U.S. patent application number 10/164035 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-16 for television and video cassette recorder system with an electronic program guide.
Invention is credited to Kwoh, Daniel S., Yuen, Henry C..
Application Number | 20030012555 10/164035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27578429 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030012555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yuen, Henry C. ; et
al. |
January 16, 2003 |
Television and video cassette recorder system with an electronic
program guide
Abstract
A television for controlling a video cassette recorder to access
programs on a video cassette tape, the television retrieving a
directory of programs from a television signal received from the
video cassette recorder, retrieving a program identifier from the
television signal received from the video cassette recorder,
displaying the directory of programs to allow a user to select a
program from the directory, determining from the retrieved program
identifier and the selected program the amount to either advance or
rewind the video cassette tape to position the video cassette tape
in the video cassette recorder at the beginning of the selected
program, and commanding the video cassette recorder to position the
video cassette tape at the beginning of the selected program. An
indexing VCR system which responds to broadcast information to
record a program guide which may subsequently be displayed to
apprise the user of programs to be broadcast during the next day or
week, etc. The program guide enables the user to condition the VCR
to record selected programs when they are broadcast. The program
guide may also include film clips of selected programs to assist
the user in making a decision as to whether he/she desires to
record any particular program. The program guide is preferably
recorded on the video tape in the VCR in the form of a multi-cell
grid and as full frame video so that information concerning each
program may be displayed in respective cells in the grid. Other
information, such as the PLUSCODE.TM. , address of the
corresponding clip, etc., may be transmitted to the user during the
VBI intervals, or by other means.
Inventors: |
Yuen, Henry C.; (Pasadena,
CA) ; Kwoh, Daniel S.; ( La Canada/Flintridge,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
350 WEST COLORADO BOULEVARD
SUITE 500
PASADENA
CA
91105
US
|
Family ID: |
27578429 |
Appl. No.: |
10/164035 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10164035 |
Jun 4, 2002 |
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09612323 |
Jul 6, 2000 |
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6463206 |
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09612323 |
Jul 6, 2000 |
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09134032 |
Aug 14, 1998 |
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09134032 |
Aug 14, 1998 |
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08760438 |
Dec 4, 1996 |
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08760438 |
Dec 4, 1996 |
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08688599 |
Jul 30, 1996 |
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08688599 |
Jul 30, 1996 |
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08226656 |
Apr 12, 1994 |
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5541738 |
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08226656 |
Apr 12, 1994 |
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08692486 |
Aug 6, 1996 |
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08692486 |
Aug 6, 1996 |
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08140211 |
Oct 20, 1993 |
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5543929 |
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08140211 |
Oct 20, 1993 |
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08138632 |
Oct 15, 1993 |
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08138632 |
Oct 15, 1993 |
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08118001 |
Sep 8, 1993 |
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5382983 |
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08118001 |
Sep 8, 1993 |
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08100616 |
Jul 29, 1993 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
386/243 ;
348/E5.105; 348/E7.036; 348/E7.061; 348/E7.065; 386/344;
386/E5.002; 386/E5.043; 386/E5.071; 725/58; G9B/27.02; G9B/27.021;
G9B/27.036; G9B/27.047; G9B/27.049 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 27/107 20130101;
H04N 7/0887 20130101; G11B 2220/80 20130101; H04N 21/47214
20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101; H04N 21/4753 20130101; H04N 5/765
20130101; H04N 21/4751 20130101; G11B 27/326 20130101; H04N 21/441
20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101; H04N 5/782 20130101; H04N 7/166
20130101; H04N 21/84 20130101; H04N 5/9208 20130101; H04N 5/7755
20130101; G11B 2220/90 20130101; H04N 7/163 20130101; G11B 27/3054
20130101; H04N 5/44543 20130101; H04N 5/9206 20130101; G11B 27/328
20130101; G11B 2220/655 20130101; G11B 27/11 20130101; G11B 2220/65
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/83 ;
725/58 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/76; G06F
003/00; H04N 005/445; G06F 013/00 |
Claims
1. A television for controlling a video cassette recorder to access
programs on a video cassette tape, the television comprising: means
for retrieving a first directory of programs from the vertical
blanking interval of a television signal received from the video
cassette tape played on the video cassette recorder; means for
displaying a second directory of programs from the video portion of
the television signal received from the video cassette tape played
on the video cassette recorder to allow a user to select a program
from the directory; means for selecting a program identifier from
the first directory of programs for a program on the video cassette
tape being played on the video cassette recorder; means for
determining from the retrieved program identifier and the selected
program the amount to either advance or rewind the video cassette
tape to position the video cassette tape in the video cassette
recorder at the beginning of the selected program; and means for
commanding the video cassette recorder to position the video
cassette tape at the beginning of the selected program.
2. A method for controlling a video cassette recorder from a
television to access programs on a video cassette tape, the method
comprising the steps of: providing a video cassette tape having a
first length of video cassette tape having a first index mark
written near the beginning of the first length and a second index
mark written near the end of the first length, a guide to programs
on the video portion of the video cassette tape written between the
first and second index mark, and guide data written on the vertical
blanking interval between the first and second index mark, the
guide data associated with the guide including for each program
contained on the video cassette tape a number of index marks either
forward or backward on the tape from the guide data to the program;
and providing a plurality of programs on the video cassette tape,
each program having a third index mark written near the beginning
of the program and a fourth index mark written near the end of the
program.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of: playing
the video cassette tape on the video cassette recorder and sending
the video cassette recorder output signal to the television;
retrieving the guide data from the output signal with a video
blanking interval decoder in the television; detecting a still
frame command in the output signal with a video blanking interval
decoder in the television; sending a still frame command from the
television to the video cassette recorder to freeze the guide on
the output signal; and displaying the guide on the television for
the user to select a program from the guide.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising the steps of:
commanding the video cassette recorder from the television to
advance or rewind the video cassette tape to the selected program
by advancing or rewinding a number of index marks according to the
guide data associated with the selected program; and sending a
command to the video cassette recorder to play the selected
program.
5. The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of commanding
the video cassette recorder to record at a later time a second
program identified in the guide data associated with the selected
program.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of decoding
and expanding a compressed code, representative of, and compressed
in length from, the combination of a channel, a date, a
time-of-day, and a length for the second program.
7. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of delivering
the video cassette tape to the homes of users.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of delivering the video
cassette tape to the homes of users further comprises the step of
delivering the video cassette tape along with a newspaper to the
homes of users.
9. An apparatus for allowing a television to control a video
cassette recorder to access programs on a video cassette tape, the
apparatus comprising: a video cassette tape having a first length
of video cassette tape having a first index mark written near the
beginning of the first length and a second index mark written near
the end of the first length, a guide to programs on the video
portion of the video cassette tape written on the vertical blanking
interval between the first and second index mark, and guide data
written between the first and second index mark, the guide data
associated with the guide including for each program contained on
the video cassette tape a number of index marks either forward or
backward on the tape from the guide data to the program; and a
plurality of programs on the video cassette tape, each program
having a third index mark written near the beginning of the program
and a fourth index mark written near the end of the program.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the guide comprises an index
of programs contained on the video cassette tape.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/760,438
filed Dec. 4, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 08/688,599 filed Jul. 30, 1996, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/226,656 filed Apr. 12, 1994 (now U.S. Pat.
No. 5,541,738) and application Ser. No. 08/692,486 filed Aug. 6,
1996, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/140,211
filed Oct. 20, 1993 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,929), which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/138,632 filed Oct.
15, 1993, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
08/118,001 filed Sept. 8, 1993 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,983), which
is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/001,125 filed
May 27, 1993, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as
though set forth in full.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to televisions and
particularly to apparatus and methods for controlling video
cassette recorders from a television and also relates to electronic
guides and electronic magazines.
[0003] Previews of upcoming movies or television programs are
commonly shown to generate interest in them. One technique is to
show clips of the video before or after the full presentation of
another program. This is done both for television programs or
movies to be shown on television. Increasingly common is the
inclusion of video clips of other movies on a rented video cassette
tape. The renter of the video cassette tape rents the tape to watch
a particular movie, but also can watch the previews, which are put
onto the otherwise unused tape in the video cassette. A problem
with this conventional technique is that the viewer must watch the
entire tape to ascertain which previews are present.
[0004] Also increasingly common is the video cassette tape with
infomercials. Usually, only one infomercial is put on a tape, for
example a Plymouth Voyager advertisement, and the tape is mailed
out to potential buyers. If more infomercials or advertisements are
on the tape then the user must watch the entire tape to see all the
advertisements. Even if a table of contents is provided at the
beginning of the tape, there is no easy method of advancing the
tape to the location of the selected advertisement.
[0005] It is desirable to have a common point of control for
accessing programs on a video tape cassette and a television is
able to provide this capability.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a television for
controlling a video cassette recorder to access programs on a video
cassette tape. There is also a need for a television for providing
control for indexing a tape to a selected program or video.
[0007] The programming of a VCR for unattended recording was
greatly simplified by the introduction of compressed codes for the
channel, date, time, and length (CDTL) data for a desired program.
The compressed code of Gemstar Development Corporation is known as
PLUSCODE.TM. compressed code.
[0008] The further aid in the programming for unattended recording,
the program guide or schedule of programs to be broadcast over the
air or by cable at a later date are available in the VBI, as full
frame video, on tape, on floppy discs or in ROM. The program guide
is displayed to provide the user with easy access to the guide and
as an aid in programming the VCR for later recording.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention a television for
controlling a video cassette recorder to access programs on a video
cassette tape, includes means for retrieving a directory of
programs from a television signal received from the video cassette
recorder, means for retrieving a program identifier from the
television signal received from the video cassette recorder, means
for displaying the directory of programs to allow a user to select
a program from the directory, means for determining from the
retrieved program identifier and the selected program the amount to
either advance or rewind the video cassette tape to position the
video cassette tape in the video cassette recorder at the beginning
of the selected program, and means for commanding the video
cassette recorder to position the video cassette tape at the
beginning of the selected program.
[0010] The electronic program guide of the present invention
provides a video magazine format with respect to video program
listings, and it also provides video program clips, to enable a
user to select a video program for future viewing or recording.
Advantageously, the electronic program guide of the present
invention is employed in conjunction with an indexing video
cassette recorder/player. The indexing video cassette
recorder/player may be of the same general type described in
co-pending applications Ser. No. 08/066,666 filed May 27, 1993 and
Ser. No. 08/176,852 filed Dec. 29, 1993, which are incorporated
herein by this reference.
[0011] In the practice of the invention, during regular broadcast
hours, a particular channel such as HBO, NBC, CBS, CNN, etc.,
broadcasts an electronic program guide listing future programs. The
program guide is preferably in the format of a video magazine, in
which the video portion is divided into video sections or chapters
with each chapter representing the program listings for one of a
plurality of categories of programs, such as movies, sports or
comedy, for example. The program listings form a menu and are
arranged in a grid made up of numbered cells. The video section
includes a plurality of such menus separated by a video clip
relating to one of the listed programs.
[0012] During the broadcast, program-related information (PRI) is
transmitted, for example, in the vertical blanking interval (VBI),
or by other means, relating to the positions of each numbered cell,
the start and stop addresses of video clips and also the
PLUSCODE.TM. number for the particular program.
[0013] The program guide may be recorded on tape or in RAM of the
VCR. For unattended recording, the program guide may have a listed
PLUSCODE.TM. for entry by a user and decoding by the VCR to record
when the program guide is transmitted (either over the air or by
cable). The electronic program guide, when broadcast, is recorded
in the VCR at the time of the broadcast, to be selected at a
subsequent time by the user and displayed. Alternatively, the
program guide may be available to the user as a prerecorded guide
on tape purchased on a subscription basis or from a retail
outlet.
[0014] The program guide may include PLUSCODE.TM. numbers for ease
of programming for future recording of desired programs or a cursor
may be employed upon display of a selected program guide or a
number may be entered that corresponds to the cell number of the
desired program displayed in a numbered cell of the grid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The features of specific embodiments of the best mode
contemplated of carrying out the invention are illustrated in the
drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic showing a television for controlling a
video cassette recorder (VCR) to provide access to programs and
video clips according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic showing a controller between a
television and a VCR for controlling a video cassette recorder
(VCR) to provide access to programs and video clips according to
the present invention.
[0018] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematics showing the partial contents
of a random-access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM)
according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3C is a flow graph of steps for loading infrared codes
for the VCR into RAM according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4A is a schematic of a compressed code decoder coupled
to a microprocessor according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4B is a flow graph of the steps for decoding a
compressed code, which is encoded channel, date, time-of-day, and
length (CDTL) information, into CDTL according to the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a tape layout for providing
access to programs and video clips according to the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 6A is a drawing showing the format of a directory
according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6B is a drawing showing the format of a library of
multiple directories according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6C is a drawing of the format of a portion of the
directory for one program or video clip on a vertical blanking
interval (VBI) line 20 according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a drawing of the format of a TPA packet containing
tape identification, program number, and absolute address
information on VBI line according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flow graph of the steps for accessing programs
and video clips on a magnetic tape according to the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a display on a television of a
text directory according to the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing VBI lines according to the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11A is a drawing showing another tape layout for
providing access to programs and video clips according to the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 11B is a drawing showing a tape layout having a
hierarchy of guides and embedded guide data for providing access to
video clips or infomercials according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a flow graph of the steps for accessing video
clips on a magnetic tape having a hierarchy of guides and embedded
guide data according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 13A is a drawing showing a broadcast format for a
broadcast of programs and video clips according to the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 13B is a drawing showing the tape format after
recording of the broadcast on a VCR according to the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a flow graph of the steps for creating a tape
during recording of a broadcast of programs and video clips
according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 15A is a drawing showing a broadcast format for a
broadcast of programs, video clips, and/or a video directory
according to the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 15B is a drawing showing the tape format after
recording of the broadcast of programs, video clips, and/or a video
directory on a VCR according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a flow graph of the steps for creating a tape
during recording of a broadcast of programs, video clips, and/or a
video directory according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a display on a television of a
video directory according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an indexing video
cassette recorder, using a hybrid indexing system that provides
indexing of recorded programs for home recorded tapes, prerecorded
tapes, and retroactively indexed tapes, of a standard video
cassette format, and that has a directory controller, a bus
interface and an output interface and embodies the invention;
[0041] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating the
structure of data stored in the RAM of the directory controller of
FIG. 18;
[0042] FIG. 20 is a schematic illustrating a conceptual structure
of an in-use directory in the data structure of FIG. 19;
[0043] FIG. 21 is a graphical representation of the format of the
information recorded on the magnetic tape in the cassette of FIG.
18 with markers and directories in the control track;
[0044] FIG. 22 is a graphical representation of the format of the
information recorded on the magnetic tape in the cassette of FIG.
18 with markers in the control track and the directories in the
fields of the video frames;
[0045] FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a remote control unit
for operating the indexing VCR of FIG. 18;
[0046] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electronic
program guide with a video grid and video clips with an exploded
view of a movie guide portion of the guide;
[0047] FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the steps employed in the
operation of the indexing VCR for an electronic program guide using
a video grid and video clips where selection is by a cursor;
[0048] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of a movie guide portion of
an electronic program guide received and recorded on the VCR in
accordance with the invention where selection is by a cursor.
[0049] FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the steps employed in the
operation of the indexing VCR for an electronic program guide using
a video grid and video clips where selection is by number of the
numbered cells.
[0050] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of an alternative electronic
program guide received and recorded on the VCR in accordance with
the invention where selection is by number of the numbered
cells.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0051] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a television 10 for
controlling a video cassette recorder 18 to access programs on a
video tape cassette 20, which contains tape 21. The video cassette
recorder 18 can be used to play video tape cassettes 20, and can
also be used to record programs from signal source 14 sent directly
via line 23 to VCR 18 or through cable box 16. As shown in FIG. 1,
the VCR 18 has an output to tuner 22, which is coupled to video
circuits 36. Also receiving the output of tuner 22 is a vertical
blanking interval line decoder 24. Vertical blanking interval lines
are described below in connection with the discussion of FIG. 10,
and information can be contained in the vertical blanking interval
lines and decoded. A microprocessor 26 receives decoded VBI
information from VBI decoder 24 and processes this information to
control VCR 18 to access programs from the video tape cassette 20.
Random-access memory 32 and read-only memory are coupled to the
microprocessor. An on-screen display controller 34 has an interface
to the microprocessor 26 and also an interface to the VBI decoder
24. An infrared detector 38 has an interface to the microprocessor
26 and receives commands from remote controller 12. An infrared
emitter 40 in the television 10 interfaces to microprocessor 26 and
can send commands to the VCR 18 via infrared detector 32 and to the
cable box 16 via the infrared detector 34. A compressed code
decoder 28 in the television 10 has an interface to microprocessor
26.
[0052] In general the television 10 for controlling the video
cassette recorder to access programs on the video cassette tape 20
operates by decoding information in the vertical blanking interval
line. In VBI decoder 24, processing that information in
microprocessor 26, and commanding the VCR 18 via infrared emitter
40 and infrared detector 32 in order to access selected programs
for viewing. The television 10 is also able to interact with the
video cassette recorder while it is recording a program from signal
source 14. The television 10 can also control the recording of
programs to be broadcast at a later time on the VCR 18.
[0053] The remote controller 12, shown in FIG. 1 has a number of
keys, which include numerical keys 44 and compressed code switch
45. The remote controller 12 also includes a view key 46 and a
record key 48. The remote controller may further advantageously
include a cursor control having up/down keys 53 and 54,
respectively, right/left keys 51 and 52, respectively, and an
activate key 50. There are means in the remote controller 12 that
interpret each key as it is pressed, and send the proper command
signal 16 to the television 10 via the infrared emitter 41. Except
for the unique keys including view key 46, record key 48, and
compressed code switch 45, the remote controller is essentially the
same as any other remote controller in function. It is to be noted
that the typical keys of remote controllers, such as volume control
and channel selection, are not shown on the controller of FIG. 1,
but would ordinarily be present.
[0054] In FIG. 2 is shown another embodiment of the invention in
which there is a separate controller 60 for controlling the VCR 18
to access programs on video tape cassette 20. A conventional
television 62 can be used with controller 60 which is placed
between television 62 and the video cassette recorder 18. The
controller 60 has a tuner 22 coupled to a VBI decoder 24 and a
microprocessor 26 which has interfaces to random-access memory 32
and read-only memory 30. The tuner 22 interfaces to on-screen
display controller 34 which also interfaces to VBI decoder 24 and
microprocessor 26. The controller operates similarly to the
circuitry described for television 10 in that the infrared detector
38 receives commands from remote controller 12 and the commands are
processed by microprocessor 26. The controller 60 also can control
the operation of VCR 18 and cable box 16 via infrared emitter 40.
