JP2001036849A - Camcorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camcorder which can record a video of an object in a VTR and a HDD by mounting the VTR and the HDD and is inexpensive. SOLUTION: A camcorder 1 has a three-CCD part 8 and a DSP 9 that converts prime colors of a moving image video signal obtained while scanning the three-CCD part 8 into a lightness and a chrominance signal. The camcorder is equipped with a DVC encoder 10 for transmitting digital moving image video data which are made to be a format of a digital video cassette system by compressing the moving video signal, an HDD 4 for recording the digital moving video data in a recording medium that can high density record desired data at a higher transmission speed than a bit capacity of the moving video signal, and a DVC 5 for inputting the digital moving image video data from the DVC encoder 10, converting them into a DVC system format and recording it in a video tape. An MPU 13, a video selection signal generating circuit 18 and a first multiplexer 20 select any unit by an instruction from an operation part 16.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camcorder,
In particular, the present invention relates to a camcorder which always obtains digital video data without photographing loss in a digital video cassette unit by recording a video of a subject obtained by a camera on one or both of a hard disk unit and a digital video cassette unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional commercial camera-integrated recording device (hereinafter referred to as a camcorder) obtains a video signal of a subject by capturing an image with a camera having a built-in CCD (charge coupled device), and converts the video signal. DVC format (D
Digital video cassette) and recording on a VTR tape. Such a camcorder is rapidly spreading because it is easy to carry in terms of small size and light weight when pursuing promptness such as news coverage.

The above-mentioned DVC VTR tape is run after a servo system control (also called servo lock) for mounting the VTR tape on the video head is performed.

[0004] Further, such a camcorder has only one VCR unit of the DVC, so that when performing long-time shooting, when the remaining amount of the VTR tape is exhausted,
Since photographing must be performed by replacing the tape with another VTR tape, photographing loss occurs.

In order to eliminate this photographing loss, for example, in a camcorder described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-67000, two tape transports are provided, and these tape transports are used alternately for continuous recording, or for each. Used once each.

On the other hand, in recent years, there is a method of compressing a video signal of a subject and recording the compressed video signal on an HDD. This method has an advantage that an image of a subject can be instantaneously recorded at the start of shooting.

[0007]

However, such a conventional camcorder as described above includes either a VTR tape or an HDD, and converts a video signal of a subject into a DVC VT.
Since the data is recorded on the R tape or the HDD, there are the following problems.

A method of recording a video signal of a camera on a DVC VTR tape is to perform control of a servo system for mounting the VTR tape on a video head (also referred to as servo lock), and then actually run and record. Therefore, there is a problem that there is a shooting loss of several seconds before the recording is actually started.

[0009] For this reason, for example, even if the recording start button is pressed in an emergency report number and the subject is photographed, the V
Since it takes a few seconds to be recorded on the TR tape, an important scene may be missed. In particular, in a news program, a scoop image is regarded as important, but shooting with a VTR alone has a shooting loss, which may impair recording of the scoop image.

In order to prevent such a situation, a VTR
There is also a method of realizing continuous recording by alternately photographing by providing two VTR tapes, but since each VTR tape performs servo lock at the time of switching, there is a problem that even if two VTR tapes are provided, there is a photographing loss. was there.

A method of recording only a video signal of a subject in the HDD, which is provided with only the HDD, has no loss in photography,
There is a problem that the recording time is shorter than that of the TR method, and that the pickup and the replacement cannot be performed instantaneously. That is, the recorded video cannot be immediately transferred to a television station.

Although there are camcorders that can take out and replace the HDD instantaneously, the mechanism is such that it can be taken out and replaced instantly, so that there is a problem that the cost is increased and the device itself becomes large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a low cost camcorder capable of recording an image of a subject on a VTR and an HDD by mounting the image of the subject on the VTR and the HDD. Aim.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein the first digital video data can be recorded. First recording means for recording on a recording medium, second recording means for recording on a second replaceable recording medium for recording digital video data,
The gist is that it is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein the first digital video data is recorded endlessly on a first recording medium. Recording means, second recording means for recording digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium, and first recording means for transferring and recording the video data of the first recording medium to the second recording medium. The gist of the present invention is to provide a video selecting means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, first recording for recording digital video data on a first recordable medium. Means, a second recording means for recording digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium, and receiving a transfer instruction from an external device, and according to the transfer instruction, the first recording medium or the second recording medium.
And a first transfer unit for transferring video data recorded on the recording medium to an external device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording means for recording digital video data on a first recordable recording medium. Second recording means for recording digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium; and monitoring the remaining amount of the second recording medium. A second video selecting means for recording video data of a moving image captured by the image capturing unit on the first recording medium immediately before the recording medium is replaced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first digital video data is recorded on a first recordable recording medium. Means, a second recording means for recording digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium, and a first or second recording medium for monitoring the remaining amount of the first recording medium or the second recording medium. Immediately before the remaining amount of the recording medium is completely exhausted, the video data of the moving image obtained by the imaging unit is transferred and recorded on the first or second recording medium of another camcorder having a sufficient capacity. And transfer means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording for recording digital video data on a first recordable medium. Means, a second recording means for recording on a replaceable second recording medium for recording digital video data, and a resolution different from that of the imaging unit, and rotatable at a different height from the imaging unit A sub-imaging unit provided on the upper side of the apparatus, a sub-camera driving mechanism for rotatably and optically controlling the sub-imaging unit in accordance with an instruction, and stopping the subject while scanning the charge image of the sub-imaging unit. A signal processing unit of the sub-imaging unit that generates video data, and one or both of the first recording medium and the second recording medium are selected based on the input instruction, and the previous recording is performed on the selected recording medium. And summarized in that and a third image selecting means for recording the video data from the sub-imaging unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an image pickup unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording for recording digital video data on a first recordable medium. Means, a second recording means for recording digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium, and a video image in which an aspect ratio of a video signal captured by an imaging unit is changed based on an input instruction. An aspect changing means for outputting a signal and a video signal output from the imaging unit are recorded on a first recording medium or a second recording medium, and the video signal output from the aspect changing means is output from the imaging unit. The point is that the signal is recorded on a recording medium on which no signal is recorded.

[0021]

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder according to a first embodiment. A camcorder 1 shown in FIG. 1 has an HDD 4 capable of recording a captured image from a camera 2 with a built-in CCD and a sound from a microphone 3.
And a DV cassette unit 5 (hereinafter, simply referred to as DVC5) for writing captured video and audio to a VTR tape in a DVC format. The camcorder 1 is a hybrid recording system, and an image obtained by the camera 2 is stored in an HDD or DVC5. By recording, images without servo loss
I try to get DD.

This camcorder 1 is, as shown in FIG.
The image of the subject is divided into three primary colors with three CCDs,
A three-plate CCD unit 8 for converting a charge image obtained by forming R, G, and B lights on respective CCDs into electric signals;
An analog video signal is obtained by scanning from the end of the plate type CCD unit 8, and the three primary color signals obtained by encoding this signal are converted into Y, U, V signals by a DSP 9 and a digital video signal from the DSP 9 is compressed. And a DVC encoder 10 for converting (５) and converting to a DVC format.

The DSP 9 receives an audio signal and synchronizes the audio signal with a digital video signal.

The camcorder 1 has a system bus 12
MPU 13, flash ROM 14, SRAM 15,
An operation unit 16 (keyboard or touch panel screen), a DRAM controller 17, a video selection signal generation circuit 18, a bus arbiter 19, and the like are connected.

The output of the DVC encoder 10 is
A first multiplexer 20 is provided. This first
The multiplexer 20 switches the switch gate by a control signal from the video selection signal generation circuit 18 for connecting the CCD side and the HDD side, connects the output of the DVC encoder 10 to the DMA 21, and outputs the digital signal from the DVC encoder 10. After the video signal is once recorded in the DRAM 22, it is recorded in the HDD 4.

Further, the first multiplexer 20
The digital video signal from the DSP 9 is input, and the switch gate is switched according to the input of the control signal for connecting the CCD side and the DVC side from the video selection signal generation circuit 18, and the digital video signal from the DSP 9 is converted to the DVC 5. V
Record on TR tape.

The DVC 5 includes an MPU (not shown), converts a digital video signal (hereinafter referred to as video data) from the DSP 9 into a DVC format, and records it on a VTR tape.

The DMA 29 and the EIDE interface 24 are used to record and read video data to and from the HDD 4 described above. IEEE13 instead of EIDE
It is also possible to interface with the HDD using a 94 interface.

Further, the DRAM 22 reads out the video data recorded in the HDD 4 and temporarily records it in the DRAM 22, and the HD 22 written in the DRAM 22.
A DMA 25 for reading out the video data of D4 is connected.

The video data of the HDD from the DMA 25 is converted by the DVC decoder 26 for display.

Further, the camcorder 1 according to the first embodiment
Has a second multiplexer 27 and a third multiplexer 28.

The second multiplexer 27 is connected to the output of the DSP 9, the display 30, the DVC 5 and the third multiplexer 28.
When there is a control signal for connecting the display side and the display 30 side, the switch gate C is switched to display the image data from the CCD side on the display 30.

Further, the second multiplexer 27 has an HD
When a control signal for connecting the video data recorded in D4 to the display 30 is transmitted from the video selection signal generation circuit 18, the switch gate is switched to switch the DVC decoder 26.
Is displayed on the display unit 30 from the HDD.

Further, the second multiplexer 27 has a function of D
When a control signal for connecting the video data recorded on the VC 5 to the display 30 is transmitted from the video selection signal generation circuit 18, the switch gate is switched to display the video data of the DVD 5 on the display 30.

