WO2001011867A2

WO2001011867A2 - Method and apparatus for programming of a vcr recording

Info

Publication number: WO2001011867A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/022052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wing P. Leung; Andrew Duncan
Original assignee: Gemstar Development Corporation
Priority date: 1999-08-09
Filing date: 2000-08-09
Publication date: 2001-02-15
Also published as: AU6634700A; WO2001011867A3; WO2001011867A9

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses methods for transferring programming data to electronic devices, such as VCRs (113). A device such as a personal computer (101) can be used to select programming data from a website displaying a listing of a television program to be recorded. The personal computer can then communicate this data to a transfer device (109) using DTMF tones (dual tone multiple frequency) to communicate with a data transfer device. The data transfer device can then accept the commands from the PC and translate them into infrared commands for programming the VCR. The user can then move the transfer device near the VCR and initiate a data transfer. The data transfer device may also receive commands from a touch-tone phone coupled to an answering machine to generate the DTMF tones to program the data transfer device. The data transfer device may then be used to generate IR commands for programming the user's VCR or other recording device. Additionally, the data transfer device can be incorporated into a detachable computer mouse.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROGRAMMING OF A VCR RECORDING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to methods and apparatus for programming electronic devices and in particular to methods and apparatus for programming VCRs using infrared light.

2. Description of Related Art

Programming VCR recordings has traditionally not been a trivial task. When VCRs with programmable recording capabilities first appeared in the marketplace, many VCR users found that they were incapable of using the programming facilities built into their VCRs. The fact that many users were not even able to properly set the clock on their VCRs underscores the importance of the problem. Setting the VCR clock is a necessary precondition for recording a desired program at a given time.

Many VCRs signify that their time has not been properly set. for example after being disconnected from the power line, by blinking the time 12:00 on the VCR^*s front panel display. The clock setting problem has been so prevalent that within the consumer electronic industry that it has acquired the common nickname of "the blinking 12 problem."

As VCR design has progressed, on screen programing has been added to many VCRs. On screen programing is helpful to users in that the user may see, on a screen, the programming that they had entered. On screen programming is a significant advance over attempting to program VCRs through a series of sequential input keystrokes, entered on the VCR front panel or using a VCR remote. Without on screen programming, the only feedback typically available to the user is the minimal feedback that might be displayed on the front panel of the VCR.

While a significant improvement, on screen programming typically provides no clue which programs are being recorded, only to the time, channel, and duration of the recording. Several approaches to provide both on screen programming and program information have been designed. One approach is that taken by VCRs. televisions, or other television related products incorporating the GUIDE Plus+™ on screen guide for recording developed by Gemstar Development Corporation. VCRs equipped with a GUIDE Plus+™ on screen guide display an on screen matrix of program listings. The viewer, using a remote control, may then select a particular program from the grid and then press a record button on their remote. The GUIDE Plus+™ system may then automatically record the selected program when it airs.

Another solution incorporating VCR programming with program information is that provided by the VCR Plus+™ system developed by the Gemstar Development Corporation. Using a VCR Plus+™ equipped system a user may access a program listing, such as from a newspaper, magazine, or web site. If the program listing contains VCR Plus+™ Pluscode+™ numbers and the viewer has a VCR equipped with a VCR Plus+™ system, the viewer may enter the VCR Plus+™ number into their VCR and their VCR will be programmed to record the selected program when it airs.

There are, however, VCRs not equipped with either the GUIDE Plus+™ or VCR Plus+™ systems. A viewer using a VCR Plus+™ system may enter the VCR Plus+™ numbers incorrectly. therebv recording the wrong program.

There is therefore a need within the VCR programming art. in particular, and the electronic device programming art. in general, for improved programming capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To overcome limitations in the prior art as described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses improved programming methods and apparatus for electronic systems, particularly for VCRs and other recording devices.

In accordance with the present invention, programming data is communicated to a data transfer device. The data transfer device then interprets the programming data received and communicates data commands, using a communication method such as an infrared data stream, to a device to be programmed.

In some systems the data transfer device may translate the data received into a time, channel, and duration to be recorded. The transfer device may then translate the received time, channel, and duration data into a set of commands, which are compatible with the device to be programmed, prior to communicating the commands to the device to be programmed.

In other systems the commands for the recording device that is to be programmed can be downloaded directly into the data transfer device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts, the following drawings are included.

Figure 1A is a graphical representation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a personal computer is used to communicate programming data to a data transfer device.

Figure IB is a flow diagram of a process as may be used with the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1A.

Figure 2A is a graphical representation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a telephone answering machine is used to communicate programming data to a data transfer device.

Figure 2B is a flow diagram of a process as may be used with the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2A.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the circuitry which may comprise a data transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as illustrated in figure 2.

Figure 4A is a graphical representation of a computer mouse, which may be used as a data transfer device, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 4B is a flow diagram of a process, according to embodiments of the present invention, incorporating the computer mouse illustrated in Figure 4A.

Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary commands which may be sent to a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) via an IR (Infrared) Link in order to program a VCR recording.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 A is a graphical representation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a personal computer is used to communicate programming data to a data transfer device. In Figure 1 A. personal computer (PC) 101 displays a listing of programs that may be recorded on its monitor 103. The user then may select a program to record from the listings appearing on monitor 103. Such program listings may be found in a web based GUIDE Plus+™ available from an Internet website.

Once the user has selected a particular program to record, the data representing that program is converted into a series of dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) tones. The DTMF tones are then sent to the speaker 105 of the PC. The tones are then received in a DTMF receiver 109. The DTMF receiver 109 then converts the DTMF tones, representing the Channel Date Time and Length (CDTL) of a program to be recorded, into a series of commands. The series of commands are then broadcast from the data transfer device, in this case a DTMF receiver 109, to a VCR or other recording device 1 13. The series of commands broadcast from the data transfer device program the recording device 1 13 to record the desired program.

Alternatively, the DTMF receiver includes a timer and transmits on and off, channel change, record and stop commands at the appropriate time based on the received CDTL information. If a tuner outside the recording device is used, the DTMF receiver transmits channel change commands to the outside tuner based on the CDTL information. The DTMF receiver can be programmed with multiple recordings.

The DTMF receiver must be programmed to know what brand of VCR or other recording device it will produce IR commands for. The DTMF receiver with IR blaster 109 must translate the program data received from the PC via the DTMF tones into such infrared (IR) commands as may be recognized by the VCR or other recording device, in order to program the recording device.

Figure 1 B is a flow diagram of a process as may be used with the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 A. The process begins in 121 when the user pulls up a web program guide on their PC. A web program guide may display a variety of programs and their time listings. Typically, the programs are listed by time listing but may be rearranged to be listed in a variety of other ways, for example, by channel or theme. In step 123 the user will then select a program on the electronic program guide displayed on their PC. Once the program the user desires to record has been selected, the user confirms, in step 125. that the selected program is the one to record. By selecting the program to record in step 125. the PC will then send out information. such as CDTL or GUIDE Plus+™ code information, to the DTMF receiver using DTMF tones generated by the speaker system within the PC 127. The DTMF receiver then decides if it received the proper information in block 129. The DTMF receiver makes the decision of whether the information is proper by a variety of methods. For example, the DTMF coding may contain a variety of error correcting and/or error detecting codes. The DTMF receiver provides an indication to the user, such as a beep, if the receiver properly received the information sent to it. If the receiver did not receive the proper information, the user may go back to step 125 and select the program to record again. If on the other hand, the DTMF receiver did receive the proper information, the viewer may proceed to step 131. In step 131, the user activates the DTMF receiver to program the VCR or other recording device 1 13. The user carries the DTMF receiver with the IR blaster 109 to the area where the VCR or other recording device 113 is present. The user then activates the DTMF receiver to generate a set of IR commands 1 1 1 with IR blaster 109 to program the VCR or other recording device 113 in order to record the programs selected. During the programming of the VCR or other recording device 1 13 , the sequence of programming may be observed by displaying the VCR programming on a connected television (not shown). Once the DTMF receiver has communicated the IR commands 1 1 1 to the VCR 113, the process ends in step 133.

Figure 2 A is a graphical representation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a telephone answering machine is used to communicate programming data to a data transfer device. In Figure 2A, a DTMF receiver with IR blaster 207 is placed within receiving distance of a telephone with a telephone answering machine 201. A viewer selects a program to be viewed from any suitable source such as a newspaper or website. The user may then calls the telephone with the answering machine 201 and once the answering machine has completed its answering machine message, the keys in a code, such as a Pluscode+™ code, which the user has determined corresponded to the program to be recorded. By keying in the proper numerical sequence. DTMF tones 205 are generated by the telephone system and are played through the answering machine speaker 203. If the DTMF receiver with IR blaster 207 is within range of the answering machine 201, the DTMF tones generated by the user keying in numbers program the DTMF receiver 207. At the end of the programming sequence, the user transmits a particular sequence of DTMF tones on their telephone, which causes the DTMF receiver to program the VCR or other recording device 209 using its infrared (IR) blaster. Alternatively, the DTMF receiver with IR blaster may be set to automatically generate an

IR programming sequence for a VCR or other recording device 209 after receiving a valid sequence of programming DTMF tones.

Once the DTMF receiver was programmed by the DTMF tones 205 being entered by the viewer who had called the answering machine, the DTMF receiver then translates the DTMF tones 205. representing the program to be recorded, into a sequence of IR 21 1 commands, which program the VCR or other recording device to record the desired program.

Alternatively, as with the DTMF receiver 109. DTMF receiver with IR blaster 207 includes a timer and send on and off and channel change commands at the appropriate time based on the

CDTL information.

Figure 2B is a flow diagram of a process as may be used with the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2A. The process of remotely programming a user's VCR or other recording device begins in step 221 when the user dials into his or her answering machine. The answering machine then picks up the call and. at the end of the greeting message, the answering machine asks the caller to start recording. The caller will enter 82775876543#6543#, in which 8277587 is the heading and corresponds to VCR Plus on the keypad. 6543 is the GUIDE Plus+™ code for the program to be recorded. The VCR Plus+™ code will vary according to the program desired to be recorded. The VCR Plus+™ code is then re-entered in step 225 to assure reliable reproduction of the VCR Plus+™ code. In step 227, the two entered VCR Plus+™ codes are compared. If the two Plus match, it is assumed that the codes are correct. In step 229, the receiving unit will sound one long beep to acknowledge the correctness of the VCR Plus+™ codes. Next, in step 233, a second VCR Plus+™ code is entered. If another VCR Plus+™ code is to be entered, the caller proceeds to step 225 to enter the additional VCR Plus+™ code. The process then proceeds normally from step 225 according to the flow diagram of Figure 2B. If in step 233, a second VCR Plus+™ code is not to be entered, then the process ends in step 237. If the two entered VCR Plus+™ codes checked against each other in step 227 have not been received correctly, in step 231. a series of beeps warn the caller that the programming has not been successful. If the caller knows that the programming has not been successful, they may try again to accomplish the proper entry by returning to step 225. If in step 235. the caller decides that they do not wish to attempt to program their VCR again, the process ends in step 237.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of circuitry, which exemplarily comprises a data transfer device, according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 2. The data transfer device illustrated in Figure 3 is divided generally into two sections. Section 301 is the DTMF data encoding and confirmation section. Section 303 is the IR remote control and LCD section. In the DTMF data decoding and confirmation section 301, a microphone 305 receives DTMF tones and couples the DTMF tones into amplifier 307. Amplifier 307 amplifies the DTMF tones and couples the amplified tones to a DTMF decoder 309. The DTMF decoder decodes the DTMF tones and provides them to a microcontroller 31 1 , located in the IR remote control and LCD section 303. The microcontroller stores the received tones in a memory (not shown) for later decoding. Once the last DTMF tone from the decoder 309 has been received by the microcontroller 31 1. the microcontroller translates the received DTMF code into the time.

-3- channel, and duration of a program to be recorded (the DTMF code may also optionally include other information such as recording speed). Once the microcontroller has translated the tones into a program to be recorded, it then translates the program to be recorded into a series of commands for operating the user^'s recording device. Once the microcontroller has translated the program to be recorded into infrared commands 319, the IR blaster can accept the string of infrared commands from the microcontroller and produce the infrared. 319. commands necessary to program the user^'s recording device to record the desired program.

The IR remote control and LCD section 303 also comprises an LCD 313 and a keypad 315. The LCD has a variety of possible uses, such as providing a user display from which a user may select the brand of recording device to be controlled. LCD 313 may also display recording times in order to confirm the recording of the proper program. The keypad 315 also has a variety of uses. For example, the keypad may provide an entry means for a user to enter the brand of recording device that they have. The brand of recording device will dictate the protocol of the IR codes emitted by the data transfer device (e.g. 109. 207). Since most infrared control devices have their own control protocol and commands, it is important to be able to select the proper command set for the device to be programmed by the infrared commands 319 emitted from the data transfer device illustrated in Figure 3.

Microcontroller 31 1 interfaces with a buffer 321. The buffer 321 in turn provides a driving wave form for piezo-beeper 323. The microcontroller 31 1 sends wave forms representing sound to the buffer 321 and thereby control the type of sound emitted from the piezo-beeper 323.

The piezo-beeper 323 also may be used in a variety of ways. Piezo-beeper 323 may be used to alert the user to the acceptance of keystrokes on the keypad 315 and/or to inform a user that the data transfer device has completed its programming of the recording device. Piezo- beeper 323 may be activated with a series of short tones indicating that an error has occurred and the DTMF tones received by microphone 305 could not be properly decoded by the microcontroller 31 1. Piezo-beeper 323 may also be used to confirm that the sequence of DTMF tones were received without error.

A string of DTMF tones can be checked for errors in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, the use of error detecting codes, and repeated entry of the DTMF codes by the user. Multiple methods of coding for error detection are well known in the art.

Figure 4 A is a graphical representation of a computer mouse used as a data transfer device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 4A. a mouse 407 is coupled to a PC 401 via an electrical cord 405. The user then observes data on the monitor and downloads data from the PC to the mouse 407. The exemplary mouse 407 is equipped with an RJ11 connector 41 1 which will enable the cord 405 from the PC 401 to be decoupled from the mouse 407 (other connectors may be substituted). The cord 405 terminates in an RJ1 1 connection, which then couples to the RJ1 1 connection 41 1 of the mouse. Alternatively, the mouse can be a wireless mouse, such as an infrared or radio frequency mouse. Data is downloaded to the mouse, and then the mouse is detached from the computer cord via the RJl 1 coupling. The RJl 1 coupling comprises a connector plug 409 and receptacle 411. An IR emitter 413 of the mouse 407 may be used to communicate IR commands to the recording device.

A user can call up a website displaying a grid or other listing of television programming. When the user finds a program that they wish to record, they then select that program from the grid. The user then selects the type of device to be programmed, for example, a VCR. The personal computer 401 then translates the data defining the program to be recorded into commands that can be recognized by the particular brand of recording device to be controlled. The commands generated by the PC 401 to program the recording are then sent from the PC 401 through the attached cord to the mouse 407. The mouse 407 is then be detached, using the RJl 1 connector, and placed near the recording device to be programmed. The user then clicks a button on the mouse, and the IR emitter 413 send the infrared commands, using the protocol familiar to the recording device to be programmed, to the recording device. In such a way, programming for a multitude of infrared controlled devices can be downloaded into a mouse 407 and then the mouse transported to the electronic device. The mouse 407 can then be triggered to program the recording of a desired program.

In an alternative embodiment the mouse contains a clock. The mouse is then left near a VCR and will generate record commands as they occur. In this manner, instead of programming the device, the mouse serves as a real time controller. The mouse issues recording commands thereby recording and changing channels as needed.

Figure 4B is a flow diagram of a process, according to embodiments of the present invention, incorporating the computer mouse illustrated in Figure 4A. In step 421, the process begins when the user accesses a web based electronic program guide (EPG) and selects programs to be recorded. Once the user has selected the programs to be recorded, the user can proceed to step 423. In step 423 scheduling information is stored in the PC and also downloaded, via the mouse cable and RJl 1 connector, to the memory inside the mouse. In step 425. the user disconnects the RJl 1 cable from the mouse and brings the mouse within close proximity of the recording device. Once the mouse is in a close proximity to the recording device, step 427 can proceed. In step 427. the user clicks on a mouse button, and the mouse sends out an IR signal to the IR receiver in the recording device. Once the signal has been sent to program the recording device, the process ends in step 429.

Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary commands sent to a VCR via an IR link in order to program a VCR recording. Command 501 turns on the recording device. Command 503 instructs the recording device to enter the setup menu. In step 505 the channel, date, time and length of program information is sent to the recording device. In step 507. the recording speed is set. In step 509. setup is exited. In step 511. the power is turned off to the recording device has been programmed. The process ends in step 513 with the recording device ready to record the desired program. The examples given in this disclosure are typically directed to the process of recording a program on a recording device such as a VCR. Those skilled in the art will realize that the inventive concept herein can be applicable to other devices beyond recording devices such as VCRs. In particular, any type of electronic device which can be programmed using IR commands can be programmed utilizing the inventive concepts herein disclosed. The example of VCR has been used extensively as an example of a preferred embodiment, which will be familiar to those skilled in the art.

Additionally, the infrared programming has been selected as a means for communicating commands to an electronic device. Infrared control of electronic devices such as VCRs is common, and so likely to be familiar to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that any type of transfer medium can be used in lieu of an IR connection. For example, other methods such as but not limited to: visible light, radio waves, and sound may be used. The embodiments selected herein have been selected to teach the inventive concepts disclosed and not to limit them to the precise form disclosed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for programming a recording device, the apparatus comprising:

(a) an input for receiving program data defining a program to be recorded; (b) a computing unit for receiving the program data from the input:

(c) a program within the computing unit, for receiving the program data and for converting it to serial output data: and

(d) an infrared transmitter for accepting serial output data from the computing unit and for converting the serial output data into a serial data transmission of infrared pulses for programming the recording device.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the input for receiving program data defining a program to be recorded comprises a DTMF (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency) sound receiver.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the input for receiving program data defining a program to be recorded comprises a detachable wired connection.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the wherein the computing unit comprises a microcontroller.

5. An apparatus as in claim one wherein the program within the computing unit, for receiving the program data and for converting it to serial output data comprises: a program segment for receiving the program data and converting said program data into a time, duration, and channel to be recorded; and a program segment to convert the time, duration, and channel to be recorded into a series of commands that can be recognized by the device to be programmed.

6. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a user input for initiating the serial data transmission of infrared pulses for programming the recording device.

7. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the program within the computing unit further comprises a program segment which checks error detecting codes within the program data.

8. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the program within the computing unit further comprises a program segment which checks repeated entries of program data against each other.

9. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein the program within the computing unit further comprises a program segment which provides a user prompt when an error within the program data is detected.

10. An apparatus as in claim 9 wherein the user prompt comprises a series of audio tones.

1 1. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein the program within the computing unit further comprises a program segment which provides a user prompt when an error within the program data is not detected.

12. An apparatus as in claim 1 1 wherein the user prompt comprises a single audio tone.

13. A method for programming a recording device which accepts infrared programming commands, the method comprising:

(a) receiving DTMF tones containing programming data; (b) extracting program data from the series of DTMF tones;

(c) translating the programming data into a series of programming actions;

(d) translating the series of programming actions into commands recognizable by a recording device; and

(e) communicating said commands to an IR (infrared) transmitter for transmission to a recording device.

14. A method as in claim 13 wherein translating the series of programming actions into commands recognizable by a recording device comprises: selecting a recording device that will be programmed; and translating the programming actions into commands recognizable by said programming device.

15. A method as in claim 13 wherein communicating said commands to an IR transmitter for transmission to a recording device comprises: monitoring a user input for a start indication; and commencing the IR transmission to a recording device upon detection of said start indication.

16. A method as in claim 13 wherein receiving DTMF tones containing programming data comprises: accepting DTMF tones; examining the DTMF tones for errors; and providing a user notification of errors detected within the DTMF tones. 17 A method as in 16 wherein the examining of the DTMF tones lor errors comprises examining en or detecting codes within the DTMF tones

18 An apparatus for programming a recording device, said apparatus comprising (a) a computer system tor displaying a selection of programs which may be recorded,

(b) a first program segment, within said computer, for accepting a user input to select a program to record.

(c) a second program segment, within said computer, tor accepting a selection of the recording device to be programmed, (d) a third program segment within said computer, for accepting the user input to select a program to record and translating it into a time, channel, and duration to be recorded,

(e) a tourth program segment for translating the time, channel, and duration to be recorded into a series of commands which can be recognized by the selected recording device, and

(f) a link for transferring said series of commands which can be recognized by the selected lecording dev ice into a data transfer device for programming the selected recording device,

19 An apparatus as in claim 18 wherein the data transfer device for programming the selected recording device comprises a computer mouse containing an IR transmitter for transferring the programming to the selected recording device

20 An apparatus as in claim 19 the computer mouse further comprising circuitry that commences IR transmission for transferring the programming to the selected recording device upon the receipt of a mouse click