JP2002158952A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that, when a recording and reproducing part for recording video and audio information is set in an image pickup device, not only a recording time is constrained but also the device is made large scale. SOLUTION: A video photographed by an image pickup device is recorded by a recording and reproducing part 23 of an information recording device set in a remote place. When the start of image pickup is instructed by a key inputting part 14, an information storage device for starting recording is searched, and the connection of a transmission path is established. In this case, video and audio information is stored in a memory 8 since the start of image pickup is instructed until the connection of the transmission path is established, and the reading is started after the connection of the transmission path is completed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus for picking up incoming subject light.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recorded video information and audio information are recorded.
Camera-integrated video tape recorders have become widespread as devices for reproducing this. This camera-integrated video tape recorder records video and audio information using a magnetic tape as a recording medium, and has the characteristic that video and audio information can be recorded using a relatively inexpensive recording medium.

On the other hand, recently, a camera-integrated video disk recorder that records captured video information and audio information using a disk recording medium has appeared. Since the camera-integrated video disk recorder uses a disk as a recording medium, it has a feature that video information and audio information can be easily edited by making use of its random accessibility.

[0004]

However, as described above, a camera-integrated video tape recorder or a camera-integrated video disk recorder records video information and audio information on a recording medium having a predetermined recording capacity. In addition, the recording medium needs to be replaced every time the recording medium runs out of free space, and the operation is complicated.

[0005] Further, if the recording medium runs out of free space during shooting, the shooting must be interrupted. There was a problem that the scene could not be shot.

Further, since these devices use a tape or a disk as a recording medium, it is necessary to provide a drive mechanism for driving these recording media and a recording medium take-out mechanism for replacing the recording medium. Providing such a mechanism has caused problems such as a complicated structure of the device, an increase in the size of the device, an increase in mass, and the like.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, does not require replacement of the recording medium, and can solve problems such as a complicated device structure, an increase in the size of the device, and an increase in mass. It is an object to provide an imaging device.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is an image pickup apparatus for transmitting photographed video information to an information recording apparatus provided at a remote place via a transmission path. There is an imaging unit that converts incoming subject light into a video information signal and outputs the video information signal, a compression processing unit that performs a compression encoding process on the video information signal output by the imaging unit, By transmitting and receiving an information signal between a memory unit for holding, a protocol conversion unit for converting the held compressed signal into a protocol suitable for transmission over a transmission path, and an information recording device provided at the remote place And a transmission / reception unit that establishes connection of a transmission path and sends out a compressed signal from the protocol conversion unit via the connected transmission path. transmission Until the connection is established, the compressed signal is held in the memory unit, and when the connection of the transmission line is completed, reading of the compressed signal from the memory unit is started, and the read compressed signal is transmitted to the transmitting / receiving unit. Is output from the device.

[0009] Further, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus for transmitting captured video information to an information recording apparatus provided at a remote place via a transmission path, and converts incoming subject light into a video information signal. An imaging unit that outputs the image information, and a compression processing unit that performs compression encoding processing on the video information signal output by the imaging unit.
A memory unit for holding the compressed signal subjected to the compression processing, a protocol conversion unit for converting the held compressed signal into a protocol suitable for transmission over a transmission path, and an information recording device provided at the remote location. Establishing a connection of the transmission path by transmitting and receiving information signals, comprising a transmission and reception unit that sends out a compressed signal from the protocol conversion unit via the connected transmission path, after the start of shooting in the imaging unit, While the shooting is suspended, the connection of the transmission path is maintained,
At the end of photographing, the connection of the transmission path is disconnected after transmission of all the compressed signals held in the memory unit is completed.

[0010] Further, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is an image pickup apparatus for transmitting photographed video information and audio information to an information recording apparatus provided at a remote place via a transmission path, and transmits incoming subject light to video information. An imaging unit that converts and outputs a signal, a sound collection unit that converts collected sound into an audio information signal and outputs the signal,
A compression processing unit that performs compression encoding processing on the video information signal output by the imaging unit and the audio information signal output by the sound collection unit; a memory unit that stores the compressed signal that has been subjected to the compression processing; A connection of a transmission line is established by transmitting and receiving an information signal between a protocol conversion unit that converts a compressed signal into a protocol suitable for transmission over a transmission line and an information recording device provided at the remote location. A transmission / reception unit for transmitting a compressed signal from the protocol conversion unit via the transmission line, wherein the compression processing unit has a data rate of the compressed signal output to the memory unit equal to or less than a data transfer rate of the transmission line. The compression encoding process is performed as described above.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a camera unit that converts an incoming subject light into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal as a video signal in the form of an analog signal. Reference numeral 2 denotes an A / D conversion unit that converts an analog video signal output from the camera unit 1 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal. Reference numeral 3 denotes a video signal that has been converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 2. An image information processing unit that performs processing and performs expansion processing on a video signal that has been compressed as described later.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a microphone which collects surrounding sounds, and 5 denotes an A / A which converts an analog sound signal output from the microphone 4 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal.
The D conversion unit 6 is an audio information processing unit that performs compression processing on the audio signal converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 3 and performs expansion processing on the audio signal that has been compressed as described later.

