G-code decoder for use with a video tape recorder and method for same

• US 5,990,966 A
• Filed: 06/06/1996
• Issued: 11/23/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Watamoto, Toru
• Primary Examiner(s): Flynn, Nathan
• Assistant Examiner(s): Srivastava, Vivek
• Application Number:
  US08/660,038
• Time in Patent Office: 1,265 Days
• Field of Search: 348/553, 348/552, 348/460, 348/473, 348/474, 348/476, 348/477, 348/478, 348/906, 348/468
• US Class Current: 348/460
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/782 on tape

Abstract

A G-code decoder is coupled to a video tape recorder. When the G-code decoder detects that at least a portion of a G-code will be received or has been received, it checks whether a time clock has been set. If the time-setting is confirmed, the decoder decodes the G-code and terminates the decoding by a terminating means, and, if the time clock is found not to have been set, the decoder indicates the fact at least and terminates the G-code decoding.

Claims

1. A G-code decoder for use with a VTR comprising:

input means for receiving a G-code;

detecting means for detecting that at least a portion of said G-code will be received or has been received;

judging means for determining whether a time clock has been set responsive to said detecting means detecting that said portion of said G-code will be received or has been received;

setting means for setting the time clock responsive to said judging means determining that the time clock is not set;

decoding means for i) decoding the G-code responsive to said setting means setting the time clock and ii) decoding the G-code responsive to said judging means determining that the time clock is set; and

preventing means for i) preventing said decoding means from decoding the G-code if said judging means determines that the time clock is not set and ii) continuing to prevent said decoding means from decoding the G-code if said judging means determines that the time clock is not set.

2. A G-code decoder for use with a VTR according to claim 1, further comprising a warning means for at least one of i) sounding an alarm and ii) generating a synthesized voice when said judging means determines the time clock has not been set.

4. A G-code decoder for use with a VTR according to claim 1, wherein said setting means has an indicator for indicating at least a non-setting of the time clock.

5. A G-code decoder for use with a VTR according to claim 4, wherein said setting means further comprises warning means for sounding one of an alarm and a synthesized voice to indicate the non-setting of the time clock.

3. A method of decoding a G-code for use with a VTR comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving a G-code;

(b) judging whether a time clock has been set;

(c) detecting that at least a portion of said G-code has been received;

(d) decoding the G-code responsive to Step (b) determining that the time clock is set;

(e) always preventing the decoding of the G-code if the time clock is not set; and

(f) always setting the time clock responsive to Step (b) determining that the time clock is not set and then decoding the G-code.

6. A method of decoding a G-code for use with a VTR according to claim 3, further comprising the step of warning by at least one of i) a sound and ii) a synthesized voice when the non-setting of the time clock is determined in Step (b).

7. A method of decoding a G-code for use with a VTR according to claim 3, further comprising the step of indicating at least the non-setting of the time clock when the non-setting is determined in Step (b).

8. A method of decoding a G-code for use with a VTR according to claim 7, further comprising the step of warning by one of i) a sound and ii) a synthesized voice the non-setting of the time clock.