KR20010096491A - A method and system for video recording and playback - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method and a system for video recording and reproducing are provided to record video data on a disc block with high image quality over a long time while reproducing the size of a camera block. CONSTITUTION: In a video recording and reproducing system, a disc block and a camera block using an optical disc are separated into separate structural blocks and a memory card(41) of sufficient capacity for moving image recording is incorporated in the camera block. When the card is taken out and inserted into a card slot made in the disc block, video data is transferred automatically to the disc block by processing firmware software. The camera block compresses video signals for minimize the size of digital encoding before encoding and transmitting the signals. The camera block and the disc block are coupled by a magnetic card, a connection cable or an RF link. The camera block is minimized as a recording medium and supplied with the power from the optical disc block.

Description

Video recording and playback method and system {A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VIDEO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK}

The present invention relates to video technology. In particular, the present invention relates to video recording / playback technology. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. HEI 10-257367 describes an example of the prior art. As shown in Figure 1 of Patent Publication No. HEI 10-257367, a single video recording module comprises an imaging element; microphone; Separate A / D converters for video and audio; A display device having a finder function; And an information processing device for compressing digitally encoded image and audio signals. The antenna and the mobile communication module installed in the digital modulator execute wireless transmission of output from the video recording module in the form of digital encoding. The processing device includes a receiving antenna and a demodulating feature. The processing device decodes the digitally encoded signal and stores it in the storage means (hard disk device). The wireless transmitted signal may be transmitted to the base station using a telephone line or the like, and then the information may be transmitted to a personal computer or the like. However, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. HEI 10-257367, using wireless transmission to transmit a video code means that a "mobile communication module" and a large capacity battery are required to drive. Although not described in the Japanese Laid-Open Patent, performing MPEG compression on digital video generally consumes at least 1 W or 2 W of power, and further requires transmission power to perform wireless transmission. In addition, in the prior art, there is no description of a means for miniaturizing a battery for a camera that consumes a large amount of power. Although video is described as being transmitted to a fixed personal computer or the like through a telephone line or the like, since the telephone lines do not provide a suitable capacity for transmitting real-time video, the service is technically difficult to implement. In addition, the service may not be economically feasible because of the high cost when large amounts of data are transmitted. Thus, it is difficult to implement the prior art described above for a standard video camera.

While the techniques described above are well known, other techniques may include video cameras using optical discs. In this case, the video camera and the optical disc drive are arranged in the same structural block. As a result, the layout of the device makes it difficult to use a video camera as a hand-held camera. First, the structural block used for hand-held recording of the image must be miniaturized for ease of use. However, integrating the optical disk block and the camera block increases the overall volume of the video camera. In addition, when the camera block is integrated with an optical disk block that uses standard 12 cm diameter optical disks, the result is a much larger structure than standard video cameras. Thus, standard 12cm optical disks in which the apparatus is impractical or very useful cannot be used as the recording medium.

Therefore, there is a need for a small handheld video camera capable of recording and playing back on standard optical discs, for example ready-made DVDs.

The present invention provides a technique in which the overall structure of a video recording camera block is made smaller and lighter. The present invention also provides a video recording / reproducing technique that enables high quality video recording for a relatively long time.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a video recording / reproducing apparatus in which a video camera block and an optical disc block are separated into separate structural blocks. The signal is transmitted from the camera block to the disk block as a digitally encoded signal to prevent deterioration of image quality. The video signal is compressed and encoded in the camera block. When separating the camera block and the disk block into separate structural blocks, the two blocks are connected by a connector cable, a radio frequency (RF) link, or a memory card, and the power consumed by the camera block is the disk block in the case of the cable connection. Is supplied from. The power source of the disk block includes batteries. This allows the camera block to be miniaturized, reducing the cost of the entire device. In addition, since the camera block and the disk block can be separated into different devices, the structural layout of the disk block is made very thin, so that 12 cm optical disks can be easily used.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for recording a plurality of images of a moving object on an optical medium, the method receiving the plurality of images with a handheld video camera, for example in the handheld video camera. Converting the plurality of images into encoded digital data using MPEG-2; Transmitting said encoded digital data to a separate portable recording device via a communication medium, such as an RF link or an IEEE 1394 connecting cable. The recording apparatus converts the encoded digital data into optical format data and records the optical format data on an optical medium, for example, a DVD. The hand held camera may also be operated by remote control to reproduce the data stored in the optical medium. In another embodiment, the handheld video camera receives power only from the discrete recording device, wherein the power source of the second device includes batteries.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a portable video recording and playback system is provided. The system includes an input element for receiving video information from a video camera; A recording element for storing the video information in an optical disc, for example, a DVD; A reproduction element coupled to the recording element for reproducing stored video information; A display coupled to the playback element for viewing the stored video information by a user; And a battery for powering a portable video recording and playback system. In another embodiment, the battery also powers the video camera. The video camera includes an imaging element for receiving video information; A digitizing module for generating video information from the video signal; An encoder for encoding digital video information, for example in MPEG format; An output module for transmitting an encoded signal from the encoder; An action key for starting and stopping recording of video information; And a finder for viewing the video information.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the video recording / reproducing apparatus includes a camera block and a disc block. The camera block includes an encoder for encoding and compressing a video signal obtained from the imaging element; An interface module for a memory medium; And a connector for connecting the memory module. The camera block generates an output from the encoder and outputs it to the connector via an interface module. The disk block includes an input module for a memory medium; A decoder for decoding the encoded signal input from the input module; A disk signal processor for converting a signal input from an input module into a format of a disk; And a disk for recording a signal from the signal processor.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the video signal recording / reproducing apparatus includes a camera block and a disc block. The camera block comprises an imaging element; An A / D converter for digitizing a signal obtained from an imaging element; A camera signal processor for driving imaging elements and capturing video; An encoder for encoding and compressing a digital video signal; Action keys to start and stop recording; A finder for displaying the recorded video; A digital signal output module for outputting an output signal from the decoder; And memory means for temporarily storing the output signal from the encoder. The disk block includes a recording apparatus using a magnetic disk or an optical disk as a recording medium; And an input module for inputting an output signal from the camera block. The video recorded by the camera block is used as an input of an input module of the disk block which is automatically stored in the recording medium of the disk block.

In the video signal recording / reproducing apparatus, a recording area exclusive to video recorded by the camera block is disposed on the recording medium. The video is stored using a predetermined recording area name and storage format. The predetermined recording area name and storage format match the video recording specification of the DVD-RAM specification. In a file used to store a video, each time the information is stored, the information is stored in the same file and the file size is expanded. The file used to manage the file storing the video is updated each time the information is stored.

In the second embodiment, the signal stored and recorded on the recording medium is a signal in which video and audio are simultaneously recorded or a still image recorded in concert with audio or only audio. The digital signal output module is a connector terminal capable of transmitting digital signals. The connector terminal is configured to output digital signals and to power the camera block.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium in the disc block is an optical disc having a diameter of 12 cm. The encoder is consistent with the MPEG standard. The memory means is a memory card, and the digital signal output module is formed so that signals can be written to the memory card and the memory card can be removed out of the case from the camera block. When the video stored in the memory means is stored in the recording medium of the disk block, the recordable area of the memory means is automatically set to the maximum setting.

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the video recording / reproducing apparatus includes a camera block and a recording block. The camera block includes means for encoding a video signal obtained from an imaging element and means for operation. The recording block includes a recording module and a processing module for receiving and processing a signal received from the encoding means and the operating means. The digital video signal from the encoding means and the operation signal from the operating means are multiplexed over time and transmitted to the recording block.

In the fifth embodiment, the battery is disposed in the recording block and the cable is disposed between the camera block and the recording block. Power from the battery is supplied to the camera block via a cable. The audio input means is arranged in the camera block, the battery is arranged in the recording block, and the cable connects the camera block and the recording block. The digital video signal, the operation signal, and the digital audio signal from the audio input means are multiplexed over time and transmitted to the recording block via a cable. The battery disposed in the recording block supplies power to the camera block via a cable.

In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the video recording / reproducing apparatus includes a first block and a second block. The first block comprises an imaging element; Analog / digital conversion means for digitizing the video signal obtained from the imaging element; Means for processing signals to drive an imaging element and receiving video or still images; Means for encoding a digital video signal; An action key for starting and stopping recording; And finder means for viewing the recorded images. The second block includes a recording drive device including a recording medium; And means for receiving an output signal from the operation key and the encoding means. The output signal from the encoding means is formed by digitally encoding the signal and then converting it to serial digital encoding. The output signal from the encoding means is transmitted to the second block after being multiplexed in time according to the information from the operation key.

In the sixth embodiment, the cable electrically connects the first block and the second block. The output signal from the encoding means is formed by digitally encoding the signal and converting it into serial digital encoding. The output signal from the encoding means is transmitted to the second block after being multiplexed in time according to the information from the operation key. Further, a microphone, an analog / digital converting means for digitizing the audio signal from the microphone, and a means for converting the audio signal into a serial digital code are arranged in the first block. The audio and video signals from the encoding means, converted to serial digital codes, are multiplexed and transmitted over time. A power source, for example one or more batteries or an AC adapter, is disposed in the second block, and circuitry within the first block is connected to the second block through a power line disposed in a cable connecting the first block and the second block. Power is supplied from the arranged power source. The cable connecting the first block and the second block is provided using connecting terminals. The connecting terminal arranged on the second block outputs the digital code read out from the recording medium of the second block in the form of serial code in a standard format based on switching of operation modes of the control microprocessor arranged in the second block. The connecting terminal disposed in the first block may output a camera signal obtained from the imaging element of the first block, and may be a recording drive device, an input / output terminal of a personal computer, a video tape recorder capable of recording a digital code, or Any of the cellular phones can transmit a signal outside the second block.

In the sixth embodiment, the video signal output terminal is arranged in the second block. Video decoding circuitry conforming to the MPEG standard is placed in the second block. Video signals based on the MPEG standard are read and decoded from a recording medium and displayed on a TV display having a video input / output terminal. In addition, the audio signal output terminal is disposed in the second block to output the audio signal to the outside. Audio decoding circuitry conforming to the audio CD standard is arranged in the second block. Audio decoding circuits are used to decode recording media based on audio standards and output decoded audio signals from audio signal output terminals. In addition, an optical disk that can be used in the optical disk drive of the second block has a diameter of 12 cm. The decoding means also conforms to the MPEG standard. Further, the power source and the wireless transmission means driven by the power source are arranged in the first block. The wireless receiving means is arranged in the second block. Information from the video signal and the action key is wirelessly transmitted from the first block to the second block.

In one embodiment of the invention, the camera block comprises an encoder for encoding and compressing video signals from an imaging element; A storage module for storing the output from the encoder; And an output module for outputting the signal stored in the storage module. In the camera block, a card connector for connecting the memory interface with the card interface module for the memory medium is arranged. In another embodiment, the card interface module and card connector are replaced with a transmit / receive interface coupled with a transceiver coupled with a cable connector. In another embodiment the card interface module and card connector are replaced with a transmit / receive interface coupled with a digital demodulator coupled with an RF module coupled with an RF transmit / receive antenna. The signals stored in the storage module are output to the appropriate connector / antenna through each type of interface module.

In another embodiment of the invention, a disk block comprises: an input module for a memory medium; A disk signal processor for converting a signal input from an input module into a disk format; And a disk for recording a signal from the signal processor. The disk block also includes a connector for connecting the memory medium in which the video signal is stored and the interface module for the memory medium. The disc block may also include a decoder for decoding the signal for viewing on the display. In another embodiment, the card interface module and card connector are replaced with a cable connector coupled with a transceiver coupled with a transmit / receive interface. In another embodiment, the card interface module and card connector are replaced with an RF transmit / receive antenna coupled with an RF module coupled with a digital demodulator coupled with a transmit / receive interface. In the above embodiments, the output from each interface module is stored in a storage medium, for example, a DVD.

In another embodiment of the invention, the video recording / playback system comprises a separate DVD-RAM device and a video camera coupled to the video camera via a cable or RF link. The DVD-RAM device has similar sizes to a portable commercial DVD player, such as Sony's DVD-FX1, but embodiments of the present invention can read and write to optical discs. The DVD-RAM device of this embodiment can selectively control a video camera remotely so that the camera once deployed can be operated remotely by a user in the DVD-RAM device. Thus, the user can view and record the video images remotely.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a camera block according to the present invention.

2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a disk block according to the present invention.

3 is an external view showing an embodiment of a disc block of the video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention;

4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment of a camera block;

5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a camera block according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a rear view showing another embodiment of the camera block according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a system diagram showing a standard file and directory structure used when storing information in a memory card of the camera block of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing operations automatically executed by a disk block to process a memory card created by the camera block of the embodiment. FIG.

9 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a camera block of a video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a disc block of the video recording / playback apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an embodiment of a video recording / playback apparatus according to the present invention.

12 is a detailed perspective view of a camera block of the video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a rear view of the camera block of FIG. 4 when viewed from the opposite direction from the lens in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

14 is a front view showing in detail the connector terminal shown in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

15 is a top view of the connector terminal of FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a system diagram showing an overview of a communication protocol defined in IEEE 1394 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a detailed schematic diagram of an MPEG2 video / audio data signal packet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

18 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a disk block according to the present invention.

19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the camera block of FIG.

20 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a camera block of a video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a disc block of video recording / playback according to the present invention.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

1: CCD image sensor

2: camera signal processor

3: camera controller

4: action keys

5: microphone

6: AD converter

7: Image processing RAM

8: character generator

9: finder controller

10: Finder display

11: (MPEG) video / audio encoder

12: system controller

13: data buffer

15: card interface

17, 117: power

18: battery

115: transmit / receive interface

116: transceiver

117: power

128: input / output connectors

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a camera block according to the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a disk block according to the present invention. The video recording / playback apparatus consists of the blocks shown in Figs. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a circuit of a camera block module mounted and adjusted in the hand of a user, and FIG. 2 shows a disk block using an optical disk such as a DVD-RAM.

In FIG. 1, the CCD image sensor 1 converts light from an optical lens into an electrical signal. The camera signal processor 2 converts the signal from the CCD image sensor 1 into an image signal. The camera signal processor 2 is similar to that used in tape-based video camera recorders. The operation keys 4 are used for pausing, recording and reproducing. The finder display 10 may display the reproduced images and the images acquired through the lens. Small liquid crystal panels, such as LCD displays with a size of 0.4-0.6 inches, are generally used for the finder display 10. The video / audio encoder 11 in the camera includes MPEG video / audio encoding / compression circuitry.

Next, the signal flow during video recording occurring in the video camera recorder shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. The image obtained from the optical lens is opto-electrically converted by the CCD image sensor 1. This signal is then sent to the AGC and A / D converter 19. The AGC circuit adjusts the change in signal levels from the optical system to a predetermined signal level, and the A / D converter converts the analog signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is transmitted to the camera signal processor 2 as an input. Since the signal obtained from the CCD image sensor 1 is a standard sensor format, the camera signal processor 2 converts the signal into standard Y (luminance signal), and U, V signals (color difference signals) and image Perform image enhancement. The camera signal processor 2 also generates the drive pulses required for the CCD image sensor 1 and the synchronization signals required for the video output and transmits these signals to the corresponding sections. The camera controller 3 formed from the microprocessor or the like for controlling the camera is configured to display the state of the optical system, the video information obtained from the CCD image sensor 1, and information obtained from any of the operations executed in the camera. Based on this, the camera signal processor 2 is suitably controlled. In addition, A / D conversion is performed on an analog output from an angular velocity sensor or the like using a gyroscope or the like. The resulting signal is sent to the camera controller 3 to control the drive pulse of the CCD image sensor 1. Therefore, the CCD image sensor 1 is controlled so that a relatively stable image is provided in the camera signal processor 2 even if the user holding the camera shakes.