[0013] Reference numeral 7 denotes a compressed video signal output from the image information processing unit 3 or a compressed video signal output via the memory 8 and a compressed audio signal output from the audio information processing unit 6 or via the memory 8. And converts the compressed audio signal output from the receiver into a transmission signal of a predetermined communication protocol corresponding to the transmission path and outputs the transmission signal, and also converts the transmission signal coming through the transmission path into a compressed video signal and a compressed audio signal. This is a protocol conversion unit that outputs the result.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a compressed video signal output from the image information processing section 3 to the protocol conversion section 7 or a compressed video signal output from the protocol conversion section 7 to the image information processing section 3; A memory for temporarily storing a compressed audio signal output to the protocol conversion unit 7 or a compressed audio signal output from the protocol conversion unit 7 to the audio information processing unit 6, and 9 stores a transmission signal output from the protocol conversion unit 7. A transmission / reception unit that outputs to the transmission path and outputs a transmission signal coming from the transmission path to the protocol conversion unit 7. The memory 8 is preferably a semiconductor memory that can write and read data at high speed, but an ultra-small hard disk or the like is also conceivable.

[0015] Reference numeral 10 denotes a D / A converter for converting the video signal decompressed by the image information processor 3 into a video signal in the form of an analog signal and outputting the video signal. Reference numeral 11 denotes a video signal output from the camera 1 and a D / A converter. This is a monitor that switches and displays one of the video signal output from the / A conversion unit 10. Also, 12
Is a D / A conversion unit that converts the audio signal expanded by the audio information processing unit 6 into an audio signal in the form of an analog signal and outputs the analog signal. Reference numeral 13 denotes a speaker that outputs the audio signal output by the D / A conversion unit 12. is there.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a key input unit for inputting an instruction for controlling the apparatus such as start of shooting, end of shooting, or change of a recording mode. A microcomputer which is connected and controls each component based on an instruction signal from the key input unit 14.

The imaging device according to the present invention is configured as described above. This imaging device is connected to the information storage device via a transmission path, and transmits the video and audio information captured by the imaging device to the information storage device. And stored in the information storage device. In addition,
The information storage device is like a server installed at home or in a predetermined case, and includes a recording medium having a sufficient recording capacity for storing video and audio information.

In this information storage device, a transmission / reception unit 21 outputs a transmission signal coming in via a transmission line to a protocol conversion unit 22 and outputs a transmission signal output from the protocol conversion unit 22 to the transmission line. Converts the transmission signal coming in via the transmission / reception unit 21 into a compressed video signal and a compressed audio signal and outputs them, and also converts the compressed video signal and the compressed audio signal reproduced by the recording / reproduction unit 23 into a transmission path. This is a protocol conversion unit that converts the signal into a transmission signal of a communication protocol corresponding to and outputs the signal.

A recording / reproducing unit 23 records a compressed video signal and a compressed audio signal on a large-capacity recording medium, and reproduces a compressed video signal and a compressed audio signal from the recording medium.
Reference numeral 24 denotes a microcomputer which is interconnected with each component in the information storage device and controls these components.

The image pickup apparatus has a plurality of recording modes having different data rates. The standard mode substantially matches the data transfer rate of the transmission path, and the high image quality mode having a higher data rate than the standard mode. And an economy mode having a lower data rate than the standard mode.

[0021] The transmission path is a cellular phone line, PHS
Line, next-generation mobile phone IMT-
A public line including 2000 lines, a line of a high-speed wireless system, or an indoor line composed of a wireless network can be considered. Also, video and audio information is transmitted to the information storage device by a combination of these lines and the Internet line.

Next, the operation of the imaging device according to the present invention will be described. The user first sets a recording mode via the key input unit 14 before starting photographing. Here, as described above, the recording mode can be selected from the standard mode, the high image quality mode, and the economy mode.

When a recording start is instructed by the key input unit 14, an analog signal form video signal output from the camera unit 1 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 2,
A digital signal is supplied to the image information processing unit 3.
The video signal in the form of an analog signal output from the camera unit 1 is also supplied to the monitor 11, and the captured video is displayed on the monitor 11. Here, recording mode information is supplied from the microcomputer 15 to the image information processing unit 3, and the image information processing unit 3 outputs a compressed video signal having a data rate according to the recording mode information.

Also, since the recording mode information is similarly supplied from the microcomputer 15 to the audio information processing unit 6, the audio signal output from the microphone 4 and converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 5 is Is output from the audio information processing unit 6 as a compressed audio signal having a data rate corresponding to the current recording mode.

Then, the compressed video signal output from the image information processing unit 3 and the compressed audio signal output from the audio information processing unit are temporarily stored in the memory 8. Further, the microcomputer 15 receives the instruction signal of the start of recording from the key input unit 14 and controls the transmission / reception unit 9 at the same time, so that the connection of the transmission path with the information storage device is established.

That is, when the key input unit 14 gives a recording start instruction, the microcomputer 15 controls the transmission / reception unit 9, and the transmission / reception unit 9 starts transmission based on predetermined connection destination information set in advance. . It waits for a response from the information storage device to this call, and only when a response indicating that it is ready to record video and audio information from the connected information storage device is obtained, Information is transmitted.

That is, video / audio information can be recorded because the free space of the recording medium in the information storage device of the connection destination is less than a predetermined value or the data transfer rate of the transmission path is extremely low. If no response to the effect is obtained, the video / audio information is not transmitted to the information storage device at the connection destination.

[0028] In such a case, based on the connection destination information for connecting to another information storage device different from the information storage device that cannot transmit the video / audio information, sequentially different information storage devices are transferred. The connection is made, and an information storage device capable of recording video and audio information is searched for. Then, when an information storage device capable of recording video / audio information is found, transmission of video / audio information is started.

As described above, the compressed video signal output from the image information processing unit 3 and the compressed audio signal output from the audio information processing unit are temporarily stored in the memory 8, but are transmitted via the transmission path. Is transmitted to the protocol conversion unit 7, and is converted into a transmission signal of a protocol according to the transmission path. Then, it is transmitted as a transmission signal to the information storage device via the transmission / reception unit 9.

On the other hand, the information storage device that receives the transmission signal transmitted from the imaging device transmits the incoming transmission signal to the transmission / reception unit 21.
And outputs it to the protocol conversion unit 22. When the transmission signal is converted into a compressed video signal and a compressed audio signal by the protocol conversion unit 22, this is recorded by the recording / reproducing unit 23 under the control of the microcomputer 24. At this time, the compressed video signal and the compressed audio signal may be recorded after being converted in format according to the form of the recording medium in the recording / reproducing unit 23.

[0031] In transmission of video and audio information between the imaging device and the information storage device, the transmission information is encrypted to prevent eavesdropping by others. In some transmission lines, transmission signals may be encrypted in accordance with the circumstances of the transmission system. In addition to the encryption processing, further encryption is performed by the imaging device and the information storage device. In addition, I which can be separated from the imaging device
A password may be written on a C card or the like, and a connection of a transmission path cannot be established with the information storage device without this password.

Further, the microcomputer 24 in the information storage device constantly monitors the free space of the recording medium in the recording / reproducing unit 23 during recording of the video / audio information. Then, when the free space becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, an information signal to that effect is transmitted to the imaging device. The imaging device that has received this is the monitor 11
This may be displayed on the top, or the connection of the transmission path to another information storage device may be automatically established. It may be configured to store information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the use state of the memory 8 and the transmission state of the video / audio information in the transmission / reception section 9 from the start of shooting to the end of shooting, and FIG. The standard mode, (b) shows an example when shooting in the high image quality mode, and (c) shows an example when shooting in the economy mode.

First, the operation in the standard mode will be described with reference to FIG. During the period from the start of shooting to the time t11, the transmission / reception unit 9 prepares for transmission of the video / audio information to / from the information storage device. Not done. Therefore, these pieces of information are accumulated in the memory 8.

Then, transmission from the transmission / reception unit 9 is started at time t11. In the standard mode, the data rate substantially matches the data transfer rate of the transmission path. Does not change substantially.
However, when the photographing is temporarily stopped at time t12, the data is not written into the memory 8 and only the reading is performed. Therefore, the amount of data stored in the memory 8 decreases. When the photographing is restarted at time t13, The data storage amount does not change again.

As described above, when the photographing is performed in the standard mode, every time the photographing is temporarily stopped, the amount of data stored in the memory 8 decreases by the period of the suspension. Or the number of times increases, the amount of data stored in the memory 8 approaches zero. However, in the example shown here,
Since the photographing was ended at time t14 before the data accumulation amount approaches zero, the transmission of the video and audio information is performed until time t15 after the end of the photographing, and the connection of the transmission line is disconnected at this timing.

