JP3113213B2 - Image information generation device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of synthesizing image information from a plurality of sources and recording the image information on a single recording medium.
Conversely, the present invention relates to an image information generating apparatus that separates a plurality of types of pixel information recorded on the recording medium into types and outputs the information to a plurality of video units.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it has been common to associate one source (for example, a VCR) with one video unit (for example, a display). When trying to display different images on the displays, it is necessary to connect a VCR to each display. Also, in order to synchronize different images on a plurality of displays, it is necessary to press the play buttons of a plurality of VCRs at the same time. A control device must be connected to enable synchronized playback.

[0003] On the other hand, even in a home-use game machine, since it is common to display the game situation on a single display, a plurality of playing cards, each of which must be viewed while looking at their own display, are used. Multiple players cannot play a game such as mahjong. In general, in order for multiple displays that project different images to do the above, a dedicated hardware can be designed on-board, or a single hardware communication function can be added. However, there is a problem that the design becomes large-scale and long, the number of parts increases, and the production cost tends to increase.

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and combines image information from a plurality of types of sources and records them on one recording medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image information generating apparatus that separates a plurality of types of pixel information recorded on the recording medium into types and outputs the information to a plurality of video units.

[0005]

The present invention for achieving the above object comprises the following means. According to the first aspect of the present invention, each output from a plurality of sources is provided .
Frame information in the order of the desired source for each desired frame
Frame information input means to be input, and
Switching to output switching signal intentionally by operator's instruction
Signal output means and the frame information input means
The frame information is output from the switching signal output unit.
Adds a switching signal and superimposes the frame information in the input order.
And a report synthesizing means .

[0006]

[0007]

As described above, if the switching signal is added to the input frame information, the image displayed on the display can be automatically switched based on the switching signal during reproduction. It is also possible to perform various effects using the display.

[0009]

[0010]

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame information extracting means for extracting input frame information for every N frames, and N types of frame information extracted by the frame information extracting means are divided into N pieces of different types. Frame information output means for outputting to the video means, and N kinds of frame information output from the frame information output means to the N video means are intentionally output according to an operator's instruction.
And having a frame information switching means for switching in between the video unit based on the switching signal for the video unit selection is.

As described above, when a plurality of displays can be switched on the basis of the switching signal, automatically displaying the same type of image on all displays or changing the type of image displayed on each display is automatically performed. It becomes possible to perform in a variety of ways.

[0013]

[0014]

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame information dividing means for dividing input frame information of one frame into N in the vertical scanning direction, and 1 / N divided by the frame information dividing means. O division frame information output means for outputting the frame information to the N different image means respectively, the frame information of the 1 / N by one output from the divided frame information output means to said N number of video means
Frame information switching means for switching between the video means based on a switching signal for video means selection intentionally output in accordance with an instruction of the perlator .

As described above, when a plurality of displays can be switched on the basis of the switching signal, automatically displaying the same type of image on all displays or changing the type of image displayed on each display is automatically performed. It becomes possible to perform more interesting productions.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the frame information switching means is constituted by a manual changeover switch for manually outputting a changeover signal, so that a plurality of displays can be switched manually.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the frame information switching means is constituted by a changeover switch for outputting a changeover signal in response to a changeover command from an external device. Can be programmed.

[0019]

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image information generating apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to the invention described in claim 1, and input and synthesize different kinds of images output from a plurality of sources in order of N frames (for example, 2 frames). In the case of a single source, it is an apparatus that alternately inputs and synthesizes every two frames from each source) to generate image information that can be recorded on one recording medium.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between the image information generating apparatus of the present invention and peripheral devices. As shown in the figure, in the image information generating apparatus 10, sources such as a video deck 12, a computer game machine 14, a personal computer 16, and a laser disk player (not shown) can be connected to input terminals of the apparatus 10. I have. Further, a plurality of displays 20 as image means are provided.
A, 20B,..., 20N can be connected to the output terminals of the device 10. Although not shown in this figure, the video deck 12 and the laser disk player capable of recording can be connected to the output terminal of the device 10. This is to make it possible to record the combined video.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion for synthesizing images output from a plurality of sources in the image information generating apparatus. This figure shows a case where images output from a plurality of video decks are combined.

In the figure, an interrupt signal generator 25 monitors all input video signals, detects a portion corresponding to blanking of each video signal for each frame information, and generates an interrupt signal. It is to let. In other words, when displaying an image on a display, an image for one frame is drawn by scanning a scanning line. When a portion corresponding to blanking at either the start of drawing or the end of drawing is detected, an interrupt signal, That is, a signal for capturing one frame of an image to be drawn, that is, an input trigger is generated. This interrupt signal generator 25
Is required to enable input of each video signal for each frame. In other words, simply inputting a video signal by switching every 1/60 second, for example, may not always take in the entirety of one frame. Therefore, two frames (from the middle of one frame to the middle of the next frame) may not be obtained. This is because there is a case where it is input across. With this interrupt signal, each video signal is input from the beginning of each frame, and one frame of image information is captured.

Therefore, when two sources are connected, information of the odd-numbered frames of the first, third, fifth,... ., The sixth,... Even-numbered frames are fetched.

The video signal switch 26 switches the input timing of the input video signal based on the interrupt signal output from the interrupt signal generator 25, and at least one frame for each video signal. Is configured to be able to store the image information as digital information. For example, the input of each video signal is started according to the interrupt signal from the interrupt signal generator 25, such as video signal 1 and video signal 2, and these video signals are stored as temporary image information and stored. Image information is output in order from video signal 1 to video signal N.
The interrupt signal generator 25 and the video signal switch 26 constitute a frame information input unit.

The external command section 27 is provided in the personal computer 16, and is used to output one frame of image information, that is, frame information, which is input to and stored in the video signal switch 26. , For outputting the switching signal for the next frame information, that is, the switching signal for switching the display as the video means. The switching signal is information indicating which video signal is supplied to which display, and is written in a portion corresponding to blanking of frame information. For example, video signal 1
Is displayed on the display 1 and the video signal 2 is displayed on the display 2, a switching signal for automatically performing this switching is added to the frame information of the video signal 1 and the video signal 2. You.

This information is, for example, information for setting the luminance of the scanning line in a portion corresponding to blanking to maximum luminance (white), intermediate luminance (gray), and minimum luminance (black), or two pieces of information. This is information obtained by combining 2-bit 0 and 1 signals output from the signal line. Therefore, the external command unit 27 functions as a switching signal output unit.

The process of writing this information is shown in FIGS.
It will be described based on. FIG. 4 shows a process of adding a switching signal for switching between two displays by changing the luminance of the scanning line. As shown in the figure, when the operator instructs the external command unit 27 to display the same image on both displays, the scanning line of the portion corresponding to the blanking of each frame information is set to the minimum luminance. When the operator instructs the external command unit 27 to output information and display the video of the video signal 2 on a specific display, information for setting the scanning line in that portion to the intermediate luminance is output. When the operator instructs the external command section 27 to display the video of the video signal 1 on a specific display, information for setting the scanning line of that portion to the maximum luminance is output, and this is used as a switching signal. Output.

On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows a process of adding a switching signal for switching between two displays by a combination of 2-bit 0 and 1 signals. As shown in the figure, when the operator instructs the external command unit 27 to display the same image on both displays,
0,0 in the part corresponding to blanking of each frame information
And the operator instructs the external command unit 27 to display the video signal 2 on a specific display.
When the operator instructs the external command unit 27 to output the signals of 0 and 1 to that portion, and further instructs the external command unit 27 to display the video of the video signal 1 on a specific display. A signal of 1, 0 is output to the portion, and this is used as a switching signal.

