WO1992022049A1

WO1992022049A1 - Process for programmed inter-active control of an audio-visual peripheral, a data processing system and a video monitor, processing unit and video medium specific for putting into effect said process and video medium manufacturing plant

Info

Publication number: WO1992022049A1
Application number: PCT/FR1992/000495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Paul Marie Victor Ruault
Original assignee: Ruault Jean Paul Marie Victor
Priority date: 1991-06-06
Filing date: 1992-06-04
Publication date: 1992-12-10
Also published as: FR2677471A1

Abstract

An absolute addressing system is incorporated into the images of a video medium (35) in the form of an image line including an image number per image, said line not being displayed on screen when the medium (35) is read. An electronic unit (4) is capable of learning the basic functions and the operating constants of a conventional radiation remote-control audio-visual peripheral, adapted to reading said medium (35), and controlling said peripheral (6) upon instructions from computer equipment (1, 39), the addressing system playing a training and controlling role.

Description

-1-

Interactive programmed control method between an audio-visual periphery, a computer system and a video monitor, computer unit and video support specific to the implementation of this method, and installation for manufacturing the video support.

The present invention relates to a method of interactive programmed control between: - an audiovisual periphery capable of playing a recorded video medium incorporating absolute addressing of its recorded sequences,

- a computer system, in particular a remote system, and,

means for controlling said video medium as a function of the instructions received from said computer system and said addressing.

The invention also relates to said control means, a video support specially designed for the implementation of this method and an installation for the manufacture of this video support.

In a preferred application, this process and the means necessary for its implementation are intended for Computer Aided Teaching (for short, E.A.O.).

In this type of education, the student has a videotape on the lagoon, lessons are recorded and he reads by means of a video recorder. To follow a given course, the beginning of the sequence corresponding to the desired course must be sought, after which, the sequence being read, the student dialogues via a computer terminal with a program recorded in a computer.

There are known stations of E.A.O. mistletoe are provided with control means adapted to position the video tape at the desired location for reading.

These control means use an addressing inserted in the video tape, addressing which may be relative or absolute.

In the case of relative addressing, the progress of the tape is monitored by counting the video signals emitted by the video recorder, this mistletoe requires counting in reading at normal speed (long and tedious operation), or "blanks" "arranged between the recorded sequences, which allows faster positioning and, in certain cases, positioning can be done without having to rewind the tape (F -A-2 616 258). If this relative addressing by "inter-sequence blanks" provides an improvement compared to the counting of video signals, it remains not very flexible. In addition, in both cases, it is necessary to adapt the video recorder by adding accessories and the positioning accuracy is questionable because the control means do not take into account the particular characteristics of the video recorder used, in particular its inertia in his reactions to commands.

An absolute addressing mode is known (GB-A-2 131 221) which makes it possible to find a determined sequence without counting in reading and which inserts the addresses into the sound track of the videotape. It follows that the student must have a stereo VCR to be able to use the addressing and simultaneously have sound.

The present invention has the dual objective of allowing the use, without any adaptation or modification, of a video recorder, and more generally, of an audiovisual periphery, remotely controlled by radiation and of a video medium comprising absolute addressing.

This object is achieved in this sense that the invention provides a process of the aforementioned type which is characterized in that it consists of: a - using a video medium in leguel the absolute addressing is incorporated into the images; b - to use as audiovisual periphery a conventional periphery remotely controlled by radiation, of preferably infrared; c - to have an electronic box learn the characteristics (basic functions and operating constants) of said audiovisual periphery; d - to subject said electronic unit to control instructions from said computer system, and f - to have said electronic unit control the positioning of said video medium as a function of: • an absolute address of the video medium requested by said instructions ,

. the absolute address positioning of the video medium at the time when these instructions are exercised, and

. said characteristics of said peripheral. The characteristics of the device can be stored in said box itself, or in physically separate memories, either local or remotely in a central computer, in which case they are associated with a student user code number. More precisely, for step a, we use. a video medium, the absolute addressing of which was done by simultaneous recording, on a tape, of a video program to be viewed on a monitor screen and of one or more image lines not rendered on the screen associating with each image of said video program an image number and, possibly, other data, called "additional data", said video medium being constituted by said tape itself or by a derivative product, such as another tape obtained by duplication or a videodisgue made from said tape.

Even more precisely, the absolute addressing is done in the form of a string of erhan alphanu characters including the image number, string gui is an integral part of the image so that gue chague string is read during reading of each image. The additional data may consist, for example, of data identifying the price recorded, the origin of the derivative product, etc. .

The characteristics of the audiovisual periphery are of two types. These are, on the one hand, the basic functions of the periphery (on, stop, play, pause, fast forward, fast reverse) and, on the other hand, operating constants (in particular, the reaction time to an order) which can vary from one device to another, even 0 if they are of the same brand and the same model.

The basic functions of the audiovisual device are learned and memorized from coded wave trains transmitted by the remote control of said audiovisual device.

As for the operating constants, they are deduced from the video signals emitted by said audiovisual peripheral when it is loaded with said video medium and this operation is controlled. To do this, the electronic unit, which has learned the basic functions of the peripheral, implements them while the peripheral is loaded with the video medium with absolute address and, for each function, it detects the reactions specific to said peripheral and the made memorize in order to take it into account in the subsequent pilotaqe.

This learning and memorizing step is done once and for all, for the device in question. These operations should be carried out again.

• in the event of the substitution of another device model, of the same brand or not, to that of which the characteristics have been learned - The electronic unit necessary for the implementation of the method according to the invention is connected, in a manner known per se, to said audiovisual peripheral and to a computer equipment terminal which allows the pupil to interact with a computer and which can be a keyboard and screen terminal, or any other suitable system such as a terminal for voice command.

The electronic unit includes:

- A radiation receiver adapted to receive, from the remote control of said audiovisual peripheral, the basic functions of said remote control (which obviously correspond to the basic functions of the peripheral);

- a radiation emitter adapted to remote control said peripheral;

- suitable electronic circuits:. learning one of said basic functions picked up by said receiver;

. the restitution of said basic functions by said transmitter;

. extracting the absolute address data from the signals sent by said audiovisual periphery when it is operating being loaded with said video medium;

. deducing said operating constants from said audiovisual periphery from the addressing data extracted by said extraction circuit when said audiovisual peripheral, being loaded with said video medium, operates under the control of said reproduction circuit;

. to the pilotaqe of said video support, depending:. signals received from the computer equipment, • absolute address data extracted by said extraction circuit, and

. basic and constant operating functions of the audiovisual peripheral, such as learned and memorized; circuits whose qestion is ensured by at least one microcontroller or microprocessor, with associated memory (s) containing the software of its functions.

Preferably, the electronic unit is connected to a video monitor and it further comprises electronic circuits suitable for transmission to said video monitor of signals received from said computer system. In other words, messages from the central computer can appear either on the screen of the computer terminal or on the screen of the video monitor. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the electronic unit according to the invention, said unit also includes a circuit for accessing the video signals to the video monitor, which circuit is suitable: - when said unit is in active connection with the computer system (i.e. powered up and in communication with the computer), to allow or prohibit the transmission to the video monitor of signals from said computer system or said audio-visual device, and - when said box does not is not not energized, to allow the transmission to the video monitor of signals from said audio-visual device, without these signals being processed during their passage through the housing.

In other words, in this second function, the circuit in question forms a bypass, which allows the electronic unit to be left permanently interposed between the audio-visual device and the video monitor without this connection hindering use, for other purposes, said periphery and said monitor. The video medium specially designed for implementing the method according to the invention is characterized in that it consists of:

- from a videotape on the lagoon are recorded a video program to be viewed on a monitor screen and one or more image lines not rendered on the screen associating with each imaqe of the video program an imaqe number and possibly other data, called "additional data", or

- a derivative product, such as a videodisc made from such a tape. It is understood that the absolute addressing produced according to the invention has a double function: to allow, for the first joint use of the electronic box and of the particular audiovisual peripheral, the calibration of said box according to the operating constants of said peripheral and to allow, in use "cruise", an extremely flexible, precise and rapid positioning of the video support.

This video support is manufactured according to the invention using an installation which comprises:

- a video recording media player having recorded sequences, called "source" media,

- electronic circuits:

. extraction of the signals from said source support,. image counting and formatting of addressing data, and possibly of additional data,

. insertion of said addressing data, and possibly additional data, in the form of image lines not rendered on the screen, in the video signals extracted from the source medium,

. to recompose the video signals after insertion, circuits whose management and piloting are ensured by a microcontroller and

- A recorder, on at least one other video medium called "derived medium", video signals extracted from the source medium and addressing data, and possibly complementary, such as recomposed.

Preferably, the installation is suitable for simultaneously recording, on several derived supports, the video signals extracted from the source support and the addressing data, and possibly complementary, such as recomposed.

The installation for manufacturing the video support is advantageously connected to a microcomputer providing it, through a link, the additional data to be inserted into each image in association with said counting. When the installation simultaneously produces several media derived from a source media, this additional data can be identified, but. preferably, they will be at least partially different from one derivative support to another, recorded simultaneously.

The installation may, moreover, include means for jamming signals, in the present case the electronic box will have, for its part, corresponding descrambling means. The invention is described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in lesguels:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the general organization of an E.A.O station according to the invention,

- Figure 2 is a diagram reproducing the diagram of the station of Figure 1 but illustrating, in addition, the structure of the electronic unit used in the composition of said station; and

- Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the installation for manufacturing the video medium according to the invention.

The station shown in Figure 1 includes:

a computer terminal 1 comprising a keyboard 2 and a screen 3, having a capacity for remote processing of data exchanged according to 33 with a central computer 39; this terminal 1 can be a Minitel type telematics terminal and it can be connected to a printer, not shown;

- An audiovisual periphery 6 adapted to play a video medium and equipped with a remote control 34 operating by radiation, preferably infrared, periphery which, in the example shown, is a video recorder;

a video monitor 8, such as a television, provided with a Peritel type socket, and

a processing device 4, called "electronic box", connected to the terminal 1, to the video recorder 6 and to the monitor 8, respectively, by links 5,7 and 9.

If we examine FIG. 2, we see that the box 4 comprises:

a set 11 of one or more microcontrollers or microprocessors with associated memory (s) containing the software for managing the functions of said box 4 and, connected to this set 11,

- various electronic circuits, all 11 of which ensure operational implementation (or management) and piloting, namely:

. a management interface 10 interposed between the link 5 and said assembly 11,

. a circuit 12 for learning the basic functions of the video recorder, circuit mistletoe is connected to an infrared receiver 19,

. a command rendering circuit 13 connected to an infrared transmitter 20,

. a circuit 14 for extracting the address signals received, via a circuit 15, when the tape 35 is read by the video recorder 6,

. a circuit 36 for deducing the operating constants of the video recorder 6 from the signals extracted by the circuit 14 for each basic function of the video recorder controlled by the circuit 13, • the aforementioned circuit 15, which is an access management circuit , to the video monitor 8, video signals coming, according to 7, from the video recorder 6 or, where appropriate, from a circuit 16, the functions of said circuit 15 being described later in more detail,. optionally, the aforementioned circuit 16, which is a circuit for transmitting the video signals coming from the terminal 1, if it is a device of the Minitel type, Videotex standard, via a link 18 which can be distinct from the link 5, and. optionally, a circuit 17 for descrambling -10-

signals for the "clear" reproduction of video and / or sound signals, if they were deliberately interfered with during the production of the videotape 35.

Circuit 15 has a "closed / open lock" function and a "bypass" function, as explained below.

When the box 4 is in active connection with the central computer 39, the circuit 15 either prohibits the transmission, to the monitor 8, of the video signals coming from the video recorder 6 or from said central computer 39, or authorizes this transmission. It prohibits it during the learning phase, by the box 4, of the characteristics of the video recorder 6, to avoid the appearance on the screen of the monitor 8 of signals without interest. He can also prohibit it in the event of an anomaly, for example, if a correspondence fault between the video tape loaded in the video recorder 6 and the course program is noted. In this case, an error message may appear on the screen.

When the box 4 is not energized, the circuit 15 allows the signals which come from the video recorder 6 to reach the video monitor 8 without being processed. In other words, the circuit 15 allows the signals to bypass the other circuits of the housing 4, with the result that the housing 4 can be permanently interposed between the video recorder 6 and the monitor 8, without this resulting in any kind of reception by the monitor 8 of signals from the video recorder 6 (reading of '' any videotape or reception of a television program).

The assembly 11 provides, in addition to the aforementioned functions, the processing of the content of the signals, for example, the comparison of a read image number with a limit image number, or the decision to execute an action of remote or ^r sending information to the terminal 1, etc.

The operation of the station is as follows:

The student contacts the central computer 39 which asks him, if necessary, to Recording the characteristics of his video recorder 6.

If it is a first joint use of the electronic unit 4 and the video recorder 6 under management, the student activates, in the order that is given to him, the basic functions (on, off, read, pause, fast forward, fast reverse) of the remote control 34 of the video recorder 6 and the infrared receiver 19 of the box 4 receives from the remote control corresponding coded wave trains gu'il transmits to the circuit 12 learning and storage. The assembly 11 transmits the corresponding information to the command rendering circuit 13 which is therefore able to act on the video recorder 6, via the transmitter 20, in place of the remote control 34.

The assembly 11 then launches a protocol for learning the operating constants of the video recorder. To do this, it commands the circuit 13 to exercise the various learned functions and, during this step, the circuit 14 extracts the addressing signals inserted in the band 35 while the reading of the latter is undertaken, stopped , pause, resume after fast rewind, resume after fast forward, etc.

The circuit 36 for convenience has been shown distinct from the assembly 11, but which in fact could belong to said assembly, compares the functions controlled by the circuit 13 and the signals extracted by the circuit 14 and it deduces therefrom operating constants of the video recorder (delay between the start of the "on" function and the actual start of playback, delay between the start of the "stop" function and the actual stop of playback, braking time in fast forward and fast reverse , etc ...). The circuit 36 communicates its deductions to the set 11 which makes them memorize so that it is taken into account in the subsequent control of the video recorder.

We understand that we have thus "calibrated" the box 4, with respect to the video recorder 6, and that this operation is done once and for all. The corresponding data can be stored in the central computer 39 connected.

The student then enters an elementary phase of E.A.O. 5 traditional multimedia. This phase is initialized by a command from the central computer 39 which indicates the image numbers of the start and end of the sequence.

The box 4 then takes charge of all of the operations relating to the smooth running of this phase, without any intervention from the student or from the central computer.

Thus, the housing:

- compares the requested start of sequence address with the current positioning of the band 35;

15 - decides on the function to be implemented to reach the desired address (fast forwarding or rewinding, normal playback, etc.) taking into account the operating constants of the video recorder 6;

- implements the chosen function by means of the circuit 2013 and the transmitter 20 until the band. 35 is positioned at the start of the desired sequence;

- triggers the playback of the sequence in question and transmits the video signals and its corresponding to the video monitor 8, while controlling the tape proqression to

25 by means of the address signals extracted by the circuit 14;

- interrupts the reading on the image number which had been indicated by the central computer 39 as the end of the sequence, and transmits to the latter, via the terminal 1, a signal confirming that its order has been executed.

The central computer 39 then provokes the display on the screen 3 of the terminal 1, or on that of the monitor 8, of one or more instructions from which it awaits the response.

The student types on keyboard 2 the requested answer (s) and the application program of the central computer

3539 stores the content and conditions of the answers provided, analyzes them according to the definitions of the designer of pedagogy and provokes, in return, either a display on screen 3 of terminal 1, or on screen 8 of the monitor, for additional guidance or explanation, or the unfolding of a new sequence of tape 35.

We will now describe the manufacture of the strip 35 with reference to FIG. 3.

The installation shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3 comprises a device 21 for inserting addressing data and additional data, interposed between a player device 22 of source support, here a video tape 37 and a recording device 24 producing the usable tape 35 in the EAO station in Figure 2.

Tape 37 is a videotape recorded, in a conventional manner, of educational sequences, possibly a tape 37 from the mass market.

The device 21 comprises a microcontroller 27 ensuring the management and piloting of different electronic circuits, namely: - a circuit 26 for extracting the signals. the source strip 22 which reaches it via a link 23;

a circuit 28 for counting images and for shaping, on the one hand, addressing data and, on the other hand, complementary data to be associated with said images; a circuit 38 for inserting said address data and additional data coming from circuit 28 in the signals coming, according to 23 and 26, from the source band 37, circuit 38 which can be integrated into the microcontroller 27; a circuit 30 for re-composition of the signals after said insertion; and

- optionally, a signal jamming circuit 32.

The output of the microcontroller 27 is connected, according to 25, with possible interposition of the jamming circuit 32, to the recording device 24 which therefore records the recomposed signals - and scrambled, if any - on the tape 35.

An output of the microcontroller 27 can be connected to an interface circuit 31 allowing the cascade connection with one or more other device (s) 21 connected, or each connected, to a recording device 24 for the simultaneous production. as many tape (s) 35 as the recorder (s). The additional data is supplied to circuit 28, along line 29, by a microcomputer. When several bands 35 are produced simultaneously, this additional data can be at least partially different, for example, differ by a band number. In the above description, mistletoe is referred to the application E.A.O, mistletoe is a preferred application. It is understood, however, that the invention can receive other applications, for example, games, personality and behavior tests, sales aid, etc. The electronic unit 4, associated with the periphery 6,. could constitute an interactive terminal at a distance in an application of the "mail order" type.

It is also obvious that the tape 35 used in the station of FIG. 2 may not be an original tape 35 resulting from the installation of FIG. 3, but a duplication of this original tape or even a product.

"of another nature made from the soundtrack

35, like a videodisgue. In this case, it will be purely and simply substituted for the video recorder 6 a videodisgue player remotely controlled by radiation, the structure of the station in FIG. 2 and its operation remaining, that aside, unchanged.

Finally, although the invention has been described in the context of the use of a computer terminal for remote data processing, it is obvious that one could also use a local data processing terminal, such as a microcomputer. In this case, the user would have, in addition to the video support 35 and the electronic box 4, a small disc containing the program with the manual, he must dialogue and that he would load into the memory of said microcomputer.

Claims

1 - Interactive programmed control method between, firstly, an audiovisual peripheral (6) capable of reading a recorded video medium (35) incorporating absolute addressing of its recorded sequences, secondly, a computer system (1, 39), in particular telematics, and, thirdly, means for controlling (4) said video medium (35) as a function of the instructions received from said computer system (1,39) and said addressing, characterized in that it consists of: a - to use a video medium (35) in which absolute addressing is incorporated into the images; b - to use as an audiovisual device (6) a classic device remotely controlled by radiation; c - to have an electronic box (4) learn the characteristics (basic functions and operating constants) of said audiovisual peripheral (6); d - to subject said electronic box (4) to control instructions from said computer system (1.39), and f - to be controlled by said electronic box

(4), the positioning of said video support (35) according to:

. an absolute address of the video medium (35) requested by said instructions, . the absolute address positioning of the video support (35) at the time these instructions are carried out, and

. of said characteristics of said peripheral (6).

2 - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that an audiovisual device (6) is used remotely controlled by infrared radiation.

3 - Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, for step a, a video medium is used whose absolute addressing has been done by simultaneous recording, on a tape (35), of a video program to be viewed on a monitor screen (8) and one or more image lines not restored to the screen associating with each image of said video program an image number and, possibly, other data, called "complementary data", said video medium being constituted by said tape (35) itself or by a derivative product, such as another tape obtained by duplication or a video disc made from said tape (35).

4 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the basic functions of the audio-visual device are learned and memorized from coded wave trains emitted by the remote control (34) of said audio-visual device ( 6).

5 - Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the operating constants of the audiovisual device (6) are deduced from the video signals emitted by said device (6) when it is loaded with said video support ( 35) and this operation is controlled.

6 - Electronic box for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 5, adapted to be connected to said audiovisual device (6) and to a computer equipment terminal (1), characterized in that it comprises :

- a radiation receiver (19) adapted to capture, from the remote control (34) of said audiovisual device

(6), the basic functions of said remote control (34);

- a radiation emitter (20) adapted to remote control said peripheral;

- suitable electronic circuits: . (12) learning said basic functions captured by said receiver (19);

. (13) the restitution of said basic functions by said transmitter (20);

. (14) extracting absolute addressing data from the signals transmitted by said audiovisual peripheral (6) when it operates being loaded with said video support (35);

. (36) to the deduction of said operating constants of said audiovisual peripheral (6) from the addressing data extracted by said extraction circuit (14) when said audiovisual peripheral (6), being loaded with said video medium (35) , operates under the control of said restitution circuit (13);

. for controlling said video support (35), depending on: . of signals received from computer equipment

(1.39),

. absolute address data extracted by said extraction circuit (14), and

. basic and constant operating functions of the audiovisual peripheral (6), such as learned and memorized, circuits whose management is ensured by at least one micro-controller or microprocessor (11), with associated memory(s) ) containing the software of its functions. 7 - Electronic box according to claim 6 connected to a video monitor, characterized in that it further comprises electronic circuits (16) adapted to the transmission to said video monitor (8) of signals received from said computer system (1, 39). 8 - Electronic box according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises signal clearing means (17).

9 - Electronic box according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises a circuit (15) for managing access of video signals to the video monitor (8), which circuit ( 15) is adapted, when said housing (4) is in active connection with the computer system (1.39), to allow or prohibit the transmission to the video monitor (8) of signals from said computer system (1.39) or said periphery audio-visual (6).t

10 - Electronic box according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises a circuit (15) for managing access of video signals to the video monitor (8), leguel circuit ( 15) is adapted, when said box (4) is not under voltage, to allow the transmission to the video monitor (8) of signals coming from said audio-visual peripheral (6), without these signals being processed during their passage through the housing (4).

11 - Video support usable for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it consists of:

- a video tape (35) on which are recorded a video program to be viewed on a monitor screen (8) and one or more image lines not rendered on the screen associating an image number with each image of the video program and, possibly, other data, called "complementary data", or - a derived product, such as a video disc manufactured from such a tape (35).

12 - Installation for the manufacture of the video medium according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises: - a reader (22) of video recording medium (37) having recorded sequences, called "source" medium,

- a set (21) of electronic processing circuits, namely:

. (26) for extracting signals from said source medium (37),

. (28) image counting and formatting of addressing data, and possibly additional data,

. (38) inserting said addressing data, and possibly complementary, in the form of lines i ages not restored on the screen, in the video signals extracted from the source medium (37),

. (30) for recomposing the video signals after insertion, circuits (26,28,38,30) whose management and control are ensured by a microcontroller (27) and

- a recorder (24), on another video medium called "derived medium" (35), video signals extracted from the source medium (37) and addressing data, and possibly complementary, such as recomposed.

13 - Installation according to claim 12, characterized in that said set (21) of processing circuits is connected to a microcomputer providing it, through a link (29), with said complementary data to be inserted into each image in association with said counting.

14 - Installation according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises at least two sets (21) of processing circuits mounted in cascade and each connected to a recorder (24), for simultaneous recording, on as many derived media (35) from recorders (24), video signals extracted from the source support (37) and addressing data, and possibly complementary, such as recomposed.

15 - Installation according to claim 14, characterized in that said complementary data are at least partially different from one derived medium (35) to another, recorded simultaneously.

16 - Installation according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises signal scrambling means (32).