FR2856221A1 - Television sequence e.g. news coverage, recording method, involves activating transfer of determined television sequence of first in first out RAM for re-broadcasting and recording sequence on memory card assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves displaying television sequences on a television screen. Sliding segments of the displayed sequences are recorded in a first in first out RAM (7). A determined sequence to be reviewed is selected. The determined sequence transfer towards an image processing equipment (1) is activated by push buttons (9) and a switch (10) for re-broadcasting and recording the determined sequence on a memory card assembly (8). An independent claim is also included for a system for recording the images and/or the audio.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECORDING TELEVISION SEQUENCES IN

  The present invention relates to an image and / or sound recording apparatus.

  Apparatuses for recording images and / or sounds are known, of the type comprising input ports for the data collected by a camera, television set and other microphones, electronic means for coding and formatting the data collected for the purpose of recording them on suitable supports, a reception station for recording or recorded supports, electronic circuits suitable for decoding and transcribing images and sounds to a screen and loudspeaker, for reading and hearing their content.

  These are, particularly and for example, with regard to the multimedia world, devices such as video recorders, camcorders, digital cameras, 15 and new generation mobile telephones incorporating in particular recording functionalities. images and video footage.

  These devices in particular ensure the recording on various supports, of sequences in real time, when the device is in operation and / or programmed, for sequences as and when they are broadcast or carried out.

  In everyday life, it often happens that an event or a sequence holds our particular attention, based on criteria specific to each of us.

  This is the case, for example, especially in front of a television sequence such as news reporting, film, live events ...

  No one being a diviner, it is impossible for us to declare our interest before having experienced or visualized a sequence or an event.

  In the case of a television broadcast for example, it is just as frequent that our video recorder is not in operation when a sequence calls to us, 15 which causes dissatisfaction or even more or less marked annoyance, due to the 'impossibility of reliving this information or this fleeting and fleeting sequence which captured our attention, and which in our eyes deserves an immediate replay, even a recording for various reasons.

  The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks and to provide an image and / or sound recording device capable of recording events and sequences relating to broadcasts prior to a recording decision, using means of memorizing 25 capacities adapted to these furtive moments that we will have experienced or viewed and wished to relive and review.

  The recording apparatus incorporates, in a specific housing, a recording and capture device, certain technical features of which are comparable to those described in the patent filed on July 11, 1996 and published under No. 2,751,157.

  Method The invention relates to a method of recording images and / or sounds, in particular television sequences transmitted by a remote transmitter, for the purpose of a replay of sequences transmitted prior to the decision to register. The method comprises the following steps: - the step, for a viewer, of viewing the television sequences on a screen of a television equipment receiving them in real time, - the step of recording, continuously, in an area volatile memory of appropriate capacity, sliding slices of fixed duration of the television sequences thus viewed, according to a FIFO procedure (first entry, first exit), - the step, for the viewer, to select a determined sequence which has just been broadcast and he wants to see again.

  The determined sequence, thus selected, was previously recorded according to the FIFO procedure. The method 15 further comprises the step, for the viewer, of actuating by means of a control member the transfer of the determined sequence from the memory area to an image processing equipment: - either to rebroadcast the sequence determined, - either to record the determined sequence on a durable and / or removable support.

  It results from the combination of technical features that the viewer thus has the possibility of reliving stealthy moments that have captured his attention during the television broadcast.

  Preferably according to the invention, the volatile memory area has an appropriate capacity to be able to find almost instantaneously the past sequence having captured the attention of the viewer.

  Preferably according to the invention, the volatile memory area has an appropriate capacity so that the viewer can actuate in complete peace of mind by a reflex manual action the control member, having sufficient time.

  Preferably according to the invention, the method is such that the volatile memory area has a capacity between 0ls and 30s.

  System The invention also relates to a system for recording images and / or sounds, in particular television sequences emitted by a remote transmitter, for the purpose of a replay of sequences emitted prior to the decision to record. The system comprises: - television equipment receiving the television sequences, in real time, and broadcasting them on a screen for the use of a viewer - first means for memorizing sliding periods of determined duration of the television sequences thus viewed , according to a FIFO procedure (first entry, first exit).

  These first storage means, storing continuously, temporarily, the television sequences, comprise a volatile memory area of appropriate capacity.

  The system according to the invention further comprises a control member, operable by the viewer, for transferring to an image processing equipment a determined sequence selected by the viewer, from the sequences which have just been broadcast and which have been previously 25 recorded according to the FIFO procedure in the first storage means.

  The image processing equipment comprises: * second storage means intended to permanently store, in whole or in part, the determined sequence thus transferred, and / or * means for rebroadcasting the determined sequence.

  It results from the combination of technical features that the viewer thus has the possibility of reliving stealthy moments that have captured his attention during the television broadcast.

  Preferably according to the invention, the system is such that the first storage means and / or the second storage means are removable.

  Preferably according to the invention, the volatile memory area has an appropriate capacity in order to be able to retrieve almost instantly the past sequence having captured the attention of the viewer. Preferably according to the invention, the volatile memory area has an appropriate capacity for the viewer 10 can actuate peacefully by manual reflex action the control member, having sufficient time.

  Preferably according to the invention, the volatile memory area has a capacity of between 10 s and 30 s.

  Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a general view of an architecture of a recording apparatus according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a front view of a recording apparatus 20 according to the invention.

  FIG. 1 shows a top view of a recording box according to the invention, and designated by the reference 1. It is intended to ensure the recording of images and or sounds provided by a television set, VCR, camcorder, 25 DVD players, mobile phone, computer connected to the Internet, TV program decoder ...

  In this FIG. 1, the information entering the box 1 and emanating from the devices mentioned, is collected on an input socket 2 adapted to the output format of these devices of known type and not shown in the said figure.

  The description which follows applies to the storage of incoming images by means of this input connector 2, but can of course also be applied to the storage of sounds received and of various data.

  The recording device comprises an electronic circuit 3 integrating the components necessary for the previously mentioned capture principle and which is the subject of the patent filed on July 11, 1996 and published under N 2 751 157.

  The box being supplied with energy according to conventional means (mains, battery, etc.) via a reference point 4 and integrated power supply unit 5, is operational, as soon as it is connected via the connector 2 to / from the upstream devices (TV, video recorders, and others such as already mentioned ...), and as soon as these devices are put into operation.

  The device is therefore, from this moment, in a continuous recording phase according to the FIFO principle, and therefore for memorizing the incoming sequences in first memorizing means 7, after the functions of decoding / coding / possible compression. said incoming data via circuit 6 which also integrates a microprocessor and other data management and distribution circuit.

  These first storage means 7 are of the volatile type, and continuously provide temporary storage of the incoming data emanating from said upstream devices.

  Conventionally, the FIFO RAM memory 7 is constituted by a set of registers ensuring the continuous storage of the image data in a "first in first out 25" order.

  When the FIFO RAM memory 7 is full, the storage of new image data causes the content of the registers to be shifted, so that recorded image data is output or overwritten in the event of capacity overflow. of memory.

  As a variant, these first storage means 7 consist of a rewritable “CD-ROM” type disc, or a conventional PCMCIA card, or even other flash memory, or memory space on an internal or peripheral hard disk.

  The extension of these so-called first storage means 7, in terms of capacity and / or for other functional reasons, such as for example the pursuit of capture during a reading phase, can lead to adding these first 5 means of storage 7, means of the same type in cascade 7a, 7b, 7c ...

  The second storage means 8 are permanent storage means. They consist of a modular set of memory cards 8 of the static RAM type, coming to be fixed on the circuit 3, and ensuring permanent storage of image data selected by a user and stored in the first storage means 7.

  These second permanent storage means 8 have a storage capacity greater than that of the first storage means 7, can be constituted by rewritable storage means.

  As a variant, these second storage means 8 consist of a rewritable "CD-ROM" type disc, or a conventional PCMCIA card, flash memory, or even integrated hard disk or peripheral.

  The extension of these so-called first storage means 8, in terms of capacity, can lead to adding to these first storage means 8, means of the same type in cascade 8a, 8b, 8c ...

  The reference box 1 comprises, externally, a push button 9 easily accessible by the user.

  This same box can be equipped with a switch 10 whose positions will allow: A. In a first position of the switch 10, manual action on this push button 9 will cause, via suitable relaying, the immediate transfer of the sequences stored in the first temporary storage means 7 to the second permanent storage means 8, thereby causing the capture of sequences prior to the recording command, for subsequent viewing and / or conservation in the form of various storage.

  B. In a second position of the switch 10, via data management in the electronic circuit 6, prohibiting the entry of new data into the first temporary storage means 7, the sequences stored in said first storage means 7 may be read repeatedly to the device connected at 11.

  Alternatively, this push button 9 can be replaced, 10 remotely wired remotely, and / or doubled by a wireless remote control fitted to the housing 1. Another variant would be to equip the existing remote controls with this control function. specific.

  This scenario would lead to the integration on the housing 1 of a receiver 12 adapted to this remote control.

  At the end of this capture of sequences stored in means 7 and 8, it will be possible: - either to read and view the sequences stored in 7 or 8, by actuating the appropriate control button 20, reading s 'then operating by the transfer of data, possibly uncompressed and formatted in a suitable circuit 6, to specific output connectors 11, themselves connected to existing reading means such as television sets, video recorders, camcorders, and other peripherals 25 already listed.

  - either to operate the sequences commonly provided by this type of device such as unfolding frame by frame, forward and reverse, pause, erase, ...

  In addition to and on the front of this box 1, and as shown in FIG. 2, access to the following functions would be integrated, namely: - a reception cell 12 for the capture sequence by remote control a button for reading the readings 35 captured sequences 13 - a button for backtracking the captured sequences 14 - an erase command 15 of the sequences captured on the permanent memory 8 - a freeze 16 and / or pause button - one / of the slots ( s) 17 for loading memories 8 which may be extractable and interchangeable - one / several output connector (s) 11 in a format adapted to the peripheral concerned, for viewing these sequences and / or recording them.

Claims (9)

  1. Method for recording images and / or sounds, in particular television sequences emitted by a remote transmitter, with a view to a replay of sequences prior to the decision to record; said method comprising the following steps: - the step, for a viewer, of viewing said television sequences on a screen of television equipment receiving them in real time, - the step of recording, continuously, in an area 10 volatile memory of appropriate capacity, sliding slices of determined duration of said television sequences thus viewed, according to a FIFO procedure (first entry, first exit), - the step, for said viewer, of selecting a determined sequence having just been broadcast and he wants to review; said determined sequence having been previously recorded according to said FIFO procedure; said method further comprising the step, for said viewer, of actuating by means of a control member (9, 20 10) the transfer of said determined sequence from said memory area (7) to a processing equipment image (1): - either to rebroadcast said determined sequence, - or to record said determined sequence on a durable and / or removable support (8); so that the viewer thus has the possibility of reliving stealthy moments having captured his attention during the television program.   2. Method according to claim 1; said volatile memory area having an appropriate capacity to be able to retrieve almost instantly the past sequence having captured the attention of the viewer.   3. Method according to any one of claims 1 or 2; said volatile memory area having an appropriate capacity for the viewer to be able to actuate peacefully by a reflex manual action said control member, having sufficient time.   4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3; said method being such that said volatile memory area has a capacity of between 10 and 30 s.   5. System for recording images and / or sounds, in particular television sequences emitted by a remote transmitter, for the purpose of a replay of sequences prior to the decision to record; said system comprising: - television equipment receiving said television sequences, in real time, and broadcasting them on a screen for the use of a viewer - first storage means (7), continuous, temporary comprising a memory area volatile of appropriate capacity, of sliding slices of determined duration of said television sequences thus viewed, according to a FIFO procedure (first entry, first exit), - a control member (9, 10), actuable by said viewer, for transferring to a image processing equipment a determined sequence selected by said viewer, from the sequences which have just been broadcast and which have been previously recorded according to said FIFO procedure in said first storage means (7); - said image processing equipment (1) comprising: * second storage means (8) intended to store permanently, in whole or in part, said determined sequence thus transferred, and / or * means for rebroadcasting said determined sequence; so that the viewer thus has the possibility of reliving stealthy moments having captured his attention during the television program.   6. System according to claim 5; said system 35 being such that said first storage means (7) and / or said second storage means (8) are removable.   7. System according to any one of claims 5 or 6; said volatile memory area having an appropriate capacity to be able to find almost instantaneously the past sequence having captured the attention of the viewer.   8. System according to any one of claims 5 to 7; said volatile memory area having a capacity suitable for the viewer to be able to actuate peacefully by a reflex manual action said control member, while having sufficient time.   9. System according to any one of claims 5 to 9; said volatile memory zone has a capacity of between 10 s and 30 s.