The operation of remote controller 12 in FIG. 2 is essentially the
same as the remote controller 12 in FIG. 1.
[0055] The microprocessor 26, shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4A performs
the overall control functions, and has attached a read-only memory
30 and a random-access memory (RAM) 32. Interfaces to the
microprocessor 26 include an input from infrared detector 38 and
outputs to infrared emitter 40 and on screen display controller 34.
The microprocessor also interfaces to and from vertical blanking
interval decoder 24, to and from clock 42, and to and from
compressed code decoder 28.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 3A, the read-only memory 30 includes a
section for a set of instructions for the program that controls the
operation of the microprocessor 26 and a section for infrared codes
for controlling the television 10 or the controller 60. As shown in
FIG. 3B, the random-access memory 32 includes a section for the
infrared codes for controlling the VCR including codes for the
following commands: play, record, rewind, stop, index mark, still
frame, and index to an index mark. Also included are sections for a
directory, guide data, and a library, whose functions are described
below.
[0057] FIG. 3C is a flow graph of steps for initializing the
television according to the present invention. A special
initialization tape is loaded into the video cassette recorder 18
in step 64 and the initialization tape is played. The
initialization tape has encoded in its video blanking interval
lines the infrared code libraries for substantially all types of
VCRs. When the tape is played, video cues are displayed on the
television 10 to enable the user to locate the codes for the
particular type of VCR in use. Then in step 70 the infrared codes
for the user's VCR are downloaded into random-access memory 32 via
tuner 22, VBI decoder 24, and microprocessor 26. Once the infrared
codes have been loaded into the random-access memory 32 of the
television 10 can control the VCR to provide access to programs and
video clips.
[0058] When a compressed codes are used, the random-access memory
32, as shown in FIG. 4A, includes a section of stack memory for
storing channel, date, time-of-day, and length (CDTL) for programs
selected to be recorded. The compressed codes are encoded CDTL
information and may be advantageously used to simplify the
preprogramming of VCRs.
[0059] One implementation of the compressed code decoder 28 is
shown in FIG. 4A. A microcontroller 90 with a random-access memory
92 and a read-only memory 94 has interfaces to microprocessor 26. A
compressed code, which represents encoded CDTL, is sent to
microcontroller 90, which decodes the compressed code and returns
CDTL information to microprocessor 26. If the microprocessor 26
determines that a compressed code has been received, then the
compressed code will be sent to the compressed code decoder 28 for
decoding. The compressed code decoder 28 converts the compressed
code into channel, date, time and length (CDTL) information which
is stored in RAM 32 and used by the microprocessor 26 to control
the recording of programs on a VCR.
[0060] The method of decoding of the compressed code into CDTL is
set forth in the flow chart of FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 4B, the
compressed code decoding can be a function of the output of clock
42. The compressed code encoding and decoding are described in
continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 07/829,412, filed Feb. 3,
1992, which is incorporated herein by this reference as though set
forth in full.
[0061] The clock 42 is also used for timing the operations of the
microprocessor 26. When a date and time-of-day is read from clock
42 that matches the date and time in stack memory in random-access
memory 32, then the microprocessor 26 controls the VCR to record
the program. Instead, if the VCR has preprogramming storage, then
the CDTL information can be sent directly to the VCR and a clock in
the VCR will be used to control the timing of recording. If the VCR
also has the ability to decode the compressed codes, then the
compressed codes can be sent directly to the VCR and the VCR will
decode the compressed codes into CDTL for the programming the
VCR.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates one layout of information on a tape 21
for playback in VCR 18 under control by television 10 or controller
60. The tape layout has video and audio tracks 138 for the
programs, Video Index Search System (VISS) marks on a control track
140, TPA packets each containing a tape identification number,
program number, and absolute address stored on a vertical blanking
interval line 19, and a directory stored in the vertical blanking
interval line 20 in accordance with the principles of the
invention.
[0063] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a vertical blanking
interval of an interlaced television scanning raster. The first
field of the television signal starts at the upper left corner of
the screen and writes lines to the bottom of the screen. At the
bottom of the screen the beam writing the screen retraces in a
series of lines back to the top of the screen. These lines are
designated as the vertical blanking interval lines 242 in FIG. 10.
During the retrace the writing to the screen is blanked; however,
because the signal is still present, additional information can be
sent during the vertical blanking interval. There are at least 20
lines in the vertical blanking interval. After the vertical
blanking interval, the second field is written on the screen and
there is another vertical blanking interval, as shown in FIG.
10.
[0064] In FIG. 5, VISS marks 146, 148 and 150 are placed in the
control track 140 at the start of the each program on the tape.
[0065] The TPA packets 152, shown in FIG. 5, contain a tape
identification number 188, a program number 190 and an absolute
address 192, as shown in FIG. 7, and are stored in vertical
blanking interval line 20, designated as element 144 on FIG. 5. The
tape identification is a number that identifies the video cassette
tape being used. The program number relates to the number of the
program that is recorded on the tape adjacent to the TPA packet.
For example, the tape identification number, shown in FIG. 9, is
number 8, and the program number for the program MURPHY BROWN is
program number 3. The absolute address in the TPA packet is an
indication of the time from the beginning of the tape to the
location on the tape at which the particular TPA packet is written.
Since the TPA is written in VBI lines across the tape, the absolute
address varies across the tape and is quite accurate.
[0066] The directory written into VBI line 20, designated as
element 144 in FIG. 5, has a format as shown in FIG. 6A. In the
directory are entries D(0) to D(N), which are directory entries for
each program. Each entry D(l) 161, and D(2) 162 to D(N) 164 is used
to store information, as shown in FIG. 6C, concerning a program
stored on the recording tape. For example, the program number 172,
the start address 174, the end address 176, the record speed 178,
and the compressed code 180 for recording at a later time a second
program associated with the- referred to as program number 172.
Instead, a channel, date, time-of-day, and length 182 or a program
identifier 184 can be used recording at a later time a second
program associated with the program. The directory for a program
can also contain the title for a program. The directory may be
stored in one VBI line 20 or in multiple VBI lines, as
required.
[0067] When the video cassette tape 20 is played in video cassette
recorder 18, then the directory can be decoded by VBI decoder 24
and stored in random-access memory 32. The contents of the
directory can be displayed on television 10 to allow the user to
select a program on the tape for viewing. By decoding the tape
identification number from the TPA packets, a library of tapes and
contents of tape can be accumulated in random-access memory 32. The
format 166 for the library can be as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0068] The method for television 10 or controller 60 to control the
video cassette recorder 18 to access programs on a video cassette
tape 20 is described in the flow chart of FIG. 8. Step 200, a tape
21, having the format shown in FIG. 5 is inserted into VCR 18 and
the VCR is put in a play mode. As the tape plays the VBI decoder 24
decodes the VBI lines and stores the tape identification and the
directory on the tape into random-access memory 32 as shown in step
202. In step 204 the VBI lines are decoded and the program number
of the current program at the read/write heads of VCR 18 is
retrieved and stored in random-access memory 32. Then in step 206 a
stop command is sent to VCR 18. In step 208 the microprocessor 26
via on-screen display controller 34 causes the stored directory to
be displayed on the television monitor. In step 210 the user can
select a program for viewing by either positioning a cursor on the
program desired or entering a number on remote controller 12. For
example, as shown in FIG. 9 the cursor can be put on to the program
MURPHY BROWN or the user can enter the number 3 to view the program
MURPHY BROWN. In step 212 to record a later broadcast of the
program the user pushes the record button on remote controller 12.
If the record button is pushed as determined in step 214, then in
step 216, the compressed code for the channel, date, time-of-day
and length for the selected program are sent to the VCR 18 to
preprogram the VCR 18 to record the program when it is broadcast.
For example, for MURPHY BROWN the compress code as shown on FIG. 9
is 5941. Also contained in this particular directory is the channel
number, date and time-of-day which is channel 2, October 17, and
7:00 p.m. The length of the program is also shown for MURPHY BROWN
to be 30 minutes.
[0069] To view a program or a video clip, the user pushes the view
button in step 218. It is likely that a user will view a preview or
video clip for a program first, and then decide whether he wants to
record the program associated with the video clip at a later time.
If in step 220 it is determined that the view button has been
pushed, then in step 222, microprocessor 26 will calculate the
number of index marks between the current position on the tape and
the beginning of the selected program as determined by the
difference between the retrieved program number and the selected
program number. For example, if the retrieved program number is
program 3, as shown in FIG. 5, then to access the beginning of
program 1 the VCR 18 must rewind the video tape cassette by 3 VISS
marks, so an index command of -3 is sent to the VCR. In step 224
the television 10 or the controller 60 sends the index command to
VCR 18 to advance or rewind the tape by the number of VISS marks to
the selected program or video clip. Then in step 226 a command is
sent to play the selected program or video clip. While the program
or video clip is playing the VBI decoder 24 continues to decode the
vertical blanking interval lines and if a VISS mark is detected in
step 228 then steps 204 and 206 are repeated and a directory again
displayed on the television in order for the user to make another
selection. At this time the user having viewed a video clip could
decide to select the program associated with the video clip for
later recording by the VCR 18.
