WO2007013762A1

WO2007013762A1 - Moving picture recording device, storage media recorded the same, and play device for the same

Info

Publication number: WO2007013762A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/002931
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeong Jin Lee
Original assignee: Jeong Jin Lee
Priority date: 2005-07-26
Filing date: 2006-07-26
Publication date: 2007-02-01
Also published as: KR100789660B1; KR20070013384A

Abstract

Disclosed is a moving picture recording apparatus, a recording medium, and a playing apparatus for recording, storing, and playing not only conventional images and sounds, but also additional audio signals, video signals, mechanical driving signals, and control signals, so that moving pictures are provided in a realistic environment. The moving picture recording apparatus includes a multiplexer unit and an encoder unit. The recording medium includes a video signal track, a third signal track, and a fourth signal track. The playing apparatus includes a playing unit, a demultiplexer unit, a display unit, and a toy driving unit.

Description

MOVING PICTURE RECORDING DEVICE, STORAGE MEDIA RECORDED THE SAME, AND PLAY DEVICE FOR THE SAME

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a moving picture recording apparatus, a moving picture recording medium, and a moving picture playing apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a moving picture recording apparatus, a recording medium, and a playing apparatus for recording, storing, and playing not only conventional images and sounds, but also additional audio signals, video signals, mechanical driving signals, and control signals, so that moving pictures are provided in a realistic environment.

Background Art As a conventional method for providing audience of a TV, VCR, or DVD with more realistic experiences, a stereo or 5.1 channel audio system is employed to provide stereoscopic or three-dimensional sounds. The realistic experiences are enhanced if sounds are produced by actual characters, which are similar to those appearing on the screen, not by speakers. For example, when muppets appear in a program (e.g. Sesame Street), actual muppets may be employed to generate corresponding sounds. In this case, the interaction between people and muppets on the screen is simulated by actual muppets outside the screen. In addition, the muppets may be configured to blink their eyes or prick up their ears for better impressions. Furthermore, a strobe lamp may be used to simulate a thunderbolt, for example. In this regard, a means for providing realistic experiences, such as the muppet and strobe lamp, will hereinafter be referred to as a toy.

One of the critical factors in a system for providing realistic experiences is to secure channels through which audio signals are transmitted from the player of a display medium (e.g. TV, VCR, DVD) to the audio output unit and respective toys together with control signals (command codes) for controlling them. In the case of a digital medium (e.g. DVD, video CD), audio and control signals may be digitally coded and stored in vacant parts of audio or video channels so that the signals are transmitted to the screen and respective toys in an analog format. However, this approach is impractical because the internal structure of the player must be modified. In addition, this type of approach is not applicable to analog media (e.g. TV, VCR). Therefore, it is requested to provide an apparatus and a method for multiplexing audio and control signals not only for digital media, but also for conventional analog media. Disclosure of the Invention

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above- mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a moving picture recording apparatus, a recording medium, and a playing apparatus for recording, storing, and playing images and sounds from conventional media (e.g. TV, VCR, DVD, video CD) by multiplexing and demultiplexing additional audio signals, video signals, mechanical driving signals, and control signals in an analog format based on use of audio channels so that moving pictures are provided in a realistic environment without having to modify the video and audio transmission format of the media.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moving picture recording apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment, the apparatus including a multiplexer unit for receiving a first audio signal, a second audio signal, a toy driving signal, and a toy control signal, the multiplexer unit adding up the first audio signal and the second audio signal and outputting a third signal, the multiplexing unit adding up the toy driving signal and the toy control signal and outputting a fourth signal, and an encoder unit for encoding the third signal and the fourth signal from the multiplexer unit together with a video signal from an external video output device and outputting corresponding signals. The signals outputted by the encoder unit may be transmitted as radio waves or recorded in a recording medium.

The toy driving signal may be used to operate a number of toy driving units positioned outside of a display unit so as to provide at least one of sounds, images, and mechanical motions when a recording medium is played, and the toy control signal may be used to select a toy driving unit from the toy driving units and drive the toy driving unit for a period of time.

The multiplexer unit may include a first adder for adding up the first audio signal and the second audio signal and outputting the third signal; a first low pass filter for passing low-frequency components of the toy driving signal and outputting the components; a serial communication unit for converting the toy control signal into serial communication data and outputting the data; a second low pass filter for passing low- frequency components of a signal from the serial communication unit and outputting the components; a modulator for modulating a signal from the second low pass filter by means of a frequency from an oscillator and outputting the signal; and a second adder for adding up signals from the first low pass filter and the modulator and outputting the fourth signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moving picture recording medium for proving moving pictures in a realistic environment, the medium including a video signal track for recording a video signal; a third signal track for recording a third signal so as to correspond to the video signal, the third signal being obtained by adding up a first audio signal and a second audio signal; and a fourth signal track for recording a fourth signal so as to correspond to the video signal, the fourth signal being obtained by adding up a toy driving signal and a toy control signal for controlling the toy driving signal.

The toy driving signal recorded on the fourth signal tack may be used to operate a number of toy driving units positioned outside of a display unit so as to provide at least one of sounds, images, and mechanical motions when the medium is played, and the toy control signal may be used to select a toy driving unit from the toy driving units and drive the toy driving unit for a period of time.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moving picture playing apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment, the apparatus including a player unit for receiving a combined input of a video signal, a third signal, and a fourth signal from a recording medium or as radio waves, the third signal being obtained by adding up a first audio signal and a second audio signal, the fourth signal being obtained by adding up a toy driving signal and a toy control signal; a demultiplexer unit for separating the third signal into the first audio signal and the second audio signal and outputting the first audio signal and the second audio signal, the demultiplexer unit modulating the fourth signal into the toy driving signal and the toy control signal and transmitting the toy driving signal and the toy control signal as radio waves; a display unit for receiving the video signal from the player unit and outputting corresponding moving pictures, the display unit receiving the first audio signal and the second audio signal from the demultiplexer and outputting corresponding sounds; and at least one toy driving unit for receiving radio waves from the demultiplexer unit and performing corresponding operations.

The demultiplexer unit includes a separator for separating the third signal into the first audio signal and the second audio signal and outputting the first audio signal and the second audio signal to the display unit; a high pass filter for passing high-frequency components of the fourth signal and outputting the components; a low pass filter for passing low-frequency components of the fourth signal and outputting the components; and a modulator for modulating signals outputted from the high pass filter and the low pass filter and outputting the signals to the toy driving unit as radio waves. The toy driving unit includes a demodulator for receiving radio waves from the modulator and separating the radio waves into the toy driving signal and the toy control signal; an amplifier for amplifying the toy driving signal from the demodulator and outputting the signal; and a control unit for controlling the amplifier so as to be operated for a period of time according to the toy control signal from the demodulator.

A switch is connected between the demodulator and the amplifier, the switch being toggled on by the control unit only for a period of time. At least one of a speaker, a lamp, and a mechanical driving unit is connected to the amplifier so as to output the toy driving signal.

A detector, a comparator, and a serial communication unit are positioned between the demodulator and the control unit, the detector detecting the toy control signal from the modulator, the toy control signal having been amplitude-modulated, the comparator comparing the toy control signal detected by the detector with a reference voltage and outputting a binary digital signal, the serial communication unit outputting an original toy control signal to the control unit by using the binary digital signal from the comparator.

The moving picture recording apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention multiplexes a conventional video signal, a third signal obtained by adding up first and second audio signals, and a fourth signal obtained by adding up a toy driving signal and a toy control signal. The video signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal are encoded and transmitted as radio waves or recorded in a recording medium. As such, the moving picture recording apparatus can transmit not only conventional video and audio signals, but also a toy driving signal and a toy control signal for driving a separate toy in real time or record them in a recording medium.

The moving picture recording medium for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention includes a video signal track, a third signal track (audio signal track) to which first and second audio signals are added, and a fourth signal track (another audio signal track) to which a toy driving signal and a toy control signal are added. As such, the recording medium can provide moving pictures in a realistic environment by using a conventional DVD, VCR, or video CD, not a separate dedicated recording medium. The moving picture playing apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention has a demultiplexer unit positioned between a player unit and a display unit, as well as a number of toy driving units (which can perform wireless communication with the demultiplexer unit) positioned around the display unit. The moving picture playing apparatus demultiplexes a video signal and a third signal from the moving picture recording medium so that conventional moving pictures and sounds are provided by the display unit. In addition, the moving picture playing apparatus demultiplexes a fourth signal from the moving picture recording medium so that a selected toy driving unit is operated. If necessary, the toy driving unit may cause a speaker to output sounds or voices identical to or different from those outputted by the display unit. In addition, the toy driving unit may incorporate a lamp for emitting a specific wavelength of light or a mechanical structure for enabling the toy to blink its eyes or prick up its ears.

In summary, the present invention provides not only images and sounds via a conventional display unit (e.g. TV), but also visual and auditory impressions or mechanical motions from actual toys positioned around the display unit while being synchronous with images on the display unit so that the audience is provided with more realistic and exiting experiences. Furthermore, such a fascinating service can be provided with little expense, because a conventional recording medium (e.g. DVD, VCR, video CD) can be used without modification after adding nothing but a demultiplexer unit to an existing player unit. This means that neither a separate recording medium nor a dedicated player unit is necessary.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a moving picture recording apparatus, a recording medium, and a playing apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a graph showing frequency allocation to a third signal track (right audio channel) of a recording medium for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing frequency allocation to a fourth signal track (left audio channel) of a recording medium for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing frequency allocation to a left wireless channel by a demultiplexer unit of a moving picture playing apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a graph showing frequency allocation to a right wireless channel by a demultiplexer unit of a moving picture playing apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic circuitry of a multiplexer unit of a moving picture recording apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention; FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic circuitry of a demultiplexer unit of a moving picture playing apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic circuitry of a toy driving unit of a moving picture playing apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a moving picture recording apparatus 100, a recording medium 200, and a playing apparatus 300 for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention.

As shown, the moving picture recording apparatus 100 includes a multiplexer unit 110 for receiving various external signals and multiplexing them and an encoder unit 120 for encoding signals from the demultiplexer unit 110.

The multiplexer unit 110 receives first and second audio signals L and R from a conventional video camera or a camcorder, as well as a toy driving signal T and a toy control signal C for driving and controlling a toy driving unit, as will be described later. A video signal V from the video camera or camcorder bypasses the multiplexer unit 110 and is directly inputted to the encoder unit 120. The multiplexer unit 110 adds up the first and second audio signals L and R and creates a third signal S3, which is outputted to the encoder unit 120. In addition, the multiplexer unit 110 adds up the toy driving signal T and the toy control signal C and creates a fourth signal S4, which is outputted to the encoder 120. Alternatively, the multiplexer unit 110 may add up the first and second signals L and R so as to create a fourth signal S4, which is outputted to the encoder 120, and add up the toy driving signal T and the toy control signal C so as to create a third signal S3, which is outputted to the encoder unit 120.

As shown in FIG. 6, the multiplexer unit 110 includes a first adder 111 , a first low pass filter 112, a serial communication unit 113, a second low pass filter 114, an amplitude modulator 114, and a second adder 117.

The first adder 111 adds up first and second audio signals L and R from an external device (e.g. video camera or camcorder) and creates a third signal S3, which is outputted to the encoder 120. The first low pass filter 112 filters a toy driving signal T from an external source and passes its low frequency components. For example, the first low pass filter 112 may pass frequency components of the toy driving signal T lower than 5kHz, but the cutoff frequency is not limited to that in the present invention. The serial communication unit 113 converts a toy control signal C from an external source into serial communication data and outputs it. For example, the serial communication unit 113 may be a UART (Universal Asynchronous

Receiver/Transmitter) or an equivalent thereof, but the type is not limited to that in the present invention.

The second low pass filter 114 filters a signal from the serial communication unit 113 and transmits its low frequency components. For example, the second low pass filter 114 may pass frequency components of the toy control signal C lower than 2.5kHz, but the cutoff frequency is not limited to that in the present invention. The amplitude modulator 115 modulates sine-wave signals outputted from an oscillator 116 according to the amplitude of signals from the second low pass filter 114 and outputs them. Particularly, the amplitude modulator 115 adopts amplitude modulation, which varies the amplitude of carrier waves according to that of signal waves, so that signals from the second low pass filter 114 are modulated and outputted. For example, the oscillator 116 may output signals at a frequency of 7.5kHz, but the numeric value is not limited to that in the present invention. In this case, the toy control signal C has a frequency range of 5-1OkHz, which is higher than that of the toy driving signal T.

The second adder 117 adds up the toy driving signal T and the toy control signal C, which have different frequency bandwidths, and outputs them to the encoder unit 120. In summary, the first and second audio signals L and R are added up or converted into a third signal S3, which is inputted to the encoder unit 120; the toy driving signal T and the toy control signal C are added up or converted into a fourth signal S4, which is inputted to the encoder unit 120; and the video signal V is directly inputted to the encoder unit 120. Alternatively, the first and second audio signals L and R may be added up or converted into a fourth signal S4, which is inputted to the encoder unit 120, and the toy driving signal T and the toy control signal C may be added up or converted into a third signal S3, which is inputted to the encoder unit 120, as mentioned above.

The encoder 120 encodes the three types of signals, i.e. the third, fourth, and video signals S3, S4, and V, and outputs them to the outside. The outputted signals may be directly recorded in the recording medium 200 or transmitted in real time as radio waves.

The construction or operation of an apparatus or a method for recording signals in the recording medium 200 or transmitting them as radio waves is obvious to those skilled in the art, and detailed description thereof will be omitted herein for clarity of description.

As will be described later in more detail, the toy driving signal T is used to drive a number of toy driving units 340 positioned outside of a display device so that they provide at least one of sounds, images, and mechanical motions according to the recording medium 200 played or radio waves from the moving picture recording apparatus 100. Particularly, the toy driving signal T selects a specific one of the toy driving units 340 and drives it for a predetermined period of time.

In summary, the moving picture recording apparatus 100 for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention multiplexes a conventional video signal V, a third signal S3 obtained by adding up first and second audio signals L and R, and a fourth signal S4 obtained by adding up a toy driving signal T and a toy control signal C. Then, the video signal V, the third signal S3, and the fourth signal S4 are encoded and transmitted as radio waves or recorded in the recording medium 200. As such, the moving picture recording apparatus 100 can transmit a toy driving signal T and a toy control signal C for driving a separate toy driving unit 340 as radio waves in real time or record them in a recording medium 200, in addition to conventional video and audio signals.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing frequency allocation to a third signal track (right audio channel) of a recording medium for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a graph showing frequency allocation to a fourth signal track (left audio channel) of a recording medium for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention. The frequency allocation to a video channel of the recording medium 200 is the same as in the prior art, and illustration thereof will be omitted.

The recording medium 200 according to the present invention may be a DVD₁ a video CD, a VCR, or an equivalent thereof, but the type is not limited to that in the present invention. Particularly, the recording medium 200 may be any type of medium capable of recording analog signals, as well as digital signals.

The recording medium 200 according to the present invention includes a video signal track, a third signal track (e.g. right audio channel), and a fourth signal track (e.g. left audio channel). On the video signal track, a video signal V obtained from an external device

(e.g. video camera or camcorder) is recorded as in the case of the prior art.

On the third signal track, a third signal S3 is recorded so as to correspond to the video signal, as shown in FIG. 2. As mentioned above, first and second audio signals L and R are obtained from the external device (e.g. video camera or camcorder) and are converted into the third signal S3 by the multiplexer unit 110.

On the fourth signal track, a fourth signal S4 is recorded so as to correspond to the video signal on a time basis, as shown in FIG. 3. As mentioned above, the toy driving signal T and the toy control signal C are converted into the fourth signal S4 by the multiplexer unit 110.

Alternatively, the toy driving signal T and the toy control signal C may be converted by the multiplexer unit 110 into a fourth signal S4, which is recorded on the third signal track as shown in FIG. 3, and the first and second audio signals L and R may be converted by the multiplexer unit 110 into a third signal S3, which is recorded on the fourth signal track as shown in FIG. 2.

As mentioned above, the toy driving signal T recorded on the fourth signal track is used to drive a number of toy driving units 340 positioned outside of a display device so that they provide at least one of sounds, images, and mechanical motions according to the recording medium 200 played. Particularly, the toy driving signal T selects a specific one of the toy driving units 340 and drives it for a predetermined period of time. In summary, the moving picture recording medium 200 for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention includes a video signal track, a third signal track (audio signal track) to which first and second audio signals L and R are added, and a fourth signal (another audio signal track) to which a toy driving signal T and a toy control signal C are added, so that moving pictures are provided in a realistic environment from a conventional DVD, VCR, or a video CD, not from a separate dedicated recording medium. The moving picture playing apparatus 300 for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.

As shown, the moving picture playing apparatus 300 includes a player unit 310 adapted to receive signals from the recording medium 200 or from a separate source via the air, a demultiplexer unit 320 for demultiplexing signals from the player unit 310, a display unit 330 for outputting images and sounds based on signals from the player unit

310 and the demultiplexer unit 320, and a number of toy driving units 340 for providing sounds, images, or mechanical motions based on signals from the demultiplexer unit

320. The player unit 310 receives a video signal V, a third signal S3 obtained by adding up first and second audio signals L and R, and a fourth signal S4 obtained by adding up a toy driving signal T and a toy control signal C from the recording medium

200 or from a separate source via the air. The player unit 310 outputs the video signal

V directly to the display unit 330 and the third and fourth signals S3 and S4 to the demultiplexer unit 320.

The demultiplexer unit 320 separates the third signal S3 into the first and second audio signals L and R and outputs them to the display unit 330. In addition, the demultiplexer unit 320 separates the fourth signal S4 into the toy driving signal T and the toy control signal C, which are subjected to frequency modulation and transmitted to the toy driving units 340 as radio waves.

The display unit 340 receives the video signal V from the player unit 310 and outputs corresponding moving pictures. In addition, the display unit 340 receives the first and second audio signals L and R from the demultiplexer unit 320 and outputs corresponding sounds.

The toy driving units 340 receive the radio waves from the demultiplexer unit 320 and provide corresponding performances (e.g. sounds, voices, images, mechanical motions).

The construction and operation of the demultiplexer unit 320 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7.

As shown, the demultiplexer unit 320 includes a separator 321 , a high pass filter 322, a low pass filter 323, and a frequency modulator 324. The separator 231 separates the third signal S3 from the player unit 310 into the first and second audio signals L and R and outputs them to the display unit 330. Then, speakers on the left and right sides of the display unit 330 output sounds corresponding to the sum of audio signals included in the moving pictures.

The high pass filter 322 filters the fourth signal S4 from the player unit 310 and passes its high frequency components. For example, the high pass filter 322 passes frequency components of the fourth signal S4 above 5kHz so that the toy control signal C is solely outputted as shown in FIG. 4.

The low pass filter 323 filters the fourth signal S4 from the player unit 310 and passes its low frequency components. For example, the low pass filter 323 passes frequency components of the fourth signal S4 lower than 5kHz so that the toy driving signal T is solely outputted as shown in FIG. 5.

The frequency modulator 324 subjects the signals, which have been outputted from the high and low pass filters 322 and 323, to frequency modulation and transmits them to all toy driving units 340 as radio waves in any available bandwidth (e.g. citizen band or ISM band).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic circuitry of a toy driving unit 340 of a moving picture playing apparatus 300 for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention.

As shown, the toy driving unit 340 includes a frequency demodulator 341 , a switch 342, an amplifier 343, a speaker 344, a detector 345, a comparator 346, a serial communication unit 347, and a control unit 348.

The frequency demodulator 341 receives radio waves from the frequency modulator 324 by using an antenna 349 and separates them into the toy driving signal T and the toy control signal C.

The switch 342 is toggled on/off by the control unit 348, as will be described later. The switch 342 may be a relay, a bipolar transistor, a field effect transistor, or an equivalent thereof, but the type is not limited to that in the present invention.

The amplifier 343 amplifies the toy driving signal T (shown in FIG. 5) from the frequency demodulator 341 up to a predetermined level and outputs it.

The speaker 344 outputs sounds or voices according to signals from the amplifier 343, in order to provide impressions different from those provided by the display unit 330. If necessary, the speaker 344 may be replaced with a lamp (not shown) for emitting a specific wavelength of light or a mechanical structure (not shown) for enabling the toy to blink its eyes or prick up its ears. As such, the toy driving unit

340 can provide not only auditory impressions, but also visual impressions or mechanical motions, and the operation of the toy driving unit 340 is not limited in a specific manner in the present invention.

The detector 345 detects the amplitude-modulated toy control signal C (shown in FIG. 4) from the frequency demodulator 341. The detector 345 may be composed of a diode D, a resistor R, and a capacitor C1 as shown, but the construction is not limited to that in the present invention. After the signal is detected by the detector 345, its DC component is removed by another capacitor C2. The signal is then inputted to the comparator 346.

The comparator 346 has a predetermined voltage (e.g. OV) set as the reference potential and reconstructs the binary digital signal, i.e. original toy control signal C, from the signal the DC component of which has been removed by the capacitor C2. The binary digital signal (toy control signal C) obtained from the comparator 346 is inputted to the control unit 348 via the serial communication unit 347, such as a UART.

The control unit 348 analyzes the toy control signal C and confirms whether or not the received toy control signal C is its own signal. The control unit 348 toggles on the switch 342 between the frequency demodulator 341 and the amplifier 343 only when the received toy control signal C is its own signal. Therefore, even when a number of toy driving units 340 exist, they may be controlled to provide sounds, voices, images, and mechanical motions separately. The control unit 348 may be a conventional microprocessor, a logic circuit, an analog circuit, or an equivalent thereof, but the type is not limited to that in the present invention.

In summary, the moving picture playing apparatus 300 for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention has a demultiplexer unit 320 positioned between the player unit 310 and the display unit 330, as well as a number of toy driving units 340 (which can perform wireless communication with the demultiplexer unit 320) positioned around the display unit 330. The apparatus 300 demultiplexes a video signal V and a third signal S3 received from the moving picture recording medium 200 or from an equivalent source via the air so as to provide conventional moving pictures and sounds via the display unit 330. In addition, the apparatus 300 demultiplexes a fourth signal S4 received from the moving picture recording medium 200 or from an equivalent source via the air so as to operate a selected toy driving unit 340. If necessary, the toy driving unit 340 may cause the speaker 344 to output sounds or voices identical to or different from those outputted by the display unit 330. In addition, the toy driving unit 340 may incorporate a lamp for emitting a specific wavelength of light or a mechanical structure for enabling the toy to blink its eyes or prick up its ears.

As mentioned above, the moving picture recording apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention multiplexes a conventional video signal, a third signal obtained by adding up first and second audio signals, and a fourth signal obtained by adding up a toy driving signal and a toy control signal. The video signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal are encoded and transmitted as radio waves or recorded in a recording medium. As such, the moving picture recording apparatus can transmit not only conventional video and audio signals, but also a toy driving signal and a toy control signal for driving a separate toy in real time or record them in a recording medium.

The moving picture recording medium for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention includes a video signal track, a third signal track (audio signal track) to which first and second audio signals are added, and a fourth signal track (another audio signal track) to which a toy driving signal and a toy control signal are added. As such, the recording medium can provide moving pictures in a realistic environment by using a conventional DVD, VCF, or video CD, not a separate dedicated recording medium. The moving picture playing apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment according to the present invention has a demultiplexer unit positioned between a player unit and a display unit, as well as a number of toy driving units (which can perform wireless communication with the demultiplexer unit) positioned around the display unit. The moving picture playing apparatus demultiplexes a video signal and a third signal from the moving picture recording medium so that conventional moving pictures and sounds are provided by the display unit. In addition, the moving picture playing apparatus demultiplexes a fourth signal from the moving picture recording medium so that a selected toy driving unit is operated. If necessary, the toy driving unit may cause a speaker to output sounds or voices identical to or different from those outputted by the display unit. In addition, the toy driving unit may incorporate a lamp for emitting a specific wavelength of light or a mechanical structure for enabling the toy to blink its eyes or prick up its ears.

In summary, the present invention provides not only images and sounds via a conventional display unit (e.g. TV), but also visual and auditory impressions or mechanical motions from actual toys positioned around the display unit while being synchronous with images on the display unit so that the audience is provided with more realistic and exiting experiences. Furthermore, such a fascinating service can be provided with little expense, because a conventional recording medium (e.g. DVD, VCR, video CD) can be used without modification after adding nothing but a demultiplexer unit to an existing player unit. This means that neither a separate recording medium nor a dedicated player unit is necessary. While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment and the drawings, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A moving picture recording apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment, the apparatus comprising: a multiplexer unit for receiving a first audio signal, a second audio signal, a toy driving signal, and a toy control signal, the multiplexer unit adding up the first audio signal and the second audio signal and outputting a third signal, the multiplexing unit adding up the toy driving signal and the toy control signal and outputting a fourth signal, and an encoder unit for encoding the third signal and the fourth signal from the multiplexer unit together with a video signal from an external video output device and outputting corresponding signals.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein signals outputted by the encoder unit are transmitted as radio waves or recorded in a recording medium.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the toy driving signal is used to operate a number of toy driving units positioned outside of a display unit so as to provide at least one of sounds, images, and mechanical motions when a recording medium is played, and the toy control signal is used to select a toy driving unit from the toy driving units and drive the toy driving unit for a period of time.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the multiplexer unit comprises: a first adder for adding up the first audio signal and the second audio signal and outputting the third signal; a first low pass filter for passing low-frequency components of the toy driving signal and outputting the components; a serial communication unit for converting the toy control signal into serial communication data and outputting the data; a second low pass filter for passing low-frequency components of a signal from the serial communication unit and outputting the components; a modulator for modulating a signal from the second low pass filter by means of a frequency from an oscillator and outputting the signal; and a second adder for adding up signals from the first low pass filter and the modulator and outputting the fourth signal.

5. A moving picture recording medium for proving moving pictures in a realistic environment, the medium comprising: a video signal track for recording a video signal; a third signal track for recording a third signal so as to correspond to the video signal, the third signal being obtained by adding up a first audio signal and a second audio signal; and a fourth signal track for recording a fourth signal so as to correspond to the video signal, the fourth signal being obtained by adding up a toy driving signal and a toy control signal for controlling the toy driving signal.

6. The medium as claimed in claim 5, wherein the toy driving signal recorded on the fourth signal tack is used to operate a number of toy driving units positioned outside of a display unit so as to provide at least one of sounds, images, and mechanical motions when the medium is played, and the toy control signal is used to select a toy driving unit from the toy driving units and drive the toy driving unit for a period of time.

7. A moving picture playing apparatus for providing moving pictures in a realistic environment, the apparatus comprising: a player unit for receiving a combined input of a video signal, a third signal, and a fourth signal from a recording medium or as radio waves, the third signal being obtained by adding up a first audio signal and a second audio signal, the fourth signal being obtained by adding up a toy driving signal and a toy control signal; a demultiplexer unit for separating the third signal into the first audio signal and the second audio signal and outputting the first audio signal and the second audio signal, the demultiplexer unit modulating the fourth signal into the toy driving signal and the toy control signal and transmitting the toy driving signal and the toy control signal as radio waves; a display unit for receiving the video signal from the player unit and outputting corresponding moving pictures, the display unit receiving the first audio signal and the second audio signal from the demultiplexer and outputting corresponding sounds; and at least one toy driving unit for receiving radio waves from the demultiplexer unit and performing corresponding operations.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the demultiplexer unit comprises: a separator for separating the third signal into the first audio signal and the second audio signal and outputting the first audio signal and the second audio signal to the display unit; a high pass filter for passing high-frequency components of the fourth signal and outputting the components; a low pass filter for passing low-frequency components of the fourth signal and outputting the components; and a modulator for modulating signals outputted from the high pass filter and the low pass filter and outputting the signals to the toy driving unit as radio waves.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the toy driving unit comprises: a demodulator for receiving radio waves from the modulator and separating the radio waves into the toy driving signal and the toy control signal; an amplifier for amplifying the toy driving signal from the demodulator and outputting the signal; and a control unit for controlling the amplifier so as to be operated for a period of time according to the toy control signal from the demodulator.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein a switch is connected between the demodulator and the amplifier, the switch being toggled on by the control unit only for a period of time.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one of a speaker, a lamp, and a mechanical driving unit is connected to the amplifier so as to output the toy driving signal.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein a detector, a comparator, and a serial communication unit are positioned between the demodulator and the control unit, the detector detecting the toy control signal from the modulator, the toy control signal having been amplitude-modulated, the comparator comparing the toy control signal detected by the detector with a reference voltage and outputting a binary digital signal, the serial communication unit outputting an original toy control signal to the control unit by using the binary digital signal from the comparator.