Next, the operation in the high image quality mode will be described with reference to FIG. During the period from the start of shooting to the time t21, the transmission / reception unit 9 prepares for transmission of video and audio information with the information storage device as in the case of (a).
During this period, the video / audio information is not output from the transmission / reception unit 9. Therefore, these pieces of information are accumulated in the memory 8.

Then, transmission from the transmission / reception unit 9 is started at time t21. In the high image quality mode, since the data rate is higher than the data transfer rate of the transmission path, if photographing is continued even after the transmission is started, The amount of data stored in the memory 8 increases. Therefore, if photographing is continued without pausing, the memory 8 overflows.

Here, the time t22 indicates the timing at which the amount of data stored in the memory 8 reaches the limit capacity. When the amount of data storage reaches the limit capacity, the time t22 is automatically set. Shooting is interrupted. It should be noted that in order to prevent such sudden interruption of the photographing, the monitor 1 must be stopped when the amount of data stored in the memory 8 approaches its limit capacity.
1, a message to that effect may be displayed to prompt the user to switch the recording mode to the standard mode.

As described above, when shooting is performed in the high image quality mode, the memory 8 overflows unless a certain shooting suspension period is provided. However, by switching the recording mode to the standard mode before the overflow state occurs, the photographing can be continued.

When an overflow condition occurs and the photographing is interrupted, the data is not written into the memory 8 but only read out.
The amount of data stored in the memory 8 is reduced, and photographing can be restarted. Thereafter, when the photographing is restarted at time t23, the data storage amount starts to increase again, and when the shooting is ended at time t24, the data storage amount starts to decrease. Then, since all the video and audio information has been output at time t25 after the end of the shooting, the connection of the transmission line is disconnected at this timing.

Next, the operation in the economy mode will be described with reference to FIG. During the period from the start of shooting to time t31, as in the cases of (a) and (b), the transmission / reception unit 9 prepares for transmission of video and audio information with the information storage device. During this period, the video / audio information is not output from the transmission / reception unit 9. Therefore, these pieces of information are accumulated in the memory 8.

Then, transmission from the transmission / reception section 9 starts at time t31. In the economy mode, the data rate is lower than the data transfer rate of the transmission path. I do. Thereafter, when the photographing is temporarily stopped at time t32, the data is not written into the memory 8 and only the reading is performed.
The rate of decrease in the amount of data stored in the memory 8 increases. And
When the photographing is resumed at time t33, the reduction rate of the data accumulation amount becomes slow again.

As described above, when the photographing is performed in the economy mode, the amount of data stored in the memory 8 decreases even after the transmission is started, even during the photographing or during the pause of the photographing. . Therefore, the amount of data stored in the memory 8 approaches zero within a relatively short time.

At time t34, when the amount of accumulated data approaches zero,
Thereafter, the imaging is continued until time t35, but the data storage amount is kept close to zero, and when the imaging is completed at time t35, the connection of the transmission path is disconnected almost simultaneously.

In the example described above, it has been described that data is read from the memory 8 and an area in the memory 8 where the read data is recorded is treated as a free area. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Information signals are always communicated with the information storage device, and the data read from the memory 8 is normally recorded by the recording / reproducing unit 23 in the information storage device. After confirming,
The area where the read data was recorded may be treated as a free area. In this case, each time the information storage device records a predetermined amount of data, the information storage device transmits information to the effect that the recording has been completed to the imaging device.

[0047] Further, based on a request from the imaging device, the image storage device may be configured to transmit video and audio information from the information storage device to the imaging device. For example, when an instruction to confirm the photographed content is given by the key input unit 14 for confirming the photographed content immediately after the photographing is completed, the microcomputer 15 controls the transmitting / receiving unit 9 and the control signal is transmitted to the information storage device.

The transmission of the control signal and the transmission of the video and audio information from the information storage device to the imaging device are performed in preference to the transmission of the video and audio information from the imaging device to the information storage device. Accordingly, from time 14 to time 15 in FIG.
2 or the period from the time t24 to the time t25 in FIG. 2B, the transmission of the video / audio information is not terminated after the photographing is completed, but the instruction to confirm the photographed contents can be issued. The video / audio information reproduced from the recording / reproducing unit 23 can be output to the monitor 11 and the speaker 13.

When transmitting the video / audio information from the information storage device to the imaging device in this manner, the video / audio information reproduced from the recording / reproducing unit 23 is thinned out and transmitted to the transmission line as the video / audio information with a reduced data rate. You may let it.

