MXPA06000818A - Personal video recorder that records through channel change - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and a personal video recorder (400) for time-shifting a presentation of multimedia content using a personal video recorder. A first stream of multimedia content is received on a first channel and stored to a data store (448) associated with the personal video recorder. After a channel change request has been received, a second stream of multimedia content can be received on a second channel correlating to the channel change request. This second content stream can be storedto the data store while retaining the first stream of multimedia content in the data store. During playback and trick mode operation, the multimedia presentation can seamlessly transition between the first and second streams of multimedia content.

Description

PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDER THAT RECORDES THROUGH CHANNEL CHANGE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the serial number of the US provisional application. 60 / 488,874 filed on July 21, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

RIGHTS OF THE GOVERNMENT ON THIS INVENTION Not applicable FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of digital video recording, and more particularly to personal video recorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Modern personal video recorders (PVRs) are similar to video cassette recorders (VCRs) in that they allow the user to record multimedia presentations and view presentations in a delayed program. While a VCR records multimedia to an analog video cassette, a PVRs typically records multimedia to a digital data buffer, such as a hard disk drive (HDD). However, the multimedia data is removed from the PVR data buffer each time a channel change occurs. As a result, a user can not return to the channel he was watching prior to the channel change. In this way, the ability to change the time of a multimedia presentation is lost in conventional PVRs when a channel change occurs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for changing time a presentation of multimedia content using a personal video recorder. A first stream of multimedia content is received on a first channel and stored in a data store associated with the personal video recorder. After a channel change request has been received, a second stream of multimedia content may be received in a second channel correlating to the channel change request. This second content stream can be stored in the data store while retaining the first stream of multimedia content in the data store. At least one identifier can be assigned to each of the first and second streams of multimedia content to identify a sequence in which the first and second stream of multimedia content are recorded or to identify a channel of which the first and second stream of multimedia content they are recorded. When a request for a return method is received, the second stream of multimedia content can be presented in reverse and the first stream of multimedia content can be presented in reverse after reaching a beginning of the second stream of multimedia content. When a request for reproduction is received, the first stream of multimedia content can be presented and the second stream of multimedia content can be presented after reaching an end of the first stream of multimedia content. The personal video recorder of the invention may include an input port for receiving a first stream of multimedia content on a first channel, a data store for storing the first stream of multimedia content, and a user interface for receiving the media stream. request to change channel. A processor may change a channel to receive through the input port a second stream of multimedia content on a second channel correlating to the channel change request. The second stream of multimedia content can be stored in the data store while retaining the first stream of multimedia content in the data store. The processor may also assign at least one identifier to each of the first and second stream of multimedia content to identify a sequence in which the first and second streams of multimedia content are recorded or to identify a channel of which the first and second streams of multimedia content are recorded. Multimedia content are recorded. The user interface can include a user input device through which a user can choose a user selectable function to carry out a personal video recording operation desired. A video decoder may also be included which may present the second stream of reverse media content and then present the first stream of reverse media content after reaching the start of the second stream of multimedia content. In addition, a video decoder can present the first flow of multimedia content, and then present the second stream of multimedia content after reaching an end of the first stream of multimedia content. The transition between multimedia content streams can occur quickly so that the transitions appear unbound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described later in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a flow chart for recording multimedia content through a channel change . Figure 2 shows a flow diagram for the presentation of multimedia content recorded from multiple channels in the reverse playback mode. Figure 3 shows a flow diagram for the presentation of multimedia content recorded from multiple channels in forward reproduction and normal playback speed. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a personal video recorder that is useful for understanding the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a method and system for recording and retention of a plurality of multimedia content streams in a recording device, such as a personal video recorder (PVR), through channel changes. Accordingly, a user who is recording a first stream of multimedia content from a first channel can switch to a second channel and, responsive to channel change, the PVR can start recording a second stream of multimedia content from the second channel. Meanwhile, the first stream of multimedia content can be retained within a data warehouse. Accordingly, the user can still access the recorded multimedia content from the first channel, even when the channel has been changed. In addition, the user can sequentially reproduce the plurality of multimedia content streams for the content to be recorded or in any other desired reproduction sequence. Referring to Figure 1, a flow diagram 100 for recording multimedia content through a channel change is presented. Starting at step 105, a first stream of multimedia content may be received by the PVR on a first channel. The first stream of multimedia content can be stored in a data store associated with the PVR, as is shown in step 1 1 0. The data store is discussed in the context of Figure 4 in greater detail. By proceeding to step 1 15, an identifier may be stored with the first stream of multimedia content. For example, the identifier can be an identifier of a channel. The identifier may also be an identifier, which is used to identify a position of the first stream of multimedia content within a sequence of streams of recorded multimedia contents. For example, the identifier can be a sequential number or a timestamp. Even so, the invention is not limited and the identifier can be any type of identifier that can be assigned to a stream of multimedia content. Referring to decision 120 and step 125, if the user wishes to stop recording at this point, the recording may be stopped. However, the recording of the first stream of multimedia content may continue. Continuing with decision 130, if a channel change request is received the PVR can begin to receive a second stream of multimedia content in a next channel, as shown in step 135. Proceeding to step 140, the second stream of Multimedia content of the following channel can be recorded in the data store. Meanwhile, the first stream of multimedia content can be retained in the data warehouse. An identifier can be stored with the second stream of multimedia content, as shown in step 145.

Referring again to decisions 120 and 1 30, the process can continue to record additional streams of multimedia content while more channel changes are made. In this way, any number of multimedia content streams can be recorded. The process may end when a user chooses to stop recording or the recording time has ended. In an arrangement, the identifiers assigned to the first and second flows can be used to delineate the first and second flows of multimedia contents. Alternatively, the PVR can combine two or more streams of multimedia content into a single stream. For example, the PVR may record the first stream of multimedia content and, when the channel changes, the PVR may continue to record the second stream of multimedia content without providing an eyeliner between the two streams. In another arrangement, the PVR can continue to record the first stream of media content while recording the second media stream of the next channel. The identifiers recorded with each flow can be used to differentiate the flows. In this case, an additional identifier may be provided with each stream of multimedia content to identify points in the streams that correlate to the channel change. In an arrangement, the user can be warned via the user interface in case the amount of multimedia content stored reaches the capacity of the data store. Additionally, the recorded multimedia content can be selectively overwritten when the capacity of the data store is reached. For example, the selection of which multimedia content to be overwritten can be determined based on which multimedia content has the oldest time stamp (s), which multimedia content has been identified as not important by a user, or any other desired criteria. During playback, the PVR may unattached to traverse between the first stream of multimedia content and the second stream at points in each stream correlating to the channel change. For example, Figure 2 shows a flow diagram 200 for displaying multimedia content recorded from multiple channels in a reverse playback mode. Beginning in step 205, a request for a reverse playback mode may be received by the PVR and the second stream of multimedia content may be presented in reverse, as shown in Figure 210. referring to decision 215 and step 220 , when the start of the second flow is reached, the PVR can stop the presentation of the second flow. Continuing in step 225, the PVR can then present the first data stream in reverse reproduction. Importantly, steps 220 and 225 can be carried out quickly so that the transition between multimedia content streams appears instantaneous. An example of presenting multi-channel recorded multimedia content in forward playback at a normal playback speed is shown in FIG. 3. Beginning at step 305, a playback request can be received by the PVR and the first media content stream it can be presented at a normal reproduction speed as shown in step 310. Referring to decision 31 5 and step 320, when the end of the first stream is reached the PVR can stop the presentation of the first stream. Continuing to step 325, the PVR can then present a second data stream. Again, steps 320 and 325 can be carried out quickly so that the transition between multimedia content streams appears instantaneous. At this point it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned examples. Importantly, any convenient mode can be carried out using the plurality of streams of recorded multimedia content. In an arrangement where a recording of the first stream of multimedia content continued after the channel changed, the identifier identifying the point in the first stream correlating to the channel change can be used for signal reproduction to change from the first stream to the second stream. In another arrangement, a visual and / or auditory indicator can be provided via a user interface to warn a user to a portion of the first flow correlated to the channel change, which has occurred during the recording. The user can be supplied with an option to abort the channel change during playback. A block diagram of a PVR 400 incorporating means for recording and retention of a plurality of multimedia content streams within the PVR through channel changes is shown in Figure 4. The PVR 400 may include a processor, for example a digital signal processor (DSP) 402 or any other convenient processor, a key and a display 420, a tuner 440, an A / V input selector 438, a USB input 446, a storage device 448 and a module program information 450. Additionally, the PVR 400 may include a first and second infrared (IR) links 430 and 432, a video overlay encoder 452, a video switch 460, a headphone jack 434, a connector component block standard A / V 470, a connector component block of YPbPr 480, and a Sony / Phillips digital interface connector block (SPDIF) 490. The connector component blocks 470, 480 and 490 can provide the signal audio / video signals in a variety of output formats. For example, the standard A / V connector component block 470 may comprise an S-video connector 472 for outputting video to a video display that has been separated into chromatic and light video signals and a composite video connector 474 to provide a composite signal of standard video. In addition, the A / V connector component block 470 may comprise right and left audio output connectors, 476 and 478, respectively. The YPbPr 480 connector component block is typically used for high definition television (HDTV). The YPbPr 480 connector component block comprises a video luminescence (Y) output connector 482 for providing an analog video luminescence component, an output connector Pb 484 for providing an analogous blue color difference (BY), and an output connector Pr 486 to provide an analogous difference of red (RY). Finally, the connector component block of SPDIF 490 comprises a coaxial output 492 and an optical output 494 for outputting digital video signals via a coaxial cable or fiber optic cable, respectively. The key and display 420 can be provided as a user interface for the PVR 400. The key and display 420 can incorporate a numeric keypad 422, a display 424, an IR remote control interface 426 and a real time clock 428. Al using the numeric keypad 422 or the IR remote control interface 426, a user may select functions to be executed by the PVR 400 to perform a desired PVR operation. For example, a user can choose to change the channels on the PVR 400 or carry out a playback mode. The real-time clock 428 can take time, which can be displayed on the display 424. The display 424 can even display other information as well, for example a mode that is being executed by the PVR 400, a selected channel being recorded by the PVR 400, or a representative identifier of a presentation being shown in a video display. The first and second leagues IR 420 and 430 form a set of communication links between satellite and non-satellite applications to help simplify the interface between the audio and video data streams. The first IR 430 link can be a communication interface between the DSP 402 and other devices having an IR communication link. Notably, the first IR 430 link can be useful for controlling other devices designed specifically for cable or satellite transmissions or radio transmissions using a standard programming guide. The first IR 430 link may also allow features to simplify user interaction among other devices. For example, the first IR 430 league can allow a one-touch program recording, as well as other user conveniences. The second link IR 432 can provide an interface between the program information module 450 and other devices having IR communication links. Significantly, the second IR 432 link may be useful for communication with devices not requiring a direct connection to the DSP 402, for example with a cable reception device, a VCR, etc. The DSP 402 can execute programmed functions and process user inputs. For example, the DSP 402 may receive user inputs to execute channel changes and set / change recording parameters. The DSP 402 may comprise an analog-to-digital converter 404 (A / D), an MPEG 406 encoder / decoder, a programmable field access (FPGA) selection 408, a recorder / player interface 410, a digital video encoder 412 , a digital to analog audio converter (audio A / D) 414 and an SPDI F 416 output. The DSP 402 may also include one or more data controllers allowing the different components of the DSP to communicate with each other and process the data in a way that cooperative. Notably, interrupt requests (IRQs) and direct memory addresses (DMAs) can be used to facilitate regulatory communications and data processing. The audio / video (A / V) input selector 438 may include a plurality of A / V inputs. For example, the input selector 438 may incorporate an A / V input to