Computer controlled video system allowing playback during recording

• US 6,285,746 B1
• Filed: 01/08/2001
• Issued: 09/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: DVR IP Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Vtel Corporation
• Inventors: Duran, Joe W., Jenkins, Michael Vayden, Clayton, William Todd
• Primary Examiner(s): Chan, Wing F.
• Application Number:
  US09/757,392
• Time in Patent Office: 239 Days
• Field of Search: 379/93.01, 379/93-4-, 379/93-4-, 379/90.01, 379/110.01, 379/202-206, 348/14-8-
• US Class Current: 379/93.21
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42221 Conversation recording systems at the subscriber's set H04M1/656
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/567 Multimedia conference systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00116 of multimedia information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00281 with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal details of transmission H04N1/00095; establishing a communication with one of a facsimile machine or another apparatus sharing a single line H04N1/32704; interfacing cordless telephone terminals with an accessory to increase the functionality of user interface H04M1/72409
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/15 Conference systems

Abstract

A teleconferencing system with capability to store incoming multiple medium messages for later retrieval and playback is disclosed. The system includes a communications multiplexer which, in normal mode, receives the incoming message and routes the message to various output functions, including video, audio, and computer display. In store mode, the communications multiplexer receives the incoming message and communicates it to disk storage, for example by way of direct memory access. During playback, the communications multiplexer receives data from the disk storage, and controls its communication to the various output functions, in the same manner as during receipt of a normal incoming message during an interactive teleconference. As a result, multiple medium messages may be stored for later retrieval, with the playback appearing in the same manner as a conventional teleconference message.

Claims

1. A computer controlled video processing device comprising:

a communication central processing unit coupled to at least one source of video and audio signals;

a program memory coupled to said communication processing unit;

a communication bus coupled to said communication central processing unit;

at least one video memory buffer coupled to said communication bus;

at least one audio memory buffer coupled to said communication bus;

at least one mass storage device having random access capabilities being coupled to said communication central processing unit; and

wherein said video processing device is configured such that said video and audio received at said least one audio and video source is supplied and stored on said at least one mass storage device and further such that a video and audio signals that is stored on said at least one mass storage device are supplied to a video display and audio playback unit and wherein said supplied video and audio signals to the video display and audio playback unit from said at least one mass storage device is capable of being supplied independently of the storage of a video and audio signal to said mass storage device based upon a command from said communication central processing unit.

2. A system as in claim 1 wherein stored video and audio signal are supplied to said video display and audio playback unit in real time.

3. A system as in claim 1 wherein stored video and audio signals are supplied to said video display and audio playback unit at a time removed from said storage of said video and audio signal.

4. A system as in claim 1 wherein said video signal and audio signals are supplied in digital form.

5. A system as in claim 1 wherein said video signal and audio signals are supplied in analog form.