ES2120967T5 - IMPROVED VIDEO CASH RECORDER. - Google Patents

Abstract

IMPROVED VIDEO TAPE PLAYER. THE PRESENT INVENTION REFERS TO A PLAYER OF VIDEO TAPES, PROVIDED WITH MEANS FOR THE RECEPTION OF A TELEVISION PROGRAM, MEANS FOR PLAYING THIS LAST, A WATCH, A DATA MEMORY, MEANS FOR STORAGE IN SUCH MEMORY THE TIME TO WHICH START A WISHED RECORDING PROGRAM AND CONTROL MEANS FOR READING THIS WATCH AND SUCH MEMORY AND TO ACTIVATE SUCH RECEPTION MEANS AND SUCH MEANS OF REPRODUCTION OF THE TELEVISION PROGRAM AT THE INDICATED TIME OR AT A PRE-DETERMINED TIME INTERVAL; THE PRINCIPLE OF CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INVENTION CONSISTS OF THE FACT THAT THE PROGRAMMING OF THE REPRODUCTION OPERATION CAN BE MAINTAINED WITHOUT INTERFERING WITH THE NORMAL USE OF THE PLAYER, AND THAT THE USER IS INFORMED AS IF THE USE COULD HAVE BEEN IN DANGER OF THE PROGRAM .

Description

Enhanced videocassette recorder.

The present invention is related to a cassette recorder, provided with systems to receive a television program, systems to record the latter, a clock, a data memory, systems to store in this memory the time at which a program to record and systems begins control to read the mentioned clock and memory and to activate the aforementioned reception and recording systems of the program television at the indicated time or at a time interval default above.

The cassette recorders that have the characteristics mentioned above are known, by example, for documents EP-A-0 351 120, FR-A-23 69 761, US-A-4, 206, 483 or EP-A-0 112 589. The document EP-A-0 351 120 describes a cassette recorder provided with systems to receive a television program, systems to record the latter, a clock, a data memory, systems for storing in said memory the time at which a program to record and systems begins control to read the mentioned clock and memory and to activate the aforementioned reception and recording systems of the program television at the indicated time or at a time interval default above, and programming the operation of recording can be preserved without interfering with the normal use of the tape recorder. In the event that the user has preprogrammed the Video recorder and user leave preprogramming mode to use the video recorder in a normal way, the document video recorder EP-A-0 351 120 reminds the user You have done a timed programming on the video recorder. This notice is made by periodic flickering of media display on the display device of the recorder video. In the event that the user has removed the cassette after of timed programming, it will be indicated that there is no cassette in the video recorder with a flashing on the device Video recorder display. For the document EP-A-0 112 589 a known Video recorder according to the preamble of claim 1.

As is known, all breeders of cassette are provided, in fact, with a clock permanent operation, and systems to program the ignition of the recorder on a particular television channel, at one hour established.

This time is usually the one that coincides with the of the program you want to record; it is possible, however, to schedule turning on the appliance some time before this time, so as not to risk losing the principle of the program of interest. further as the recorder has been prepared to turn on at the time indicated, it is necessary that an appropriate organ, usually a key that can be indicated for example with "Timer", be pressed. The key activates a delayed condition and from here The recorder can no longer be used for normal use, such as playback or recording, or any other possible operation; is, however, it is possible to erase the delayed condition, and continue with the desired operation, but it is necessary that the key be again pressed, otherwise the programming will not be effective.

This is impractical since the programming it can be done many hours before the concrete recording, and meanwhile it is no longer possible to use the device, or it is necessary remember then to renew the operational position through the "Timer" key.

A type of recorder is also known cassette that allows normal use after being programmed; in In this case, however, there is a risk that the user will change the cassette, and forget to insert the cassette that had been entered for scheduled recording, the result is that the recording is in the wrong cassette, possibly deleting something, or not recording anything if the second cassette is protected; could also occur that the user does not change the cassette, but just rewind, for example until the beginning of the cassette, to watch a recording, and leave the cassette in a wrong position, with the consequent loss of a previous recording, during the scheduled recording

It has also been taken into account that users they can be more than one, and the second does not have to be necessarily informed of the fact that the video recorder has been programmed to record.

It is therefore clear that even this second type of video recorder is not satisfactory as long as it allows recordings made by mistake, with consequences nasty

The present invention has the purpose of show the possibility of making a cassette recorder that allow the appliance to be used after it has been carried out a recording, having a sufficient protection system against eventual errors

It is the objective of the present invention to improve a Features video recorder according to the document EP-A-0 351 120 and avoid Disadvantages of such a video recorder.

