Patent US4841378A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4841378A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Video camera enablement system utilizing a video cassette characteristic
Assignee: SHORT TAKES Inc
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Filing: 1988-02-04
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Granted: 1989-06-20
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Expires: 2008-02-04
Abstract
Abstract An audio-video recording system employs a booth containing a video camera and microphone, a video display screen and timing means connected to the camera to operate it for a predetermined period. The signal from the camera is recorded on a video cassette recorder. Means are provided for distinguishing authorized video cassettes from unauthorized video cassettes enabling the system for recording when an authorized signal is received and preventing recording on an unauthorized cassette. Preferably, the authorizing signal is prerecorded on the tape of the video cassette and erased upon use of the cassette.
Inventors
- 👤 Harmon I. Cogert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 19:06
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B20/00; G11B20/00086; G11B20/00094; G11B20/00572; G11B20/00586; G11B23/00; G11B23/30; G11B23/36; G11B27/00; G11B27/002; G11B27/02; G11B27/022; G11B27/024; G11B31/00; G11B31/006; H; H04; H04N; H04N5/00; H04N5/76; H04N5/765; G11B2220/00; G11B2220/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A video recording system comprising: a camera producing a video picture signal when operated; a video cassette recorder connected to the camera for recording the video picture signal on a video cassette; and means for enabling operation of the camera if the cassette possesses a predetermined physical characteristic and for preventing operation of the camera if the cassette does not possess the predetermined physical characteristic.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
A video recording system comprising: a camera producing a video picture signal when operated; a video cassette recorder connected to the camera for recording the video picture signal on a video cassette; and means for enabling operation of the camera if the cassette possesses a predetermined physical characteristic and for preventing operation of the camera if the cassette does not possess the predetermined physical characteristic.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A recording system as recited in claim 1 wherein the means for enabling or preventing comprises means for sensing a prerecorded signal on the tape of the video cassette.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A recording system as recited in claim 2 comprising means for erasing the prerecorded message when the cassette is used.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A recording system as recited in claim 2 comprising means for rewinding the tape in the cassette to a predetermined location preceding the recorded signal before commencing recording of a video signal on the tape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A recording system as recited in claim 1 comprising a booth closable for a degree of privacy, and means for mounting the camera for viewing a person or persons in the booth.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
A recording system as recited in claim 5 comprising a video picture display screen positioned inside the booth and means for feeding the video picture signal to the video display screen so that th picture being recorded is displayed on the screen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A recording system as recited in claim 1 comprising means for altering the physical characteristic of the cassette during a recording session for preventing reuse of the cassette in the recording system.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A recording system as recited in claim 1 comprising timing means operatively connected to the camera for operating the camera for a predetermined period.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for operating a video recording system comprising the steps of: sensing presence or absence of a prerecorded signal on the tape of a video cassette; rejecting the video cassette in the event of absence of the prerecorded signal; rewinding the tape in the video cassette in the event of presence of the prerecorded signal; and recording on the rewound tape for erasing the prerecorded signal.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for operating a video recording system comprising the steps of: sensing presence or absence of a prerecorded signal on the tape of a video cassette; rejecting the video cassette in the event of absence of the prerecorded signal; rewinding the tape in the video cassette in the event of presence of the prerecorded signal; and recording on the rewound tape for erasing the prerecorded signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as recited in claim 9 wherein the video cassette includes a prerecorded message before the prerecorded signal and comprising the step of rewinding the tape to a location between the message and signal before recording.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-06-19 | 1992-12-19 | 1993-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-06-19 | 1996-12-19 | 1997-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-06-19 | 2000-12-19 | 2001-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |