WO2007107045A1 - Television module with digital image processing - Google Patents

Television module with digital image processing Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007107045A1
WO2007107045A1 PCT/CN2006/000471 CN2006000471W WO2007107045A1 WO 2007107045 A1 WO2007107045 A1 WO 2007107045A1 CN 2006000471 W CN2006000471 W CN 2006000471W WO 2007107045 A1 WO2007107045 A1 WO 2007107045A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
image data
television module
digital image
image processing
recited
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2006/000471
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ching-Shan Chang
Original Assignee
Appro Technology Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Appro Technology Inc. filed Critical Appro Technology Inc.
Priority to PCT/CN2006/000471 priority Critical patent/WO2007107045A1/en
Publication of WO2007107045A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007107045A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/47214—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for content reservation or setting reminders; for requesting event notification, e.g. of sport results or stock market
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/41407—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance embedded in a portable device, e.g. video client on a mobile phone, PDA, laptop
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/4143—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/418—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access
    • H04N21/4184—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access providing storage capabilities, e.g. memory stick
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42646—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for reading from or writing on a non-volatile solid state storage medium, e.g. DVD, CD-ROM
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42661—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for reading from or writing on a magnetic storage medium, e.g. hard disk drive
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/432—Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
    • H04N21/4325—Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk by playing back content from the storage medium
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/433—Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request, caching operations
    • H04N21/4334—Recording operations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
    • H04N9/79—Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
    • H04N9/80—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback
    • H04N9/804—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components
    • H04N9/8042—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components involving data reduction
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76—Television signal recording
    • H04N5/78—Television signal recording using magnetic recording
    • H04N5/781—Television signal recording using magnetic recording on disks or drums
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76—Television signal recording
    • H04N5/84—Television signal recording using optical recording
    • H04N5/85—Television signal recording using optical recording on discs or drums
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76—Television signal recording
    • H04N5/907—Television signal recording using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a digital image processing device, and particularly to a television module with digital image processing.
  • the common image sources include video cameras, TV channels and networks; the common storage devices include hard discs, optical discs and memory cards; and the common image playback devices include various TV sets and displays. So far, however, there is still not a consumer product available to support all the above-mentioned options at a same time.
  • An optical disc recorder for example, usually catches images from TV channels and records the images on an optical disc, followed by playing back the images with a TV set or a display.
  • PC personal computer
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a television module with digital image processing able to record images from various kinds of image sources, store the images in various kinds of media, and display the images on various kinds of devices; and the module is inexpensive, light, slim, short and small.
  • the television module can be installed into a TV set to provide a plurality of functions or served as an independent electronic device which is convenient for setup or carrying around.
  • the present invention provides a television module with digital image processing, which includes a user interface unit (UI unit), a system processor, an image processor, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM) and an image interface unit.
  • the user interface unit (UI unit) receives instructions from a user.
  • the system processor according to the above-described instructions performs recording setting function, recording function, managing image data in a storage device and image playback function.
  • the image processor according to the above-described instructions compresses image data, decompresses image data or converts image data formats.
  • the RAM temporarily stores the data required by the image processor for performing the above-described instructions.
  • the ROM executes the program codes required by the above-described instructions.
  • the image interface unit reads image data from an input device or a storage device and outputs image data to the storage device or an output device.
  • the image data is dynamic image data or static image data.
  • the recording setting function at least includes setting recording speed, setting video preference or programming recording schedule.
  • the recording function includes reading image data from an input device and recording the image data into a storage device.
  • the image playback function includes reading image data from an input device or a storage device and outputting image data to an output device.
  • the image playback function further includes selectively playing back images according to recording time, program title or episode; including playback in fast forward/rewind mode, slow motion playback mode, frame advance playback mode or pausing mode, and playing back images in forward or in reverse.
  • the input device can be a video camera, a TV cable, a cable network, a wireless network, a PC or an optical disc drive.
  • the storage device can be a hard disc, a card reader or an optical disc recorder.
  • the output device can be a TV set, a display, a PC, a cable network or a wireless network.
  • the function of the image interface unit further includes converting analog image data into digital image data and converting digital image data into analog image data.
  • the function of the image processor further includes converting analog image data into digital image data and converting digital image data into analog image data.