receive media content streams from the tuner 440. For example, the tuner 440 may include an input port for receiving media content streams. Importantly, tuner 440 can be configured to receive a plurality of multimedia content streams simultaneously over multiple channels. The input selector can also receive multimedia content from several other input devices as well. For example, a video camera can send multimedia content to the input selector 438 via a front A / V 442 input, and a VCR can send multimedia content via a rear A / V input 444. Significantly, other A / V devices V can be connected to the input selector A / V 438 as well. The A / V input selector 438 can direct the received multimedia content to the DSP 402. The DSP A / D converter 404 can be used to convert received multimedia content into a format analogous to a digital format. The multimedia content already in digital form can bypass the conversion from analog to digital, for example, the multimedia content received via a digital interface 446. The FPGA 408 can provide processing instructions for data received from the input selector A / V 438 or from the digital interface 446, depending on the type of data received. For example, if multimedia content is received in a non-compressed form, the FPGA 408 can direct the multimedia content to the MPEG 406 encoder / decoder for MPEG compression prior to being sent to the recording / playback interface 410. However, if a multimedia content is received in an MPEG compression format, the FPGA 408 can direct the multimedia content directly to the receive / play interface 410. In either case the FPGA 408 can provide read / write instructions to the recording / playback interface 410 , which can then store the multimedia content to the data store 448. The read / write instructions can include instructions for assigning identifiers to the multimedia content. For example, the instructions may require that a unique identifier be assigned to each stream of multimedia content, that timestamps be assigned to portions of the multimedia content, that points in the media content streams correlating to channel changes be identified., and / or any other convenient identifiers are provided in the recorded multimedia content. The MPEG 406 encoder / decoder can perform MPEG compression and decompression on digital media content. For example, the MPEG 406 encoder / decoder can receive digital media content from the A / D converter 404 or digital interface 446, compress the digital media content using an MPEG format, and direct the compressed digital media content to the receive / play interface 410. The receive / play interface 410 can then store the compressed digital media content to the data store 448. The MPEG 406 encoder / decoder can encode the multimedia content with timestamps and / or identifiers. The real-time clock 428 can be used to generate timestamps, but the invention is not so limited. For example, an internal clock to the DSP 402 or any other time device may be used. The identifiers and / or timestamps can be processed by the MPEG 406 encoder / decoder and / or the digital video encoder 412 during the playback of multimedia content, as previously noted. The data store 448 may include one or more data storage devices. For example, a data storage device may be a magnetic storage medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical storage medium, such as a digital video disk (DVD), an electronic storage medium. , such as random access memory (RAM), an optical / magnetic storage medium, or any other convenient storage device. In addition, the data store 448 can include any combination of storage devices. The data store 448 may be connected to the recording / reproducing interface 410 via any convenient communications controller. For example, the data store 448 may be connected to the recording / reproducing interface 410 via an IEEE-1394 controller (Fireire, i.Link), a universal serial bus (USB), an Advanced Union Technology bus ( ATA), a serial ATA bus (SATA), a peripheral component interconnect bus (PCI), or any other convenient communication interface. During playback, the receive / play interface 410 can read multimedia content from the data store 448. The multimedia content can then be directed to the MPEG 406 encoder / decoder for decompression. After the decompression of multimedia content can be separated into audio and video signals. The audio signal can be directed to the SPDIF 416 to be digitally output via the coaxial output 492 or the optical output 494. The audio signal can also be directed to the audio converter D / A 414 for a D / A conversion. After the D / A conversion the audio signal can be output via the headphone jack 434 and / or the right and left audio outputs 476 and 478. The video signal can be processed by a digital video encoder 412, which it can perform D / A conversion on the video signal as well as encode the video signal in a variety of formats. For example, the video signal may be encoded in an RGB format, separated into luminescence and chromaticity (Y + C) signals, or encoded into a composite video signal having a National Television Standards Committee (NSTC) format. The composite video and video signal Y + C can be directed to the video switch 460, while the RGB video signal can be directed to the video overlay encoder 452. The video overlay encoder 452 can comprise a video module. overlap 454, an NTSC video encoder 456, and a YPbPr 458 matrix encoder. The overlay module 454 can receive program information from a program information module 450 and graphically overlay the program information to the video signal. The program information module 450 may extract the program information from a program guide. The program guide can be provided by a large number of sources. For example, the program guide can be provided from an online source, a modem dial-up connection, a paging network, etc. The program guide may also be contained in incoming multimedia content received by the A / V input selector 438 and communicated with the program information module 450 by the DSP 402. Program information may include programs available for each channel as well as also the programming of a program. In addition, for each individual program the program information may include a program identifier, channel information, recording time, program duration, scene data, program credits, etc. Other information and graphics can be superimposed on the video signal as well. For example, a clock, text blocks, user information, menus, icons, images, etc. they can be superimposed on the video signal. Typically, information is superimposed on the video signal when requested by a user or on a predefined event. However, some information, such as a channel identifier, can be continuously superimposed on the video signal. The NTSC encoder can output video signal as an NTSC format signal composed of video, as well as separate video in luminescence and chromaticity signals. The video signals can then be directed to the video switch 460. The video switch 460 can be used to select to display either the NTSC encoded video signal or the video signal generated by the digital video encoder 412. Composite video from any of the sources can be output via a composite video output connector 474, while the luminescence signals and the chromaticity of any source can be output via the S-video 472 output connector. The matrix encoder YPbPr 458 can generate a YPbPr formatted analog video signal. As previously noted, the YPbPr video signal includes a video luminescence component (Y), a blue color analogue difference (B-Y), and an analogous red color difference (R-Y). The component Y can be output to the output connector Y 482, the difference (BY) can be output to the output connector Pb 484 and the difference (RY) can be output to the output connector 486. While the preceding one is directed to the Preferred embodiment of the present invention, other and more embodiments of the invention can be conceived without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the following claims.

Claims (9)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for changing the time of a presentation of multimedia content using a recorder comprising: Receiving a first stream of multimedia content in a first channel; Store the first stream of multimedia content in a data store associated with the recorder; Receive a request to change the channel; Receive a second stream of multimedia content in a second channel correlated to the channel change request; Storing the second stream of multimedia content in a data store while retaining the first stream of multimedia content in the data store; Receive a request for a return method; Present the second flow of multimedia content in reverse; and Present the first flow of multimedia content in reverse after having reached the start of the second stream of multimedia content. The method according to claim 1 further comprising assigning at least one identifier for each of the first and second streams of multimedia content to identify a sequence in which the first and second streams of multimedia content are recorded. The method according to claim 1 further comprising assigning at least one identifier to each of the first and second streams of multimedia content to identify a channel from which the first and second streams of multimedia content are recorded. 4. The method according to claim 1 further comprising: Receiving a reproduction request; Present the first flow of multimedia content; and Present the second stream of multimedia content after reaching an end of the first stream of multimedia content. 5. A recorder comprising: An input port for receiving the first stream of multimedia content on a first channel; a data store for storing the first stream of multimedia content; a user interface to receive the channel change request; a processor for changing a channel to receive through the input port a second stream of multimedia content in a second channel correlated to the channel change request and store the second stream of multimedia content in the data store while retaining the first flow of multimedia content in the data warehouse; and a video decoder presenting the second stream of reverse media content, then presenting the first stream of reverse media content after reaching the start of the second stream of multimedia content. The recorder of claim 5 wherein the processor further assigns at least one identifier to each of the first and second streams of multimedia content to identify a sequence in which the first and second streams of multimedia content are recorded. The recorder of claim 5 wherein the processor further assigns at least one identifier to each of the first and second streams of multimedia content to identify a channel in which the first and second streams of multimedia content are recorded. The recorder of claim 5, wherein said user interface further comprises a user input device through which a user can choose a selectable function to perform a desired operation of the recorder. 9. The recorder of claim 5 further comprising a video decoder presenting the first stream of multimedia content, then presenting the second stream of multimedia content after reaching an end of the first stream of multimedia content.