JPH08149406A - Recording-reproducing controller applying reservation code of video tape recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To automatically reproduce the corresponding TV program by reading one or plural reservation codes and the contents of the TV programs announced on the newspapers or magazines by an OCR(optical character reader) and displaying the program contents after the program is recorded by a VTR based on the reservation code. CONSTITUTION: The reservation code and the contents of a desired TV program printed on a newspaper 2 are read by an OCR 3 and stored in a memory RAM. The program is recorded and then one or plural reservation codes and the program contents are shown on a display device 7 by the operation of a keyboard 12. Then one or plural recorded TV programs are automatically searched and can be viewed through a TV 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a G code (registered trademark,
In the United States, a registered trademark Plus Code) or a video tape recorder (VT) using a reservation code such as a barcode.
R) recording and reproduction control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a VTR for reserving a television program using the above reservation code has become widespread. However, although a plurality of TV programs were recorded on the VTR, when it came to the stage of reproduction, it was sometimes difficult to select which TV program to watch first.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention displays the contents of a program on a display device in comparison with the above reservation code used for recording reservation of a VTR, and facilitates selection of the recording contents when the VTR is reproduced. It is the one that raised the issue.

[0004]

The present invention uses an OCR reader (image scanner) to select one or more reservation codes to be reserved from among TV program reservation codes published in newspapers and magazines. When reading, read the above O
When reading a part or all of the program content printed in the newspaper or magazine using a CR reader, storing this information in a memory, and playing back the TV program recorded by the reservation code, the above information Is displayed on the display device,
The recorded television program can be selected from the displayed information.

[0005]

With the above-mentioned structure, the program contents are displayed on the display device in correspondence with the plurality of reservation codes used for recording, so that the television program to be reproduced can be easily selected and further reproduced. The cue of the TV program to be tried is automatically executed.

[0006]

The structure and function of the present invention will be described below. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a personal computer, which has a microprocessor CPU and a memory RAM for storing information (reservation code and program content) about a television program read by an OCR reader described later, and a plurality of cassettes, For example, the memory area is divided for each cassette so that it can accommodate a cassette of 100 rolls (video cassette tape).

Although this memory RAM is provided with a power failure countermeasure, it may be a flash memory in which data is not lost even when a power failure occurs. In addition, a program for performing the processing described later is loaded in this RAM.

Reference numeral 2 is a newspaper in which a reservation code and program contents are printed, 3 is an OCR reader for optically reading the printed reservation code and program contents, 4
Is an interface board for connecting the OCR reader 3 to a personal computer, and 5 is a hard disk drive that stores software for performing the processing of the OCR reader 3 and software for performing the entire processing.

Reference numeral 6 is a printer for printing the above-mentioned reservation code-related data (for example, program content, channel, recording start time, etc.) as a personal program guide, 7 is a display device (display), and 8 is a remote control box. And
A code (channel, recording start time, etc.) that allows the reservation code read from the above-mentioned newspaper to be registered for reservation in 10 VTRs
A code conversion IC (not shown) for converting into

Reference numeral 9 denotes an interface board for connecting the remote control box 8 to the personal computer. FSK modulation / FSK modulation for recording and detecting a cassette NO (cassette number) on an audio track described later by FSK modulation. An RS232C 9-2 for transmitting and receiving data (for example, tape position) in series with the demodulation circuit 9-1 and a VTR 10 described later is incorporated.

Alternatively, instead of the above audio track, "CC"
That is, the cassette NO may be recorded between video signals by a method called closed caption.

Reference numeral 10 is a VTR (video tape recorder), which has a light receiving section 10-1 for receiving infrared rays from the remote control box, an audio input terminal 10-2 for the audio track, and an RS232C terminal 10-3. are doing.

A video tape recorder equipped with RS232C is known as model PV-D828 manufactured by NEC.

When the RS232C is used, the installation place is limited by the RS232C cable 9-3, so that the remote control box 8 can be made bidirectional and the RS232C signal can be transmitted and received through the remote control box 8. is there.

Reference numeral 11 is a television receiver (TV), and 12 is a keyboard having various function keys.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation of reading the reservation code and the program contents printed on the newspaper as described above and making a reservation registration of the TV program selected by the reservation code in the VTR 10 will be described.

First, when an operator inserts a video cassette tape (not shown) into the VTR 10, when the CPU detects this insertion through the RS232C9-2 of the interface board 9, it is shown in the flow chart of FIG. Call the subroutine "CASENO".
First, in step 50, the video tape in the video cassette tape is rewound, for example, for 3 seconds, and then reproduction is started for 3 seconds (step 51).

Then, in the next step 52, it is tested whether a cassette NO (cassette number) is recorded on the audio track of the video tape. When a new video cassette tape is inserted, the above cassette NO is not recorded, so the step 52 becomes negative and RS
The above step 51 is executed by the command from the 232C9-2.
The video tape for 3 seconds is rewound in step 53.

The maximum value of "cassette NO" used up to now is stored in a predetermined area of the memory RAM, and a value obtained by adding 1 to this value becomes a new "cassette NO" (step 54). Therefore, when a new video cassette tape is inserted into the new VTR 10, "cassette NO = 1".

In addition, the videotape is already recorded and the cassette N
If O is recorded, step 52 becomes affirmative, and the cassette NO read here is the same as step 5 above.
Reference is given to the cassette No. 4 in priority.

Next, the current position information of the video tape is set to R.
The data is read and stored in a predetermined area of the memory RAM via S232C9-2 (step 55). For information on the current position of the video tape, rewind the video tape,
It is known by means of detecting the movement of a reel stand (not shown) when reproducing or recording an address on a video tape.

Here, this subroutine is exited.

Then, when the function key F1 on the keyboard 12 is pressed, the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 starts.

At step 20, the cassette NO
The address of a predetermined area (the area for storing the data related to the reservation code) of the memory RAM allocated to is designated. If there is no data in this area, specify the start address of this area.

Then, when the READ button 3-1 of the OCR reader 3 is pressed, step 21 becomes affirmative and this REA
With the D button 3-1 pressed, the OCR reader 3 is moved to read the reservation code of the intended TV program printed on the newspaper 2. If the number read by the OCR reader 3 is a number, step 22 is affirmative, one digit of the reservation code is stored in the memory designated by step 20, and the one digit reservation code is displayed on the display device 7. (Steps 25 and 26).

The operations of steps 25 and 26 described above are repeated until the READ button 3-1 is turned off in step 27 to read the reservation code digit by digit. Then, for example, the reservation code “824898” shown in FIG. 6 is stored in a predetermined area of the memory RAM.

Now, read a series of reservation codes and execute REA
When the D button 3-1 is turned off, step 27 becomes affirmative. In the next step 28, a memory area for storing the program content related to the reservation code is designated.

When the OCR reader 3 is moved to read the program content printed on the newspaper 2 with the READ button 3-1 turned on again, the program content is displayed on the display device 7.
And is stored in a predetermined area of the memory RAM. In the embodiment, the READ button 3 in step 32
Twenty digits are stored until you turn off. In FIG. 6, the above reservation code “82489
This indicates that the program content “Super Wide” for “8” is stored in a predetermined area of the memory RAM.

To read the next reservation code from the newspaper 2, the function key F2 on the keyboard 12 is pressed.
Here, Step 42 is affirmative through Steps 33 and 41, and in Step 43, the area of the memory RAM for storing the next reservation code is designated, and the procedure returns to Step 21 described above. The reservation code and program content of the next TV program to be played are read, stored in the memory RAM, and displayed on the display device 7.

The order of reading the reservation code for each TV program is not restricted by the recording start time, and the recorded TV programs can be selected in any order.