The third multiplexer 28 outputs the output of the DVC decoder 26 to the second multiplexer 27 and the DVC
5, when there is a control signal for connecting the HDD side and the DVC side from the video selection signal generation circuit 18, the switch gate A is switched to record the video data from the HDD side on the DVC5.

Note that these first multiplexers 2
The 0, the second multiplexer 27, and the third multiplexer 28 are actually one IC, but in the present embodiment, the first, second, and third are separately described for convenience of explanation.

That is, the MPU 13 sends a code for switching the switch gate of each multiplexer to the video selection signal generation circuit 18 in accordance with the operation of an operation button of the operation unit 16 described later.

The MPU 13 loads the program of the present embodiment recorded in the flash ROM 14 into the SRAM with the power supply, and records the video data of the subject photographed by the camera 2 in the HDD 4 and the DVC 5 or in the HDD 4 or the DVC 5 Instructions to make it work.

The processing up to the selection instruction processing by the MPU and the operation of the video selection signal generation circuit 18 and the multiplexer are referred to as video selection means.

Further, the camcorder 1 is provided with a receiver 31 for receiving an external radio wave, converting the received radio wave to a voice, and notifying the voice to the operator.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 16
As shown in FIG. 2, a DVC-HDD button 33 for simultaneously recording video data on the DVC and the HDD, and a DVC5
DVC button 34 for recording video data only to
HDD button 35 for recording video data only in DD
And an HD for recording video data of the HDD 4 to the DVC 5.
D → DVC button 36, photographing loss correction button 37 for automatically correcting the photographing loss of DVC 5, zoom button 38
And a frame forward button 39a, a stop button 39b, and the like.

That is, the camcorder 1 of the first embodiment
Performs the following processing. (1) Video data is recorded on the HDD 4 from the CCD side. (2) The video data recorded on the HDD 4 is transferred to the DVC 5
To record. (3) The video data is recorded on the DVC 5 from the CCD side. (4) The image data from the CCD is transferred to the HDD 4 and the DVC.
Record in 5 simultaneously. (5) After the simultaneous recording of the HDD 4 and the DVC 5, the DV
Take out the video of the shooting loss of C5 from HDD4 and DVC
Automatically edit to 5.

The operation of the camcorder 1 of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. However, regarding the audio signal, HDD4,
Although the DVC 5 is recorded, the description will be given with emphasis on video data in this description.

For example, an operator turns on a power-on button (not shown) of the operation unit 16 and a photographing button (not shown).
Is pressed, only the switch gate C of the second multiplexer 27 is connected to the display unit 30 and the output of the DSP 9.

The image of the subject is converted into a video signal by the DSP 9 by the three-plate CCD 8 of the camera unit 2 and converted into Y (brightness) and UV (color difference) which can be displayed on the display 30. Digital video data is sent to the display unit 30 and displayed.

On the other hand, the MPU 13 always determines the mode using the operation buttons of the operation unit 16 (S301).

At this time, for example, when the HDD button 35 of the operation unit 16 is pressed, it is determined that the recording mode is the HDD recording mode, and the processing described below is performed.

(HDD recording mode) When it is determined that recording is to be performed on the HDD, the MPU 13 switches the switch gate A of the first multiplexer 20 to connect the DMA 21 and the output of the DVC encoder 10 according to the program in the Flash ROM 14. To the video selection signal generation circuit. That is, the CCD side and the HDD side are connected (S303). Then, the HDD 4 is immediately activated to record a video (S303).

Thus, the video data compressed and converted by the DVC encoder 10 is
After being written into the RAM 22 once, it is read by the DMA 23 and recorded on the HDD 4. That is, FIG.
As shown in (a) of FIG.
Since the image data is recorded in the DD 4, the image data of the subject with no shooting loss can be obtained in the HDD 4.

For the above-mentioned compression, DCT (discrete cosine transform) for rearranging pixels having a plane distribution into a frequency distribution is used.

Next, it is determined whether or not recording is stopped (for example, by pressing the HDD button again or by pressing the stop button) (S3).
05) If the recording is not stopped, the process proceeds to step 30
Return to 3.

When it is determined that the recording is stopped, the HDD
4 is stopped to stop recording (S307).

Next, the state of the first multiprocessor 20 is restored (S309). That is, the switch gate A of the first multiprocessor 20 is opened.

That is, every time the HDD button 35 is pressed, the HDD 4 stores the video data Hgi (H
gi: A, B,...) are recorded.

(HDD → DVC recording mode) On the other hand, when it is determined in step S301 that the HDD → DVC button 36 has been pressed, the MPU 13
According to the program No. 4, a command to open the switch gates A and B of the first multiplexer 20 is sent to the video selection signal generation circuit, and the switching gate A of the third multiplexer 28 is switched.
The output of the DVC decoder 26 is connected to the DVC 5, and a command is transmitted. That is, the HDD and the DVC are connected (S311).

Next, the switching gate B of the second multiplexer 27 is switched to connect the output of the DVC decoder 26 to the display unit 30. That is, a command for connecting the display unit 30 to the HDD is transmitted (S31).
3).

Next, the DVC 5 is activated for recording, and the VT
Turn the R tape (S315) to set the servo lock time TP
It is determined whether the time has elapsed (S317).

If it is determined in step S317 that the servo lock time TP has elapsed, the HDD 4
Is transmitted to the DVC 5 (S31).
9).

When the DVC 5 of the video data Hgi is transmitted, the video data Hgi of the HDD 4 is temporarily written into the DRAM 22 by the DMA 24 via the FIDE interface 24, and is read by the DMA 25 and read by the DMA 25.
The video data is transmitted to the VC decoder 26 and reproduced for display, and the video data is transmitted to the DVC 5 via the switching gate A of the third multiplexer 28.

Next, the second multiplexer 27 and the third multiplexer 27
A command for returning the state of the multiplexer 27 to the original state is transmitted (S321).

That is, every time the HDD → DVC button is pressed, the video data Hgi (A, B, C,...) Of the HDD 4 is changed to the DVC 5 as shown in FIG. Will be recorded. Therefore, the video data A, B, C,... With no shooting loss are recorded in the DVC 5.

(DVC-HDD simultaneous recording mode) DVC
-When the HDD button 33 is pressed, the MPU 13
In accordance with the program in the flash ROM 14, the switch gate A of the first multiplexer 20 is switched to DM
A21 and the output of DVC encoder 10 are connected (CCD
Side and the HDD side), and the switch gate B is connected to the output of the DSP 9 and the DVC 5 (the CCD side and the DV side).
A command to connect to the C side is sent to the video selection signal generation circuit. That is, the CCD side and the HDD side are connected (S323). At this time, the switch gate C of the second multiplexer 28 is connected to the display unit 30 and the output of the DSP 9.

Next, the DVC 5 and the HDD 4 are activated simultaneously (S325), and the video data from the CCD is output to the DV.
C5 and the HDD 4 are recorded (S327). Next, it is determined whether or not the recording is stopped (S329). The video data is supplied to the switch gate A of the first multiplexer 20, the DMA 21, the DRAM 22, the DMA 23, and the FIDE.
The data is recorded on the HDD 4 via the interface 24 and on the DVC 5 via the switch gate B of the first multiplexer 20.

Next, it is determined whether or not the recording of the HDD and the DVC is stopped (for example, the DVC-HDD button is pressed again or the stop button is pressed) (S329). If the recording is not stopped, the process returns to step 327.

If it is determined in step S329 that simultaneous recording is to be stopped, the HDD 4 and DVC 5 are stopped to stop recording (S331).

Next, the states of the first multiprocessor 20 and the second multiplexer 27 are restored (S33).
3).

That is, since simultaneous recording is performed, for example, when an important scene is not recorded due to photographing loss when the DVC 5 is used as on-air, the HDD is used.
4 video data can be used.

(Shooting Loss Correction Mode) This shooting loss correction mode is desirably used after shooting is completed in the DVC-HDD simultaneous recording mode.

In step S301, the photographing loss correction button 3
7 is determined to have been pressed, the MPU 13
According to the program of M14, the processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is performed.

The switch gate A of the third multiplexer 28 is connected to the output of the DVC decoder 26 and the DVC 5 (the HDD side and the DVC side are connected), and the switch gate B of the second multiplexer 27 and the DVC decoder 25 are connected. The output and the display unit 30 are connected (the HDD side and the display unit side are connected) (S401).

Next, the MPU 13 communicates with the DVC 5, and the video data Dgi recorded on the DVC 5 is transmitted.
(A, B,...) Recording end count value ki (kia, k
ib,...) are read (S403). For example, the count value kia of the end of recording of the video data A is read.

Next, the same HDD 4 as the video data Dgi (video data A) recorded from the HDD 4 to the DVC 5 is used.
Of the video data Hgi (video data A) (S
405).

Then, the video data Hgp (Hgpa) at the head of the video data Hgi (video data A) is transferred and sent to the DVC 5 for recording (S407).

That is, HDD4 → EIDE interface 24 → DMA23 → DRAM22 → DMA25 →
DVC decoder 26 → third multiplexer 28 → DV
The video data Hgpa at the beginning of the video data A in the HDD 4 is recorded on the DVC 5 via the path C5.

Next, the MPU 13 determines whether or not any other video data Dgi is recorded on the DVC 5 (S409).

If it is determined in step S409 that there is another video data Dgi in the DVC 5, the DVC 5
Is updated to the recording end count value ki of the next video data Dgi, and the process returns to step S403 (S411).
The video data Hgp at the head of the video data Hgi of the HDD 4 corresponding to the video data Dgi is recorded at the head of the video data of the DVD 5.

For example, the recording end count value kib of the video data B following the video data A of the DVC 5 is updated, and H
Video data Hgpb at the beginning of video data B of DD4
At the beginning of the video data B of the DVD5.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the video data Hgpa, hgpb, hgp at the head of each of the video data A, B, C,.
.., after the video data A, B, C,.
Since the images are recorded in order, it is possible to obtain an image without any photographing loss on the DVC 5.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a camcorder according to a second embodiment. The camcorder 40 according to the second embodiment includes an HDD 4 and a DVC as in the first embodiment.
5 and also communicates with a personal computer 42 mounted on the OB van 41 and relays the current video taken by the camera unit 2 to the HDD 4 according to an instruction from the personal computer 42 of the OB van 41. It has a function of transmitting recorded past video data.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder 40 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG.
Connects an internet interface 43 for communicating with the personal computer 42 of the relay vehicle 41 to the bus 12.

The ROM 44 and the RAM 45 decode the instruction from the relay vehicle 41 input via the internet interface 43 and read the video data Hgi of the HDD 4.
And a program for controlling a fourth multiplexer 46, which will be described later, is recorded. That is, the MPU 47 controls the internet interface 43 and the fourth multiplexer 46 according to this program.

The fourth multiplexer 44 is connected to the output of the DVC decoder 26 and the Ethernet interface 43.

The operation of the camcorder 40 according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

It is assumed that the MPU 47 records video data in the HDD 4 in advance by setting the switch gate A of the first multiplexer 20 to the CCD side and the HDD side in accordance with the program of the SRAM 45.

When a command to transfer the video data Hgi of the HDD 4 is input via the Internet interface 43 while the subject is being photographed, M
The PU 47 immediately sends a command for connecting the fourth multiplexer 46, the DVC decoder 26, and the Ethernet interface 43 to the video selection signal generation circuit 18. That is, the HDD and the relay van 41 are connected.

Next, the HDD 4 is started to transfer the past video data Hgi recorded on the HDD 4 to the relay vehicle side.

Therefore, on the side of the relay vehicle 41, it is possible to relay important past images while the current image is on air. Also, on the relay vehicle 41 side, it is possible to relay the video of the DVC 5.

That is, from the relay van 41 to the HDD 4 or the DV
Since any desired video data of C5 can be transferred, the photographer can concentrate on photographing the subject.

<Embodiment 3> Embodiment 3 will be described without using a configuration diagram. Embodiment 3 As shown in FIG.
, A continuous shooting mode 51 and an alarm LED 52 are provided in the operation unit 50.

When the continuous shooting mode 51 is pressed, the MPU according to the present embodiment turns on the alarm LED 52 and activates the HDD 4 when the remaining amount of the VTR tape of the DVC 5 becomes low, and the HDD 4 is activated. The present video data is recorded, and when the VTR tape is replaced, the recording of the HDD 4 is stopped and the video data is recorded on the DVD 5 again, thereby realizing continuous long-time shooting.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the continuous mode, the first multiplexer 20 is switched to connect the CCD side and the DVC side (S901), and the second multiplexer 27 is switched to connect the CCD side and the display unit side (S90).
3).

Next, it is determined whether or not recording of the DVC 5 is started (whether or not the DVC button 34 is pressed) (S90).
5).

If it is determined in step S905 that recording is to be performed by the DVC 5, the video data from the CCD is
While recording on C5 (S907), the remaining tape amount is determined (S909). The determination of the remaining amount of the tape is, for example, several tens of seconds for news or the like, and is set to about one minute in the present embodiment. The value of the remaining amount determination is determined by the operation unit 5
0 can be arbitrarily changed by a keyboard (not shown).

Next, when it is determined in step S909 that the remaining tape amount is one minute or more, it is determined whether or not the recording has been stopped (S911). If it is determined in step S911 that recording has been stopped, the DVC 5 is immediately stopped to stop recording (S913), and the process returns to step S905. That is, the switch gate B of the first multiplexer 20 is set to the open state.

If it is determined in step S909 that the remaining amount of tape is within one minute, the alarm LED 52 is immediately turned on (S915). by this,
The photographer knows that the VTR tape needs to be replaced. Also, a sound may be generated simultaneously with the alarm.

Next, the first multiplexer 20 is switched to connect the CCD side and the HDD side (S917).
The video is recorded on the DD 4 (S919).

Then, it is determined whether the VCR tape of DVC5 has been replaced with a new tape (S92).
1).

If it is determined in step S921 that the tape has been replaced, the first multiplexer 2
0 to switch to the CCD side and the DVC side (S9
23), causing the DVC 5 to record the video data (S92)
5).

Next, the startup of the HDD 4 is stopped and the HDD 4 is stopped.
4, the process returns to step S909, and the remaining tape amount is continuously monitored.

