WO2008042065A1 - Video content recording apparatus with card-slot-specific recording and method for use therewith - Google Patents
Video content recording apparatus with card-slot-specific recording and method for use therewith Download PDFInfo
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- WO2008042065A1 WO2008042065A1 PCT/US2007/019285 US2007019285W WO2008042065A1 WO 2008042065 A1 WO2008042065 A1 WO 2008042065A1 US 2007019285 W US2007019285 W US 2007019285W WO 2008042065 A1 WO2008042065 A1 WO 2008042065A1
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- Prior art keywords
- video content
- inputs
- removable memory
- information
- recording apparatus
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/76—Television signal recording
- H04N5/907—Television signal recording using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
- H04N21/418—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access
- H04N21/4184—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access providing storage capabilities, e.g. memory stick
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/79—Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
- H04N9/80—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback
- H04N9/804—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components
- H04N9/8042—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components involving data reduction
Definitions
- F.gure 10 is an illustration of a screen display of an embodiment tha * ahows a user to designate v ideo content information when scheduling a recording
- Electronic program guide data broadly refers to any .nformation about video content that can be used to facilitate user selection of ⁇ deseed recordi ng EPG data includes, but iS not limited to, croadcast date, channel number, channel name, start/end times, as well as descriptive information about v.deo content, such as, but not limited to, title, synopsis, actors, directors, > ear of production, genre, parental control information, and duration
Abstract
A video content recording apparatus with card-slot-specific recording and method for use therewith are disclosed. In one embodiment, a video content recording apparatus is provided comprising an input configured to receive video content; a plurality of inputs, each configured to receive a removable memory device; and circuitry operative to select one of the plurality of inputs to record the video content based on information about the video content. In another embodiment, a video content recording apparatus is provided comprising circuitry operative to display a graphical user interface on the display device, the graphical user interface allowing a user to designate one of the plurality of inputs for recording video content comprising specified video content information. The circuitry is further operative to select one of a plurality of inputs to record video content based on information about the video content. In yet another embodiment, a video content recording apparatus is provided comprising circuitry operative to select a second input to record video content onto a second removable memory device after a first removable memory device in a first input is full. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.
Description
Video Content Recording Apparatus with Card-Slot-Specific Recording and Method for Use Therewith
Background
[0001] In the past decade, advances have been made to provide consumers with enhanced control over the timing of video content recording and playback For example, digital video recorders ("DVRs") allow consumers to more easily record video content, as compared to using a video cassette recorder ("VCR"), and allow consumers to plav sack the \ ideo content whenever they like — even during the recording of the video consent Because most DVRs use a hard drive to store video content, the stored video content is often "tied1' to the display dev ice (e g , television) connected to the DVR1 restricting where the consumer car. playback the video content Devices are available that record video content onto a removable memory card Once the video content is recorded, the memory card can be removed from the recording device and inserted into a portable playback device, such as a computer, smart phone, or portable media player This allows consumers to watch video content whenever they w ant and wherever they want
Summary
[0002] The present invention is definec by the following claims, and nothing in tr.is section should be taken as a limitation on those claims
[0003] By way of introduction, the embodiments described below provide a video content recording apparatus with card-slot-specific recording In one embodiment, a v.dec content recording apparatus is provided comprising an input configured to receive video content, a plurality of inputs, each configu*ed to receive a removable memory device, and circuitry operative to select one of the plurality of inputs to record the video content based on information about the video content In another embodiment, a video content recording apparatus is prov ided comprising an input configured to receive video content, an output configured to prov.de video output to a display device, a plurality of inputs, each configured to receive a removable memory device, and circuitry operative to display a graphical user interface on the display device, the graphical user interface
allowing a user to designate one of the plural ity of inputs for recording video content comprising specified video content information. The circuitry is further operative to select one of the plurality of inputs to record the v ideo content based on information about the video content In yet another embodiment, a video content recording apparatus is provided comprising circuitry operative to select a second input to record v ideo content onto a second removable memory device after a first removable memory dev ice in a first input is full.
[0004] The embodiments described below also provide a method for using a v ideo content recording apparatus w ith card-SiOt-specific iecording In one embodiment, a method is prov ided comprising selecting one of a p. ^raiity of inputs based on information about v ideo content, ana recording the v ideo content onto a removable memory device receiv ed by the selected one of the pl urality of inputs In anotncr embodiment, a method is provided comprising receiv ing, v ia a graphical user interface, a designation from a user of one of a plui ality of inputs for recording v ideo content comprisi ng specified video content information and selecting one of the plurality of inputs based on information about the video content In yet another embodiment, a methoc is provided comprising recording video content onto a first removable memory dev ice receiv ed by a first one of a plurality of inputs and, after the first reir.ovab.e memory dev ice is full, recording v ideo content onto a second remov able memory device receiv ed by a second one of the pl urality of inputs
[0005] Other embodiments are di sclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination The embodiments will now be described with reference to the attached drawings
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] F.guie 1 is an illustration of a sy stem of an embodiment for \ ideo content recording.
[0007] Figure 2 is an illustration of an operation of a v ideo content recording system of an embodiment.
[0008] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a video content recording apparatus of an embodiment
[0009] Figure 4 is an illustration of a video content recording apparatus of an embodiment having a plurality of inputs configured to recei ve a remov ab.e memor> dev ice, each of the p.urahty of inputs be.ng for a d.fferent type of remov able memory cevice
[0010] Figure 5 .s an illustration of a v.deo content recording apparatus of an embodiment hav ing a plurality of inputs configured to receive a remov aole memory cevice, ail of the plurality of inputs being for a same type of removabl e memory device
[0011] Figure 6 is an illustration of a v ideo content i ecord .ng apparatus of an embodiment hav ,- g a first pl urality of inputs for a first *> pe of
able me T cry dev ice and a second p ural i-y of inputs for a second type of remov able memoi v dev ice
[0012] Figure 7 is an illustration of a v iceo content recording apparatus of an embodiment having a plurality of inputs configured to receiv e a remov able memory dev ice, each input labeled with a genre type and slot number
[0013] Figure 8 is a screen display of an embodiment that allows a user to designate a removable-memory-device input for recording video content compr.sing specified video content information
[0014] Figure 9 is an .llustration of an embodiment in wm ch a removable memory device prov ides, to a video content recording apparatus, a designation of which remov able-memory -device input should be used to record video consent comprising specified v ideo content information
[0015] F.gure 10 is an illustration of a screen display of an embodiment tha* ahows a user to designate v ideo content information when scheduling a recording
[0016] Figure 1 1 is an illustration of electronic program guide data of an embodiment
Detailed Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiments
[0017] Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1 is an il l ustration of a system 1 0 cf an embodiment for recording v ideo content Video content can ta.<e any suitable form In many Situations, video content contains moving images, howev er, in some situations, video content can contain one or more still images Examples of video content include, but are not limited to, a cable television broadcast, a satellite television broadcast, a terrestπal (i e , "over-the-air ') television broadcast, or a video outp ut from a VCR, DV D player, camcorder, camera/v ideo phone, personal or digital video recorder (e g , Ti Vo™), game play er, or personal computer (e g , an Internet broadcast) Video content can be in analog or digital form and converted from one form to another
[0018] Video content is most often, bur not alw ays , associated w ith audio content that is pla> ed in a sy r,c.τroiizeα fashio.i w th the \ .deo content To simplify the di sci.ss.on of these embodiments audio content W 1I I not be treated in as much detai l as v ideo content It should be kept ;n mind, how ever, that when an action or element is described m the follow. ng description and claims solely m the context of V ideo content, no assumptions should be made regarding whether or not that action or e.ement also relates to audio content For example, w hen it is said that v.deo content is recorded and played back, no assumption should oe made as to w hether or not audio content is also being recorded and playec back
[0019] Referring back to Figure 1 , tπe system 10 comprises a video content recording apparatus 1 00, a removable memory device 200, a video content source 300, a display device 400, a remote control device 500, a computer 600 and a power supply 700 The video content recording apparatus 1 00 will be described in more detai l below
[0020] Λ "remoN able memory device" refers to a storage device that can be placed in/on and remov ed from the video content recording apparatus 100 A remov able memory device 200 can ta.<e an> suitable form, and it is presently preferred that the removable memory device 200 take the form of a non-volatile, solid-state memory device, such as a flash memory card Memory cards of a particular tv pe typically
conform to a standard size and format and are interchangeable in the sense that they can be inserted and removed from a variety of host devices. Suitable flash memory cards include, but are not limited to, the following memory cards: SD™, SD™(HC). Min:SD™(HC), MYC™, MMCplus™, MMCmobile™, MιcroSD™(HC), Memory Stick™, Memorv Stick PRO™, Memor> Stick Duo™, and Memory Stick PRO Duo™. A L SB memory device can also be used Any suitable type of memory array can be used m a solid-state memory device, including a wπte-many cr wr.te-once two-dimensional or three-dimensional array, made from any suitable material While it is present!) preferred that the remov able memorv device 200 be a solid-state memory device, other re;no\ able memory devices can be used, such as, but not limited to, an optical disc and a magnetic
[0021] A video content source 300 is any device that prov ides video content Examples of a video content source include, but are not limited to, a cable tuner box, a satellite tuner DCX, a digital \ ideo broadcastτ.g (DVB) tuner box, a terrestrial antenna, a set-top box, a VCR, a DVD player, a camcorder, a digital camera, a camera video phone, a peisonal or digital video recorder (e g , 7iVo1 v), a game player, or a personal computer The video content source 300 can provide video content m analog or digital form. A display device 400 can be a monitor or television, for example In some situations, the video content source 300 is part of the display device 400, such as when the display dev.ee 400 is a television with a built-in tuner. The remote control device 500 is typically a wireless handheld user interface device used to communicate user commands to the video content recording apparatus 100. The computer 600 can be any suitable computing device, and the power supply 700 can be AC or a battery or both
[0022] As shown in Figure 1 , the v ideo content recording apparatus I UO comprises a variety of inputs and outputs to place the video content recording apparatus 1 00 in communication with other components It should be noted that tne v iceo content recording apparatus 100 can contain additional or different inputs and outputs It should also be noted that even though the term "input'' and "output" are used and one-way arrows are sometimes used in the drawings, in some situations, there can be two-way communication between the video content recording apparatus 100 and the component
connected v.a the input/output Also, any suitable type of input or output can be used, and the terms inpat and output should be not restricted to the examples set forth in this description Further, while the inputs and outputs are described herein as "first input," "first output," "second input," etc , the first and second inputs (or outputs), for example, ai e not necessari ly the same t\ pe of i nputs (or outputs) j ust because the word "input" (or "output") is used For example, one input can oe a ph> Sical connector, while another input can be an infrared receiver
[0023] The video content recording apparatus 100 comprises a first input 1 10 configured to receive video content from the video content source 300 Although any suitable input can be used, it is presently preferred that the first input be a composite video input Composite video combines the three basic elements of a video picture (color, brightness, and synchronization data) Into a single combined signal and is commonly used in consumer v ideo equipment The video content recording apparatus 100 also comprises a second input 1 20 configured to receive the removabl e memory dev.ee 2C0 When the removable memory dev ice 200 takes the form of a mεmorv card, the second input 120 can be a s.ot in the v ideo content recording apparatus 1 00 that contains an electrical connector that mates vv ith a mating connector on the memory card The second input 120 can be adapted for an> suitable removable memory' device (e g., the second input 120 can be a tray for receiving an optical disc) Although only a single second input 120 is shewn in Figure 1 , it should be understood that the v ideo content recording apparatus 1 00 car. contain inputs for a plurality of removable memory devices of the same type or of different types.
[0024] The video content recording appai atus 100 further comprises a third input 1 30 configured to receive user input As shown ,n Figure 1 , the third input 1 30 can be configured to rece.ve a comrmmicatior. from the remote 500 For example, the third input 1 30 can be an infrared receiv er that receives infrared ti ansmissicns from the remote 500, however, other inputs can be used (e g , a physical connector if the remote 500 is wired to the video content recording apparatus 1 00 w ith an electrical or optical cable). The third input 1 30 can also be one or more buttons or other types of user interface elements on the apparatus 100 itself As yet another alternative, the third input 130 can
comprise both user interface elements on the apparatus 100 itself as well as be configured to receive a communication from the remote 500 In other words, the third input 1 30 can take any form to allow a user to provide input to the apparatus 1 00 where some or all of the user interface elements (e g , buttons, switches, etc ) can be on the remote 500 or on the apparatus I CO itself (or any other component). In this way, all of the user interface elements can be on the remote 500, al! of the user interface elements can be on the apparatus 1 00 itself, or there can be a mix of user interface elements O P. the remote 500 and the apparatus 100 itself.
[0025J The video content record. ng apparatus 1 00 also comprises a fourth input 140 configured to allow the apparatus 100 to be connected to the computer 600 It is presently preferred that the fourth input KO be a USB connector Although not shown, tne video content recording apparatus 100 can comprise inputs (e.g , left and right channels) for audio content
[0026] The v ideo content recording apparatus 1 00 also has a number of outputs, such as the fi rst o utput 1 50 that is configured to prov ice contro. information to the v ideo content source 300 The first output 1 50 is preferably an infrared emitter i.iat communicates control information to the v iceo content source 300 v:a an infrared transmission, although other wireless technologies car. be used As an alternativ e to using wire. ess technology , the first output 1 50 can be physically connected to the video content source 300, e.g , v ia an electrical or optical cable The second output 160 is configured to provide video content and other display output (e g , a graphical user interface) to the display device 400 and is preferably a composite video output and, optionally, an HDTV output The power input 170 receives power from the power supply 700 Although not shown, the v ideo content recording apparatus 100 can ccmpπse outputs (e g , left and right channels) for audio content.
[0027] Figure 2 illustrates the operati on of one embodiment of the v.deo content recording system 1 0. In this embodiment, the video content recording apparatus 100 takes the form of a "video memory card recorder," and the removable memory device 200 takes the form of a flash memory card. (As shown m Figure 2, the video memory
card recorder has a plurality of card slots to support different types of memory cards,) The video content recording apparatus 100 has similar recording and playback functionality as a video cassette recorder ("VCR") but uses flash memory cards instead of VCR tapes
[0028] As show n in Figure 2, the first step ,s for the \ ideo content recording apparatus 100 to record video content from the video content source 300 dii εctly onto the removable rr.erncr) device 200 (Ir an alternate embodiment, the v ideo recording apparatus 100 contains an additional storage de\ *ce for an existing storage device that is otherwise used for a different purpose) that al lows v iceo content to be stored (tempor arily, as in a cache, or otherwise) before recording it onto the removable memory device ) If the recording is a scheduled recording, the video content recording apparatus 1 00 sends control information v ia the first output 1 50, e g , an IR emitter, (see Fi gure 1 ) to turn on the video content source 300 and select a channel As v\ uh a VCR or a DVR, the scheduled recording can be based on channel date, and start/stop times, including daily and weeklv repeats Tne video content recording apparatus 1 00 can d:spla> a graphical user interface ("GUI") on the display device 400 to provide an easy way for a user to schεdu.e a recording, as well as to pla> bac < v ideo content and change settings During the recording of the video content onto the removable memory device 200, the video content recording apparatus 1 00 can also display the video content on the display device, either in real-time or otherwise, such as when the user "pauses" and then resαmes watching a live broadcast The video content record. ng apparatus 1 00 can also have additional functionality, such as, but not limited to, playing back and archiving digital photos, playing back audio files, and, as described in more detail below, acting as a card reader for a computer
[0029] After the recording, the user removes the removable memory device 200 from the video content recording apparatus 1 00 and inserts it into a playback device 800 for playback A play back device can be any video-enaoled device, such as but not limited to, a hanc.ield game console 8 1 0 (e g , the Sony PSPTV oi the Nintendo D S™), a mobile phone 820, a smart phone 830, a PC'notebook computer 840, a portable media player, such as a SanDisk Sansa™ e200 Series MP3 pla> er, a handheld computer or other video-
enabled device (including, but not limited to, a Windows CE device), a set-top box, or a display device (e g , a television) with playoack functionality A playback device can also be the same (or different) video content recording apparatus 100 that recorded the v ideo content onto the remov able memory device 2CO Accordingly, as described in more detail below , video content can be recorded on the remov able memory dev ice 200 in a format that is botn suitable for small screen sizes of portable playback dc\ ices as wel l as full-screen sizes of display dev ices
[0030] As can be seen from the examp'es noted abov e, a play back dev ice can perform functions in add' Mon to play ing back v ,deo content stored on the remov able memory device 200 For example, tne play back dev ice can also play games, make telephone calls, receive email , or even record v ideo content Also, whi le it w ould be especially convenient for the playback dev ice to contain an input for the re-novab.e memoi > dev ice 200 (e g a memory card slot), so the user can j ust "plug in" the removable memory dev ice 2OC into tne playback dev ice, some plav back dev ices may not contain sucn an input, such as some existing portable media play ers, or may net hav e an input for the type of memory dev ice (e g , memory card) used b> the v ideo conten* recording apparatus 1 00 In these situations, the user can transfer the v ideo content from the removable memory device 200 first to an mtermed.axy device, such as a personal corrputer 840, and then from the intermediary dev ice to the ultimate plav oack device (e g , using software on the intermediary device)
[0031] As can be seen from the illustration in Figure 2, the video content recording apparatus 100 allows a user to store and watch video content when he w ants and wherever he wants (e g , on the road , during a commute, at a friend's house, etc ) By using tne removable memory dev ice 200 as a transport medium for video content, the v ideo content recording apparatus 100 frees the user from the static v iewing environment of his home Also, unlike some existing DVRs that achieve video content portability by requiring a user to transfer the v .deo content from the DVR to a personal computer, the v ideo content recording apparatus 100 records the video content directly onto the removable medi a device 200 w.thout requiring a personal computer Using a remov able media device 200 to provide video content to a playback dev.ee is also faster and less
expensive than subscribing to pricey wireless video services for mobi le phones and avoids the uncertainty of whether a wireless connection w ill be present while a user is roaming. Further, since solid-state memory devices, such as flash cards, can store video content more reliably and for a longer time than videocassette tapes, the video content recording apparatus 100 also provides the advantage of being able to archive precious video content on a more durable medium
[0032] Reluming to the drawings, Figure 3 is a block diagram of the some of the components of the v ideo content recording apparatus 100 of an embodiment. It should be noted that the vi deo content recording apparatus 1 00 can contain additional or different components than the ones show n ιv, Figure 3 Al so, it is presently preferred that the various inputs, outputs, and components De carried b> a housing (an input or output pi otrαdmg from the housing i s still 'Xarr.ed oy" the housing) In an alternate embodiment, one or more of the various inputs, outputs, and components are distri buted among two or more housings
[0033] As shown in Figure 3 , m addition to the inputs and outputs shown in Figure 1 . the video content recording apparatus 1 00 comprises a processor 180, embedded memory 1 S5 (e g , EEPROM or NAXD memory), a v ideo encoder 1 90, a video decoder 193 , and LEDs 1 95. The LEDs can contain a power LED to indicate that the apparatus 100 is on/off, a removable memory device LED to indicate that a removable memory dev ice is recognized/present and ready for transmi ssion, a t-ansmissicn LED that blinks when data is being transferred, and a recording/warning LED that is on during recording and blinks when there is not enough storage space on the removable memory device or when no removable memory device is present when recording is requested. In one embodiment, an LED is used next to the second input 120 to both indicate the presence of the memory device 200 (e g , when the LED is continuouslv on) and to indicate data transfer (e g , when the LED is blinking)
[0034] With reference now to both Figures 1 and 3 , in operation, based on a recording request, the processor 1 80 sends control information via the first output 1 50 to the video content source 300 to turn on the video content source 300 and select a channel
The video content provided by the video content source 300 is sent to the video encoder 190 In this embodiment, the v ideo content is outputted as an analog signal from the video content source 300, and the s'ideo encoder 190 converts the anal og signal to a digital signal and prov i des the digital signal to the processor 1 80 (The video decoder 193 is used for the rev erse operation — to convert the digital s.gnal provided by the processor 1 8C to an analog signal used by the display dev ice 400 ) The processor 1 80 processes the digital signal and records it (preferably, in a compressed format) on the removable memory device 200 Because playback devices var> m v
codec support, file format support, screen resolution/orientation, frame rate, oit rate, v ideo processi ng, card formal support, and folder narr.e 'structure, it is preferred ihwt the video content recording apparatus 1 00 know these video content recordi ng parameters upfront ir order to ci eate the appropriate v ideo content fi l e and recorc it in sucn a v, av on the remov able merr.orv device 200 to make the v ideo content coπipat.ble w uh a target pla> back dev i ce As used herein, the term "\ idco content recording parameter" refers to a parameter used in recording v ideo content Examples of a v ideo content recording parameter include, but are not limited to, a video codec parair.etei , an aud.o codec parameter, a file format parameter, a f.le w rapper parameter, fr ame rate (e g . frames per second), v.deo bi t rate, audio bit rate, audio bit rate variation, a video processing parameter, screen resolution, screen orientation, card format, fc'.der structure, and folder name
[0035] In this embod iment, v ideo content recording parameters (and values for those parameters) for a pluraht) of plav back dev.ces are stored ir. a database in the firmware stored in the embedded memory 1 85 In operation, a user selects a target playback device (such as a mobile phone or a handheld game device) using the remote control device 500 and a graphical user interface displayed on the display dev ice 400 After tne user makes a selection, tne processor 1 80 selects the corresponding video content recording parameter (and associated va.ues) for that playback device from the database stored .n the firmw are The processor 1 80 then processes ar.d records the video content in the l emov able media device 200 in accordance with the values of those parameters Additional information about the use of video content recording pai ameters and mechanisms for updating video content recording parameters can be found in "Video
Content Recording Apparatus with Syntax for Video Content Recording Parameters,"
U S Patent App lication Serial No. 1 1 /5 14,65 1 , filed September 1 , 2006, and "Method for Using a Video Content Recording Apparatus w ith Syntax for Video Content Recording Parameters," U S Patent Application Serial No 1 1 /5 14,471 , filed September 1 , 2006, botn of which are assigned to the assignee of tne present invention and are hereby incorporated by reference
[0036] As mentioned above, while the viαeo content recording apparatus 1 00 can have a single input for a single type of removable memory device, the video content recording apparatus 1 00 can have a plurality of i nputs foi a plurality of remo\ ab!e memory αevices of the same type or of different '.ypes For example, the video conten' recording apparatus 1 00 shovs n in Figure 4 has a p. uralry of inputs 900 configured to receive a removable msnory
ice, w here eacr. of the p! jra..ty of inputs 905-909 is for a different type of remov able memoiy de\ ce In this example, the plurality of inputs 905-909 are for an SD™ memory card, a VϊiniSD™(KC) memory card, a MicroSD™(HC) memory card, a Memory Sticκ™ meriory card, and a Memory Stick D JO™ memory card, respectively As anotner example, all of the inputs 910-9 ' ^ of the plurality of inputs 900 m the video content recording apparatus 1 00 shown m Figure 5 are for the same ty pe of removable memory device (here an SD™ memory card) As y et another example, the plurality of inputs 900 in the \ ideo content recording apparatus 1 00 in Figure 6 are organized in several sets of inpats 920, 930, 940, 950, 960. Each set of inputs 920, 930, 940, - 950, 960 is for a different ty pe of removable memory device and comprises a plural ity of inputs for that memory ty pe In this exampl e, the sets of inputs 920, 930, 940, 950, 960 are for a plurality of SD™ memory cards, MmiSDTV(HC) memory cards, MicroSD™(HC) memory cards, Memory Stick™ memory' cards, and Memory Stick Due™ memory cards, respectively It should be noted that in this and other illustrations herein, tne types of removable memory dev ices mentioned are merely for illustrativ e purposes and aie not to be read into the following claims Also, for simplicity , the di aw mgs show each of the inputs as being the same si ze while, in practi ce, thev mav be different sizes
[0037] When two or more removable memory devices are connected to the video content recording apparatus 100, tne video content recording apparatus 100 can have a button next to each of the inputs, and a user can press one of the buttons to manually sε.ect which of the inputs are to be used for recording As another example, the user can manually select the input, along with the date, channel, and start/end times of a desired recording, in a scheduled recording setting
[0038] Instead of the user manually selecting one of the removable-memory-device inputs, circuitry m the video content recording apparatus 100 (e g , the processor 180 executing computer-readable program code stored in the embedded memory 185) can select one of the plurality of inputs to record video content based on information about the v ideo content "Information about the video content'' can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the follow ing broadcast date, channel number, chaitr.ei name, star: time, end time, title, synops.s, actor, director, year of production, genre, parental control information, and duration In operation, one or more of the remov aole-memory -device inputs can be designated for recording \ ideo content comprising specified video content information For instarce, with reference to Figure 7, a v ideo content recording apparatus 100 can have, for example, three memory card slots 965, 970, 975 designated by the manufacturer as recording Comedy, Drama, and Reality TV, respectiv ely, as labeled as such on the video content recording apparatus 100
[0039] Instead of the manufacturer making the designation, a user of the video content recording apparatus 100 can designate which slots should be used for certain types of recordings For example, the video content recording apparatus 100 can display a graphical user interface on the display device 400 to allow a user to designate one of the plurality of inputs for recording video content comprising specified video content information With reference to the exemplary display screen shown in Figure 8, the user can designate what type of programming should be iecorded with each memory slot In the example shown in Figure 8, the user designates Slot 1 for Comedy and Slot 2 for drama (The labels on the inputs on the video content recording apparatus 100 can assist the user in identifying the slot number.) As shown in Figure 8, the user can be provided with a first diop-down menu 980 that allows the user to choose a category of information
about the video content (e.g , genre, day of week, channel, etc ) and a second drop-down menu 985 that allows the user to choose a specific sub-category of information (e.g , in the genre categorv , Action, Comedy, News, Reality TV, SciFi, Sports, etc )
[0040] Instead of a manufacturer or a user designating w hich inputs should be jsed for v arious recordings, the designator can be rece.veα by the video content recording apparatus 100 from a removable rr.emorv dev ce 990 (see Figure 9) The removable memory device 990 can store a designat.on that video content comprising specified v ideo content information (e g , comedies, v ideo content broadcast on Tuesdays, etc ) snould be stored on that removable memory device 990 When trie removable memory device 990 .s inserted into an input of the v.deo content recoi ding appar atus 100, the video content recording apparatus 100 recognizes the designation and selects that input v. hen v ideo content is to be recorded that comprise the specified video content information In this way, instead of having dedicated removable-mcmory-device inputs, the user has a dedicated remov able memory dev,ce tha* recc.-cs the same type of programming irrespective of what inp^t is used Tne des gnat^on car be prerecorded on the removao!e mεmor) device 990 by the manufacturer of the remov able memorv device 990 or can be placed on the remov able memory device 990
the user (e g , via the video content recording apparatus 100 or another device)
[0041] Information about the video content can be proMded to the video content recording apparatus 100 in any suitable manner For example, with reference to Figure 10, the video content recording apparatus 100 can provide a graphical user interface that allows a user to manually designate information about video content when the user is scheduling a recording, In the example shown m Figure 10, the used is, provided with a drop-down menu 995 to help facilitate the entry of the information about the video content The viceo content recoidirg apparatus 100 uses this information, along with the above-described designation, to select a removab,e-/nemorv -device input to use for the recording
[0042] If the user does not know what information to enter, the user can consult a program schedule in a print or electronic TV guide (e g , in the newspaper, on a website,
or in a guide channel). Alternatively, the information about the video content can be specified in electronic program guide data An electronic program guide (or "EPG") is a user interface displayed by the video content recording apparatus 100 that provides information about current and/ or upcoming video content to allow a user to select a desired recording. Electronic program guide data broadly refers to any .nformation about video content that can be used to facilitate user selection of α deseed recordi ng EPG data includes, but iS not limited to, croadcast date, channel number, channel name, start/end times, as well as descriptive information about v.deo content, such as, but not limited to, title, synopsis, actors, directors, > ear of production, genre, parental control information, and duration
[0043] Instead of using an electronic piogram guide d;spla> ed by the video content recording apparatus 100. information about tne video content can also be provided in a scheduled recording file provided by an external electronic program guide (i e . one provided by a v\ eb site and not by the apparatus 1 00 itself) A "scheduled recording file" is a file that contains information that instructs the v ideo content recording apparatus 100 to record selected video content specified in tne file A "scheduled recording file" can conta.n, for example, the date, cnannel, and start/end times of the se.ected video content, as well as descriptive and other information, such as program name and sy nopsis, that can later be viewed by the user using the video content recording apparatus 100
[0044] Additional information about electronic program guides, scheduled recording files, and how electronic program guide data can be provided to a video content recording apparatus car. be found in "Video Content Recording Apparatus with Electronic Program Guide Functionality," U.S. Patent Application Serial No 1 1 /540, 122, filed September 29, 2006, and "Method for Using a Video Content Recording Apparatus with Electronic Program Guide Functionality," U S Patent Application Serial No 1 1 '529,797. filed Septembei 29, 2006, both of wh.ch arc assi gned to the ass.gnee of the present mvent.on and are hereby incorporated b> reference.
[0045] Irrespective of how the electronic program guide data gets to the video content recording apparatus 100, the electronic program guide data can contain information about
video content that the apparatus 1 00 can use to select a removable-memory-device input for recording For example, Figure 1 1 is ar. il lustration of electronic program guide data for an exemplary video content The electronic program guide data indicates show title, channel name, broadcast date and time, genre, duration, season and episode numbers, episode title, s> nopsis, actors, director, w riter, and original airdate Here, the genre of the show is SciFi Accordingly if one of the remo\ ab!e-memor> -de\ ice mputs in the apparatus I UO is designated for SciFi programming, the video content descr.bed by the electronic program gu:de data m F. gure 1 1 w ould be recorced ..sing that mpjt
[0046] Se lecting which removaale-memorv -dev ice input to use based on information aoout the v ideo content allow s a usei to better manage his memory card resources by creating "theme cards "' For example, S uppose a user wants to use the v ideo content recording apparatus 100 to record children' s programming for his kids to watch on a portable game player and also to record sitcoms that the user can w atch on his PDA during morn.ng commutes By using information about the vic.eo content Lυ select an input, a.l of tne video content for the user can be recorded on one card (e g. , in Slot 1 ), and all of the video content for the user' s kids car. be recorded or. another card (e g , in Slot 2) In th.s way, ah of the user s video center/ woald be on one card, w hile all of the user's kids video content would be or arotner card Tnis allow s the user to ' grab and go" — eliminating the need to take multiple removable memory devices in order to find the one program the user wants to watch This also provides the user with the ability to record on multiple memory devices of the same type without having to swap devices
[0047] It should be noted that many alternatives can be used with these embodiments For example, c.rcuitry in the video content recording apparatus 1 00 can select a second input to record video content onto a second removable memory device after a first remov able memory device in a first input is ful l In this way, the circuitry uses the adαitional removable-memory-dcuce inputs for extra storage so tnat when a memory device in a first inpjt is full, tne recording vv 11 continue in a memory device .n another input that contains an available (non-full) memory device (e g , the physical ly-next input or another input). Either the user or the manufacturer can desi gnate an order in which the inputs should be used in the event that the removable memory device in one of the inputs
becomes full As another example, several types of selection criteπa can be used in combination (e g , record Reality TV show s in Slot 1 , but, if the memorv card ir. Slot I is full, record Reality TV shows in Slot 2 in stead) Further, while information abo ut video content in tne above examples was used to select only one of the plural ity of removab^- memory-device inputs, in an alternate embodiment, two or more removable-memory- device inputs can be selected (e g , record Reality TV shows on Slots 1 and 2)
[0048] Otner alternativ es and embodimsrts can be used with the embedments αescnbed here.r Fo- example, a ' recordi ng profile' car. be stored on a remov able memory dev .ee that informs a v ideo content recording apparatus of the viaeo content recording pprameters that are to be used w i tn that removable memory dev ice Ir operat.on, w hen the removable memory dev .ee is inserted into the v iαeo content i ecording apparatus, the processor could recognize the recording profile by its file extension and tnen use the v ideo content recording parameters specified in that file to record v ideo content on that memory device In this w ay a user can insert a memorv dev.ee into h s or anotner' s video content record. ng apparatus, and the apparatus w oulα know how to record the v ideo content consistent with the user' s plav back device w .thcut requiring any further action by the user This is espec.ally adv antageous when a single v ideo content recording apparatus is used by mult. pie users, such as in a multi-user household w ith different users having different plav back devices The video content recording apparatus would automatical!) record v ideo content for a particular playback device without a user having to manually select a target p.a> back device More generally, the video content recording apparatus can be configured to ( 1 ) alwav s let the recording profi le ov erride previous settings, (2) never let the recording profile override prev ious settings, or (3) let the recording profile override previous settings after confirmation b> the usei In the event that the record. ng profile is used, the v ideo content recording apparatus can be configured to return to its previous v iceo content recording parameters after the removable memory dev ice is remov ed from the apparatus
[0049] Finally, in the above embodiment, a processor and firmware were used to pei form various functional . t> Recognizing that there are alternat ves to sucn an arrangement, the term "circui try" is used as a more general descriptoi for the one or more
components that car. De used to perform the operations discussed herein For example, as abov e, "circuitry" can take the form of a processor executing computer-readable program code stored in a computer-readable medium (e g , here, firmware stored in embedded memory). As noted above, the embedded memory can take the form of EEPROM or NAND memory, although other memory can be used Also, computer-readable media other than embedded memory (sucn as, but noi limited to, a hard drive, a remov able memory device, etc ) can be used to store computer-readable program code Accordingly , all o; part of the compj:e: -readab!e program code referred to herein as fii m w are can be software routines stored in embedded memoiy or m a storage dev ice other than em bedded memorv ' Circuitry " can take other suitab e forms, such, as an applica'.on specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic controller, an embedded microcontroller, and a single-board computer Accordingly , the term "circuitry " should not be limited to any particular type of implementation, described herein or otherwise Fu-ther "crcπifry" ^hnu.d not be limited to the functions described herein For example, when circuit; y takes the form of a processor execuf ng firmware, as above, it should be understood that tne piocessoi can perform functions in addition to the ones described above
[0050] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description bε understood as an illustration of selected forms that tne invention can ta<e and not as a definition of the invention It is only tr.e follow ing claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of this inv ention Finally , it should be noted that any aspect of any of the preferred embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another
Claims
What is claimed is1
1 A method for recording video content onto a removable memory device, the method comprising receiving video content, receiving a plurality of removable memory dev ices with a respective plurality of inputs, selecting one of the plurality of inputs based on information about the video content, and recording the video content onto a removable memory device received by the se.ected one of the plural ity of inputs
2 The method of Claim 1 further comprising receiving, from a user, a css.gnation of at least one of the plurality of inputs for recording video content comprising specified video content infoimation.
3 The method of Claim 1 further comprising receiv,ng, from a removable memory device, a designation of at least one of the plurality of inputs for recording video content comprising specified v ideo content information
4. The method of Claim I 1 wherein the Information about the video content is spec.fied in a scheduled recording setting
5. The method of Claim I , wherein the information about the video content is specified by a user
6 The method of Claim I 1 wherein the information about the v ideo content is specified in electronic program guide data
7 The method of Claim 1 , wherein the information about the video content comprises one or more of the following broadcast date, channel number, channel name, start time, end time, title, synopsis, actor, director, year of production, genre, parental control information, and duration
8. The method of Claim 1 , wherein each of the plural ity of removable memory devices comprises a different type of removable memory device
9, The method of Claim 1 , w herein all of the plurality of removab le memory devices comprise a same type of remov able memory device
1 C. The method of Claim 1 . wherein the plural ity of removable memory devices comprise removable memory dev ices of at least two types
1 1 A method fo* recording v .deo content onto a removab le memory device, the method comprising receiv ing video content, receiving a plurality of removable memory 
v\ itn a respectiv e plurality of inputs, receiving, via a graphical user interface, a designation from a user of one cf the plurality of inputs for recording video content comprising specified video content information ; selecting one of the plurality of inputs based on information about the video content, and recording the video content using the selected one of the plurality of inputs
12 The method of Claim 1 1 , wherein the information about the video content is specified in a scheduled recording setting
1 3. The method of Claim 1 1 , wherein the information about the video content is specified by a user
14. The method of Claim 11, wherein the information about the video content is specified in electronic program guide data.
15 The method of Claim 11, wherein the information about the v.deo content comprises one or more of the following broadcast date, channel number, channel name, start time, end time, tit.e. synopsis, actor, director, year of production, genre, parental control information, and duration,
16 The method of Claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of removable mεmorv devices comprises a different type of removable memory device
17 The method of Claim 11, wherein all of the plurality of removable memorv dεv.ces compi.se a same t>pe of removable memory dev ice
IS Tne method of Clfiim 11 , vvhεiem t.ie plurality of remov ao.e memo-v 
comprise removable memory devices of at least Iw o tvpes
19 A method for record'ng video content onto a removable memory device the method comprising' receiving video content; receiving a plurality of removable memory devices with a respective plurality of inputs, recording video content onto a first removable memory device received by a first one of the plurality of inputs, and after the £ rst removable memory device is full, recording viceo content onto a second removable memory device received by a second one of the p'urality of inputs
20 The method of Claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of removable memory devices comprises a different type of removable memciy device
21 The method of Claim 19, wherein al l of the plurality of removable memory devices comprise a same type of removable memory device
22 Tne method of Claim 1 9, wherein the plurality of removable memory devices comprise removab.e memory dev ices of at least two types
23 A video content record ing apparatus comprising an input configured to receiv e video content, a plur ality of inputs, each configured to receive a removable mεmorv dev ice, and circuiti y operativ e to select one of the plur ality of inputs to record the video content bases on information about the v ideo content
24 Tne video content recording apparatus of Claim 23, w herein at least one of the plui alitv of inputs is designated for recording vdeo content compr ising specified v ideo content information
25 The v.deo content recording apparatus of Cl a.m 24 w herein tne designation is received from a user
26. The video content recording apparatus of Clai m 24, wherein the designation is receiv ed from a removable memory device
27 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 23 , wherein the information about the video content is specified in a schedul ed recording setting.
28 The video content recording apparat js o f Claim 23 , wherein the information about the v ideo content < s specifi ed b> a user
29 The video content recording apparatus of CIa^m 23, wherein the information about the v ideo content is specified in electronic program guide data 30 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 23, wherein the information about the video content comprises one or more of the following1 broadcast date, channel number, channel name, start time, end time, title, synopsis, actor, director, year of production, genre, parental control information, and duration
3 i The video content recording apparatus of Claim 23 , whei em eacli of the plurality of inputs is for a different type of -emovable memory device
32 The video content record.ng apparatus of Claim 23 , w herein ah of the pl ural ity of inputs are for a same type of remov able memory device
33 The v ideo content recoi d.ng apparatus of Claim 23. w herein the plurality of inputs comprises a first plurality of inputs for a first type of remo\ able memor> dev ice and a second plurality o f inputs for a second ty pe of removable memory dev.ce
34 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 23 , w herein the circuitry comprises a processor
35 A video content recording apparatus compri sing an input configui ed to receive video content, an output configured to provide video output to a display device; a p.urality of inputs, each configured to receive a removable memory device, and circuitry operative to display a graphical user interface on the display device, the graphical user interface allowing a user to designate one of the plurality of inputs for recording video content comprising specified v ideo content information, and select one of the plurality of inputs to record the v iceo content based on information about the video content 36 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 35 , wherein the information about the video content is specified in a scheduled recording sett.ng
37 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 35 , wherein the information about the v ideo content is specified by a user
38 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 35 , wherein the information about the v ideo content is specified m e.ectrcn c progi aτi gui de data
39 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 35 , w herein the information aoout the video content comprises one or more of the following broadcast date, channel numαer, channel name, start time, end time, title, sy nopsis acfor. director, year of production, genre, parental control infot mation, and duration
40 The v iαso conten1 recording apparatus of Claim 35 , w nerem each of the plurality of inputs is for a different ty pe of removable memory dev ice
4 1 The v ideo content record, ng apparatus of C laim 35 , w herein all of the pi ural .t> of inputs are for a same ty pe of removable memory dev ice
42 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 35, wherein the plurality of inputs comprises a first plurality of inputs for a first type of removable memory device and a second plurality of inputs foi a second type of removable memory device
43 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 35 , wherei n the circuitry comprises a processor
44 A \ .deo content recording apparatus comprising an input configured to recei v e video content, fu st and second inputs, each configured to receive a remov able memoi y device, and circuitry operative to select the second input to record video content onto a second removable memory device after a first removable memory device in the first input is full.
45 The video content recording apparatus of Claim 44, wherein the circuitry comprises a processor
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/540,121 US20080080835A1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Video content recording apparatus with card-slot-specific recording |
| US11/540,121 | 2006-09-29 | ||
| US11/541,094 | 2006-09-29 | ||
| US11/541,094 US20080092174A1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Method for using a video content recording apparatus with card-slot-specific recording |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2008042065A1 true WO2008042065A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 |
Family
ID=39027616
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2007/019285 WO2008042065A1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2007-08-31 | Video content recording apparatus with card-slot-specific recording and method for use therewith |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| TW (1) | TW200822737A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008042065A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20110135273A1 (en) * | 2009-12-08 | 2011-06-09 | Katsumi Watanabe | Imaging apparatus |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5875305A (en) * | 1996-10-31 | 1999-02-23 | Sensormatic Electronics Corporation | Video information management system which provides intelligent responses to video data content features |
| US20050174446A1 (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2005-08-11 | Emi Hitosuga | Image sensing apparatus |
| US20060075441A1 (en) * | 2004-10-06 | 2006-04-06 | Sony Corporation | Method and system for a personal video recorder comprising multiple removable storage/tuner units |
-
2007
- 2007-08-31 WO PCT/US2007/019285 patent/WO2008042065A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-09-12 TW TW96134059A patent/TW200822737A/en unknown
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5875305A (en) * | 1996-10-31 | 1999-02-23 | Sensormatic Electronics Corporation | Video information management system which provides intelligent responses to video data content features |
| US20050174446A1 (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2005-08-11 | Emi Hitosuga | Image sensing apparatus |
| US20060075441A1 (en) * | 2004-10-06 | 2006-04-06 | Sony Corporation | Method and system for a personal video recorder comprising multiple removable storage/tuner units |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20110135273A1 (en) * | 2009-12-08 | 2011-06-09 | Katsumi Watanabe | Imaging apparatus |
| US8385716B2 (en) * | 2009-12-08 | 2013-02-26 | Panasonic Corporation | Imaging apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| TW200822737A (en) | 2008-05-16 |
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