null null

US008019194B2
(12) United States Patent
(10) Patent N0.:
(45) Date of Patent:
Morrison et al.
US 8,019,194 B2
Sep. 13, 2011
(54)
DIGITAL AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING
AND STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD
H01R 13/62
H02H 3/00
(2006.01)
(2006.01)
(75)
Inventors: Michael Morrison, Corona Del Mar, CA
(US); James A. Rannalli, Reno, NV
H02H 3/20
H04] 3/00
H04] 3/02
(2006.01)
(200601)
(200601)
H05K 1/00
(200601)
Christopher L. Romine, Genoa, NV
(Us)
(52)
(73) Assigneez s_ two Corp” Reno, NV (Us)
(*) Notice:
386/293; 386/334; 386/335; 257/315; 257/316;
348/734; 352/38; 361/42; 361/91.1; 365/185.01;
Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
365/18509; 365/239; 369/47~13; 370/535;
370/537; 370/539; 370/540; 375040-12;
U_S_C_ 154(b) by 1141 days
375/240.18; 375/240.24; 439/61; 439/260;
709/222; 710/305; 711/112; 711/145; 711/154;
711/156; 711/170; 713/1; 713/320; 725/76;
(21) Appl. No.: 11/100,211
(22)
Filedi
US. Cl. ...... .. 386/239; 386/231; 386/280; 386/281;
725/77
Apr- 5, 2005
(58)
Field of Classi?cation Search .................. .. 386/46,
386/83, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, E5001,
(65)
Prior Publication Data
386/E9.025, 52, 55, E5002, E5012, E9045;
Related U_s_APPlicati0n Data
348/E5.049, E5051, E5102, E7071, E7083;
352/38; 361/42, 91.1, 622; 365/18501,
_ _
_
_
365/185.09, 239; 369/47.13; 370/351, 395.31,
(60) PI‘OVlSlOnZll appl1cat1on NO. 60/559,001, ?led on Apr.
370/464’ 535’ 537’ 539’ 540; 37900201;
428/848.9; 463/36; 705/52, 57; 707/2, 205,
707/E17.009; 709/222, 245; 711/112, 145,
711/154, 156, 170, 211, B12006; 712/E9.063,
712/E9.071; 713/1, 320; 714/13, 45, 54,
714/57, 1311025; 717/151; 375/240.12,
375/240.18, 240.24, E7189, E7198, E7211;
725/76, 77; 439/61, 108, 260, 607.02; 710/305
5, 2004-
(51) Int- 0H04N 9/80
H04N5/44
H04N5/76
H04N5/89
(200601)
(2011-01)
(200601)
(200601)
H04N 5/93
H04N 5/765
H04N 7/12
H04N 7/18
(200601)
(2006.01)
(200601)
(2006.01)
See application ?le for complete search history.
(56)
References Cited
G03B 19/18
(2006.01)
G06F 1/26
(200601)
4,868,702 A *
G06F 9/00
G06F 13/00
(200601)
(2006.01)
5,249,270 A * 9/1993 Stewart et al
5,274,602 A * 12/1993 Glenn
709/222
365/239
G06F 13/14
(200601)
5,355,132 A * 10/1994 Kani et a1.
5,592,398 A *
1/1997 Terauchi et a1.
. 341/55
370/535
gg'g;
G11C8/00
H01L 29/788
US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
9/1989 Itou et a1. ...................... .. 361/42
(38828?
5,619,644 A *
4/1997 Crockett et a1.
(
)
5,721,396 A *
2/1998
(200601)
(2006.01)
5,825,739 A *
6,185,367 B1 *
~
ER_
PUR__
PC mmtsa some
‘
714/45
Daoud ...................... .. 174/59
10/1998 Saito et a1. .
369/47.13
2/2001 Keery et a1. ................. .. 386/122
US 8,019,194 B2
Page 2
6,400,887 B1 *
6/2002 Takano et a1. ................. .. 386/52
Primary Examiner i Thai Tran
6,447,317 B1:
9/2002 Billman .... ..
Assimm, Examineri Syed Hagan
. 439/260
122233313‘? 51* 12/5883 5253;? 3.1.1..1111111111111111111233/53?
7,039,073 Bl *
2002/0034603 A1 *
5/2006 MuntZ et a1.
3/2002 Nee ........... ..
. 370/539
428/641
2002/0061098 A1 *
5/ 2002 R?niefe et a1~
~~ 379/20201
2002/0123249
9/2002
A1 *
IZZO _ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ 439/61
' 710/305
<74) Allow» Age/I1 OFF/rm * Holland & Han LLP
(57)
ABSTRACT
An integrated apparatus is disclosed that can directly connect
to a portable digital Video camera and can record uncom
2003/0135682 A1*
7/2003 Fanmng
2003/0142952 Al *
7/2003
2003/01 56649 A1,,
2003/0l79741 A14
8/2003 Abrams, Jr‘ ““““““ “ 375/240‘24
9/2003 Goergen “
370/351
1n the ?eld and elsewhere. Most preferably, the mteg'ra'ted
apparatus 1ncludes a removable, recordable, reusable d1g1tal
2003/019612g A1* 10/2003 Lin ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, n 713/320
2004/0015637 A1* 1/2004 Yau ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,, 710/313
2004/0131341 A1 * 7/2004 Lien
. 386/125
magazine that may be mounted. Most preferably, the inte
grated apparatus also supports a Variety of input and output
formats, and the apparatus may be easily connected to other
Oka et a1. ...................... .. 386/46
pressedvideo andaudio data, alongwithassociatedmetadata,
.
.
2004/0233930 A1 *
11/2004 Colby, Jr. ............ ..
. 370/464
2005/0134801 A1*
6/2005 BogdanOWiCZ et a1~
352/38
nections, wired or wireless. The digital magaZine can be
2005/0177516 A1 *
8/2005 Vandewater et a1~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 705/ 57
mounted in a Variety of docking stations and can be directly
Zoos/0181873 A1 :
8/2005 Bond ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 463/36
connected to a network, allowing the Video and audio data to
2222/0232: 21* 12222 21216111
* cited by examiner
computing systems, either directly or through network con
~~~3~8231 be
16 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
US. Patent
Sep. 13, 2011
Sheet 1 019
US 8,019,194 B2
PORTABLE DIGITAL FILE RECORDING SYSTEM 100
PORTABLE CASE 105
COMPUTER 110
SOFTWARE 1 12
LCD DISPLAY 115
REMOVABLE DIGITAL MAGAZINE 120
DIGITAL DATA 125
UNCOMPRESSED HIGH
DEFINITION VIDEO FOOTAGE 130
UNCOMPRESSED AUDIO
FOOTAGE 135
METADATA 140
DIGITAL STORAGE DEVICE 145
CONNECTOR 150
FIG. 1A
US. Patent
Sep. 13, 2011
US 8,019,194 B2
Sheet 2 0f 9
PORTABLE DIGITAL FILE RECORDING SYSTEM 100
DIGITAL MAGAZINE RECEIVER 155
BACKPLANE 160
CONNECTOR 165
CONTROL AND CONNECTOR PANEL 170
HEADPHONE LINK
CAMERA LINK 172
180
VIDEO LINK 174
NETWORK
CONNECTOR 1 ‘I82
AUDIO LINK 176
NETWORK
CONNECTOR 2 184
EDIT CONTROLLER
LINK 178
TIMECODE LINK
186
POWER SOURCE 190
FIG. 1B
US. Patent
Sep. 13, 2011
Sheet 3 0f 9
US 8,019,194 B2
200
RECORDING DATA 202
I
SAVING DATA TO
FIRST STORAGE DEVICE 205
I
EDITING IMAGES
NON-LINEARLY 210
I
VIEWING DATA 215
I
REMOVING FIRST
STORAGE DEVICE 220
I
INSERTING SECOND
STORAGE DEVICE 225
I
TRANSFERRING DATA TO
ARCHIVAL STORAGE 230
I
MOVING DATA ACROSS
NETWORK 235
I
ERASING DATA OFF
STORAGE DEVICE 240
I
REINSERTING FIRST
STORAGE DEVICE 245
FIG. 2A
US. Patent
Sep. 13, 2011
Sheet 4 019
US 8,019,194 B2
DATA 245
UNCOMPRESSED MOVING IMAGES 250
DPX FORMAT 255
UNCOMPRESSED AUDIO 26D
METADATA 265
AUTOMATED DATA 270
USER-GENERATED
DATA 275
FILE SYSTEM DATA 280
FIG. 2B
US. Patent
Sep. 13, 2011
Sheet 5 0f 9
US 8,019,194 B2
RECORDABLE DIGITAL MAGAZINE 300
DATA STORAGE 305
VIDEO FOOTAGE 310
AUDIO FOOTAGE 315
STATUS SCREEN 320
BACKPLANE 1 325
CONNECTOR 330
CIRCUIT 1 335
CIRCUIT 2 340
BACKPLANE 2 345
ADAPTOR 350
ROUTER 355
CLONING DOCKING
STATION 360
ARCHIVING DOCKING
STATION 365
NETWORK DOCKING
STATION 370
FIG. 3
US. Patent
Sep. 13, 2011
Sheet 6 019
US 8,019,194 B2
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US. Patent
Sep. 13, 2011
5
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US 8,019,194 B2
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US. Patent
Sep. 13, 2011
Sheet 8 019
US 8,019,194 B2
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US. Patent
Sep. 13, 2011
Sheet 9 019
US 8,019,194 B2
.QIN
US 8,019,194 B2
1
2
DIGITAL AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING
AND STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD
One solution has provided digital audio and video storage
disk drives connected to a conventional, bulky computing
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
thereby record and store compressed digital audio and video
system by loW insertion force (LIF) connectors. A user can
on the drives, remove the drives, transport the drives, and
This application claims the bene?t of US. Provisional
re-connect the drives to the same or another conventional
Application No. 60/559,001, ?led Apr. 5, 2004, entitled
“Digital Audio and Video Recording and Storage Apparatus,
computing system. These systems have been largely used
only in connection With compressed digital audio and video
System and Methods of Use,” the disclosure of Which is
and the large siZe makes them impractical for ?eld use.
incorporated by reference.
Although the laptop computing systems have long utiliZed
LIF connectors to connect With laptop docking stations, lap
top-based systems are limited in their capabilities. They are
not capable of providing the poWer, storage capacity, and
feature set required to accomplish professional ?eld record
ing of digital audio and video.
COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document con
tains material Which is subject to copyright protection. The
copyright oWner has no objection to the facsimile reproduc
tion by any one of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark O?ice patent ?les or records, but oth
SUMMARY
erWise reserves all copyright rights Whatsoever.
20
A portable digital ?lm recording system is disclosed,
Which comprises: a portable case; a computer; an LCD dis
TECHNICAL FIELD
play; at least one removable, reusable digital magaZine for
This invention pertains to the ?eld of digital imaging and,
more speci?cally, to digital audio and video image storage in
a portable reusable digital recording device and the transfer
25
digital magaZine comprises: digital storage devices, connec
and use of the images and device.
tors; a digital magaZine receiver, a control and connector
panel used to connect to external devices. A variety of exter
nal devices are supported, including, but not limited to, a
BACKGROUND
The professional movie making industry has long been
30
seeking to record audio and high de?nition video in digital
format in the ?eld and then transfer the recorded digital for
mat audio and high de?nition video to production and post
35
magaZine. PoWer sources, such as a 24V DC poWer source;
are provided, and the portable digital ?lm recording system
has a total Weight of not over 44 lbs.
Docking stations that can use the digital magaZine are also
and video. Compressing audio or video When recorded in the
?eld not only results in loss of digital information that may be
required to preserve the highest quality digital recording pos
camera, a video monitor, an audio recorder, headphones, a
computer netWork, an edit controller, a microphone, and a
signal generator. Software is also provided Which is used for
communication betWeen external devices and the digital
productions systems. One long-sought goal of the profes
sional movie making industry has been to record the digital
audio and high de?nition video in What is commonly referred
to as “analog” formatiWithout compressing the digital audio
storing computer-readable digital data. The digital data itself
may be composed of uncompressed high de?nition video
footage, uncompressed audio footage, and metadata. The
disclosed. These docking stations include a cloning station,
40
an archiving station, and a station that alloWs easy access to a
sible but also renders subsequent editing and production more
dif?cult or even impossible With any acceptable degree of
quality in the resulting audio and video product.
