Method and apparatus for selectively recording instrument quality data or composite instrument quality data and video signals on a commercial unmodified video tape recorder

Claim 1

In a data acquisition and recording system for receiving and recording analog data through use of a conventional unmodified video tape recorder utilizing conventional video recording tape for recording data thereon other than video information but utilizing the standard video composite waveform standard which includes video information recording tracks extending transversely across the video tape and spaced longitudinally therealong and vertical and horizontal synchronizing pulse recording tracks extending longitudinally therealong, the combination comprising: (a) analog data input terminal means adapted to selectively receive a single high frequency data signal or a multiplicity of time multiplexed data signals; (b) means including an analog-to-digital converter connected to receive an analog signal from said analog data input terminal and converting the analog signal to a pulse code modulated digital form; (c) a parallel-to-serial shift register having input terminals, one input terminal being connected to said analog-to-digital converter to receive the pulse code modulated signal therefrom; (d) pulse-timing control means having multiple output terminals selectively connected to said analog data input terminal means, to said analog-to-digital converter and to said shift register and operative to provide a constant input during the analog-to-digital conversion process to provide synchronization of the pulse code modulated data stream emanating from said parallel-to-serial shift register with the timing of the vertical and horizontal sync pulses of said video tape recording waveform standard; (e) a carrier frequency signal source terminal (f) a modulator for receiving said pulse code modulated data stream signal from said parallel-to-serial shift register and said carrier frequency signal and operative to modulate said carrier frequency in correlation to said pulse code modulated data signal to produce a modulated output signal; (g) a conventional video camera connected to said timing means whereby said camera is operated in synchronism with the pulse code modulated data stream emanating from said parallel-to-serial shift register, said video camera having a signal output terminal; (h) a mixer connected to receive said modulated output signal from said modulator and to receive said output signal from said video camera and operative to mix the signals to produce one composite signal suitable for recording on a conventional video tape recorder; and (i) a conventional video tape recorder adapted to receive said composite signal from said mixer to effect recordation thereof on said transversely extending longitudinally spaced recording tracks.