That is, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), video data of a subject is first recorded on the DVC 5, and the HDD is switched to the HDD 4 immediately before the remaining VCR tape of the DVC 5 runs out. The video data is recorded. When the tape is replaced, the HDD 4
The recording to the HDD 4 is stopped after the recording is continued for the elapsed time Tp of the servo lock without immediately stopping the recording of the video data to the HDD 4. Therefore, the image of the subject can be recorded for a long time. In addition, the relay function of the second embodiment enables communication with the relay truck 41.

Furthermore, in recording news programs and the like, it is often the case that only necessary parts are recorded. In other words, for tens of seconds,
Recording is performed every few minutes. For this reason, each time a recording is made, D
In VC5, a photographing loss will occur.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10B, for example, when the video data is recorded on the DVC 5, the HDD side and the CCD side are connected for the elapsed time Tp of the servo lock, and the video data is recorded on the HDD 4. At the same time, the recording is automatically switched to the HDD immediately before the tape is exhausted. Then, when the tape is replaced, the video data may be recorded on the DVC 5 again.
In other words, it is possible to obtain video data that has no photographing loss for a long time.

<Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder according to a fourth embodiment. This camcorder 55
Is for transferring video data to the DVD or HDD of the external camcorders 60a, 60b,...

For this reason, the external camcorders 60a, 60
The video data transfer control unit 59 (IEEE 1394 interface) that searches for external camcorders 60a, 60b,... capable of recording video data by communicating with the video data and transfers the video data recorded on the HDD 4 or DVC5. It has.

That is, the MPU 56 has the ROM 57 and the RAM
Based on the program 58, the remaining recording capacity of the HDD 4 and the remaining recording capacity of the DVC 5 are determined, and when either of them has run out, the video data transfer control unit 59 has a free remaining capacity. External camcorders 60a, 60b, ...
And let the camcorder find the HDD4 or DVC
5 is transferred.

Generally, the HDD has a smaller recording capacity than the DVC. For this reason, in continuous shooting in which the HDD 4 is simply overwritten, even the past video data is lost. If the video data of the HDD 4 can be transferred to an external camcorder, the video from the past can be continuously recorded. .

<Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder according to a fifth embodiment. The camcorder 65 according to the fifth embodiment includes two camera units and can simultaneously capture still images and moving images of different subjects.

A camcorder 65 shown in FIG.
The camera includes a main camera 2 having a CD section 8 and a sub camera 66 having a single-chip CCD section 67 of high resolution.

The sub camera 66 is connected to the system bus 12
Left and right by a sub camera driving mechanism 68 connected to
It can be rotated 60 degrees and moved up and down within a predetermined angle range.

The single-chip CCD unit 67 converts the video signal (NTSC) into Y (brightness) and UV (color difference).
Connected to SP69.

The DSP 69 is connected to a JPEG encoder 70 via a fifth multiplexer 71, and is compressed by the JPEG encoder 70 to
Is temporarily recorded in the DRAM 22, and is recorded in the HDD 4 by the DMA 24.

Further, the data is read out to the DRAM 22 by using the DMA 24, and the DMA 74 transfers the still picture data from the DRAM 22 to the JPEG decoder 75.

The compression is restored by the JPEG encoder 75 and displayed on the display unit 30 by a sixth multiplexer 76 described later.

The display unit 30 is connected to a multi-window control unit 78.
Accordingly, a moving image by the main camera 2 and a sub screen by the sub camera 66 are displayed as shown in FIG.

For example, the sub screen by the sub camera is displayed small at the left end of the main screen. Thus, the operator can obtain different subjects at the same time. Also, the sub screen can be displayed in an enlarged manner.

The fifth multiplexer 71 connects the switch gate A to the output of the DSP 69 and the JPEG encoder 70, and connects the switch gate B to the output of the DSP 69 and the DVD.
5 is connected.

The sixth multiplexer 76 is connected to the output terminal of the JPEG decoder 75 and the multi-window control unit 78, and the seventh multiplexer 76 is connected to the output of the DSP 69 and the multi-window control unit 78.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
A sub camera button 80 is provided in addition to the buttons of the first and third embodiments. Below the sub camera button 80, a right rotation button 81a for rotating the sub camera clockwise, a left rotation button 81b for rotating left, and an upper rotation button 81c for rotating the sub camera to a predetermined angle are provided.

That is, the camcorder 65 of the fifth embodiment.
Is pressed while pressing the sub camera button 80 while the video data of the main camera 2 is recorded in the HDD 4 and the DVC button 34 is pressed.
When is pressed, the MPU 83 closes the switch gate B of the fifth multiplexer 71 based on the programs in the ROM 84 and the RAM 85, and causes the DVC 5 to record still image video data on the single-chip CCD side of the sub camera 66 in the DVC 5.

Therefore, even if the operator shoots the main image with the main camera 2, the image of a different subject can be automatically recorded on the DVC 5, so that it is easy to take a scoop image.

Further, when the sub camera button 80 is pressed,
When the DD button 35 is pressed, the MPU 83 reads the ROM 84, R
Based on the program of AM85, the switch gate B of the fifth multiplexer 71 is opened and the switch gate A is closed. Further, the switch gate A of the first multiplexer 20 is set to the open state.

Thus, the single-plate type C of the sub camera 66
Still image video data on the CD side is recorded on the HDD 4 and video data of the main camera is recorded on the DVC 5.

That is, when there is an important scene (for example, a riot police and a crowd) at a position different from the target position during the actual shooting, the scoop is often missed. While the main video from the main camera 2 is being recorded on the HDD 4 or the DVC 5, the still image is
It can be recorded on VC5 or HDD4.

Therefore, even when a sudden accident occurs around the camera, it is possible to simultaneously record the scoop image, so that missed scoop images are reduced.

Further, even if one of the cameras suddenly breaks down during the news gathering, the photographing and the video recording can be performed by using the other camera.

<Sixth Embodiment> FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder according to a sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the camcorder generally has an aspect ratio of either 16: 9 or 4: 3. That is, since either one of the aspect ratios is used, if there is a request for high definition and normal recording at the same time, there is no other way but to change the aspect ratio twice and take it again, or to use two cameras at the same time.

Therefore, the camcorder 90 according to the sixth embodiment is described.
Has an aspect ratio changing unit 91 as shown in FIG.

In addition to the buttons used in the above embodiments, the operation unit 92 has an aspect ratio 4: 3 button 93.
And an aspect ratio 16: 9 button 94.

When the aspect ratio 4: 3 button 93 is pressed, the MPU 95 sends a command for changing the aspect ratio to 4: 3 to the aspect ratio changing unit 91 in accordance with the programs in the ROM 96 and the RAM 97.

The aspect ratio changing unit 91 determines the vertical scanning direction in the DSP 9 based on the input of this command.
The aspect ratio is 16: 3. As a result, the video recorded on the HDD 4 or the DVC 5 can be a normal video in which both sides of the screen are truncated as shown in FIG.

When the 16: 9 spectral ratio button 94 is pressed, the MPU 95 sends a command to change the aspect ratio to 16: 9 to the aspect ratio changing section 91 in accordance with the programs in the ROM 96 and the RAM 97.

The aspect ratio changing section 91 determines the vertical scanning direction in the DSP 9 based on the input of this command.
The aspect ratio is changed from 16: 9 to 4: 3.

As a result, the video recorded on the HDD 4 or DVC 5 can be obtained by uniformly compressing the vertical and horizontal sides of the screen as shown in FIG. 17B.

Therefore, even if there is a request for Hi-Vision and normal recording at the same time, it is not necessary to change the aspect ratio twice and take it again, or it is not necessary to take it with two cameras at the same time.

In FIG. 15, the aspect ratio is 16: 9.
When the video data of the aspect ratio 16: 9 is recorded on the HDD 4, the switch gate A of the eighth multiplexer 98 is closed and the digital video data having the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is stored in the DMA 21 and the DR 21.
HDD4 via AM22, DMA24, EIDE24
To record.

The video data having the aspect ratio of 4: 3 is stored in the HDD.
4, the switch gate B of the eighth multiplexer 98 is closed, and the DMA 21, DRAM 22, D
The data is recorded on the HDD 4 via the MA 24 and the EIDE 24.

When recording video data having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 on the DVC 5, the eighth multiplexer 9
The switch gate C of No. 8 is closed, and digital video data having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is recorded on the DVC 5.

When recording video data having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 in the DVC 5, the eighth multiplexer 9
The switch gate D of No. 8 is closed, and digital video data having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is recorded on the DVC 5.

On the other hand, when displaying the video data of the DVC 54 on the display unit 30, the switch gate A of the ninth multiplexer 99 is closed to display the video data of the DVC 5 on the display unit 30.

When the video data of the HDD 4 is displayed on the display unit 30, the switch gate B of the ninth multiplexer 99 is closed to display the video data of the HDD 4 on the display unit 30.

Further, when the monitor 30 displays the video data of the aspect ratio 16: 9 from the DSP 9 on the monitor, the switch gate C of the ninth multiplexer 99 is closed and the display 30 is displayed.

Further, when the display section 30 causes the monitor 9 to display video data having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 from the DSP 9, the switch gate D of the ninth multiplexer 99 is closed and the display section 30 displays the data.

In the above embodiment, the respective functions have been described as the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the camcorder has each of these functions. .

[0144]

As described above, according to the first aspect, the image pickup unit driven so that the number of frames that can be imaged per unit time is an integral multiple of the number of frames per unit time of the standard television signal system. The output digital video data is recorded on the first recording medium by the first recording means, and the digital video data is recorded on the exchangeable second recording medium by the second recording means.

