WO1995034164A2

WO1995034164A2 - Self-video recording system

Info

Publication number: WO1995034164A2
Application number: PCT/GB1995/001242
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Thomas Brook; Richard John Wilkinson
Original assignee: David Thomas Brook; Richard John Wilkinson
Priority date: 1994-06-03
Filing date: 1995-05-30
Publication date: 1995-12-14
Also published as: WO1995034164A3; AU2573095A

Abstract

A self-recording video booth wherein recording is initiated by a cash-payment mechanism, comprising a camera (10), a multi-standard video recorder (12) and a television monitor (14) which displays the user picture on a graphics background which is also recorded on the video tape in conjunction wiht both computer stored audio background and user-generated audio signals input to a microphone (22). The system has means (76) for video standard selection and for camera tilting, and a cassette handling and cartoned cassette dispensation mechanism (70, 72, 74).

Description

Self- Video Recording System

This invention relates to a video recording system for making a video recording of a user or group thereof in a video booth.

Photo booths are well known for making a still photograph of the user in a publicly accessible booth in return for cash payment. A general object of this invention is to provide a video recording system especially for use in a video recording booth analogous to a photo booth.

Video recording booths are known per se, for example from European Patent No. 363 690 and U.S. Patents No. 4 688 105 and No. 4 789 907. A more specific object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a simpler and more versatile self- video recording system than the systems known from the prior art.

According to the invention, there is provided a self-video recording system comprising a camera, a multi-standard video recorder, a computer, an integrated circuit device storing a control program actioned by instructions received from the computer, a television monitor, a payment mechanism which on acceptance of payment initiates running of the control program, a cassette loading and dispensing mechanism for the video recorder, and a plurality of user operable control elements, wherein the control program initiates loading of a blank recording medium unit (such as a cassette) into the recorder and, following display of an instruction sequence on the monitor requiring user responses by the control elements, including video standard selection, then initiates running of the recorder for a predetermined period, and also switches on the camera, at the end of the predetermined period switches off the camera and subsequently initiates or prepares for dispensation of the recording cassette. It is to be understood that the term "video recorder" as used herein is intended to include machines which record images on compact discs and C/D ROMs and like devices which are intended to be included in the term "recording medium unit".

In a preferred system, the recorder also receives an audio input from a microphone during recording.

In the preferred system, the picture of the user is superimposed on a graphics background. The graphics in question may be still abstract images, photographs, moving images of either film or video origin, or computer generated scenes and patterns, or indeed any form of image however stored and generated. Thus the images can be stored and extracted from any medium, i.e. computer hard disc, C/D ROM, video tape, etc. The use of the word "graphics" in this document is to be interpreted accordingly.

The resultant superimposition may be produced by picture-in-picture technology. Preferably, however, the graphics background is produced by so-called chroma-key techniques, in which background graphics information is stored, on a hard disc or otherwise, and displayed on the monitor, by matching the carrier frequency of this information to the selected frequency of the screen, often a "blue" frequency. This selected frequency is of extremely narrow waveband, such that there is minimal risk of the user wearing any clothing of matching selected frequency.

Preferably, prior to recording, the user is offered a menu for selection of the background image, i.e. roller coaster, lions' den, plain colour, abstract, etc.

Preferably also, when recording has been completed, the control program causes a limited period preview of the recording to be played back, via the monitor and a loudspeaker, prior to dispensation of the cassette. For this purpose the control program first initiates complete rewinding of the cassette, playing of the preview, and then rewinding of the partially played back recording prior to dispensation of the cassette.

The step of dispensation of the cassette includes provision of a dedicated cassette carton.

In the preferred system, during a short initial part of the predetermined recording period, the control program defers switching on of the camera (and microphone if provided), and the recorder receives a video input from a graphics generator (and possibly also an audio input from an audio generator which may include melody and voice reproduction).

When an audio input is provided, this is preferably stored on hard disc or CDROM and issued to the video tape via a sound card.

The opening graphic sequence preferably constitutes the opening portion of the review played back after the recording has been completed.

It is also preferred, during the predetermined recording period, for computer generated alpha-numeric graphics to be displayed on the monitor, including the passage of recording time.

The control elements available to the user are preferably multi-function controls which serve different purposes according to the stage in the running of the control program which has been reached. During the recording period, one such control may be operable to effect early termination of the recording, another such control may be operable to pause recording, preferably without stopping progress of the predetermined recording period, if the pause exceeds a certain period. However, a pause up to a predetermined period may be allowed without deduction of the preset overall recording time, for example to allow for change of subject or occupant within the cabin.

Another preferred facility available to the user via the control elements, possibly only during part of but alternatively also throughout the recording period, is that of tilting the camera. This is an important facility as the camera is initially set up and orientated for a user of average height. The appropriate control buttons preferably act to control running of a reversible electric motor and/or gearing acting on a pivotted shelf on which the camera is mounted, preferably at a height approximately corresponding to eye level for a user of average height.

The above-described recording system is preferably incorporated into a recording booth in the form of a panel clad frame divided by a partition into a section containing the electronic and other control equipment and a section for use by the user which includes a seat, a control panel carrying the control elements and payment receiving means. When the booth is powered, lighting in the user section is at a convenient low ambient level, but stronger lighting at a level suitable for video recording is switched on during running of the control program. Separate access doors are provided for the two sections of the booth. The section housing the control equipment has a door unlockable by a key, a sensor being provided to switch off the apparatus when this door is opened, as by non-technical service personnel requiring access to reload the equipment with fresh video cassettes. Service engineers have an additional key enabling the power-off interlock on the door to be over-ridden.

The recording booth may be provided with an exterior monitor displaying information to attract a user. The video material for this purpose is preferably stored within the computer on hard disc, or in any other convenient manner.

A preferred arrangement of video recording system in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a block circuit diagram of the system;

Figure 2 shows the complete apparatus in the cassette loading condition;

Figure 3 shows the apparatus in the cassette unloading condition;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side view of the cassette loading mechanism;

Figure 5 shows a central support platform;

Figure 6 shows left-hand and right-hand drive discs, in plan view in Figure 6(a) and in side view in Figure 6(b), Figure 6(c) being a timing diagram relating to the discs; and

Figures 7(a) to 7(e) show the sequence of operation of the drive discs, during one complete revolution thereof.

Referring to Figure 1 , it will be seen that the basic essential units of the system comprise a television camera 10, a video recorder 12, which is a multi-standard recorder capable of recording a cassette tape in accordance with any one of a number of television systems in use throughout the world, a monitor 14 and control means constituted by a computer 16 and a programmable integrated circuit device 18, which is connected to a computer port.

The device 18 stores a control program which is actioned by instructions received from the computer 16, which is or can be connected by line 20 to an external keyboard, and the instruction program stored in the computer can be modified or updated to suit particular circumstances of use of the system. The manner in which the control program runs will be clear from a subsequent description of use of the system.

The system also includes a microphone 22 followed by an amplifier 24 and a loudspeaker 26 preceded by an audio amplifier 28. Additionally, accessible to the user is firstly a payment mechanism, which icludes a coin escrow mechanism 30 shown in the diagram, although provision may also be made for payment with currency notes and credit and/or cash cards, swipe cards, smart cards, smart tokens, etc., and secondly a control panel having indicator lights and coloured control buttons.

The system further includes an audio generator 32 and a graphics generator 34.

The recorder 12 provides a video signal to the monitor 14 via a solenoid operable switch 36 and a PAL- (or system-) to RGB converter 38, and an audio output via a second contact of the switch 36 to the audio amplifier 28 preceding the loudspeaker 26, whilst the camera 10 provides an output via a solenoid operable switch 40 (other kinds of mechanical or electronic switching can be employed instead) to a video mixer 42, which also receives graphics signals from the computer 16 via an RGB-to-PAL (or system) converter 43, which also provides an output on line 45 to an external monitor. The video mixer 42 provides an output on line 44 to the monitor 14 via the switch 36 and converter 38, and a synch output on line 46 to the camera 10.

The programmed device 18 transmits a number of control signals in accordance with progress of the control program. Control signal line 48 provides control signals to the solenoid operable switch 40, and simultaneously to a lighting control circuit 50. Line 52 provides control signals direct to the VCR 12, whilst line 53 provides control signals to the audio generator via the second contact 54A of a solenoid operable relay 54 which receives control signals on line 56 enabling its first contact to control switching of the graphics generator and the camera. Control signal lines 58, 60. 62, 64 and 66 respectively connect to the coin escrow mechanism 30, a camera tilt control circuit 68 operable by two of the control buttons on the control panel, a cassette eject mechanism control circuit 70 for the recorder 12, a control circuit 72 for cassette handling and dispensation 74, and coloured indicator lamps 76 on the control panel.

