JP4164993B2 - Non-linear editing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention constitutes a video data recording / editing system. Do The present invention relates to a non-linear editing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a plurality of imaging cameras are used for recording concerts and various sporting events (for example, golf, baseball, soccer, and the Olympics). The videos recorded by these multiple imaging cameras are valuable video assets as they are, but are generally processed into a single video asset by editing work according to the application.
[0003]
In this editing work, it is important to synchronize the videos to be edited so that there is no time axis shift before and after the editing scene. For this reason, conventionally, a method has been adopted in which imaging cameras are connected by a coaxial cable during imaging and synchronization of time codes recorded on a video tape is ensured. An example is shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example of recording a player's play at a golf course. In the example of FIG. 2, a plurality of imaging cameras 100 are connected by a coaxial cable 101.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the method of connecting the imaging cameras with a coaxial cable has a problem that the work load required for preparations in the field is large, and the cables to be prepared are enormous and the burden of materials increases. In addition, since the connection is made with a coaxial cable, the moving range of the imaging camera is limited.
[0005]
Therefore, a method that eliminates the need to connect the imaging cameras with a coaxial cable is desired. However, in the method of stamping the time of the built-in timer mounted on the imaging camera on the video data, (A) to (C) in FIG. ) Cannot be used because there is no guarantee of synchronization.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, the following means are proposed.
[0007]
(1) An image capturing unit and video data (for example, frame data, field data, block data, and other unit data) given from the image capturing unit may be a GPS receiver (not limited to a built-in one but an external one). An image pickup apparatus is proposed that includes a time stamp unit that assigns a universal time code (UTC) given by.
[0008]
The imaging apparatus here includes not only a camera-integrated video recorder but also a camera alone or a still camera. In addition, the output destination of the video data to which the universal time code is added may be a storage device inside the imaging device or an external storage device. In addition to the magnetic tape, the storage medium may be a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk, a light or magneto-optical storage medium such as a readable / writable compact disk, or a semiconductor storage medium such as a memory card.
[0009]
Thus, by using the universal time code as the time code to be added to the video data, it is possible to ensure the synchronization of the time code without connecting a plurality of imaging devices with a coaxial cable. As a result, the work required for imaging can be simplified and the amount of materials can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to connect to a coaxial cable, the degree of freedom of movement of the image pickup apparatus on site can be improved.
[0010]
If this imaging device is used for event recording, even when multiple imaging devices are used, the time axis of the video data captured by each imaging device is unified with the universal time code, so video playback As long as positioning errors between machines can be ignored, editing without deviation before and after the editing scene can be realized based on the universal time code. However, even when there is a positioning error between the video players, editing without deviation can be realized by specifying the time in anticipation of the offset amount.
[0011]
In addition, when a time position finer than a time position that can be specified by a universal time code (change position of the smallest digit) is designated as an edit point, recording unit information (for example, frame number) stored together with the universal time code By referring to, it is possible to realize synchronized editing.
[0012]
(2) A GPS receiver (not limited to a built-in one but also an external one) may be used for an image pickup unit and video data (for example, frame data, field data, block data, or other unit data) provided from the image pickup unit. A video data processing apparatus including a time stamp unit that assigns a universal time code (UTC) given by.
[0013]
The video data processing apparatus here includes a portable information device (for example, a portable information terminal, a notebook computer, and a mobile phone) having an imaging unit, and other electronic devices. Also in this case, the output destination of the video data to which the universal time code is added may be a storage device inside the video data processing device or an external storage device. The same applies to the storage medium.
[0014]
Also in this case, by using a universal time code as the time code to be added to the video data, it is possible to ensure time code synchronization without connecting a plurality of video data processing apparatuses with a coaxial cable. As a result, the work required for imaging can be simplified and the amount of materials can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to connect to a coaxial cable, the degree of freedom of movement of the video data processing apparatus on site can be improved.
[0015]
If this imaging device is used for event recording, even when multiple imaging devices are used, the time axis of the video data captured by each imaging device is unified with the universal time code, so video playback As long as positioning errors between machines can be ignored, editing without deviation before and after the editing scene can be realized based on the universal time code. However, even when there is a positioning error between the video players, editing without deviation can be realized by specifying the time in anticipation of the offset amount.
[0016]
In addition, when a time position finer than a time position that can be specified by a universal time code (change position of the smallest digit) is designated as an edit point, recording unit information (for example, frame number) stored together with the universal time code By referring to, it is possible to realize synchronized editing.
[0017]
(3) Video data (for example, frame data, field data, block data, and other unit data) given from the imaging device is given from a GPS receiver (not limited to a built-in one but may be an external one). A video data processing apparatus including a time stamp unit that assigns a universal time code (UTC) is proposed.
[0018]
Here, the video data processing device includes a portable information device (for example, a portable information terminal, a notebook computer, and a mobile phone) that is not equipped with an imaging device, and other electronic devices. Also in this case, the output destination of the video data to which the universal time code is added may be a storage device inside the video data processing device or an external storage device. The same applies to the storage medium.
[0019]
Also in this case, by using a universal time code as the time code to be added to the video data, it is possible to ensure time code synchronization without connecting a plurality of video data processing apparatuses with a coaxial cable. As a result, the work required for imaging can be simplified and the amount of materials can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to connect to a coaxial cable, the degree of freedom of movement of the video data processing apparatus on site can be improved.
[0020]
If this imaging device is used for event recording, even when multiple imaging devices are used, the time axis of the video data captured by each imaging device is unified with the universal time code, so video playback As long as positioning errors between machines can be ignored, editing without deviation before and after the editing scene can be realized based on the universal time code. However, even when there is a positioning error between the video players, editing without deviation can be realized by specifying the time in anticipation of the offset amount.
[0021]
In addition, when a time position finer than a time position that can be specified by a universal time code (change position of the smallest digit) is designated as an edit point, recording unit information (for example, frame number) stored together with the universal time code By referring to, it is possible to realize synchronized editing.
[0022]
(4) An editing unit that refers to a universal time code (UTC) stored together with video data and synchronizes a plurality of video data. An offset information storage unit that stores an offset amount in units smaller than the minimum unit of the universal time code for each of the plurality of video data; With The offset amount is information for correcting an error in the reading position of the video data with respect to the universal time code. A nonlinear editing device is proposed.
[0023]
When universal time code (UTC) is stored in any of the video data to be edited in this way, the editing unit uses the universal time code as long as positioning errors between video players can be ignored. It is possible to realize editing without deviation before and after the editing scene. However, even when there is a tape positioning error between the video players, editing without deviation can be realized by specifying the time in anticipation of the offset amount.
[0024]
Note that even when a time position finer than the time position that can be specified by the universal time code (change position of the smallest digit) is designated as an edit point, the recording unit information (for example, frame number) stored together with the universal time code By referring to, it is possible to realize synchronized editing.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as embodiments of the above-described solving means.
[0026]
(1) Imaging device
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an imaging apparatus. Here, the case of a camera-integrated video tape recorder will be described. However, in FIG. 1, only the functional block portion related to the present invention of the camera-integrated video tape recorder is shown, and the display of the portion not directly related to the display is omitted.
[0027]
In the case of FIG. 1, the camera-integrated video tape recorder 10 includes a GPS receiver 11, an imaging unit 12, a microphone unit 13, a time stamp unit 14, a storage unit 15, and an external interface (I / F) 16. have.
[0028]
The GPS receiver 11 calculates the distance and propagation delay amount to each GPS satellite from the position information (elevation angle and horizontal angle) of a plurality of receivable GPS satellites and the value of the primitive clock received from them. Calculate the time code. In this embodiment, “hour: minute: second” (for example, “00:00:00”) is output as the universal time code. Of course, the output format is not limited to this, and it is possible to output until a time of 1 second or less.
[0029]
Incidentally, the error of the calculated universal time code is negligible in the range used in this kind of application. Accordingly, even when GPS signals are received at different points, the same universal time code can be obtained at the same time.
[0030]
The GPS receiver 11 may be built in the camera-integrated video tape recorder 10 or may be provided outside. When the GPS receiver 11 is provided outside the camera-integrated video tape recorder 10, the calculated universal time code may be notified to the main body through a wired transmission path or a wireless transmission path. Of course, when used for other purposes, the position information is also transmitted to the main body. As a wireless transmission method, there are a method using light such as infrared rays and a method using a radio wave in a high frequency band such as a Bluetooth method and other methods.
[0031]
The imaging unit 12 includes an imaging optical system and a video processing system. This video processing system processes a video signal imaged by the imaging optical system as a digital signal. The video processing system has a compression encoding function. The compressed and encoded video data is output in units of frames. Accordingly, 30 frames of video data are output per second.
[0032]
The microphone unit 13 includes a microphone and a sound processing system. The audio processing system processes an audio signal input from the microphone as a digital signal. This audio processing system also has a compression coding function. The point that the compression-coded audio data is output in units of frames is the same as the video data.
[0033]
Since the present embodiment is intended for a camera-integrated video tape recorder, the microphone unit 13 is provided. However, depending on the applied electronic device (for example, an electronic still camera), there may be a configuration in which the microphone unit 13 is not used. .
[0034]
The time stamp unit 14 multiplexes the universal time code input from the GPS receiver 11, the video data input from the imaging unit 12, and the audio data input from the microphone unit 13 to generate multiplexed data. As a result, the universal time code is given to the frame data (video data and audio data). Here, the universal time code is given as a part of the auxiliary data.
[0035]
Incidentally, since the minimum unit of the universal time code in this embodiment is 1 second, the universal time code of the same time is given to 30 frame data. In the case of this camera-integrated video tape recorder, the 30 frame data to which the same time is given (for frame data at a time position finer than the time that can be specified by the universal time code) is a frame that is information of a recording unit. A number is given. With this frame number, it is possible to specify a time position of less than 1 second as an edit point.
[0036]
The storage unit 15 is a means for storing audio video data with universal time code, which is an output of the time stamp unit 14, on a video tape. FIG. 4 shows an example of recording on the video tape 41 by the storage unit 15. In FIG. 4, each track 42 extending diagonally to the right corresponds to a frame. For example, audio data 43, video data 44, and auxiliary data 45 are recorded on these tracks. In the example of FIG. 4, the universal time code 46 is recorded in the auxiliary data 45 portion. The recording position of each data is not limited to the case of FIG. The recording position depends on the recording format. Therefore, the auxiliary data 45 may be recorded on the central portion of the tape or may be recorded on the upper end side in the drawing.
[0037]
As a storage destination of the audio / video data, a semiconductor memory (regardless of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a card shape, or the like) may be considered in addition to the video tape. Various disk-shaped recording media (one that reads and writes using magnetism, one that reads and writes using light, and one that reads and writes using light and magnetism) may be used as storage media.
[0038]
In this embodiment, since the camera-integrated video tape recorder is targeted, the storage unit 15 is mounted in the same housing as the imaging unit 12, but depending on the applied electronic device (for example, a simple imaging camera), the storage unit 15 may be provided in a housing separate from the imaging unit 12.
[0039]
The external interface (I / F) 16 is a circuit for directly transmitting audio / video data with a universal time code, which is an output of the time stamp unit 14, to an external device. The audio / video data output from the external interface (I / F) 16 is stored in a predetermined storage medium in a storage unit provided outside.
[0040]
As a transmission method to an external device, a wired method and a wireless method can be considered. Here, as a wireless transmission method, there are a method that uses light such as infrared rays, and a method that uses a radio wave in a high frequency band, such as the Bluetooth method and other methods.
[0041]
(2) Editing system
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the editing system. Here, an editing system used in a broadcasting station will be described. Needless to say, the location of the editing system is not limited to the broadcasting station, but also includes video production companies, publishing companies, other business facilities, and private residences. The configuration of the editing system varies depending on the required content and scale.
[0042]
In the case of FIG. 5, the editing system 20 includes a non-linear editing machine 21, a VTR player 22, a video server 23, a control unit 24, an imaging camera 25, a router 26, and a sending unit 27. .
[0043]
The non-linear editing machine 21 is an apparatus that reads material data (audio data, video data) stored in a video server 23 and edits an image. Although not shown, the non-linear editing machine 21 can directly read the material data from the VTR player 22 and edit the image. Of course, the video data used here is given a universal time code.
[0044]
FIG. 6 shows a functional block configuration of the nonlinear editing machine 21. FIG. 6 shows only the portion directly related to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the non-linear editing machine 21 includes an operation unit 21A, an offset information storage unit 21B, and an editing unit 21C as main components.
[0045]
The operation unit 21A is input means for instructing the editing content to the editing unit 21C. The editing contents include, for example, a target material, an editing start position, an editing end position, editing items (switching, mix, wipe, etc.), a VTR playback device to be controlled, and the like.
[0046]
The offset information storage unit 21B is a means prepared for correcting a mechanical error (offset) when a reading position of material data by the VTR player 22 or the video server 23 is included.
[0047]
The offset information storage unit 21B stores the offset amount for each material data. FIG. 7 shows an example of the offset amount. In the case of FIG. 7, the read data of the video tape A (TAPE A) needs to be corrected by “−3 frames” with respect to the editing position designated by the universal time code (UTC), and the video tape B (TAPE). B) Read data requires correction of “+10 frames” and video tape C (TAPE C) read data requires correction of “0 frames” (ie, correction is not required). It represents.
[0048]
That is, when the universal time code “10: 30: 20: 00” is set as the editing position, “10: 30: 19: 27” is designated when reading the material data of the video tape A (TAPE A). When reading is performed, the time of the material data to be actually read matches the universal time code “10: 30: 20: 00”, and when reading the material data of the video tape B (TAPE B), “10: When reading is performed by designating “30:20:10”, it indicates that the time of the material data that is actually read matches the universal time code “10: 30: 20: 00”.
[0049]
Of course, when it is not necessary to consider the offset amount, the offset amount is set to “0 frame” as in the example of the video tape C (TAPE C).
[0050]
The editing unit 21C reads the material data based on the offset information stored in the offset information storage unit 21B, and executes an editing operation according to the specified editing content.
[0051]
In the case of a time position that can be specified by the universal time code (immediately after or immediately before the change of the digit of 1 second), the editing unit 21C performs cueing only by monitoring the universal time code. However, even in this case, it is free to cue by referring to the frame number.
[0052]
On the other hand, when the 20th frame of “10:30:20 (hour: minute: second)”, for example, is specified that cannot be specified only by the universal time code, the editing unit 21C not only specifies the universal time code but also the frame number. The editing position is cued by referring together.
[0053]
These editing results are output from the editing unit 21C to the video server 23. The above is the configuration of the nonlinear editing machine 21.
[0054]
The VTR player 22 plays the material data from the video tape and stores it in the data server 23. The VTR player 22 outputs the reproduced material data to the non-linear editor 21 when the non-linear editor 21 requests data reproduction. Incidentally, when directly controlled by the non-linear editing machine 21, the VTR playback machine 22 starts reading data from the designated universal time code. Note that when the material data is stored in a storage medium other than the video tape, a player corresponding to each storage medium is used.
[0055]
The video server 23 includes a storage device that stores material data reproduced by the VTR player 22 and edited data (video data, audio data) edited by the nonlinear editor 21. In general, a hard disk device is used. However, other storage / reproduction devices such as an optical disk device and a magneto-optical disk device can also be used.
[0056]
The control unit 24 is for controlling the video server 23. It communicates with the non-linear editing machine 21 as necessary, and reads and stores necessary material data.
[0057]
The imaging camera 25 is for capturing live video data. The imaging camera 25 is arranged in the studio or on the site.
[0058]
The router 26 inputs the edited video data read from the video server 23, the video data reproduced by the VTR player 22, and the live video data captured by the imaging camera 25. This is means for selectively outputting the above.
[0059]
The sending unit 27 is an interface unit for outputting the video data selected by the router 26 as a broadcast signal. An interface corresponding to the transmission path is used.
[0060]
(3) Usage example
FIG. 8 shows an example of use when the camera-integrated video tape recorder 10 is used for recording at a golf course. As described above, since these camera-integrated video tape recorders 10 use universal time codes as time codes, the time codes of the cameras are in a synchronized state even if they are not interconnected with a coaxial cable. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the data recorded on the video tape in each of the camera-integrated video tape recorders 10 has the same time code for the data at the same time. Will be granted.
[0061]
(4) Effects of the embodiment
As described above, by unifying the time code to be added to the video data into the universal time code, it is possible to ensure time code synchronization without connecting a plurality of camera-integrated tape recorders with a coaxial cable. As a result, the work required for imaging can be simplified and the amount of materials can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to connect to the coaxial cable, the degree of freedom of movement of the image pickup apparatus on site can be greatly improved.
[0062]
In addition, by using such a camera-integrated tape recorder for event recording, it is possible to obtain an edited image without deviation before and after an editing scene based on the universal time code even when a plurality of imaging devices are used. .
[0063]
Even when there is a positioning error in the playback device (including not only the VTR playback device 22 but also the video server 23), editing without deviation can be realized by specifying the time in anticipation of the offset amount.
[0064]
In addition, when a time position (position less than 1 second) finer than a time position that can be specified by the universal time code is designated as an edit point, synchronization is performed by referring to the frame number stored together with the universal time code. You can achieve excellent editing.
[0065]
(5) Other embodiments
In the above-described embodiment, the case of a camera-integrated tape recorder has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to various types of electronic devices by combining the components shown in FIG.
[0066]
For example, the present invention can be applied to an imaging apparatus including the imaging unit 12 and the time stamp unit 14. This imaging device includes an imaging camera device (without the storage unit 15. The GPS receiver 11 may be built-in or externally connected), and an electronic still camera (with the storage unit 15). Similarly, the GPS receiver 11 may be built-in or externally connected. In addition, when it does not have a memory | storage part, an external communication part is required. In either case, the same effect as in the embodiment can be expected.
[0067]
Further, the present invention can be applied to a video data processing apparatus including an imaging unit 12 and a time stamp unit 14. As this video data processing apparatus, a camera-equipped portable information terminal, a camera-equipped notebook personal computer, a camera-equipped cellular phone, a camera-equipped wristwatch, and the like can be considered. In either case, the storage unit 15 may or may not be included in the terminal. However, if the storage unit 15 is not provided, an external communication unit is required. Further, the GPS receiver 11 may or may not be incorporated (that is, external connection). ). Of course, in any case, the same effect as the embodiment can be expected.
[0068]
Further, the present invention can be applied to a video data processing apparatus including a time stamp unit 14. As this video data processing device, a portable information device not equipped with an imaging device, for example, a portable information terminal, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a wristwatch, a portable MD recorder, or the like can be considered. In either case, the storage unit 15 may or may not be included in the terminal. However, if the storage unit 15 is not provided, an external communication unit is required. Further, the GPS receiver 11 may or may not be incorporated (that is, external connection). ). Of course, in any case, the same effect as the embodiment can be expected.
[0069]
In the above-described embodiment, the editing system shown in FIG. 5 has been described. However, as a minimum set, a playback device for playing back data from a storage medium in which a universal time code is stored together with video data, and nonlinear editing All you need is a machine. In the case of a general household, in many cases, a computer provides functions of a non-linear editing machine (editing software), a playback machine (DVD device or the like), and a video server (hard disk device or the like).
[0070]
In the above-described embodiment, the offset information storage unit 21B is mounted on the non-linear editing machine, but this is not necessary in a system where it is clear that no error can occur in the editing position.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
(1) According to the present invention, a time stamp unit that gives a universal time code (UTC) given from a GPS receiver to video data given from an image pickup unit mounted inside the image pickup device. By providing, it is possible to ensure time code synchronization without connecting a plurality of imaging devices with a coaxial cable.
[0072]
(2) According to the present invention, the time stamp unit that gives the universal time code (UTC) given from the GPS receiver to the video data given from the imaging unit is added to the video data processing apparatus having the imaging unit. By providing, it is possible to ensure time code synchronization without connecting a plurality of imaging devices with a coaxial cable.
[0073]
(3) According to the present invention, a time stamp unit that gives a universal time code (UTC) given from a GPS receiver to video data given from an external imaging device to the video data processing device. As a result, the synchronization of the time code can be ensured without connecting a plurality of imaging devices with a coaxial cable.
[0074]
(4) According to the present invention, the editing device is provided with an editing unit that refers to a universal time code (UTC) stored together with video data and synchronizes a plurality of video data. Editing without deviation before and after the editing scene can be realized based on the time code.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of an imaging camera.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of use when a conventional imaging camera is used.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of output data when a time code of a built-in timer is added to imaging data.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of recording on a video tape.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an editing system.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a nonlinear editing machine.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an offset amount.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of use when the imaging camera according to the present invention is used.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of output data when a universal time code is added to imaging data.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 camera-integrated video tape recorder, 11 GPS receiver, 12 imaging unit, 13 microphone unit, 14 time stamp unit, 15 storage unit, 16 external interface (I / F), 20 editing system, 21 nonlinear editing machine, 22 VTR playback Machine, 23 video server, 24 control unit, 25 imaging camera, 26 router, 27 sending unit

Claims (3)

In a non-linear editing device that performs non-linear editing of video data,
An editing unit that refers to a universal time code (UTC) stored together with video data and synchronizes a plurality of video data ;
An offset information storage unit that stores an offset amount in units smaller than the minimum unit of the universal time code for each of the plurality of video data ,
The non-linear editing apparatus , wherein the offset amount is information for correcting an error in the reading position of the video data with respect to the universal time code . The offset amount is stored in the offset information storage unit in units of frames smaller than the second unit which is the minimum unit of the universal time code.
The nonlinear editing apparatus according to claim 1. The editing unit synchronizes the plurality of video data based on a universal time code stored together with the video data and an offset amount stored in the offset information storage unit.
The nonlinear editing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images