The digital video signal from the camera signal processor 2 is transmitted to the video / audio encoder 11 (MPEG codec). In this embodiment, the digital video signal is 16 bit parallel data.

The video / audio encoder 11 stores the video from the camera signal processor 2 in the image processing RAM 7 and compresses the video data to about 1/60 based on the MPEG2 format. Compressed video data is transmitted to the internal system bus 14 in accordance with instructions from the system controller 12 formed from a microprocessor or the like. In this case, the system controller 12 is formed as a CPU without a memory device and includes a fixed firmware program (not shown in the figure).

The character generator 8 superimposes the control information necessary for operating the camera from the camera signal processor 2 into an analog video signal. The resultant signal is transmitted to the finder controller 9 and displayed on the finder display 10 formed from the LCD display or the like. Thus, the video recording information can be displayed on the finder display 10 in a unified manner. The microphone 5 of the camera block picks up the sounds to produce audio signals. The A / D converter 6 performs an analog / digital conversion and sends a standard linear PCM signal, for example a 16-bit CD-quality signal, to the video / audio encoder 11, where MPEG audio encoding is performed.

The video signal and audio signal encoded by the video / audio encoder 11 are synchronously mixed according to the instructions from the system controller 12. As a result, a system stream signal is transmitted to the internal system bus 14. In order to prevent writing errors due to changes and impacts received by an optical disc such as a DVD, the MPEG data stream is sent to a data buffer 13 (formed from RAM or the like). The data buffer 13 is used to detect and correct communication errors that occur when data is sent to the disk block as described below. The data stream is also sent to the card interface 15 via the internal system bus 14. The output from the card interface 15 is stored in the memory card 41 (for example, semiconductor memory) through the card connector 16.

The card interface 15 is compatible with standard memory card specifications used in still image cameras, for example CompactFlash specifications or Smartmedia specifications. The size of the card connector 16 is compatible with the standard memory card 41. The thickness of the card connector 16 can be kept below 5 mm even for relatively thick CompactFalsh memory cards. If a Smartmedia card of approximately stamp size is used, a camera of approximately the same size as a conventional 35 mm film camera can be easily implemented. In digital cameras recording still images, a memory card of about 32 megabytes can store about 50 images of several hundred kilobytes each. However, a large amount of memory is needed in the camera block of the video camera recorder. For example, 6 Mbit / sec MPEG2 video / audio recording produces data at 750 Kbytes / sec rate. This results in 7.5 Mbytes in about 10 seconds, 75 Mbytes in 100 seconds, and 225 Mbytes in 5 minutes. For this purpose, small memory cards are used, for example by using four flash memory chips, each chip has a capacity of approximately 450 Mbits. The maximum recording time of the camera block is relatively short, about 5 minutes. In many cases, however, a few minutes is sufficient if still images are captured when there is very little movement and video is recorded only when there is movement. For example, in the case of including one long scene such as a wedding, a tape-based video camera may be used. The device can then be used to record high quality video in the same manner as a snapshot during a picnic. Of course, since the MPEG2 standard enables low rate recording of about 3 Mbps, such a device can be used to extend the maximum recording time.

The power source 17 is formed from a DC-DC converter and uses the power from the battery 18 of the camera block, so that the 10 V or the CCD image sensor 1 and the finder display 10 of the camera block, for example, a liquid crystal display, are used. Provides more voltage and negative voltage.

The overall structure of the camera block according to the present embodiment is similar to that of a standard still image digital camera, but the video / audio encoder 11, the system controller 12, and the like can be used at a higher speed to record MPEG2 video. . For example, video / audio encoder 11 uses a clock frequency of 54 MHz and system controller 12 uses a maximum clock frequency of 162 MHz.

Figure 2 shows the entire circuit of a disk block used in conjunction with the camera block of Figure 1 of an embodiment of the invention. The disc block can also be driven by a battery, allowing video recording in places where commercial power is not readily available. Thus, the memory card 41 of relatively limited capacity can be compensated by the high capacity optical disk 37. The optical disc 37 may be, for example, a disc compatible with DVD-RAM Ver 2.0 using a 0.6151 microns track pitch, 0.28 micros write bit length and a 650 nm red laser. In this case, one side of the 12 cm disc has a capacity of 4.7 Gbytes, allowing for example about 6/104 Mbps video to be stored. Thus, this length can handle almost any situation recorded by a typical user using a standard video camera.

In FIG. 2, action keys 20 are used to perform operations such as playing a disc on which a movie is recorded or to use only the disc block to view a disc on which video is recorded using a camera. The system controller 21 captures the output from the operation keys 20. The system controller 21 also stores the system time and date and manages the state of the power battery 26. 2 also shows a power battery 26 and a DC-DC conversion circuit 27 used to generate the various voltages required by the system. For example, when CompackFlash cards are used, a potential of 5 V is transmitted to the card connector 23 to supply power to the memory card 41 pulled out of the camera block of FIG.

First, the method used for automatically storing the recorded signals from the camera block to the disk block will be described. In the signal flow of the camera block, the signal from the memory card 41 connected to the card connector 23 is first transmitted to the internal system bus 22 having a DVD-RAM video recording format. Based on the commands from the system controller 21, a signal is sent to the internal system bus 22 in synchronization with the time the system is operating. A video / audio decoder 28 that performs MPEG2 decoding separates some video / audio signals into video signals and audio signals and then decodes these signals using image memory 31 according to the MPEG2 specification. The video signal is transmitted to the panel controller 29 and the display 30 so that the video being recorded can be monitored.

The subset of video and audio signals sent to the data buffer 32 is extracted and transmitted via the internal system bus 22 to the video / audio decoder 28 for decoding and then display via the panel controller 29. Is displayed on (30). Video and audio signals stored in the data buffer 32 are transmitted to the internal system bus 22 and transmitted to the disk signal processor 33 at a faster rate than when recorded in the camera block. The disc signal processor 33 performs data conversion based on the recording format of the DVD-RAM optical disc used in this embodiment. The disk signal processor is equipped with a tracking servo circuit, a focus servo circuit, a spindle servo circuit, a data read / write error correction circuit, and the like. The output from the disk signal processor 33 is sent to the RF data R / W (read / write) module 34, which is digitally modulated, and the optical disk 37, by an optical pickup 35, For example, it is recorded on a DVD disk.

In addition to temporarily storing video signals and audio signals, the data buffer 32 also performs other functions. The data buffer 32 protects when an external shock or vibration is applied to the optical recording actuator formed by the optical pickup 35 and the optical disk 37. When the system experiences vibrations, instructions from the system controller 21 stop the disk signal processor 33 from securing data through the internal system bus 22 until the system returns to normal. In this example, the data buffer 32 can store signals for approximately 5 seconds output from the memory card 41, which serves to prevent gaps between signals. In addition, the disc signal processor 33 adds correction codes, such as codes based on the DVD specification, to handle read / write errors inevitably present in the optical disc 37 or HDD. In the disc signal processor 33, a DVD tracking circuit, a focus circuit, a disk spindle servo circuit, and a data read / write error correction circuit are integrated. The output signal from the disk signal processor 33 is transmitted to the RF data R / W module 34, which is a high frequency circuit, so that the optical disk 37, for example, by the optical pickup 35 after the signal is digitally modulated. For example, it is recorded on a DVD disk.

The disk signal processor 33, the RF data R / W module 34, the optical pickup 35, and associated servo circuits are all controlled by the optical disk drive control microprocessor 36.

Next, the reproduction of video signals from an optical disc 37, for example, a DVD disc, using the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be described. Since the cost of the medium itself is generally very low, optical discs 37 can be produced inexpensively and are widely used to provide video and audio content.

In this embodiment, standard optical discs can be played. The video camera circuit can only be achieved by adding some circuits, such as card interface 25 and card connector 23. When reproducing the optical disc, the digital modulation bit information of the optical disc 37, for example a DVD disc, is first read from the optical disc 37 using the optical pickup 35. The RF data R / W module 34 detects waveform equalization and servo signals, and the disk signal processor 33 transmits this signal to the internal system bus 22 as an MPEG2 video stream. In the case of recording, the data buffer 32 holds the data for a few seconds so that the data during the read operation due to an impact received by the optical pickup 35 or the optical disc 37, for example, a DVD disc Allows video to be played back continuously even if a read error occurs. Data transfer of video and audio data via the internal system bus 22 is controlled by instructions from the system control microprocessor 21. Video / audio decoder 28, which executes MPEG2 decoding, decompresses and recovers native video data. After being converted to an NTSC signal, the signal is transmitted through the display panel controller 29 and displayed as a reproduced image on the display panel 30. Since the signal is an output as an NTSC video signal from the video / audio decoder 28, the signal can be displayed on an external TV via the video output terminal 61 disposed on the panel of the device.

Optical pickup 35, RF data R / W module 34 for DVD, disk signal processor 33, MPEG2 video / audio decoder 28, panel controller 29, display panel 30, and battery 26 ) Are the most expensive and complex circuits in the disk block described above. These can be implemented with the same or slightly modified integrated circuits used as playback devices in the video content known as DVD-Video. Thus, the circuits that need to be added to store signals from the camera block are the card interface 25 and the card connector 23, which increase the minimum cost while providing a rather convenient system for the user.

In this example, recording and playback of video are performed using the MPEG2 format, but this camera block can also capture and record still images in JPEG format. The JEPG format includes operations similar to the encoding of MPEG I-pictures, and MPEG2 codes can be used by simply switching some operations performed by the circuit. Further, this embodiment allows the diameter of the optical disk to be 12 cm. Thus, by adding an optical pickup for generating a laser beam having a wavelength of 780 nm, and executing an audio CD (small disc) signal processing and playback error correction block of the disk signal processor 33 through reproduction format processing, Decoding of linear PCM audio with a sampling rate is performed, allowing audio CDs to be easily played back.

In addition, the camera block shown in FIG. 1 allows a user to easily capture images in comparison with existing digital cameras. In addition, operation keys 4 can be used to switch between video recording and capture of still images.

Also, referring to Fig. 2, recorded images can be easily stored, for example, on an optical disc.

3 is an external view showing an embodiment of a disc block of the video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the cover 45 covers the optical disc 37. The battery 26 can provide the current required for the circuit blocks shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by providing power and using a lithium-ion battery. For example, the display panel 30 may be a liquid crystal display having a diagonal size of 7 inches.

Display panel 30, optical disc 37 and cover 45 are portable DVD optical discs that allow read-only optical discs containing video based on DVD-Video specifications and the like to be reproduced anywhere by batteries. Form a player. The video camera disc block can be easily implemented by adding elements featuring the present embodiment: a card connector 23 (not shown) and a card slot 48 for inserting the memory card 41. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the side panel of the device includes NTSC video signal and analog audio signal outputs. Video cable 42 may be used to play video such as movies or images captured by a video camera on a large screen of external TV 39.

In Fig. 3, the card slot 48 is formed in one section of the case 63 of the disc block. By removing the memory card 41 from the camera block and inserting it into the card slot 48, video signals and audio signals can be transmitted to the disc block.

4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment of a camera block. Elements of FIG. 4 that are identical to those of FIG. 1 are denoted by like reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The terminal plate 64 used for the output of signals from the camera block is attached to the main unit 65 with a main axis. The terminal plate 64 is usually arranged in contact with the side of the main unit 65. The terminal plate 64 pivots as shown in FIG. 4 when connected to the disc block. A terminal plate similar to the card slot 48 of FIG. 3 is placed in the camera block, and the terminal plate 64 is inserted into this slot to contact the terminal plate connectors. In addition, by increasing the capacity of the data buffer 13 of the camera block, it is possible to record images in the data buffer 13 rather than the memory card 41. Later, data is transferred from the data buffer 13 to the disk block. In addition, the camera block may be equipped with a battery charger. While video data is being transferred to the disc block, the battery charger can be charged from the power source of the disc block. This can save time by using the significant time between storing video signals recorded by the camera block on an optical disc and charging the power battery, thereby providing greater efficiency.

5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a camera block according to the present invention. The circuit block in this camera block is the structure shown in FIG. In the figure, video camera lens 50 is used to capture images and has a maximum zoom magnification of about 8-12. As shown in Fig. 5, the case of the camera unit is formed in a shape that can be easily grasped by hand, and is similar to conventional 35 mm film cameras and still widely used still image digital cameras. Operation keys 4 are used for starting and stopping. The flash strobe 47 allows the still images to be captured reliably even in dim light.

6 is a rear view showing another embodiment of the camera block according to the present invention. The same elements as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In the figure, the finder display 10 is formed of a liquid crystal display or the like and is used to determine the viewing angle of the object to be recorded and to cause the recorded video to be viewed immediately. The operation key 51 is used to search the recorded video. The operation key 53 is used to adjust camera functions required when using the camera. The dial of the operation key 53 is used to select operation menus displayed on the finder, and the operation key 53 controls manual operations such as focus and iris operations. 5 and 6, the memory card 41 stores video, still images, and audio generated by the camera block, and is used as a temporary recording medium until the data is stored in the disc block. The memory card 41 is inserted into the card slot 48 and the contents thereof are stored in the optical disk 37.

This embodiment uses CompactFalsh or SmartMedia memory cards. The cards are about 45 x 36 in external size, so they can be used to make compact cameras less than 100 mm high and less than 140 mm wide.

7 is a schematic diagram illustrating standard file formats used by a camera block for storing in a memory card according to an embodiment of the present invention. These file formats are shown in a directory structure. In the figure, "ROOT" 60 is the root directory of the optical disc drive. &Quot; DVD_RTAV " 58 is an official name of a directory used for real-time video recording according to the video recording format used in the DVD-RAM specification. This directory contains only one IFO file and three VRO files. Among these, " VR_MANGER.IFO " 54 holds information indicating a logical sector of the optical disc in which streaming video is stored. The file also holds video signal editing information, such as a section of MPEG2 file format headers and pointers in the stream. Next, " VR_MOVIE.VRO " 55 contains the actual MPEG2 video and audio streams, and is essentially similar to standard MPEG2 files. The video recording format also defines standards for still images. Still images can be included using I pictures of the MPEG standards. "VR_STLL.VRO" 56 is a file that brings together all I pictures corresponding to still images into one place. &Quot; VR_AUDIO.VRO " 57 is a file containing still images with audio. The audio is then linked to still images to increase the sense of immediacy immediately in the image by adding audio. Standard still images with audio can only be processed with " VR_MOVIE.VRO " 55, but " VR_AUDIO.VRO " 57 is required if multiple channels are required.

&Quot; OTHER FILE " 59 includes files that are not defined in the video recording format. All directories other than "DVD_RTAV" 58 will be ignored by devices such as the video signal recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention. Thus, for example, data used in a personal computer can be stored.

In the video signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the system controller 12 of the camera block of FIG. 1 includes "DVD_RTAV" 58, "VR_MANGER.IFO" 54, "VR_MOVIE.VRO" 55, The file structures for " VR_STLL.VRO " 56 and " VR_AUDIO.VRO " 57 are first set, and then the MPEG2 video signal is automatically stored. Next, the memory card 41 containing the video recording files generated by the camera block is removed from the camera block and inserted into the card connector 23 of the disk block shown in FIG. The system controller 21 of FIG. 2 includes "DVD_RTAV" 58, "VR_MANGER.IFO" 54, "VR_MOVIE.VRO" 55, "VR_STLL.VRO" 56, and "VR_AUDIO.VRO" ( The file structure for 57 is automatically detected and determined to be video recording. These files are created before the memory card from the camera is inserted, " DVD_RTAV " 58, " VR_MANGER.IFO " 54, " VR_MOVIE.VRO " 55, " VR_STLL.VRO " "56" and "VR_AUDIO.VRO" 57 are added. For example, if the camera block only recorded video, the disc block first opens "VR_MOVIE.VRO" 55 once and updates the header and end processing sections of the MPEG video signal. Thereafter, the &quot; VR_MANGER.IFO &quot; 54 is opened to update the IFO file to indicate the section of the optical disc 37 to which the stream has been added.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing operations automatically executed by a disk block to process a memory card created by the camera block.

First, in step 71, the memory card 41 from the camera block is inserted into the card slot 48 of the disk block. Then, in step 72, a confirmation request message such as "Video recorded by the camera will be added. Save?" Is displayed on the display panel 30 of the disc block. After that, since the optical disc may have been detached from the disc drive device, the file system of the optical disc 37 (e.g., UDF (Universal Disc Format)) is checked in step 73 and recorded by the camera. It ensures that the data can be stored in a suitable form. Next, in step 74, " DVD_RTAV " 58, " VR_MANGER.IFO " 54, " VR_MOVIE.VRO " 55, " VR_STLL.VRO " The file structure of the "VR_AUDIO.VRO" 57 files is checked. If the structure does not exist, it is created. Then, in step 75, "DVD_RTAV" 58, "VR_MANGER.IFO" 54, "VR_MOVIE.VRO" 55, "VR_STLL.VRO" 56, and "VR_AUDIO.VRO" ( 57) The file structure of the memory card 41 generated by the camera block for files is detected. Then, in step 76, the management file "VR_MANGER.IFO" 54 is retrieved, and then in step 77, the video signal data file "VR_MOVIE.VRO" 55 is retrieved. In step 78 a comparison is made with a video file of the optical disc. If there is a newly added section, the new section is transferred to the optical disc. Then, in step 80, information is added to the "VR_MANGER.IFO" 54 management file, and in step 81, the information is added to the video signal data file "VR_MOVIE.VRO" 55. Since the memory card 41 is returned to the camera block so that the next video can be recorded, all contents are deleted, so that the entire recording capacity becomes useful again when returning to the camera block. Alternatively, the data can be overwritten instead of deleting the video on the memory card. This is useful if a section of the video needs to be restored for some reason, or if the user wants to play the video on the camera block.

Once all the data has been transferred and the management file "VR_MANGER.IFO" 54 and the video signal data file "VR_MOVIE.VRO" 55 are updated, a message such as "Data is saved" is displayed in step 82 with the disk block. Is displayed to the user on the display panel 30.

As described above, the camera block of the present invention can be made extremely compact like a conventional 35 mm film camera, which is convenient for use. The disc block can be implemented based on a DVD-video player with an LCD panel by adding some firmware code to the DVD-RAM write / play sections. Thus, an innovative video camera that is compact and easy to use is provided.

In one embodiment, the disc block may have a structure similar to a read-only portable DVD player such as Sony's DVD-FX1 or Panasonic's DVD-LV75 product. However, the DVD of this embodiment is a portable and convenient read / write, i.e., DVD-RAM. The disk block is also coupled with the video camera via a removable memory card. Other embodiments combine the camera block with the disk block via a cable or RF signal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a video recording / reproducing apparatus includes a camera block having a video camera and a disc block. The camera block and the disk block can be connected using means such as memory cards to transfer data. Thus, the overall structure of the camera block, which is a block used for recording video, can be extremely miniaturized. Video cameras with integrated cameras and VCRs generally weigh between 500 and 800 grams. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the camera block held in the user's hand only includes a lens and a substrate having some mechanical elements, so it is much lighter in weight.

In addition, since the disk block is separated from the camera block, relatively large 12 cm general-purpose optical disks can be used. This provides about three times the recording time than an 8 cm optical disc.

In addition, since MPEG2 is used as the encoding format for video signals, high quality recording can be provided at a low data rate of about 6 Mbps. This enables a recording time of about 100 minutes with a 12 cm disc, providing a suitable recording time of the video camera. If an optical disc video camera recorder with an integrated camera is manufactured without the present invention, it presents difficulties in combining the outer dimension of the cylindrical lens with the outer size of the disc shaped 12 cm optical disc drive. The video camera itself (video recording / playback device) itself becomes extremely difficult and unrealistic. The present invention solves these problems and provides a device in a shape that is convenient for users to use.

An embodiment of the present invention also allows 12 cm optical disks to be played. Thus, inexpensive and widely used audio CD and DVD-video format optical discs can be reproduced.

In addition, by mounting the memory card generated by the camera block to the reading means of the disk block, video signals and the like can be transmitted almost automatically and automatically stored on the optical disk. Thus, high quality video discs can be created and stored very easily. In addition, even if the camera block and the disk block are manufactured by different manufacturers, for example, compatibility is maintained by using the standard file storage format.

Next, embodiments will be described that include a camera block coupled with a disk block via a cable, for example Firewire. Other embodiments using camera blocks and / or disc blocks with or without other devices are shown in FIGS. 9-19.

9 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a camera block of a video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 9 shows that blocks 15, 16, 41, 17, 18 of FIG. 1 associated with the memory card embodiment are replaced with blocks 115, 116, 117, 118 associated with the cable connector embodiment. Functions similar to those of FIG.

In the present embodiment based on the instructions from the system controller 12, the video signal and the audio signal encoded by the video / audio encoder 11 are the internal system bus (data stream signals mixed with the video and audio actuators). 14). The data stream on which MPEG compression is performed is transmitted to the transmission / reception interface 115 through the data buffer 13. The signal output from the transmit / receive interface 115 forms a serial data stream conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard and is transmitted to the transceiver 116 which is an analog circuit. The signal is then output to the input / output connector 118. Input / output connector 118 is connected to a cable for transmitting data to the disk block as described later. In addition to transmitting signals from the transmit / receive interface 115 and the transceiver 116 to the disc block, the cable also transmits signals from the disc block to the camera block to confirm the operating state and write signal of the disc block. .

Power source 117 is connected to input / output connector 118. The power source 117 can be formed with a DC-DC converter, for example, and receives a 5V potential defined by IEEE 1394 from a battery disposed in a disk block, as described below. The power source 117 is used to provide + 10V potentials and negative potentials to the CCD image sensor 1 and the liquid crystal finder 10 of the camera block. In embodiments of the present invention, only one battery of the disc block is used. This is very useful for providing small and light camera blocks where portability is important.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a disc block of the video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. The disk block of FIG. 2 is used in combination with a camera block. The structure and functionality of FIG. 10 is similar to that of FIG. 2 except that blocks 41, 23, 26, 27 associated with the memory card embodiment are replaced with blocks 123, 126, 127 associated with the cable connector embodiment. similar. In the figure, the operation keys 20 are used for operations such as an operation of playing a disc on which a movie is recorded or using the disc block itself to view a disc on which a video is recorded by a camera. The system controller 21 receives the output from the operation keys 20. In addition, the system controller 21 stores the system time and date and manages the state of the battery 126. The battery 126 is connected to the input / output connector 123 via a power source 127, enabling the camera block to also be powered. The input / output connector 123 is connected to the input / output connector of the camera block using a cord. The power source 127 may be a DC-DC converter, for example, and provides various potentials needed by the system.

The following is a description of operations performed on a disk block. The write signal (or video and audio signals) from the camera block received by the input / output connector 123 is an input using the IEEE 1394 "Standard for High Performance Serial Bus" format. Because compatibility with the IEEE 1394 physical layer is maintained, this signal is transmitted to the transceiver 124, which is converted to a standard parallel data signal, and then the transmit / receive interface 125 using the time the system is operating. ) Is output to the internal system bus 22. Then, based on the instructions from the system controller 21, the recording signal transmitted from the camera block is read from the internal system bus 22 and separated by the MPEG2 decoder 28 into a video signal and an audio signal. The video signal is decoded according to the MPEG2 standards using the image memory 31 and then displayed on the display panel 30 via the panel controller 29, allowing the video to be monitored while recording.

The recording signal transmitted from the camera block via the internal system bus 22 is a parallel data signal. Therefore, the disc signal processor 33 converts the data format into the recording format of the optical disc of this embodiment, for example, DVD-RAM.

In this embodiment, the video / audio encoder 11 of the camera block of FIG. 9 transmits data to the disk block of FIG. 10 at a recording rate of about 6 Mbps. For example, in a DVD-RAM version using a 12 cm optical disc with a 0.615 microns track pitch, 0.28 microns write bit length, and a 650 nm red laser, one side of the 12 cm optical disc is about 4.7 The GB can be held, providing approximately 100 minutes of recording time, which is a length suitable for video cameras.

In one embodiment of performing reproduction from the optical disc 37, an optical pickup 35 is used to read the optical disc 37 to obtain digital modulation bit information of the optical disc 37. The RF data R / W module 34 performs waveform equalization and servo signal detection. The disc signal processor 33 outputs the signal as an MPEG2 video stream to the internal system bus 22. The data buffer 32 stores data for a few seconds so that video can be continuously played back even if a read error occurs during playback due to an impact on the optical disc 37 or the optical pickup 35. The transmission of video data and audio data via the internal system bus 22 is controlled by instructions from the system controller 21. The MPEG2 decoder 28 decodes and decompresses the video data, converts it into an NTSC signal, so that it can be reproduced as a reproduction signal on the display panel 30 via the display panel controller 29. Similarly, since the NTSC video signal is the output from MPEG2 decoder 28, a video output terminal (not shown) disposed in the disc block can be used to display the video on an external TV.

When using the circuit described above in an apparatus for reproducing generally known video content as DVD-Video, the most complicated and expensive elements-optical pickup 35, RF data R / W module 34, disk signal processor (33), MPEG2 decoder 28, display panel controller 29, display panel 30, and battery 26-can be used directly or with slight modification. Thus, the transmit / receive interface 125, the transceiver 124, and the input / output connector 123 are circuits that need to be additionally attached to the camera block (camera module). The result is a system with a minimum cost increase and many advantages for the user.

In the embodiment described above, although video is recorded and played back using the MPEG2 format, it is also possible to use a camera block that records still images based on the JPEG format. The I picture encoding operations in the MPEG format are similar to the JPEG format, so that signals in the JPEG format can be decoded by simply switching some operations performed by the circuitry of the MPEG encoder 11. The still image output from the MPEG encoder 11 is stored in the optical disc 37 as a single file. Also, the audio data can be recorded by itself. Still images with audio data can also be provided by associating the still images described above with a file. Thus, video and audio can be efficiently recorded with a small amount of data.

Since the present embodiment can use 12 cm optical disks, an optical pickup that generates a 780 nm wavelength laser for CD is added to the DVD optical pickup and CD (small disk) signal processing and disk signal processor 33 through reproduction format processing. Linear PCM audio with a 44.1 kHz sampling rate can be decoded by providing an error correction block of. Thus, the system can be easily used to play audio CDs.

As described above, from the user's point of view, the camera block using the optical discs shown in FIG. 9 can be used to provide video in the same way as a conventional analog video camera, and also by allowing still images to be played back The characteristics of the discs can be used.

11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment of a video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

The figure shows an optical disk medium 141, a cover 145 for an optical disk medium 141, and a battery 146 for supplying power. Lithium-ion batteries can be used to provide the current required by the camera block of FIG. 9 and the disk block of FIG. 10. The display panel 143 may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel having a diagonal size of 7 inches. The optical disc medium 141, the cover 145 for the optical disc medium 141, the battery 146 for power supply, and the display panel 143 use batteries of read-only optical discs in the DVD-Video format. It forms a portable DVD optical disc player that can be played anywhere. Operation keys (not shown) may be disposed on the top or side of the optical disc player. In Fig. 11, a DVD optical disc player / recorder is referred to as a disc block.

11 also shows camera block 138. A cable 140 compliant with the IEEE 1394 standard is added to connect the camera block 138 and the disk block. This forms a video camera in which video can be easily played.

As shown in Fig. 11, terminals for NTSC video signal output and analog audio signal output are arranged on the side of the optical disc medium 141. The video cable 142 can be used to display video or images recorded with a video camera on the large screen of the external TV 139.

By attaching the camera block 138 to the rotating structure and securing it to the disk block, the lens of the camera block 138 can be pointed in the opposite direction from the display panel 143. Thus, for example, the face of the user using the disc block can be recorded. In addition, if the connecting cable 130 is disturbed, a cable formed of a coil wound round can be used to greatly improve handling.

As can be clearly seen from Fig. 11, in this embodiment, the camera block 138 is not equipped with a recorder module for recording data or signals. Therefore, the camera block 138 itself can be very miniaturized. Also, because power is supplied from the disk block, the camera block 138 can be very light. Thus, the user can easily grasp the camera block 138 with one hand and easily frame the objects, thereby significantly reducing the effort required for recording.

12 is a detailed perspective view of a camera block of the video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. The internal circuit block is as shown in FIG. In camera block 138, video camera lens 147 is used for recording and provides a maximum zoom of about 8 to 12 magnifications. The case 148 is a camera block case and is easily caught by a hand. The key 149 is used for the zoom operation and the key 150 is used to start and stop recording. When the key 150 is pressed, the key information is superimposed by the internal microprocessor as video information, transmitted to the disk block, and a control operation is performed on the disk block. A finder 151 formed of liquid crystal or the like is used to determine the viewing angle for the object during recording and to immediately view the recorded video.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the camera block of FIG. 12 when viewed from the opposite direction from the lens. The same elements as in Fig. 12 are designated by like reference numerals. The operation key 153 is used for adjusting camera functions required during camera recording. The dial 152 is used for selection regarding the image displayed in the finder 151 using the operation menus. The action key 153 is used to perform manual actions such as focus and iris actions. Terminal 401 is a terminal for insertion of an IEEE 1394 connector used to connect the camera block 138, which is one of the features of an embodiment of the present invention, with the disk block of FIG.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a video recording / reproducing apparatus including, for example, the video camera block of FIG. 9 and the optical disk block of FIG. 10, for example. The video camera block is connected to the video camera block by an IEEE 1394 cable and acts as a remote control for the optical disc block. For example, the video camera block shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 remotely controls as a key 150 to start and stop recording of images of the digital medium of the optical disc block. Other remote controls may include playback controls to instantly view video recorded in either or both of the video camera block finder 151 or the optical disk block display panel 143. As in the example of FIG. 11, an optical disc block is a read-write DVD apparatus in which data can be recorded or read from a typical 12 cm DVD medium. The optical disc block can be separated from the video camera block to act as a stand-alone portable DVD recorder, reader, and display unit.

14 is a front view showing in detail the connector terminal shown in FIG. The connector terminal 401 is a small terminal having a vertical length of 5.4 mm and a horizontal length of 11 mm. Connector terminal 401 is compatible with IEEE 1394 standard. In the figure, signal terminals 155 and 158 transmit data signals in different pulses. Strobe signal terminals 154 and 159 are used to secure the clock from the data signal and to transmit and receive different pulses. Also shown is a 5V power supply terminal 156 and a GND terminal 157. In particular, terminals 156 and 157 feature the present invention. By using the power supply terminal, current can be supplied to the camera block from the power supply 127 of the disk block and the battery 126.

The camera block includes the circuit block shown in FIG. 9 and consumes about 1W to 2W of power. The current at terminals 156 and 157 is about 200 mA to 400 mA, which can be implemented within the specification.

15 is a top view of the connector terminal of FIG. 14. In the figure, insertion section 160 is an insertion section for metal terminals. As shown in Fig. 14, the width is small to about 11 mm. The cable 701 may be formed to have a diameter of approximately three. As shown in FIG. 14, since the cable includes six wires, the cable can be formed as a flexible structure. Thus, the cable is prevented from the problem that occurs when the camera block is used for recording.

FIG. 16 is a system diagram showing an overview of a communication protocol defined in IEEE 1394. FIG. This protocol includes packet communications repeated every 125 microseconds (8 ms). Both isochronous transfers in which the network can operate synchronously and asynchronous transfers in which the network operates asynchronously can be used. The figure shows synchronous transport packets 161, 162, 163. Packet 161, packet 162 and packet 163 are communication packets received from different branches (called nodes) in the network. These packets are sent before packet 164 and packet 165, which are asynchronous communication packets. In the camera block of the present invention, packet 161 and packet 801 are used first. Synchronous communication transmits a certain amount of data within a fixed time. Thus, a 6 Mbps video signal and 256 kbps stereo audio signal encoded using the MPEG2 format can be reliably transmitted from the camera block to the disc block.

If a recording problem such as an external impact on the disk block occurs, the data from the data buffer 32 of Fig. 10 stores the above-mentioned communication packets for a certain time and freezing and dropped frames of the video signal. This can be prevented. The communication packet 801 is used to transmit information from camera block operation keys 152, 153 (see FIG. 13). The operation key information is transmitted after the MPEG2 video / audio data signal packets 161 are transmitted. Thus, all video / audio data and action key data can be transmitted via the IEEE 1394 compatible cable 140 (see FIG. 11), so that the disk block and the camera block can be physically connected in a simple manner.

17 is a detailed schematic diagram of an MPEG2 video / audio data signal packet. The MPEG2 video / audio data signal packet 161 is formed of video signal packets 166 and 167, an audio packet 168, and a control signal packet 169. The control signal packet 169 is a control signal packet used to control the disk block from the camera block and corresponds to the packet 801 of FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 17, one packet is transmitted to each of the audio and control signals while two video signal packets are being transmitted. In the standard MPEG2 encoding format, the ratio of 6Mbps video signal to 256kbps stereo audio signal is at least 20, so the audio data is much smaller in size than the video data. There are two types of protocols for transmitting MPEG2 video signals using the IEEE 1394 standard: TS (transport stream) for multiple channels and PS (program stream) for a single channel. In this case, the PS is suitable for the purpose of simplifying the operations executed in the circuits.

18 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a disk block according to the present invention. In the figure, disc block 170 is installed with an optical disc drive having the circuit shown in FIG. A non-portable VCR or DVD recorder 172 is equipped with an IEEE 1394 communication terminal. Nonportable VCRs are digital recording VCRs known as DVHS, rather than analog VCRs, and include an IEEE 1394 terminal. The TS protocol described above is a standard MPEG2 communication protocol and the TS can be processed by the disk block 170 by modifying the firmware of the disk block 170. The communication connector cable 173 is used to connect the disc block 170 with the VCR or DVD recorder 172 and conforms to the IEEE 1394 standard. The playback signal from disk block 170 can be digitally reproduced in a non-portable VCR. In addition, since IEEE 1394 is used as the communication format between the disk block 170 and the camera block, commonly used components are the transmit / receive interface 115, the transceiver 116, and the input / output connector 118 of FIG. 9. 10 may be used for the input / output connector 123, the transceiver 124, and the transmit / receive interface 125 of FIG. Thus, this apparatus can be implemented inexpensively.

19 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the camera block of FIG. 9. The figure shows that the camera block can be used for general use. The figure shows a camera block 174 and a D-VHS VCR 172 similar to that shown in FIG. 18. The communication cable 173 is an IEEE 1394 cable similar to the cable of FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 11, the output from the camera block 174 of the present invention is directly captured as a camera signal by the non-portable VCR 172 by connecting an IEEE 1394 communication cable to the camera block and to the VCR 172. do. The non-portable VCR 172 can be replaced with a personal computer. If the personal computer can receive IEEE 1394 input signals, the output from the camera block 174 can be stored in the internal disk device of the personal computer, or the camera block 174 can be a video phone or video conferencing. It can be placed on top of a personal computer for use as a desktop camera for video conferencing.

As described above, having a disk block 170 (see FIG. 18) and a camera block 174 installed with IEEE 1394 connectors, both the disk block 170 and the camera block 174 can be used for general purpose VCRs and personal computers. Can be connected to a computer. Thus, in addition to being used as a simple video camera, the device can be used in combination with different types of devices.

In the apparatus of FIG. 11, two or more IEEE 1394 terminals may be provided so that data can be transmitted to the optical disk block while multiple camera blocks are operating simultaneously. In this case, the system controller 21 receives signals from multiple cameras as serial signals while maintaining timing with the transmit / receive interface 125. The signals are transmitted via an internal system bus and multiple video streams are encoded by the MPEG2 encoder 28 and stored in an external device, or user actions are received by the action keys 20 during switching between multiple videos. Encoding is performed and the result is stored in the optical disc 37.

In the embodiment described above, an IEEE 1394 communication cable is used to transmit video / audio and control signals to the disk block. However, in this type of serial communication system, the cable can be removed and replaced with a wireless system.

Next, an embodiment in which wireless transmission of video is performed will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

20 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a camera block of a video recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. The communication circuit of the camera block is formed to enable wireless communication. Blocks that are the same as or similar to those of FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In the figure, the transmit / receive interface 221 uses the outputs from the internal system bus 14 and the digital modulator 223 to generate communication packets. To handle wireless communication, the packet structure is different from that used in FIG. 9 and includes elements for handling communication errors. If the output data from the transmit / receive interface 221 is in standard Non Return Zero (NRZ) format, the digital modulator 223 converts the data using a frequency division modulation method such as Offset Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM). The result is transmitted to the RF amplifier and the transmit / receive antenna 225 of the RF module 222, which is transmitted as a radio wave from the antenna of the disk block. In this embodiment, the camera block is wirelessly connected to the disk block so that the camera block must include a power source battery 224 and a power source 17, for example a DC-DC converter, to generate various potentials. In this case, since the battery must be included in the camera block, the external form may be formed by hand, for example by attaching a thin battery, or the entire structure may be formed in the form of a pistol together with the battery mounted in the hand-held section. Can be.

21 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the disc block of the video recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention. The block diagram shows a disk block that is compatible with a wireless camera block. The signal transmitted by the camera block is received by the transmit / receive antenna 233 and the RF module 231 performs digital code detection. The digital demodulator 232 demodulates a frequency division signal, for example, an OFDM signal. The output signal from the digital demodulator 232 is made up of small packets suitable for wireless communication, and the transmit / receive interface circuit 125 transmits the received video / audio data in accordance with instructions from the system controller 21 to the internal system. Output to the bus.

In this way, video and audio can be transmitted wirelessly rather than via a cable from the camera block to the disk block. Since the camera signal can be transmitted wirelessly to the disk block, the camera block is physically independent of the cable and the main disk unit. This makes the user quite free and portable when recording.

As described above, the present invention allows a video camera block and a disc block, which is a recording block, to be connected by a communication cable for transmitting serial digital signals. This allows the entire device to be made extremely compact. For standard video cameras with integrated cameras and VCRs, the weight is approximately 500-800 grams. However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the user can only be reduced to a heavier weight, eg, half or less, by holding the camera signal processor.

In addition, since all communication is performed with digital signals, the quality of the image or sound does not degrade when the signals are transmitted. Thus, the camera block can be miniaturized while maintaining high quality of image and sound. In addition, since the disk block is separated from the camera block, relatively large and widely used optical disks of 12 cm diameter can be used. This allows for example to extend the recording time by about three times as compared to smaller 8 cm optical discs.

Since the operation key information is transmitted with the video and audio signals from the camera block to the disc block, the disc block can be placed where needed so that video can be recorded without disturbing the user. For example, the disc block can be placed in the backpack and the user can record and play back video while holding only the camera block.

In addition, the camera block can be miniaturized and lightened because a heavy power battery is included in the disk block.

Also, since a communication protocol based on IEEE 1394 is used, the camera block can be connected to itself by a personal computer for use as a video phone, and the disk block can be connected to itself to a VCR for dubbing.