  • the television module with digital image processing of the present invention is able to support various kinds of input devices (i.e. image sources), storage devices and output devices at the same time. In other words, the television module of the present invention is able to record images from various kinds of sources, store the images into various kinds of media and then play back the images on various kinds of devices.
  • the television module with digital image processing is based on using an embedded system in a specific chip instead of a PC-based architecture, therefore, it has low-cost advantage.
  • the above-described input devices, storage devices and output devices can be used in a non-built-in structure, i.e., an outside-connecting structure.
  • the television module with digital image processing provided by the present invention can be added with a case and necessary peripheral devices to form a power-enriched TV set or be an independent electronic device with light-slim-short-small design shape for installation and carrying conveniences.
  • FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a television module with digital image processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram of a TV set with a television module with digital image processing according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a television module with digital image processing 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the television module with digital image processing 100 includes a user interface unit (UI unit) 101, an image interface unit 102, a system processor 103, a status display unit 104, an image processor 105, a random access memory (RAM) 106 and a read-only memory (ROM) 107.
  • UI unit user interface unit
  • 102 image interface unit
  • system processor 103 a system processor 103
  • a status display unit 104 an image processor 105
  • RAM random access memory
  • ROM read-only memory
  • the user interface unit (UI unit) 101 is in charge of receiving the instructions from a user.
  • the UI unit 101 is a control panel, which includes at least a keypad for a user to input instructions.
  • the system processor 103 according to the user's instruction performs recording setting function, recording function, managing image data in a storage device (described hereinafter) and image playback function.
  • the image processor 105 according to the user's instruction compresses image data (normally during storing the recorded images), decompresses image data (normally during playing back images), or converting image data formats.
  • the random access memory (RAM) 106 is for temporarily storing the data required by the system processor 103 for executing the user's instruction.
  • the read-only memory (ROM) 107 is for storing the program codes required for executing the user's instruction.
  • the image interface unit 102 is coupled to the system processor 103 and the image processor 105. During recording or playing back images, the image interface unit 102 would read image data from an input device (described hereinafter) or a storage device and output image data to the storage device or an output device (described hereinafter).
  • the status display unit 104 is used for displaying all kinds of statuses of the television module with digital image processing 100, for example, displaying power status and image display status. In the embodiment, the above-described statuses are displayed by light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
  • the so-called "input device” refers to a device that provides image data, i.e. an image source.
  • the storage device refers to a device capable of temporarily storing image data for playback later.
  • the output device generally refers to a device capable of receiving the image output from the television module with digital image processing 100. All these devices are outside-connected to the image interface unit 102.
  • the input device in FIG. 1 includes a video camera 121, a TV cable
  • the television module with digital image processing 100 can record TV programs of channels transmitted by the TV cable 122.
  • the storage device in FIG. 1 includes a hard disc 126, an optical disc recorder 128 and a card reader 129.
  • the television module with digital image processing 100 uses the card reader 129 to write image data into a memory card, or to read image data from a memory card.
  • the television module with digital image processing 100 also can use the optical disc recorder 128 to write image data into an optical disc, or to read image data from an optical disc.
  • the optical disc used by the optical disc drive 127 and the optical disc recorder 128 includes VCD (video compact disc) and DVD (digital versatile disc).
  • the output device in FIG. 1 includes a cable network 123, a wireless network 124, a PC 125 and a TV set 130 (for example, if the television module with digital image processing 100 is used as an independent electronic device) and a display 131 (for example, if the television module with digital image processing 100 is as a part of a TV set).
  • a user can watch images by using a PC 125, with additional functions such as printing.
  • the present invention does not limit the kind of the display 131.
  • the display 131 can be, for example, a CRT (cathode ray tube) display, a modern LCD (liquid crystal display) or a modern PDP (plasma display).
  • the image interface unit 102 of the present invention includes several types of input-output interfaces for connecting a variety of input devices, storage devices and output devices.
  • the image interface unit 102 includes a network interface to connect the cable network 123 and the wireless network 124.
  • the image interface unit 102 also includes a USB (universal serial bus) to connect the PC 125 and the card reader 129.
  • the recording setting function of the television module with digital image processing 100 includes setting recording speed, setting video preference and programming recording schedule.
