cassette player;
a theatre controller means for controlling operation of the theatre system;
said video tape having a video program, and recorded information codes recorded on a plurality of slant tracks in the tape, said controller means including information code reader means for generating code signals based on said recordedinformation codes recorded on said slant tracks, wherein said information codes recorded on said slant tracks include a code corresponding to a number of playbacks of said video cassette; and said controller means further includes a code recording circuit means for recording and for reading the number of prior playbacks from said slant tracks of said video cassette and means for erasing said number, means generating a signalproportional to said number of playbacks plus one, and means for recording said number plus one value on said video tape.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP206763/82 | 1982-11-25 | ||
| JP57206763A JPS5996507A (en) | 1982-11-25 | 1982-11-25 | Video tape |
| JP20834582A JPS5998306A (en) | 1982-11-26 | 1982-11-26 | Video tape recorder |
| JP208345/82 | 1982-11-26 | ||
| JP209878/82 | 1982-11-30 | ||
| JP57209878A JPH0619867B2 (en) | 1982-11-30 | 1982-11-30 | Continuous operation device for VTR |
| CA000441083A CA1291261C (en) | 1982-11-25 | 1983-11-14 | Video theater system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000441083A Division CA1291261C (en) | 1982-11-25 | 1983-11-14 | Video theater system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1291259C true CA1291259C (en) | 1991-10-22 |
Family
ID=27426380
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000615631A Expired - Lifetime CA1291259C (en) | 1982-11-25 | 1990-01-26 | Video theater system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1291259C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114520900A (en) * | 2020-11-19 | 2022-05-20 | 成都极米科技股份有限公司 | Projection picture anti-shake method and device, anti-shake equipment and readable storage medium |
-
1990
- 1990-01-26 CA CA000615631A patent/CA1291259C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114520900A (en) * | 2020-11-19 | 2022-05-20 | 成都极米科技股份有限公司 | Projection picture anti-shake method and device, anti-shake equipment and readable storage medium |
| CN114520900B (en) * | 2020-11-19 | 2023-09-01 | 成都极米科技股份有限公司 | Anti-shake method and device for projection picture, anti-shake device and readable storage medium |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |