CA1217269A - Tv program timer apparatus and method - Google Patents
Tv program timer apparatus and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA1217269A CA1217269A CA000443846A CA443846A CA1217269A CA 1217269 A CA1217269 A CA 1217269A CA 000443846 A CA000443846 A CA 000443846A CA 443846 A CA443846 A CA 443846A CA 1217269 A CA1217269 A CA 1217269A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- signals
- data
- display
- cursor
- crt
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G15/00—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals
- G04G15/006—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals for operating at a number of different times
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A TV program VTR timer apparatus and method incorporates a storage device for storing a plurality of preset times at which TV program signals may be recorded, a manually operable input for entering such times, and a display control device for displaying such times, and the preset duration of recording, on the screen of a TV set associated with the VTR.
The screen displays operator instruction messages to facilitate error-free programing and operation of the timer.
A TV program VTR timer apparatus and method incorporates a storage device for storing a plurality of preset times at which TV program signals may be recorded, a manually operable input for entering such times, and a display control device for displaying such times, and the preset duration of recording, on the screen of a TV set associated with the VTR.
The screen displays operator instruction messages to facilitate error-free programing and operation of the timer.
Description
'~'V PROGR~M TI~ER AP~pARATVS AND M33THOD
BACKGROUND OF THE IN'VENTION
Field ~f the Invention:
.. , . . _ _ .
The present invention relates to a TV Program timer apparatus for performing scheduled recording of TV program.
Description of the Prior Ar-t:
Conventional VTR timers are programmed while users observe a digital display, and have the following drawbacks:
(l) Since the operating procedures are complicated, the user cannot set the timer merely after a reading of the operating instructions thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE IN'VENTION
Field ~f the Invention:
.. , . . _ _ .
The present invention relates to a TV Program timer apparatus for performing scheduled recording of TV program.
Description of the Prior Ar-t:
Conventional VTR timers are programmed while users observe a digital display, and have the following drawbacks:
(l) Since the operating procedures are complicated, the user cannot set the timer merely after a reading of the operating instructions thereof.
(2) ON time and OFF-time are preset by using a num-ber of but-tons or switches, frequently resulting in erroneous presetting.
(3~ The user cannot check whether or not the timer is properly set and whether it functions properly as preset.
(41 Since the digital display is used, it is diffi-cult for the user to check the preset time ~urations. In particular, a preset time duration may overlay another preset time duration, which i5 an erroneous condi-tion.
In order to eliminate these drawbacks, an analog clock display timer has been proposed. However, a simple analog timer cannot serve as a multiprogram timer which is used to preset a plurality of events (e.g., TV programs~ for the following few days.
SUMMA~ OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has ~een made in consideration of the dxawbacks of conventional apparatus described above, and ,~ ~
17~
has for its object to provide a TV program timer apparatus :i .
: wherein . - la -timer programinq can be easily performed, the scheduled contents can be checked at once, and the erroneous pro~raming can be eliminated.
In order to achieve the above objects of the present inventionr there is provided a TV program timer apparatus employing a CRT display, comprising:
a system controller, clock means connected to said system controller for generating current time signals, manually operable input means connected to said system controller for generating program data, and display control means connected to said system controller for generating display signals to be supplied to a CRT, wherein said display signals are representative of a time table and message from said system controller to an user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a TV/VT~ apparatus to which a TV program timer apparatus according to an embodiment is applied;
E'ig. 2 is a plan view of a main part of the TV/VTR
shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the steps of recording a TV picture;
Fig. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the steps of performing DIFF. CHAN-REC (different channel recording);
Figs. 5A and 5B are a flow chart for explaining the steps of timer programing; and Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the TV/VT~ apparatus having a program timer, as shown in Fig. 1.
12~7Z6~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ~ ~-'? ~
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 1 ~ ~ 7~ ~ 9 ,, ~
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described wlth reference to the accompanying drawingsO
ReEerring to Figs. 1 and 2, a time table 3 for timer recording (Fig. 2) is displayed on a CRT display panel 2 of a TV
receiver 1 tFig. 1). A message or telop is superimposed at a lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2 to display the operating steps of timer programing. For e~ample, as shown in Fig. 2, a message l'Set your REC schedule on the time table with referring to next messages." is displayed.
A required number of TV channel buttons 5 are arranged below the CRT display panel 2. A program timer operation console 8 is arranged on a control panel 7 (Fig. 1). As shown in FigO 2, the program timer operation console 8 comprises time set dials 1, 2 and 3, for respectively presetting "day" and "AM/PM", "ON time"
v and "REC duration"; a plurality of event switches (four in this embodiment3 9a for respectively presetting the events; and a cancel button gb~ A sover (not shown) is mounted to cover the program timer operation console 8. The user opens the cover from the program timer operation console 8 and enters timer programing data.
A power switch 12 (Fig. 1?, a TV button 10 (Fiq. 12) and a VTR button 11 (Fiq. 12) are arranqed on the control panel 7. The TV button 10 is used to select the TV mode, and the VTR
button 11 is used to select the VTR mode. Function buttons 13a to 13d are arranged near the TV and VTR buttons 10 and 11 so as to respectively perform "playback", "recording", "different channel recording" and "programing" in the VTR mode.
Furthermore, VTR operation buttons 14, a tape cassette insertion port 15, and a digital display unit 16 are arranged on the panel 7, as shown in Fig. 1.
7~
-- TV picture recording in the TV/VTR apparatus will be described with reference to FigO 3.
When the user turns on the power switch 12, a message "For VTR mode, press VTR butto~." is displayed together with time display "1:30" at the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. If the user presses the TV button 10, ~he displayed contents then disappear from the CTR display panel 2, and a TV picture appears thereon. Unless the user presses the TV button 10, the message and the time display disappear in 3 seconds.
When the user presses the VTR hutton 11 instead, a message "Select one of modes: PLAY/REC/DIFF. CHAN-REC/PROGRAMING." appears on the CRT display panel 2. When the user presses the REC mode button 13b and the corresponding LED is turned on, a message "Select TV channel button." is displaYed, and at the same time a TV picture appears on the CRT dis~lay panel 2. When the user selects a desired one of the TV channel buttons 5, a message "Insert cassette." appears on the CRT
display panel 2. When the cassette is inserted and a REC safety tab sensor switch is turned on, a message "Press REC button."
appears on the CRT display panel 2. When the user then presses the REC button among the VTR operation buttons 14, a message "Now recording." is displayed at the lower portion 4 of the CRT
display panel 2. However, when the REC safety tab sensor switch is not turned on, a message "Change cassette." appears on the CRT
displa~ panel 2. When the user ejects the currently mounted cassette and inserts a blank cassette, recording is started. The message '~Now recording." disappears in about three seconds.
Different channel recording in theTV/VTR apparatus will ~e described with reference to the flow chart in Fig. 4.
If the user wishes to record a different program while he watches a TV progam on the 3rd channel (channel 3), the message "Select one of modes: PLAY/REC/~IFF. CHAN-~ t~ ~ 9 REC/PROGRAMIN~." appears on the CRT display panel 2 upondepression of the VTR ~utton ll. When the user presses the different channel recording but~on 13c, the message "Insert cassette." appears on the CRT display panel 2. When the user inserts the cassette and the REC safety tab sensor is turned on, the message i'Select TV channel ~utton." ap~ears on the CRT
display panel 2. When the user selects the 6th channel, the 6th channel LED is turned on at an intensity lower than that of the 3rd channel LED. When the REC button of the VTR is pressed, the message "Now recording on 6th channel.l appears on the CRT
display panel 2.
When the REC sa~ety tab is detected as being cut off, the same operation as in the flow chart of Fig. 3 is performed.
Timer programming will be described with reference to the flow chart in Figs. SA and 5B.
When the user turns on the VTR button ll, the message "Select one of modes: PLA~/REC/DIFF. CHA~J-REC/PROG~AMING."
appears at the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. The user then ~resses the "PROGRAMING" button 13d. A message "Open the cover of program timer operation console. Il appears at the lower portion 4 of the C~T display panel 2. When the cover of the program timer operation console 8 is opened, the time ta~le is displayed on the CRT display panel ~, as shown in Fig. 2. At the same time, the message "Turn dial l for designating day of week and AM/PMo" appears on the CRT display panel 2.
Referring to Fig. 2, the user then turns the dial l in the program timer operation console 8 to set the dial l in a desired day (AM/PM) position. For example, the user turns the dial l to set it in the Wednesday position. During this operation, a cursor 3a moves from the Monday (0:00) position to the Wednesday (0:00) positionO A message "Turn dial 2 for designating ON-time." appearS on the lower portion 4 of the CRT
~Z~ 9 display panel 2. The user then turns the dial 2 (Fig. 2) to set the ON-time to be 6:00. The cursor 3a moves downward from the n:oo position and stops a~ the 6:00 position. A message "Turn dial 3 for designating REC duration." then appears on the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. The user then sets the dial 3 (Fig. 2~ to set the REC duration to be two hours. Another cursor 3a moves from the 6:00 position to the 8:00 position as indicated in the ~ime range between 6:00 and 8:00 on Monday. A
message "Select TV channel button." appears at the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel ?. When the user presses the 6th channel (i.e., channel "6") of the TV channel buttons 5, a numeric value "6" is displayed in an area corresponding to the time range between 6:00 and 8:00~ A message "Press event SW-l."
appears on the lower 4 of the CRT disp]ay panel 2. When the user presses the event SW-l of the event switches 9a, the time range between 6:00 and 8:00 on Wednesda~ is highlighted in green. A
telop "insert cassette, if programing is over." appears at the lower portion 4 of the CRT displa~ panel 2. The user then inserts a blank cassette in position. When the cassette-IN
sensor is turned on, a message "Close console cover." appears on the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. When the user closes the console cover, the console cover switch is turned off. As a result, a message "Your REC schedule is reserve~ at 6:00 for 2-HRS on 6th channel." appears on the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. Thus the schedule data is stored in a R~M. The time table and the scheduled contents disappear in a few seconds. The user can visually check his/her REC schedule and need not be anxious about TV programing.
In the above operation, if the cassette is not inserted when the user presses the event SW-l, a message "You can reserve another REC schedule." appears at the lower portion 4 of the CRT
display panel 2. If the user wishes to reserve another REC
schedule, he uses the clial 1, the dial 2, the ~ial 3 and an event SW-2 of the event switches 9a. In this embodiment, the four event sw;tches 9a are arranged, so that the user can reserve a maximum o$ four different types of REC schedules.
The TV/VTR apparatus shown in Flg. 1 has a microprocessor for executing processing shown in Figs. 3 to 5.
The microprocessor executes the steps shown in Fig. 3 to 5, upon operation at the control panel 7. In particular, the user can perform timer programing while observing the messages appearing on the CRT display panel 2. In this manner, the user can follow the instructions appearing on the CRT display panel. When timer programing is completed, the program contents and ON times are displayed on the CRT display panel. The microcomputer signals the completion of timer ~rograming to a user ~operator). In other words, the user can perform timer programing in a conversational manner. If the user operates erroneously despite the messages given by the microcomputer, the microcomputer signals such an erroneous operation to the user~ The user can then operate correctly.
Timer programing can be repeated by a number of times corresponding to the number of event switches 9a (four in this embodiment). The weekly time table (Fig. 2) is displayed on the CRT display panel 2, so that the user can reserve TV programs of the following several days. The cursor 3a is moved in accordance with the messages of the flow chart in Fig. 5, and the programming contents such as day, AM~PM, ON-time, REC durationt and channel number can be displayed i the analog form as shown in Fig. 2. When the user presses event SW-l (to set the first scheduled time) of the event switches 9a, the designated time range is highlighted in green. The user can check timer programming as he writes a note of the schedule in his notebook. In particular, misprogramming which reserves -7- ~7Z~
i'hl 7~/~9 overlapping time ranges can be ;.~rerented. Since the preset ti~e can b.e diyItally d;.splayed ~t the digital dlspla~ unlt 16, th.e start point (ON time~ and the end point (O~F time) of each bar in the time table 3 displayed ~n the CRT d~splay panel 2 need not be displayed with great precision sinc~ the time schedule can also be checked precisely with the digital display unit 16.
When timer programming is completed, programmed data can be read out as needed, so that the time table and the reserved time ranges (.bars) can be displayed as shown in Fig. 2.
A data processing section of the TV/VTR apparatus having the timer proyramming ~unction shown in Fig. 1 is shown in Fig. 6.
The data processing section has a microprocessor which comprises a CPU 18, a ROM 19 and a RAM 20. The programs which perform the data processing steps as described above are stored in the ROM 19 and the ~AM 20. The TV channel buttons 5, the event switches 9a, th.e TV button 10, the VTR button 11, the power switch 12, the function buttons 13a to 13d, the time set dial 1, the time set dial 2, the time set dial 3, and the VTR operation buttons 14 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are all coupled to the CPU 18 and the R~M 20 through an interface circuit 21, a buffer 22 and a data bus 23. Address signals for accessing the buttons and switches are generated by the CPU 18 and are supplied to the interface 21 through an address bus 24 and an address decoder 25. The operation data of TV, VTR and the 7~g timer are Setched in the CPU 18 and are s;o,:ed ir. the RAM 20.
The ON/QFF operation of the TV channel la~ps and other monitor lamps is controlled by ~he address data which is supplied from the CPU 18 to an interface 26 through the address bus 24 and the address decoder 25.
The messages, the time ta~le 3 and the cursor 3a are displayed in accordance with the contents stored in a charac-ter RAM 27 and a graphic RAM 28, each of which has a memory area - 8a corresponding to the rv displaY panel. The input data associated with timer programing are su~plied from the interface 21 to the CPIJ 18 and the RAM 20. The input data are then processed under the control of the CPU 18 and are stored, such that ~he character data is stored in a character RAM 27 and the graphic data is stored in a graphic RAM 28. The write address data is supplied from the CPU 18 to the RAMs 27 and 28 through the addres~ bus 24 and a selector 29. However, when the input data are not supplied to the RAMs, address data are supplied from a CRT controller 30 to the RAMs 27 and 28 through the selector 29, so that the contents are continuously read out from ~he RAMs 27 and 28 to display the stored contents on the CRT display panel.
A5CII coded data read out from the character RAM 27 is supplied to a character ROM 31 and is coverted to a character dot pattern. The outputs from the character ROM 31 and the graphic RAM 28 are mixed by an OR gate 32. A 8-bit parallel signal is then supplied from the OR gate 32 to a parallel/serial !P/S) converter 33. The parallel/serial converter 33 receives the parallel data supplied thereto in response to a clock pulse which has a predetermined period and which is generated from a clock generator 3a. The parallel/serial converter 33 then converts the parallel data to a serial video signal. The serial video signal is then supplied from the parallel/serial converter 33 to a monitor TV through a mixer/changeover circuit (MIX/C~GOV) 35. As a result~ the display state shown in Fig. 2 is obtained.
On the other hand, a TV turner 37 is set in response to the operation data supplied from one of the TV channel buttons 5 through the data bus 23. The output video signal is supplied from the TV turner 37 to the mixer/changeover circuit 35 through a demodulator 38. The video output from the demodulator 38 is supplied to a VTR 39. The VTR 39 is connected to the data bus ~3 and is controlled in accordance with the operation of the VTR
Z6~
g 7 :~9 operation buttons 14 and the timer output data read out from the CPU 18 and the RA~ 20. A reproduction output from the VTR 3g is supplied to the monitor TV through the mixer/changeover circuit 35.
Outputs from the REC safety tab sensor, the cassette-IN
sensor, the dew sensor and the tape~end sensor are supplied onto the data bus 23 through an interface 40. At the same time, an interrupt request signal is supplied from an interrupt controller 41 to the CPU 18, so that the individual outputs from the sensors can be processed as needed. The time signal as the reference of timer counting is generated by a clock IC 42 and is supplied onto the data bus 23. The clock set inputs from the time set keys are supplied to the clock IC 42 through the interfce 40.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, in order to perform timer programing at the time table 3 displayed on the CRT display pannel 2, the three dials or rotary knobs 1-3 are used to vertically and horizontally move the cursors 3a. However, the cursor shift mechanism is not limited to this arrangementt but may instead employ Pushbuttons (key switches), a joystick, or a write (light) pen. The -timer preset apparatu~ of the present inventlon can be huilt into a VTR. Alternatively, the timer preset apparatus can he manufactured as an independent unit. In these cases, the time table 3 and the bar graph indicating the reserved time ranges (Fig. 2) can be displayed on a TV receiver connected to the VTR or timer.
According to the present invention, the cursors displayed in the time table on the CRT display panel can be moved by the time set means of the TV program timer apparatus so as to perform timer programming. Furthermore, the reserved time ranges can be displayed in the form of the bar graph in the time table, so that the user can visually check the programing state. In addition to these advantages, the operation can be simplified, ~'7~
thereby reducing misoperatlon. Furthermore, since the user need only follow the messages dlsplayed on the ~RT display panel, the chance for misoperation is further minimized. The reserved contents are displayed in the form of the bar graph, and timer programing can be simplified. At the same time, the reserved contents are numerically displayed, so that the bar-graph display is combined with the numeric display to provide better readability. As a result, the user can readily confirm timer programing preventing erroneous setting operation.
From the foregoing, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art how to make and use the present invention.
Various additions and modifications may be made without departing from the essential features of novelty ~hereof, which are intended to be defined and secured by the appended claims.
(3~ The user cannot check whether or not the timer is properly set and whether it functions properly as preset.
(41 Since the digital display is used, it is diffi-cult for the user to check the preset time ~urations. In particular, a preset time duration may overlay another preset time duration, which i5 an erroneous condi-tion.
In order to eliminate these drawbacks, an analog clock display timer has been proposed. However, a simple analog timer cannot serve as a multiprogram timer which is used to preset a plurality of events (e.g., TV programs~ for the following few days.
SUMMA~ OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has ~een made in consideration of the dxawbacks of conventional apparatus described above, and ,~ ~
17~
has for its object to provide a TV program timer apparatus :i .
: wherein . - la -timer programinq can be easily performed, the scheduled contents can be checked at once, and the erroneous pro~raming can be eliminated.
In order to achieve the above objects of the present inventionr there is provided a TV program timer apparatus employing a CRT display, comprising:
a system controller, clock means connected to said system controller for generating current time signals, manually operable input means connected to said system controller for generating program data, and display control means connected to said system controller for generating display signals to be supplied to a CRT, wherein said display signals are representative of a time table and message from said system controller to an user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a TV/VT~ apparatus to which a TV program timer apparatus according to an embodiment is applied;
E'ig. 2 is a plan view of a main part of the TV/VTR
shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the steps of recording a TV picture;
Fig. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the steps of performing DIFF. CHAN-REC (different channel recording);
Figs. 5A and 5B are a flow chart for explaining the steps of timer programing; and Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the TV/VT~ apparatus having a program timer, as shown in Fig. 1.
12~7Z6~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ~ ~-'? ~
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 1 ~ ~ 7~ ~ 9 ,, ~
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described wlth reference to the accompanying drawingsO
ReEerring to Figs. 1 and 2, a time table 3 for timer recording (Fig. 2) is displayed on a CRT display panel 2 of a TV
receiver 1 tFig. 1). A message or telop is superimposed at a lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2 to display the operating steps of timer programing. For e~ample, as shown in Fig. 2, a message l'Set your REC schedule on the time table with referring to next messages." is displayed.
A required number of TV channel buttons 5 are arranged below the CRT display panel 2. A program timer operation console 8 is arranged on a control panel 7 (Fig. 1). As shown in FigO 2, the program timer operation console 8 comprises time set dials 1, 2 and 3, for respectively presetting "day" and "AM/PM", "ON time"
v and "REC duration"; a plurality of event switches (four in this embodiment3 9a for respectively presetting the events; and a cancel button gb~ A sover (not shown) is mounted to cover the program timer operation console 8. The user opens the cover from the program timer operation console 8 and enters timer programing data.
A power switch 12 (Fig. 1?, a TV button 10 (Fiq. 12) and a VTR button 11 (Fiq. 12) are arranqed on the control panel 7. The TV button 10 is used to select the TV mode, and the VTR
button 11 is used to select the VTR mode. Function buttons 13a to 13d are arranged near the TV and VTR buttons 10 and 11 so as to respectively perform "playback", "recording", "different channel recording" and "programing" in the VTR mode.
Furthermore, VTR operation buttons 14, a tape cassette insertion port 15, and a digital display unit 16 are arranged on the panel 7, as shown in Fig. 1.
7~
-- TV picture recording in the TV/VTR apparatus will be described with reference to FigO 3.
When the user turns on the power switch 12, a message "For VTR mode, press VTR butto~." is displayed together with time display "1:30" at the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. If the user presses the TV button 10, ~he displayed contents then disappear from the CTR display panel 2, and a TV picture appears thereon. Unless the user presses the TV button 10, the message and the time display disappear in 3 seconds.
When the user presses the VTR hutton 11 instead, a message "Select one of modes: PLAY/REC/DIFF. CHAN-REC/PROGRAMING." appears on the CRT display panel 2. When the user presses the REC mode button 13b and the corresponding LED is turned on, a message "Select TV channel button." is displaYed, and at the same time a TV picture appears on the CRT dis~lay panel 2. When the user selects a desired one of the TV channel buttons 5, a message "Insert cassette." appears on the CRT
display panel 2. When the cassette is inserted and a REC safety tab sensor switch is turned on, a message "Press REC button."
appears on the CRT display panel 2. When the user then presses the REC button among the VTR operation buttons 14, a message "Now recording." is displayed at the lower portion 4 of the CRT
display panel 2. However, when the REC safety tab sensor switch is not turned on, a message "Change cassette." appears on the CRT
displa~ panel 2. When the user ejects the currently mounted cassette and inserts a blank cassette, recording is started. The message '~Now recording." disappears in about three seconds.
Different channel recording in theTV/VTR apparatus will ~e described with reference to the flow chart in Fig. 4.
If the user wishes to record a different program while he watches a TV progam on the 3rd channel (channel 3), the message "Select one of modes: PLAY/REC/~IFF. CHAN-~ t~ ~ 9 REC/PROGRAMIN~." appears on the CRT display panel 2 upondepression of the VTR ~utton ll. When the user presses the different channel recording but~on 13c, the message "Insert cassette." appears on the CRT display panel 2. When the user inserts the cassette and the REC safety tab sensor is turned on, the message i'Select TV channel ~utton." ap~ears on the CRT
display panel 2. When the user selects the 6th channel, the 6th channel LED is turned on at an intensity lower than that of the 3rd channel LED. When the REC button of the VTR is pressed, the message "Now recording on 6th channel.l appears on the CRT
display panel 2.
When the REC sa~ety tab is detected as being cut off, the same operation as in the flow chart of Fig. 3 is performed.
Timer programming will be described with reference to the flow chart in Figs. SA and 5B.
When the user turns on the VTR button ll, the message "Select one of modes: PLA~/REC/DIFF. CHA~J-REC/PROG~AMING."
appears at the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. The user then ~resses the "PROGRAMING" button 13d. A message "Open the cover of program timer operation console. Il appears at the lower portion 4 of the C~T display panel 2. When the cover of the program timer operation console 8 is opened, the time ta~le is displayed on the CRT display panel ~, as shown in Fig. 2. At the same time, the message "Turn dial l for designating day of week and AM/PMo" appears on the CRT display panel 2.
Referring to Fig. 2, the user then turns the dial l in the program timer operation console 8 to set the dial l in a desired day (AM/PM) position. For example, the user turns the dial l to set it in the Wednesday position. During this operation, a cursor 3a moves from the Monday (0:00) position to the Wednesday (0:00) positionO A message "Turn dial 2 for designating ON-time." appearS on the lower portion 4 of the CRT
~Z~ 9 display panel 2. The user then turns the dial 2 (Fig. 2) to set the ON-time to be 6:00. The cursor 3a moves downward from the n:oo position and stops a~ the 6:00 position. A message "Turn dial 3 for designating REC duration." then appears on the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. The user then sets the dial 3 (Fig. 2~ to set the REC duration to be two hours. Another cursor 3a moves from the 6:00 position to the 8:00 position as indicated in the ~ime range between 6:00 and 8:00 on Monday. A
message "Select TV channel button." appears at the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel ?. When the user presses the 6th channel (i.e., channel "6") of the TV channel buttons 5, a numeric value "6" is displayed in an area corresponding to the time range between 6:00 and 8:00~ A message "Press event SW-l."
appears on the lower 4 of the CRT disp]ay panel 2. When the user presses the event SW-l of the event switches 9a, the time range between 6:00 and 8:00 on Wednesda~ is highlighted in green. A
telop "insert cassette, if programing is over." appears at the lower portion 4 of the CRT displa~ panel 2. The user then inserts a blank cassette in position. When the cassette-IN
sensor is turned on, a message "Close console cover." appears on the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. When the user closes the console cover, the console cover switch is turned off. As a result, a message "Your REC schedule is reserve~ at 6:00 for 2-HRS on 6th channel." appears on the lower portion 4 of the CRT display panel 2. Thus the schedule data is stored in a R~M. The time table and the scheduled contents disappear in a few seconds. The user can visually check his/her REC schedule and need not be anxious about TV programing.
In the above operation, if the cassette is not inserted when the user presses the event SW-l, a message "You can reserve another REC schedule." appears at the lower portion 4 of the CRT
display panel 2. If the user wishes to reserve another REC
schedule, he uses the clial 1, the dial 2, the ~ial 3 and an event SW-2 of the event switches 9a. In this embodiment, the four event sw;tches 9a are arranged, so that the user can reserve a maximum o$ four different types of REC schedules.
The TV/VTR apparatus shown in Flg. 1 has a microprocessor for executing processing shown in Figs. 3 to 5.
The microprocessor executes the steps shown in Fig. 3 to 5, upon operation at the control panel 7. In particular, the user can perform timer programing while observing the messages appearing on the CRT display panel 2. In this manner, the user can follow the instructions appearing on the CRT display panel. When timer programing is completed, the program contents and ON times are displayed on the CRT display panel. The microcomputer signals the completion of timer ~rograming to a user ~operator). In other words, the user can perform timer programing in a conversational manner. If the user operates erroneously despite the messages given by the microcomputer, the microcomputer signals such an erroneous operation to the user~ The user can then operate correctly.
Timer programing can be repeated by a number of times corresponding to the number of event switches 9a (four in this embodiment). The weekly time table (Fig. 2) is displayed on the CRT display panel 2, so that the user can reserve TV programs of the following several days. The cursor 3a is moved in accordance with the messages of the flow chart in Fig. 5, and the programming contents such as day, AM~PM, ON-time, REC durationt and channel number can be displayed i the analog form as shown in Fig. 2. When the user presses event SW-l (to set the first scheduled time) of the event switches 9a, the designated time range is highlighted in green. The user can check timer programming as he writes a note of the schedule in his notebook. In particular, misprogramming which reserves -7- ~7Z~
i'hl 7~/~9 overlapping time ranges can be ;.~rerented. Since the preset ti~e can b.e diyItally d;.splayed ~t the digital dlspla~ unlt 16, th.e start point (ON time~ and the end point (O~F time) of each bar in the time table 3 displayed ~n the CRT d~splay panel 2 need not be displayed with great precision sinc~ the time schedule can also be checked precisely with the digital display unit 16.
When timer programming is completed, programmed data can be read out as needed, so that the time table and the reserved time ranges (.bars) can be displayed as shown in Fig. 2.
A data processing section of the TV/VTR apparatus having the timer proyramming ~unction shown in Fig. 1 is shown in Fig. 6.
The data processing section has a microprocessor which comprises a CPU 18, a ROM 19 and a RAM 20. The programs which perform the data processing steps as described above are stored in the ROM 19 and the ~AM 20. The TV channel buttons 5, the event switches 9a, th.e TV button 10, the VTR button 11, the power switch 12, the function buttons 13a to 13d, the time set dial 1, the time set dial 2, the time set dial 3, and the VTR operation buttons 14 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are all coupled to the CPU 18 and the R~M 20 through an interface circuit 21, a buffer 22 and a data bus 23. Address signals for accessing the buttons and switches are generated by the CPU 18 and are supplied to the interface 21 through an address bus 24 and an address decoder 25. The operation data of TV, VTR and the 7~g timer are Setched in the CPU 18 and are s;o,:ed ir. the RAM 20.
The ON/QFF operation of the TV channel la~ps and other monitor lamps is controlled by ~he address data which is supplied from the CPU 18 to an interface 26 through the address bus 24 and the address decoder 25.
The messages, the time ta~le 3 and the cursor 3a are displayed in accordance with the contents stored in a charac-ter RAM 27 and a graphic RAM 28, each of which has a memory area - 8a corresponding to the rv displaY panel. The input data associated with timer programing are su~plied from the interface 21 to the CPIJ 18 and the RAM 20. The input data are then processed under the control of the CPU 18 and are stored, such that ~he character data is stored in a character RAM 27 and the graphic data is stored in a graphic RAM 28. The write address data is supplied from the CPU 18 to the RAMs 27 and 28 through the addres~ bus 24 and a selector 29. However, when the input data are not supplied to the RAMs, address data are supplied from a CRT controller 30 to the RAMs 27 and 28 through the selector 29, so that the contents are continuously read out from ~he RAMs 27 and 28 to display the stored contents on the CRT display panel.
A5CII coded data read out from the character RAM 27 is supplied to a character ROM 31 and is coverted to a character dot pattern. The outputs from the character ROM 31 and the graphic RAM 28 are mixed by an OR gate 32. A 8-bit parallel signal is then supplied from the OR gate 32 to a parallel/serial !P/S) converter 33. The parallel/serial converter 33 receives the parallel data supplied thereto in response to a clock pulse which has a predetermined period and which is generated from a clock generator 3a. The parallel/serial converter 33 then converts the parallel data to a serial video signal. The serial video signal is then supplied from the parallel/serial converter 33 to a monitor TV through a mixer/changeover circuit (MIX/C~GOV) 35. As a result~ the display state shown in Fig. 2 is obtained.
On the other hand, a TV turner 37 is set in response to the operation data supplied from one of the TV channel buttons 5 through the data bus 23. The output video signal is supplied from the TV turner 37 to the mixer/changeover circuit 35 through a demodulator 38. The video output from the demodulator 38 is supplied to a VTR 39. The VTR 39 is connected to the data bus ~3 and is controlled in accordance with the operation of the VTR
Z6~
g 7 :~9 operation buttons 14 and the timer output data read out from the CPU 18 and the RA~ 20. A reproduction output from the VTR 3g is supplied to the monitor TV through the mixer/changeover circuit 35.
Outputs from the REC safety tab sensor, the cassette-IN
sensor, the dew sensor and the tape~end sensor are supplied onto the data bus 23 through an interface 40. At the same time, an interrupt request signal is supplied from an interrupt controller 41 to the CPU 18, so that the individual outputs from the sensors can be processed as needed. The time signal as the reference of timer counting is generated by a clock IC 42 and is supplied onto the data bus 23. The clock set inputs from the time set keys are supplied to the clock IC 42 through the interfce 40.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, in order to perform timer programing at the time table 3 displayed on the CRT display pannel 2, the three dials or rotary knobs 1-3 are used to vertically and horizontally move the cursors 3a. However, the cursor shift mechanism is not limited to this arrangementt but may instead employ Pushbuttons (key switches), a joystick, or a write (light) pen. The -timer preset apparatu~ of the present inventlon can be huilt into a VTR. Alternatively, the timer preset apparatus can he manufactured as an independent unit. In these cases, the time table 3 and the bar graph indicating the reserved time ranges (Fig. 2) can be displayed on a TV receiver connected to the VTR or timer.
According to the present invention, the cursors displayed in the time table on the CRT display panel can be moved by the time set means of the TV program timer apparatus so as to perform timer programming. Furthermore, the reserved time ranges can be displayed in the form of the bar graph in the time table, so that the user can visually check the programing state. In addition to these advantages, the operation can be simplified, ~'7~
thereby reducing misoperatlon. Furthermore, since the user need only follow the messages dlsplayed on the ~RT display panel, the chance for misoperation is further minimized. The reserved contents are displayed in the form of the bar graph, and timer programing can be simplified. At the same time, the reserved contents are numerically displayed, so that the bar-graph display is combined with the numeric display to provide better readability. As a result, the user can readily confirm timer programing preventing erroneous setting operation.
From the foregoing, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art how to make and use the present invention.
Various additions and modifications may be made without departing from the essential features of novelty ~hereof, which are intended to be defined and secured by the appended claims.
Claims (12)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A TV program timer apparatus employing a CRT
display, comprising:
a system controller, clock means connected to said system controller for generating current time signals, manually operable input means connected to said system controller for generating program data, and display control means connected to said system controller for generating display signals to be supplied to a CRT, wherein said display signals are representative of a time table and message from said system controller to an user.
display, comprising:
a system controller, clock means connected to said system controller for generating current time signals, manually operable input means connected to said system controller for generating program data, and display control means connected to said system controller for generating display signals to be supplied to a CRT, wherein said display signals are representative of a time table and message from said system controller to an user.
2. A TV program timer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display signals include cursor signals representative of a cursor which is superimposed on said time table for indicating reserved time schedule on said time table.
3. A TV program timer apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said input means includes start time setting means and duration setting means, said display control means being connected to said switches for generating said cursor signals.
4. A TV program timer apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said display signals from said display control means are adopted to control a CRT to display said time table with cursor and communication message below the time table.
5. A method for timing the recording of a TV program, comprising the steps of entering data into a data storage device consisting of the times to start and stop such record-ing, displaying said data in graphical form on the screen of a CRT as they are being entered, and displaying a message relating to said data on said screen as such data are being entered, to provide instructions for the entry of such data.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said graphical form includes a time table and a cursor super-imposed thereon for indicating said start and stop times.
7. A TV program timer apparatus for controlling pre-programmed recording of television signals, employing a CRT
display, comprising:
a system controller for controlling recording of television signals;
clock means connected to said system controller for continuously generating current time signals;
manually operable input means connected to said system controller for generating program data for a program to be performed in accordance with said predetermined time signals;
and display control means connected to said system controller for generating display signals to be supplied to said CRT
display, said display signals being representative of a time table for said program to be performed and a message from said system controller to a user.
display, comprising:
a system controller for controlling recording of television signals;
clock means connected to said system controller for continuously generating current time signals;
manually operable input means connected to said system controller for generating program data for a program to be performed in accordance with said predetermined time signals;
and display control means connected to said system controller for generating display signals to be supplied to said CRT
display, said display signals being representative of a time table for said program to be performed and a message from said system controller to a user.
8. A TV program timer apparatus as claimed in claim 7, including means for generating cursor signals representative of a cursor and for providing said cursor signals to said CRT display, whereby a cursor is superimposed on said time table for indicating a reserved future time schedule on said time table.
9. A TV program timer apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said input means includes start time setting means and duration setting means, said display control means being connected to said switches for generating said cursor signals.
10. A TV program timer apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said display control means includes means for generating signals corresponding to a communication message, and for supplying said signals to said CRT display, whereby said communication message is displayed on said CRT display below the time table.
11. A method for preprogramming the timing of the recording of a TV program, comprising the steps of entering data into a data storage device, said data consisting of future times to start and stop such recording, displaying said data in graphical form on the screen of a CRT as such data are being entered prior to such recording, and displaying a message of instruction relating to said data on said screen as such data are being entered.
12. The method according to claim 11, including the step of generating a time table for displaying said data on the screen of said CRT, and generating a cursor signal for said CRT display whereby a cursor appears in said CRT display superimposed on said time table for indicating start and stop times.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP57230109A JPS59123373A (en) | 1982-12-29 | 1982-12-29 | Timer reserving device |
| JP230109/82 | 1982-12-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1217269A true CA1217269A (en) | 1987-01-27 |
Family
ID=16902696
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000443846A Expired CA1217269A (en) | 1982-12-29 | 1983-12-20 | Tv program timer apparatus and method |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0115145B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS59123373A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1217269A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3370573D1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7477832B2 (en) | 1990-09-10 | 2009-01-13 | Starsight Telecast Inc. | User interface for television schedule system |
| US7748018B2 (en) | 1989-10-30 | 2010-06-29 | Starsight Telecast, Inc. | Arranging channel indicators in a television schedule system |
| US8799954B1 (en) | 2006-07-31 | 2014-08-05 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing custom media content flipping |
| US8806533B1 (en) | 2004-10-08 | 2014-08-12 | United Video Properties, Inc. | System and method for using television information codes |
| US8989561B1 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2015-03-24 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for alerting users of the postponed recording of programs |
Families Citing this family (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0763159B2 (en) * | 1984-10-12 | 1995-07-05 | ソニー株式会社 | Video receiver |
| JPS6221379A (en) * | 1985-07-22 | 1987-01-29 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Control equipment |
| JPS62125077U (en) * | 1986-01-27 | 1987-08-08 | ||
| JPH075553Y2 (en) * | 1986-06-06 | 1995-02-08 | 株式会社東芝 | Timer-Reservation display device |
| JPS62198768U (en) * | 1986-06-06 | 1987-12-17 | ||
| IT1232136B (en) * | 1989-07-07 | 1992-01-23 | Farina Attilio | IMPROVED TELEVISION |
| EP0439281B1 (en) * | 1990-01-21 | 1996-09-18 | Sony Corporation | A recording and reproducing apparatus having program information |
| JP2949748B2 (en) * | 1990-01-21 | 1999-09-20 | ソニー株式会社 | Program reservation device |
| JP3647153B2 (en) * | 1996-07-29 | 2005-05-11 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Input device |
| DE20308030U1 (en) * | 2003-05-22 | 2004-09-23 | Giersiepen, Werner | Time display device |
| JP2005045385A (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2005-02-17 | Pioneer Electronic Corp | Device, method, and program for information reservation control, and information recording medium where the same is recorded |
| US8640166B1 (en) | 2005-05-06 | 2014-01-28 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for content surfing |
| US8387089B1 (en) | 2005-05-06 | 2013-02-26 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing a scan |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5236420A (en) * | 1975-09-17 | 1977-03-19 | Toshiba Corp | Integrated circuit device for tv with memory |
| JPS5858869B2 (en) * | 1977-09-07 | 1983-12-27 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Program reservation system television receiver |
| IT1108164B (en) * | 1978-05-22 | 1985-12-02 | Indesit | DEVICE FOR TUNING A TELEVISION |
| JPS55153432A (en) * | 1979-05-17 | 1980-11-29 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Program reservation unit |
| JPS5626286A (en) * | 1979-08-10 | 1981-03-13 | Hitachi Ltd | Program timer |
-
1982
- 1982-12-29 JP JP57230109A patent/JPS59123373A/en active Pending
-
1983
- 1983-12-15 DE DE8383307649T patent/DE3370573D1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-12-15 EP EP19830307649 patent/EP0115145B1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-12-20 CA CA000443846A patent/CA1217269A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7748018B2 (en) | 1989-10-30 | 2010-06-29 | Starsight Telecast, Inc. | Arranging channel indicators in a television schedule system |
| US7477832B2 (en) | 1990-09-10 | 2009-01-13 | Starsight Telecast Inc. | User interface for television schedule system |
| US8069460B2 (en) | 1990-09-10 | 2011-11-29 | Starsight Telecast, Inc. | User interface for television schedule system |
| US8087046B2 (en) | 1990-09-10 | 2011-12-27 | Starsight Telecast, Inc. | User interface for television schedule system |
| US8806533B1 (en) | 2004-10-08 | 2014-08-12 | United Video Properties, Inc. | System and method for using television information codes |
| US8799954B1 (en) | 2006-07-31 | 2014-08-05 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing custom media content flipping |
| US8989561B1 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2015-03-24 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for alerting users of the postponed recording of programs |
| US9723363B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2017-08-01 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for alerting users of the postponed recording of programs |
| US11245965B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2022-02-08 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for alerting users of the postponed recording of programs |
| US11689768B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2023-06-27 | Rovi Guides, Inc. | Systems and methods for alerting users of the postponed recording of programs |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0115145B1 (en) | 1987-03-25 |
| JPS59123373A (en) | 1984-07-17 |
| DE3370573D1 (en) | 1987-04-30 |
| EP0115145A1 (en) | 1984-08-08 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1217269A (en) | Tv program timer apparatus and method | |
| US6567606B2 (en) | On screen VCR programming guide | |
| US4873584A (en) | Computer control for VCR including display of record playback listing and playback order selection | |
| CA1211202A (en) | Picture display apparatus for selectively displaying at least three types of pictures | |
| US4325081A (en) | Programmed timer for VTR | |
| KR970004287B1 (en) | Reserved recording method in video cassette recorder | |
| KR100931921B1 (en) | Method for controlling the use of an audiovisual display device, display device for implementing the method, and device for displaying graphics interface | |
| EP1613074B1 (en) | Data recording and reproducing apparatus with recording reservation capability | |
| JP2002044554A (en) | Electronic program guide display controller | |
| EP0207098B1 (en) | A programmable timer | |
| JP4151174B2 (en) | Reservation content output device | |
| JPH06118185A (en) | Recording reservation method for tv program | |
| JP3355051B2 (en) | Video signal recording and playback device | |
| JPH051839Y2 (en) | ||
| JPH09265685A (en) | Timer reservation device | |
| KR970009663B1 (en) | Reservation method for video cassette recorder | |
| KR20000051798A (en) | Method for reserving record time using calendar image | |
| JPH0649029Y2 (en) | Timer reservation device | |
| JPH0467377B2 (en) | ||
| JPH0563055B2 (en) | ||
| JPH10106062A (en) | Picture recording and reproducing device | |
| JPH08340270A (en) | Receiver with learning function | |
| JPH0793708B2 (en) | Television receiver | |
| JPH0584709B2 (en) | ||
| JPH04324151A (en) | Timer video recording device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20040127 |