Video apparatus for storing video images on a recording medium.

摘要

The invention is generally directed to a video apparatus for storing video images on a recording medium and replaying the stored images on a display. A camera mechanism converts light images into electrical video signals. A processor circuitry (200) coupled to the camera mechanism includes means for converting the electronic video signals into a low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal with the bandwidth substantially lower than in a standard television video signal. A recording mechanism (240) coupled to the processing means stores the low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal on an audio cassette, which has a standard speed allowing storage of an audio bandwidth signal. The recording mechanism includes a drive mechanism for driving the audio cassette at higher than normal speed to increase the bandwidth storage capacity of the audio cassette. A recording head mechanism stores the low bandwidth frequency modulated storage signal on the audio cassette. The video apparatus also includes a switch mechanism (220) for switching the video apparatus from a record mode where video images are stored on an audio cassette to a playback mode where the stored images are read off the audio cassette and displayed on the video display. In playback mode, the low bandwidth video signal is converted to a higher frequency standard television bandwidth video signal for display. The rate conversion from a low bandwidth video signal to a standard television video signal is performed by a "ping-pong" digital memory system. The video apparatus also adjusts the sensitivity of the camera mechanism by adjusting the exposure time of the camera mechanism based on the incident light.