  • the recording function of the television module with digital image processing 100 means to read image data from an input device and record and store the image data into a storage device.
  • the television module with digital image processing 100 processes images in digital mode, therefore, if the connected input device or output device is an analog device, it needs to do converting jobs between digital data and analog data.
  • the above-described converting jobs are completed by the image interface unit 102 or the image processor 105.
  • the image data processed by the television module with digital image processing 100 can be dynamic image data or static image data.
  • the static image data means still image data, which can be captured from dynamic images.
  • the image processor 105 compresses dynamic image data in MPEG4 format (herein MPEG is an acronym of Motion Picture Expert Group).
  • MPEG is an acronym of Motion Picture Expert Group.
  • the dynamic image data is stored in the storage device in AVI (Audio Video Interleave) format
  • JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group format.
  • the image playback function of the television module with digital image processing 100 means to read image data from an input device or a storage device and output the image data to an output device.
  • the above-described image playback function includes: directly selecting and playing back images according to recording time order, program title or episode; playback in fast forward/rewind mode; slow motion playback mode; frame advance playback mode or pausing mode; playing back images in forward or in reverse.
  • FIG. 2 it is a diagram of a TV set with a television module with digital image processing according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the main part of the TV set 200 is equipped with the television module with digital image processing 208 provided by the present invention.
  • the TV set 200 mainly includes a case 207, an LCD 201, a card reader 202, a user interface unit (UI unit) 203, a playback status indicator lamp 204, a power status indicator lamp 205, an optical disc recorder 206, a hard disc 209 and a television module with digital image processing 208.
  • UI unit user interface unit
  • the card reader 202 has a plurality of plug slots to support various memory cards.
  • the UI unit 203 is a control panel having a plurality of keypads.
  • the playback status indicator lamp 204 and the power status indicator lamp 205 are LEDs and belonged to the status display unit of the television module with digital image processing 208.
  • the television module with digital image processing of the present invention is able to simultaneously support various kinds of input devices (i.e. image sources), storage devices and output devices, hence, the television module can be used for recording images from different types of sources, storing the images into various types of media and then playing back the images on various types of devices. Since the above-described television module with digital image processing is based on using an embedded system in a specific chip instead of a PC-based architecture, therefore, it has low-cost advantage.
  • the above-described input device, storage device and output device can be used in a non-built-in structure, i.e., an outside-connecting structure. In this way, the television module with digital image processing provided by the present invention can be added with a case and necessary peripheral devices to form a power-enriched TV set or be an independent electronic device with light-slim-short-small design shape for installation and carrying conveniences.

Abstract

A television module with digital image processing is provided, which includes a user interface unit (UI unit), a system processor, an image processor, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM) and an image interface unit. The UI unit receives an instruction from a user. The system processor according to the instruction performs recording setting function, recording function, function for managing image data in a storage device or image playback function. The image processor according to the instruction compresses image data, decompresses image data, or converts image data formats. The RAM temporarily stores the data required by the system processor for executing the instruction. The ROM stores the required program codes for executing the instruction. The image interface unit reads image data from an input device or from the storage device and outputs the image data to the storage device or to an output device.

Description

TELEVISION MODULE WITH DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a digital image processing device, and particularly to a television module with digital image processing.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] We are now in a digital multimedia age. Along with the popularity of digital cameras, digital video recorders, and other consumer electronic products, consumers can shoot dynamic images or take static images by themselves. The various technique modes and solutions of image sources, storage media and playback devices increase the complexity of the multimedia environment. For example, the common image sources include video cameras, TV channels and networks; the common storage devices include hard discs, optical discs and memory cards; and the common image playback devices include various TV sets and displays. So far, however, there is still not a consumer product available to support all the above-mentioned options at a same time. [0003] An optical disc recorder, for example, usually catches images from TV channels and records the images on an optical disc, followed by playing back the images with a TV set or a display. If a consumer purchases several consumer electronic products — even these products are of a same manufacturer — for increasing supporting options, it may still fail to successfully integrate them. [0004] A personal computer (PC) with appropriate software and peripheral devices is good enough to adapt the above-described options. However, this kind of personal computer is costly, and is not easy to install and maintain as the budget and knowledge are beyond a common consumer. Additionally, the above-mentioned PC usually is heavy, bulky and inconvenient to setup or carry around.
