WO1998057495A1

WO1998057495A1 - Multi-functional processing system with built-in non-movable storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO1998057495A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/012281
Authority: WO
Inventors: William H. Lewis
Original assignee: Lewis William H
Priority date: 1997-06-12
Filing date: 1998-06-11
Publication date: 1998-12-17
Also published as: WO1998057495A8; AU8069698A

Abstract

A multi-functional data processing system including a broadcast receiver and built-in recording and playback devices. The system records data onto a high capacity non-movable storage medium (4) which data may subsequently be manipulated, edited or processed (3), and then stored or transferred to a movable medium (e.g., video cassette) or playback directly from a built-in playback device (5).

Description

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH BUILT-IN NON-MOVABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a data handling system for the management of one or more data feeds. More specifically, it relates to a method for management and storage of information and an apparatus for accomplishing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For the past several years the world has experienced what has been termed an information explosion. Innumerable, varying technologies have arisen in an attempt to manage this flow of information in commercial areas. Examples range from the various protocols and configurations used for managing office local area networks (LANS) and the information that flows over them, to low end hand-held personal organizers.

A new area is finally reaching a point of no return in this world of information overload—the end user of commercial and educational material. This information overload has now become critical with the end users of computers and televisions. This, in turn, creates problems relating to the management of the exponentially increasing global database of information available over data feeds to personal computers, such as the Internet and other modem and cable accessible computer data feeds. It also includes the explosion in data feed sources over and through program broadcasts such as network television, radio, cable television channels, satellite feeds, UHF/VHF channels, videotapes, and even the Internet. Couple this explosion of information with a blurring line between the personal computer, the television, and telephone communications, and there is a serious need for an integrated system that manages and handles the growing amount of information available over the various data feeds and can meet the needs and desires of the end user. However, there are limitations on the devices utilized to manage the ever- increasing and, now in many cases, overlapping information data feeds provided over computer-received and television/radio-received data feeds. For example, the invention disclosed in Moe relates to a method and apparatus for recovering the last few minutes of a broadcast. Moe is limited in that it provides for only a short data recovery time through one 3-15 minute delayed loop. Further, Moe allows for only a single data feed line, and it also lacks programmability for recording known future broadcasts, as well as other features included in this invention (including automatic editing and custom programming).

The current invention solves these problems through the use of an integrated information management and processing system that provides for the handling, sorting and storage of large amounts of data. It allows for this management to occur both during and after the actual feed is being received, while also allowing for various decisions to be made about the suitability, quality, and other content of the information being received. The device also has the capability to be securely accessed and utilized from a remote location, including telephone, Internet, and remote computer/television access.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide a single integrated system and device with a user-friendly control interface which permits the end user to efficiently and effectively manipulate and manage data feeds. A further object of this invention is to provide a system and device for spontaneously capturing and manipulating large amounts of data for both real time playback, and for storing the captured data for subsequent playback without the need for having a readily available, movable, blank storage medium.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system and device for spontaneously capturing and manipulating electronic data, either continuously or at specified times, both for real time playback, and for storage for subsequent playback, without the need for having a readily available, movable, blank storage medium, and which can be programmed from a remote location.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system and device for spontaneously capturing, manipulating and storing audio, video, and audio/video signals for real time playback, or for subsequent playback, without the need for having a readily available movable blank storage medium, and which can be programmed from a remote location.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an audio/video data management system includes a data feed receiver; a plurality of data manipulation and/or processing devices, including, but not limited to signal processors, a V-chip or other such content or ratings-based "content blocker," an automatic, discretionary content editor, analog-to- digital converters, and digital-to-analog converters; a built-in, non-movable storage medium; a recording unit; a microprocessor; and a playback unit. Audio/video data is received on the data feed lines. Once the data has been received, user-controlled programming features determine whether or how the raw data will be processed. The data may be immediately stored in raw form on the built-in non-movable storage medium; or sent to the processing unit for decoding, filtering and/or editing (or other processing), and subsequently played back and/or stored. In the preferred embodiment, the user may program the system to process the received data according to the user's specific desires. For example, the system may be preset to automatically filter or edit the content of the data based on a ratings system (or some other programmable, discretionary system), like the V-chip, which may be encoded into the broadcast signal, or may otherwise be stored in a ROM, PROM, or on a portion of the built-in non-movable storage medium reserved for such control information. Unlike the V-chip, which merely blocks out entire programs that are considered "unsuitable," the present invention may include, as part of the processing means, a processing device or circuitry which automatically edits the received data according to the control data to omit any portion of a received program that may be considered unsuitable. The audio/video data that is received is sent to the processing unit, which includes a signal processor for decoding information which may be included in broadcast signals, or may otherwise be stored in a ROM, PROM, or a portion of the built-in non-movable storage medium reserved for such control information, and which is used for determining whether or how the program will be processed by the content filtering device, and which updates the rating system for the device. The processor decodes the broadcast signal, interprets the control information, updates the previously stored control information, and then automatically edits the signal to censor unsuitable content (e.g., bleep out expletives, or eliminate scenes involving nudity or graphic sexual content). The processed data may then be played back through the playback unit in real time and/or sent to the recording unit to be recorded onto the non-movable storage medium for later access, editing, and/or playback by the playback unit.

In one variation of this invention, the system may be equipped with password protection which serves multiple purposes. First, the password protection limits the utilization of the device to authorized users of the system who have valid passwords.

Second, the system may be programmed by an administrator (e.g. a parent) to automatically assign certain processing functions to specific passwords, prohibit certain processing functions from being utilized by specific passwords, or to make certain functions optional according to the administrator's objectives. For example, a parent may program the system to assign an automatic censoring, or editing function to a child's password in order to limit the content that child may view. Consequently, when the child enters his/her password in order to gain access to the system, all data to which the child has access (whether it be real time viewing or previously recorded data) will be automatically edited to screen out unsuitable material as described above. A further variation of the invention may include the use either of a division of the built-in non-movable storage medium into smaller, uniquely accessible "storage boxes," which may be accessed only by means of a specific password, or of multiple built-in, non- movable storage devices. In this manner, the invention provides for multiple users to have, not only unique processing functions (or combinations of processing functions) assigned to their accounts based on their password, but also to enjoy storage space to which other passwords have no access. The use of multiple non-movable storage devices is useful in that it provides more storage space than a single built-in non-movable storage device broken into several units. However, it may be seen by others skilled in the art that the device may utilize multiple built-in non-movable storage devices, each of which is broken down into one or more individual data boxes.

It should also be noted that the recording means of the invention, which records data onto the high capacity, non-movable storage medium, may be set to record in a continuous loop rather than shutting off when the built-in non-movable storage device has reached its maximum capacity. This function may also be available if the built-in non- movable storage device (or devices) has been divided into storage boxes. For instance, a user may record data in a continuous loop to her particular data storage box, writing over the first recorded data when the storage box reaches its capacity. When recording to a particular data storage box, when the data storage box's full capacity has been reached, the recording device will record over the first recorded data in that storage box, even though the entire built-in non-movable storage medium still has available space. This continuous loop recording feature is useful, because it allows the user to continue to record a broadcast or other program even though her storage space has been used up prior to the conclusion of the broadcast or program.

It should be noted that the invention as described herein may be "bundled" with a television set, video cassette recorder, digital video disc player, radio, personal computer, or other such electronic device to provide a single unit device. For example, in the television and video market there exist television/VCR combinations "bundles" which include a television set and a video cassette recorder combined into the same enclosure. The present invention may be combined with a television, a VCR, a TV/NCR combination, or with computers to provide a single unit device which allows the user to spontaneously view television broadcasts; VCR (or other such device) movies or programs; or other such programs or data, and to record them without the need for a blank video cassette or other such storage medium. Further, utilizing the claimed invention, the bundled device allows for convenient storage until such time as the user can obtain a blank movable storage medium on which to transfer the recorded program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE I shows a block diagram of a standalone unit including one embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 2a shows a block diagram of a television unit incorporating one embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 2b shows a block diagram of one embodiment of the receiving means from FIGURE 2a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, with reference to FIGURE 1, there is shown a standalone unit incorporating one embodiment of the invention that illustrates the operation of this invention. Data feeds la-Id carrying electronic data from any particular source, including but not limited to network television broadcasts, UHF/VHF signal receivers, cable television broadcasts, satellite broadcasts, radio broadcasts, audio, video or audio/video data signals, or computer data signals are received at the receiving means 2. The receiving means 2 may incorporate a radio or television antenna, cable television receiver, satellite signal receiver, or any other digital or analog signal receiver capable of accepting a signal transmitting any kind of information or programming. Once received, the signal is transmitted to the processing means 3 where the information is processed according to user input.

For example, in an information subscription program, users may be required to pay a fee in order to access information for personal use. To enforce the payment of such fees, and to prevent unauthorized access from nonsubscribers, the signal may be encoded by the broadcaster, and require some sort of descrambler to facilitate access to the information. In the present embodiment of the invention, the processing means 3 may include an optional "descrambler," among other processing devices, which will decode the broadcast signal so that the information contained therein may be accessed for personal use by the subscriber.

In addition, broadcasters or information providers frequently include information in other coded signals along with the broadcast program that, when separated and decoded, may be utilized by other electronic features that may be present in the system. For example, high-end compact disc players (CD players) often have features that read and decode compact disc information (CD-I) that is included by manufacturers on audio CD's. This information typically contains the name of the CD, the artist, and the name of the songs on each track. Using special signal decoders, these high-end CD players can decode the CD-I information, process it, and display on the player unit's LED display, the name of the CD, the artist, and the particular song being accessed at any given time. The processing means 3 of the invention embodied in FIGURE 1 includes a signal processor that decodes and processes coded information which may be included in the broadcast or other received signal.

In addition, other processing functions that may be included in processing means 3 include a device or circuitry for data compression, expansion, and/or encoding. These features would aid in the system in maximizing transfer rates, maximizing storage efficiency, and providing security from unauthorized access.

The processing means 3 is fully programmable to allow the inclusion or exclusion of any and all types of available processing and/or signal decoding. In other words, the type of processing the received signal undergoes in the processing means 3 is dependent on the specific desires of the user.

Once the received signal has been processed, it may be stored for future use on the built-in non-movable storage medium 4, or immediately accessed for present use. If needed for present use, the processed data is transmitted from the processing means 3 to the playback means 5 which interprets the processed data and prepares it for display. For example, an audio signal is received from a compact disc player at receiving means 2, and then processed and decoded by processing means 3 so that any audio data is separated from CD-I information on the disc. Once the data has been fully processed in the processing means 3, it is sent to the playback means 5 which plays back the audio data through a speaker system, and displays the CD-I information on a LED display.

In addition to allowing instantaneous playback of received and processed data, the present invention allows the data to be stored on an internal, non-movable storage medium 4 in either processed or unprocessed format so that it may be processed and/or displayed at a subsequent time. The non-movable storage medium 4 may be any medium known in the art for storing electronic data, including, but not limited to recordable tape or other analog recording media, CD ROM, optical disk, magneto-optical disc, computer hard drive, digital video disc (DVD), digital audio tape (DAT), or any other recording medium known in the art. It is preferred, but not required that the non-movable storage medium 4 be one that is erasable so that previously stored programs may be overwritten. Data from the storage medium 4 may be accessed for playback at the playback means 5 or for subsequent processing in the processing means 3. This feature is important because it allows parents (or other suitable users) to record a specific program in its original format for review and subsequent editing to make it suitable for other users. In a practical application of this feature, a parent can record a cable television program that is unsuitable for children, store it on the non-movable storage medium 4, and then allow the children to watch a version edited by the processing means 3 to make it suitable for child viewers. Such a feature allows for more parental control over the content of programs a child may view. Referring now to FIGURE 2a, the drawing depicts a block diagram of a television incorporating one embodiment of the invention. Data feed lines lOa-lOn transmit data from television, cable television, satellite, or UHF/VHF broadcasts or from other local data sources (including VCR'S, laser disc players, DVD players, video cameras, or any other audio, video, or combination audio/video (collectively "A/V") data transmitter known in the art to the receiving means 11.

FIGURE 2b depicts an embodiment of the receiving means 11 from FIGURE 2a. Receiving means 11 may include a combination of one or more receiver interfaces 21-26. Receiver interfaces 21-26 include a network broadcast television antenna; cable television receiver; satellite receiver; UHF/VHF antenna; broadcast radio antenna; and computer network interface. Other embodiments of receiver interfaces 21-26 could include, but are not limited to standard A/V inputs (e.g. RCA video in and video out, Super VHS, or any other A/V input/output ports known in the art). Receiver interfaces 21-26 are designed to accept the broadcast signals and transmit them to output circuit 27. Output circuit 27 may be a multiplexer, sequencer, delay circuit, or other circuit generally known in the art for handling the flow of multiple output signals for individual processing. In this respect, the multi-functional processing system may process, handle, and operate on one or more input signals simultaneously.

Referring back to FIGURE 2a, from the receiving means 11, the raw data received from one or more of data feed lines lOa-lOn is sent to the processing means 13. Microprocessor 12 controls which processing functions (if any) are applied to the received data. Additionally, microprocessor 12 controls any playback features that are subject to User input (e.g. pause, stop, record, fast forward, etc). User interface 17 allows the user to directly control which processing functions will be applied to the received data as it is transmitted through the processing means 13 by transmitting a control signal 16 which the microprocessor 12 receives, interprets and uses to control the processing means 13 based on the user's specifications. User interface 17 may include a system for local on screen programming using an infrared or other hand-held remote control device to produce the control signal 16. Alternatively, the user interface 17 may be an on-unit interface featuring control pad buttons which activate the control signal 16 to direct the features of the system. In addition, user interface 17 may include touch tone telephones or software programs utilizing computer modems or other computer ports (e.g. serial, parallel, network card, or any other computer interface known in the art) to generate the control signal 16, and which may be utilized at much greater distances than standard remote control interfaces to control microprocessor 12. User interface 17 may include circuitry, software or any other means known in the art for securely encrypting or encoding control signal 16 to provide safe, secure transmission of the control signal and to prevent unauthorized interception of the control signal 16 and/or access to the system.

Upon user request, microprocessor 12 may deactivate all types of processing so that the raw data received from data feed lines lOa-lOn may be stored directly to built-in, non-movable storage medium 14 for later processing and/or playback.

Processing means 13 may include any number of circuits, signal processors, filters, or other data manipulation devices known in the art for providing any electronic features or functions that may exist in standard televisions and other such displays known in the art. The processing means may also include, but is not limited to, one or more the following processing circuits or devices specifically aimed at: enhancement of picture color, hue brightness, or tint; sound balance; bass and treble enhancement; stereo/mono sound processing; picture-in-picture (PIP) viewing; decoding and integration of broadcast information such as closed captioned viewing, V-chip program blocking, or automatic data editing; and compression of data for storage or transmission. Each function making up the processing means may operate independently of other functions such that the enablement or disablement of one function does not depend on or affect the enablement or disablement of another function. In this manner, the user, through user interface 17 and microprocessor 12, may specify the exact type of processing he/she wishes the received raw data to undergo. Once the received data has been processed according to user specification, it may be played back on the display via playback means 15 and/or stored on built-in, non- movable storage medium 14. The built-in, non-movable storage medium 14 may be any storage medium for audio/video information known in the art. It is a distinguishing feature of this invention that the storage medium 14 may not be removed except by invasive procedures (i.e. taking the system apart). Built-in, non-movable storage medium 14 may be divided into separate storage boxes which may be assigned to separate members of a family, business or group.

Playback means 15 may include any technology known in the art for playing back audio/video data from any storage medium known in the art (e.g. video tape, DVD, laser disc, etc.). In essence, the playback means 15 reads the data from built-in, non-movable storage medium (or from processing means 13), and then converts it to the proper electronic signals for driving the displays (e.g. cathode ray tube and speakers, or any audio and video displays known in the art).

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A multifunctional system for the handling and manipulation of electronic data comprising: a high capacity, built in, nomnovable storage device; receiving means for receiving data from at least one data feed; recording means for recording data from at least one data feed onto the non- movable storage device; manipulating means for manipulating data received from at least one data feed; and playback means for playing back data from at least one data feed either in real time or from the high capacity, built in, non-movable storage device.

2. The multifunctional system of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional high capacity, non-movable storage devices.

3. The multifunctional system of claim 1, wherein said means for manipulating data received from at least one data feed is controlled by a microprocessor.

4. The multifunctional system of claim 1, wherein said manipulating means automatically manipulates the data received from at least one data feed.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the manipulating means includes a signal processor for decoding signal information which controls the automatic manipulation of data in the manipulating means.

6. The multifunctional system of claim 1 further comprising programming means for programming operation of the system from a remote location.

7. The multifunctional system of claim 6, wherein the programming means for programming operation of the system from a remote location generates a control signal.

8. The multifunctional system of claim 7, wherein the control signal is securely encoded.

9. The multifunctional system of claim 6, wherein said programming means for controlling remote programming includes a computer interface.

10. The multifunctional system of claim 6, wherein said programming means for controlling remote programming includes a telephone interface.

1 1. The multifunctional system of claim 6, wherein the programming means for controlling remote programming includes an infrared interface.

12. The multifunctional system of claim 1, wherein the built in, non-movable storage device is divided into a plurality of individual data storage units.

13. The multifunctional system of claim 12, wherein access and programmability of each of the individual data storage units is protected by password.

14. The multifunctional system of claim 1, wherein the manipulating means for manipulating data includes a means for securely encoding data received from at least one data feed.

15. The multifunctional system of claim 14, wherein the manipulating means for manipulating data includes a means for decoding the securely encoded data received from at least one data feed.

16. A device for the handling and manipulation of A V data comprising: at least one high capacity, built-in, non-movable storage device; receiving means for receiving data from at least one data feed; recording means for recording data from at least one data feed on the built in, high capacity, non-movable storage device; manipulating means for manipulating data received from at least one data feed; and playback means for playing back data from at least one data feed both in real time and from the high capacity, built in, non-movable storage device.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the receiving means includes a broadcast television receiver.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the receiving means includes a cable television receiver.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the receiving means includes a satellite data feed receiver.

20. The device of claim 16, wherein the receiving means includes a UHFNHF receiver.

21. The device of claim 16, wherein the receiving means includes a computer network interface.

22. The device of claim 16, wherein at least one of the receiving means includes a broadcast radio receiver.

23. The device of claim 16, wherein the manipulating means for manipulating data received from at least one data feed includes a data content editor.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the data content editor is an optionally removable feature.

25. The device of claim 23, wherein the data content editor is a V-chip.

26. The device of claim 23, wherein the data content filter/editor may be used to automatically edit received programs.

27. The device of claim 23, wherein the manipulating means for manipulating data received from at least one data feed includes a compressing means for compressing data.

28. The multifunctional system of claim 16, wherein the manipulating means for manipulating data includes at least one signal processor.

29. The device of claim 28, wherein said signal processor decodes and interprets coded signal information.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein the signal processor uses the decoded signal information to automatically edit or process data.

31. A television video recorder combination comprising: an enclosure; one or more high capacity, built in, non movable storage devices; receiving means for receiving data from at least one data feed; recording means for recording data from at least one data feed on the one or more built in, high capacity, nomnovable storage devices; manipulating means for manipulating data received from at least one data feed; playback means for playing back data from at least one data feed both in real time and from the high capacity, built in, non-movable storage device; and a television screen display.

32. The device of claim 31 further comprising a signal processor for decoding signal information which controls automatic manipulation of data in the manipulating means.

33. The combination of claim 31 further comprising a built in recording and playback device that utilizes a movable storage medium.

34. The combination of claim 33, wherein the built-in video recorder/player is a video cassette recorder.

35. The combination of claim 33, wherein the built-in video recorder/player is a digital video disc player.