One digital audio and video recording solution used in the
netWork.
industry utiliZes one or more large trucks loaded With racks of
draWings.
Additional features and advantages Will become apparent
from the folloWing detailed description of illustrated embodi
ments, Which proceeds With reference to accompanying
computing systems and digital storage disk arrays. The user
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
must drive the truck to the location of a video shoot, connect
a digital camera and microphones to the truck-based system
in the ?eld, record and store digital audio and video on the
truck-based system, move the truck-based system around in
the ?eld as required to record the desired audio and video,
drive the truck-based system back to the production studio
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a video recorder system that
50
FIG. 1B is a continuation of the block diagram of a video
When recording is concluded, connect the truck-based system
recorder system shoWn in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A is a ?owchart of a suitable method for implement
to a netWork at the production studio, and then transfer the
recorded audio and video over the netWork connection for use
can be used to implement the integrated digital audio and
video recording apparatus described herein.
55
ing a method to use the portable digital ?le recording system
of the recorded audio and video in production and post
production systems. This common prior art system is expen
as described herein.
sive, aWkWard, labor intensive, and inef?cient.
One prior art system requires at least tWo large and heavy
boxes of equipment. One box contains computing equipment
can be used With the portable digital ?le recording system as
described herein.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a recordable digital magaZine
FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a suitable data format that
60
for use in the ?eld, and the second box contains disk drives.
The tWo boxes are typically mounted and truck transported to
the ?eld location for a video shoot, and interconnected by
input/output cables in the ?eld in order to record and store
digital audio and video in the ?eld. This box-based system is
quite heavy, usually truck-based, dif?cult to transport from
location to location, expensive, and aWkWard.
as described herein.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a ?ber channel drive con?gu
ration for implementing the recordable digital magaZine as
65
described herein.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a hardWare implementation of
the portable digital ?le recording system described herein.
FIG. 6 is a schematic of a DMAG case assembly.
US 8,0l9,l94 B2
3
4
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of anA.DOCK hardware imple
mentation.
when any excess noise might be obtrusive, such as when
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
including in outer space and underwater. The DFR 100 is
designed to be used primarily as a ?eld recorder. However, by
using an AC power adapter, or substituting an internal AC
power supply for the internal DC power supply, the DFR can
recording. The system is also designed to be operated in any
orientation, and can be operated in a variety of atmospheres,
Overview
In the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, the Digital
Film Recording System is comprised of several platforms and
be utiliZed as a studio recorder.
a common digital magaZine storage device (D.MAG). The
Digital Field Recorder (DFR) is encased in a rugged, com
comply with checked luggage weight and dimension limita
The system 100 includes a case 105, which is designed to
tions of at least some of the major airlines. It preferably is
rugged, and can be shipped using common carriers such as
pletely self-contained, DC (battery)-powered, portable chas
sis. It records uncompressed high-resolution video images
Fed-Ex, UPS, DHL, and others. Furthermore, it preferably
directly from a high-de?nition video camera onto portable,
removable disk-based digital magaZines. In some embodi
ments it also records digital audio signals from an external
source. The DFR contains video input/output and audio input/
output circuitry, a computer motherboard running an operat
weighs 44 pounds or less, and has handles or other grasping
structures on the side to make it easy to carry into (and out of)
the ?eld. In one embodiment, the case is made out of alumi
num to save weight, but in alternate embodiments, other
materials could be used, such as a composite case attached to
ing system, and specialiZed application software, and mul
tiple control and signal conversion circuit boards. The DFR
incorporates a specially designed “receiver” that accepts and
provides a specialiZed connector for the D.MAG digital
20
With reference to FIG. 5, and continuing reference to FIG.
1, The case 105 contains a computer 110 500. This computer
magaZine.
In one embodiment, up to thirty eight (38) connectors on
the DFR provide input and output connections for external
a steel frame.
25
comprises a computer motherboard, 510 video 520, 522 and
audio 518 I/O printed circuit boards; a hard driv 506, and a
display device 115, 508. This display device could be a ?at
devices such as cameras, video monitors, audio recorders,
LCD screen, or could be a different sort of device, known or
headphones, edit controllers, interface and control devices,
external power supplies, and signal generators. The DFR
inventive. The display device 1115, 508 is used (among other
things) to provide status information about the portable digi
tal ?le recording system 100, status information about
devices that might be connected to the recording system 100,
the capacity remaining within the storage units, and other
information relevant to the recording system 100.
software transfers the video and audio data from the input/
output boards to the D.MAG digital magaZine in a computer
readable ?le format. It also catalogs and organiZes the data
30
into “productions,” “scenes,” and “takes” according to param
The system 100 also contains one or more removable digi
eters set by the user of the system. The DFR replaces tradi
tional video tape recorders, using digital magaZines in lieu of
tape cartridges, and storing the images in computer-readable
digital ?les in lieu of magnetic analog signals that must be
tal magaZines 120, sometimes referred to as D.MAGs. As
35
other uses, is the common medium that provides for the
transport of digital images captured from a camera, digital
audio signals captured from sound sources, and additional
converted later to digital information.
The preferred embodiment also includes an archival dock
ing station (A.DOCK), a cloning docking station (C.DOCK),
and a network docking station (E.DOCK), which allows
40
transfer of data across a network. These docking stations
comprise a desktop-type chassis or case, one or two “receiv
ers” for D.MAG digital magaZines identical to that in the
DFR, and computer network connections. Moreover, the
docking stations are low-cost platforms that facilitate the
transfer of the digital video and audio ?les from the D.MAGs
45
to computer networks or storage devices.
Exemplary System Embodiment
50
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of
an integrated digital audio and high de?nition video record
ing system 100, also called a ?eld recorder, or a DFR. The
modules shown within the DFR and the relationships
between them indicate the main components in the DFR;
other components and relationships are not shown for the
sake of simplicity. In particular, FIGS. 1A and 1B usually do
not show speci?c wiring or layout information, or input or
output format. Depending on implementation, modules of the
portable digital ?le recording system 100 can be added, omit
ted, split into multiple modules, combined with other mod
ules, and/or replaced with like modules. In alternative
embodiments, portable DFRs 100 with different modules
The system 100, in general, provides quiet mode operation,
which quiets fan noise, about other things, for those times
data that helps describe environmental factors associated with
the recording. The D.MAG, which will be discussed in more
detail with reference to FIG. 3, is mountable within the DFR
100, and should be able to be locked in position in the DFR
100, or in another apparatus. It is compact and portable; has
handles or other grasping structures on the sides, weighs
?fteen pounds or less, and should have an external housing
that is small enough to be easily carried.
A connector 150 is included within the removable digital
magaZine 120 (D.MAG) which is used to interconnect the
D.MAG 120 with other devices. The D.MAG preferably con
tains its own status screen, and should be able to be controlled
by a remote computing device such as a laptop computer or a
PDA. Information is stored on at least one, and preferably
four or six high capacity digital information stored devices
145, such as hard drives or solid state media.
55
The information that is stored comprises uncompressed
high de?nition video footage 130, uncompressed audio foot
age 135, and in some cases, metadata 140. In an alternative
embodiment, compressed audio footage or compressed video
footage may be stored.
60
At least one digital magaZine receiver 155 connects the
DFR 100 to the D.MAG 120. A connector 165, preferably a
low insertion force connector, is used to make the D.MAG
120 connector 150 to the DFR 100. The receiver also com
prises a backplane 160, and associated wiring.
and/ or other con?gurations of modules perform one or more
of the described techniques.
noted above, the D.MAG is a digital magaZine which, among
65
A control and connector panel 170 is used by the DFR 100
preferably allowing the DFR 100 to be compatible with the
maximum number of video products available. USB, Fire
US 8,019,194 B2
5
6
Wall, Gigabit Ethernet and RS422 connectors, a camera
socket, and a variety of other connectors may each be present.
The control and connector panel includes a PCB 518
connector is preferably set to be a standard XGA signali
RGB+H 7 V sync. These alloW users the maximum choice of
monitors on allocation including multi-sync computer-style
monitors or analog input plasma displays.
Sync in and sync loop connections are also preferably
(D.MAG Control) to provide novel logic, circuitry, and func
tionality. This PCB alloWs the DFR (Digital Field Recorder)
softWare to accept and interpret signals from external equip
included. In an exemplary embodiment, the DFR 100 is set to
auto sync, dependent on input. It should alWays reference to
video input in record and EE modes. Reference can be either
tr-level HD sync or Bi-level standard mixed sync including,
and not limited to, color black, NTSC, or PAL.
In at least one embodiment, if there is a reference available
on the sync input then the unit Will ?nd the reference and use
it in playback. If there is no reference the unit Will stay locked
to video input in playback; if there is no sync input, the DFR
Will free run based upon the last knoWn reference available.
The sync provided should be the same as the format used, if
reference lock is to be maintained.
ment such as cameras, and provide appropriate responses,
including generating signals speci?c to cameras. For
example, one signal may, in effect, inform the softWare that a
camera has been placed in “record”. The softWare is able to
decode that signal and drive another signal on the D.MAG
Control PCB that “tallies,” or illuminates the “record” indi
cator in the camera vieW?nder. Other signals include loW
battery voltage detection and tally reporting and an end-of
magaZine Warning indicator. The circuitry includes as input,
an 8 channel audio-out digital line, and tWo 2 channel audio
out analog lines.
The optional camera socket 172 may provide full trigger
and tally functions, and provide status returns to a camera
vieW?nder. The tally light on the connected camera Will be lit
When the DFR 100 is recording. In addition, the DFR 100 Will
provide for the tally light to ?ash When the D.MAG nears the
end of its record time. In an exemplary embodiment a sloW
?ash starts at around 3 minutes of record time left, With the
light ?ashing faster at 1 minute, and faster yet When less than
30 seconds of record time remains. The tally light can also be
20
An audio link 176 for input, output, and monitoring is also
provided. It preferably provides full support for uncom
pressed digital audio record at 48 kHZ, 24 bit, though other
uncompressed speeds are also envisioned. An exemplary
embodiment includes either 6 or 8 channels plus provides full
monitoring capabilities. The audio channel, in some instan
25
tiations, is alWays on. The audio can be recorded either syn
chroniZing it With the video recording, or can be recorded
Without synchronization.
set up to ?ash When loW poWer is detected.
A poWer source 190 514 is provided. Preferably the poWer
The line outputs (in an exemplary embodiment) are analog
line-driven, balanced audio outputs. They are preferably pro
connections are 24VDC. The voltage is internally regulated
embodiments include an AC adaptor, and/or external batter
vided to drive line mixers or outboard analog recording
devices. In addition, a preferable embodiment includes tWo
sets of stereo headphone outputs 180.
Timecode connections 186ipreferably analog LTC con
nections conforming to SMPTE l2iare also optionally pro
vided. If provided, a timecode generator is also included
Which reshapes and cleans the input signal to ensure the
correct timecode. The timecode generator should also be
1es.
capable of running in at least one of internal, external, jam
and Will accept a range of 22V DC to 36 V DC. In one
embodiment, there are tWo 24V connectors, Which alloWs for
30
battery change-over Without interrupting recording. Option
ally a 12V DC output is present; in one embodiment it is
internally limited to 2 amps at 14 v and is provided to provide
poWer for small portable monitors, hard drives, etc. It may
35
also be used to provide poWer for some cameras. Some
A computer netWork port 182 is optionally provided,
Which in a preferred embodiment, is a Gigabit Ethernet port.
40
The port supports control and ?le transfers, and is designed
(though not limited) to alloW the up- and doWnload of pro
duction information from and to the D.MAG for production
and shot listing. The port should preferably be able to auto
matically adjust to loWer bandWidth connections such as 100
Mbit and 10 Mbit. In a preferred embodiment, a second
sync, and freetime mode. The timecode can be preset for start
code and can either be continuous, RECRUN, or folloW a
different format. In addition, some embodiments also provide
for full support of embedded timecode conforming to
SMPTE RP188 and/or RP215A, also referred to as VITC
code or ANC data. Optionally, the DFR can convert LTC to
45
ANC data providing both forms on playback. The ANC
DATA space should be fully recorded and placed in the ?le
computer netWork port 184 is also provided. If both ports 182,
header alloWing any additional information, including meta
184 are present, they should be able to load and unload data
data, can be stored With the video ?les.
simultaneously.
Other connections, such as an edit controller 178, a GIPO
A video port 174 is preferably provided, as Well. In an
exemplary embodiment this is an industry standard SMPTE
292M connection. Some embodiments also or alternatively
comprise an SMPTE 372M support Which alloWs for dual
link mode. In dual link mode the unit can be used for HD plus
50
alpha for real time HD YUV and key recording and playout.
55
connection, and an antenna connection may also be provided,
as Well as other connections knoWn to those in the art.
2. OvervieW of Exemplary Methods
Described embodiments include techniques and tools for
recording video and audio in the ?eld on removable maga
Zines, and then using the magaZines. The ?oWchart elements
described herein are only examples; other ?oWchart elements
can be used in accordance With the described techniques.
The main video output can also be set to provide dual link to
single link color space conversion, Which alloWs users to vieW
HD RGB dual link images on HD SDI monitors that do not
have dual link capabilities. It can also be used to play into
Furthermore, the ?oWchart elements can occur in different
orders, or speci?c process blocks can be skipped in accor
standard HD devices such as a VTR or sWitcher for test 60 dance With the described techniques and tools. The described
composites.
techniques and tools can be used in combination With one
another or With other techniques and tools, or can be used
Video output images can be set to conform to a variety of
independently.
differing standards for monitoring or for outputting to other
devices. These standards include HD analog and optional HD
doWn converter. HD analog outputs can be set to be either HD
YUV or HD RGB. If set to HD RGB, the signal has sync on
green. If set to HDYUV, the signal has sync onY. The SVGA
65
Referring to FIG. 2A, ?oWchart 200 shoWs a brief over
vieW of the methods disclosed herein. At process block 202
data is recorded onto a portable recording apparatus. With
reference to FIG. 2B, the data 247 comprises uncompressed
US 8,019,194 B2
7
moving image data 250 and uncompressed audio data 260.
Pro dUser2 :User2 : none
This data may be stored in DPX format 255.
In some embodiments, metadata 265 is also recorded. This
metadata may consist of automated data 270, user generated
Pro dUser4 :User4 : none
Pro dUser3 :User3 :none
[REEL1 1]
data 275, and ?le system data 280.
ReelNumb 61:1
ReelDateI3/2 9/2004
ReelDirectoFnone
ReelDP:none
ReelAssistant:none
With continuing reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, user gen
erated data 275 can be created in the system using softWare
112 provided With the DER 100. This user-generated data can
be input using a laptop computer, on a PDA, or using some
other input method using a device that can be interfaced to the
Reel Operator:none
DER 100. For example, preferably, any operating system can
ReelUser1:User1:none
ReelUser2:User2:none
be accessed using one of the netWork connections 182, 184, or
through Serial or USB connections.
ReelUser3 :User3 :none
User-generated data 275 generally includes complete
details of the production including director, DP and operators
ReelUser4:User4:none
ReelLastScene:8
names, non-changing production information and user data
?elds. Each reel also has the ability to add additional data for
ReelFileFOrmatIDPX
ReelFileSystem:LlNUX_XFS
A or B or visual effects units, the scene has data pertaining to
[SCENE: 1]
the speci?c details of each scene including data such as loca
tion, frame rate and standards. Each take then has additional
data ?elds. All data headings include space for user generated
notes. All data attaches directly to the ?les or to the produc
tion. This data is stored in a separate ?leipreferably a simple
text ?le that can be exported read and edited in a Wide variety
of programs. This metadata ?le lists all relevant data for the
shoot, the production, the scene and take. An example of such
SceneNunib er:scene- 1
20
SceneTimecodeStart:00:02 :03 : 22
SceneLocation:none
SceneUnitInone
SceneAudioChannel s:none
25
Directory StructureiDMAG
The ?le system data 280 uses both the automated data 270
and user-generated data 275 to ensure that each frame has a
set of unique identi?ers Which guarantees that frames cannot
be orphaned in an application. The frame name also includes
a base set of identi?ers so that from just a directory inquiry a
frame should be able to be identi?ed. The ?le system alloWs
a traditional folder/ directory approach to recording data to
help users catalog and ?nd frames of interest. A D.MAG reel
has the structure of a master directory, With sub-directories,
Scenes and Takes beneath that. In each Take directory the
frames are stored as uniquely-named individual ?les uniquely
named. This alloWs for D.MAG reels to be mounted and
directory inquires made in an ef?cient manner. The ?lesystem
data ?le 280, Which resides at the reel level, preferably has full
information for all details attaching to that reel and produc
tion so inquiries can be made of it for cataloging and search
information. This ?le is easily parsed into a database appli
SceneVideoBits:10
SceneVideoFrameBuffeFRGB
30
SceneTimecodeMo de:RECORD_RUN
SceneTimecode Sync:SET_START
SceneField FrameFlag:Not Speci?ed
35
40
[TAKE: 1]
45
TakeNumb 61:1
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:00:00:01
TakeTimecodeEnd:00:00: 15:24
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00: 00: 00:00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumb erOfFrames:3 9 9
50
[/ TAKE]
[TAKE : 2]
55
system automatically provide reel and scene numbers.
60
ProdName:none
ProdDate:3/ 29/2004
ProdDirectoFnone
Pro dUser1 :Userl :none
TakeNumb er:2
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:00: 1 6 :00
TakeTimecodeEnd:00:00: 30: 15
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00: 00: 00:00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumb erOfFrames:3 6 6
[/ TAKE]
[TAKE :]
[PRODUCTION1 0]
ProdDp:none
ProdOperator:none
SceneCameraTypeIVIPER
SceneCameraNumb eFA
SceneNumb erOfTakes:6
SceneLastTake:6
SceneNotes:“None”
The user, preferably, can declare Which information is to be
automatically generated. For example, a user may have the
BeloW is an example of an exemplary ?le system structure.
SceneTimecodeFormat:LTC_NDF
SceneTimecodeSourceIINTERNAL
cation that accepts space delineated text ?les. A ?le name can
either be de?ned by the user or a default ?le name can be used.
In a preferred embodiment, some information traditionally
thought of as user-generated can be automatically provided.
SceneAudioType:Not Speci?ed
SceneVideoFormat:l 080p sfi2500
SceneVideo SampleRateIRGB
a ?le is shoWn beloW.
Reel
Scene1
Take
Frames
Scene2
Take
Frames
SceneDate:3/2 9/2004
65
TakeNumb er:3
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:00:30:16
TakeTimecodeEnd:00:00: 56:24
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
US 8,019, 194 B2
10
9
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00: 00: 00: 00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumb erOfFrames:6 5 9
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00:00:00:00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumberOfFramesI1289
[/TAKE]
[/ TAKE]
[TAKE:2]
[TAKE : 4]
TakeNumb er:4
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:00: 57 :00
TakeTimecodeEnd:00:01: 19: 15
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00: 00: 00: 00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumb erOfFrames:5 66
TakeNumbeF2
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:02:57:16
[/TAKE]
[TAKE : 5]
[/ TAKE]
[TAKE:3]
TakeNumb er:5
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:01 :19:16
TakeTimecodeEnd:00:01 :3 5:23
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00: 00: 00: 00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumb erOfFrames:408
TakeNumbeF3
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:03 :07: 17
TakeTimecodeEnd:00:03:44: 14
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00:00:00:00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumberOfFramesI886
TakeTimecodeEnd:00 : 03 : 07: 16
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00:00:00:00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumberOfFramesI241
20
25
[/TAKE]
[TAKE: 6]
TakeNumb er:6
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:01 :3 5:24
[/ TAKE]
[TAKE:4]
30
TakeTimecodeEnd:00:02: 03 : 22
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00: 00: 00: 00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumb erOfFrames:6 99
35
[/TAKE]
[/ SCENE]
[SCENE : 2]
SceneNumb eFscene-2
SceneDate:3/2 9/2004
SceneTimecodeStart:00:04 :24 :04
SceneLocation:none
SceneUnitInone
[/ TAKE]
[TAKE:6]
40
45
SceneAudioType:Not Speci?ed
SceneVideoFormat:1080psfi2398
SceneVideo SampleRateIRGB
50
SceneTimecodeFormat:LTC_NDF
SceneTimecodeSOurceIINTERNAL
SceneCameraNumbeFA
SceneNumb erOfTakes:5
SceneLastTake:6
SceneNotes:“None”
[/ TAKE]
[/ SCENE]
[/ REEL]
[/ PRODUCTION]
At process block 205, the data is saved to a ?rst storage
55
magazine, previously disclosed, and should be removable,
reusable, and erasable. At least, it should be able to hold either
at least 216 Gbyles of recorded video 250 and audio 260 data,
and associated metadata 265. It should also Weigh under 20
pounds, and be easy to carry. Some instantiations provide for
60
[TAKE: 1]
TakeNumb 61:1
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:02 :03 :23
TakeTimecodeEnd:00:02: 57: 15
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00:00:00:00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumberOfFrames:606
device. This storage device is preferably a D.MAG digital
SceneTimecodeMo de:RECORD_RUN
SceneTimecodeSync:SET_START
SceneFieldFrameFlag:Not Speci?ed
SceneCameraTypeIVIPER
TakeNumbeF6
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:03 :5 8:23
TakeTimecodeEnd:00 : 04: 24 : 04
SceneAudioChannel s:none
SceneVideoBits:10
SceneVideoFrameBuffeFRGB
TakeNumbeF4
TakeNotes:“None”
TakeTimecodeStart:00:03 :44: 1 5
TakeTimecodeEnd:00:03: 58:22
TakeUserBits:00:00:00:00
TakeAltTimecodeEnd:00:00:00:00
TakeUMlD:0
TakeCircle:0
TakeNumberOfFramesI344
65
a bit transfer rate exceeding 2000 Mbits per second, and some
are even faster, providing for transfer speeds in excess of 3000
Mbits per second.
At process block 210, the data stored on the D.MAG is
edited non-linearly. In other embodiments, the data is edited
non-linearly after being transferred to a different storage
device 230 or even a different storage medium, as might
happen if the data Were transferred across a netWork 235.
US 8,019,194 B2
11
12
as SCSI or ATA. The backplane carries the data signals from
At process block 215 the data is vieWed. This may be done
simultaneously With the recording 202, and in some embodi
the disk drives to the LIF connector, 416 Which can mate to a
ments tWo or more devices may be set up to vieW the data
simultaneously, such as at the recording site, and at a remote
site.
At process block 220 a ?rst storage device, preferably a
matching connector in a D.MAG “receiver”. A 4-pin connec
tor 415 is used to route poWer to the backplane, preferably in
the 5-12 volt range.
With reference to FIG. 5, and continuing reference to FIG.
D.MAG, is removed from a recording device, preferably a
3, the second, mating backplane 345, 502 routes those signals
DFR 100, and at process block 225 a second storage device is
from the ?rst backplane 400 using a router 355 from the LIF
to an off-the-shelf Fibre Channel HBA (Host Bus Adapter)
350. The HBA alloWs transfer of the Fibre Channel data to
another data storage device, to a netWork, etc. TWo 1 Gigabit
inserted into the recording device. The device may be hot
sWapped; that is, removed Without turning off the DFR 100.
Once a D.MAG has been removed, the data on it can be
transferred to a different location, such as an video production
Ethernet connections (a dual Gigabit Ethernet Connection)
are used to provide data transfer speed of 2 Gigabits. In
alternate embodiments, only one 1 Gigabit Ethernet connec
studio, Where the data can then be processed. The data might
be transferred to archival storage 230, or it can be placed in a
netWork docking station Which Will alloW the data to be sent
across a netWork 235, such as the internet or a private intranet,
tion is provided.
The D.MAG 300 can be inserted into various docking
stations, including a cloning docking station 360, an
archiving docking station 365, and a netWork docking station
to a remote location. Once the data on the D.MAG has been
transferred, the D.MAG unit can then be erased 240, and can
then be reinserted 245 into the DFR 100 for more recording.
370.
20
Exemplary Removable Digital Magazine
Embodiment
all models. Next to the receiver is a load/unload button and a
status LED.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a generaliZed recordable
digital magaZine 300, in Which the digital magaZine is light
Weight and may be moved easily betWeen recording devices,
archiving devices, netWorking devices, etc.
The relationships shoWn betWeen modules Within the
D.MAG indicate the main portions of the D.MAG; other
portions are not shoWn for the sake of simplicity.
Depending on implementation modules of the D.MAG 300
The docking stations preferably share common buttons and
mechanical layout. The upper D.MAG receiver is present on
25
The archival docking station 365 (A.DOCK) is designed to
make data tape backups of D.MAG uncompressed images.
Normally, tWo tapes are made simultaneously of each
D.MAG magaZine, giving toW original mirror data tape sets.
This alloWs a security copy to be kept While the other copy is
used in production.
30
With reference to FIG. 7, and continuing reference to FIG.
3, TheA.DOCK 365 comprises an enclosure With at least one
can be added, omitted, split into multiple modules, combined
D.MAG “receiver,” backplane 702, a computer motherboard
With other modules, and/or replaced With like modules. In
510, a poWer supply 716, a “disk cache” comprised of mul
tiple off-the-shelf computer hard disk drives installed in a
specialiZed enclosure 704, a front panel 712 Which itself
comprises a keypad buttons to control the operation of the
unit, and LCD’s, an LCD display 706 for menus, status and
other user-speci?c information, and a rear panel comprising
external connections, including at least one 1 gigabit Ethernet
alternative embodiments, recordable digital magaZines 300
With different modules and/or other con?gurations of mod
35
ules perform one or more of the described techniques.
The Recordable Digital Magazine (D.MAG) 120, 300, in a
preferred embodiment, Weighs 10-15 pounds and is 14.5
inches Wide, by 3.25 inches high, by 8 inches deep, and is
comprised of a specially designed enclosure, as shoWn in
FIG. 6. The entire apparatus 600 is designed to be securely
and removably mounted in a variety of devices. The front
panel 602 is designed With a handle to alloW easy carrying.
The top panel 604 includes structure for locking the storage
device in position When mounted in mating receiving struc
40
boards and mice. An XGA connection for monitors is also
preferably provided. A preferred embodiment has tWo one
45
tures. Six ?ber channel drives 612 are secured in four brack
ets, tWo 618, 620 With space for tWo drives apiece and tWo 624
With space for one drive apiece. In an alternate embodiment,
brackets 622 and 624 hold tWo drives apiece, giving the
device a total of 8 ?ber channel drives. A backplane 616
contains brackets for each of the disk drives 612. A loW
50
insertion-force (LIF) connector on the rear panel 602 con
nects the D.MAG to other, coupling, devices.
In an exemplary embodiment, the D.MAG also includes a
status screen 320, Which, preferably, is a ?at user-de?nable
55
LCD display With battery back-up. It has su?icient memory
to place up to eight pages of information about the material
stored on the magaZine and details of the of the production
60
GNU TAR format. Archives can span multiple tape car
tridges. Tapes created on the A.DDOCK can be restored
almost anyWhere on any compatible tape drive, Which can
either be a single tape drive, or a library of tapes. Redundant
specialiZed loW insertion force (LIF) 48 pin connector 330,
418 to the four, six, or 8 2 Gigabit disk drives 402-410 that are
connected directly to the backplane 414. In an alternate
embodiment, another disk drive interface could be used, such
gigabit Ethernet connections. One is normally set to a static IP
address, the other is set for DHCP auto connections.
A D.MAG magaZine 300 that has been recorded in a DFR
100 may be inserted into the A.DOCK “receiver”. SoftWare
then reads the front panel sWitches to determine Which opera
tion is to be performed. Normally, the information on the
D.MAG 300 Will be copied to the internal disk cache. If a tape
library is connected and the user chooses the archival func
tion, the information noW in the disk cache is transferred to
the data tape in the tape library. The D.MAG can then be
“erased,” removed from the A.DOCK, and reused for the next
recording session in the DFR. Another function alloWs the
user to copy the material from a data tape into the internal disk
cache, and then onto a “blank” D.MAG 300.
The data tapes are preferably created using the universal
itself. This data can be read even When the D.MAG is on a
shelf.
The D.MAG further includes a novel pair of backplanes.
With reference to FIG. 4, on the ?rst backplane 325, 414 a pair
of 2 gigabit Fibre Channel circuits 335, 340 are routed from a
connection, at least one SCSI port, an RS422 connection, and
tWo USB connections, provided for peripherals such as key
65
backup is supported. The folloWing external connections are
among those available: 2 Gigabit Ethernet connections, 2
USB Serial Bus, 15 pin D.SUB XVGA, FireWire, Dual SCSI
Ultra 320 LVD, dual SCSI High Density 68 pin, and an AC
input.
US 8,019,194 B2
14
13
a display;
A.DOCKs are designed to work with an automated tape
library system. Many of the functions are supported with
software provided with the A.DOCK system.
at least one removable, reusable, computer-readable digital
data storing, digital magaZine; the digital magaZine stor
ing the computer-readable digital data, real-time, in
Some A.DOCKs 365 also add a real time HD Video play
back function which allows the docking station to play
DPX ?le format; the digital data comprising uncom
D.MAG RGB images out to standard HD video destinations.
pressed high de?nition video footage, uncompressed
audio footage, and metadata;
The cloning docking station 360 (C.DOCK) is a studio
cloning station for D.MAG magaZines. The C.DOCK prefer
the digital magaZine comprising:
ably comprises an enclosure with two D.MAG “receivers,” a
a backplane;
computer motherboard, anAC power supply, an LCD display
for menus, status and other user-speci?c information, push
buttons to control the operation of the unit, and external
at least two digital storage devices electrically coupled
with the backplane; and
at least one low insertion force connector, electrically
coupled with the backplane;
connections for computer networks. A D.MAG that has been
the digital magaZine having a data transfer rate of at least
four gigabits per second from the at least two digital
storage devices through the low insertion force con
recorded in a DFR is inserted into one of the C.DOCK
“receivers”. Software then reads the front panel switches to
determine which operation is to be performed. Normally, the
information on the D.MAG will be copied to a second “blank”
D.MAG that has been inserted into the second receiver. This
operation provides the user with a “safety” copy of his cap
tured material while the original is transported or modi?ed.
The C.DOCK 360 also has all of the functionality of the
nector;
a digital magaZine receiver comprising:
20
magaZine;
network docking station 370.
The C.DOCK 360 is preferably available with different
options to provide connectivity to outboard archiving and
downloading solutions including tape libraries, large RAID
a control and connector panel, including one or more con
nectors shaped to removably, electrically couple with at
25
system, individual tape and disc drives and Storage Area
Networks. The cloning itself is done at close-to-real-time
speeds.
The network docking station 370 (E.DOCK) comprises an
enclosure with one D.MAG “receiver,” a computer mother
a backplane; and
a low insertion force connecter, shaped to removably
engage the low insertion force connector of the digital
30
least one external device; the at least one external device
comprising: a camera, a video monitor, an audio
recorder, headphones, a computer network, an edit con
troller, a microphone, or a signal generator;
software operative on the computer to facilitate communi
cation between the at least one external device and the
board, AC power supply, an LCD display for menus, status
digital magaZine; and
and other user-speci?c information, push buttons to control
at least one power source;
the operation of the unit, and external connections for com
puter networks. A D.MAG 300 that has been recorded in a
DFR 100 is inserted into the unit’s D.MAG “receiver”. A user
the portable digital ?lm recording system having a total
weight of not over 50 lbs.
35
2. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
40
recording system, and wherein the digital magaZine can be
removed from the ?lm recording system without turning the
power off the ?lm recording system.
3. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
can then gain access to the material recorded on that D.MAG
300 over an Ethernet network. If the material is transferred to
another storage device on the network, the D.MAG 300 can
then be “erased” and reused in a DFR in the next recording
session. The nature of this type of network connection allows
virtually any computer system to gain access to material
wherein the power source is used to turn power on the ?lm
wherein at least a portion of the digital data is stored in at least
one of the following formats HD, HD RGB, or 2K.
recorded directly from a camera or other video and audio
4. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
source.
wherein the audio footage comprises 6 or 8 channels.
Alternate Embodiments
Having described and illustrated the principles of our
invention with reference to the illustrated embodiments, it
will be recognized that the illustrated embodiments can be
modi?ed in arrangement and detail without departing from
such principles. Elements of the illustrated embodiment
shown in software may be implemented in hardware and vice
versa. Also, the technologies from any example can be com
45
6. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
50
less network, a USB port, a port designed to directly connect
7. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
wherein the control and connector panel further comprises up
55
In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the invention may be applied, it should be rec
ogniZed that the illustrated embodiments are examples of the
8. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
power source further comprising at least one of a battery, an
AC power source, or a DC power source.
60
and tools described herein may be combined in function and
use. We, therefore, claim as our invention all subject matter
that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.
We claim:
1. A portable digital ?lm recording system comprising:
a portable case;
a computer;
to 38 connectors for connecting to external devices.
further comprising at least two power sources, the second
invention and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope
of the invention. For instance, various components of systems
further comprising at least one of an RS422 control, a USB
serial port, an Ethernet connection, a RS232 control, a wire
to a camera, or a Firewire port.
bined with the technologies described in any one or more of
the other examples.
5. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
wherein the reusable digital magaZine holds up to 54 minutes
of DPX RGB ?le images.
9. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
wherein the software further comprises at least one converter
which converts digital information from one format to a dif
ferent format.
65
10. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
wherein the computer controls the digital ?lm recording sys
tem and wherein the computer is controlled by a remote
computing device.
US 8,019,194 B2
15
16
11. The portable digital ?lm recording system of claim 1
recording data on the portable recording apparatus, real
time, in DPX ?le format, the data comprising uncom
wherein the at least one external device is operable to provide
pressed moving images and uncompressed audio;
for vieWing of the digital data Without further processing of
the digital data.
12. A method of recording video, the method comprising:
transferring the data to the digital magaZine through the
loW insertion force connector at a rate of at least four
gigabits per second and saving at least a portion of the
providing a portable recording apparatus comprising:
data on the digital magaZine; the digital magaZine
a portable case;
Weighing not more than 15 lbs;
a 6911113111“;
vieWing the saved data from the digital magaZine on the
2‘ dlsplay;
10
at least one hot-sWappable, reusable, digital magaZine
comprising:
a backplane;
at least two digital Storage devices e1ecn~ica1ly
display, Without further modi?cation of the data;
transferring at least a portion of the saved data from the
digital magaZine to an archival storage device in real
time;
moving the saved data from the digital magaZine to a dif
coupled With the backplane; and
15
at least one loW insertion force connector, electrically
coupled With the backplane;
ncfn'hnear1y;
a digital magazine receiver Comprising.
a backplane; and
en a e the loW insertion force connector of the
di :1 ma azine
a ConHi1 and cinnect’or anel includin one or more
p
’
g.
connectors shaped to removably, electr1cally couple
2:33:21 ?fjitcglézlixtggllfl_(le:$ér;hil (11525111001111: 25
g'
’
_ _
gslfeljr’aiélrédn Controller’ a mlcrophone’ or a slgnal
Software Operative on the Computer to facilitate CO
.
.
.
rernser‘trntg the d1g1tal magazine into the portable recording
apparel us‘
.
.
.
13. The method of cla1m 12 wherein the recording further
comprises recording metadata, the metadata further compris
ing at least one of automatic data, user-generated data, and ?le
System data
14. The method of claim 13 Wherein the user-generated
data is input using one of a laptop or a PDA netWorked to the
tor, an audio recorder, headphones, a computer net-
?rst Storage device
15. The method of claim 12 further comprising removing
u_ 30 the d1g1tal magazine from the portable recording apparatus,
nication betWeen the at least one external device and
the digital magazine; and
at least one poWer source;
the portable recording apparatus having a total Weight of
not over 50 pounds;
_
_
.maga.Zme; an. .
p
_ _
eras1ng at leastda por‘tron of the data off of the d1g1tal
a 10W insertion force Connecter’ Shaped to removably 20
.
férem 1002111011 21Cr0§5 2‘ fletWOrk;
edltlng The Saved mOVlng lmages on the dlgltal magazlne
and inserting a second digital magaZine into the portable
recording apparatus.
16. The method of claim 12 Wherein vieWing comprises at
least tWo users vieWing the data simultaneously.
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