Video composition method and apparatus employing visual and tactile feedback

• US 4,964,004 A
• Filed: 06/16/1989
• Issued: 10/16/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lex Computer and Management Corp.
• Original Assignee: Lex Computer and Management Corp.
• Inventors: Barker, Ronald C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Richardson, Robert L.
• Application Number:
  US07/368,244
• Time in Patent Office: 487 Days
• Field of Search: 364/518, 364/521, 340/723, 340/726, 340/792, 340/724, 358/335, 360/14.1, 360/14.2, 360/14.3, 360/33.1, 360/72.2, 369/30, 369/32
• US Class Current: 386/278
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/20 Disc-shaped record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/90 Tape-like record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/028 with computer assistance
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/11 by using information not detectable on the record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/28 by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording G11B27/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/323 Time code signal, e.g. on a cue track as SMPTE- or EBU-time code
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D

Abstract

A video composition apparatus and method select segments from image source material stored on at least one storage medium and denote serially connected sequences of the segments to thereby form a program sequence. The apparatus and method employ a control panel configuration which provides substantial tactile stimulation feedback to the operator of the equipment regarding the location of the control elements on the panel. The operator can then visually concentrate on displays available to him while operating the control panel manual elements with minimal visual feedback. The control panel includes, for example, first and second control wheels and first and second pluralities of switch elements adjacent each wheel.

Claims

1. A composing apparatus for selecting segments from image source material stored in at least one storage medium and for denoting serially connected sequences of said segments, said composing apparatus comprising:

an operator input means;

a pictorial display means;

a composing control means responsive to said operator input means for controlling said storage media and said pictorial display means;

said operator input means comprising an operator controlled, manually operable, control panel having;

a first rotary control wheel;

`a second rotary control wheel;

a plurality of at least eight switch elements adjacent said first control wheel;

a second plurality of at least eight switch elements adjacent said second control wheel;

said first and second control wheels and said switch elements controlling said composing apparatus,

said first plurality of elements and said first control wheel having a first spatial configuration having a plurality of tactile subconfigurations for providing tactile stimulation feedback to an operator of the apparatus regarding switch element location;

said second plurality of elements and said second control wheel having a second spatial configuration having a plurality of tactile subconfigurations for providing tactile stimulation feedback to said apparatus operator regarding switch element locations;

said first and second rotary control wheels including detents such that each movement of said control wheels corresponds to one second of said image source material such that said operator can maintain visual contact with the video displays while operating said input means;

said switch elements are alternately different sizes to provide positive positioning feedback of the operator'"'"'s fingers;

whereby said operator can visually concentrate on said display means while operating said input means with minimal visual feedback.

2. The composing apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said control panel control wheel has thirty said detent positions for each 360°

rotation of the wheel.

3. The composing apparatus of claim 1 wherein each spatial configuration of elements comprises:

a first plurality of switch elements arranged in a spaced apart linear array juxtaposed to said first wheel;

a second plurality of switch elements arranged in a second spaced apart linear array juxtaposed to said first linear array along a side thereof spaced away from said first control wheel;

the switch elements at each end of said first linear array and second linear arrays defining respectively an upper and a lower tactile feedback region.