[0005] In conclusion, up to date there is still not a consumer product available to support all the above-described options with low cost and portability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a television module with digital image processing able to record images from various kinds of image sources, store the images in various kinds of media, and display the images on various kinds of devices; and the module is inexpensive, light, slim, short and small. The television module can be installed into a TV set to provide a plurality of functions or served as an independent electronic device which is convenient for setup or carrying around.
[0007] To achieve the above-described or other objects, the present invention provides a television module with digital image processing, which includes a user interface unit (UI unit), a system processor, an image processor, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM) and an image interface unit. The user interface unit (UI unit) receives instructions from a user. The system processor according to the above-described instructions performs recording setting function, recording function, managing image data in a storage device and image playback function. The image processor according to the above-described instructions compresses image data, decompresses image data or converts image data formats. The RAM temporarily stores the data required by the image processor for performing the above-described instructions. The ROM executes the program codes required by the above-described instructions. Finally, the image interface unit reads image data from an input device or a storage device and outputs image data to the storage device or an output device.
[0008] In the above-described television module with digital image processing of an embodiment, the image data is dynamic image data or static image data. [0009] In the above-described television module with digital image processing of an embodiment, the recording setting function at least includes setting recording speed, setting video preference or programming recording schedule. [0010] In the above-described television module with digital image processing of an embodiment, the recording function includes reading image data from an input device and recording the image data into a storage device.
[0011] In the above-described television module with digital image processing of an embodiment, the image playback function includes reading image data from an input device or a storage device and outputting image data to an output device. [0012] In the above-described television module with digital image processing of an embodiment, the image playback function further includes selectively playing back images according to recording time, program title or episode; including playback in fast forward/rewind mode, slow motion playback mode, frame advance playback mode or pausing mode, and playing back images in forward or in reverse. [0013] In the above-described television module with digital image processing of an embodiment, the input device can be a video camera, a TV cable, a cable network, a wireless network, a PC or an optical disc drive. The storage device can be a hard disc, a card reader or an optical disc recorder. The output device can be a TV set, a display, a PC, a cable network or a wireless network.
[0014] In the above-described television module with digital image processing of an embodiment, the function of the image interface unit further includes converting analog image data into digital image data and converting digital image data into analog image data. [0015] In the above-described television module with digital image processing of an embodiment, the function of the image processor further includes converting analog image data into digital image data and converting digital image data into analog image data. [0016] The television module with digital image processing of the present invention is able to support various kinds of input devices (i.e. image sources), storage devices and output devices at the same time. In other words, the television module of the present invention is able to record images from various kinds of sources, store the images into various kinds of media and then play back the images on various kinds of devices. Since the above-described television module with digital image processing is based on using an embedded system in a specific chip instead of a PC-based architecture, therefore, it has low-cost advantage. In addition, the above-described input devices, storage devices and output devices can be used in a non-built-in structure, i.e., an outside-connecting structure. In this way, the television module with digital image processing provided by the present invention can be added with a case and necessary peripheral devices to form a power-enriched TV set or be an independent electronic device with light-slim-short-small design shape for installation and carrying conveniences.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve for explaining the principles of the invention. [0018] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a television module with digital image processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a TV set with a television module with digital image processing according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a television module with digital image processing 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The television module with digital image processing 100 includes a user interface unit (UI unit) 101, an image interface unit 102, a system processor 103, a status display unit 104, an image processor 105, a random access memory (RAM) 106 and a read-only memory (ROM) 107.
[0021] In short, the user interface unit (UI unit) 101 is in charge of receiving the instructions from a user. In the embodiment, the UI unit 101 is a control panel, which includes at least a keypad for a user to input instructions. The system processor 103 according to the user's instruction performs recording setting function, recording function, managing image data in a storage device (described hereinafter) and image playback function. The image processor 105 according to the user's instruction compresses image data (normally during storing the recorded images), decompresses image data (normally during playing back images), or converting image data formats. [0022] The random access memory (RAM) 106 is for temporarily storing the data required by the system processor 103 for executing the user's instruction. The read-only memory (ROM) 107 is for storing the program codes required for executing the user's instruction. The image interface unit 102 is coupled to the system processor 103 and the image processor 105. During recording or playing back images, the image interface unit 102 would read image data from an input device (described hereinafter) or a storage device and output image data to the storage device or an output device (described hereinafter). [0023] Finally, the status display unit 104 is used for displaying all kinds of statuses of the television module with digital image processing 100, for example, displaying power status and image display status. In the embodiment, the above-described statuses are displayed by light-emitting diodes (LEDs). [0024] In the embodiment, the so-called "input device" refers to a device that provides image data, i.e. an image source. The storage device refers to a device capable of temporarily storing image data for playback later. The output device generally refers to a device capable of receiving the image output from the television module with digital image processing 100. All these devices are outside-connected to the image interface unit 102. [0025] The input device in FIG. 1 includes a video camera 121, a TV cable
122, a cable network 123, a wireless network 124, a PC 125 and an optical disc drive 127. The television module with digital image processing 100 can record TV programs of channels transmitted by the TV cable 122. [0026] The storage device in FIG. 1 includes a hard disc 126, an optical disc recorder 128 and a card reader 129. The television module with digital image processing 100 uses the card reader 129 to write image data into a memory card, or to read image data from a memory card. Similarly, the television module with digital image processing 100 also can use the optical disc recorder 128 to write image data into an optical disc, or to read image data from an optical disc. The optical disc used by the optical disc drive 127 and the optical disc recorder 128 includes VCD (video compact disc) and DVD (digital versatile disc).
[0027] The output device in FIG. 1 includes a cable network 123, a wireless network 124, a PC 125 and a TV set 130 (for example, if the television module with digital image processing 100 is used as an independent electronic device) and a display 131 (for example, if the television module with digital image processing 100 is as a part of a TV set). A user can watch images by using a PC 125, with additional functions such as printing. The present invention does not limit the kind of the display 131. The display 131 can be, for example, a CRT (cathode ray tube) display, a modern LCD (liquid crystal display) or a modern PDP (plasma display).
[0028] The image interface unit 102 of the present invention includes several types of input-output interfaces for connecting a variety of input devices, storage devices and output devices. For example, the image interface unit 102 includes a network interface to connect the cable network 123 and the wireless network 124. The image interface unit 102 also includes a USB (universal serial bus) to connect the PC 125 and the card reader 129.
[0029] The recording setting function of the television module with digital image processing 100 includes setting recording speed, setting video preference and programming recording schedule. The recording function of the television module with digital image processing 100 means to read image data from an input device and record and store the image data into a storage device. The television module with digital image processing 100 processes images in digital mode, therefore, if the connected input device or output device is an analog device, it needs to do converting jobs between digital data and analog data. In the present embodiment, the above-described converting jobs are completed by the image interface unit 102 or the image processor 105.
[0030] The image data processed by the television module with digital image processing 100 can be dynamic image data or static image data. Wherein, the static image data means still image data, which can be captured from dynamic images. The image processor 105 compresses dynamic image data in MPEG4 format (herein MPEG is an acronym of Motion Picture Expert Group). Besides, the dynamic image data is stored in the storage device in AVI (Audio Video Interleave) format, while the static image data is stored in the storage device in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group format.
[0031] The image playback function of the television module with digital image processing 100 means to read image data from an input device or a storage device and output the image data to an output device. The above-described image playback function includes: directly selecting and playing back images according to recording time order, program title or episode; playback in fast forward/rewind mode; slow motion playback mode; frame advance playback mode or pausing mode; playing back images in forward or in reverse.
[0032] Continuing to FIG. 2, it is a diagram of a TV set with a television module with digital image processing according to another embodiment of the present invention. Wherein, the main part of the TV set 200 is equipped with the television module with digital image processing 208 provided by the present invention. The TV set 200 mainly includes a case 207, an LCD 201, a card reader 202, a user interface unit (UI unit) 203, a playback status indicator lamp 204, a power status indicator lamp 205, an optical disc recorder 206, a hard disc 209 and a television module with digital image processing 208.
[0033] Wherein, the card reader 202 has a plurality of plug slots to support various memory cards. The UI unit 203 is a control panel having a plurality of keypads. The playback status indicator lamp 204 and the power status indicator lamp 205 are LEDs and belonged to the status display unit of the television module with digital image processing 208.
[0034] In summary, the television module with digital image processing of the present invention is able to simultaneously support various kinds of input devices (i.e. image sources), storage devices and output devices, hence, the television module can be used for recording images from different types of sources, storing the images into various types of media and then playing back the images on various types of devices. Since the above-described television module with digital image processing is based on using an embedded system in a specific chip instead of a PC-based architecture, therefore, it has low-cost advantage. In addition, the above-described input device, storage device and output device can be used in a non-built-in structure, i.e., an outside-connecting structure. In this way, the television module with digital image processing provided by the present invention can be added with a case and necessary peripheral devices to form a power-enriched TV set or be an independent electronic device with light-slim-short-small design shape for installation and carrying conveniences.
[0035] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the specification and examples to be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A television module with digital image processing, comprising: a user interface unit (UI unit), receiving an instruction from a user; a system processor for performing one of the following functions according to the instruction: a recording setting function, a recording function, a function for managing an image data in a storage device, and an image playback function; an image processor for performing one of the following operations according to the instruction: compressing the image data, decompressing the image data and converting the format of the image data; a random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storing the data required by the system processor to execute the instruction; a read-only memory (ROM) for storing the required program codes to execute the instruction; and an image interface unit, coupled to the system processor and the image processor, for reading the image data from an input device or the storage device and outputting the image data to the storage device or an output device.
2. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a status display unit for displaying various statuses of the television module with digital image processing.
3. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 2, wherein the status of the television module with digital image processing comprises at least a power status and an image playback status.
4. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 2, wherein the status display unit comprises at least one LED.
5. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the UI unit comprises a control panel and the control panel comprises at least one keypad.
6. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the image data is 'dynamic image data or static image data.
7. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 6, wherein, if the image data is dynamic image data, the image processor compresses the image data in MPEG4 format.
8. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 6, wherein, if the image data is dynamic image data, the image data is stored in the storage device in AVI format.
9. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 6, wherein, if the image data is static image data, the image data is stored in the storage device in JPEG format.
10. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the recording setting function comprises at least one of the followings: setting recording speed, setting video preference and programming recording schedule.
11. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the recording function is to read the image data from the input device and to record and store the image data into the storage device.
12. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the image playback function is to read the image data from the input device or from the storage device and to output the image data to the output device.
13. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim I5 wherein the image playback function comprises selectively playing back images according to recording time order, program title or episode.
14. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the image playback function comprises playbacks in fast forward/rewind mode, slow motion playback mode, frame advance playback mode or pausing mode.
15. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the image playback function comprises playing back images in forward or in reverse.
16. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the input device is a video camera, a TV cable, a cable network, a wireless network, a PC or an optical disc drive.
17. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the storage device is a hard disc, a card reader or an optical disc recorder.
18. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 17, wherein, if the storage device is a card reader, the television module with digital image processing uses the storage device to write the image data into a memory card and to read the image data from the memory card.
19. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 17, wherein, if the storage device is an optical disc recorder, the television module with digital image processing uses the storage device to write the image data into an optical disc and to read the image data from the optical disc.
20. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the output device is a TV set, a display, a PC, a cable network or a wireless network.
21. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the function of the image interface unit further comprises converting analog image data into digital image data and converting digital image data into analog image data.
22. The television module with digital image processing as recited in claim 1, wherein the function of the image processor further comprises converting analog image data into digital image data and converting digital image data into analog image data.
PCT/CN2006/000471 2006-03-23 2006-03-23 Television module with digital image processing WO2007107045A1 (en)

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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999012158A2 (en) * 1997-08-29 1999-03-11 Bj Corporation Television karaoke chip with 2000 songs
CN1212568A (en) * 1998-08-13 1999-03-31 Tcl王牌电子(深圳)有限公司 Video instant playback system
DE19930575A1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-01-11 Matthias Zahn Programmable memory device for television signals

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999012158A2 (en) * 1997-08-29 1999-03-11 Bj Corporation Television karaoke chip with 2000 songs
CN1212568A (en) * 1998-08-13 1999-03-31 Tcl王牌电子(深圳)有限公司 Video instant playback system
DE19930575A1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-01-11 Matthias Zahn Programmable memory device for television signals

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