Power supply inputs are marked PSU in the Figure, mains inputs by a.c, and earth points are also shown. A power supply unit 78 provides +5 and + 12 supplies where appropriate. A door interlock 80 later referred to is also shown in the Figure.

The above-described system is incorporated in a video self-recording booth (not shown) divided by a partition into a user section and a control section accessible only by servicing personnel. It is self evident which units of the system will be present in the user section and which units will be included in the control section. When a lockable door to the control section is opened, the door interlock 80 switches off all power to the system. However, a service engineer can enter the control section and, with the aid of a second key, switch the power on, over-riding the door interlock.

Switching on the power brings on low level ambient lighting in the user section, and causes running of an initialisation program in the device 18, which brings up an introductory display on the monitor 14, which remains or repeats until the system is brought into use by payment by a user. On acceptance of a cash payment, the computer 16 initiates running of the control program in the device 18, which commences with an instruction sequence, displayed on the monitor 14, and with which the user can interact by means of the coloured push buttons on the control panel. The instruction sequence includes recorder standard selection, firstly UK or abroad and then foreign country selection. The sequence also includes an invitation to tilt the camera, which is supported on a shelf tiltable by means of an electric motor. The camera is mounted at the eye level of a seated user of average height, and the tilt control enables the camera to be adjusted, at any time, for the best view of shorter than average or taller than average users. A view of the user will be displayed on the monitor by switching on the camera 10, at least during this part of the sequence. The video mixer 42 and associated converters 38 and 43 enable both computer generated alphanumeric graphics and the camera picture to be displayed on the monitor at the same time. At the end of the instruction sequence, the user is advised that recording will commence after a specific short interval, and a countdown is provided on the monitor. Lighting at a suitable level for recording, provided by lamps 50, is brought on at this time if not brought on previously.

It is alternatively possible to perform video mixing by the computer, with the aid of on-board hardware and software.

The recorder 12 is already loaded with a blank cassette, as reloading takes place automatically following dispensation of a cassette to the previous user.

Recording on the now switched on recorder commences with a short introductory sequence provided by the graphics generator 34 and audio generator 32. At the end of this short period, the recorder inputs are switched at switch 54 to the camera 10 and microphone 22, so that the user is able to make a self video recording. The user can see his or her actions on the monitor 14 during recording, and periodic instructions and/or messages fed from the computer 16 may also be displayed, and in particular a countdown of the predetermined recording period, for example in the top left-hand corner of the screen. By means of the control buttons, the user can terminate the recording early, or pause it without stopping the countdown of the recording period. Instructions on the screen, together with the coloured indicator lamps, assist the user in correct use of the coloured control buttons.

At the end of the recording period, the camera is switched off and rewinding of the cassette is initiated, while the user is advised that a preview of the recording will shortly be displayed on the monitor 14. The short preview period, which incorporates the introductory graphics sequence, follows, sound being output through the loudspeaker 26.

At the end of this preview, the recorder is again rewound and the user is advised that the recorded cassette can be collected from a delivery tray. The eject mechanism 70 operates to eject the cassette and a carton eject mechanism 74 operates to eject a dedicated carton, both for collection, while the cassette handling mechanism 72 operates to reload the recorder 12.

A feature not hitherto mentioned is that, conveniently, the user views the monitor along substantially the same axis as the axis of the television camera. This feature is enabled by means of a semi-reflector. It is desirable to protect this semi- reflector by means of a transparent screen and, according to this aspect of the invention, this transparent screen is angled, relative to the plane of the semi- reflector, to avoid the production of ghost images (due to partial reflections at the screen) along the viewing axis.

A further important feature of the invention concerns the manner in which the video cassettes are handled. This is now described with reference to Figures 2 to 7.

In Figure 2 is shown a front-loading video recorder 110 carried by a support 112: A stack 1 14 of cassettes is supported by a cassette loading mechanism 116 which includes a motor 118 and a gear box 120. Reference 122 denotes control cables for the recorder.

The recorder support 112 is mounted at pivot 124 for tipping by a winch motor 126, whereby, as shown in Figure 3, a used cassette can be ejected from the recorder 110 on to the top of a delivery chute 128.

The cassette loading mechanism is shown in Figure 4. In addition to the motor 118 and gear box 120, it includes a central support platform 130, shown in more detail in Figure 5, and two drive discs 132, 132A, shown in more detail in Figure 6. The action of the mechanism is to load the bottom cassette of the stack into the front entry slot of the recorder.

This action is brought about by synchronised rotations of the discs 132, 132A, each about its axis, in combination with a synchronised rising and lowering movement of the discs. Thus, as can be seen from Figure 4, the discs, gear box and motor assembly are carried by a support 134 which provides sliding bearings 136 for the shafts 138, 138A of the two discs 132, 132A, and also carries a cam follower in the form of a roller 140 which supports the discs on cammed surfaces 142, 142A formed on the underside of the discs.

In use, the motor 118 drives the discs in synchronised counter rotation through the gear box 120, and as they rotate the discs also ride up and down in synchronism on the matching cammed surfaces 142, 142A. The gear box and motor move up and down with the discs as the disc shafts 138, 138A slide in the bearings 136 on the support 134.

The central platform 130, fixedly supported between the discs 132, 132A with its top surface at the level of the entry slot of the recorder requires no description. The form of the discs 132, 132 A shown in Figure 6 will also be clear from the drawing. The two discs are identical, except for left to right inversion. Each disc has an upstanding peripheral wall 144, 144A extending around an arc of substantially 180 degrees. The leading edges 146, 146A of these walls may conveniently be rounded and tapered to provide a sharp point at the top.

On the underside, the cammed surfaces 142, 142A provide for matched lift and fall of the discs in accordance with the timing diagram of Figure 6(c). The sectors AB, BC, CD and DE of the cammed surfaces are also marked in Figure 6(a), as well as their angular extents. The peripheral depth of the walls 144, 144A is also to be noted. This depth is 27 mm, just 2 mm more than the depth of a standard video cassette. Finally, it is to be appreciated that, in Figure 6(a), the cam roller 146 is supporting the discs 142, 142 A generally at the points marked A. In use, disc 142 rotates counterclockwise and disc 142A clockwise. Thus, during the rotational portion next following the position shown, in which the leading edges 146, 146A travel to the top of the drawing, the discs 142, 142A are remaining at a uniform level, as the roller 144 traverses the section DA of the cammed surfaces. At this time, the top surfaces 148, 148A of the discs, between the upstanding peripheral walls, lie substantially flush with the top surface of the central platform 130.

The sequential stages of the action of loading a cassette will now be described with reference to Figures 7(a) to 7(e).

In these figures, the discs 142, 142A are diagrammatically represented in plan on the left, and in side elevation on the right. Line 150 on the left indicates the front of the recorder containing the cassette entry slot, and line 152 on the right represents the level of the central support platform 130 between the discs. The right-hand figures also show part of a stack of cassettes; in practice the stack may be as high as 40 cassettes or more, dependent on practicality. The sequence of figures follows the progress of the bottom cassette of the stack, which is marked by numeral 1.

In Figure 7(a), the stack has been lowered on to the platform 130 and the lifting movement of the discs (sector BA of each cam in Figure 6) has just been completed, bringing the top surface of the disc into flush relationship with the platform. At the end of this lifting movement, the leading edges of the peripheral walls of the discs are on the point of engagement with the side of cassette 1 , seated on the support platform. However, the leading edge of the peripheral wall has cut beneath the remainder of the stack (cassettes 2, 3, 4) in readiness to lift the stack 2 mm clear of cassette 1.

As rotation of the discs continues (section DA of the cammed surfaces), the leading edge of the peripheral wall pushes cassette 1 into the entry slot of the recorder (enabling it to be picked up by the recorder cassette input mechanism). This is the position shown in Figure 7(b).

Continued rotation of the discs (sector DC of the cammed surfaces) results in a slow lowering of the stack to seat cassette 2 on the support platform, with the remainder of the stack resting upon it. This stage is shown in Figure 7(c).