In this way, terminals of small panels of portable devices can greatly increase the number of applications.

Video signals are encoded using the MPEG2 format, allowing for high image quality recording at a low data rate of 6 Mbps. Thus, a recording time of about 100 minutes can be provided by the 12 cm disc, providing a suitable recording time for the video camera.

Without some embodiments of the present invention, an optical disc video camera recorder with an integrated camera requires a combination of the size of a cylindrical lens and the size of a 12 cm optical disc drive. This creates difficulties, making it difficult to use with the video camera itself and is non-practical.

Embodiments of the present invention solve this problem and provide a very convenient form for the user. In addition, since playback of 12 cm optical discs is possible, inexpensive audio CD and DVD-video optical discs that can be widely used can be reproduced by using a disc block as a stand only or by viewing the playback on the finder of the camera.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a video camera block and a disc block, which is a recording block, can be combined with a serial communication cable using digital signals, an RF link, or a removable magnetic card. This makes the camera block smaller and lighter.

In addition, since all the communications are carried out through digital signals, the quality of the image or sound is hardly degraded by the communication, and the quality of the image and the sound can be kept high.

Also, longer recording times can be provided because the disk block can use relatively large optical disks.

Also, high quality images are possible by using MPEG2 as the encoding format for the video signal.

In addition, the contents of the memory card generated by the camera block are automatically transferred to the disk block and stored in the optical disk.

In addition, by using a standard file storage format, compatibility can be maintained even if the camera block and the disk block are manufactured by different manufacturers.

Claims (29)

In the camera block, An encoder for encoding and compressing the video signal obtained from the imaging element; A memory module for storing an output from the encoder; And An output module for outputting a signal stored in the storage module Camera block comprising a. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a connector for connecting an interface module of a memory medium and the memory medium; And the signal stored in the memory module is outputted to the connector through the interface module. In the disk block, An input module for a memory medium; A decoder for decoding the encoded signal input from the input module; A disk signal processor for converting a signal input from the input module into a disk format; And A disk for recording signals from the signal processor Disk block comprising a. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a connector for connecting a memory medium having a video signal stored therein; And an interface module for the memory medium, wherein the output from the interface module is decoded by the decoder. In a video recording / playback apparatus, An encoder for encoding and compressing a video signal obtained from an imaging element, an interface module for a memory medium, and a connector for connecting a memory module, and taking an output from the encoder and outputting this output through the interface module. A camera block output to the; And An input module for a memory medium, a decoder for decoding an encoded signal input from the input module, a disk signal processor for converting a signal input from the input module into a disk format, and a disk for recording a signal from the signal processor. Containing disk blocks Video recording / reproducing apparatus comprising a. In a video signal recording / reproducing apparatus, An imaging device, an A / D converter for digitizing the signal obtained from the imaging device, a camera signal processor for driving the imaging device and capturing video, an encoder for encoding and compressing a digital video signal, starting and stopping recording A camera block comprising keys, a finder for displaying recorded video, a digital signal output module for outputting an output signal from the decoder, and memory means for temporarily storing an output signal from the encoder; And Disc block including a recording device using a magnetic disc or an optical disc as a recording medium and an input module for inputting an output signal from the camera block Including And the video recorded by the camera block is used as an input of the input module of the disk block to be automatically stored in the recording medium of the disk block. The recording medium according to claim 6, wherein: a recording area for only video recorded by said camera block is disposed on said recording medium; A video signal recording / reproducing apparatus, characterized in that video is stored using a predetermined recording area name and storage format. 8. The video signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined name and the storage format match the video recording specification of the DVD-RAM specification. 8. A file according to claim 7, wherein in a file for storing the video, each time information is stored, the file size of the file is increased and information is stored in the file; And a file managing the file for storing the video is updated each time information is stored. The video signal according to claim 6, wherein the signal stored and recorded on the recording medium is a signal in which video and audio are simultaneously recorded or a still image recorded in concert with audio or only audio. Recording / playback device. The video signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the digital signal output module is a connector terminal capable of transmitting digital signals. 12. The video signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the connector terminal is configured to output the digital signal and to supply power to the camera block. The video signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recording medium of the disc block is an optical disc of 12 cm diameter. 7. A video signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the encoder conforms to the MPEG standard. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said memory means is a memory card; And the digital signal output module is configured to cause a signal to be recorded in the memory card and the memory card to be pulled out of the case from the camera block. 7. The video signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein after the video stored in said memory means is stored in said recording medium of said disk block, the recordable area of said memory means automatically becomes the maximum size. . In a video recording / playback apparatus, A camera block comprising means and operating means for encoding a video signal obtained from the imaging element; And a recording block comprising a recording module and a processing module for receiving and processing the signal received from the encoding means and the operating means; And a digital video signal from said encoding means and an operation signal from said operating means are multiplexed over time and transmitted to said recording block. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein a battery is disposed in the recording block; A cable is disposed between the camera block and the recording block; Power from the battery is transferred to the camera block by the cable. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein means for inputting audio is disposed in the camera block; A battery is disposed in the recording block; A cable is disposed between the camera block and the recording block; The operation signal and the digital audio signal from the audio input means are multiplexed over time and transmitted to the recording block via the cable; Power is transferred from the battery arranged in the recording block to the camera block by the cable. In a video recording / playback apparatus, An imaging device, analog / digital conversion means for digitizing a video signal obtained from the imaging device, means for processing signals for driving the imaging device and receiving video or still images, means for encoding a digital video signal, A first block comprising an operation key for starting and stopping recording, and finder means for viewing the recorded images; And A second drive comprising a recording drive device comprising a recording medium and means for receiving the operation key and an output signal from the encoding means; Including, An output signal from the encoding means is formed by digitally encoding a signal and then converting the signal into serial digital encoding, and the output signal from the encoding means is multiplexed in time according to the information of the operation key to the second block. And a video recording / playback device characterized in that the transmission. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein a cable is arranged to electrically connect the first block and the second block; An output signal from the encoding means is formed by digitally encoding a signal and then converting the signal into serial digital encoding, and the output signal from the encoding means is multiplexed out of time according to the information of the operation key to the second block. Video recording apparatus, characterized in that the transmission. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein a microphone, analog / digital converting means for digitizing an audio signal from the microphone, and means for converting an audio signal into a serial digital code are disposed in the first block; And the audio signal is multiplexed out of time according to the video signal output from the encoding means, and then converted into a serial digital code and transmitted. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein a power source is disposed in the second block; And the circuit included in the first block receives power from the power source disposed in the second block through a power line disposed in the cable connected between the first block and the second block. / Playback device. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the cable connecting the first block and the second block is fixed using connecting terminals; A connection terminal arranged in the second block outputs the digital code read from the recording medium of the second block in the form of serial code in a standard format based on switching of operation modes of a control microprocessor arranged in the second block; A connecting tape arranged in the first block can output a camera signal obtained from the imaging element of the first block, and can record a recording drive device, an input / output terminal of a personal computer, and a digital code. And the signal can be transmitted to the outside of the second block to any one of a recorder or a cellular phone. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein a video signal output terminal is disposed in the second block; Video decoding circuitry conforming to the MPEG standard is placed in the second block; And a video signal based on the MPEG standard is read and decoded from a recording medium and displayed on a TV display having a video input / output terminal. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein an audio signal output terminal is disposed in the second block to output an audio signal to the outside; Audio decoding circuitry conforming to the audio CD standard is arranged in the second block; And the audio decoding circuit is used to decode a recording medium based on the audio standard and outputs a decoded audio signal from the audio signal output terminal. The video recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the diameter of the optical disk that can be used in the optical disk drive of the second block is 12 cm. A video recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said decoding means conforms to the MPEG standard. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein a power source and a wireless transmission means driven by the power source are disposed in the first block; Wireless receiving means is arranged in the second block; And a video signal and information from the operation key are wirelessly transmitted from the first block to the second block.