[0070] FIG. 11A is a drawing showing another tape layout having an
electronic guide with video clips according to the present
invention. The tape has a control track 262, video and audio tracks
263 and vertical blanking interval 264 lines. As shown in FIG. 11A,
the first length of the tape has VISS marks 266 and 267 in the
control track 262. Between VISS marks 266 and 267 is a guide 270 in
the video and audio tracks 263. As shown in FIG. 11A, the guide 270
consists of an index to video clips on the tape. For example, the
first video clip is ALADDIN which will be shown on channel 2 on
September 6th at 2:00 p.m. and has a length of two hours. The
second video clip is WAR AND PEACE, which has a compressed code of
21596.
[0071] In the vertical blanking interval 266 lines is guide data
associated with the guide. The guide data 272 includes for each
video clip in the guide 270, the number of VISS marks from the
guide to the video clip. Also, a compressed code associated with
the video clip can be included within the guide data 272 or the
channel, date, time of date and length (CDTL) or other program
identifier can be included in the guide data for each video clip.
The compressed code and the CDTL are used to preprogram a VCR to
record at a later time a program associated with the video clip.
After the end of the guide data is a still frame command 273.
[0072] If a cursor is used to select a video clip from the guide
then a screen map 275 can be included in the guide data. The screen
map 275 contains information that correlates each entry in the
guide to a position on a displayed screen. As the user moves the
position of the cursor the microprocessor 26, which processes the
cursor commands from the remote controller 12, uses the screen map
to know which entry in the guide is selected.
[0073] In a second length of the tape following the guide and the
guide data, the first video clip 274 is written in the audio/video
tracks 263 between VISS marks 264 and 268. Following the video
clip, the guide is repeated, as shown by guide 278 in FIG. 11A and
guide data 280 is written on the vertical blanking interval lines.
The guide data 280 is not the same as the guide data 272, because
the number of VISS marks to a video clip from guide data 272 is
different from the number of VISS marks to a video clip from guide
data 280. As shown in FIG. 11A the second video clip 282 follows
guide 278 and guide data 280. The pattern of repeating the guide
and guide data after each video clip is repeated across the
tape.
[0074] As the tape is played on video cassette recorder 18 the
guide is displayed on television 10 and the guide data is sent via
VBI decoder 24 to random-access memory 32. At the end of the guide
data is a still frame command. When this still frame command is
decoded by the VBI decoder 24, the microprocessor 26 sends a still
frame command via infrared emitter 40 and infrared detector 32 to
video cassette recorder 18. The guide is then displayed as a frozen
frame on television 10.
[0075] The guide can appear as text, similar to the program guide
shown in FIG. 9, or can be a video frame as shown in FIG. 17. An
advantage of the video frame is that the guide can have a more
interesting appearance, use any font desired, and present a
graphical interface to the user, such as those now common in
personal computers. A video display is very useful for displaying
Japanese or Chinese symbols.
[0076] To access a video clip the user pushes one of the number
keys 44 and then pushes view key 46 on remote controller 12. It is
also possible to use the cursor controls on remote controller 12 to
highlight the desired program as shown by highlighted program 236
in FIG. 9 or highlighted program 522 in FIG. 17. The television 10
then sends index commands to video cassette recorder 18 via
infrared emitter 40 and infrared detector 32 to advance or rewind
the tape to the video clip selected by the user. This is
accomplished by the microprocessor 26 in television 10 processing
the guide data to determine the number of VISS marks forward or
backward on the tape to the video clip selected by the user. For
example, if guide 270 is displayed then to access video clip 282,
the index command +3 is sent to advance the VCR to the beginning of
video clip 282. If guide 278 is displayed then to access video clip
274, the index command -4 is sent to rewind the VCR to the
beginning of video clip 274.
[0077] FIG. 11B shows another tape layout. In FIG. 11B a main guide
310 is shown that can used to access another guide, such as guide
314. This permits a hierarchy of guides to be displayed. For
example, in guide 310 if the user selects category 1 for cars, then
guide 314 is displayed listing cars for which video clips are
available, such as BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus.
[0078] The video clips can be used for showing previews of
television programs or movies and also for classified
advertisements and infomercials, such as for real estate. The video
clip can also be arranged as a video magazine.
[0079] The method for the television 10 or the controller 60 to
control the video cassette recorder 18 to access programs on a
video tape cassette 20 is described in the flow graph shown in FIG.
12. In step 330 a video tape cassette 20 with tape 21 in the format
described in either FIG. 11a or FIG. 11B is inserted into the VCR
18 and the VCR is put into the play mode. In step 332 the guide
data in VBI 264 lines of FIG. 11A or VBI 294 lines of FIG. 11B are
decoded by VBI decoder 24 and stored into random-access memory 32.
If a screen map 275 of FIG. 11A or screen map 315 of FIG. 11B is
present to allow accessing a program using a cursor, then the
screen map is also decoded from the VBI lines and stored into
random-access memory 32. In step 334 it is determined whether still
frame command 273 has been detected by the VBI decoder 24. If the
still frame command has been detected then in step 336 the
television 10 or the controller 60 sends a still frame command to
VCR 18. This results in the guide 270 being frozen on the
television monitor in step 338. In step 340 the user selects a
video clip or program from the guide 270 by pushing a number key on
remote controller 12 or positioning a cursor on the television
monitor by using the remote controller cursor position keys. Then
in step 342 the user can select to record a later broadcast of a
program associated with the video clip or a program in the guide
270 by pushing the record button 48 on the remote controller 12. If
it is determined in step 344 that the record button has been
pushed, then in step 346 the compressed code or channel, date,
time-of-day and length of the program to be recorded are retrieved
from the guide data that has been stored in the random-access
memory 32 and sent to the vide cassette recorder 18 to preprogram
the VCR to record the program at a later time.
[0080] If the user wishes to view one of the video clips that are
listed in the guide 270 then the user pushes the view button 46 in
step 348. If it is determined in step 350 that the view button has
been pushed, then in step 352 television 10 sends index commands to
VCR 18 to advance or rewind the tape by the number of VISS marks to
the selected video clip. For example, if WAR AND PEACE is selected
from guide 270 then the corresponding guide data for clip number 2
would indicate that there are three VISS marks between the current
position of the tape 21 relative to the read/write heads of the VCR
18 and the beginning of clip number two designated as element 282
in FIG. 11A. After the VCR 18 has advanced or rewind to the
beginning of the video clip to be viewed, then in step 354 a
command is sent to the VCR to play the video clip. In steps 332 and
334 are repeated and the user can select another video clip or
program to view or record. Note that on FIG. 11A, after clip number
two, designated as element 282 on FIG. 11A, that the guide 278 is
repeated and that the guide data 284 is again present. There is a
difference between guide data 284 and the guide data 272 because
the number of VISS marks to a selected video clip is adjusted
between the two guide data because of their position on the
tape.
[0081] In the description so far it has been assumed that the user
is provided with a video cassette tape that is prerecorded in a
manner similar to the tape formats of FIGS. 5, 11A or 11B. One
method of providing the user with a properly prerecorded video tape
cassette is to deliver the tape along with another item that is
regularly delivered to the user, such as a daily or weekly
newspaper.
[0082] Another embodiment of the invention is to broadcast the
programs and video clips rather than to provide them directly on a
video cassette tape. The television 10 or controller 60 controls
the recording of the broadcast on tape.
[0083] FIG. 13A illustrates one layout of information in a
broadcast. The broadcast layout has video and audio 358 for each
program, TPA packets each containing a tape identification number
and program number stored on a vertical blanking interval line 19,
a directory broadcast in the vertical blanking interval line 20,
and a V(M) packet broadcast in the vertical blanking interval lines
at the beginning of each program.
[0084] The TPA packets 372, shown in FIG. 13A, contain a broadcast
identification number and a program number, which are similar to
the tape identification number 188 and program number 190, as shown
in FIG. 7, and are broadcast in vertical blanking interval line 19,
designated as element 362 on FIG. 13A. The broadcast identification
is a number that identifies the broadcast.
[0085] The directory 374 written into VBI line 20, designated as
element 364 in FIG. 13A, has a format as shown in FIG. 6A and the
information for each program can include entries such as the
program number, the program title, and a compressed code for
recording at a later time a second program associated the program
number. For example, the video clip may be a preview for a movie
that is to be broadcast later. The compressed code is used to
program a VCR to record the movie at a later time. The directory
may be stored in one VBI line 20 or in multiple VBI lines, as
required.
[0086] V(M) packets 366, 368 and 370 are broadcast in a VBI line,
referred to as element 360 on FIG. 13A, at the beginning of each
program. The VBI decoder 24 can decode a broadcasted V(M) packet to
detect the beginning of each program during the broadcast.
[0087] If the VBI decoder 24 detects a V(M) packet during a
broadcast, then the television 10 or controller 60 commands the VCR
to write a VISS mark into the control track of the tape. For the
broadcast shown in FIG. 13A the result after detecting V(M) packets
and commanding the writing of VISS marks is shown in FIG. 13B which
shows VISS marks 380, 384 and 386 written into the control track
380 of the tape. The V(M) packets are still present in the vertical
blanking interval line, so it is important that during a play
operation that the television 10 ignores the V(M) packets so that
the VISS marks are not written again.