[0145] Therefore, an effect that an image without leakage can be obtained is obtained. That is, recording of a scoop image or the like is not lost.

According to the second aspect, the effect is obtained that the digital video data of the first recording medium can be recorded endlessly on the first recording medium and the digital video data of the first recording medium can be recorded on the exchangeable second recording medium. .

According to the third aspect, the image on the first recording medium or the second recording medium can be transferred according to the transfer instruction from the external device, so that the desired image can be obtained anytime from outside. Has been obtained.

According to the fourth aspect, digital video data is recorded on the first storage medium immediately before the remaining amount of the second storage medium is exhausted, so that it is possible to continuously shoot for a long time. Have been obtained.

For example, immediately before taking out the VTR tape,
H is registered when the VTR tape is exchanged with the DD.
Since the storage in the DD is stopped and the video data is continuously recorded on the VTR tape, it is possible to keep the HDD for a long time.

According to the fifth aspect, when the remaining amount of the first or second recording medium is exhausted, recording is performed by another external camcorder, so that the operator is not concerned about the remaining amount. This has the effect that video data can be recorded continuously without having to do so.

According to the present invention, while capturing the main subject by the main image capturing section, the image of another subject is captured by the sub image capturing section and simultaneously recorded on the first recording medium or the second recording medium. Therefore, the scoop image obtained by the sub-imaging unit can be aired on-air.

According to the seventh aspect, for example, the aspect ratio is 16: 9 or 4: 3 without using the scan converter.
Therefore, the effect that the cost can be reduced is obtained. That is, it is not necessary to shoot using camcorders having different aspect ratios.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an operation unit of the camcorder according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating recording from the HDD to the DVC according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a camcorder according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an operation unit of the camcorder according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of continuous recording by an HDD and a DVC according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation unit of the camcorder according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a sub camera screen and a main camera screen according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camcorder according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation unit of the camcorder according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen according to a difference in aspect ratio according to the sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 4 HDD 5 DVC 8 Three-plate CCD unit 9 DSP 10 DVC encoder 13 MPU 16 Operation unit 17 DRAM controller 18 Video selection signal generation circuit 20 First multiplexer 27 Second multiplexer 28 Third multiplexer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C018 FA02 FA03 FB00 FB01 FB02 FB03 HA01 5C022 AA00 AC03 AC31 AC32 AC42 AC54 AC71 AC72 AC75 AC79

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording means for recording the digital video data on a first recordable recording medium; And a second recording means for recording the digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium. 2. A camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording means for recording the digital video data endlessly on a first recording medium; A second recording unit that records the digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium; and a first video selection that transfers and records the video data of the first recording medium to the second recording medium. And a means. 3. A camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording means for recording the digital video data on a recordable first recording medium; A second recording unit for recording the digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium, and receiving a transfer instruction from an external device, and according to the transfer instruction, the first recording medium or the second recording medium. A first transfer unit for transferring video data recorded on a recording medium to the external device. 4. A camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording means for recording the digital video data on a first recordable recording medium; A second recording means for recording the digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium, and a monitor for monitoring the remaining amount of the second recording medium, and Immediately before the second recording medium is replaced,
And a second video selection unit for recording video data of a moving image captured by the imaging unit on the first recording medium. 5. A camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording means for recording the digital video data on a recordable first recording medium; A second recording unit that records the digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium, and monitors the remaining amount of the first recording medium or the second recording medium, Immediately before the remaining amount of the second recording medium is completely exhausted, the video data of the moving image obtained by the imaging unit is transferred and recorded on the first or second recording medium of another camcorder having a sufficient capacity. 2. A camcorder comprising two transfer means. 6. A camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording means for recording the digital video data on a recordable first recording medium; A second recording means for recording on the exchangeable second recording medium for recording the digital video data, having a resolution different from that of the imaging unit, and being rotatable at a height different from that of the imaging unit A sub-imaging unit provided on the upper side of the device; a sub-camera driving mechanism that rotatably and optically controls the sub-imaging unit according to an instruction; And a signal processing unit of a sub-imaging unit that generates still video data of one or both of the first recording medium and the second recording medium based on an input instruction. And a third video selecting means for recording the video data from the sub-imaging unit on the recorded recording medium. 7. A camcorder for compressing digital video data output from an imaging unit and converting the digital video data into a predetermined recording format, wherein first recording means for recording the digital video data on a recordable first recording medium; A second recording unit that records the digital video data on an exchangeable second recording medium; and a video in which an aspect ratio of a video signal captured by the imaging unit is changed based on an input instruction. A video signal output from the aspect changing means for outputting a signal and the imaging unit is recorded on the first recording medium or the second recording medium, and a video signal output from the aspect changing means is output from the imaging unit. A camcorder characterized in that an output video signal is recorded on a recording medium on which no video signal is recorded.