To achieve such purposes and achieve the objective, the present invention proposes a cassette recorder according to claim 1.

More purposes and advantages of this invention will be clarified with the following detailed description and with the attached graphics, provided as a non-limiting example, where:

Figure 1 represents the block diagram of part of the electrical circuit of a cassette recorder, according to to the invention;

figure 2 schematically represents a part important of the logic circuit of the system control unit of figure 1;

figure 3 schematically represents a second important part of the logic circuit of the control unit of the system of figure 1;

figure 4 schematically represents a third important part of the logic circuit of the control unit of the system of figure 1.

In figure 1, reference number 13 indicates the input for the antenna signal of the block input reception for the antenna signal of the block circuit Reception of the cassette recorder.

The number 10 indicates a television tuner conventional, the number 11 the usual frequency amplifier intermediate with video detector; the number 12 indicates a circuit of decoding of a transmitted tag, associated with the signal of television and that contains for example a numerical code and the time which coincides with the beginning of the program, such a label is the beginning of the program, such a label is for example provided in the system known as S.P.V. (System Video Programming).

The number 1 indicates the set of circuits of reception 10, 11 and 12; the number 16 indicates the video signal demodulated, taken from circuit 11.

The number 2 indicates a control unit, for example a microcomputer that manages the system; this is connected to the block 12 that receives in the terminal 21 the label transmitted; is connected to a calendar clock 4, through the terminal 22 and to a memory 3 through terminal 23.

Memory 3 is adapted to receive through from an interface 53 the user data about the program that goes to be recorded (label 37 of the desired program, and channel of television 36) or any other adaptable device for introduce data.

The microcomputer 2, through terminal 24, can memory 3 directional; through terminal 25 can control the beginning and end of the recording of the recorder 7; through terminal 26 you can control the tuner 10 to select the program chosen by the user; and, through the terminal 27 and a supplied device (15), is able to turn on or turn off the reception part of the system.

The microcomputer, through terminal 28 you can control an alphanumeric display device 6, to display warning messages (for example of the LED type); through from terminal 29 can control an acoustic signal 8 (a buzzer normal) that can be disconnected manually.

Finally, the microcomputer is connected to through your bus with a peripheral device, marked with the number 5, which contains a programmable timer.

The recorder 7 receives the signals from block 11 of video and audio to be recorded, through conductors 16 and 72; a cassette recorder being preferable, and supplied with a cassette sensor, not shown in the figure, which remains active in the standby mode of the device; it also consists of a motor activation indication system for advance or fast rewind of the cassette; the cassette sensor and the system indication of motor activation are connected to microcomputer 2.

The microcomputer 2 can be of the type that is commercially available, for example a central processing unit Z8400 DE S.G.S .; the peripheral device 5 can be in such case a timer timer circuit Z8340 from the same company. He Z8430 is programmable via software, it can be connected directly to the CPU and has 4 independent 8-bit counter timers, that can be serialized; each counter is associated with a pulse precontainer that can be switched via software between two division values (16/256); in this way, the delay can be programmed in intervals from a minimum of 4 microseconds to a maximum of approximately 74 hours; at the end of the account the Z8430 It can be programmed to send interruption request to the CPU

Naturally, any one can be used microprocessor available instead of the Z8400, and a timer similar counter instead of the Z8430, which can be connected to the Microprocessor used.

Figure 2 schematically depicts a part of the logic circuit of the central control unit 2 (Figure 1), which allows programming a recording.

This circuit can be done interchangeably. with the wired logic system or with a logic system programmed, that is, using a microprocessor; this second system is generally less expensive, since the recorders of Cassette usually contain one or more microprocessors.

Block 100 is the initial block of the programming operation; the control goes to the next block 101.

Block 101 is a control block; controls if the user has proceeded with a programming request (for example via an appropriate key of the input unit of data 53); if so, the control goes to block 102; in negative case the control returns to block 101 (in all blocks the lower output is the SI output; the side exit is the output NO).

Block 102 is intended for:

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ask the user for the data that must be inserted in memory 3 (program code, time of start and reception channel);

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verify data compatibility introduced;

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memorize data in memory 3;

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calculate the intermediate interval between the actual time and the expected time of registration activation;

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set the timer of device 5 for the calculated time interval;

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put on timer 5 is running;

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activate interrupts;

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activate a recording signal programmed (RP);

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Give the control to block 103.

Block 103 is the terminal block of the end of the operations; the control can return to the initial block 100 or to another similar operating block of the control circuit.