Now, for example, if the function key F10 of the keyboard 12 is pressed after reading the reservation code and all the program contents shown in FIG. 6, step 33 becomes affirmative,
In the next step 34, the plurality of reserved codes stored in the memory RAM as described above are sent one by one to the code conversion IC (not shown) housed in the remote control box 8, and this code conversion IC is sent. Is used to develop the channel, recording start time, and recording time information, and the information is fed back to the memory RAM.

Subsequently, the information fed back to the memory RAM is used to rearrange the information on each television program in the order of the recording start time (in the order of date and time). FIG. 7 schematically shows the contents of the memory RAM in which the arrangement has been changed. The contents of FIG. 7 may be displayed on the display device 7 or may be stored in the hard disk drive 5.

Further, in the state described above, the function key F
If you press 5, step 36 becomes affirmative and the
For example, it can be printed in the format as shown in FIG. 7 (step 3
7).

When the function key F4 is pressed, step 38 becomes affirmative, and the plurality of reservation codes stored in the above-mentioned memory RAM are sent to the remote control box 8 one by one, where the channel and the recording start as described above. The time and the recording time can be coded and registered in the VTR by infrared rays.

When the function key F10 is pressed, the operation according to this flowchart is completed.

After that, the VTR 10 performs a recording operation according to the registered reservation code.

That is, in step 60 of FIG. 4, when one of the recording start times of the reservation information of the television program transferred to the VTR 10 reaches the recording start time, this step 60 becomes affirmative and the power of the VTR is turned on. Turn on, set the TV channel, and start recording (steps 61 to 63).

When the recording of the VTR 10 is started in this way, the coded cassette NO (cassette number) FSK-modulated (frequency-modulated) in step 64 is recorded on a voice track (in the embodiment, a voice track using a fixed head) and a TV program. Sound is recorded on the HiFi track). This recording circuit is VTR10
It is preferable that the RS232C9 is incorporated in the
When the CPU detects the recording start of the VTR 10 via -2, the FSK modulation / demodulation circuit 9-1 outputs the FSK-modulated cassette NO and continuously records on the audio track during the recording operation.

When the recording end time is reached, step 6
5 is affirmative, the recording is stopped (step 66), the end of the recording is transmitted to the CPU side via, for example, RS232C9-2, and the program information for which the recording is completed is marked, for example, ""*" Is added and "*" is also displayed when the reservation code (program information) is displayed on the display device 7.

Then, the power of the VTR 10 is turned off (step 68) and the process returns to step 60 to stand by for the next recording.

To watch the video recorded in the VTR 10 as described above, the function key F6 of the keyboard 12 is pressed. Here, the subroutine shown by the flowchart "PLAY" shown in FIG. 5 is operated.

At the time of reproduction, another recorded video cassette tape is often inserted in the VTR 10, so first, the R
The tape position information and the cassette number are read via S232C (steps 80 and 81).

At the next step 82, the cassette NO
The reservation code (including the program guide) stored in a predetermined area of the memory RAM corresponding to (1) is displayed on the display device 7.

If the display device 7 has a high resolution, FIG.
The reservation code, the program content, the channel, the recording start time, the recording time, and the date (not shown) shown in can be displayed. However, when the low-resolution TV TV 11 is used as the display device, only the reservation code and the program content or the program content is displayed. You may display only the date.

In FIG. 7, there are "*" marks in front of the two reservation codes, and it can be seen that a total of 4 hours of television programs are recorded on this video tape.

Subsequently, in order to select which program content recorded on the video cassette tape is to be viewed, a cursor key (not shown) of the keyboard 12 is selected, and a return key (not shown) of the keyboard 12 is selected. Press (step 83).

In relation to the selected program content, the tape position information at which this program content starts (that is, the cue position, for example, 1 in the program content "Super Wide" in FIG. 7).
20 minutes 0 seconds) and the tape position information in step 80 above, and the CPU rewinds or fast forwards the tape via RS232C9-2, and
While reading the tape position information via the 32C9-2, the corresponding program content is cueed (step 84).

When the cueing is completed, the reproduction is switched by a command via the RS232C9-2 in step 85, so that the selected program content can be viewed on the television TV11.

When the function key F10 is pressed after the reproduction is completed, the reproduction is stopped by the command via the RS232C (steps 86 and 87).

Alternatively, the tape may be automatically stopped when the reproduction of the selected program content is completed.

Further, a plurality of program contents may be selected in advance and the program contents may be reproduced in sequence.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be modified in various ways. For example, if the function of the personal computer 1 is not required, the function of the CPU of FIG. 1 can be built in the VTR 10. Also, as a substitute for the display device 7, a television T
V11 can be used.

Therefore, the block diagram of FIG. 1 can be constructed as shown in FIG. That is, the CPU of FIG.
RS232C of FIG. 1 by incorporating in the VTR10 of
Related circuits can be omitted.

Further, OC is provided at the corner of the remote control box 8-1.
The R reader unit 3-2 is provided, and as described above, it is possible to read the reservation code on the newspaper and the program content and make a reservation to the VTR 10 by infrared rays 8-2.

At this time, the reservation code read by the OCR reader, the information such as the channel decoded from this reservation code, the program content related to this reservation code, and the cassette number are card-type non-volatile flash memory 10-. Stored in 6. With this one card, for example, 1
It can be used for a video cassette tape for 00 rolls. A floppy disk may be used instead of the flash memory.

After the VTR 10 records a plurality of reserved TV programs, a command from the remote control box 8-1 (presses a "display" button (not shown)), information of the reserved TV programs. The TV T reads (contents of the program, etc.) from the flash memory 10-6.
Display on V11.

When viewing this display and designating a television program to be reproduced by operating the remote control box 8-1, the CPU built in the VTR 10 as described above cues the recorded television program and then reproduces it. Because it switches
It can be viewed on TV TV 11.

[0058]

According to the present invention, when a reservation code of a television program desired to be recorded is randomly read by an OCR reader from among reservation codes announced in newspapers or the like, a plurality of programs related to the reservation code are recorded. Since the contents are also read and stored in the memory by the OCR reader, the contents of the program can be displayed after recording the television program by the reservation code or after inserting it into the VTR of the recorded video cassette tape.

When a television program desired to be viewed is selected from the displayed program contents, the selected recorded television program is automatically cueed and the television program can be viewed.

Therefore, there is no need to know what is recorded on the video cassette tape, which is convenient for viewing recorded television programs.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of reading a reservation code of a television program printed on a newspaper or the like by OCR, displaying, printing, and making a reservation for a VTR.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for reading a cassette number of a video cassette tape and position information of the video tape.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation during recording of a VTR.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation when reproducing a VTR.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example in which a reservation code and program content announced in a newspaper or the like are read by an OCR reader and stored in a memory.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the contents of a memory in which the reservation code of FIG. 6 is expanded into information such as channels and the arrangement is changed in order of recording start time.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Personal Computer 2 Newspaper 3 OCR Reader 3-1 READ Button 3-2 OCR Reader Section 4 Interface Board 5 Hard Disk Drive 6 Printer 7 Display Device 8 Remote Control Box 8-1 Remote Control Box 9 Interface Board 9-1 FSK Modulation / Demodulation Circuit 9-2 RS232C 9-3 cable 10 VTR 10-1 Light receiving part 10-2 Audio input terminal 10-3 RS232C terminal 10-5 Video cassette tape 10-6 Flash memory 11 TV 12 Keyboard

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A character reading device for reading a reservation code and a program content of a television program to be published in newspapers and magazines, a means for recording the read reservation code and the program content, which have been read, in the memory. Recording means for driving the video tape recorder in the recording mode by the reserved code, and means for displaying on the display device the reserved code and the program content stored in the memory when the video tape recorded by the recording means is reproduced. When the reservation code displayed on the display device is designated, the reservation code recorded by the video tape recorder is recorded by the reservation code of the video tape recorder. Reproduction control device.