Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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WO 99/65238 DESCRIPTION PCTNS99/13021
REMOTE VIDEO ASSIST RECORDER BOX
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of the present invention relates to motion picture and television
production, including film or video generally and, more specifically, to video
recording
and playback. In particular, it relates to a remote video assist recorder box
for use in
motion picture, television, or other film/video production that provides for
digital
recording and playback of video directly from a camera and with near
instantaneous
reviewing and other video assist capabilities.
BACKGROUND
Production of motion pictures, television programming, and other film/video
related projects is an involved and complicated process typically requiring
the recording of
multiple takes of any particular scene in order to obtain the feel, look,
emotion. timing,
attitude and other characteristics that the director wants for the piece. From
the resulting
array of multiple take recordings, the director weaves his/her vision by
piecing together
select portions of various recordings of various scenes.
2 0 Video assist technologies have been developed in order to aid in the
process of
identifying ''good" takes that may be selected from and compiled in the
process of creating
a final product. Many of these technologies have involved the use of video
recording
devices, used in conjunction with traditional film cameras, to provide a means
for
reviewing recorded scenes more rapidly in order to assess whether or not they
2 5 satisfactorily achieve the directors goals.
Past production processes incorporating video assist technologies have
primarily
utilized analog equipment and relied heavily upon notes taken down manually by
production staff. Accordingly, significant wait times have been required for
queuing of
videotapes to the proper segment for review and/or continued taping. As well,
extra
3 0 coordination with the camera crew was required to ensure that the
videotape recorder
properly recorded concurrently. with the running of the shooting camera. While
the recent
introduction of digital recording equipment into the production process has
offered some
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marginal improvements, such systems have still primarily been designed as part
of a
larger, more complex system, such as may be found in a sound studio or a more
permanent
production environment. Such systems have also still required coordination
with the
operation of the shooting camera in order to ensure concurrent recording and
have also
relied on significant note taking with respect to the resultant takes (e.g.,
which takes were
"good", etc.). Further, queuing in such systems has remained manual, thus
requiring
additional time to reset takes to their start for review.
Particularly in remote filming environments, there is a need for portable
equipment
that may offer some of the benefits of larger video assist technologies, yet
do so in a
manageable and efficient package.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to video assist systems and methods for use in
motion
picture, television, or other film/video production which provide for digital
recording and
playback of video directly from a camera and with near instantaneous reviewing
and other
video assist capabilities. The instant video assist systems and methods may be
provided in
a package which is suitable for remote use in "on location" production
environments with
later transfer of recorded and stored information to a full-featured video
assist system for
subsequent operation.
2 0 The systems and methods herein may be utilized to digitally record scene
takes as
they are being shot. The shooting camera provides the video input to be
recorded, as well
as a means for triggering the recording of the video input by the instant
system. Thus,
recording by the instant system automatically occurs concurrently with the
"rolling" of the
shooting camera. Fast playback of recorded materials (e.g., a particular take
just recorded)
may also be provided through automatic queuing to the beginning of the just-
recorded
material upon completion of the take (i.e., when the shooting camera finishes
"rolling").
The systems and methods herein also provide means for tagging or marking
specif c takes
(e.g., as "good" takes), and for selectively playing back takes (e.g., all
takes, "good" takes
only, etc.) or deleting takes.
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Accordingly, the preferred embodiments herein may provide one or more of the
following objects and advantages:
-- to provide an easy-to-use interface for controlling multiple take
recordings
with instant playback/review capabilities;
-- to provide such a system and method which allows for near instantaneous
access to multiple take recordings presently in production;
-- to provide such a system and method which allows for efficient
management and control of recording and playback of multiple recordings;
-- to provide such a system and method incorporating digital recording of
video input;
-- to provide such a system and method which offers such functionality in a
package which may be readily used in remote production environments; and,
-- to provide such a system and method which allows for the storage of
recorded materials and subsequent transfer to other production equipment for
further
review and processing.
Other objects and advantages of the present video assist systems and methods
will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the detailed
description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an illustration of a remote video assist recorder box according to
a
preferred embodiment herein.
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a remote video
assist
2 5 recorder box according to a preferred embodiment herein.
Figure 3 is an illustration of a control panel according to a preferred
embodiment
of the remote video assist recorder box herein.
Figure 4 depicts an exemplary display screen just prior to commencement of
recording a clip according to a preferred embodiment herein.
3 0 Figure 5 depicts an exemplary display screen upon initiation of playback
of a clip
according to a preferred embodiment herein.
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Figure 6 depicts an exemplary display screen for use in identifying and
operating
upon stored clips according to a preferred embodiment herein.
Figures 7 and 8 depict exemplary display screens for use in entering
alphanumeric
information associated with stored clips according to a preferred embodiment
herein.
Figure 9 depicts an exemplary display screen for use in entering frame per
second
information associated with clips according to a preferred embodiment herein.
.
Figure 10 depicts an exemplary display screen for use in establishing nominal
settings to be utilized by the system according to a preferred embodiment
herein.
Figure 11 depicts an exemplary display screen for use in setting nominal
frames
per second according to a preferred embodiment herein.
Figure 12 depicts an exemplary display screen for use in setting the
compression
level to be utilized in association with the storage of the corresponding clip
and for
identifying estimated remaining storage capacity of the storage device 65 in
accordance
with a preferred embodiment herein.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to Figure 1, a Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 according to
a
preferred embodiment herein is shown. Such a Remote Video Assist Recorder Box
10 as
disclosed herein may offer "standalone" functionality when interconnected with
a camera
2 0 (not shown, but which may comprise either a film or video camera) for
shooting scenes in
a production environment. The Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 is ideally
suited for
remote production applications, but may be utilized in any environment wherein
film/video production is performed.
It is also envisioned that the Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 may be
2 5 useable in conjunction with a full-feature video assist control system.
Such use may be
concurrent with or, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, subsequent to
use at the
time a scene is filmed by transferring recorded clips and related information
to the full
feature system. For example, the instant system and methods may be useable in
conjunction with such full-feature video assist control system as is described
in U.S.
30 Patent Application 09/095,771, which application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional
Patent Application 60/049,616 (both of which are incorporated by reference as
though
fully set forth herein).
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It is noted that throughout this application traditional production terms,
such as
"film", "filming", "rolling", and the like, are referenced. While such terms
originated in
the concept of film cameras, their application is also known to those in the
art in relation
to production projects utilizing video camera technologies. Accordingly, use
of such
5 terms herein should not be construed as any limitation to traditional film
camera
environments or technologies.
The Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 provides record, playback and
monitoring functionality housed in a single unit that allows sequential
digital recording of
multiple video takes on a single channel with near instantaneous playback and
review
capabilities. With reference to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of the Remote
Video
Assist Recorder Box 10 comprises a lower hinged portion 15 and an upper hinged
portion
20. The lower hinged portion 15 and upper hinged portion 20 comprise a case
that may be
closed for carrying the unit to a "filming" location while protecting the
internal
components. Such a case further advantageously provides an easy to set up and
use
recorder/reviewer that is ideal for remote (i.e., away from a main set)
operation. A
monitor 25 is incorporated within the upper hinged portion 20 and may be
useable for
viewing the material being recorded and for reviewing previously recorded
material. In a
preferred embodiment, the monitor 25 comprises an LCD video monitor. A display
30,
which comprises a touch screen display in a preferred embodiment, and a
control panel 35
2 0 are incorporated within the lower hinged portion 15 offering control and
functionality and
providing ready access to view control information and settings, as further
detailed
hereinbelow.
It is noted that while a preferred embodiment comprises a hinged unit with
components arranged as in Figure 1, other arrangements may be envisioned and
are
2 5 intended to be within the scope and spirit of the systems and methods as
set forth herein.
For example, differing means for connecting upper and lower portions,
differing
arrangements of components, a single housing incorporating the components, and
the like,
may alternatively be implemented in accordance with the teachings herein.
With reference to Figure 2, a block diagram illustrates the internal
components of a
3 0 preferred embodiment of the Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 of Figure
1. A power
supply 40 provides power to the Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10. In a
preferred
embodiment, power supply 40 comprises both AC and DC inputs. Accordingly,
power
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may be supplied through a standard electrical connection or alternatively via
a battery(ies).
Still further, it may be envisioned that power may be supplied via batteries
internal to the
unit or from an external generator or other power source. A camera status
input 45
provides an indication from a camera used for shooting a scenes) to be
recorded (not
shown) to the Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 of whether the camera is on
("rolling") or off
A video input signal 50 is received by a digitizing board 55 and, based upon
further input and instruction from a control board 60 (which may comprise a
programmable micro-controller), operates to digitize the video input signal 50
for
subsequent recording and storage in a storage device 65 as may be applicable
in
accordance with the operation of a preferred embodiment as further set forth
hereinbelow.
It is noted that an audio input signal 51 is also received into the digitizing
board 55. It is
assumed in that references to the video input signal 50 herein in relation to
the
recording/playback, etc. of clips are intended to include recording/playback,
etc. of the
corresponding audio input signal 51 therewith. In this regard, too, the Remote
Video
Assist Recorder Box 10 of a preferred embodiment incorporates a speaker 52 and
headphone connection 53 to enable listening to the corresponding audio input
signal 51 or
recorded version thereof upon playback of clips.
Additional connections in and out of the Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10
in
2 0 a preferred embodiment include video/audio output signals 66, time code
in/out signals 67,
an SCSCI connection 68, and a serial port interface 69. These additional
connections may
be utilized where it may be desired to utilize signal information or recorded
clips
externally from the system itself. For example, it may be desired to view the
video input
signal 50 information, or the playback of recorded clips, on a separate
external monitor(s).
2 5 It may also be desired to export a clips) from the storage device 65 to an
external hard
drive or other storage device for subsequent transfer to a further system or
device for
viewing, manipulation of recordings, or other operation. As well, it may
further be desired
to integrate the Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 into a larger system,
such as a full-
feature video assist system, which would necessitate the exportation of
information from
3 0 the instant system.
Such exportation may be enabled through use of the additional connections
identified immediately above. In the case of exportation, it is further
envisioned that an
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export screen may be utilized in a manner similar to the delete function
detailed
hereinabove in order to provide for selective exportation of clips (e.g., only
a selected clip,
a group of selected clips, all marked clips, all clips, etc.). The additional
connections may
further provide for further control and feature implementation from an
external control
source (e.g., an external programmed device, a laptop, etc.) through which
additional
functionality may be realized. .
It is noted that control board 60 is illustrated in Figure 2 as multiple
components
that are interfaced with the display 30 and the control panel 35 in a
coordinated manner to
provide a user with the functional and operational control as further detailed
hereinbelow
according to a preferred embodiment. It may be envisioned that control board
60 may
alternatively comprise a single board that may, further alternatively, be
combined with the
digitizing board 55 without departure from the scope and spirit of the
inventive concepts
set forth herein. As well, in a preferred embodiment, the storage device 65
comprises a
removable hard disk storage device, but may alternatively comprise a fixed
storage device
or other suitable known storage medium.
In a preferred embodiment, recording of a clip (i.e., a take) by the Remote
Video
Assist Recorder Box 10 may advantageously commence automatically with the
"rolling"
of the camera. If recording of a particular take being "filmed" by the camera
is not
desired, a pass-thru mode may be selected, as described below, in order to
prevent
2 0 recording while allowing viewing only of the video input signal 50 on the
monitor 25.
Further advantageously, recording in a preferred embodiment is automatically
stopped
when camera "rolling" ends.
The Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 provides basic recording
functionality,
such as may be found in known digital video recording systems. For such basic
recording
2 5 functionality, a preferred embodiment utilizes a digitizing card and
controls, including
software controls, based upon an Omega digital video recorder from Fast
Forward Video,
Inc. Custom modifications to such components and controls provide for
additional
functionality and control as further detailed hereinbelow.
The Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 allows multiple clips, which may, for
30 example, comprise multiple takes of a particular production scene, to be
recorded in series.
The number of clips that may be recorded and stored is primarily a function of
the
capacity of the storage device 65, the length of the clips, and the
compression ratio
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identified in conjunction with the storage of recorded clips. The Remote Video
Assist
Recorder Box 10 further provides ready, i.e., near instantaneous, access to
each recorded
clip through the use of selection controls (such as "previous" and "next") as
further
detailed hereinbelow.
With reference to Figure 3, the elements (i.e., interface controls) of the
control
panel 35 of a preferred embodiment are illustrated. In additional to providing
function
control in relation to basic recording functionality as is known in relation
to digital video
recorder technology, the control panel 35 provides access to additional
functionality
through alternate assignment of feature operation to certain of the elements
of the control
panel 35 as detailed below. Such alternate assignment of functionality is
enabled through
selection of options via the display 30 in coordination with the control board
60 in a
preferred embodiment is as further detailed below.
The interface controls of the control panel 35 include a Cue/Play button 70, a
Stop
button 75, and a Record button 80 to control playback of the video and
recording. It is
noted that while a preferred embodiment provides for automatic recording upon
the
"rolling" of the camera, it may alternatively be set to require manual
selection (e.g., via
simultaneous selection of the Record button 80 and the Cue/Play button 70)
before
recording may commence. Even with automatic recording, the Record button 80
(in
combination with the Cue/Play button 70) may provide a manual override control
to re-
2 0 commence recording if stopped during filming, or to start recording of the
video input
signal 50 regardless of the camera status. A Record indicator 85 above the
Record button
80 provides a visual indicator that recording is taking place. In a preferred
embodiment,
the Record button 80 provides the further functionality of discontinuing
playback of
recorded materials and readying the system for further recording, or for
monitoring of live
2 5 video feed from the camera, upon selection.
The control panel 35 further provides a Previous button 90 and a Next button
95
that may be used to control the selection of clips in playback/review modes as
further
detailed hereinbelow. Further interface controls are provided in control panel
35 to allow
for variable film speed emulation of recorded takes upon playback review. For
example, a
3 0 forward speed control 100 and . a reverse speed control 105 provide for
forward or reverse
reviewing, respectively, of a particular take which, in a preferred
embodiment, provides
for review on a frame-by-frame basis. The review speed, either slow motion or
fast scan,
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may be selectively set through a speed selector control 110 and may further be
controlled
via a jog/shuttle dial 115 to enable various review speeds (e.g., slow motion,
fast scan, or
other speeds in between). A slow motion indicator 120 and scan indicator 125
provide a
visual indication of current speed emulation control settings.
Further features and operation of a Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 in
accordance with a preferred embodiment herein may best be understood with
reference to
various display 30 screen printouts as depicted in, and with reference to,
Figures 4 through
12.
Figure 4 depicts an exemplary display 30 screen such as may be seen just prior
to
the commencement of recording of a clip according to a preferred embodiment
herein. A
mode indicator 130 identifies the status of the system and further provides an
indication of
the material viewable on the monitor 25. When "Pass-Thru" is indicated on the
mode
indicator 130 (as shown), the system allows the Video input signal 50 to be
relayed
through to the monitor 25. In a preferred embodiment, the "Pass-Thru" mode
serves as a
default mode to allow for viewing of the material in the camera's view at all
times,
regardless of whether or not the camera is "rolling", other than during
playback of
previously recorded clips. Further modes which may be indicated on the mode
indicator
130 include: a "Record" mode which is displayed during the time that the
system is
recording a clip (e.g., when the camera is "roping"); a "Stop" mode which is
displayed
2 0 upon the queuing of a clip for review; and, a "Play" mode which is
displayed during
playback of a previously recorded clip and which may further provide an
indication of the
speed at which the clip is played back.
The display 30 screen of Figure 4 further illustrates a setting selector icon
135
which may be used call up a setting selector screen (as illustrated in Figure
10 and detailed
2 5 hereinbelow). A disk capacity indicator 140 is also provided to provide
visual and
percentage indicators of the remaining storage capacity of the storage device
65. A
counter display 145 provides clip duration information. A compression ratio
indicator/selector 150 identifies the compression ratio at which the
corresponding clip was
stored in the storage device 65. Selecting the compression ratio
indicator/selector 150
30 through the touch screen display 30 further calls up a ratio compression
selector screen (as
illustrated in Figure 12 and detailed hereinbelow). Similarly, a frames-per-
second
indicator/selector 155 identifies the speed at which the corresponding clip
was recorded.
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Selecting the frames-per-second indicator/selector 155 through the touch
screen display 30
further calls up a record-fps screen (as illustrated in Figure 9 and detailed
hereinbelow). A
clip indicator/selector 160 identifies the corresponding previously recorded
clip (e.g., by
clip number or name as further detailed below) that is set for review/playback
(e.g., the
5 last recorded clip after completion of recording, the last clip played back
after playback,
etc.). Selecting the clip indicator/selector 160 through the touch screen
display 30 further
calls up a clip list screen (as illustrated in Figure 6 and detailed
hereinbelow). Lastly, an
All Clips indicator 165 confirms that all recorded clips are available for
playback either
sequentially or through individual selection as further described hereinbelow.
10 Figure 5 depicts an exemplary display 30 screen printout such as may be
seen upon
queuing of a clip for playback according to a preferred embodiment herein.
Playback of a
recorded clip (e.g., a clip for which recording has just been completed) may
be realized in
the first instance by queuing the clip to the beginning and then commencing
playback. In
a preferred embodiment, a clip is cued to the beginning by pressing the
Cue/Play button 70
upon completion of recording. Actual playback of a recorded clip is
subsequently realized
by pressing the Cue/Play button 70 again. If it is desired that playback be
paused, a
preferred embodiment allows for such option through selection of the Stop
button 75
during playback with re-commencement of playback occurring upon selection of
the
Cue/Play button70 again.
2 0 It is noted that while a preferred embodiment utilizes sequential
selection of the
Cue/Play button 70 for queuing and then playback, respectively, it is
envisioned that
playback queuing may alternatively occur automatically upon completion of
recording
(i.e., the recorded clip could be queued to the beginning when the camera
stops "rolling")
with actual playback occurring upon selection of the Cue/Play button 70 a
single time. As
a further alternative, it may readily be envisioned that queuing may be
accomplished
through selection of some interface control other than the Cue/Play button 70
and still
remain within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts set forth herein.
Returning to Figure 5, a mode indicator 130, setting selector icon 135, disk
capacity indicator 140, counter display 145, compression ratio
selector/indicator 150,
3 0 frames-per-second selector/indicator 155, clip indicator/selector 160, and
all clips
indicator 165 are all provided, and operate similarly, as discussed above in
relation to
Figure 4. As may be seen in Figure 5, the mode indicator 130 illustrates the
"Stop" mode
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in relation to the corresponding clip (i.e., clip 17 in Figure 5). According
to a preferred
embodiment, the "Stop" mode indicates that the corresponding clip, as
illustrated by the
clip indicator/selector 160 has been queued to the beginning, and that the
first frame of
such clip is showing on monitor 25 ready for playback of the entire clip upon
selection of
the Cue/Play button 70. Thus, it may be seen that the "Stop" mode operates in
a manner
similar to a pause function wherein the clip is paused at the first frame
awaiting playback. .
In accordance with the operation of a preferred embodiment, switching from the
"Stop" mode back to a "Pass-Thru" mode may be accomplished by selection of the
Record
button 80 on control panel 35. Similarly, switching from "Play" mode to "Pass-
Thru"
mode may also be accomplished by selection of the Record button 80 at which
point
playback of the previously recorded clip would stop and viewing of the video
input signal
50 from the camera would be enabled on the monitor 25. A preferred embodiment
also
provides for recording based upon the "rolling" of the camera to override
other
functionality of the Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10. Thus, for example,
if the
camera begins "rolling" while in "Stop" or "Play" modes, these latter
functions would be
stopped and recording of a new clip would automatically commence.
Further in a preferred embodiment, the "Pass-Thru" mode is utilized as a
default
mode when the system is not otherwise playing previously recorded clips or
cued to do so.
In this regard, as well, when recording stops, the monitor 25 continues to
display the live
2 0 video information coming through the video input signal 50 from the
camera. The system
further remains ready to record the next clip while showing the reference
number assigned
to the clip just recorded.
Figure 5 further illustrates a marks only indicator/selector 170 which
provides for
subsequent operation upon only clips that have been marked as further detailed
2 5 hereinbelow. As well, a marked clip indicator 175 provides a visual
indication in
conjunction with the clip name/number that the corresponding clip has been
marked. .In a
preferred embodiment, such marking of a clip may be utilized to indicate clips
that
comprise "good" takes for further production purposes.
Figure 6 depicts an exemplary display 30 clip list screen printout which may
be
3 0 utilized in identifying and operating upon stored clips according to a
preferred
embodiment herein. The screen of Figure 6 is displayed upon selection of the
word "Clip"
in the clip indicator/selector I60 as displayed, for example, in the screens
illustrated in
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Figures 4 and 5. A "P" icon 225 is provided which, upon selection, exits the
clip list
screen display 30 of Figure 6. Alternatively, the screen of Figure 6 is
displaced with
another screen upon either the selection for playback of a clip (in which case
a screen as
depicted in Figure 5 may be displayed) or upon commencement of recording
(either
manually or upon the "rolling" of the camera) in which case a screen as
depicted in Figure
4, or a recording screen (not shown), may be displayed). It is noted that the
"P" icon 225
is similarly utilized in conjunction with other screens to perform a similar
function of
returning to the main screen. In other instances, where a "P" icon is not
provided,
selection of blank area on the screen may serve to return to the main or
previous screens.
The screen of Figure 6 provides for the display of a clip list 180 of up to
twelve
clips in a preferred embodiment. Entry into this screen from any other screen
in which a
particular clip has been operated upon results in such prior clip being
highlighted as one of
the clips in the clip list 180 with the remaining eleven clips comprising
clips either before
and/or after the highlighted clip. Since more than twelve clips may be stored
in the
storage device 65, a clip tally indicator 185 identifies the total number of
stored clips
along with an identification of the presently selected clip via a current clip
indicator 190.
The jog/shuttle dial 115 on control panel 35 is utilized in a preferred
embodiment
to scroll through the clip list 180. Scrolling up on the list to clips prior
to those displayed
in the clip list 180 results in a shift in the clip list 180 to reveal earlier
clips while later
2 0 clips "fall" off the end of the list. Conversely, scrolling down the list
to clips later than
those displayed results in a shift in the clip list 180 to reveal later clips
while earlier clips
"fall" off the end of the list.
Scrolling through the clip list 180 results in the sequential highlighting of
clips (in
either a forward or reverse direction depending upon the direction of
operation of the
2 5 jog/shuttle dial 115). Highlighting of a particular clip results in the
use of the highlighted
clip as a reference point in the first instance in relation to further
operations which may be
selected, such as by selection of an interface control from the control panel
35. For
example, selection of the Cue/Play button 70 would result in the queuing of
the
highlighted clip for playback with actual playback occurring upon subsequent
selection of
3 0 the Cue/Play button 70. Similarly, selection of the Previous button 90 or
Next button 95
would result in the queuing for playback of either the clip just before or
just after the
reference clip, respectively.
*rB
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In this latter regard, it is noted that the all clips indicator 165 and the
marks only
indicator 170 function as controls to selectively enable clips to be played
back in
accordance with a preferred embodiment. With the all clips indicator 165
selected,
operation of the Previous button 90 or the Next button 95 sequentially cycles
through all
of the stored clips (excluding clips which have previously been deleted as set
forth herein)
in either the reverse or forward direction, respectively. With the marks only
indicator 170
selected, operation of the Previous button 90 or the Next button 95
sequentially cycles
through all of the non-deleted stored clips which have been previously marked
(i.e., for
which a marked clip indicator 175 has been set) in either the reverse or
forward direction,
respectively.
It is noted, too, that the selection of the Cue/Play button 70 while a clip is
highlighted on the clip list 180 results not only in the playback of the
highlighted clip, but
will also result in subsequent non-deleted clips being played back
sequentially. In this
regard, too, either all clips will be played back, or only marked clips will
be played back,
depending upon whether the all clips indicator 165 or the marks only indicator
170,
respectively, has been selected.
The clip list 180 provides information regarding the clip duration and speed
at
which each respective clip was recorded via clip duration indicators 195 and
clip recorded
fps indicators 200, respectively. As well, clips which have previously been
marked, e.g.,
2 0 as "good" takes, are identified via marked clip indicators 175 displayed
in association with
the corresponding clips. Further clips may be marked through selection of a
mark control
205 that results in the marking of a highlighted clip (or the un-marking of a
marked clip if
the mark control 205 is selected again).
A delete control 210 is further provided in a preferred embodiment. The delete
2 5 control allows for selective deletion of previously recorded clips.
Selection of the delete
control 210 results in further inquiry screens (not shown) which allow the
user to
selectively delete only a selected clip, all un-marked clips, or all clips. It
may also be
envisioned that the system could be programmed to provide for selective
deletion of other
groupings of clips than those described above in conjunction with a preferred
embodiment.
3 0 In operation, a preferred embodiment automatically and sequentially
assigns a
numeric reference 215 to clips as they are recorded. A name change selector
220 provides
a means for individually changing the reference name/number to be used to
identify one or
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more particular stored clips. For example, it may be envisioned that the name
change
selector 220 may be used to associate a reference name, such as a scene/take
identifier,
comments, or the like. Upon changing the name/number of a clip, the clip list
180 will
show the new name/number (not shown) in place of the numeric reference 210 for
the clip.
Selection of the name change selector 220 results in the display of a first
alphanumeric input screen (as illustrated in Figure 7 and detailed below). The
screen of
Figure 7, in conjunction with the screen of Figure 8, provides a means for
entry of
alphanumeric information 231 (letters, numbers, and certain symbols) in order
to set a
name or other reference to be associated with a clip that has been highlighted
from the clip
list 180. In a preferred embodiment, the two screens may be selectively
toggled between
in order to input a complete reference name/number for the corresponding clip.
Such
toggling is accomplished through selection of a screen toggle selector 230.
Sequential
selection of alphanumeric characters results in the creation of a reference
narne/number
that is displayed in reference entry box 235. A backspace selector 240 is
provided in order
to replace previously entered characters. Upon completion of entry of the
reference
name/number, an OK selector 240 allows for acceptance of the reference
name/number
and subsequent association of such reference name/number with the
corresponding clip in
an internal database. Should it be desired to cancel the name change operation
without
effecting a change to the reference name/number of the corresponding clip, a
Cancel
2 0 selector 245 is also provided.
Figure 9 depicts an exemplary display 30 screen for use in entering
information
regarding the speed at which a particular clip has been recorded according to
a preferred
embodiment herein. Upon selection of this screen as previously described, the
user may
selectively identify the frames per second at which the corresponding clip was
required.
2 5 To this end, a keypad 250 is provided for direct input of a frame speed,
which may include
a negative speed in a preferred embodiment (note: selection of a negative
speed emulation
causes the corresponding clip to be played in reverse upon selection of the
Cue/Play
button 70. Alternatively, preset speeds 255 are provided for direct selection
by the user
and association with the corresponding clip. A fps display 260 provides a
visual
3 0 indication of the fps speed associated with the corresponding clip. A Done
selector 265 is
provided to exit the screen of Figure 9 when speed selection is complete.
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Figure 10 depicts an exemplary display 30 screen that may be used to establish
nominal settings for use by the Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10. A video
standard
setting selector 270 provides a means for the user to identify the video
standard utilized by
the camera in the "filming" of takes. In this regard, a preferred embodiment
offers
selection (through toggling of the video standard setting selector 270)
between the two
known, primary video standards NTSC and PAL. It is noted that while the
preferred
embodiment offers selection between two video standards, other video standards
may be
envisioned for implementation, e.g., HDTV, and may be incorporated for
selection in
manners consistent with those described herein. It is further noted that
different clips can
be recorded in different formats in a preferred embodiment; however, upon
playback the
correct nominal video standard must be set or the clips of a different
standard than is set
will not play back correctly. It is envisioned, though, that the system may be
modified to
provide for automatically changing to the appropriate video standard for
playback as
necessary based upon the standard utilized in conjunction with the various
recorded clips
being played back.
Further, a preferred embodiment selectively offers three standards in relation
to
slow motion settings. In this regard, toggle selection of a slow motion
setting selector
27S alternatingly switches between Frame standard, a Field 1 standard, and a
Field 12
standard. Still further, a nominal fps setting selector 280 allows for
selective identification
2 0 of the frames-per-second at which the camera filming the takes is
operating. In this
regard, selection of the nominal fps setting selector 280 results in the
display of a nominal
fps selection screen such as is depicted in Figure 11.
With reference to Figure 11, a preferred embodiment provides for the selection
between a 24, 2S, or a 30 frames-per-second standard in relation to the
shooting camera. It
2 5 is noted that the nominal fps setting is a system-wide setting that
represents the basic
frame rate the overall production (i.e., the shooting camera) is utilizing. It
is envisioned
that for most film work the nominal fps would be 24 fps with commercial and
graphic
production being typical at 30 fps. The nominal 25 fps would typically
envisioned with
respect to the use of the PAL video standard. In a preferred embodiment, the
nominal fps
3 0 is associated with each clip at the time it is recorded. Changing the
record fps value after
recording allows for the emulation of the effect of shooting film at a speed
different from
the nominal speed.
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An fps display 260 and a Done selector 265 are also provided in the screen of
Figure I1 and operate as previously described hereinabove. It is noted that
while a
preferred embodiment provides for a separate screen to enable selection
between the three
nominal fps settings while a toggle mechanism enables selection between the
three slow
motion standard settings, it is readily envisioned that the use of a separate
screen or a
toggle mechanism may be interchangeably utilized without departing from the
scope or
spirit of the inventive concepts set forth herein.
With reference back to Figure 10, a clear disk selector 285 is provided that
allows
for the deletion of contents and attendant reformatting of the storage device
65 in a
preferred embodiment herein. Lastly, a "P" icon 225 is provided in the
settings screen of
Figure 10 to result in exit from that screen.
Figure 12 depicts an exemplary display 30 screen for use in setting the
compression ratio to be utilized in connection with the recording of the
corresponding clip.
To this end a compression ratio selector 290 allows for the adjustment of the
compression
ratio: In a preferred embodiment, ratios from 1:1 through 20:1 may be selected
using the
up or down arrows of the compression ratio selector 290. A compression ratio
display 295
provides a visual indication of the compression ratio selected. It is noted
that while a
compression ratio down to 1:1 may be selected, hard drive speed may set
practical limits
to compression. In a preferred embodiment, for example, a practical limit of
4:1 is defined
2 0 by the speed of the hard drive.
Based upon the remaining storage capacity of the storage device 65, along with
the
information regarding the current compression ratio selector 290 setting
selected, the
Remote Video Assist Recorder Box 10 of a preferred embodiment calculates and
displays
capacity estimates 300. In a preferred embodiment, the capacity estimates 300
include an
2 5 indication of the estimated total recording time remaining in the storage
device 65, the
overall estimated recording time in the storage device 65, and an estimate of
the minutes
per Gigabyte of storage capacity associated with the storage device 65. It is
noted that
different compression ratios may be individually selected for different
recorded clips in a
preferred embodiment. While the preferred embodiment does not display the
respective
3 0 compression ratios for each different clip, it is envisioned that such
information may
readily provided, such as through display in association with the clip Iist
180.
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The present invention has been set forth in the form of its preferred
embodiments.
Other alternative embodiments may be devised, however, and are intended to be
within the
scope of this application. For example, while entry of certain information and
selection of
features in accordance with a preferred embodiment is provided through the
display 30, it
may also be envisioned that such operations may be provided through other
means, such
as a separate keyboard, a voice recognition interface, a serial interface, or
other means
known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it is intended that
modifications to the
disclosed system may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of
the inventive
concepts set forth herein and defined in the appended claims.