[0088] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the steps for controlling the
recording of a broadcast. In step 390 the VCR is in the process of
recording a broadcast. The television 10 or controller 60 knows the
mode of the VCR because they command through the infrared detector
32 the VCR to play, record and the like. In step 392 the VBI
decoder decodes the VBI lines, and in step 396 if a V(M) packet is
detected then, because the television 10 knows the VCR is in a
record mode, the television 10 sends an index mark command to the
VCR 18 and the VCR writes a VISS mark on the control track.
[0089] A user can be charged either a sales fee or a rental fee for
a pre-recorded video cassette tape. In the case of a broadcast
other provisions have to be made in order to charge the user for
the information in the broadcast.
[0090] FIG. 15A illustrates another layout of the information in a
broadcast. The broadcast includes a video and audio portion 402. In
the VBI line 400 V (M) packets are broadcast wherever a VISS mark
is wanted on the tape. A message 406 is broadcast at the beginning
of the broadcast and indicates to the user to call a 900 number to
obtain a key number. A key number 408 and a still frame command 410
are broadcast in the vertical blanking interval lines, designated
as 404 in FIG. 15A. Then a guide 414 and guide data 416 are
broadcast. Guide 414 references other guides, in the same manner as
FIG. 11B. For example, note that guide 414 is an index that
includes "PRIME TIME" and that the guide data allows access to the
guide 424, which is a detailed guide for that span of time. The
guide data 416 is followed by a screen map 415 and a still frame
command 420, which is recorded but otherwise ignored by television
10 or controller 60 during the broadcast.
[0091] The guide 424 could appear on the television screen as
graphic display 500, shown in FIG. 17, which includes time-of-day
502, date 504, day of week 506, and programs 520. Buttons at the
bottom that the user can select, using a cursor, include view
television 508, view 510, record 514, and return 518 to the
previous menu. To select I LOVE LUCY the user would position a
cursor on program 522. The view 510 and record 514 graphical
buttons operate in an analogous manner to the same named buttons on
the remote controller 12.
[0092] If during a broadcast the VBI decoder 24 detects a V(M)
packet, then the television 10 or controller 60 commands the VCR to
write a VISS mark into the control track of the tape. For the
broadcast shown in FIG. 15A the result after detecting V(M) packets
and commanding the writing of VISS marks is shown in FIG. 15B. VISS
marks 456, 458, 460, 462 and 464 are now written into the control
track 450 of the tape. The V(M) packets are still present in the
vertical blanking interval line, so it is important that during a
play operation (which the television knows because it commanded the
mode of the VCR) that the V(M) packets be ignored so that the VISS
marks are not written again. After a broadcast in the format shown
in FIG. 15A, and the recording of that broadcast as described
above, it is necessary for the user to obtain a key number by
calling a 900 number in order to initialize the recording. The
steps in this method are described in FIG. 16. After the recording
of the broadcast the video cassette tape is rewind in step 470,
then in step 472 the VCR 18 is commanded to play the tape. As the
tape is played the VBI decoder 24 decodes the vertical blanking
interval lines to retrieve key number 408 as shown in FIG. 15A.
When still frame command 410 is detected by the VBI decoded 24, a
still frame command is sent to VCR 18 in step 476. Then in step 478
the message 406 is displayed to the user for the user to obtain a
key number. In step 480 the user calls the 900 number to obtain the
key number, and then in step 482 the user enters the key number on
the remote controller 12. In step 484 the key number is sent to the
television 10 or the controller 60, and in step 486 the entered key
number is compared with the key number retrieved from the vertical
blanking interval lines. If the numbers do not compare in step 488,
then in step 490 the television 10 or the controller 60 are put
into a mode of operation which does not allow the television or
controller to properly access programs on the recorded tape. If the
numbers do compare in step 488, then in step 492 the television 10
or controller 60 erase the message to obtain the key number as well
as the key number 408 and the still frame command 410 from the
recorded tape. This is done by sending a stop command to the VCR
followed by a rewind command for about 30 seconds, another stop
command, record command for about 45 seconds and then a stop
command which effectively erases the message 406 and the key number
408 as well as the still frame command 410. After the
initialization the format of the tape is as shown in FIG. 15B. This
format is essentially the same as the formats of FIGS. 11A and 11B,
therefore the method described in FIG. 12 can be used by television
10 or controller 60 to control a VCR to access program on the video
tape cassette.
[0093] Thus, there has been described a television for controlling
a video cassette recorder to access programs on a video cassette
tape.
[0094] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an indexing VCR system 600
which may be used in conjunction with the concept of the invention.
VCR system 600 includes a video cassette reader/recorder (VCR) 601
with a conventional video tape cassette 640, a video display 650,
and a directory controller 630. The VCR 601 is a conventional
indexing video reader/recorder device and uses any one of many
different recording technologies. In particular, the VHS-C indexed
tapes can be played directly on the indexing VCR 601 with full
index functioning. The cassette 640 is a conventional video
cassette having a magnetic tape 642 packaged in a cartridge or
cassette housing (hereafter called cassette). Even though the size
and design of the housing is different for different types of
recording technology, the basic information that goes on the tape
itself is similar. The technology and operation of a VCR are well
understood in the art.
[0095] The VCR 601 has a button control panel 603 with control
buttons, including LOAD 603a, PLAY 603b, STOP 603c, RECORD 603d,
and EJECT 603e, for controlling the operation of the VCR 601. The
LOAD button 603a is optional and is not used on machines which load
automatically. The VCR control logic circuit 621 receives control
signals from the button control panel 603 and controls the overall
operation of the VCR 601 by sending control signals to a motor and
mechanical control logic circuit 605, a video logic circuit 607, a
position logic and counter circuit 609, and a control and audio
track head logic circuit 611 of the VCR 601, as well as to the
video display 650 and the microprocessor controller 631 of the
directory controller 630.
[0096] The motor and mechanical control logic circuit 605 controls
loading and ejecting of the cassette 640 and also controls movement
of the video tape 642 within the video cassette 640 during
recording, reading (playback), fast forward, and rewind. The video
logic circuit 607 controls the operation of a video read/write head
drum 613 in reading from or recording video signals to the tape
642. The electrical signals are magnetically coupled between the
video logic circuit 607 and the video head drum 613 using a winding
614. The position logic and counter circuit 609 monitors tape
movement through a cassette tape movement sensor 622 and generates
signals that represent tape position. The control and audio track
head logic circuit 611 controls writing, reading, and erasing of
signals on the control or audio track of the tape 642 through the
write head 619, the read head 617, and the erase head 615.
[0097] The directory controller 630 includes a microprocessor
controller 631, a random access memory (RAM) 633 and a directory
input/output display and control panel 632. Preferably the
microprocessor controller 631 comprises an integrated circuit
microprocessor, a program store, such as a read-only-memory (ROM),
for storing a control program to implement methods of the
invention, and a clock for generating a clock signal for timing
functions and providing the time. The time may be set using the
directory input/output display and control panel 632 in a manner
known in the art. Alternatively, the VCR 601 may maintain the time.
The RAM 633 is a conventional random access semiconductor memory
which interfaces directly with the microprocessor controller 631.
The RAM 633 is preferably non-volatile. Alternatively, the RAM 633
is battery backed up. A portion of the RAM 633 shown as system data
633b, is also used for storing the system software of the
microprocessor controller 631. The RAM 633 is also used for storing
the program directory 633a.
[0098] The directory input/output display and control panel 632 has
an alphanumeric keyboard 632a and special function keys, such as a
SEARCH key 632b for commanding searches for data in the directory
633a and on the tape 642, a MODIFY key 632c for modifying or
deleting directory information in the RAM 633, and an ENTER key
632d for entering program directory information. Instead of
providing special function keys, functions can also be initiated by
entering predefined sequences of conventional keys on the
alphanumeric keyboard 632a.
[0099] Display 632e of control panel 632 is a conventional liquid
crystal, or other type of display, for displaying data being
entered on the keyboard 632a, and to display the directory or other
information stored in the RAM 633. Alternately, as discussed below,
an on-screen display 650a can be used. The directory information
stored in the RAM 633 is processed by the microprocessor controller
631.
[0100] The VCR 601 additionally comprises a character generator
circuit 623 coupled to the VCR control logic circuit 621 and to a
character generator read-only memory (ROM) 625. Character
generators are well known in the art. Typically, the character
generator ROM 625 stores a data table representing pixel or bit
patterns of a plurality of alphanumeric characters, such as the
Roman alphabet and the Arabic numerals. Upon command by the VCR
control logic circuit 621 and the character generator circuit 623,
the data in the character generator ROM 625 is read and placed in
an output signal to the video display at a position on the display
determined by coordinates generated by the microprocessor
controller 631. The end result is visual display of an alphanumeric
character on the display screen. Character generators are well
known for channel display in television receivers, and for use in
professional titling equipment.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 18, decoding can be implemented by coupling
an input of a VBI signal decoder 660a to the output of a tuner 661
which is generally included in the majority of consumer VCR's for
off-the-air recording. The tuner 661 receives a broadcast signal
from an antenna 663 or a cable TV signal source 664. Both the
decoder, the tuner, and the interaction of both, are conventional
in the art. Examples of commercially available VBI decoders include
the TeleCaption 4000 Adaptor, commercially available from National
Caption Institute, Falls Church, Va., and Teletext Decoder,
available from Norpak Corporation, Ottawa, Canada. A decoder signal
line 665 is coupled from the decoder to the VCR control logic
circuit 621 to carry decoded data to the control logic circuit. The
VCR control logic circuit 621 is commanded by the microprocessor
controller 631 to pass the decoded data to the directory 633a under
control of a stored program in the RAM 633. The program then causes
the information to be stored as a program title in the directory
and displayed on the display 650.
[0102] VBI data is placed in a broadcast TV signal by a broadcast
TV station in a continuous stream; a user of the VCR 601 cannot
stop or slow down the stream without additional hardware. Thus, it
is possible that the first data received by the antenna 663 is not
the program title. This problem can be overcome by coupling a data
buffer memory 662 to the decoder. Under control of the decoder, all
VBI data received by the VBI decoder 660a is stored in the caption
buffer and serially output to the VCR control logic circuit 621.
Each data word is displayed in the directory, and the user presses
the ENTER button to accept the word and store it as a program
title.
[0103] Not only can the information (e.g., title, subtitle, program
identification) transmitted during the VBI portion be displayed in
real time or used to generate a program title for the directory, it
can be utilized to further facilitate operation of the VCR. For
example, by monitoring the transmitted title, the VCR can
automatically detect the end of a program and stop recording
thereto. Also by monitoring the VBI portion used for transmitting
the title, the VCR can filter out (in recording a program) segments
that are unrelated to the program (e.g., commercials), by
temporarily stopping the VCR if changes in the title portion are
detected.
[0104] It is disclosed in the preceding paragraphs that the VBI
data may be broadcast at a relatively high repetition rate prior to
broadcast, enabling a suitable decoder to detect the data. In the
system of FIG. 18, the decoder 660a can be designed to receive and
store in buffer 662 the program identification information from
line 21 of field 2 of each frame. Using suitable logic, the program
title and other information can be stored automatically in the
directory 33a, without user intervention.
[0105] Now the memory structure of the RAM 633 is described by
referring to FIG. 19 which is a schematic conceptually illustrating
a typical structure of the data stored in the RAM 633. The RAM 633
can be viewed conceptually as having an area 1010 for storing
operation flags. These flags include a mode flag (MODEFLAG) 1011
for indicating the operation speed (e.g., SP, LP, or SLP) of the
VCR 601 and which will be changed whenever the operation speed of
the VCR 601 is changed. A tape length flag (TAPELNG) 1012 indicates
the length (e.g., E-60, E-90, E-120) of an inserted tape 642. A
second memory flag 1014 (SECMEM) stores access information of a
secondary memory which may be provided on the cassette 640 for
storing directory information, as described in the co-pending
application.
[0106] The flags also include a feature control field (FTCNTL) 1013
for specifying the VCR functions that are available to a user. In
the simplest case, if a secondary memory is needed on the cassette
for storing directory information, FTCNTL 1013 will be set in one
way if an inserted cassette has the secondary memory and in another
way if the inserted cassette has no secondary memory. FTCNTL 1013
may also specify other functions, and can be set by reading a code
carried at a predetermined area of the cassette (e.g., on a
magnetic strip on the cassette housing).
[0107] Area 1010 also stores a message pointer 1017 pointing to a
message area 1022 which stores input and output messages; and a
CDTL pointer 1019 pointing to a CDTL buffer 1024 which stores
channel-date-time-length (CDTL) data of future recordings. A
library 1023 is also provided in the RAM 33. The library 1023
stores directories of tapes which users of the VCR 1 have archived.
Each directory stored in the library contains substantially the
same information as the in-use directory. If a library is present,
a library pointer 1015 is provided for pointing to the library
1023.
[0108] A directory pointer 1018 is also provided for pointing to an
in-use directory 1021 which stores the directory of the currently
inserted tape. This directory pointer 1018 may actually point to a
location in the library wherein the directory of the tape is
located.
[0109] In addition, the area 1010 also stores a volume number field
(VOLNO) 1016 which stores a counter value representing the number
of tape directories already stored in the library 1023. Other flags
may be added as needed.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 20, which is a schematic illustrating a
conceptual structure of the in-use directory 1021 in the data
structure of FIG. 19, the in-use directory 1021 stores the
directory of the cassette tape currently inserted into the VCR 601.
For each program recorded on the cassette tape, a corresponding
entry 1041 is set up in the in-use directory 1021. For purposes of
illustration, FIG. 20 shows the entry 1041 only for program 1.
However, each program similarly has an entry 1041. Each entry 1041
stores a title or program name (PROGRAM) 1042; a program address
(LOC) 1043 which stores the absolute tape counter value of the
beginning of the program; a program length value (LENGTH) 1044
which stores the length of the recorded program, represented as a
function of the difference between its address from the address of
the next program or record or a measure of time from a fixed
reference point, such as the beginning of the tape; an optional
program type field (TYPE) 1045 which stores the category of the
recorded program; an optional program audience field (AUDIENCE)
1046 which stores the recommended audience of the program; and an
optional recording speed (SPEED) 1047 which stores the speed at
which the program is recorded.
[0111] A current tape location (CURRENT LOC) 1049 is also stored in
the directory for indicating the absolute position from the
beginning of the tape 642 in the cassette 640 where the valid
directory is located, or the value of the tape counter when the
tape is ejected. This field is used for setting the tape counter
when the tape is reloaded into the VCR 601. The recording on the
tape of the absolute tape position is described below.
[0112] A field 1051 is a pointer pointing to the address of the
first entry of the directory 1021 represented in FIG. 20 by an
arrow pointing to the program name (PROGRAM) 1042. Each entry also
has a field 1048 storing the address of the next entry in the
directory also represented in FIG. 20 by an arrow pointing to
program 2. These fields provide a link from one entry to the next
entry and are used for facilitating search, deletion, and addition
of entries. In the preferred embodiment, the directory information
is not stored on the tape 642, but is retrieved from the library
1023. In this embodiment, a volume label (VOLNO) 1050 is provided
in the in-use directory 1021. This field is used for retrieving the
directory information of the tape from a library 1023 stored in the
RAM 633.
[0113] Each item in the directory can be modified through the use
of the buttons on the keyboard 632a and the special function keys
632b, 632c, 632d of the directory controller 632, as will be
described below.
[0114] By way of background, the format of the tape 642 is now
described. FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate the information content of
one example of video tape for both BETA and VHS format which both
use the same general tape layout. The tape 642 is divided into
three areas. A narrow strip running along the upper edge of the
tape 642 is an audio track 642a which contains audio signals. A
second narrow strip running along the bottom edge of the tape is a
control track 642c which contains synchronization ("sync") control
signals. The middle area 542b is for video signals which are
recorded in pairs of parallel fields going up and down the width of
the tape at a slight angle. The markers 710, 712, and 714 may be
used to mark sections of the tape.
[0115] The video head drum 613 is fitted with two read/record heads
180 degrees apart, so that even numbered lines make up one field
and odd numbered lines make up the other field. To reduce flicker
on the video screen, these fields are projected onto the face of
the cathode ray tube (CRT) screen 650a of the video display 650 at
alternating intervals.
[0116] Video images in cathode ray tube (CRT) type video devices
(e.g., television) are generated by scanning a beam along a
predefined pattern of lines across a screen. Each time all the
lines are scanned, a frame is said to have been produced. Each
video frame is divided into two fields, referred to as field 1 and
field 2.
[0117] The VCR control logic circuit 621 or the TV control
circuitry scans the beam typically from the top, left-hand corner
across the screen. After it finishes scanning one line, the beam
returns to the left-hand side and scans along another line which is
parallel to but lower than the previous line. The scanning
continues until the beam reaches the center of the bottom part of
the screen, thus completing the lines that form field 1.
[0118] From the bottom center of the screen, the beam returns to
the top, where it starts scanning from substantially the center of
the screen along lines which interlace the lines of field 1. These
lines form field 2. When the beam reaches the bottom, right-hand
corner of the screen, a picture frame is formed. In the NTSC
protocol widely used in North America, each field contains 262.5
horizontal lines and a pair of fields constitute a single 525-line
video frame and creates one video picture at one instant in time on
the video display 650.
[0119] During the time in which the beam returns from the bottom to
the top of the screen, it carries no video or picture signals and
thus does not produce any picture element on the screen. This time
interval is generally known as the vertical blanking interval
(VBI). Its duration is generally several times and typically 21
times the time duration that it takes the beam to scan across the
screen. In other words, the length of the VBI is equal to the time
for the beam to scan several lines. Thus, the VBI typically
contains a plurality of lines and is identified by the field with
which it is associated. Apparatus and methods using these
techniques are well known in the art and therefore are not
discussed in detail herein.
[0120] Since no image element is produced on a television screen
during a vertical blanking interval, proposals have been made to
use the VBI for conveying auxiliary information from a television
network or station to the audience. For example, Closed-Caption
data associated with a television program are transmitted as
encoded composite data signals during VBI line 21, field 1 of the
standard NTSC video signal, at a rate of 480 bits per second.
[0121] By way of background, the data in the vertical blanking
interval can be described in terms of the waveform, its coding and
the data packet. The closed caption data waveform has a running
clock followed by a frame code, followed by the data. The coding of
the data is non-return-to-zero (NRZ) 7 bit odd parity.
