Abstract:
An image recording apparatus receiving and storing a broadcasting signal and a method for providing a timer-recording function. The image recording apparatus includes a digital receiver operable to receive a digital broadcasting signal, an analog receiver operable to receive an analog broadcasting signal, a storage operable to store the digital and analog broadcasting signals, and a controller operable to output a menu screen for receiving a timer-recording information from a user, store the received timer-recording information, receive the broadcasting signal corresponding to one of the digital and analog receivers depending on the timer-recording information, and store the received broadcasting signal in the storage. The menu screen comprises a mode selection item for selecting the digital and analog broadcasting signals, and the controller selectively receives the broadcasting signal from the digital and analog receivers and stores the received broadcasting signal in the storage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Korean Patent Application No. 2004-15630 filed on Mar. 8, 2004 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of The Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates generally to an image recording apparatus including a video cassette recorder (VCR), a digital video disk (DVD), and a digital broadcast receiver. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image recording apparatus and method capable of facilely timer-recording a received analog or digital broadcasting signal through one menu screen.  
         [0004]     2. Description of The Related Art  
         [0005]     A “combination system”, which combines more than two devices having independent functions into one system, is referred to as a “combo system” or a “combo” in short. For example, a digital video disk player and video cassette recorder (DVDP/VCR) combo system combines function of the DVDP with that of the VCR.  
         [0006]     The DVDP/VCR combo system includes a VCR part and a DVDP part. The VCR part performs functions of the general VCR. This includes, for example, reproducing video and audio previously recorded on a magnetic tape and records on the magnetic tape a signal received from external sources. The DVDP part performs functions of the general DVDP. This includes, for example, reproducing video and audio recorded on a DVD.  
         [0007]     In some existing systems, a digital broadcast receiver is also combined with the combo system that includes the DVDP and the VCR. The conventional combo system that includes the DVDP, the VCR, and the digital broadcast receiver has algorithms that performs the functions of each component.  
         [0008]     The functions that correspond to each algorithm are displayed through an on-screen display (OSD) function. The OSD presents a selection menu to a user so that the user can select and execute desired functions.  
         [0009]     A received analog or digital broadcasting signal is recorded by the VCR part. During this recording process, algorithms of the components are executed respectively for recording the analog broadcasting signal and for recording the digital broadcasting signal.  
         [0010]     For example, a timer-recording function requires time information, a block for checking the time information, and a power supply block for recording at a reserved time. The conventional combo system performs the timer-recording function of the components using the algorithms of each component.  
         [0011]     Specifically, the VCR part, which receives the analog broadcasting signal, is provided with the time information through the received analog broadcasting signal and a dedicated integrated circuit (IC) (such as video program system (VPS)/program delivery control (PDC)). The VCR algorithm for the timer includes a time information check block (for example, real-time clock (RTC) timer).  
         [0012]     The digital broadcast receiver, which receives the digital broadcasting signal, is provided with time information from a satellite. The digital broadcast receiver algorithm includes a time information check block that corresponds to the time information. The time information check requires a power standby mode for each component.  
         [0013]     The timer-recording function also requires the display of the menu and the reservation for each component. Taking into account that the analog and digital broadcasting signals, which are received for each component, are recorded on a recording medium by the VCR part, control of the VCR part and reception of the analog and digital broadcasting signals are performed respectively according to related algorithms. Thus, control of the components is complicated and its embodiment is difficult.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     To overcome the problems and disadvantages of the above conventional arrangement, an exemplary aspect of the present invention is to provide a combo system capable of time-recording analog or digital broadcasting signals through one menu screen and a method thereof.  
         [0015]     To achieve the above aspect and features of the present invention, the image recording apparatus includes a digital receiver operable to receive a digital broadcasting signal, an analog receiver operable to receive an analog broadcasting signal, a storage operable to store the digital and analog broadcasting signals, and a controller. The controller is operable to output a menu screen for receiving a timer-recording information from a user, store the received timer-recording information, receive the broadcasting signal corresponding to one of the digital and analog receivers depending on the timer-recording information, and store the received broadcasting signal in the storage. The menu screen comprises a mode selection item for selecting the digital and analog broadcasting signals, and the controller selectively receives the broadcasting signal from the digital and analog receivers and stores the received broadcasting signal in the storage. The menu screen further comprises items for receiving a broadcast channel, a start time, and a stop time.  
         [0016]     The method according to an embodiment of the present invention for providing a timer-recording function of an image recording apparatus that receives both digital and analog broadcasting signals and selectively stores the received broadcasting signal, includes the steps of outputting a menu screen for receiving a timer-recording information, selecting one of the digital and analog broadcasting signals by a user, and receiving information representing a channel and a recording time. The method according to an embodiment of the present invention further comprises storing the timer-recording information, and receiving and storing the digital or analog broadcasting signal depending on the stored timer-recording information. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0017]     These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a combo system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are flowcharts of exemplary timer-recording steps of the combo system of  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0020]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are views of a menu screen of the combo system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present invention by referring to the drawing figures.  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a combo system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the combo system includes a digital terrestrial television (DTT) part  100 , a digital video disk player (DVD) part  200 , and a video cassette recorder (VCR) part  300 . It should be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are not limited to this exemplary embodiment and that the embodiments of the present invention are applicable to any other combo system which can receive and record analog and digital broadcasting signals.  
         [0023]     The DTT part  100  is a set-top box for receiving digital broadcasts. It tunes to and demodulates a digital broadcasting signal received from outside. The DVD part  200  reproduces video data recorded on an optical recording medium, such as a compact disk (CD), or DVD. The VCR part  300  records video data on a magnetic recording medium, such as a VCR tape, and reproduces the recorded video data of the recording medium. The VCR part  300  can tune and demodulate an analog broadcasting signal received from outside.  
         [0024]     The DTT part  100 , the DVD part  200 , and the VCR part  300  are integrally constructed in a single casing. Accordingly, the combo system is a single device in appearance. The combo system can combine a terminal of a user input device and a terminal of an external device.  
         [0025]     The DTT part  100 , the DVD part  200 , and the VCR part  300  can be operated independently from each other or compositively in association with each other. The composite operation includes the situation in which the VCR part  300  records the digital broadcasting signal received to the DTT part  100  and the situation in which the VCR part  300  records the image data reproduced in the DVD part  200 .  
         [0026]     The combo system is connectable with an external device such as a television and a camcorder. The combo system can output the received broadcasting signal or the reproduced video signal to the external device, or receive and record a video signal from the external device.  
         [0027]     The combo system need not to always include the DTT part  100 , the DVD part  200 , or the VCR part  300 . The components  100 ,  200 , and  300  can be respectively connected to, and separated from the combo system so that the user can selectively utilize the components  100 ,  200  and  300  as needed.  
         [0028]     For example, a user who has a television for the digital broadcasts does not need the DTT part  100 . Hence, the user can construct the combo system excluding the DTT part  100 .  
         [0029]     Hereinbelow, the DTT part  100 , the DVD part  200 , and the VCR part  300  are described in order in greater detail in reference to  FIG. 1 . The DTT part  100  includes a tuner  110 , a demodulator  120 , a decoder  130 , a DTT controller  140 , a DTT memory  150 , and a DTT menu storage  160 .  
         [0030]     The tuner  110  tunes a channel selected by the user among a plurality of digital broadcasting signals. Broadcast signals include, but are not limited to, a terrestrial transmission (e.g., an electromagnetic signal transmitted from a terrestrial station for antenna reception), a satellite transmission (i.e., an electromagnetic signal transmitted from an orbiting satellite), and a cable transmission (e.g., an electromagnetic signal transmitted from along a coaxial cable). The demodulator  120  demodulates the digital broadcasting signal output from the tuner  110 , and demultiplexes the demodulated signal into a video signal, audio signal and a broadcast information signal.  
         [0031]     The decoder  130  decodes the demultiplexed video signal, audio signal, and broadcast information signal. The video and audio signals output from the demodulator  120  are compressed according to a predetermined format. Accordingly, the decoder  130  decompresses and outputs the compressed video and audio signals. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compression format of the video and audio signals is the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). The video and audio signals, which are output from the decoder  130 , are converted to a format reproducible by an external device such as a television, through a DTT converter (not shown).  
         [0032]     The decoder  130  decompresses and outputs graphic user interface (GUI) data compressed and stored in the DTT menu storage  160 , which will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0033]     The DTT controller  140  controls overall operations of the DTT part  100 . Specifically, the DTT controller  140  controls the tuning of the tuner  110  and the decoding of the decoder  130 . The DTT controller  140  is communicatingly connected with a VCR controller  360  which will be described below, and operates under the control of the VCR controller  360 .  
         [0034]     The DTT memory  150  contains drivers and application programs required for the DTT controller  140  and critical data which should be kept even when the power is cut off. The DTT memory  150  can also contain information data on a timer-recording if the timer-recording function is set for the digital broadcasts, which will be described in greater detail.  
         [0035]     The DTT menu storage  160  stores the GUI data, such as a menu screen, for the implementation of the GUI environment. If necessary (for example, if data capacity is large), the GUI data can be compressed and stored in a predetermined format. In an embodiment of the present invention, the compression format can be the MPEG or Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compression format.  
         [0036]     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the DVD part  200  will now be described in greater detail.  
         [0037]     The DVD part  200  includes a DVD coder/decoder (CODEC)  210 , a DVD signal processor  220 , a DVD deck  230 , a DVD controller  240 , a DVD memory  250  and a DVD/VCR menu storage  260 . The DVD deck  230  reads out data recorded on an inserted CD or DVD. The DVD signal processor  220  processes the data received from the DVD deck  230  and, corrects errors in the received data.  
         [0038]     The DVD CODEC  210  compresses the received data in the predetermined format to be recorded and transfers the compressed data to the DVD signal processor  220 . Upon receiving the data to be reproduced from the DVD signal processor  220 , the DVD CODEC  210  decompresses and outputs the received data. The compression format can be the MPEG format  
         [0039]     The decompressed data output from the DVD CODEC  210  is converted to a reproducible format used in an external device such as the television, through a DVD converter (not shown). The DVD CODEC  210  decompresses and outputs the GUI data compressed and stored in the DVD/VCR menu storage  260 , the operation of which will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0040]     The DVD controller  240  controls overall operations of the DVD part  200 . Specifically, the DVD controller  240  controls the compression and decompression of the DVD CODEC  210 , the signal processing of the DVD signal processor  220 , and the recording and reproducing of the DVD deck  230 . The DVD controller  240  is communicatingly connected with the VCR controller  360 , and operates under control of the VCR controller  360 .  
         [0041]     The DVD memory  250  contains drivers and application programs required for the DVD controller  240 , and stores critical data which should be kept even when the power is cut off. The DVD/VCR menu storage  260  stores the GUI data relating to the DVD part  200 , and the GUI data relating to the VCR part  300 . If necessary, the GUI data can be compressed and stored in a predetermined format. The compression format can be the MPEG or the JPEG compression formats.  
         [0042]     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the VCR part  300  will now be described in greater detail.  
         [0043]     The VCR part  300  includes an analog broadcast receiver  310 , a video signal switch  320 , an input/output (I/O) terminal  330 , a VCR signal processor  340 , a VCR deck  350 , the VCR controller  360 , a VCR memory  370 , and an operation part  380 . The analog broadcast receiver  310  tunes a channel selected by the user among a plurality of received analog broadcasting signals incoming, and demodulates and outputs the tuned broadcasting signal.  
         [0044]     The VCR deck  350  records data on the inserted magnetic tape or reads out the recorded data from the magnetic tape. The VCR signal processor  340  converts the data to be transferred to and recorded in the VCR deck  350 , in a recordable format on the magnetic tape. The VCR signal processor  340  converts the data received from the VCR deck  350  to be reproduced in a format reproducible by an external device such as a TV.  
         [0045]     The video signal switch  320  selectively forwards to the I/O terminal  330  the video signals output from the DTT part  100 , the DVD part  200 , the analog broadcast receiver  310 , and the VCR signal processor  340 . The video signal switch  320  selectively forwards the video signal input from the external device through the I/O terminal  330 , to the DVD part  200  and the VCR signal processor  340 .  
         [0046]     The video signal switch  320  can be, in one embodiment of the present invention, a multiplexing (MUX) IC. The video signal switch  320  establishes the forwarding path of the video signals under the control of the VCR controller  360 . The video signal is transferred between the external device and the video signal switch  320  through the I/O terminal  320 .  
         [0047]     The VCR controller  360  controls overall operations of the combo system depending on operation commands input by the user through the operation part  380 . The VCR controller  360  is communicatingly connected with the DTT controller  140  and the DVD controller  240 , and controls the operations of the DTT controller  140  and the DVD controller  240 . Thus, the VCR controller  360  serves as a main controller, controlling the central functions of the combo system.  
         [0048]     If the operation command of the user relates to the VCR part  300 , the VCR controller  360  controls the operations of the VCR part  300  according to the user&#39;s operation command. Specifically, the VCR controller  360  controls the reception of the analog broadcast receiver  310 , the switching of the video signal switch  320 , the signal processing of the VCR signal processor  340 , and the recording and reproducing of the VCR deck  350 .  
         [0049]     If the operation command input by the user relates to the DTT part  100  or the DVD part  200 , the VCR controller  360  transfers the operation command to the DTT controller  140  or the DVD controller  240 . Upon receiving the operation command, the DTT controller  140  or the DVD controller  240  performs the related operations.  
         [0050]     The VCR memory  370  contains drivers and application programs required for the VCR controller  360  and critical data which should be stored even when the power is cut off. The VCR memory  370  also contains one or more programs relating to the general functions or the composite functions of the combo system.  
         [0051]     The operation part  380  is a user interface for receiving the operation command in relation with the function selection and the operation control of the combo system. The operation part  380  is generally disposed in a front side of the combo system. The operation party  380  can include a remote controller which inputs the operation command of the user and a remote controller receiver for transferring the output signal of the remote controller to the VCR controller  360 .  
         [0052]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are flowcharts of exemplary timer-recording steps of the combo system of  FIG. 1 , and  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are views of a menu screen of the combo system of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0053]     The timer-recording mode of the combo system is classified into two sub-modes. The first sub-mode is a VCR timer-recording mode for timer-recording the analog broadcasting signal and the second sub-mode is a DTT timer-recording mode for timer-recording the digital broadcasting signal. The timer-recording function is performed through a single menu.  
         [0054]     The VCR timer-recording mode records the analog broadcasting signal received through the analog broadcast receiver  310 . The DTT timer-recording mode records the digital broadcasting signal received through the tuner  110  of the DTT part  100 . The timer-recording function of the combo system is controlled by the VCR controller  360  of the VCR part  300 .  
         [0055]     In reference to  FIG. 2A , the timer-recording steps of the combo system will now be described.  
         [0056]     The user touches a menu key (not shown) arranged on the operation part  380 , thereby causing the combo system to display the menu screen for the timer-recording of the broadcasting signal of the combo system at step S 410 . When the menu key is selected, the VCR controller  360  receives from the operation part  380  a key signal notifying the input of the menu key, and transmits to the DVD controller  240  a control signal instructing the display of the menu. The DVD controller  240  controls the DVD CODEC  210  to decompress the GUI data stored in the DVD/VCR menu storage  260 , and outputs the menu screen as shown in  FIG. 2A  at step S 415 .  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , at the left side of a main menu screen, a “SETUP” icon represents a sub menu for the environment setup of the combo system, a “DVD” icon represents a sub menu for the function setup of the DVD part  200 , a “VCR” icon represents a sub menu for the function setup of the VCR part  300 , a “DTT” icon represents a sub menu for the function setup of the DTT part  100 , and a “PROG” icon represents a sub menu for entire program setup of the combo system.  
         [0058]     To set up the timer-recording of the combo system, when the “PROG” icon on the main menu screen is selected, the sub menu including “Standard” and “ShowView” is displayed. When the “ShowView” is selected, the menu screen is displayed for selecting timer-recording information data of  FIG. 3B .  
         [0059]     The timer-recording information data includes “PR”, “Day”, “Start”, “Stop”, “Speed”, and “V/P”. In step  420 , the user inputs the timer-recording mode and the timer-recording information data on the timer-recording selection menu screen. Specifically, the user initially inputs information on the timer-recording mode at the “PR”. The user selects one of the VCR timer-recording mode for the analog broadcasting signal and the DTT timer-recording mode for the digital broadcasting signal. When the “PR” is selected and highlighted on the screen, the “A” that represents the VCR timer-recording mode and the “D” that represents the DTT timer-recording mode can be selected by manipulating the up and down keys of the operation part  380 . As a result, the user has determined whether to record the analog broadcasting signal or the digital broadcasting signal, and the timer-recording mode is set up according to the selected broadcasting signal. Then, a broadcast channel is selected depending on the selected timer-recording mode. The broadcast channel to be recorded with respect to the selected analog or digital broadcasting signal can then be selected .  
         [0060]     The time and period of the timer-recording are selected at the “Day” portion of the menu screen. For example, a user can select the timer-recording to perform the timer-recording once, daily, weekly, or on a particular day. A start time of the timer-recording is input at the “Start” portion of the menu screen, and a stop time is input at the “Stop” portion of the menu screen. The “Speed” portion of the menu screen determines whether to perform the timer-recording at a normal recording speed or a double or higher recording speed on a recording medium such as the magnetic tape. A PDC mode or a VPS/PDC mode can be selected at the “V/P” portion of the menu screen.  
         [0061]     Upon receiving the timer-recording mode and the timer-recording information data from the user, the DVD controller  240  transfers to the VCR controller  360  the timer-recording mode and the timer-recording information data to the VCR controller  360  at step S 425 . The VCR controller  360  stores into the VCR memory  370  the timer-recording mode and the timer-recording information data into the VCR memory  370  at step S 430 , and sets up the VCR timer-recording mode for the analog broadcasting signal or the DTT timer-recording mode for the digital broadcasting signal using a separate timer depending on the VPS or VPS/PDC mode. At decision step S 435  it is determined whether the DTT timer-recording mode for the digital broadcasting signal is selected. If so, (“Yes” path from decision step S 435 ), the timer-recording information data is transferred to the DTT controller  140  at step S 440 . The DTT controller  140  stores the timer-recording information data into the DTT memory  150  at step S 445 , receives the digital broadcasting signal depending on the stored timer-recording information data, and sets up the timer-recording mode to be transferred to the VCR part  300 . If it is determined that the digital broadcast signal is not to be recorded at decision step S 435 , (“No” path from decision step S 435 ), the method according to  FIG. 2A  terminates.  
         [0062]     After setting up the timer-recording mode for the analog or digital broadcasting signal, the timer-recording is performed in reference to  FIG. 2B . The VCR controller  360  checks time information provided from the timer and the timer-recording information data stored in the VCR memory  370  at step S 450 .  
         [0063]     The VCR controller  360  determines the timer-recording information data, by determining whether the timer-recording mode is the VCR or DTT timer-recording mode at a certain time before the start time at decision step S 455 . In the case of the DTT timer-recording mode, (“Yes” path from decision step S 455 ), the VCR controller  360  notifies the DTT controller  140  of the timer-recording start. The DTT controller  140  controls the tuner  110  according to the channel information data of the timer-recording information data stored in the DTT memory  150 , to tune the broadcasting signal to the selected digital broadcast channel at step S 460 .  
         [0064]     In the case of the VCR timer-recording mode, (“No” path from decision step S 455 ), the VCR controller  360  controls the analog broadcast receiver  310  according to the channel information data of the selected analog broadcasting signal of the timer-recording information data stored in the VCR memory  370 , to tune the broadcasting signal of the selected broadcast channel at step S 465 .  
         [0065]     At step S 470 , the VCR controller  360  controls the VCR part  300  to perform a certain signal processing to the broadcasting signal received from the DTT part  100  or from the analog broadcast receiver  310 , the VCR controller  360  then records the processed signal on the recording medium in the VCR deck  350 . The VCR controller  360  checks the time information and stops the recording of the broadcasting signal by controlling the VCR deck  350  according to the stop time information of the timer-recording information data.  
         [0066]     In light of the foregoing, the combo system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention facilitates the timer-recording by enabling the user to set up the timer-recording function of the analog and digital broadcasting signals through the single menu screen. Thus, the hardware implementation of the combo system is simplified, and the components of the combo system are efficiently controlled with respect to the timer-recording.  
         [0067]     While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, additional variations and modifications of the embodiments may occur to those skilled in the art once they learn of the basic inventive concepts. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims shall be construed to include both the above embodiments and all such variations and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.