The discs now remain level (sector CB of the cammed surfaces) until the peripheral walls have moved clear of the cassettes, as indicated in Figure 7(d).

There now follows a rapid lift of the discs (sector BA of the cammed surfaces), restoring the discs to their highest level, immediately following which further rotation of the discs lifts the stack clear of cassette 2 and at the same time commences loading of this cassette into the recorder. Figure 7(e) thus completes the cycle, i.e. one complete revolution of the discs. The cassette handling apparatus operates in response to instruction signals transmitted to the apparatus by a computer in the video booth control system. Thus, first a used cassette will be dispensed to a current user and, after the recorder has tipped back into its normal position, loading of a fresh cassette will be instructed, so that the recorder is ready for the next user. The normal rest condition of the apparatus is not important, but conveniently may correspond to that shown in Figure 7(b).

A feature not hitherto mentioned is that the cassette loading system also includes a means for checking cassette orientation prior to loading into the recorder. According to this feature, the bottom cassette of the stack is optically or otherwise checked for the position of one or more cut-outs on its underside, and the loading mechanism is used to reject the cassette if the said cut-out or cut-outs are not present or correctly positioned. When recorder tipping is employed, the cassette checking means may act to tip the recorder so that a rejected, i.e. misorientated, cassette is then pushed into the void left by the tipped recorder.

It will be appreciated that various modifications of the above-described and illustrated system are possible within the scope of the invention hereinbefore defined. For example, it is possible for the booth to be connected to a telephone network (landline, cable, fibre optic, radio, satellite or any other means of ' transmission and reception) for the purpose of making a one-way or two-way recording meeting of remote parties both in sound and/or video. The booth will thus be capable of showing one or both parties on the video monitor and broadcasting incoming material to the user, and recording this material on to the recording medium, including two-way audio material.

Claims

1. A self-video recording system comprising a camera, a multi-standard video recorder, a computer, an integrated circuit device storing a control program actioned by instructions received from the computer, a television monitor, a payment mechanism which on acceptance of payment initiates running of the control program, a cassette loading and dispensing mechanism for the video recorder, and a plurality of user operable control elements, wherein the control program initiates loading of a blank cassette (or other storage unit) into the recorder and, following display of an instruction sequence on the monitor requiring user responses by the control elements, including video standard selection, then initiates running of the recorder for a predetermined period, and also switches on the camera, at the end of the predetermined period switches off the camera and subsequently initiates or prepares for dispensation of the recorded storage unit.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the recorder also receives an input from a microphone during recording.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recording of the user is recorded against background graphics also transmitted to the monitor screen.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the user picture and graphics background are combined on the monitor screen using blue screen technology.

5. A system according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which the system has non-user video inputs stored in the computer and issued to the video tape via a sound card.

6. A system according to any of claims 1 to 5, having means for tilting the camera during at least part of the recording period.

7. A system according to any of claims 1 to 6, in which the user views the monitor screen along the same axis as the television camera, via a semi-reflector protected by means of a transparent screen which is angled relative to the plane of the semi-reflector to avoid production of ghost images.

8. A system according to any of claims 1 to 7, having means for pausing the recording without affecting running of the recording period.

9. A system according to any of claims 1 to 8, having a cassette handling system in which the computer issues an instruction signal for feeding the bottom cassette of a stack thereof into the entry slot of a video recorder, comprising a central platform at the level of the entry slot and, on opposite sides of the platform, two drive discs which are rotatable about their respective axes in synchronism and rise and fall in level in synchronism relative to the central platform, the discs having disc-cooperating upstands; wherein the discs perform an operating cycle over one complete revolution during one portion of which the stack is supported on the upstands while the stack is lowered to the level of the platform, whereupon the upstands move as the discs rotate to spaced positions clear of the stack now supported on the platform, during a following portion of the revolution the rotating discs are raised so that the leading edges of the upstands penetrate beneath the bottom but one cassette of the stack in readiness to lift the stack clear of the bottom cassette on the platform, and during a subsequent portion of the revolution the leading edges of the upstands of the rotating discs engage the side of the bottom cassette to push it into the recorder while the stack remains supported by said upstands.

10. A system according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when recording has been completed, the control program causes a limited period preview of the recording to be played back, via the monitor and a loudspeaker, prior to dispension of the cassette.