[0122] Under mandatory FCC requirements effective July 1993,
televisions having a size 13" and greater must provide closed
captioning in two closed captioning fields which are used for two
languages in real time and two text mode fields. The text mode
fields fill the entire screen with texts. The default mode is an
open ended mode in which the page is first filled up and then
scrolled up. The individual recipient of such data has no control
over the data.
[0123] Caption data decoding is further described in the following
specifications, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein:
Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 15 as amended by GEN.
Docket No. 91-1; FCC 91-119; "CLOSED CAPTION DECODER REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE TELEVISION RECEIVERS"; Title 47, C.F.R., Part 73.682(a)
(22), Caption Transmission format; Title 47, C.F.R. Part 73.699,
FIG. 6; "TELEVISION SYNCHRONIZING WAVEFORM"; Title 47, C.F.R., Part
73.699, FIG. 17A; "LINE 21, FIELD 1 DATA SIGNAL FORMAT"; and PBS
Engineering Report No. E-7709-C, "TELEVISION CAPTIONING FOR THE
DEAF: SIGNAL AND DISPLAY SPECIFICATIONS".
[0124] Under the extended data services (EDS) proposed in the
Recommended Practice for Line 21 Data Service, Electronics
Industries Association, EIA-608 (drafts Oct. 12, 1992 and Jun. 17,
1993) (hereinafter referred to as "EIA-608 standard", the subject
matter of which is incorporated by reference, additional data is
provided in line 21, field 2 of the vertical blanking interval.
This requirement includes two closed captioning fields, two text
mode fields and the extended data services. Table I shows the
classification of data, the class control code, and the type code.
The extended data includes, among other information, program name,
program length, length into show, channel number, network
affiliation, station call letters, UCT (universal coordinate time)
time, time zone, and daylight savings time. In a typical
distribution system upstream at the network, the network inserts
the program name, the length of the show, the length into the show,
the network affiliation, and the UCT time. Downstream at the
affiliate, the affiliate inserts the channel number, the time zone,
the daylight standard time and program names. The network inserts
the data that does not differ for different affiliates.
[0125] The data is transmitted in packets. Six classes of packets
are proposed in the EIA-608 standard, including: (1) a "Current"
class for describing a program currently being transmitted; (2) a
"Future" class for describing a program to be transmitted later;
(3) a "Channel Information" class for describing non-program
specific information about the transmitting channel; (4) a
"Miscellaneous" class for describing other information; (5) a
"Public Service" class for transmitting data or messages of a
public service nature such as National Weather Service Warnings and
messages; and (6) a "Reserved" class reserved for future
definition.
[0126] According to the proposed EIA-608 standard, a packet is
preceded by a Start/Type character pair, followed by
information/informational characters pairs until all the
informational characters in the packet have been sent.
[0127] Table I lists a subset of the control and type codes of
various kinds of information to be broadcasted in the VBI according
to the EIA-608 standard. For example, to transmit the program
identification number (scheduled start time) of a program, a
control code of 01 hex, a type code of 01 hex and a packet of four
characters (one character specifying the minute, one character
specifying the hour, one character specifying the date and one
character specifying the month) are sent. Similarly, to transmit
the program name, a control code of 01 hex, a type code of 03 hex,
and a packet of between 2 to 32 characters are sent. As another
example, the VBI may also be used to transmit a time-of-day value,
by sending a control code of 07 hex, a type code of 01 hex, and a
packet of two characters. The inserter stores data from the video
stream and handles the insertion of such data into the video
stream.
1 TABLE I Class Class Control Code Type Current Class Program
Identification 01 hex, 02 hex 01 hex (scheduled start time)
Length/Time-in-show 01 hex, 02 hex 02 hex Program Name 01 hex, 02
hex 03 hex Program Type 01 hex, 02 hex 04 hex Program Rating 01
hex, 02 hex 05 hex Audio Services 01 hex, 02 hex 06 hex Caption
Services 01 hex, 02 hex 07 hex Aspect Ratio Information 01 hex, 02
hex 09 hex Composite Packet-1 01 hex, 02 hex 0C hex Composite
Packet-2 01 hex, 02 hex 0D hex Program Description 01 hex, 02 hex
10 hex- row 1 to 8 17 hex Channel Information Class Network Name 05
hex, 06 hex 01 hex (affiliation) Call Letters (Station ID) 05 hex,
06 hex 02 hex and Native Channel Tape Delay 05 hex, 06 hex 03 hex
Miscellaneous Time of Day 07 hex, 08 hex 01 hex Impulse Capture ID
07 hex, 08 hex 02 hex Supplemental Data 07 hex, 08 hex 03 hex
Location Local Time Zone & DST Use 07 hex, 08 hex 04 hex Public
Service Class National Weather Service 09 hex, 0A hex 01 hex Code
National Weather Service 09 hex, 0A hex 02 hex Message
[0128] Referring back to FIG. 18, the microprocessor controller 631
controls the sequence and operation of the directory controller 630
and interfaces with the VCR control logic circuit 621 to implement
the necessary functional capabilities for reading, updating and
recording the directory. The microprocessor controller 631,
according to a specific embodiment, is a microcomputer chip with
part number of UPD 78234 from NEC Corporation.
[0129] The indexing VCR system provides a hybrid method for
indexing recorded programs, which are recorded on a particular type
of tape, such as home recorded tapes and prerecorded tapes. A home
recorded tape (HR tape) is a tape on which the user has made
recordings from broadcast or cable by either real time recording,
timer programming his VCR, or using a VCR PLUS+.TM. programming
system. As will be described below, the directory is created at the
time of recording by the VCR. The second type of tape is a
prerecorded tape (PR tape) that is a commercially purchased tape,
such as a Raquel Welch work-out tape, a karaoke tape, songs,
lectures or speeches, that contains many titles on it or may
contain only one program. These tapes are not expected to be
overwritten. The directory is stored on the tape by the video
publisher at the time of the recording.
[0130] Each tape has a tape identification number (TID) written at
some repetition rate along the whole tape on a VBI line for both
home recorded and prerecorded tapes. The TID's reference the tape
to a corresponding directory stored in the RAM 633. After the tape
is inserted into the VCR, the VCR identifies the type of tape and
locates and retrieves the corresponding directory from the RAM 633
or from the tape itself.
[0131] The VCR 601 shown in FIG. 18 also comprises a remote
controller unit 675 which communicates through wireless means with
a remote signal receiver 629 in the VCR. As is known in the art,
the remote controller comprises a plurality of push buttons,
switches, and a jog shuttle knob which create output signals. The
signals are transmitted by wireless means known in the art, such as
infrared transmission or radio-frequency signals, to the remote
signal receiver 629. The receiver 629 decodes the received signal
and passes the decoded data to the VCR control logic circuit
621.
[0132] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the remote controller 675
for the VCR of FIG. 18. The remote controller 675 has a plurality
of push buttons or keys 9701-9725. A power switch 9701 enables
turning power to the VCR 601 on and off. An eject button 9703 is
used to eject the cassette 640 from the VCR. A page up button 9704
and a page down button 9705 are used to move up or down pages on
the screen. A cancel button 9706 is used to cancel selections made.
Channel change buttons 9707 enable toggling the channel selection
up and down. A number keypad 9708 is used to enter numbers for
commands and selections. An ENTER button 9709 is used to enter
channel numbers and menu options in the methods discussed below. A
library button 9710 is used to retrieve directories. A VCRPlus+.TM.
button 9711 is used to enter "PLUSCODE.TM. " numbers. An index
button 9712 is used to enter an index mode.
[0133] An edit button 9713 is used to edit selections on the
screen. A review button 9714 is used to review stored selections.
An erase button 9715 is used to erase selections. A rewind button
9716, a play button 9717, and a fast forward button 9719 are used
to control tape movement and are well known in the art. A record
mode button 9718 enables selection of recording tape speed and to
record programs. A stop button 9723 is used to stop movement of the
tape. A program identification (PGM ID) button 9724 is used to
display the program title and other information of the program
being viewed either direct from cable or airwaves or from tape. A
plurality of cursor movement or directional arrow buttons 9725,
each shaped like an arrow, are used to move an on-screen cursor in
various menu operations.
[0134] Referring back to FIG. 18, by using the VBI decoder 660a and
the RAM 633, the indexing VCR 610 can capture data broadcast on the
VBI and display it either concurrently with or at a later time to
the data transmission. The broadcast data may be transmitted on a
plurality of lines of the VBI including line 21. Per the E.I.A.
specifications, Extended Data Services provide for pointers on line
21 (supplemental data location) to point to lines other than line
21. By using data on these other lines in the same format as data
on line 21, the VBI decoder 660a can decode the other line data. In
one instance this data may be a program guide. The program guide is
the combination of the program ID's for a plurality of programs
that will be broadcast in an upcoming predetermined time. In
addition to the information included in the program ID, the program
guide also includes the start times, the titles, and the
"PLUSCODE.TM. "numbers.
[0135] When a program is recorded on tape, for example, the program
title is stored in the directory and also inserted in the VBI
portion of the recorded program. A viewer can access the title of
the program being shown by pressing the "Program ID" key. When the
key is pressed, the microprocessor controller 631 sets the VBI
decoder to decode selected field and lines of the VBI either from
the broadcast signals or from the reproduced signals depending upon
its mode of operation.