In figure 3 it is schematically represented a second part of the logic circuit of the central unit of control 2, which allows the programmed recording to be carried out at The expected time.

Block 200 is the initial block of the automatic recording operation; control reaches block 200 as a consequence of the "interrupt" order produced by the Timer 5 on termination of the exposed time period in block 102; block 200 carries out the operations normal as they are:

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disable interrupts;

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record the return address;

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read the Address of the interrupt routine.

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Jump to that address, that is, passes control to the next block 201.

Block 201 is a control block; controls if the activity of reception, display, recording or reproduction is taking place; if so the control go to block 202; if not, the control goes to the block 204.

Block 203 is intended for display. of a message for the user, of the type: "the scheduled recording of channel X is about to begin; if it is not canceled by the user by pressing the Y key, will start in a minute. " control is then sent to block 203.

Block 203 is a control block; controls if the cancellation order takes place in one minute, if positive control passes to block 209; if not, the control goes to block 204.

Block 204 is intended to begin the scheduled recording operation:

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tuning the channel requested;

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sending control to the block 205.

Block 205 is a control block: it is done a control of the label contained in signal 16, comparing it with the (37) contained in memory 3; if the tag matches the control goes to block 206; otherwise the control goes back to block 205.

Block 206 is intended to activate the recording by order of the recording device 7; the control then go to block 207.

Block 207 is a control block that is intended to verify the label received; if the label is replaced (that is, in case it does not correspond to that of the memory), that is, if the program is over, the control goes to block 208; otherwise the control returns to block 207.

Block 208 is intended to interrupt the recording deactivating reception systems 1 and recorder 7; It is also intended to reduce the programmed recording signal; the control therefore goes to block 209.

Block 209 performs the "return operation" from interruption "(RETI), which is what provides control to the block that was in control at the time the "interruption" signal.

In figure 4 it is schematically represented one third of the logic circuit of the central unit of control 28, allowing the recorder to be used, after there is A recording has been scheduled, without any risk.

Block 300 is the initial block of operations normal use, from block 300 the control goes to the block 301

Block 301 is a control block: it leads to carry out the control of the programmed recording signal (RP); yes the signal is activated the control goes to block 302; otherwise control goes to block 302A

Block 302 is intended to be displayed in the display device 6 a message of the type "Attention, it has Scheduled a recording! "; then the control goes to the block 302A

Block 302A is intended to accept the orders given by the user, but before carrying them out, pass control to block 303.

Block 303 is a control block: it leads to carry out the check to verify if the recorder motor 7 has been activated, indicated by the cited signaling system: in case affirmatively the control goes to block 305; if not the control Go to block 304.

Block 304 is a control block: it leads to Check to verify if the cassette has been removed, based in the corresponding sensor state: if yes the control goes to block 306; otherwise control passes to block 307.

Block 305 is intended to activate the signal motor activated (PL); control is then taken to the block 307

Block 306 is intended to activate the signal. of cassette removed (EC); control is then taken to the block 307

Block 307 is intended to execute the user commands and pass control to block 308.

Block 308 is a control block: it leads to carry out the control of the programmed recording signal (RP); yes the signal is activated control is passed to 309; otherwise the control goes to block 313.

Block 309 is a control block: it leads to carry out the control of the extracted cassette signal (CE); if the signal is activated the control goes to block 310; otherwise the control Go to block 311.

Block 310 is intended for:

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activate the acoustic signal 8, which remains active until manually deactivated;

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show on the display device a message like "The cassette has been removed, has it been replaced the original cassette with the tape in position correct? "; the message remains visible until the signal acoustics 8 be deactivated;

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happen control to block 313.

Block 311 is a control block: it leads to carry out the control of the activated motor signal (PL); if the signal is activated the control goes to block 312; otherwise go to block 313.

Block 312 is intended for:

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activate the acoustic signal 8, which remains activated until manually deactivated;

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show on the display device a message like "The tape has been moved from its position original; Has it been returned to its original position? " message remains visible until acoustic signal 8 has been deactivated;

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happen control to block 313.

Block 313 is the last block of the end of operations; the control may return to block 300 or another similar operating block of the circuit
control.

The recorder features of videocassette described are becoming clearer with this description and with the attached graphics. With this description the advantages of the recorder of videocassette object of the present invention. In particular they consist in the fact that even when programming has been done for carry out a recording at a given time, the recorder is still user usable to perform other operations at the same time, and the user is informed of any final risk related to such use.

It is assumed that numerous are possible variants made by the specialist in the design of the video recorder described as an example, without it being remove the principles inherent in the invention from novelty; among many others, the possibility of using microprocessor 2 to perform more functions, for example you can cite the control of the tuning.

Claims (26)

1. Cassette recorder, provided with systems (1) for receiving a television program, systems (7) for recording the latter, a clock (4), a data memory (3), systems (53) for storing it memory (3) the time at which a program we want to record starts and the control systems (2) to read the clock (4) and the memory (3) mentioned and to activate said reception systems (1) and said systems to record (7) the television program at the indicated time or at a predetermined time interval and the recording operation schedule can be maintained without interfering with the normal use of the recorder, characterized by the fact that the systems (303, 306) are provided to control, if the recorder is being used after it has been programmed, controlling whether the position of the cassette tape has been modified by means of said normal use and by display systems (312, 6, 8) to show an adv message The user is aware of whether such use may have put the recording of the program at risk due to said change in the position of the cassette. 2. Video cassette recorder according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises time measurement systems (5), independent of the said control systems (2), to determine the moment at which the recording operation begins. 3. Cassette recorder according to claim 2, characterized in that said time measurement systems (5) comprise an electronic digital counter unit (Z8430) capable of keeping track of a time interval of at least 24 hours and it can be interconnected with said control systems (2). 4. Cassette recorder according to claim 2, characterized in that said time measurement systems (5) comprise an electronic digital counter unit (Z8430) capable of keeping track of a time interval of at least 72 hours and it can be interconnected with said control systems (2). 5. Cassette recorder according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said control systems (2) comprise systems (102) for: - ask the user for the data to insert them into memory (3); - calculate the intermediate interval between the hour actual and the expected activation time for recording; - program the device (5) for the interval of calculated time; - start the timer (5). 6. Cassette recorder according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said control systems (2) comprise systems (201) to verify whether the activity of reception, display, recording or reproduction works well and the systems (203) for displaying a warning message for the user (of the type) "the scheduled recording of the X channel is about to begin; if the user does not cancel it by pressing the Y key, it will start regularly in one minute". 7. Video cassette recorder according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the systems (301) are provided to control whether the recorder is used after it has been programmed, and the systems (302, 6) for displaying a warning message. 8. Cassette recorder according to claim 7, characterized in that said systems to control that the cassette was removed during use of the recorder after being programmed, including a cassette sensor removed. 9. Cassette recorder according to claim 8, characterized in that said cassette sensor remains active even in standby mode. 10. Cassette recorder according to claim 1, characterized in that said warning comprises the display of a message in the display device. 11. Cassette recorder according to claim 1, characterized in that said warning comprises a sound signal produced by an acoustic signal (8). 12. Video cassette recorder according to claim 11, characterized in that said tape position change sensor remains active even in standby mode. 13. Cassette recorder according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said systems for controlling whether, in the use of the recorder (7) after being programmed, the position of the cassette tape has been changed , including a signaling system to allow the motor to go in the forward or backward mode of the belt. 14. Cassette recorder according to claim 11, characterized in that said warning includes the display of a message on the screen (6). 15. Video cassette recorder according to claim 12, characterized in that said warning includes an audible signal produced by an acoustic signal (8). 16. Video cassette recorder according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that it includes circuitry (12) for decoding a transmitted tag, associated with the television signal and containing for example a code number and the expected time of program start 17. Video cassette recorder according to claim 16, characterized in that said circuitry (12) for decoding a transmitted tag is that provided in the well-known SPV system (Video Programming System). 18. Cassette recorder according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said control systems (2) include a logic circuit made with the wired logic system. 19. Cassette recorder according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the control systems mentioned (2) include a logic circuit made with the programmed logic system, that is, with the use of a microprocessor (Z8400 ). 20. Video cassette recorder according to claim 19, characterized in that the said control systems (2) include systems (102) for activating the interrupt signals. 21. Cassette recorder according to claim 19, characterized in that said microprocessor (Z8400) is also used to manage other uses of the cassette recorder. 22. Video cassette recorder according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said electronic digital counting unit (Z8430) includes a series of programmable counters, coupled in series with each other. 23. Video cassette recorder according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one of said programmable counters is associated with a pulse pre-meter. 24. Video cassette recorder according to claim 22, characterized in that said pulse precontainer can be switched between at least two split values. 25. Video cassette recorder according to claim 19, characterized in that said electronic digital counting unit (Z8430) at the end of the account can be programmed to send an interrupt request to said microprocessor
(Z8400). 26. Cassette recorder according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said electronic digital counting unit (Z8430) can be interconnected with said control systems (2) by means of a data bus.