[0050]

According to the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, in order to accumulate video and audio information in an information recording apparatus provided at a remote place, it is necessary to replace a recording medium like a conventional camera-integrated tape recorder. No longer needed. In addition, since the information recording device has a large-capacity recording medium, it is not necessary to take an image while paying attention to the remaining amount of the recording medium. And
This makes it possible to take a picture for a longer time than ever before, and also has an effect that the apparatus can be easily reduced in size and weight.

After the start of photographing, the compressed signal is stored in the memory unit until the connection of the transmission path is established, and after the connection of the transmission path is completed, the compressed signal is transmitted to an information recording device provided at a remote place. In this case, it is not necessary to connect a transmission line prior to the start of photographing, so that photographing can be started at any time.

[0052] After the photographing is started, the connection of the transmission path is maintained during the period in which the photographing is temporarily stopped. At the end of the photographing, transmission of all the compressed signals stored in the memory unit is completed. Is cut off, the data rate of the compressed signal output from the compression processing unit can be set higher than the data transfer rate of the transmission path, and high-quality recording can be performed.

When the compression encoding process is performed so that the data rate of the compressed signal output to the memory unit is equal to or less than the data transfer rate of the transmission path, the compressed signal stored in the memory within a relatively short time is used. Data volume is reduced,
Even if the communication state of the transmission path deteriorates and the data transfer rate of the communication path fluctuates, there is an effect that the compressed signal can be transmitted stably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an imaging device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a use state of a memory and a transmission state of video and audio information from the start of shooting to the end thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera part 2, 5 ... A / D conversion part 3 ... Image information processing part 4 ... Microphone 6 ... Audio information processing part 7, 22 ... Protocol conversion part 8 ... Memory part 9, 21 ... Transmission / reception part 10, 12 ... D / A conversion unit 11 monitor 13 speaker 14 key input unit 15, 24 microcomputer 23 recording / reproducing unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] An imaging device for transmitting captured video information to an information recording device provided at a remote location via a transmission path, wherein the imaging unit converts an incoming subject light into a video information signal and outputs the video information signal. A compression processing unit that performs a compression encoding process on the video information signal output by the imaging unit; a memory unit that stores the compressed signal that has been subjected to the compression processing; and a protocol that is suitable for transmitting the stored compressed signal through a transmission path. A protocol conversion unit that converts the information into a transmission path is established by transmitting and receiving an information signal between the information recording device provided at the remote location, and from the protocol conversion unit via the connected transmission path. A transmission / reception unit that transmits a compressed signal of the information storage device, and after the imaging unit starts imaging, the compressed signal is held in the memory unit until a transmission path connection with the information recording device is established. And An image pickup apparatus, wherein reading of a compressed signal from the memory unit is started when connection of the transmission path is completed, and the read compressed signal is output from the transmitting / receiving unit. 2. An imaging device for transmitting captured video information to an information recording device provided at a remote location via a transmission path, comprising: an imaging unit configured to convert incoming subject light into a video information signal and output the video information signal; A compression processing unit that performs compression encoding processing on the video information signal output by the imaging unit; a memory unit that stores the compressed signal that has been subjected to the compression processing; and a protocol that is suitable for transmitting the stored compressed signal through a transmission path. A protocol conversion unit to be converted, a connection of a transmission path is established by transmitting and receiving an information signal between the information recording device provided at the remote place, and the protocol conversion unit is connected via the connected transmission path. A transmission / reception unit that sends out a compressed signal, after the start of imaging in the imaging unit, during a period in which imaging is temporarily stopped, the connection of the transmission path is maintained, and when the imaging ends, the image is held in the memory unit. An image pickup apparatus, wherein the connection of the transmission path is cut off after the transmission of all the compressed signals is completed. 3. An image pickup apparatus for transmitting photographed video information and audio information to an information recording device provided at a remote place via a transmission path, and converting an incoming subject light into a video information signal and outputting the video information signal. A sound collection unit that converts the collected sound into an audio information signal and outputs the audio information signal; a compression unit that performs a compression encoding process on the video information signal output by the imaging unit and the audio information signal output by the sound collection unit A processing unit; a memory unit that stores the compressed signal that has been subjected to the compression processing; a protocol conversion unit that converts the stored compressed signal into a protocol suitable for transmission via a transmission path; and an information recording device provided at the remote location A transmission / reception unit that establishes a connection of a transmission path by transmitting / receiving an information signal to / from the communication unit, and transmits a compressed signal from the protocol conversion unit via the connected transmission path; Imaging device, wherein the data rate of the compressed signal to be output to the memory unit is to perform compression encoding data transfer rate follows so as the transmission path.