Abstract: The method and apparatus operates in a VCR to identify selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of suspending recording of the television signal during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to suspend recording during the segment. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.

Abstract: A video playback device includes video and audio event detectors which detect the presence of events in the video signal as it is played. When the viewer commands the device to skip past a portion of a recorded program, a processor monitors the detected events to locate an event corresponding to the beginning of a next program segment. The device then returns to that location and begins normal play. Alternatively, the viewer may manually terminate the skipping process, at which time the device automatically returns to the location of the most recently detected event.

Abstract: A video recording and playback device (10) incorporates a processor (114) for processing the video signal to detect the presence of commercial messages. Video and audio event detectors (102, 104) detect the presence of events in the signal as it is recorded. The timing relationship of the detected events is analyzed to classify the video segments between events as program material or as commercial messages. After a program is recorded, control marks are generated (132) to indicate the beginning and end of commercial groups so that they will be skipped during subsequent replay of the recorded program.

Abstract: While television broadcast signals are reproduced by a mechanism, if a commercial starts, the user operates a remote controller to set the VCR to cue mode. Thereafter, a black frame detecting portion detects a black frame included in the reproduced signals between the commercial and a main program, whereby microcomputer switches the VCR to standard playback mode at the time point of detection.

Abstract: A video signal identifier ("VSI") electrically coupled to both a VCR and a television to control their operation. The VSI memorizes commercials then automatically controls the television and video cassette recorder upon identifying a re-occurrence of the commercial. The VSI automatically mutes then restores volume on a television or pauses then resumes VCR recording at the beginning and end of a commercial.

Abstract: During recording of a television signal on a VCR, data are accumulated with respect to the time of occurrence and duration of detectable events, such as blank frames, in the television signal, and such data are stored. Subsequent to the recording process, the stored data are analyzed to classify the content of the television signal between the detectable events as commercial or non-commercial. The video tape is then marked at the beginning and ending of each commercial group. During playback, the VCR is automatically commanded into a fast scan mode when the tape reaches the beginning of a commercial group. The VCR is then automatically commanded to return to the normal "play" mode when the tape reaches the ending time of that commercial group. Since all of the television signal is recorded on the tape, any or all of the signal may be viewed at the discretion of the viewer.

Abstract: During recording of a television signal on a VCR, data are accumulated with respect to the time of occurrence and duration of detectable events, such as blank frames, in the television signal, and such data are stored. Timing reference data are written onto the tape as it is recorded. At a time subsequent to the recording process, the stored data are analyzed to classify the content of the television signal between the detectable events and a playback map is constructed for the recorded signal. During playback, the stored playback map is retrieved and stored timing data are compared to the timing reference data read from the tape. The VCR is automatically commanded into a fast scan mode when the tape reaches the beginning time of a portion of the video signal that has been classified for elimination during playback. The VCR is then automatically commanded to return to the normal "play" mode when the tape reaches the ending time of that portion of the video signal.

Abstract: Unwanted information, such as commercials, is typically transmitted from a transmission station many times each day. The repetitive nature of such unwanted information is used by the present apparatus/method to distinguish unwanted information from normal programming.

Abstract: Program related data contained in the broadcast signal of an advertisement for a future television show are evaluated and compared with the current TV set tuning when a LEARN button on a remote control is pressed. A VCR tunes to the present TV channel and stores the program related data for the future television show. The apparatus also ensures that a program to be recorded will start and end at the right time and that broadcast advertisements will be skipped during recording, are disclosed.

Abstract: A central station monitors television broadcasts and issues control and informational broadcasts to receivers located in the homes of users. The information broadcasts include a TV program schedule table and recorder control data. In response to the control broadcasts, processors receiving the broadcast will pause and resume recording of the identified broadcasts. A user can phone into the central station to have the user's recorder programmed to record a particular broadcast.

Abstract: Television programs interupted by non-program material, such as commercials, are broadcasted by the disclosed system over standard TV channels. An ecrypted indicating signal is also broadcasted by the system such that the ecrypted signal can be received and decrypted at authorized viewer locations to provide program identifying information. Each of the authorized viewer locations includes a credit store for storing data representing an available credit. Each authorized location also includes means for editing the viewing/recording of received program signals based on the provided program identifying information when the data in said credit store indicates that credit is available. The available credit represented by the stored data is consumed in response to the usage the means for editing program signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying patterns of television programs and commercials, based on learning and discerning of broadcast audio and video signals, wherein the signals might be incomplete and the number of discerning features is large. The apparatus uses a discerner device containing feature extraction, an artificial neural network and control mechanisms. The discerner device classifies signal patterns into classes and stores, records or displays them accordingly on different storage, recording or display devices using the appropriate control mechanisms. The method is operable for classifying many types of signal patterns, but most importantly, those patterns of programs and commercials of television broadcast audio and video signals.

Abstract: An automatic editing device is coupled between a conventional VCR and a conventional television monitor/receiver. During recording of a television signal, data is accumulated with respect to the time of occurrence and duration of detectable events, such as blank frames, in the television signal, and such data is stored in the device. At a time subsequent to the recording process, the stored data is analyzed to classify the content of the television signal between the detectable events. The recording is made on a tape which has timing reference data permanently encoded thereon. During playback, the stored data for each event is compared to the timing reference data read from the tape and the VCR is automatically commanded into a fast scan mode when the tape reaches the beginning time of a portion of the video signal that has been classified for elimination during playback.

Abstract: In a content control system for identifying and eliminating commercials from a recording or presentation of a video signal there is shown a content control unit, a VCR and a TV.The content control unit has an identification and a communication section. The identification section includes a blank frame detector, an activity detector and a timer for detecting the commercials. The communication section communicates by infra-red signals to control the functioning of the VCR and TV. The blank frame detector has a black level extractor being compensated for by a peak level extractor, and a frame luminance level extractor. A blank frame comparator compares the levels of the compensated black level and the frame luminance level. The activity detector determines the rate of change of frame luminance after the blank frame has been detected and the timer is set. The activity timer has an integrator and a differentiator.

Abstract: A commercial message timer stores data indicative of a first tuned station in response to a channel change command and begins repeatedly timing a predetermined time period. Upon each expiration of the time period, the user is reminded that the commercial message on the first tuned station may be over. In this way a user can avoid a commercial message on a first channel by setting the timer and scanning through other channels, and yet be reminded to return (e.g. by use of a PC (previous-channel) key) to the first channel at the end of a time period substantially equal to that of a typical commercial message. In another embodiment employing a videocassette recorder (VCR) the commercial timer is activated upon pressing the PAUSE key of the VCR so that the user may avoid recording the commercial message on videotape.

Abstract: A commercial message timer, when enabled by a user, stores data indicative of a first tuned station and begins timing a predetermined time period. Upon expiration of the time period, the first tuned station is automatically reselected if it had been deselected after the timer was enabled. In this way a user can avoid a commercial message on a first channel by setting the timer and scanning through other channels, and yet have the receiver return automatically to the first channel at the end of a time period substantially equal to that of a typical commercial message. In another embodiment employing PIX-IN-PIX circuitry, the subject apparatus is responsive to the sequence of (1) enabling the timer and (2) changing channels for automatically moving the desired channel to the insert position. In response to the expiration of the timer period, the program displayed in the insert position is automatically returned to the main display position.

Abstract: The record mode setting apparatus comprises a VPS setting switch (41), a VPS decoder (3), a code latch circuit (7), a VPS control circuit (26) and a code memory (27). When the VPS setting switch (41) is turned on while a recording means (16) is ready for recording, the VPS decoder (3) detects a VPS code out of a video signal and the VPS code is stored in the code memory (27). Thereafter, the VPS code detected by the VPS decoder (3) is applied to the code latch circuit (7). The VPS control circuit (26) compares the VPS code of the code latch circuit (7) with the VPS code stored in the code memory (27) and stops the recording means (16) when both do not coincide with each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a video recorder during the recording of a video signal containing picture information, including standard length commercials, to edit the commercials from the recording. The video signal is supplied to an automatically calibrated picture break detector, which detects dark picture breaks in the video signal having a length or duration greater than a predetermined minimum length and less than a predetermined maximum length. An timer circuit, actuated by the picture break detector, measures and identifies a plurality of standard commercial lengths after each detected picture break. A commercial indicator circuit, actuated by the picture break detector and the timer circuit, detects and identifies the length of a standard length commercial whenever the end of a standard commercial length measured by the timer circuit after one detected picture break occurs during a subsequent detected picture break.

Abstract: In order to edit commercial messages from an off-the-air video recording of a television signal, method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically operating a video tape recorder (VTR) so that it alternates between a normal forward record mode, and a rewind or backscan mode in response to the detection of audio and video fade conditions in the television signal which occur at the beginning and end of each commercial message. A fade detection circuit receives the television signal, while it is being recorded on the VTR, and develops a control signal in response to each detected fade transition such that a single commercial interruption in the television program will be accompanied by a first and then a second fade transition control signal marking the beginning and end of the interruption. Two consecutive commercial messages are accompanied by a first, second, and then a final or third fade control signal.

Abstract: An improved method and system for the editing of unwanted content from transmitted program material. The system may be operated manually or automatically and its program recognition means may be positioned either locally at the controlled receiver or in a remote location. The system also has expanded editing capability to allow coordinated control of accessory devices and may be programmed without the necessity of an initial reception of unwanted content at the controlled receiver. It also simplifies and improves the reliability of previously disclosed methods for automatic program identification.

Abstract: A commercial eliminator and method for use with a video cassette recorder enables recording of the program content of a broadcast television signal while automatically eliminating all commercial intervals therefrom. The commercial eliminator comprises a detector for identifying the beginning and end of each commercial interval of the television signal and apparatus responsive thereto for operating the video recorder for advancing the video tape for recording the program content together with each commercial interval of the television signal and for rewinding the video tape substantially immediately after each of the commercial intervals has been recorded such that the next occurring commercial interval or program material is recorded thereover.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and marking television commercials is provided. A first comparator is utilized for comparing the television video signal to an adjustable reference voltage and for generating a triggering signal when a video signal is not present at the comparator input. A second comparator compares the television audio signal to a second adjustable reference voltage to provide a triggering signal when an audio signal is not present at the comparator input. The outputs from the two comparators are supplied to a one-shot timer mechanism which is adapted to generate an output signal of a predetermined time period only upon the simultaneous absence of an audio and video signal, thus signifying a fade break in the television broadcast signal. The timed output signal from the timer mechanism is connected to a low frequency oscillator which generates a low frequency output signal upon being actuated by the output from the timer mechanism.

Abstract: A video editing system uses apparatus for connection with a video playback machine (first VCR) and a dub video recorder, (second VCR). The apparatus includes tone generator circuitry for generating an edit tone to be recorded upon an audio track of a color master video tape which has been preselected for edit duplication. Control circuits allow selectively supplying the edit tone to the first VCR for recording upon the audio track to differentiate selected from unselected portions of the video track of the tape. Tone decoder circuits decode the recorded edit tone upon playback of the master tape. Circuits control starting and pausing of the second VCR in response to the decoded presence or absence of the recorded edit tone. Accordingly, the second VCR when connected to the first VCR produces an edited first copy video tape by duplication only of the selected portions of the master video tape.

Abstract: A remote recording and editing system for use with a transmitter of broadcast programs, including both television and radio programs, provides for the monitoring of the broadcast transmissions of the transmitter and the generation of recording and editing command signals. The command signals are broadcast from a central station to receiving stations, such as homes having television sets, to permit editing of the broadcast transmissions during the presentation of a program on home television sets and during recording of the program. The television receiver, as well as the recording apparatus, is provided with an inhibiting circuit, responsive to the command signals, for accomplishing the editing by the deletion of unwanted material. The circuits inhibit the presentation of the program as well as the recording of the program. A person in the central station monitors the television program and activates a generator of the command signals to provide for the selective recording and editing of the programs.

Abstract: A system for producing an editing control signal for a video tape recorder at the beginning of one or more television commercial messages and which continues for the duration of the commercial messages. The system incorporates a detector circuit for automatically detecting each transition in a received television signal between the program itself and the commercial messages and for producing a control pulse indicating such transition. The video tape recorder receives a television signal, after the television signal has been delayed a predetermined time interval to permit a decision to be made as to whether or not a portion of the television signal is to be deleted and the duration of the deletion.

Abstract: A remote recording and editing system for use with a transmitter of broadcast programs, including both television and radio programs, provides for the monitoring of the broadcast transmissions of the transmitter and the generation of recording and editing command signals. The command signals are broadcast from a central station to receiving stations, such as homes having television sets, to permit editing of the broadcast transmissions during the presentation of a program on home television sets and during recording of the program. The television receiver, as well as the recording apparatus, is provided with an inhibiting circuit, responsive to the command signals, for accomplishing the editing by the deletion of unwanted material. The circuits inhibit the presentation of the program as well as the recording of the program. A person in the central station monitors the television program and activates a generator of the command signals to provide for the selective recording and editing of the programs.

Abstract: A video recording system includes a combination of a cassette type video recorder and a portable video camera, in which the recorder is provided with a battery for supplying power to both parts.The camera has first and second switches which are so made that the switches are operated in sequence for controlling an operating condition of the recorder and camera. When the first switch is actuated, a shooting operation of the camera is started and the recorder is set into a stand-by state for recording. Then by an actuation of the second switch a recording operation of the recorder is started.

Abstract: Control apparatus for recording first wanted signals of an input signal having the first signals and second unwanted signals, each of the second signals being of a time duration up to a predetermined maximum and each of the first signals being of any time duration greater than the predetermined maximum, including a circuit, responsive to the input signal, for automatically distinguishing the first signals from the second signals as a function of time duration, and a circuit for producing recorder control signals to record each of the first signals and to prevent recording of the second signals.

Abstract: In order to delete commercial messages during the viewing and/or video tape recording of broadcast television signals a control circuit is disclosed for producing a commercial editing control signal at the beginning of one or more television commercial messages, which signal continues for the duration of such messages and terminates after the end of the last of such messages. The control circuit incorporates detection circuitry for automatically detecting each of a series of fade breaks in the video and audio components of the television signal, wherein such fade breaks normally mark the beginning and end of each of one or more commercial messages that have been inserted in the program content. The first of a series of detected fade breaks marks the beginning of a single commercial or the first commercial in a consecutive block of commercials, and succeeding fade breaks occur at time intervals that correspond to the durations of the commercial messages.

Abstract: A pulse generating electronic circuit is utilized as a matching network between a line operated video tape recorder (VTR) and a battery powered portable camera. Through the use of appropriate logic circuitry, the pause control button of the VTR, which normally operates to provide an on or off signal pulse, is disabled, and the time delay experienced by a camera activated electrical signal passing through the VTR electronics is utilized to generate the on or off signal pulse.