The video signal synthesizer 28 takes in the frame information from the video signal switch 26 and the switching signal output from the external command section 27 and alternately synthesizes the frame information for each source as shown in FIG. And outputs a video signal, and functions as a frame information synthesizing unit. The synthesized video signal is recorded by the video deck 12 or a recordable laser disk player connected to the output terminal of the image information generating device, and stored in a recording medium such as a single video tape or disk.

The external command section 27 described above does not need to be provided when it is not necessary to perform automatic display switching as described later. Further, in the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of sources, an example of inputting and synthesizing frame information for each number of sources is exemplified (to make the operation speed of the output image the same as the operation speed of the input image). However, if drawing can be performed at N times the speed, frame information may be input for each source one frame at a time and synthesized.

The image information generating apparatus of the present invention configured as described above operates roughly as follows. The switching signal in this case is added by changing the luminance of the scanning line.

When the interrupt signal generator 25 detects a portion corresponding to blanking of each video signal, in other words, detects a blanking signal, the video signal outputting a blanking signal to the video signal switch 26 (for example, An interrupt signal for inputting the video signal 1) is output, and the video signal switch 26 captures and stores one frame of the video signal. If the interrupt signal generator 25 detects a blanking signal for another video signal during this storage, a video signal (for example, video signal 2) which is also outputting a blanking signal to the video signal switch 26 )
Is output, and the video signal switch 26 captures and stores one frame of the video signal. That is, the video signal switch 26 has a function of storing one frame of video signal from a plurality of connected sources.

When the storage of the frame information for one frame is completed, if a switching signal is output from the external command section 27, the switching signal (for the next frame information) is used for blanking the frame information. And is output together with the frame information.

When such an apparatus is used, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, two types of images input from two video decks are generated as images alternately synthesized every two frames. If this is recorded on another video deck, two types of video can be stored on one video tape. Of course, it is also possible to combine three or four types of video. The images synthesized in this manner are separated by the devices described later, and are displayed on a plurality of displays according to the type of the images.

If the video to be synthesized is, for example, video signal 1 for the right eye and video signal 2 for the left eye, and a switching signal is added when synthesizing them to create a single video tape, It will also be possible to create video tapes for 3D images that will be put to practical use, and separate them with the separating device described below, and use special glasses with ultra-small displays for the right and left eyes. If it can be reproduced, it will be possible to enjoy 3D video that will be put to practical use.

Further, if the present apparatus is provided in a video deck, it is possible to record on a single tape in a state where both front and back programs are combined. Also, images of security cameras at convenience stores, banks, and the like can be combined on a single videotape by combining images captured by a plurality of cameras.

[0038] a device which is described with reference to FIG. 9 performs reproduction of the thus different recording medium which image is synthesized from 6, which, claims 2 and
This corresponds to the invention described in Item 3 .

FIG. 6 shows a part of the image information generating apparatus of the present invention in which a plurality of types of video before synthesis are separated from one source created by synthesis as described above to restore the original video. It is a figure showing a schematic structure. This figure shows a case where the display is separated into two displays.

In the figure, an A / D converter 30 converts an analog video signal obtained by synthesizing a plurality of images into a digital signal, and takes in and converts one frame of frame information.

The external command section 27 here has a function different from the above-mentioned function, and outputs setting information for switching the display regardless of the switching signal added to the source. is there. That is, the display is switched by outputting the programmed setting signal. In other words, S is described later.
The same operation as W1 and SW2 can be automatically performed according to a program created in advance.

Switching SW1, SW2 also shown in FIG.
Is a manual switch. By switching to the switching SW1, for example, the images projected on the two displays are replaced, and by switching to the switching SW2, for example, only the video of the video signal 2 is projected on all the displays. Is to be done.

The mode SW3 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a mode in which the display can be switched in accordance with a switching signal added to the source, setting information output from the external command unit 27 and switching SW1 regardless of the switching signal added to the source. , SW2, and a mode in which the display can be switched in accordance with the installation of the switch SW2.

The signal analysis unit 32 analyzes the switching signal added to the source, the setting information output from the external command unit 27, the setting of the switching SW1 and SW2, and the like in accordance with the mode set by the mode SW 31. It outputs a control signal for switching SW3 to SW6, which will be described later, in accordance with the instruction, and functions as frame information extracting means. More specifically, it outputs a control signal for switching SW3 to SW6 according to the switching signal included in the immediately preceding frame, and analyzes the switching signal included in the current frame.

SW3 to SW6 are switches that operate in accordance with the control signal from the signal analysis unit 32. The signal analysis unit 32 analyzes the switching signal and determines that the information is frame information to be displayed on the display 1. , Only the switch 3 is turned on, and the frame information is stored in the RAM 3
Store it in 3. On the other hand, when it is determined that the frame information is to be displayed on the display 2, only the switch 5 is turned on and the frame information is stored in the RAM.

The RAMs 33 and 34 have a capacity to store at least two frames of frame information, and store the frame information alternately in two areas of the RAM. As described above, the storage capacity for two frames is required because when SW3 and SW4 are simultaneously turned on, writing of input frame information and reading of stored frame information can be performed simultaneously. It is necessary.

The D / A converters 36 and 37 include a RAM 33,
This is to convert one frame of frame information stored in 34 into analog information and output video information of video output 1 and video output 2. Note that this D / A
The converters 36 and 37 read the same frame information twice, for example, when restoring an image from a video signal created by two sources.
Otherwise, flickering of the image becomes a problem.

When SW4 or SW6 is turned on in accordance with a control signal from the signal analysis unit 32, this RAM
One frame of frame information stored in 33 and 34 is D / A converted.

In the above configuration, SW3 to SW6, R
The AM 33 and 34 and the D / A converters 36 and 37 constitute frame information output means, and the signal analyzer 32 and the SW3
To SW6 constitute frame information switching means.

In this embodiment, the A / D converter 30 is provided on the assumption that an analog video signal is input. However, if the input signal is a digital signal, the A / D converter 30 is used. Needless to say, the vessel 30 is unnecessary. In addition, although the RAMs 33 and 34 are disclosed as requiring a storage capacity of two frames, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the switch provided with SW4 and SW6 has been illustrated, but these switches can be omitted if the timing of reading and writing of the RAMs 33 and 34 is devised. In the device configured as described above, processing as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is performed, and a plurality of synthesized images are separated into the same type of image.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows a case where the information added as the switching signal relates to a luminance signal.

When detecting a blanking portion of the video signal output via the A / D converter 30, the signal analyzing unit 32 analyzes the switching information added to the blanking portion, and converts the switching information to the minimum luminance. If it is a signal to be set, SW3 and SW5 are simultaneously turned on to store one frame of frame information so that the next frame information to be input next will be the same image on both displays. After that, SW4 and SW6 are simultaneously turned on and D /
The signals are converted by the A converters 36 and 37, respectively, and the video signals are output to the display 1 and the display 2. By this process, either of the two types of video combined with one source can be displayed on both displays (S1 to S3).

On the other hand, if the signal is to be set to the maximum luminance, only the switch SW3 is turned on and the frame information for one frame is stored in the RAM 33 so that the display 1 displays the frame information. Turns on only the SW4 and causes the D / A converter 36 to convert it, and outputs a video signal to the display 1 (S1, S2, S4, S4
5).

If the signal is to be set to the intermediate luminance, only the switch SW5 is turned on to store the frame information for one frame in the RAM 34 in order to display the frame information on the display 2, and after the storage, Turns on only the switch SW6, causes the A / D converter 37 to convert the signal, and outputs a video signal to the display 2 (S1, S2, S4, S4).
6).

By performing such processing for each frame, as shown in FIG. 8, a source in which two types of video are alternately combined in even-numbered frames and odd-numbered frames can be separated for each type of video. The image before the synthesis can be displayed on two displays.

