US4641253A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for synchronizing computer video with independent audio
Assignee: Maximus Inc
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Filing: 1984-06-06
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Granted: 1987-02-03
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Expires: 2004-06-06
Abstract
Abstract A process for use of a low-cost personal computer to display video images which provide the effect of animation in synchronization with an audio program, such as voice or environmental sounds, originating independently of the computer. The computer is provided with a data base including intervals between recorded cue tones preceding the audio program, and intervals between video events to be synchronized with the audio program, all such original intervals corresponding to the original recording transport speed of the audio program. While consumer audio playback devices operate at a stable playback transport speed, it is seldom precisely the same as the original recording speed. During playback, the viewer indicates playback intervals between cue tones, for instance by tapping a key of the computer keyboard whenever a cue tone is played. The computer times the actual playback intervals, calculates a ratio R of the playback interval divided by the recording interval, and then executes the video events at playback intervals equal to their original intervals multiplied by R.
Inventors
- 👤 David V. Mastran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 17:29
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/002; G11; G11B; G11B27/00; G11B27/10; H; H04; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/40; H04N21/43; H04N21/4302; H04N21/4305; H04N21/4307; H04N21/43072; H04N21/439; H04N21/4394; H04N21/44; H04N21/4402; H04N21/440281; G11B2220/00; G11B2220/20; G11B2220/25; G11B2220/2537; G11B2220/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
262 words
A method for synchronous presentation of independent audio program and video program generated by a digital computer, comprising: a. providing an audio recording to an independent audio playback device, said audio recording comprising at least two consecutive cue tones at known original intervals, followed by an audio program commencing at a known original commencement interval after a last one of said consecutive cue tones; b. providing a database to said computer comprising at least said known original cue tone intervals, said known original commencement interval, and a plurality of original video graphics event intervals for a video program comprising a plurality of videographics events to be synchronized with said audio program; c. starting said audio playback device to play said recording; d. initiating an interval timer in said computer when one of said cue tones is played; e. stopping said interval timer in said computer when a next subsequent one of said cue tones is played, and determining an actual time interval between said cue tones as played on said audio playback device; f. repeating steps d and e for each of said known original intervals between said cue tones; g. calculating in the computer a ratio R equal to the actual cue tone interval divided by the corresponding original cue tone interval; h. initiating said interval timer and waiting an actual commencement interval equal to the original commencement interval multiplied by R; and i. repeatedly initiating said interval timer, and display video graphics events, at actual video graphics event intervals corresponding to said original video graphics event intervals multiplied by R.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
262 words
A method for synchronous presentation of independent audio program and video program generated by a digital computer, comprising: a. providing an audio recording to an independent audio playback device, said audio recording comprising at least two consecutive cue tones at known original intervals, followed by an audio program commencing at a known original commencement interval after a last one of said consecutive cue tones; b. providing a database to said computer comprising at least said known original cue tone intervals, said known original commencement interval, and a plurality of original video graphics event intervals for a video program comprising a plurality of videographics events to be synchronized with said audio program; c. starting said audio playback device to play said recording; d. initiating an interval timer in said computer when one of said cue tones is played; e. stopping said interval timer in said computer when a next subsequent one of said cue tones is played, and determining an actual time interval between said cue tones as played on said audio playback device; f. repeating steps d and e for each of said known original intervals between said cue tones; g. calculating in the computer a ratio R equal to the actual cue tone interval divided by the corresponding original cue tone interval; h. initiating said interval timer and waiting an actual commencement interval equal to the original commencement interval multiplied by R; and i. repeatedly initiating said interval timer, and display video graphics events, at actual video graphics event intervals corresponding to said original video graphics event intervals multiplied by R.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 1, wherein step d further comprises indicating to said computer that said cue tones have been played by way of a keyboard of said computer; and wherein step e further comprises indicating to said computer that said cue tone has been played by way of said keyboard of said computer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said audio playback device is a cassette tape player.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said audio playback device is an open-reel tape player.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said independent audio playback device is a phonograph record player.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said independent audio playback device is a compact disk player.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step b further comprises providing upper and lower response limits to said computer, and further comprising a step after step e of displaying a response report when said actual interval between said cue tones exceeds said original interval between said cue tones by said response limits.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cue tones comprise packets of cue tones, and wherein said computer is provided with known original intervals between said packets and measures actual intervals between said packets.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
186 words
A method for synchronous presentation of independent audio program and video program generated by a digital computer, comprising: a. playing an audio signal comprising at least two consecutive cue tones at known original intervals, followed by an audio program connecting at a known original commencement interval after a last one of said consecutive cue tones; b. providing a database to said computer comprising at least said known original cue tone intervals, said known original commencement interval, and a plurality of original video graphics event intervals for a video program comprising a plurality of videographics events to be synchronized with said audio program; c. timing in said computer, actual cue tone intervals between said cue tones corresponding in number to said known original cue tone intervals; d. calculating in the computer a ratio R equal to the actual cue tone interval divided by the corresponding original cue tone interval; e. waiting an actual commencement interval equal to the original commencement interval multiplied by R; and f. displaying video graphics events, at actual video graphics event intervals corresponding to said original video graphics event intervals multiplied by R.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
186 words
A method for synchronous presentation of independent audio program and video program generated by a digital computer, comprising: a. playing an audio signal comprising at least two consecutive cue tones at known original intervals, followed by an audio program connecting at a known original commencement interval after a last one of said consecutive cue tones; b. providing a database to said computer comprising at least said known original cue tone intervals, said known original commencement interval, and a plurality of original video graphics event intervals for a video program comprising a plurality of videographics events to be synchronized with said audio program; c. timing in said computer, actual cue tone intervals between said cue tones corresponding in number to said known original cue tone intervals; d. calculating in the computer a ratio R equal to the actual cue tone interval divided by the corresponding original cue tone interval; e. waiting an actual commencement interval equal to the original commencement interval multiplied by R; and f. displaying video graphics events, at actual video graphics event intervals corresponding to said original video graphics event intervals multiplied by R.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 9, wherein step c further comprises indicating to said computer that said cue tones have been played by way of a keyboard of said computer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 9, wherein said audio signal is played on a cassette tape player.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 9, wherein said audio signal is played on an open-reel tape player.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 9, wherein said audio signal is played on a phonograph record player.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 9, wherein said audio signal is played on a compact disk player.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 9, wherein said step b further comprises providing upper and lower response limits to said computer, and wherin step c further comprises displaying a response report when said actual interval between said cue tones exceeds said original interval between said cue tones by said response limits.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method for synchronous presentation as claimed in claim 9, wherein said cue tones comprise packets of cue tones, and wherein said computer is provided with known original intervals between said packets and measures actual intervals between said packets.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-02-02 | 1990-08-04 | 1991-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-02-02 | 1994-08-04 | 1995-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-02-02 | 1998-08-04 | 1999-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |