JPH11164254A - Television receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a viewer to easily record information he wants to record by simultaneously routing (route designation) information that is shown on a television receiver in accordance with an instantaneous record signal from a remote controller to a recording device and starting recording. SOLUTION: When a viewer who watches a program with this television receiver presses an instantaneous record button 88 of a radio cursor control/ input device 16, video information that is currently shown is transferred from the receiver 10 to a computer system 14 through an IEEE 1394 serial bus network and stored in a mass storage device. When the button 88 is pressed and is instantaneously released, only the current frame of a video image is stored. When the instantaneous record button is left pressed, video information of frames that are shown while it is pressed is stored. The mass storage device is, for instance, a hard disk drive.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the recording and playback of video images, and in particular, the invention relates to later retrieval, playback,
The field of video image capture and storage for editing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art "P13" in the IEEE 1394 standard
94 High Performance Serial Bus Standard (P1394 Standard For A Hi
gh Performance Serial Bus) "draft 8.0v2,
On July 7, 1995 (Draft 8.0v2, July 7, 1995),
Asynchronous format and isochronous
It is an international standard for realizing an inexpensive high-speed serial bus architecture that supports data transfer in both formats. Isochronous data transfer is a real-time transfer in which the time interval between meaningful times is the same length in both the sending application and the receiving application. Each data packet transferred isochronously is transferred within its own time interval (period). An ideal application of isochronous data transfer is data transfer from a video recording / reproducing device such as a video tape recorder (hereinafter, referred to as a VTR) to a television receiver. Digital VT
R records image and sound data and stores the data as discrete chunks or packets. Then, the digital VTR transfers each packet of image and sound data recorded at a specified time interval during the time interval and causes the television receiver to display the packet. In a bus architecture conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard, many channels are provided for isochronous data transfer between applications. A 6-bit channel number is broadcasted together with the data to ensure that an appropriate application receives it. This allows many applications to simultaneously transmit isochronous data via the bus. Asynchronous data transfer is a conventional data transfer that transfers a large amount of data from a data source device to a destination device as quickly as possible.

The IEEE 1394 standard defines a high-speed serial bus for interconnecting digital devices.
This provides a universal input / output (I / O) connection.
The IEEE 1394 standard defines a digital interface between applications so that applications do not need to convert digital data to analog data before transmitting the data over a bus. Correspondingly, the receiving application:
Digital data rather than analog data is received from the bus, and thus there is no need to convert analog data to digital data. Cables conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard are much thinner than cables commonly used to connect such digital devices. Even when the IEEE 1394 bus is in an active state, a device can be newly added to the bus or a device can be removed from the bus, that is, hot-swapping can be performed. When devices are added or removed in this way, the bus automatically reconfigures itself so that data can be sent and received between the then existing nodes. Nodes are logical entities (logical constructs) with unique addresses on the bus
It is considered to be. Each node has an identification ROM, a standard set of control registers, and its own address space.

The cable environment conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard is a network including nodes connected by point-to-point connection, including ports for physically connecting the nodes and cables between the ports. IE
The topology of the physical connection of the cable in the EE1394 serial bus is not a loop but a network composed of a large number of finitely branched ports. The main constraint on the cable environment is that the nodes must be connected without forming a closed loop.

[0005] IEEE 1394 cables connect ports on different nodes. Each port includes a terminator, transceiver (transceiver), and simple logic. One node can have multiple ports for making physical connections. The cable and the port function as a bus repeater (repeater) between the nodes, and simulate a single logical bus. The physical connection of the cable at each node comprises one or more ports, arbitration logic, a resynchronization circuit, and an encoder. Each port provides a cable media interface to which a cable connector is connected. The arbitration logic arbitrates the access of the node to the bus. The resynchronization circuit receives the data bits encoded by the data strobe and
Synchronize to a local clock for use by applications within the node. The encoder encodes data transmitted from this node, or data received by the resynchronization circuit and destined for another node, into a data strobe format for transmission via the IEEE 1394 serial bus. With this configuration, a cable connection having a physical point-to-point topology in a cable environment becomes a virtual broadcast bus required by higher layers of the system. This captures all data received on one port of the physical connection,
This is achieved by synchronizing the data with a local clock and relaying and outputting the data from all other ports of the physical connection.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Viewers can use conventional VT
Using R, a television broadcast can be recorded (recorded) and reproduced. In this recording and playback process,
After programming the VTR to record a particular program, the recorded program is later viewed.
Therefore, the viewer usually sets the VTR to be pre-recorded. However, when watching a television broadcast or a video program, it is often the case that what the viewer wants to remember, such as a telephone number, is displayed. It is difficult for a viewer to write down such information within a limited amount of time that such information is generally displayed. For example, if a telephone number or address is displayed while watching a television broadcast, it is difficult to write down while it is displayed unless the viewer has a writing instrument and paper in advance. is there. That is, the viewer may be able to use a conventional VTR to record a program, but cannot set up the VTR to record when information is displayed. In addition, conventional VT
Due to the inherent mechanical waiting time of R, it is difficult to start recording at the same time as the information is displayed. Thus, a device that can record such video information while it is being displayed in a television broadcast or video program without the inherent mechanical latency associated with video recording devices such as conventional VTRs Is desired.

A user can record a video signal of a television broadcast or an input video signal from another VTR on a conventional VTR. When a video signal of a television broadcast is recorded on a conventional VTR, the user has to wait until the VTR finishes recording the broadcast in order to see the start portion of the broadcast. For example, a user who has returned home during the recording of a certain television broadcast cannot start watching the recording of the television broadcast from the start portion until the recording ends. To start seeing the start of the recording, the user must stop the recording and will not be able to record or view the end of the broadcast. That is, in the conventional VTR, the viewer cannot record the end portion of the television broadcast and simultaneously see the start portion of the recorded television broadcast. Further, with the conventional VTR, it is not possible to play back a previously recorded program and simultaneously record another program. Therefore, an apparatus capable of time-shifting the recording of a television broadcast in order for the user to simultaneously record the remaining part of the television broadcast while watching the start part of the recorded television broadcast is desired. Further, an apparatus that allows a user to simultaneously record one television broadcast program and simultaneously reproduce another television broadcast program is desired.

[0008] For consumers who take home videos with a video camera, it is not easy to use a video editing system that enables editing of home videos. When taking home videos, it is desirable to be able to edit those videos and save the highlights of the recording for later viewing. It is also desirable to be able to add video, audio and special effects to the edited home video. Although there are many consumer editing systems, such systems are generally time consuming to learn and use. That is, a video editing system that is easy to learn and use is desired.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method capable of easily recording information that a viewer wants to store in a television broadcast or the like.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that allow a user to simultaneously record another television broadcast program while recording the television broadcast program.
That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use television receiver or the like.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A video recording device captures and stores video information that is currently being displayed on a television receiver or other video display device. Video information is
The video information is stored in a storage device for later retrieval by a viewer. Preferably, the storage device is an IE
The hard disk drive is connected to a television receiver via an EE1394 serial bus network. Further, the storage device may be incorporated in the television receiver. The storage device stores an image and a series of images. As another example, video information and accompanying audio information are instantaneously stored in a storage device in response to a viewer command.

The viewer can start the instant recording operation by pressing the instant recording button of the remote control device. In response to the instantaneous recording signal from the remote control, the television receiver simultaneously routes the information currently being displayed to a storage device while the information being displayed is being displayed. Start recording. Then, after storing the information, the viewer can reproduce the information by pressing the instantaneous reproduction button of the remote control device. When the viewer presses the instantaneous play button, the television receiver retrieves the stored information from the storage device and displays the information to the viewer.

Further, the video recording apparatus can record a video broadcast or a video program at the same time as reproducing the previously recorded video broadcast. The previously recorded video broadcast may be the same as the currently recorded video broadcast, or may be another video broadcast. The recording and playback operations are preferably controlled via a television receiver where the user watches the playback of the recorded program. For example, a viewer may use a remote control to
Input data and commands for recording and playback. The video program is preferably recorded on a storage device. The television receiver transmits and records the program to the storage device using the write command, and retrieves the previously recorded portion of the program to be reproduced from the storage device using the read command. When playing back a previously recorded program or a recorded portion of a currently-recorded program, the television receiver uses a read command to read from the appropriate location where the appropriate packet has been stored, using the storage device. , The data packets are sequentially extracted. Even if the end part of the program is still recorded, each packet can be taken out from the start part of the program in order.

[0013] The video recording device of the present invention converts the selected video information currently displayed on a television receiver or other video display device, and the associated audio information, to the selected video information.
Capture and store. The selected portion of the video information being displayed on the television receiver and the accompanying audio information are stored in a storage device for later retrieval and editing by the viewer. For example, a recording operation is started when a viewer presses an edit recording button of a remote control device while watching a video stream. In response to the editing and recording signal from the remote control device, the television receiver
By routing the currently displayed information to the storage device, the recording of the information is started.
Then, after storing the video information, the viewer can play the video information by pressing the edit playback button of the remote control device. When the viewer presses the play button,
The television receiver, for example, retrieves the last segment of the stored information from the storage device and displays the information to the viewer. When two or more segments are stored, these segments are sequentially extracted from the first segment of the stored information that has not been reproduced. The viewer can edit the stored information or add and characterize the stored information with additional information such as video and audio information. Upon completion of the editing, the viewer, after previewing the stored information, may transfer the stored video information from the storage device to a suitable video recording device for recording the video information connected to the storage device ( For example, it can be stored on a magnetic tape by being transferred to a VTR.

The remote control device is provided with, for example, buttons for instant recording, editing recording, instant playback, and editing playback. Further, the instant recording button and the edit recording button may be combined into one special recording button, and the instant reproduction button and the editing reproduction button may be combined into one special reproduction button. Further, as another example, the remote control device may be provided with only the instant recording button and the instant reproduction button, or the edit recording button and the edit reproduction button, depending on the performance of the system.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a video recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] The video recording device, upon command of the viewer, receives a signal from a television receiver or other video display device.
Instantly capture and store a video image or a series of video images. An image or a series of images is stored in the storage device. As this storage device, for example, EEE1
It is a hard disk drive connected to a television receiver via a 394 serial bus network. This hard disk drive may be built in a computer device connected to the television receiver, or may be an external hard disk drive connected to the television receiver. Also, the storage device is
It may be built in a television receiver. Further, the storage device is a random access memory (RAM)
Or a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory device. One image or a series of images is stored in such a storage device.

The instant recording operation is started when the viewer operates the remote control device when information interesting to the viewer is displayed on the television receiver. The viewer instructs the television to press the momentary record button on the remote control to begin recording the currently displayed video image. Then, the television receiver routes the video information representing the video image to the storage device. After storing the video information in the storage device, the viewer can play the video information. In another embodiment of the present invention, video information and accompanying audio information are both captured and stored in such a manner. The video information and the audio information associated with the video information are transmitted and preferably transmitted via an IEEE 1394 serial bus network, so that they are transmitted and stored instantaneously in digital form.

The video recording apparatus according to the present invention can reproduce a part of a previously recorded video broadcast and simultaneously record a certain video broadcast. This reproduced video broadcast may be the same as the recorded video broadcast, or may be another previously recorded video broadcast. When recording a video broadcast or program, the recording of the program is performed sequentially, and each recorded data packet represents a video broadcast at a specific time interval. As described above, when recording with a conventional VTR, the user cannot see the start of the recorded program while recording the end of the program. Recording and playback operations are transferred in real time.

With the video recording device of the present invention, the user can:
While recording the remaining part of the program currently being recorded, the part recorded earlier in the program can be viewed. For example, for a user who wants to see the start of a 30-minute program that is currently being recorded and only half completed,
The video recording device of the present invention allows the user to view the program from the start while continuing to record the latter 15 minutes of the program. When the user starts watching the program, the video recording device continues to record the program in order so that there is a certain time difference between the program portion that the user is watching and the recorded program portion. When the recording of the program ends,
The user can continue watching the program in order until the user has finished watching the entire program. The user can also fast-forward or rewind the already recorded portion of the program while the remaining portion of the program is being recorded. The user can also record another video broadcast at the same time while watching the already recorded video broadcast. Thus, the recording operation and the reproducing operation can be performed at the same time according to IEEE 139.
This is because it is assisted by the 4 serial bus network. This bus protocol operates fast enough so that both recording and playback operations are performed simultaneously, for example, within the same video time interval, and appear to the user in real time. Therefore, there is no data or signal loss.

The recording operation is programmed by a user using a remote control device to input appropriate control data such as a program start time, a program end time, a channel (program) and a video signal source. When the program start time comes, the television receiver transmits the video information of the program to the storage device or the mass storage device. The television receiver transmits a program as a packet to the large-capacity storage device by a writing operation, and stores data at a predetermined position in the large-capacity storage device.
Each data packet represents a video broadcast at a specific time interval. The viewer operates the remote control device to play the specific program on the television receiver,
A program recorded in the storage device or a part of the program recorded can be reproduced. To play a previously recorded program or a previously recorded part of a currently recorded program,
The television receiver sequentially retrieves data packets from the mass storage device by using a read command for reading from an appropriate position where an appropriate packet is recorded. Each packet is extracted sequentially from the start of the program, even when the end of the program is still recorded. If the end of the program is still recorded, the television receiver sends a data packet representing the video program to the mass storage device and reads the appropriate packet from the mass storage device for playback. Thus, the device of the present invention can record a video program and allow a user to play a previously recorded program or a previously recorded portion of the same video program.

[0021] The recording and playback operations are preferably initiated and controlled via a television receiver for the user to watch the playback of the recorded program. The viewer inputs data and commands for recording a television broadcast or another program by using, for example, a remote control device. In addition, the viewer inputs a reproduction command using the remote control device.
The video program is recorded on a storage device or other suitably configured memory device. Preferably, the storage device includes an IEEE
Video information is stored via a 1394 serial bus network. Here, the storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive connected to a television receiver.
This hard disk drive may be built in a computer device connected to the television receiver, or may be an external hard disk drive connected to the television receiver. Furthermore, the storage device may be built in the television receiver.

Also, the video recording device of the present invention captures and stores a video image or a series of video images currently displayed on a television receiver or other video display device and the accompanying audio information. You can also.
The video recording and editing apparatus of the present invention captures and stores video information for a selected portion of video information currently being displayed on a television receiver or other video display device and audio information corresponding to the video information. I do. The video information of the selected portion and the audio information corresponding to the video information are stored in the storage device.

The recording operation is started by operating the remote control device when the user wants to save the video information and the audio information displayed on the television receiver. The viewer presses the edit record button on the remote control to instruct the television receiver to begin recording the currently displayed information. The television receiver routes the currently displayed information to a storage device. For example, video information and audio information corresponding to the video information are selected and stored while the edit recording button is pressed. In another embodiment,
Video information and audio information corresponding to the video information
The edit record button is selected and stored from when it is first pressed to when it is pressed again. After storing the video information, the viewer can play back the information to further edit the information stored in the storage device, if necessary. The video information is provided and stored in digital form, as it is transmitted, for example, over an IEEE 1394 serial bus network. Upon completion of editing the video information, the viewer can play the selected portion of the video information. The viewer can also transfer the edited video information to magnetic tape by transferring the stored video information from the storage device to a VTR, video camera, or other suitable video recording device connected to the storage device. Can be saved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a video system to which the present invention is applied. The video system includes a computer device 14 as shown in FIG.
It includes a VTR 17, a video camera 18, and a television receiver 10, and each device is connected by an IEEE 1394 serial bus network. In addition, the present invention
The present invention is not limited to the video system as shown in FIG. 1, and the advantages of the present invention can be achieved even when other components are added or certain components are removed.

The computer device 14 has a display device 36 associated therewith and is connected to the television receiver 10 by the IEEE 1394 serial bus cable 12. The set-top box 11 is an IEEE139
4 is connected to the television receiver 10 by a serial bus cable 13. VTR17 is IEEE13
It is connected to the computer device 14 by a 94 serial bus cable 15. The video camera 18 is an IEEE
VTR1 via E1394 serial bus cable 19
7 is connected. Set-top box 11, television receiver 10, computer device 14, VTR1
The video camera 7 and the video camera 18 form an IEEE 1394 serial bus network. Other VTRs 21
It is connected to the television receiver 10 via a conventional VTR interface circuit and is not part of an IEEE 1394 serial bus network.

The wireless cursor control / input device 16 supplies an input signal and a control signal to the television receiver 10. The wireless cursor control / input device 16 includes an instant recording button 88, an instant playback button 90, an edit recording button 12
0, edit and play button 125, and video record button 10
5 and a video playback button 110. Also,
The wireless cursor control / input device 16 also has other input and control buttons (not shown) normally provided on such devices. These buttons are, for example, buttons for pause, fast forward, rewind, etc., but are not limited to these. The wireless cursor control / input device 16 communicates with the television receiver 10 using, for example, an infrared signal. Note that another appropriate wireless cursor control / input device may be used as the wireless cursor control / input device 16. Examples of such a device include, but are not limited to, a wired input device, an input device using a radio frequency signal, and a wired or wireless keyboard integrated with a cursor control device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the computer device 14. As shown in FIG. The computer device 14
As shown in FIG. 2, a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 20, a main memory 30, and a video memory 2
2, a mass storage device 32, and an interface circuit 28 conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard, all of which are connected by a conventional bidirectional system bus 34. The interface circuit 28 is an IEEE
A physical interface circuit 42 for transmitting and receiving data on the 1394 serial bus is provided. The physical interface circuit 42 is connected to the television receiver 10 and the VTR 17 via IEEE 1394 serial bus cables 12 and 15, respectively. In this embodiment, the interface circuit 28 includes the computer device 1
4 comprises an IEEE interface card. It should be noted that as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the interface circuit 28 may be implemented in the computer device 14 by any other suitable method, such as by providing it on a motherboard. The large-capacity storage device 32 includes, for example, a recording device using a fixed recording medium using a magnetic, optical, magneto-optical or other available technology, or a recording device using a removable recording medium. The system bus 34 includes, for example, an address bus for specifying a storage area of the video memory 22 and the main memory 30 and the like. The system bus 34 includes the CPU 20 and the main memory 30.
And a data bus for transferring data among the video memory 22, the mass storage device 32, and the interface circuit 28.

A number of input / output peripheral devices including a keyboard 38, a mouse 40, and a display device 36 are connected to the computer device 14. The keyboard 38 is a CP
U20, the user can use the keyboard 38 to send data and control commands to the computer device 14.
Can be entered. A conventional mouse 40 is connected to a keyboard 38 and serves as a cursor control device.
It is used for a user to operate a graphic image displayed on the display device 36.

The port of the video memory 22 is connected to a video multiplex shifter circuit 24, and the video multiplex shifter circuit 24 is connected to a video amplifier 26. Video amplifier 26 drives display device 36. The video multiplex shifter circuit 24 and the video amplifier 26 convert the pixel data stored in the video memory 22 into a raster scan signal suitable for the display device 36.

A viewer watching a program on the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) receives an instruction from the wireless cursor control / input device 16.
When the instant recording button 88 (FIG. 1) is pressed, the video information representing the image currently displayed on the television receiver is:
Computer device 1 from television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) via IEEE 1394 serial bus network
4 (FIG. 2) and stored or recorded in the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2). In this embodiment, for example,
By pressing instantaneous record button 88 (FIG. 1) and releasing it instantly, only the current frame of the displayed video image is supplied to mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) for storage. On the other hand, when the viewer keeps pressing the instant recording button 88 (FIG. 1), the video information of the frame displayed while the instant recording button 88 (FIG.
The data is transferred to the computer device 14 via the IEEE 1394 serial bus network,
(FIG. 2). As another embodiment of the present invention, for example, when the momentary record button 88 is pressed, both the video information and the accompanying audio information are transferred from the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) to the computer device 14 (FIG. 2). Then, it may be stored in the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2).

Any kind of video information displayed on the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) can be recorded in this way. The television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) transmits video information from a number of video information source devices such as a set-top box 11 (FIG. 1), a VTR 17 (FIG. 1), and a video camera 18 (FIG. 1) to an IEEE 1394 serial. Receiving and displaying via a bus network;
The video information from the TR 21 (FIG. 1) is also received and displayed. Thus, the video information from any of the video information source devices is displayed on the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1), and is instantly captured when the instant recording button 88 (FIG. 1) is pressed. It is stored in the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2).

When the video information is stored, the viewer can retrieve the video information stored in the mass storage device 32 by pressing the instantaneous play button 90 (FIG. 1). When the instant play button 90 (FIG. 1) is pressed, the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) displays the last stored video information segment using, for example, the instant record button 88 (FIG. 1). Also, for example, if two or more video information segments are stored and not being played back,
When the instantaneous playback button 90 (FIG. 1) is pressed, the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) displays the stored video information segments in order from the first stored video information segment. Note that, for example, the wireless cursor control / input device 16 has two play buttons, a first play button for accessing the last stored video information segment, and all of the stored video information segments that have not yet been viewed. And a second playback button for continuous access to the. Also, when the viewer enters the playback mode, all of the stored video information segments may be accessed using the pause, next frame, previous frame, fast forward, and rewind functions.

The retrieval of the stored video information segment is performed by reading from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) in which the video information is stored, using the address where the video information is stored. The CPU 20 (FIG. 2) retrieves and reads the stored video information from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2), and the computer 14 transmits the video information to a television receiver via an IEEE 1394 serial bus network. Device 10 (FIG. 1). The television receiver 10 (FIG. 1)
An image based on the video information is displayed to the viewer.
By the way, as described above, 2 is included in the video information segment.
When more than one frame of video information is stored, the viewer uses the pause, next frame, previous frame, fast forward, and rewind functions described above when viewing the information.

In this embodiment, the video information that the user records instantaneously is transferred from the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) to the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) in the computer device 14 as described above. Is memorized. by the way,
Instead of using the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) in the computer device 14 to store video information, for example, a storage device may be provided outside the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) or the television receiver 10 may be provided. 10 (FIG. 1) may be provided with storage devices, and these storage devices may store video information to be instantaneously recorded.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, an external hard disk drive 9 is connected to the computer device 14 via an IEEE 1394 serial bus cable 92.
4 is connected. In FIG. 3, the same devices as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Then, video information in a program to be recorded, that is, a data packet is transmitted from the television receiver 10 to the IEEE 1394 serial bus cable 1.
2 and 92 to the external hard disk drive 94. External hard disk drive 94 stores the video information for later retrieval and playback.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a storage device 58 for instantly storing video information is provided inside the television receiver 10. That is, as shown in FIG.
It includes a 394 interface circuit 50, a CPU 56, and a storage device 58. The IEEE 1394 interface circuit 50 includes a physical interface circuit 64. The physical interface circuits 64 are respectively IEEE
It is connected to a computer device 14 and a set-top box 11 via E1394 serial bus cables 12 and 13. IEEE 1394 interface circuit 5
0 is connected to the CPU 56, and the CPU 56 and the IEEE 1
It controls communication with each device connected to the 394 serial bus network. The IEEE 1394 interface circuit 50 includes an audio / video switch 5.
5 and a video signal from each device connected to the IEEE 1394 serial bus network.
It is supplied to the video switch 55. A tuner 53 is connected to the audio / video switch 55, and a cable / antenna interface circuit 52 is connected to the tuner 53.
Supplies a signal input from a coaxial cable or an antenna to the tuner 53, and the tuner 53 supplies an audio / video signal of a channel (program) selected by the viewer to the audio / video switch 55. A conventional VTR interface circuit 54 is connected to the audio / video switch 55. The VTR interface circuit 54 is supplied with an audio / video signal input from the VTR 21, and supplies an audio / video signal to the VTR 21. Output. That is, the VTR interface circuit 54 transmits and receives audio / video signals to and from the VTR 21.

The storage device 58 is connected to the CPU 56 and stores video information under the control of the CPU 56. The audio / video switch 55 and the CPU 56 have a video random access memory (VRAM) circuit 6
1 is connected and the audio / video switch 55
Converts video signals from many video signal source devices to VR
It is supplied to the AM circuit 61. The VRAM circuit 61 supplies a video signal to the display device 62 by a raster scan method. By the way, when the compressed video data stream is supplied to the television receiver 10, the video data stream is supplied to a code provided in the television receiver 10 before being supplied to the VRAM circuit 61. Decompressed by a decoding / decoding circuit (CODEC) or other suitable decompression engine (not shown). VRA
A buffer memory 70 is connected to the M circuit 61, and the VRAM circuit 61 supplies a video signal to the buffer memory 70. The buffer memory 70 is also connected to the storage device 58 and the CPU 56. The video information of each frame is loaded (read) into the buffer memory 70 when being supplied to the display device 62. When the instant recording button 88 is pressed, the CPU 56
Controls the buffer memory 70 to output video information to the storage device 58. On the other hand, when the instant recording button 88 is not pressed, the CPU 56 controls the buffer memory 70 so that the video information of the next frame is stored.

When the viewer uses the television receiver 10 shown in FIG. 4 and presses an instantaneous recording button 88 to record the video information displayed on the television receiver 10, the video information becomes The data is supplied to the storage device 58 and stored. Then, when the instant playback button 90 is pressed,
The television receiver 10 reads information from the storage device 58 and displays the information on the display device 62 to the viewer.

The video system to which the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is applied can be used for simultaneously recording and reproducing a video program. The video recording operation uses the wireless cursor control / input device 16 (FIG. 1) to input appropriate control data specifying the program start time, end time, channel (program) or video signal source device. Is programmed. This control data is stored in a memory in the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1).
At the program start time, the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) starts transmitting the program data as a packet to the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) in the computer device 14 (FIG. 2). These data packets are IE
The data is transmitted via the EE1394 serial bus network and stored in the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2). That is, an isochronous recording channel is established between the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) and the computer device 14 (FIG. 2) via the IEEE 1394 serial bus network for transmitting the stored data packet.

The viewer operates the wireless cursor control / input device 1
By instructing the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) to start playing the program using the video playback button 110 (FIG. 1) 6 (FIG. 1), the stored program is played. That is, the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1)
When the reproduction command is received, the read command for reading the data packet from the appropriate recording position of the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) is used, and
Data packets are sequentially extracted from (FIG. 2). And
The data packet read from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) is transmitted to the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1). That is, in order to transmit a data packet from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) to the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1), the communication between the computer device 14 (FIG. 2) and the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) is performed. In the meantime, an isochronous recording channel is established via the IEEE 1394 serial bus network.

Once the television receiver 10 receives a data packet from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2), it displays the video and audio information represented by the data packet. Television receiver 10 (FIG. 1)
However, when recording and playing back multiple parts of the same program or parts of two different programs, the data packet
The data is transmitted to and from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) in each period.

Any type of video information that can be displayed on the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) can be stored and played back as described above. The television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) is connected to, for example, a set-top box 1 via an IEEE 1394 serial bus network.
1 (FIG. 1), VTR 17 (FIG. 1), video camera 18
It displays video information from devices of many video sources, such as (FIG. 1), and also displays video information from VTR 21 (FIG. 1). Any video information from these video source devices can be displayed on the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) and stored in the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2).

Once a video program or a portion of a video program has been stored, the viewer can use the video play button 110 (FIG. 1).
By pressing, information can be taken out. When the video playback button 110 (FIG. 1) is pressed, the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) causes the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2).
Extract the appropriate data packet from This retrieval is performed by reading from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) in which the video information is stored, using the address where the video information is stored. The CPU 20 (FIG. 2) retrieves and reads the stored video information from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2), and the computer device 14 (FIG. 2) transmits the video information via the IEEE 1394 serial bus network. Is transmitted to the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1). The television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) displays an image based on the video information to the viewer. Also, the viewer can use the functions of pause, next frame, previous frame, fast forward, and rewind when viewing or editing already recorded video information.

The viewer can also record the program or a portion of the program by recording the program on another available recording device, such as a video camera 18 (FIG. 1), VTR 17 (FIG. 1), for example, on magnetic tape. Can be saved. An appropriate information packet for recording the program stored in the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) on a magnetic tape is IEEE 1394.
Mass storage device 3 via serial bus network
2 (FIG. 2) to the recording device selected.

The video recording device according to the present invention records a video program in a storage device for later retrieval and reproduction. As described above, the storage device is, for example, an IEEE 139
4 is a hard disk drive connected to the television receiver via the serial bus network. This hard disk drive may be built in a computer device connected to the television receiver, or may be an external hard disk drive connected to the television receiver. Such a storage device may be built in a television receiver.

Further, the video system according to the present invention comprises:
It is also possible to play and edit already recorded home videos. After recording the home video using a conventional video camera, such as video camera 18 (FIG. 1), the viewer may use the video recording and editing device according to the present invention to store the selected portion of the video in storage. By re-recording, the video can be edited. To edit the video stream, the viewer has recorded the video stream by instructing the video camera 18 (FIG. 1) to transmit the recorded video stream to the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1). The video stream is transmitted to the television receiver 10
(FIG. 1). While the recorded video stream is being displayed on the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1),
The viewer operates the edit record button 120 (FIG. 1) of the wireless cursor control input / device 16 (FIG. 1) to
You can edit the video stream. When a viewer watching the video stream currently displayed on the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) presses the edit record button 120 (FIG. 1), the viewer displays the information currently displayed on the television receiver. The video information and audio information corresponding to the video information are transferred from the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) to the computer device 14 (FIG. 2) via the IEEE 1394 serial bus network, and are stored in the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2). ) Is stored. In this way, the user can select a portion of the video stream to be saved for further editing or re-recording while watching the video stream.

In this embodiment, the video information and the audio information corresponding to the video information
20 (FIG. 1) is selected and stored while pressed. In another embodiment, the video information and the audio information corresponding to the video information are stored in the edit record button 120 (FIG. 1) from the time the edit record button 120 is first pressed.
It is selected and stored until (FIG. 1) is pressed again.
The video image selected by the user using the edit record button 120 (FIG. 1) and the audio information corresponding to the video information are transmitted to the computer device 14 (FIG. 2) via, for example, an IEEE 1394 serial bus network, and have a large capacity. It is recorded in the storage device 32 (FIG. 2).

Any kind of video information displayed on the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) can be stored and edited in this way. Television receiver 10
(FIG. 1) is a set-top box 11 (FIG. 1) or VT via an IEEE 1394 serial bus network.
It displays video information from a number of video information sources, including R17 (FIG. 1) and video camera 18 (FIG. 1), and displays video information from VTR 21 (FIG. 1).
Any video information from these video source devices can be transmitted to the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1), and by operating and capturing the edit record button 120 (FIG. 1), the mass storage 32 (FIG. 2).

When the video information is selected and stored by operating the edit / record button 120, the viewer can retrieve the information by pressing the edit / play button 125 (FIG. 1). Edit playback button 125 (FIG. 1)
Is pressed, the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) retrieves the last stored video information segment. When two or more video information segments are stored and not taken out, the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) continuously stores the stored video information segments in order from the first stored video information segment. And take it out. In yet another embodiment, two edit and play buttons, a first edit and play button to access the last stored video information segment, and a continuous to all of the stored video information segments that have not yet been viewed. And a second edit / playback button for accessing. The viewer uses the functions of pause, next frame, previous frame, fast forward, and rewind when viewing information. This allows the viewer to access all of the stored video information segments.

The retrieval of the stored video information segment is performed by a read operation for an address in the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) in which the information is stored. The video information is extracted from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2), and the computer device 14 (FIG. 2)
The video information is transmitted to the television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) via the 94 serial bus network. The television receiver 10 (FIG. 1) displays an image based on the video information to a viewer. Viewers can use the pause, next frame, previous frame, fast forward, and rewind functions when viewing and editing video information. The viewer can also add video and audio information from other video information sources, apply special effects, and perform minimal image processing such as fading and cross dissolve. You can edit the video information yourself.

When the editing is completed, the viewer saves the information by recording the video information on a magnetic tape using an available recording device such as a video camera 18 (FIG. 1) or a VTR 17 (FIG. 1). can do. In order to record the edited video information on a magnetic tape, the information is transmitted from the mass storage device 32 (FIG. 2) to the selected recording device via the IEEE 1394 serial bus network. In this way, the recorded video stream and other video streams can be edited and re-recorded easily and efficiently.

Incidentally, an instant recording button 88, an editing recording button 120, an instant reproducing button 90, an editing reproducing button 125
Are separate buttons located on the remote control as shown in FIG. Also, the instant recording button and the edit recording button can be combined into one special recording button, and the instant reproduction button and the editing reproduction button can be combined into one special reproduction button. Further, the remote control device may be provided with only the instant recording button and the instant playback button, or the edit recording button and the edit playback button depending on the performance of the system.

Although the video system to which the present invention has been applied has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to this.
It may be changed as appropriate. For example, although the case where the IEEE 1394 serial bus structure is used has been described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be realized by another appropriate bus structure.

[0054]

According to the present invention, the reproducing operation can be performed during the recording operation of the video information, and the operability can be improved. For example, it is possible to simultaneously reproduce another television broadcast program while recording a television broadcast program, and to reproduce the first half of the recorded program while recording the second half of the program.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a video system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a computer device of the video system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of another video system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a computer device of the video system.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 television receiver, 11 set-top box, 12, 13, 15, 19, IEEE 1394 serial bus cable, 14 computer device, 17VT
R, 18 video camera, 21 VTR

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification symbol FI H04N 5/907 H04N 5/781 510 (72) Inventor Chen Chu Shilamakuri United States of America 94536 Fremont Barrington Terras 2674 (72) Inventor Hisato Shima United States California 95070 Saratoga Paseo Flora 12610

Claims (66)

[Claims] Receiving a recording command for instantly recording the currently displayed video information; transmitting the currently displayed video information to a storage device; and storing the video information in the storage device. Storing in a device, wherein the video image is captured instantaneously. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the video information is transmitted as a digital signal. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a playback command for playing back the previously stored video information; retrieving the video information from the storage device; and displaying the video information. Item 1
A method for capturing a video image as described. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the recording command and the reproducing command are received from a remote controller. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the video information includes corresponding audio information. 6. The video image capturing method according to claim 5, wherein said storage device is a hard disk drive. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the video information is transmitted and stored as a digital signal. 8. A display device for displaying video information, a transmission circuit for transmitting the video information when a recording command is received, and a video signal connected to the transmission circuit and transmitted from the transmission circuit. A video image capturing device, comprising: a storage device for receiving and storing; and a control device for controlling the storage device so as to store the currently displayed video information without delay. 9. A receiving circuit connected to the storage device and the display device, wherein the receiving circuit extracts video information from the storage device and transmits the video information to the display device when a playback command is received. Video image capture device. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording command and the reproduction command are received from an input device.
A video image capture device as described. 11. The video image capturing device according to claim 10, wherein the input device is a wireless remote control device. 12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said video information includes corresponding audio information. 13. The video image capturing device according to claim 9, wherein the storage device and the display device are built in a television receiver. 14. The video image capturing device according to claim 9, wherein the storage device is a hard disk drive. 15. The video image capturing device according to claim 14, wherein the hard disk drive is built in a computer device. 16. The transmission circuit and the reception circuit, wherein:
16. The video image capturing device according to claim 15, wherein the video image capturing device is connected to the storage device by an E1394 serial bus network. 17. The video image capture device according to claim 16, wherein said video information is transmitted and stored as a digital signal. 18. A display device for displaying video information, a capture circuit for capturing video information currently being displayed when a recording command is received, and a video signal connected to the capture circuit and storage device, A communication circuit for receiving video information from the storage device when a playback command is received after transmitting to the storage device for storing the video information, so that the currently displayed video information is stored without delay. And a control device for controlling the storage device. The television receiver displays the video information, and captures and stores the currently displayed video information. 19. The storage device is external to the television receiver, and the communication circuit is an IEEE1394.
19. The television receiver according to claim 18, wherein the television receiver is connected to the storage device via a serial bus network. 20. The television receiver according to claim 19, wherein said video information is transmitted and stored as a digital signal. 21. The television receiver according to claim 18, wherein the storage device is built in the television receiver. 22. The television receiver according to claim 18, further comprising an input device for transmitting the recording command and the reproduction command. 23. The television receiver according to claim 22, wherein the input device is a wireless remote control device. 24. The television receiver according to claim 18, wherein said video information includes corresponding audio information. 25. A video recording apparatus for recording and reproducing a video program, comprising: a storage device for receiving and storing a video data stream; and video data connected to the storage device and recorded when a recording command is received. Receiving the stream,
A transmission circuit that transmits to the storage device, and a reception circuit that is connected to the storage device, the display device, and the transmission circuit, and that receives the video data stream from the storage device when a playback command is received, A video recording apparatus, wherein the storage device is configured to simultaneously record and reproduce video information. 26. The video recording apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising a display device that displays the video data stream when the receiving circuit receives the video data stream. 27. A video recording apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said transmission circuit is an IEEE 1394 serial bus interface circuit. 28. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording command and the reproduction command are received from an input device.
6. The video recording device according to claim 5. 29. The video recording device according to claim 28, wherein the input device is a wireless remote control device. 30. The video recording apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said storage device is a hard disk drive. 31. The video recording apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said transmission circuit is an IEEE 1394 serial bus interface circuit. 32. An isochronous channel is used to transmit the video data stream between the transmission circuit and a storage device.
A video recording device as described. 33. The transmission circuit according to claim 25, wherein the transmission circuit and the reception circuit are built in a transceiver circuit.
A video recording device as described. 34. A display device for displaying video information, wherein said display device is connected to a storage device and transmits and stores a video data stream to said storage device, wherein said video data stream is stored from said storage device when a playback command is received. A communication circuit for receiving a video data stream, wherein the communication circuit is configured to simultaneously transmit and receive video information within a time interval, and to record and reproduce the video data stream. 35. The storage device is external to the television receiver, and the communication circuit is an IEEE1394.
35. The television receiver according to claim 34, wherein the television receiver is a serial bus interface circuit. 36. The television receiver according to claim 34, wherein the storage device is built in the television receiver. 37. The television receiver according to claim 34, further comprising an input device for transmitting the recording command and the reproduction command. 38. The television receiver according to claim 37, wherein said input device is a wireless remote control device. 39. The television receiver according to claim 34, wherein the time interval is a clock cycle. 40. Receiving a video data stream to be recorded; transmitting the video data stream to a storage device; storing the video data stream in the storage device; Receiving a command to play a video data stream; and retrieving the previously stored video data stream from the storage device, wherein the transmitting and retrieving steps comprise: A video data stream recording and playback method for recording and playing back video data streams simultaneously at the same time interval when the video data stream is stored while the video data stream is being retrieved. 41. The video data stream comprises an IE
41. The method for recording and reproducing a video data stream according to claim 40, wherein the method is transmitted via an EE1394 serial bus network. 42. The video data stream recording and reproducing method according to claim 41, wherein said storage device is a hard disk drive. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the recording command and the reproducing command are received from a remote controller. 44. Receiving a video stream of an image for display, receiving a recording command for instantly recording the currently displayed information, and storing the currently displayed information in a storage device. Transmitting the information to the storage device, and editing the video stream. 45. The video stream editing method according to claim 44, wherein said information includes video information and accompanying audio information. 46. The video stream editing method according to claim 45, wherein said video information is transmitted as a digital signal. 47. A method according to claim 47, further comprising: receiving a reproduction command for reproducing previously stored information; retrieving the information from the storage device; and displaying the information for editing. The method for editing a video stream according to claim 44. 48. The method of claim 4, further comprising transmitting the information from the storage device to a video recording device.
7. The video stream editing method according to 7. 49. The video stream editing method according to claim 48, wherein said information is transmitted via an IEEE 1394 serial bus network. 50. The video stream editing method according to claim 49, wherein said storage device is a hard disk drive. 51. The video stream editing method according to claim 50, wherein said video information is transmitted and stored as a digital signal. 52. The method according to claim 47, wherein the recording command and the reproducing command are received from a remote control device. 53. A display device for displaying a video stream of an image, a transmitting circuit for transmitting the information currently displayed when receiving a recording command, and connecting to the transmitting circuit. And a storage device that receives and stores the information transmitted from the transmission circuit, and is connected to the storage device, the display device, and the transmission circuit, and retrieves the information from the storage device when a reproduction command is received. A video stream editing device for editing a video stream, the receiving device transmitting the video stream to the display device for editing. 54. The video stream editing apparatus according to claim 53, wherein said transmission circuit is configured to transmit said information to a video recording apparatus. 55. The video stream editing apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said transmission circuit is an IEEE 1394 serial bus interface circuit. 56. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recording command and the reproduction command are received from an input device.
3. The video stream editing apparatus according to claim 3. 57. The video stream editing device according to claim 56, wherein said input device is a wireless remote control device. 58. The video stream editing apparatus according to claim 53, wherein said information includes video information and accompanying audio information. 59. The video stream editing device according to claim 53, wherein the storage device and the display device are built in a television receiver. 60. The video stream editing apparatus according to claim 53, wherein said storage device is a hard disk drive. 61. A display device for displaying video information, a capture circuit for capturing information currently displayed when a recording command is received, and a storage device connected to the capture circuit and the storage device for storing the information. And a communication circuit for receiving the information from the storage device when a playback command is received after transmitting the information to the storage device, wherein the communication circuit transmits the information to a video recording device. ,
A television receiver that edits the currently displayed video stream. 62. The storage device is external to the television receiver, and the communication circuit is an IEEE1394.
63. The television receiver according to claim 61, wherein the television receiver is a serial bus interface circuit. 63. The television receiver according to claim 61, wherein the storage device is built in the television receiver. 64. The television receiver according to claim 61, further comprising an input device for transmitting the recording command and the reproduction command. 65. The television receiver according to claim 64, wherein the input device is a wireless remote control device. 66. The television receiver according to claim 61, wherein the information includes video information and accompanying audio information.