In this case, each display has 1 /
An image that changes every 30 seconds will be transferred. However, if the present apparatus is applied to, for example, animation or a game that does not move so rapidly, a normal display that is currently widely used can be used sufficiently. You can get a picture that withstands. Also, if the drawing speed can be improved in the future, satisfactory video reproduction can be performed even with a fast operation.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the setting information is outputted from the external command section 27. By switching the display according to the switching pattern programmed in this way, various effect effects can be obtained, for example, at an event venue.

The signal analysis section is provided on condition that the mode switch 31 is set so that the setting information output from the external command section 27 and the mode of switching the display in accordance with the setting of the switches SW1 and SW2 are selected. 32 detects the blanking portion of the video signal output via the A / D converter 30 and,
7 is (signal 1: 0, signal 2: 0), SW3 and SW5 are switched so that the same video (for example, video for display 1) is displayed on both displays. Are simultaneously turned on to sequentially store one frame of frame information. After storage, SW4 and SW6 are simultaneously turned on to be converted by the A / D converters 36 and 37, respectively, to output video signals to the display 1 and the display 2. I do. Therefore, the same image is projected on both displays (S11 to S1).
3).

On the other hand, when the setting signals output from the external command unit are (signal 1: 0, signal 2: 1), only SW3 is turned on to display the image on the display 1 and 1 The frame information for the frame is stored in the RAM 33, and after the storage, only the switch SW4 is turned on to be converted by the A / D converter 36, and the video signal is output to the display 1 (S11, S12, S14, S15).

Further, when the setting signals output from the external command section are (signal 1: 1, signal 2: 0),
In order to display an image on the display 2, only the SW 5 is turned on and the frame information for one frame is stored in the RAM 34.
After the storage, only the switch SW6 is turned on to be converted by the A / D converter 37, and the video signal is output to the display 2 (S11, S12, S14, S16, S17).

Next, unlike the frame division method in which a frame is divided as described above, an upper / lower division method in which N types of images are vertically divided into one frame to divide N types of images from a source synthesized The following describes an image information generation apparatus that employs the above.

In order to adopt the vertical division method, there must be a source in which N types of images are vertically divided and synthesized in one frame in advance, and this source is conventionally used. Since the source can be easily created by the image generating apparatus, a detailed description of the procedure for creating the source is omitted.

The outline of the procedure for creating the source is as follows. First, half of one frame of two images is cut out, and the cut-out half pieces of frame information are connected to form one frame. One frame information is created by the procedure. For such sources,
The switching signal for N frames is written in the blanking portion.

The image information generating apparatus to be described below restores a video before synthesis from a source in which such synthesis has been performed, so that it can be displayed on a plurality of displays.

The structure of this device is exactly the same as that shown in FIG. However, since the operation of the signal analyzer 32 is different, the operation of this portion will be described in detail. The signal analyzer 32 converts one frame of frame information output via the A / D converter 30 according to a switching signal included in the frame information until, for example, half of the frame information is output. Turn on SW3 and RAM
33 stores the upper half frame information for one frame. At this time, the information stored in the RAM 33 is
A blank portion is added and stored so that it is located at the center of the screen when the frame information of 33 is read. That is, the storage is not started from the head address of the RAM 33 but is started from an intermediate address.

When the storage is completed, the signal analyzer 32 turns off SW3 and turns on SW5, and the RAM 34
To store the next lower half frame information. At this time, RA
The information stored in M34 is also stored with a blank portion so that it is located at the center of the screen when the frame information in RAM 34 is read.

When one frame of image information is stored in the RAMs 33 and 34 in this manner, the signal analyzing unit 32
By turning on W4 and SW6 simultaneously, the D / A converters 36 and 37 are turned on.
And outputs video signals to the respective displays.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the above processing. One half of one frame is cut out by the signal analysis unit 32 and separated into two images, and the separated images are displayed on the central portion on both displays.

As described above, when images can be separated by the frame division method or the vertical division method, different persons are displayed on a plurality of monitors at a show venue or an event pavilion as shown in FIG. It is possible to have conversations, and it is possible to improve the degree of attention by interacting with product descriptions and presentations like comics.

When applied to a home-use game machine, it is possible to establish an unprecedented game genre (match mahjong, match card game) targeting a plurality of players.

[0071]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained for each claim.

[0072]

According to the first aspect of the present invention , the frame information synthesizing means can superimpose the respective frame information output from a plurality of sources in the input order, and can add and synthesize the intentionally output switching signal. Therefore, at the time of reproduction, it is possible to automatically switch the image projected on the video means based on the switching signal, so that various effects can be achieved using a plurality of video means.

[0074]

According to the second aspect of the present invention , the extracted N
The type of frame information is output to N different video means for each type, and the N types of frame information are output by the operator's finger.
As shown in the figure , switching between the video means is performed based on the switching signal for video means selection intentionally output .
It is possible to arbitrarily perform the same type of image projection on all the video means or change the type of the image projected on each video means, thereby enabling a more interesting effect.

[0076]

According to the third aspect of the present invention , the divided 1 / N frame information is output to N different video means, respectively, and is output to the N video means.
/ N frame information intended by operator
It is possible to switch between the respective video means based on the switching signal for video means selection which is output in a targeted manner, so that the same type of image is projected on all the video means or the type of the image projected on each video means is changed. It is possible to automatically change things, and more interesting effects can be produced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention , since the switching signal can be output manually, it is possible to manually switch a plurality of video means.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention , a plurality of video means can be switched according to a program of an external device.

[0080]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between an image information generation device of the present invention and peripheral devices.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a part that combines images output from a plurality of sources in the image information generation device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method of combining images from two sources.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of adding a switching signal when switching between two displays by changing the luminance of a scanning line.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of adding a switching signal when two displays are switched by a combination of 2-bit 0 and 1 signals.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion for separating a plurality of types of video before synthesis from one source and restoring the original video in the image information generating apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a frame division method in a case where information added as a switching signal relates to a luminance signal.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a frame division method.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a frame division method in a case where information added as a switching signal is digital.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a vertical division method.

FIG. 11 is a view showing one mode of use of the device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image information generation apparatus, 12 ... Video deck, 14 ... Computer game machine, 16 ... Personal computer, 20A-20N ... Display.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 5/91-5/956 G11B 20/10-20/12 H04N 9/79-9/898 H04N 5 / 262-5/278

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A frame information input means (25, 26) for inputting respective frame information output from a plurality of sources for each desired frame in a desired source order, and a switching signal for selecting a video means is provided by an operator. By instructions
A switching signal output from the switching signal output means is added to the frame information input by the switching signal output means (27) and the frame information input means (25, 26), and superimposed in the input order. An image information generating apparatus, comprising: frame information synthesizing means (28) for synthesizing. (2) Input frame information every N frames
Frame information extracting means (32) to be extracted to Extracted by the frame information extracting means (32)
N different types of frame information
Frame information output to image means (20A to 20N)
Means (SW3 to SW6, 33 to 37); The frame information output means outputs to the N video means.
The N types of frame information to be input are specified by the operator.
Based on intentionally output switching signal for selecting video means
Frame information switching means (3)
2). (3) Drops the frame information of one input frame.
Frame information dividing means (32) for dividing into N in the direct scanning direction
When, Divided by the frame information dividing means (32)
1 / N frame information is converted into N different images
Output the divided frame information to the means (20A to 20N).
Force means (SW3 to SW6, 33 to 37); The divided frame information output means (SW3 to SW6, 33
To 37) to the N video means (20A to 20N)
The output 1 / N frame information is specified by the operator's finger.
Switch signal for video means selection intentionally output as shown
Frame information switching between each video means based on
Means (32 or the like)
Equipment. (4) The frame information switching means is manually turned off.
Hand that outputs a replacement signal Dynamic switch (SW1, SW2)
The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
Image information generation device. (5) The frame information switching means is an external device
A switching signal is output in response to a switching command from (16).
3. A switching switch (32).
An image information generating apparatus according to claim 3.