초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for storing and retrieving synchronized audio/video "filmclips" to and from a data file of a multimedia computer workstation includes a storage means for a workstation to store audio and video data as digital data packets to the data file, and retrieval means for the workstat

An apparatus and method for storing and retrieving synchronized audio/video "filmclips" to and from a data file of a multimedia computer workstation includes a storage means for a workstation to store audio and video data as digital data packets to the data file, and retrieval means for the workstation to retrieve audio and video data from the data file. The video data is presented as an image on the display of the workstation, while the audio data is sent to either amplified speakers or headphones. An audio data stream is stored to the data file such that the audio data can be retrieved from the data file and reconstructed into a continuous audio signal. The video data is stored to the data file such that each frame of video data is inserted into the stored audio data stream without affecting the continuity of the audio signal reconstructed by the workstation. Timing information is attached to each frame of video data stored to the file, and indicates a point in the continuous audio data stream which corresponds in time to the frame of video data. A synchronizer displays a frame of video data when the point in the audio data stream, corresponding to the timing information of the retrieved video frame is audibly reproduced by the workstation. The invention also features a video teleconferencing "answering machine" which allows a user to leave an audio/video "filmclip" message on another workstation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for storing and retrieving audio and video data on a multimedia workstation, comprising the steps ofa) storing an audio data stream from a workstation to a data file accessible by the workstation such that the audio data stream can be retrieved from the data fi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for storing and retrieving audio and video data on a multimedia workstation, comprising the steps ofa) storing an audio data stream from a workstation to a data file accessible by the workstation such that the audio data stream can be retrieved from the data file and reconstructed by the workstation into a continuous audio signal;b) storing a non-continuous logical stream of video data from the workstation to the data file such that each frame of video data stored to the data file is inserted into the audio data stream also stored in the data file by the workstation without affecting the continuity of the audio signal when later retrieved from the data file and reconstructed by the workstation, said noncontinuous logical stream of video data being available video data remaining after portions of an initial video data stream have been discarded, while the audio data stream as stored in the data file remains unbroken; andc) attaching timing information to each frame of video data stored to the data file indicating a point in the audio data stream also stored to the data file which corresponds in time to the frame of video data, such that the stored available video data in the form of a noncontinuous logical stream of video data is realigned with the stored unbroken audio data stream.