GB2253510A

GB2253510A - A signal processing unit

Info

Publication number: GB2253510A
Application number: GB9201043A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rudolph Hanke
Original assignee: Hamaphot KG Hanke and Thomas
Current assignee: Hamaphot KG Hanke and Thomas
Priority date: 1991-02-06
Filing date: 1992-01-17
Publication date: 1992-09-09
Also published as: JPH04315884A; DE4103582C2; GB9201043D0; DE4103582A1; FR2675940A1

Abstract

A control device for selecting and processing information transmitted from a first storage device 3 to a second storage device 5, particularly for video equipment, with an input 60 for receiving information signals from the first storage device 3, with an output 80 for outputting information signals to the second storage device 5 and with a control panel 2, 9, 10, 13 and 14 for the input of control instructions for processing the information from the first storage device 3 and/or for controlling the first and/or second storage device 3, 5, the control panel containing at least one control element 2 for fading in and/or out information signals, which is coupled to a signal generator for the second storage device 5. <IMAGE>

Description

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Description of Invention "A signal processing unit"

The invention relates to a signal processing unit and more particularly to a control device for selecting and processing information from a first storage device to a second storage device, particularly for video equipment, with an input for receiving information signals from the first storage device, with an output for outputting information signals to the second storage device and with a control panel for the input of control instructions for processing the signal information from the first storage device and/or for controlling the first and/or second storage device.

It is unavoidable when producing video films with cameras or f ilms with cameras or so-called camcorders, which combine the camera and the recorder in a single apparatus, that individual scenes will not be of an optimum nature. The images or pictures can be unsharp or blurred and it may also occur that the scene sequence is no longer required for the film, because it does not meet requirements. However, it is not possible in the case of video films to simply cut out such scenes and then replace the f ilm, as is easily possible with chemical f ilms. In the case of video films enclosed in cassettes it would not even be possible to establish the start and finish of such scenes. In addition, the resulting splicing points would damage the video scanning head. Thus, if the video film is to be modified or improved in the above sense, it is rerecorded on a new video tape and then the undesired scenes are not transferred with it. For this purpose the recorded video film is rerecorded from a video camera or a playback unit or player, via a corresponding connecting cable to a recording recorder and an image or picture check 2 takes place by means of a connected monitor. By means of a control panel the recording recorder can be set to 51stople or "pause" if an undesired scene appears. If recording is to again take place, then the recorder is reactivated.

Such a procedure is not particularly easy for the operator. It is only possible to perform the simplest functions, namely a switching on or off of the recording recorder. No further manipulation of the video film is possible. Frequently colour corrections need to be carried out and it would be desirable to simultaneously include music, commentaries or sound effects.

Remote control or cut control devices are known, which are switched between the player and the recording recorder and both devices, provided that they have compatible remote control capabilities, are available in combined form for remote operation. It is therefore desirable for such control devices to be usable for the preparation of video films.

The problem of the invention is to develop a control device, that it is suitable for the selecting and processing or preparation of information, particularly picture and/or sound information on video films. Compared with conventional equipment, considerable simplifications for the user should be possible, whilst simultaneously increasing the ease of operation of the control device.

This problem is solved by a control device for selecting and processing information transmitted from a first storage device to a second storage device, particularly for video equipment, with an input for receiving information signals from the first storage device, with an output for outputting information signals 3 to the second storage device and with a control panel for the input of control instructions for processing the information from the first storage device and/or for controlling the f irst and/or second storage device, the control panel containing at least one control element for fading in and/or out information signals, which is coupled to a signal generator for the second storage device.

In embodiments of the invention the control panel has as at least one control element for fading information signals up and down and which is coupled to a signal generator for the second storage device. When using this control device the operator can concentrate fully on the picture e.g. appearing on a checking monitor, can fade out undesired scenes and at the end of undesired scenes fade in again and be in control of the second storage device, i.e. the rerecording recorder records automatically.

The control element can comprise a sliding resistor making it possible to continuously attenuate information signals. on sliding the sliding resistor in one direction the signals to be rerecorded become weaker, e.g. there is a fade to black of an image signal, or a sound signal is slowly faded out. On sliding the sliding resistor in the reverse direction, there is a corresponding fading in.

Preferably the control element is so designed that a desired signal level can be set, which defines a threshold value and, on passing above or below the latter, the signal generator switches on or off the second storage device. This increases the variability in the formation of scene transitions, in that the fading in or out only takes place in the case of a black image and/or without sound, or on reaching the quarter brightness of the image and a particular volume. Whenever such a desired fixable signal 4 level is reached, the operation of the second storage device is stopped, switched to pause or restarted.

It may often be necessary to provide a signal output for connecting a checking device to the control device. This is generally a television receiver or a monitor, which is used for checking the film to be rerecorded. Such an option is always appropriate if there is no possibility of e.g. directly connecting the checking device to the second storage device.

Preferably the input for receiving information signals is operated by a play line, which is designed as a remote control line. Alternatively, in addition to the play line there can also be a line with a coupled infrared pulse generator for a sensor on the first storage device. It is also possible to integrate into the control device an infrared pulse generator for a sensor for the first storage device. It is also possible to integrate into the control device an infrared pulse generator for a sensor for the first storage device. However, in the latter case there must be a direct visual connection between the control device and the storage device.

It is also possible to control the information signal transmission to the second storage device in a similar manner i.e. a rerecording line can be a remote control line, it is possible to provide a line with a coupled infrared pulse generator for a sensor on the second storage device, or once again an infrared pulse generator can be integrated into the control device.

A further improvement in the case of operation between rerecording options is possible if there is a switch for the fading in and out effect. This makes it possible to switch off at selected picture and/or sound signals, so that in place of the "soft cut" on fading out there can now be a "hard cut". This switch can also allow the signal output to the second storage device to vary, e.g. to bring about pause switching when half the picture brightness exists.

It is also possible to provide on the control device a control or operating element for the selected switching in of sound signals. This allows background music to accompany the video film to be rerecorded, add commentaries or fade in sound effects. The required microphones, record players or similar additional equipment can be directly connected to the control device. It is also possible to connect in a sound mixer via a corresponding play line, the microphones and the like being switched through the sound mixer. Such a sound mixer can also be integrated into the control device.

Advantageously for both the first and second storage devices remote control units are provided, which offer the possibility of remotely controlling the corresponding device in its essential or even all its functions.

It is advantageous to equip the control device with a memory, which stores the duration of the scenes to be rerecorded and the corresponding pauses or intervals, said memory being programmable and permitting reprogramming of the scene sequences or a change to the length and the like of the scenes. This offers the possibility of an automatic rerecording, because it is not necessary to switch in the second storage device, because the necessary cut sequences are now programmed. The transmission of the 6 modified or prepared information can then be automatically initiated at a later time.

As stated hereinbefore this control device can in particular be used for video equipment. A f irst storage device can be a video camera or player, the second storage device a recording video recorder and the checking device a television receiver or monitor. The control device can be integrated with any of the aforementioned devices.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a diagrammatic block representation of the inventive control device and the peripherals required for preparation purposes.

The control device 1 has an input 60 for receiving information signals from a video camera 3, which is connected to said input 60 via a play line 6, which can be in the form of a remote control line, unless there is to be a remote operation via per se known infrared means. on the control device 1 is also provided a signal output 70 to which is connected a monitor 4 via a play line and which is used for checking the video film to be rerecorded. A video recorder 5 is connected via a rerecording line 8 to the control device 1 by means of an output 80 for outputting information signals. In the same way as explained relative to the play line 6, a remote control line for the start/stop switching of the video recorder 5 may be included into the said rerecording line 8. It is also possible to provide other remote control functions such as winding forward and/or back. An infrared control can be provided alongside the rerecording line 8 and, if a compatible equipment arrangement exists, an infrared pulse 7 generator can be integrated into the control device 1. A video f ilm played from the video camera 3 can now be manipulated with the aid of the control device 1, monitoring taking place on the monitor 4 and can be rerecorded in the desired modified form on the video recorder 5.

The individual manipulation possibilities are provided via the control panel of the control device 1.

An important control or operating element is the sliding resistor 2 enabling a "soft cut" between individual film scenes. The information signals, generally picture and/or sound signals from the video camera 3 are more or less slowly attenuated by sliding the sliding resistor 2 in one direction, so that a picture and/or sound signal is faded out and on reaching a specific or selected fixable signal level a control pulse is supplied to the recording video recorder 5 and stops the latter or switches it to pause. If the sliding resistor 2 is slid in the opposite direction, the video recorder 5 is restarted and the information signals are faded in again. The signal level can be fixed by the operator and it is also possible to fix different signal levels for picture signals and sound signals, therefore numerous possibilities are provided in connection with the preparation and production of video films. A switch 9 is provided on the control panel, which switches on or off the "soft cut" of the sliding resistor 2, thereby offering the possibility of a "hard cut". By means of the operating button 10 sound signals can be connected in as desired in order to accompany the rerecorded film with background music. A sound mixer 11 is provided, which is connected via a play line 12 to the control device 1, which can premix the desired sounds, music and/or language. A remote control unit 13 for the video camera 3 makes it possible to remotely control at

8 back if the start of an undesired scene has been missed. Correspondingly a remote control unit 14 is provided for the video recorder 5, so as to provide additional functions, which cannot be initiated by the sliding resistor 2, e.g. once again rewinding, if the start of a scene is missed which is not to be transmitted.

The arrangement of the switches and/or control elements on the control panel is arbitrary and significance is mainly attached to operator friendliness and ease of viewing. Thus, it is appropriate to position the sliding resistor 2 centrally on the control device, because it is the most frequently used item. The remote control units 13, 14 should permit one-handed operation, so that simultaneusly it is possible to rewind video camera 3 and video recorder 5. It is also possible to place the operating button 10 in the vicinity of the connection for the sound mixer 11. In the selected embodiment the "soft cut/hard cut" switch 9 is located below the remote control means 13 and 14.

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A control device for selecting and processing information transmitted from a first storage device to a second storage device, particularly f or video equipment, with an input f or receiving information signals from the first storage device, with an output for outputting information signals to the second storage device and with a control panel for the input of control instructions-f-or processing the information from the first storage device and/or for controlling the f irst and/or second storage device, the control panel containing at least one control element for fading in and/or out information signals, which is coupled to a signal generator f or the second storage device.

2. A control device according to claim 1, wherein the control element comprises at least one sliding resistor which can continuously attenuate or amplify information signals.

3. A control device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the control element is designed to permit setting of a desired signal level which defines a threshold value and whereby, on passing above or below the same, the signal generator switches on or off the second storage device.

4. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a signal output is provided for the connection of a checking device.

5. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the input can be operated by a play line which is designed as a remote control line.

6. A control device according to any one of calms 1 to 4, wherein the input is operated by a play line and an additional line with a coupled infrared pulse generator is provided for a sensor on the first storage device.

7. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the input is operated by a play line and an infrared pulse generator for a sensor on the first storage device is integrated into the control device.

8. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the output is operable by a rerecording line which is designed as a remote control line.

9. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the output is operable by a rerecording line and an additional line with a coupled infrared pulse generator is provided for a sensor on the second storage device.

10. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the output is operable by a rerecording line and an infrared pulse generator for a sensor on the second storage device is integrated into the control device.

11. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein there is at least one switch to switch on or of f the fading in and out ef f ect of at least part of the information.

12. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one control element is provided for the random switching in of further information signals.

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13. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a remote control device is provided for the first storage device.

14. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a remote control unit is provided for the second storage device.

15. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a memory f or data resulting from the information processing.

16. A control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the checking device for the second storage device is integrated into the first storage device.

17. A control device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.