[0136] The program ID information for a plurality of viewed
channels is stored in the RAM 633. Although some of the program ID
information changes with the program (e.g., program title, start
time, length, program category), this information is quickly
retrievable from the memory when the user switches channels and
requests the program ID to be displayed. Using the start time and
length of the program, the indexing VCR 610 checks, periodically or
in response to a Program ID command, 5 whether the information is
still within the valid time before displaying it on screen.
[0137] Information, such as a program guide, may be transmitted in
the VBI and stored in RAM 633 or recorded on tape. In either case,
it may be retrieved when desired for selection of programs for
viewing or recording.
[0138] When the stored program guide is used to implement timer
programming of the VCR, the user programs the indexing VCR 610 to
record the desired program by entering on the remote controller the
"PLUSCODE.TM. " number for the program he would like to record. In
response thereto, the indexing VCR 610 stores the "PLUSCODE.TM. "
number into its programming stack for execution as described
above.
[0139] In yet another embodiment of the video magazine, the
broadcaster broadcasts an electronic program guide wherein the
electronic guide includes the program title, channel, date, and
time of upcoming programs as well as an associated video clip that
further describes a particular program in the program guide. Thus,
the electronic program guide includes both the menus which may be
grouped by category or theme, such as movies, sports, etc. and the
video clips as full frame video. Accordingly, all the information
displayed on the screen is transmitted as video. The display is not
limited by the character generator in the VCR.
[0140] To produce an electronic guide, the broadcaster or guide
producer creates graphics by computer or other electronic devices
or by hand. The broadcaster then generates video images of the
graphics by filming or recording. The video images are then
broadcast as a video magazine. Along with the video images, the
broadcaster transmits, in the VBI, addressing information for
correlating the images on the screen with other video images, such
as the video clips, "PLUSCODE.TM. " number or
channel-date-length-time corresponding to a program depicted in the
guide with a future broadcast, and position information for
correlating positions on the screen of the guide menu with the
video clips.
[0141] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electronic
program guide with a video grid and video clips with an exploded
view of a movie guide portion of the guide. An electronic program
guide 3740 has a guide menu and a plurality of video sections (also
called video chapters). The guide menu contains information for the
title and descriptions of the video sections (video clips)
displayed in locations (or cells) arranged in a grid pattern on the
screen. Along with the guide menu, the broadcaster transmits in the
VBI the location of each cell of the grid and the start address and
the stop address for the corresponding video section. Each video
section represents the program listings for one of a plurality of
categories of programs, such as movies, sports or comedy.
Furthermore, each video section has a plurality of chapter menus
6002 spaced apart in time in the broadcast guide or along the tape
after recording and a plurality of movie video clip sections 6006,
6010 between the video menus 6002. As part of the video menu, part
of the information related to the upcoming programs for the
associated broadcaster is transmitted or recorded as a video image.
This information is arranged so that when the associated video is
displayed, the information for each program of the menu is
displayed in cells 6018 arranged in a grid 6016 on the screen (FIG.
26). This information may be in different fonts and colors. It may
also include pictures of actors or scenes of the show or advertiser
or show logos. Information 6004 relating to the position of each
cell 6018 and the start and stop addresses for the corresponding
video clip 6006, 6010 is transmitted in the VBI of the first video
menu of the video section. The addresses may be timed at a
particular tape speed or length. Also transmitted in the VBI is the
"PLUSCODE.TM. " numbers for the corresponding program.
[0142] Within each grid 6016, a plurality of programs and
associated information are displayed in respective cells 6018 of
the grid. The character generator in the VCR provides a cursor
which may be superimposed over the video grid displayed on the
screen. The portion 6016 of the representative recording on tape
illustrated on FIG. 26 appears on the screen of the display, such
as the TV. The program guide may have been recorded by the user's
VCR or the tape with guide may have been purchased. In either
event, the user controls the position of the cursor on the screen
by using the remote controller. The microprocessor controller 631
tracks the cursor position and correlates it to the associated
program and video clip for that position stored in the VBI.
[0143] Although shown pictorially in FIG. 24 as being along side
the movie guide 6002, the information 6004, associated with each
cell in the grid is transmitted in the VBI and stored in RAM 633 or
recorded on tape in the VBI or on the control track. Preferably,
after reading the VBI data, the microprocessor controller 631
stores this information in the RAM 633. Alternatively, the
information in the VBI may be broadcasted with each subsequent
video guide and read from the VBI as each subsequent guide is
displayed.
[0144] FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the steps employed in the
operation of the indexing VCR for an electronic program guide using
a video grid and video clips with selection by use of a cursor. As
a precursor to beginning the operation in FIG. 25, the user has
selected the indexing function of the VCR and from the displayed
directory selected the entry on the directory corresponding to the
electronic program guide with video grids and video clips. In
response to the user having selected the electronic program guide,
the indexing VCR advances the tape to the beginning of the program
guide, using the tape directory (step 3741). The VCR reads the
vertical blanking interval for the guide information and stores it
in the RAM 633 (step 3742). The guide information includes the
start and stop addresses and the cursor location for each of the
video sections. The guide information functions as the directory
information. The indexing VCR reads the category guide menu from
the video tape and displays it on the screen (step 3743). The
length of the guide menu on the tape may be a single frame or
frames covering several minutes. For guide menus having a few
frames, the VCR is in the play and still frame mode allowing the
user to browse the guide menu. Alternatively, the images of the
still frame may be stored digitally and then displayed. If the
guide menu contains multiple pages, the user advances pages by
commanding the VCR to advance by using the frame advance button, or
alternatively, a page button. In this mode, the VCR responds to a
page command as it would a frame advance command. By using the
cursor buttons on the remote controller 675 (step 3744), the user
can move the cursor on the screen (step 3745). By pressing the exit
button (step 3746), the user may return to the directory of the
entire video tape (step 3747). Otherwise, the user selects from the
category guide menu using the enter button to select the
highlighted menu entry (step 3748). As an illustrative example, the
selected entry will be described in view of the movie guide shown
in FIG. 26. While discussed as a movie guide, this description also
pertains to other guides. After the user selects the movie guide,
using the addressing information, the VCR fast-forwards the tape to
the position for the movie guide grid which it knows from the
information read from the VBI. After the tape advances to the
program guide (step 3749), the VCR reads the chapter information
from the VBI where the chapter corresponds to the information for
the movie video section (step 3750).
[0145] This information relates the position of each cell, the
start and stop addresses, and the "PLUSCODE.TM. " numbers for the
corresponding video clip to the title of the program. The VCR
stores this information in the RAM 633. The VCR displays the
chapter guide for the movie video section (step 3751). By using the
cursor keys (step 3752), the user moves the cursor through the
chapter guide (steps 3753).
[0146] Alternatively, the user may exit the chapter guide and
return to the guide menu (step 3754). If the user elects to view an
entry from the movie guide (step 3755), the VCR reads from the RAM
633 the start address for the selected program and advances the
tape to the video clip (step 3759). The VCR then enters the play
mode and plays the video clip (step 3760). If the viewer wishes to
record the program associated with the clip that he is viewing, the
user presses the record button (step 3761).
[0147] In response thereto, the VCR reads from the RAM 33 the
"PLUSCODE.TM. " number associated with the video clip and stores
the number in the record stack for later recording (step 3757). The
VCR then advances to the guide chapter. If the viewer does not
record a selection after the video clip, the video clip ends and by
detecting the stop address of the video clip (step 3762), the VCR
knows the detected video from the video tape is a movie guide and
displays the guide chapter at step 3751.
[0148] From the guide chapter menu, the viewer may record the
program without viewing the video tape (step 3756). In response to
a record command, the VCR reads from the RAM 33 the corresponding
"PLUSCODE.TM. " number, stores it in the record stack (step 3757),
and continues to display the guide chapter at step 3751.
[0149] The format of the broadcast information recorded on the
video channel of the video tape in the VCR is shown in FIG. 26 as
it relates, for example, to movies. The PRI, such as cursor
position, PLUSCODE.TM. , address of the movie clip, start/stop of
the movie clip, is still transmitted, for example, in the VBI, as
described above. This information may be recorded on the control
track on the video tape. As an alternative, the PRI may be
transmitted in the audio portion of the television signal and
recorded on the audio channel of the tape. However, other
information concerning the movie, such as the video clips, is
transmitted as full frame video, as shown in FIG. 26.
[0150] Referring to FIG. 26, there is shown schematically how a
movie guide portion of an electronic guide might be recorded on the
video tape in the VCR. As shown, in the video portion of the tape,
the recorded movie guide will be displayed in the form of a grid
6016 on the screen. The grid is arranged into a predetermined
number of cells, for example 30, where such information as the
channel, time, title, advertiser logo, and background information
are displayed. Superimposed over the video grid is a cursor 6022
generated, for example, by a GS 102 chip, and controlled by the
user using the remote control of FIGS. 18 and 23. The GS 102 keeps
track of the cursor position so that it can correlate it to the
movie data for that position as stored in the VBI.
[0151] Alternatively, each cell 6032 may be numbered as shown in
FIG. 28, and selected by the user following the steps of the flow
chart depicted in FIG. 27.
[0152] The described embodiments of the invention are only
considered to be preferred and illustrative of the inventive
concept, the scope of the invention is not to be restricted to such
embodiments. Various and numerous other arrangements may be devised
by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of this invention.
[0153] It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any
and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *