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Sommaire du brevet 1177969 

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  • lorsque la demande peut être examinée par le public;
  • lorsque le brevet est émis (délivrance).
(12) Brevet: (11) CA 1177969
(21) Numéro de la demande: 1177969
(54) Titre français: SYSTEME DE MONTAGE AUDIO-VIDEO A ECRAN D'AFFICHAGE DE FONCTIONS A EFFLEUREMENT
(54) Titre anglais: AUDIO/VIDEO EDITING SYSTEM HAVING TOUCH RESPONSIVE FUNCTION DISPLAY SCREEN
Statut: Durée expirée - après l'octroi
Données bibliographiques
(51) Classification internationale des brevets (CIB):
  • G06F 03/14 (2006.01)
  • G06F 03/02 (2006.01)
  • G11B 27/024 (2006.01)
  • G11B 27/028 (2006.01)
  • G11B 27/034 (2006.01)
  • G11B 27/34 (2006.01)
(72) Inventeurs :
  • BABBEL, JOHN H. (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
  • RUSSELL, WILLIAM A. (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
  • STEELE, ROBERT B. (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
(73) Titulaires :
  • AMPEX CORPORATION
(71) Demandeurs :
  • AMPEX CORPORATION (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
(74) Agent: MACRAE & CO.
(74) Co-agent:
(45) Délivré: 1984-11-13
(22) Date de dépôt: 1982-02-26
Licence disponible: S.O.
Cédé au domaine public: S.O.
(25) Langue des documents déposés: Anglais

Traité de coopération en matière de brevets (PCT): Non

(30) Données de priorité de la demande:
Numéro de la demande Pays / territoire Date
252,571 (Etats-Unis d'Amérique) 1981-04-09

Abrégés

Abrégé anglais


ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An audio/video editing system presents different menus
of editing functions on a display screen and changes the menus
as well as performing different editing functions in response
to the touching of selected areas of the display screen by an
operator. An arrangement of light emitting diodes and photo-
detectors provides a network of beams across the face of the
display screen. Selected beams are interrupted when the operator
points his finger at particular characters being displayed on
the screen. The display menus and editing functions are con-
trolled by an edit controller which includes a central processing
unit having a memory loaded with data from a computer file system,
a character generator for providing the various menus on the
display screen and a plurality of intelligent line controllers
coupled to a plurality of source tape recorders, a record tape
recorder and a switcher capable of coupling a different one of
the source recorders to the record recorder. Each intelligent
line controller which includes its own processing unit and
memory controls the flow of data between the central processing
unit and the various recorders and the switcher in addition to
converting the data between parallel and serial forms. A separate
interface coupled between each of the intelligent line controllers
and an associated one of the recorders or the switcher includes
processors which convert the data into a form usable by the
recorder or switcher.

Revendications

Note : Les revendications sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.


THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An editing system comprising the combination
of at least one source of information to be edited, a
recorder for recording information being edited, a switcher
for selectively coupling the source of information to the
recorder, a processor for controlling the source of informa-
tion, the recorder and the switcher, a memory coupled to
the processor for storing different menus of editing
information for display, a character generator coupled to
the processor for providing characters to be displayed
under the control of the processor, a display monitor
coupled to the character generator for displaying
characters provided by the character generator, means
responsive to the touching of a particular portion of the
display on the monitor by an operator for providing a
corresponding indication to the processor to select
different ones of the menus of editing information for
display on the monitor, and a plurality of controllers
coupled between the processor and the at least one source
of information, the recorder, the switcher and the means
for providing a corresponding indication, each of the
controllers being operative to buffer the communication
of data to and from the processor to enable editing system
operation in real time.
2. The invention set forth in Claim 1, wherein
each of the controllers is operative to convert data
between serial and parallel forms.
3. The invention set forth in Claim 1, wherein
the monitor comprises a cathode ray tube having a display
screen and the means for providing a corresponding
indication includes an arrangement for providing a network
26

of interruptable beams across the display screen of the
cathode ray tube.
4. The invention set forth in Claim 1, wherein
the system includes at least one source recorder and a
recording recorder and the plurality of controllers
includes a first controller coupling the at least one
source recorder to the processor, a second controller
coupling the recording recorder to the processor, and a
third controller coupled between the switcher and the
processor, the first, second and third controllers each
being operative to store and convert the form of data
being transferred from or to the processor.
The invention set forth in Claim 4, wherein
at least one of the first, second and third controllers
includes a central processing unit and a memory.
6. The invention set forth in Claim 4, wherein
at least one of the first, second and third controllers
includes a controller processor, a transceiver coupled to
the controller processor, a memory coupled to the
controller processor and to the transceiver and an address
comparator coupled between the transceiver and the
controller processor.
7. The invention set forth in Claim 6, further
including a receiver transmitter coupled to the controller
processor and operative to convert data between parallel
and serial form.
The invention set forth in Claim 4, further
including a first interface coupled between the first
controller and the at least one source recorder, a second
interface coupled between the second controller and the
recording recorder and a third interface coupled between
the third controller and the switcher, each of the first,
second and third interfaces including an interface
27

processor for converting data between serial and machine
usable forms.
9. The invention set forth in Claim 8, wherein
at least one of the first, second and third interfaces
includes a serial data processor coupled to one of the
controllers, a time code processor coupled to the serial
data processor and a data conversion module coupled to
the serial data processor.
28

Description

Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.


#1713
1 IL77969
AUDIO/VIDEO EDITING SYSTEM HAVING TOUCH
RESPONSIVE FUNCTION DISPLAY SCREEN
Background of the Invention
Over the years audio/video editing systems have
developed into complex and sophisticated arrangements for mani-
pulating video and audio information recorded therewith in a
desired fashion. In a typical editing system selected video or
audio information from a plurality of different inputs is
recorded on a record audio/video tape recorder under the careful
control of an operator. The information to be recorded is
typically contained in one or more of a plurality of source tape
recorders but can also come from other input sources such as a
microphone or video camera. A switcher coupled between the record
tape recorder and the source tape recorders and any other input
devices responds to editing commands to control the exact informa-
tion recorded by the record tape recorder. Proper synchronization
during the recording operation characterizing a typical editing
process is maintained by reference to a coded reference track
which accompanies each recording on tape and which identifies
each frame of the recording. Such reference tracks typically
involve the use of time code (recorded either directly on the
reference track within the video tracks during the vertical
interval, or a combination of both) as specified in various
documents by the Society Of Motion Picture And Television
Engineers (SMPTE) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
In a typical editing operation the operator manipulates
a keyboard while viewing a video monitor which provides a visual
display of the video information being recorded on the record
tape recorder. The keyboard is typically a designated keyboard,
meaning that it is comprised of different keys representing
specific editing functions. The keys may be arranged in an ASCII
format or in any other format which is convenient. Keys arranged

`1~77969
in the ASCII format are also designated by letters arranged in a
conventional typewriter keyboard format so that the various
different editing functions can be selected largely by feel and
based on experience and memory, much in the same manner as an
experienced typist types.
As editing systems have become more sophisticated and
complex, the keyboards used therewith have grown larger and more
confusing. It is not unusual, for example, to have an editing
keyboard comprised of more than 100 keys, each representing a
different editing function or type of function. As a result
considerable time and experience are required with a given machine
before the operator can perform editing functions quickly and
efficiently. However, even in cases where the operator is
experienced and totally familiar with a given editing system,
there is an inherent problem with conventional editing systems in
that the mechanical considerations imposed by a fixed keyboard
with so many functions seriously detract from the creative aspects
of editing. Time code representations of edit entry and exit
points are typically relied upon rather than editing in accordance
with the picture itself.
A further limitation of many conventional editing systems
resides in the confinement of system intelligence to one central
location. Those systems employing a central processor or other
processing unit in conjunction with the editing functions typically
concentrate limited processing equipment at one central location,
thereby restricting future flexability of a particular system.
Over the years various attempts have been made at
improving the human-machine interface involved in editing. One
such approach, for example, involves the use of a light pen. The
pen is manipulated relative to a responding member to select
certain editing functions, thereby reducing the number of buttons
needed. At best, however, such systems replace keyboard buttons
--2--

1~77969
with the light pen, requiring that the operator pick up
and handle the light pen with each operation.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an
editing system with improved human-machine interfacing
so as to facilitate the artistic aspects and approach to
video editing.
It would furthermore be desirable to provide an
editing system capable of displaying different menus o
editing functions to be chosen from by the operator.
It would furthermore be desirable to provide an
editing system capable of accommodating varying numbers
and types of information inputs.
It would still furthermore be advantageous to
provide an editing system capable of intelligent operations
at peripheral portions of such system in addition to a
central portion of the system.
Brief Description of the Invention
The above and other objects are accomplished in
accordance with the invention by providing an editing system
-comprising the combination of at least one source of
information to be edited, a recorder for recording
information being edited, a switcher for selectively
coupling the source of information to the recorder, a
processor for controlling the source of information, the
recorder and the switcher, a memory coupled to the processor
for storing different menus of editing information for
display, a character generator coupled to the processor
for providing characters to be displayed under the control
of the processor, a display monitor coupled to the character
generator for displaying characters provided by the
character generator, means responsive to the touching of
a particular portion of the display on the monitor by an
mg/~ - 3 -

1~7969
operator for providing a corresponding indication to the
processor to select different ones of the menus of editing
information for display on the monitor, and a plurality
of controllers coupled between the processor and the at
least one source of information, the recorder, the switcher
and the means for providing a corresponding indication,
each of the controllers being operative to buffer the
communication of data to and from the processor to enable
editing system operation in real time.
The versatility and character of operation of editing
systems in accordance with the invention are enhanced by utilizing
~g/J~ - 3a -

~77969
a system arrangement which places intelligent capabilities at
peripheral locations as well as at a central location. In this
manner a single central processor can communicate with a variety
of different input equipment virtually simultaneously. Proper
interfacing equipment provides for the conversion of data into
a machine usable form tailored to the particular requirements of
input and output peripheral equipment.
In a preferred arrangement of an audio/video editing
system in accordance with the invention a data monitor comprising
a cathode ray tube or other display screen device is coupled to
an edit controller from which it receives the different menus of
editing information and selections. The display screen is equipped
with apparatus for providing a network of interruptable beams
thereacross. When the operator points to a particular character
or group of characters on the display screen, the beams in this
area of the display screen are interrupted and a corresponding
signal is provided to the edit controller. The edit controller
which is comprised of a central processing unit, a memory and a
character generator responds by making appropriate changes in the
menu provided the visual display. The character generator coupled
to the central processing unit provides the various characters
comprising the different menus displayed on the data monitor. At
the same time the central processing unit together with its
associated memory provides data to other portions of the editing
system to accomplish editing functions commanded when the operator
touches particular portions of the displayed menus. In addition
to the touch responsive data monitor, the editing system can be
provided with one or more conventional keyboards also capable
of providing editing information and selections to the edit
controller.
The edit controller includes a plurality of intelligent
line controllers coupled to the central processing unit. One of

1177969
the intelligent line controllers is coupled to the touch sensitive
apparatus associated with the data monitor. Another one of the
intelligent line controllers is coupled to a record tape recorder
on ~hich the material being edited is recorded. Another one
of the intelligent line controllers is coupled to a switcher.
The remaining ones of the intelligent line controllers are each
coupled to a different input information source. The input
information sources can comprise such things as video cameras or
audio microphones but are typically comprised of source tape
recorders. The switcher is coupled between the record tape
recorder and the various input sources such as the source tape
recorders to control coupling of the input sources to the record
tape recorder. Each of the intelligent line controllers which
includes its own processing unit and memory is capable of per-
forming intelligent functions in locations remote from the centralprocessing unit. In addition to converting parallel data from the
central processing unit to a serial data form and vice versa, each
intelligent line controller acts as a data buffer between the
central processing unit and the various tape recorders and other
peripheral equipment. The intelligent functions performed by the
intPlligent line controllers enable the central processing unit
to communicate with the various pieces of peripheral equipment
virtually simultaneously. The result is an open-ended editing
system capable of being coupled to input devices of varying numbers
and types. The various input devices such as the source tape
recorders as well as the switcher and the record tape recorder
are coupled to the various intelligent line controllers through
interfaces which serve to convert the serial data from the
inte~ligent line controllers into a form usable by the particular
recorder or other device coupled thereto.

1177969
Brief Description of the Drawings
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages
of the invention will be apparent from the following more parti-
cular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention,
as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an audio/video editing
system in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the data monitor of
the editing system of Fig. 1 showing the touch responsive apparatus
used in conjunction therewith;
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the editing system of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the human interface portion
of the editing system of Fig. 3:
Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the different basic
lS functions performed by the edit controller of the editing system
of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a portion of the editing
system of Fig. 3 showing the edit controller in greater detail;
Fig. 7 is a block diagram of one of the video machine-
interfaces of the arrangement of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a block diagram of one of the intelligent
line controllers of the arrangement of Fig. 6;
Fig. 9 is a block diagram of the switcher and effects
generator of the arrangement of Fig. 6; and
Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the manner in which
the editing system uses the data monitor and touch responsive
apparatus to convert user decisions into editing actions.

~77969
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 depicts a video editing system 10 in accordancewith the invention. The video editing system 10 is mounted on
or contained within a desk 12 and includes a touchscreen data
5 monitor 14 and a video monitor 16 mounted on the top of the desk
12. Also mounted on the top of the desk 12 is a joystick panel 18.
A designated keyboard 20 or a designated keyboard 22 having keys
arranged in an ASCII format, both of which are shown in Fig. 1,
can also be used to provide alternative human interfaces with the
system 10.
The video editing system 10 of Fig. 1 can have up to
three different human interfaces which are comprised of the
touchscreen data monitor 14, the designated keyboard 20 and the
ASCII keyboard 22, each utilizing a joystick panel 18. The joy-
stick panel 18 has several control buttons thereon plus a joystick.When control of a particular tape transport is obtained by one
of the human interfaces 14, 20 and 22, the joystick panel 18 may
be used to control the operation of that transport. The designated
keyboard 20 may be of conventional design and includes all of the
various keys and controls needed to perform the various editing
functions used in a modern, sophisticated editing system. The
ASCII keyboard 22 has the various keys thereof arranged in conven-
tional typewriter format so that the various editing functions
can be touch typed into the system 10 by the operator. The key-
boards 20 and 22 comprise two different alternative ways in which
the editing system 10 can be controlled by the operator. The
touchscreen video monitor 16 provides a picture of the video
information being recorded on a record tape recorder as editing
is carried out by the operator.
In accordance with the invention a superior and highly
advantageous human interface with the editing system 10 is provided
by the touchscreen data monitor 14. As shown in detail in Fig. 2,

~l77969
the touchscreen data monitor 14 is comprised of a cathode raytube 26 having a display screen 28 at the front thereof. Mounted
adjacent the display screen 28 is a touch input system 30. The
touch input system 30 establishes a pattern of interruptable beams
across the face of the display screen 28 using light emitting
diodes and photodetectors. In the present example the touch input
system 30 is of the type manufactured by Carroll Manufacturing
Company of Champaign, Illinois and includes two different pluralities
of light emitting diodes 32 and 34 on the left side and bottom of
the display screen 28 respectively. The touch input system 30
also includes a first plurality of photodetectors 36 on the right-
hand side of the display screen 28 opposite the light emitting
diodes 32 and a second plurality of photodetectors 38 along the
top of the display screen 28 and opposite the light emitting
diodes 34. The light emitting diodes 32 emit infrared rays which
extend in generally parallel fashion across the face of the display
screen 28 to the photodetectors 36. Each one of the light emitting
diodes 32 corresponds with a particular one of the photodetectors 36
so that the infrared ray from the light emitting diode falls upon
the photodetector. In like fashion the light emitting diodes 34
emit infrared rays which extend upwardly along the face of the
display screen 28 in generally parallel fashion to the photo-
detectors 38.
The light emitting diodes 32 and 34 and the photo-
detectors 36 and 38 establish an X-Y coordinate system of beams
or rays across the face of the display screen 28. When the operator
touches a particular location on the display screen 28 as shown
in Fig. 1, one or more of the infrared rays from the light
emitting diodes 32 and 34 are interrupted. A control logic box
40 which is coupled to the photodetectors 36 and 38 responds by
providing a signal representative of the particular location on

969
the screen 28 touched by the operator. The control logic box
40 does this by determining the average Y location of the infrared
rays from the light emitting diodes 32 which are broken and by
determining the average X location of the infrared rays from the
light emitting diodes 34 which are broken. The resulting output
signal from the control logic box 40 thus represents the average
X and Y position of the area on the display screen 28 touched by
the operator. The control logic box 40 is of conventional design
and may be designed or purchased separately or in conjunction with
the light emitting diodes 32 and 34 and the photodetectors 36
and 38 as part of a complete touch input system 30.
The particular touch input system 30 shown and described
is for purposes of illustration only, and it should be understood
that other touch systems which are capable of providing an output
signal indicating an area touched on the display screen 28 can
be used. Other touch systems which can be used include a variety
of different manufactured products such as those employing a con-
ductive glass and plastic laminate, those employing acoustic
waves and those in which a conductive pattern is etched on the
display screen.
As will become more fully apparent from the discussion
to follow, the data monitor 14 with its included touch input system
30 provides a highly versatile and advantageous human interface
with the editing system 10~ The editing system 10 is capable
of displaying any one of a plurality of different menus of editing
information and selections on the data monitor 14. The operator
then chooses one or more of the editing selections by touching
the characters on the display screen 28 which describe or represent
such selections. Each time the display screen 28 is touched by
the operator, the resulting output signal from the control logic
box 40 is applied to a portion of the editing system 10 which
compares such information with the characters displayed on the

1~77969
screen to determine the particular function selected by the
operator, The system 10 then executes any required editing func-
tions and at the same time changes the information displayed on
the screen 28. Such changes may be accomplished by displaying an
entirely new menu o information and selections on the monitor 14
or by simply modifying the original menu displayed. This enables
the operator to concentrate on editing from the standpoint of
different levels or different types of functions. Also, because
the makeup of a particular displayed menu is virtuall~ unlimited,
a great amount of versatility and flexibility is introduced into
the editing system 10.
Fig. 3 depicts a block diagram of the editing system 10.
The editing system 10 includes a human interface 42 which is shown
in Fig. 4 as being comprised of the joystick panel 18 and the
designated keyboard 20, the ASCII keyboard 22 and the touch input
system 30. The human interface 42 is coupled to an edit controller
44 as is the touchscreen data monitor 14. Each time one of the
keys or other controls on the panel 18 or the keyboards 20 and 22
is manipulated or the touch input system 30 senses the touching of
an area on the display screen of the data monitor 14, a correspond-
ing signal is provided to the edit controller 44. In addition to
providing the menus of editing information and selections to the
data monitor 14, the edit controller 44 controls all other portions
of the editing system 10 including three diferent source audio/
video tape recorders 46, 48 and 50, a record audio/video tape
recorder 52 and a switcher and efects generator 54. ~ach of the
source audio/video tape recorders 46, 48 and 50 provides a different
audio and video input to the switcher and effects generator 54.
The switcher and effects generator 54 responds to commands from
the edit controller 44 to couple one or more of the audio and video
signal inputs thereto to the record audio/video tape recorder 52.
The video information recorded on the record audio/video tape
--10--

l.t77969
recorder 52 is also applied to a preview switcher 56 controlled
by the edit controller 44. The preview switcher 56 in turn
provides the video information for display on the video monitor 16.
The preview switcher 56 is required for certain types of tape
recorders when used as the record audio/video tape recorder.
Still other types of tape recorders eliminate the need for the
preview switcher 56. The edit controller 44 is also coupled to
control a printer and paper tape system 58.
A floppy disk system 60 is coupled to the edit controller
44 so as to both input data to and receive data from the edit
controller 44. The floppy disk system 60 comprises one example
of a mass storage medium which can be used for this purpose, with
various other types of mass storage media being usable for this
purpose. Initially, instructions for the various menus to be
displayed on the data monitor 14 and the various editing functions
which are recorded on a floppy disk are loaded from the disk
system 60 into the edit controller 44. Thereafter, as editing
functions are performed certain information defining the location
and nature of different editing functions performed along the length
of the tape within the record audio/video tape recorder 52 may be
outputed by the edit controller 44 for storage in the floppy disk
system 60. Alternate mass storage systems may store the informa-
tion in an on-board PROM or a CCD memory.
After the menus and other information are loaded into
the edit controller 44 from the floppy disk system 60, the edit
controller 44 provides an initial menu of information and selections
on the data monitor 14. ~hen the operator responds by punching a
key on the one of the keyboards 20 and 22 or by touching the
display screen 28 of the data monitor 14, the signal is sent from
the human interface 42 to the edit controller 44. The edit
controller 44 identifies the edit function represented hy the
signal, and then, if necessary, changes the display on the data
--11--

~1~7969
monit~r 14 by either making changes in the present menu or b~
providing a new menu to the data monitor 14. At the same time
any edit functions to be performed within the system 10 are
carried out under the control of the edit controller 44. For
example, where video information from one or more of the source
recorders 46, 48 and 50 is to be recorded on the record recorder
52, the edit controller 44 controls those of the source recorders
46, 48 and 50 involved, the record recorder 52 and the switcher
and effects generator 54. The processing of the various different
video information is carefully synchronized using the time code
or control track recorded on the various lengths of tape and
which identifies the recordings on a frame-by-frame basis. The
edit controller 44 continues to respond to inputs from the human
interface 42 and to chan~e the menus on the data monitor 14 and
effects editing functions accordingly until all editing operations
have been completed.
As previously noted the edit controller 44 controls the
source recorders 46, 48 and 50, the record recorder 52 and the
switcher and effects generator 54. The edit controller 44 has
a choice of cuts, keys, dissolves and special effects. Cue points
are selected manually to control tape speed and direction.
~dit-in and edit-out points are marked manually in this mode of
operation. If desired, cue points aan also be selected by enterin~
time code values for entry and exit points. Values for pre-roll
and post-roll are also entered, as well as dissolve and special
effect duration.
The source audio/video tape recorders 46, 48 and 50 are
coupled to the edit controller 44 via machine interfaces 62, 64
and 66 respectively. The record audio/video tape recorder 52 is
coupled to the edit controller 44 by a machine interface 68.
The printer and paper tape system 58 is coupled to the edit
controller 44 by an interface 70. The switcher and effects
-12-

1~7~969
generator 54 is coupled to the edit controller 44 by a switcher
interface 72. The various interfaces 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72
serve to convert the data communicated from and to the edit
controller 44 between a serial form as it appears at the output
of the edit controller 44 and a form which is usable by the
particular recorder or other component to which the interface is
coupled. For example, one particular type of tape recorder
requires a DC voltage ranging from 0 volts to +10 volts to
control forward and reverse tape motion, while a different type
of tape recorder requires a signal varying in frequency to control
tape motion. The various interfaces perform the appropriate
conversion of the data from the edit controller 44 into such
forms. A typical interface is described in detail in connection
with Fig. 7.
Fig. 5 depicts the basic functions performed by the
edit controller 44, while Fig. 6 depicts the controller 44 in
detail. Referring first to Fig. 6, it will be seen that the edit
controller 44 includes a central processing unit 74 and an
associated memory 76. The memory 76 includes both read only
memory (ROM) portions and random access memory (RP~1) portions.
The central processing unit 74 is coupled to the floppy disk
system 60 through a disk controller 78. The central processing
unit 74 is also coupled to the human interface 42 through a
character generator 80 which sends an output to the data
monitor 14 representing the information being displayed on the
monitor 14. ~7hen the information from the floppy disk within the
floppy disk system 60 is loaded into the edit controller 44, such
information is stored in the memory 76. The central processing
unit 74 responds to the signals from the human interface 42
applied thereto via an intelligent line controller 82 and a
data bus 84. Based on the signals communicated from the human
interface 42, the central processing unit 74 performs any editing

1~77969
functions within the system 10 that are dictated by the signals.
At the same time, the central processing unit 74 causes the
menu presently being displayed on the data monitor 14 to change
or a new menu to be presented if needed. This is accomplished
by determining the desired characters to be displayed on the data
monitor 14 from the memory 76 and providing such characters to
the character generator 80. The character generator 80 which
stores the various characters in a dot matrix ~ormat responds
to characters outputed from the memory 76 by causing the display
of the desired characters on the monitor 14.
Included in the data stored in the memory 76 from the
floppy disk system 60 are overall instructions referred to as
the operating system 86 in ~ig. 5. The operating system 86
controls four separate processes referred to as command generator
88, display generator 90, input/output control 92 and machine
control 94. The four different processes 88, 80, 92 and 94
are carried out in parallel under the control of the operating
system 86. The command generator 88 responds to signals from
the human interface 42 by determing what is to be done. This
results in the generation of data which is entered in a common
data base 96. The display generation process 90 involves the
evaluation of the data entered in the common data base 96 to
determine what is to be displayed on the data mo~itor 14. The
display generator 90 provides any needed data in connection with
changes in the display to the character generator 80. The
input/output control process 92 provides for the control of the
printer/paper tape system 58 and file system as well as any other
peripheral equipment aside from the various tape recorders and
switchers. The machine control process 94 responds to d~ata
entered in the common data base 96 by determining what actions
are to be taken by the source tape recorders 46, 48 and 50, the
record tape recorder 52 and the switchers. This results in
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appropriate commands being provided by the edit controller 44
to the tape recorders and switchers.
Because the editing process has become increasingly
sophisticated, the efficient use of costly on-line editing time
has become a major priority. Edits which are constructed and
previewed on less costly off-line time, on the other hand, must
have their parameters recorded for future reference, reproduction
or transfer to on-line equipment. To provide for this a list of
such editing decisions is stored together with all the parameters
necessary to carry them out. Such information can be stored in
the floppy disk system 60, in the memory 76 or in the printer and
paper tape system 58 shown in Fig. 3. If an editing session is
interrupted, the editing decisions and parameters can be tempor-
arily stored in one of such locations for later reloading and
completion. Once the edit construction is complete, such informa-
tion can be used to preview the edit or to transfer such edits to
on-line equipment.
Referring again to Fig. 6 the central processing unit
74 may be comprised of any appropriate central processing unit such
as the single board central processing unit sold under the designa-
tion LSI-ll by Digital Equipment Corporation. The memory 76 pre-
ferably has a RAM capacity of 64K bytes or more. A timing
generator 98 generates system timing signals for the edit con-
troller 44. As previously discussed the touch input system 30
functions in conjunction with the touchscreen data monitor 14 to
perform various functions in response to being touched by the
operator. These functions include system operation, the entry
of data and the changing of an edit decision. The joystick panel
18 is used in conjunction with the touch input system 30 to
provide for manual transport control and edit entry/exit point
selection. The joystick panel 18 can also be used in conjunction
with the designated keyboard 20 or the ASCII keyboard 22.
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11~7969
Together the keyboard 20 or 22 and the panel 18 allow the operator
to enter system edit data, select menus, trim edit points, and
control transport operation. The designated keyboard 20 has
special purpose keys for specific system operations. All system
operating functions are controlled by dedicated keys such as
preview, edit, search, cue, rewind, play mark entry/mark exit,
key dissolve, and set/trim entry/exit. In addition, soft keys
on the designated keyboard 20 may be used by the editor to define
functions which may change from edit to edit. Each such soft
key can be used to control the edit controller 44 in a manner
similar to the operation of the touch input system 30 to change
items on a menu presented by the data monitor 14 or to change
menus.
The switcher and effects generator 54 may be used to
select a cut, dissolve, key or one of many different wipe patterns.
The wipe patterns occur from one source to another, with selection
of hard or soft edges being possible. All effects are reversible
in direction. The key mode provides fade~up or fade-down of a
keyed foreground into a background. The key input effectively cuts
a hole in the background in the shape of the video to be keyed,
such as a title or graphic. The foreground of the key fills the
hole in the background. Fade durations are selectable. During
all effects except keys, audio is dissolved from one source to
another.
In order to understand the nature of the different
menus displayed on the data monitor 14, it will be helpful to
consider a particular example of an editing system 10 having
both primary menus and secondary menus. The primary menus are
designed to accomplish the more commonly performed editing tasks.
They typically display a moderate amount of information, allowing
the editor to keep track of numerous steps without changing
menus while at the same time limiting the total information
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displayed on any one menu in order to avoid confusion and
clutter. There are six primary menus which include the following:
1. System Parameters - This is the first menu to appear
on the data monitor 14 after the editing system is turned on. It
is used primarily as a reference point, or dispatcher, from which
to select other menus for editing. General system set-up controls
are typically located on this menu.
2. Edit Decision List - This menu displays a portion
of the current edit decision and provides the control to modify
it- Also displayed are controls for previewing edits with the
switcher 54.
3. Edit Decision List Configuration - This menu is
used to select the edit decision parameters. The menu lists all
parameters that may be used as headings on the edit decision list
and their current configuration. The menu retains multiple
versions of the edit decision list headings and provides the
controls to add, remove, or rearrange parameters within the edit
decision listings.
4. Edit Construction - This menu comprises an active
display of the particular edit under construction. It indicates
and allows the operator to select in-edit and out-edit points,
transports, reels, and effects. This menu can be combined with
a number of secondary menus to accommodate more specific editing
requirements.
5. Transport Configuration - This menu provides for
selection and the display of the status of transport parameters
such as logical order, intelligent line controller channel, inter-
face type, reel number and transport status.
The secondary menus in the present example are designed
for discrete, specialized editing functions and are not included
in the primary menus. All secondary menus except for a numerical
keypad appear as additions to the lower portion of the primary

li77969
menus. The keypads cause the operator to enter numerical data
such as pre-roll and post-roll duration. Transport controls for
the video tape recorders provide play, rewind, fast forward,
search and shuttle functions. Special effects are carried out
with a variety of flexible controls. Split edit modes of audio
and video may be selected from different points on the source
video tapes. Controls for preview edits, cuts, dissolves, wipes,
fades to or from black and key modes with programmable duration
are included, as well as controls over rolls.
Fig. 7 shows the details of a typical one of the inter-
faces such as the machine interfaces 62, 64, 66 and 68. As
previously noted each such interface provides bidirectional com-
munications between the controller 44 and the recorder being
controlled. The input to the interface includes a pair of serial
data lines 100 and 102. The line 100 provides serial data from a
serial data processor 104 to the edit controller 44. Conversely,
the line 102 provides serial data from the edit controller 44 to
the serial data processor 104. The serial data processor 104
includes a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter which
converts incoming serial data to parallel form before applying it
to a CPU and Memory 105. A personality module 106 is peculiar
to the particular peripheral device being interfaced such as a
tape recorder 108. The personality module 106 translates the
parallel data from the CPU and Memory 106 into transport commands
in proper form for use by the tape recorder 108. As previously
noted different peripheral devices require different types of
signals. For example some tape recorders require a DC voltage
to control capstan speed, while others require an AC signal whose
frequency determines tape speed.
The tape recorder 108 is coupled to the CPU and Memory
105 both through the personality module 106 and a time code
processor/reader 110. The connection from the tape recorder 108
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to the time code processor/reader 110 provides communication
for the time code track between the tape and the time code
processor/reader 110. Typically, the time code track is read
from the tape on the tape recorder 10~ and passed to the time
code processor/reader 110 where it is decoded from a serial bit
stream to parallel data.
Output signals from the interface of Eig. 7 to the
edit controller 44 consist of transport tally signals, status
signals and time code data. Tally and status signals are buffered
and then passed to the data bus 84 within the edit controller 44.
Serial time code data is converted to parallel data by the time
code processor/reader 110 as previously noted. This data is then
communicated to the edit controller 44.
Referring again to Fig. 6 it was previously noted that
the human interface 42 is coupled to the central processing unit
74 by an intelligent line controller 82. In the present example
the edit controller 44 includes the intelligent line controller 82
and three additional intelligent line controllers 112, 114 and
116. The intelligent line controller 112 couples the central
processing unit 74 to the machine interface 62. The intelligent
line controller 114 couples the central processing unit 74 to the
switcher interface 72. The intelligent line controller 116 couples
the central processing unit 74 to the machine interface 68. Each
of the intelligent line controllers 82, 112, 114 and 116 comprises
an intelligent communications interface between the edit controller
44 and external peripheral apparatus such as the audio/video tape
recorders and the human interface 42. Data from the central
processing unit 74 communicated on the data bus 84 is in parallel
form. Each of the controllers 82, 112, 114 and 116 converts the
data to serial form before applying the data to the peripheral
apparatus. Conversely, data communicated from the peripheral
apparatus to the central processing unit 74 is converted from
--19--

969
serial to parallel form by the various controllers 82, 112, 114,
and 116. In addition to conversion by the data form, the
various controllers 82, 112, 114, and 116 act as buffers between
the peripheral apparatus and the central processing unit 74.
The intelligent line controllers also verify data input formats,
convert data formats and perform certain primitive controller
functions such as automatic time code and status requests. The
central processing unit 74 cannot communicate with two or more
pieces of peripheral apparatus simultaneously. However, the
effect of the presence of the various controllers is to provide
for substantially simultaneous communication by receiving and
holding data until the central processing unit 74 is free to
receive such data.
The various intelligent line controllers 82, 112, 114
and 116 are identical in construction with one of them being shown
in Fig. 8. ~he intelligent line controller shown in ~ig. 8
includes a first bus transceiver 118 coupled to the central
processing unit 74 to communicate address and data between the
intelligent line controller and the central processing unit 74~
The bus transceiver 118 is coupled to an ILC CPU 120 by an address
bus 122 and a data bus 124. The address bus 122 is also coupled
to a 4K RAM 126 and to a lK ROM 128. The data bus 124 is also
coupled to the 4K R~ 126 and to the lK ROM 128. A second bus
transceiver 130 is coupled to the central processing unit 120
via a control bus 132 and to the central processing unit 74 and
is operative to handle timing and control requests communicated
between the intelligent line controller and the central processing
unit 74.
An address comparator 134 has two different inputs, one
from the bus transceiver 118 and the other from a board address
select switch group 136. The address comparator 134 compares the
contents of the address received from the central processing
-20-

1 ll77969
unit 74 with the setting of the board address select switch
group 136. If a valid comparison is made, the comparator 134
requests control of the data and address buses 122 and 124 from
the ILC CPU 120. When such control is relinquished by the
intelligent line controller, data is transferred from the central
processing unit 74 to the intelligent line controller R~M 126.
The ILC CPU 120 in turn formats the data in the RAM 126 and then
transmits the data via a universal asynchronous transmitter 138
to the interface as shown in Fig. 7. Incoming serial data from
the interface is converted to parallel form by the universal
synchronous receiver transmitter 138, which generates and
communicates an interrupt signal to the ILC CPU 120. When the
ILC CPU 120 services the interrupt signal, the incoming data is
formatted and written in the RAM 126. The new data in the RAM
126 is then read by the central processing unit 74 by requesting
bus control from the ILC CPU 120 and reading the data. The
frequency at which the serial signals from the universal asynchron-
ous receiver transmitter 138 are communicated to the interface
is determined by a baud rate generator 140 in conjunction with
a baud rate select switch group 142.
The switcher and effects generator 54 is shown in detail
in Fig. 9. The intelligent line controller 114 associated with
the switcher 54 is coupled through the switcher interface 72 to
the switcher 54. The switcher interface 72 which may be of like
construction to that shown in Fig. 7 is coupled to receive
composite sync and composite blanking signals. The switcher
interface 72 has an address bus 144 and a data bus 146 at the
output thereof. The buses 144 and 146 are coupled to a video
processor/mixer 148 at the output of the switcher 54 by either a
video crosspoint circuit 150 or a waveform generator 152 and a
video processor 154. The buses 144 and 146 are also coupled to
an audio crosspoint circuit 156.
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1~
The switcher and effects generator 54 is used
principally for mlxing and wiping operations. In the case of a
mixing operation one of the inputs to the audio crosspoint circuit
156 and one of the inputs to the video crosspoint circuit 150
are applied to the video processor/mixer 148. The video pro-
cessor 154 is also used in such operation. A wiping operation
is performed using the waveform generator 152 and the video
processor 154.
Fig. 10 is a flow chart depicting the manner in which
the editing system 10 uses the data monitor 14 together with
the touch input system 30 to convert decisions by the operator
into editing actions.
In a step 160 depicted in Fig. 10, the system 10
creates via the edit controller 44 a list of valid choices to
be presented to the operator. At different points in an editing
process, a different set of operator requests is considered
valid. The edit controller 44 first determines this set of
choices in the step 160. Usually, this is a function of the
type of action currently being performed. In addition, the
edit controller 44 may have to examine information received
from other transports or sources as well as information previously
stored in the memory 76.
In a next step 162, each valid choice is displayed
on the screen 28 of the data monitor 14. Associated with each
choice in the set of valid choices are several important pieces
of information. One of these is a description of where on the
screen 28 the choice should be presented to the operator. An
additional piece of information is what label should be printed
on the screen 28 so that the operator is able to identify and
understand the choice. Once a valid set of choices has been
assembled, each label is displayed at its corresponding position
on screen 28. The operator is thus made aware of what the
-22-

1~77969
current set of choices consists of and is expected to now
select one of them.
In a next step 164, the screen 28 of the data monitor
14 is scanned and a decision 166 is made as to whether or not
5 a beam has been broken. When the operator has determined which
of the labels displayed on the screen 28 corresponds to the
action he wants the editing system 10 to take, he places a
finger (or other object) on that label on the screen 28. As
previously noted, the light emitting diodes 32 and 34 mounted
10 adjacent the screen 28 emit infra-red beams which are directed
onto corresponding ones of the photodetectors 36 and 38.
Placement of the operator's finger at a particular location
on the screen 28 results in one or more of the photodetectors
36 sensing interruption of the infrared beams normally received
15 thereby. By periodically examining the outputs of the photo-
detectors 36 and 38, the editing system detects the presence
of a finger. By assigning numeric values to the various photo-
detectors 36 and 38, the editing system can also calculate
numbers which represent the horizontal and vertical coordinates
20 of the finger on the screen 28. As a result of the periodic
examination of the outputs of the photodetectors 36 and 38,
the decision 166 indicates whether or not one or more of the
infrared beams have been broken.
If the decision 166 is that one or more of the
25 infrared beams have been broken, then in a next step 168 the
distance from the finger to each of the choices displayed on
the screen 28 is calculated. It was previously noted that each
choice displayed on the screen 28 has associated with it an
indication of a position on the screen where it is displayed.
30 Each element in a set of choices is examined and the distance
between the position associated with that choice and the
position of the finger is calculated. The choice which has

1177969
the smallest distance from the position of the finger is assumed
to be the one intended by the operator. If the finger is too
far away from the nearest choice, no action is taken. These
actions are represented by a decision 170 shown in Fig. 10.
If the decision 170 results in a "yes" determination
indicating that the finger has been placed at least within a
nominal distance of one of the choices and that choice has been
determined to be the one desired by the operator, the value
associated with that choice is computed in a following step 172.
Associated with each choice in a set of determined choices is
a value. During the step 172 the value associated with the
choice selected by the operator is determined, Using this
value, the editing system 10 performs the desired action which
is depicted in a following step 174 in Fig. 10. The value
determined in the step 172 corresponds to the type of signal
provided when either the designated keyboard 30 or the ASCII
keyboard 22 is utilized.
The various operations depicted in the flow charts
of Fig. 10 can be better understood by considering an example.
If it is assumed that at a particular point in an editing
session the operator is expected to enter a digit between 0
and 9, then under these conditions there are ten possible
choices. Associated with each of the choices is a position
on the screen 28 of the data monitor 14, Each choice has a
label printed on the screen 28 so that the numerals "1", "2",
"3", etc., are displayed on the screen. If the operator wants
to select the numeral "7", he places a finger on the screen 28
at the place where the label "7" has been displayed. The infra-
red beams corresponding to this location are broken and the
editing system determines the horizontal and vertical coordinates
of the finger. Each of the ten possible choices is examined,
and the distance between its position on the screen 28 and the
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~77969
position of the finger on the screen 28 is calculated. In the
present example, the choice corresponding to the numeral "7"
is determined to be the closest. Associated with each choice
is a value. In the present example, the value for "7" might
be the ASCII code for "7". This is the value which most computer
and communication equipment uses to represent a key labeled
"7"~ The editing system 10 now uses this value as if it had
come from a conventional keyboard or communication device such
as the designated keyboard 20 or the ASCII keyboard 22.
While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it
will be understood by those skilled in the art that various
changes in form and details may be made therein without depart-
ing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
-25-

Dessin représentatif

Désolé, le dessin représentatif concernant le document de brevet no 1177969 est introuvable.

États administratifs

2024-08-01 : Dans le cadre de la transition vers les Brevets de nouvelle génération (BNG), la base de données sur les brevets canadiens (BDBC) contient désormais un Historique d'événement plus détaillé, qui reproduit le Journal des événements de notre nouvelle solution interne.

Veuillez noter que les événements débutant par « Inactive : » se réfèrent à des événements qui ne sont plus utilisés dans notre nouvelle solution interne.

Pour une meilleure compréhension de l'état de la demande ou brevet qui figure sur cette page, la rubrique Mise en garde , et les descriptions de Brevet , Historique d'événement , Taxes périodiques et Historique des paiements devraient être consultées.

Historique d'événement

Description Date
Inactive : CIB expirée 2013-01-01
Inactive : CIB désactivée 2011-07-26
Inactive : CIB de MCD 2006-03-11
Inactive : CIB de MCD 2006-03-11
Inactive : CIB de MCD 2006-03-11
Inactive : CIB de MCD 2006-03-11
Inactive : CIB dérivée en 1re pos. est < 2006-03-11
Inactive : CIB de MCD 2006-03-11
Inactive : Périmé (brevet sous l'ancienne loi) date de péremption possible la plus tardive 2002-02-26
Inactive : Renversement de l'état périmé 2001-11-14
Inactive : Périmé (brevet sous l'ancienne loi) date de péremption possible la plus tardive 2001-11-13
Accordé par délivrance 1984-11-13

Historique d'abandonnement

Il n'y a pas d'historique d'abandonnement

Titulaires au dossier

Les titulaires actuels et antérieures au dossier sont affichés en ordre alphabétique.

Titulaires actuels au dossier
AMPEX CORPORATION
Titulaires antérieures au dossier
JOHN H. BABBEL
ROBERT B. STEELE
WILLIAM A. RUSSELL
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Description du
Document 
Date
(aaaa-mm-jj) 
Nombre de pages   Taille de l'image (Ko) 
Revendications 1993-12-15 3 78
Abrégé 1993-12-15 1 34
Dessins 1993-12-15 6 123
Description 1993-12-15 26 1 043