JP2000050128A - Photographing recording system, photographing device and recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system where a video recorded in a recording device can be viewed on the side of a photographing device and a trouble is eliminated in mutual operations even if the photographing device and the recording device are detached. SOLUTION: The system is provided with a photographing device 1 having an image pickup part 3 which converts a video obtained by image pickup into an electric signal and an encoding means 8 encoding a video signal obtained by the image pickup part 3 and radio-transmitting output encoded in the encoding means 8 to a recording device 2 and with the recording device 2 demodulating a signal which is radio-transmitted and recording it in a recording means 10. The recording device 2 is provided with a function reproducing the recorded signal and radio-transmitting it and a remote operation function by a received radio signal. The photographing device 1 is provided with a remote operation function by the radio signal against the recording device 2, a means 8 demodulating the received radio signal and a display means 4 displaying the video signal obtained from the demodulated radio signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video camera and a video signal recording / reproducing device (video recorder), and more particularly, to a camera unit and a recording / reproducing unit which are separated from each other. The present invention relates to an image capturing / recording system, an image capturing apparatus, and a recording apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving signals between a unit and a recording / reproducing unit by wireless transmission.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A camera-integrated video tape recorder represented by an 8 mm video camera or the like is widely used due to its small size and light weight. However, a conventional video camera has a camera mechanism (an imaging unit in this case).
The recording, playback unit, and power supply unit are integrated, so it can be said that the size and weight have been reduced, but the weight has not been reduced sufficiently, and the camera has to be held for a long time. Therefore, the burden on the hands and arms is large for the user. In addition, there are problems such as a battery power supply relating to the power consumption of the entire apparatus and the recording capacity of the recording medium, and the inconvenience of replacing the recording medium, and a limitation that only a video taken by the user himself can be recorded.

[0003] Attempts have been made to separate the photographing device and the recording device. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Hei 9-116797 and Hei 9-205571
And Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-238296, in which a camera mechanism portion and a recording / reproducing portion are separated to transmit video and audio signals by wire or wirelessly, as shown in FIG. This is the concept of the system.

With these proposed techniques, the burden on the user can be reduced by reducing the size and weight of the camera portion, the power consumption can be reduced, and the limitation of the device size of the recording / reproducing section can be used for long-time recording. became.

[0005]

However, it is only necessary to separate the photographing device and the recording device from each other, connect the two by a wireless line, and wirelessly transmit and record the image captured by the imaging device to the recording device. The photographing device cannot confirm or view the recorded video, and if the photographing device and the recording device are far apart, the usability becomes worse in terms of operation of each other.

[0006] For example, a large number of video cameras,
Despite the existence of surveillance cameras and the like, the images and sounds that can be recorded by the user remain limited to those from the user's own camera.

[0007] For this reason, for example, considering one shooting scene in an athletic meet, securing a shooting point in the venue,
Even if the best points that you keep moving through are constantly determined and you have a long way to go, it will only be the best points in a moment if it becomes a track event. For example, if the start point and the goal point are far apart, it is difficult for a person who has selected a shooting point as the goal point to shoot a contestant near the start point, and a person who has selected a shooting point as the start point, It is difficult to photograph the contestants near the goal point.

[0008] The technique shown in FIG. 15 makes it possible to transmit an image from a camera unit to a distant recording / reproducing unit, so that many people gather at the venue with the same purpose and shoot at various points. It is necessary to develop a technology that allows each video of the video camera to be interchangeable with each other so that it can be used effectively and easily.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to
First, in a photographing apparatus and a recording apparatus of a system in which the photographing apparatus and the recording apparatus are separated from each other, and the two are connected by a wireless line and the image captured by the imaging apparatus is wirelessly transmitted to the recording apparatus and recorded. The video recorded on the recording device can be checked and viewed on the shooting device side,
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that does not interfere with each other even when the photographing device and the recording device are separated from each other. Second, a signal between the camera unit and the recording / reproducing unit is transmitted. In an imaging device and a recording device for wireless transmission,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographing device and a recording device that can use video and audio from another camera existing around a user.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows. That is, (1) The first invention includes an imaging unit that converts an image obtained by imaging into an electric signal, and an encoding unit that encodes a video signal (and an audio signal) obtained by the imaging unit. A photographing device that wirelessly transmits the output encoded by the encoding device to the recording device; and a recording device that demodulates a signal wirelessly transmitted from the photographing device and records the signal in the recording device. In the recording system, the recording device has a function of reproducing a recorded signal and wirelessly transmitting the recorded signal and a remote operation function of a received radio signal, and the imaging device has a remote operation function of a radio signal for the recording device, It is configured to include means for demodulating a received wireless signal and display means for displaying a video signal obtained from the demodulated wireless signal.

As described above, since the photographing device and the recording device are separated from each other, and the two are connected by a wireless line and the two are separated, the merit of reducing the size and weight of the photographing device can be ensured, and remote operation is possible. In order to eliminate the inconvenience due to the separate configuration by allowing the recording device to be freely operated even in a distant place, and to monitor and appreciate the video and the like recorded in the recording device on the photographing device side. And the inconvenience caused by separating the photographing device and the recording device can be solved.

(2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging section for converting an image obtained by imaging into an electric signal, and an encoding section for encoding a video signal (and an audio signal) obtained by the imaging section. In an image capturing apparatus that wirelessly transmits an output encoded by an encoding unit to a recording apparatus, a radio signal disclosure / non-disclosure for restricting use of a received radio signal to a recording apparatus other than the specific recording apparatus is disclosed. Selecting means for selecting, and transmitting / receiving the radio signal and transmitting the encoded output to the selected public /
A modulation / demodulation unit for modulating and transmitting a radio signal together with undisclosed information and demodulating the received radio signal. According to such a configuration, it is possible to select disclosure / non-disclosure of the radio signal transmitted by the recording device other than the specific recording device located near the wireless transmission place. It is possible to receive and record the wireless signal transmitted by the unspecified number of recording devices and to provide the contents of the transmitted signal for viewing and recording, and when it is not disclosed, this can be disabled.
Therefore, according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of cameras,
It is possible to construct a technology of a photographing system that allows not only the image of the own camera but also the images photographed by other cameras to be mutually utilized and used effectively.

(3) A third aspect of the present invention is the photographing apparatus according to the above (2), further comprising means for designating a recording apparatus for which transmission data recording is permitted, and an identification for specifying the permitted recording apparatus. It is characterized in that a signal is multiplexed with coded data of a video signal (and an audio signal) and wirelessly transmitted to a recording device. According to such a configuration, it is possible to select disclosure / non-disclosure of the radio signal transmitted by itself to a plurality of designated recording devices other than the specific recording device located near the wireless transmission location. In this case, it is possible to receive the wireless signal transmitted by the user at a specified number of recording devices and to provide the contents of the transmitted signal for viewing and recording. When the wireless signal is not disclosed, the wireless signal can be prohibited. Therefore, according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of cameras, not only the image of the own camera but also the image of another camera can be mutually utilized and the technology of the imaging system can be effectively used. Can be built.

(4) According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus of the above item (2) or (3), means for encrypting and outputting transmission data is provided, and public / non-publication of radio signals is provided. According to the selection of disclosure, an output in which at least a part of transmission data is encrypted and an output in which encryption processing is not performed are selected and provided for transmission. In such a configuration, there is provided a means for performing an encryption process on the transmission data and outputting the same, and a means for selecting an output of the encryption processing output unit and an output having not been subjected to the encryption processing is provided. In the case of non-disclosure, the output of the encryption processing output means is selected and transmitted by a wireless signal, and in the case of disclosure, the output which has not been subjected to the encryption processing is selected and transmitted by a wireless signal. Then, a specific recording device is provided with an encryption / decryption processing means, and upon receiving an encrypted wireless signal, the decryption processing is performed through this encryption / decryption processing means, so that only the specific recording / reproducing apparatus is provided with a video signal. And audio signals.

(5) A fifth aspect of the present invention is a photographing apparatus for encoding a video signal (and an audio signal) obtained by photographing with a photographing apparatus and wirelessly transmitting the encoded signal to a recording apparatus. Means for detecting the presence or absence of an empty channel between the relay device and the imaging device, and if there is no empty channel,
The configuration of the image capturing apparatus includes a unit that prohibits wireless transmission.

In wireless transmission, the detecting means comprises:
The current radio wave use status is checked, an empty channel is selected, and communication is performed using the selected channel. If there is no vacant channel, wireless transmission is prohibited. In this way, smooth communication can be performed while avoiding congestion.

(6) A sixth aspect of the present invention is a photographing apparatus which encodes a video signal (and an audio signal) obtained by photographing with a photographing apparatus and wirelessly transmits the encoded signal to a recording apparatus. Detecting means for detecting the size of the transmittable band between the specific relay device and the photographing device, and controlling the amount of coded data according to the detected size of the transmittable band so that the transmittable band is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In this case, the configuration of the photographing apparatus including a unit for prohibiting wireless transmission is adopted. With such a configuration, the data amount can be controlled and transmitted according to the capacity of the available transmission band of the channel used for communication, and the data can be transmitted at the maximum allowable transmission rate. In addition, since the wireless transmission is prohibited when the capacity of the transmittable band is equal to or less than a predetermined value, transmission at a transmission rate that is too low can be avoided, inefficient transmission can be avoided, and transmission is always efficient. It becomes a system that can communicate.

(7) According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the photographing apparatus according to the above item (5) or (6), further comprising means for displaying a transmission status or a transmission available condition to the specific recording device. In this case, since the status of transmission to the specific recording device and the conditions under which transmission is possible are known from the display information on the display means, operability is improved.

(8) According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to any one of the above (5) to (7), an optical (including infrared) communication connector or a mechanical electrical connection connectable to a recording apparatus. And a means for prohibiting driving of the connector during wireless transmission and prohibiting wireless transmission during connector connection. Thus, in the case of a configuration having a contact connector or an optical communication connector, the driving of the connector is prohibited during wireless transmission, and the wireless transmission is prohibited during connector connection. It is possible to suppress erroneous operation or malfunction such as performing wireless transmission instead of communication or instructing communication using a connector even though the connector is not connected.

(9) According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus of the above item (8), there is provided an internal storage means for temporarily storing encoded data of a video signal (and an audio signal), and wireless transmission or connector connection. When it becomes possible, the encoded data temporarily stored in the internal storage means is transmitted to the specific recording device. In this case, the transmission of the data to be transmitted can be started immediately when the preparation for transmission is completed, so that an efficient transmission process without time loss can be performed.

(10) According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to any one of the above items (2) to (8), means for detecting a photographing position and a photographing direction of the photographing apparatus and generating photographing position / direction information is provided. And multiplexes the photographing position / direction information with encoded data of a video signal (and an audio signal) and wirelessly transmits the multiplexed data to a recording device. As a result, the photographing position and direction of the photographing device that has transmitted the video signal can be known, so that when the video signals are received from a large number of photographing devices and they are appropriately used, it is possible to use the video camera according to the purpose. Usability improves.

(11) According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the photographing device according to any one of the above items (2) to (10), there is provided means for generating identification information for specifying the photographing device, and the identification information is converted into a photographed video signal ( And audio signals) and multiplexed with the encoded data, and wirelessly transmitted to the recording device. Camera ID (identification information)
By transmitting the information wirelessly including the information, the receiving side can recognize the wireless signal from the specific photographing device, so that the ID of the photographing device to be recorded is transmitted and stored in the recording device side, and In this state, if the video signal and the audio signal obtained from the radio signal from the imaging device having the held ID information are recorded, when the imaging is performed by a large number of imaging devices, the target imaging device The video can be recorded on the recording device without losing a chance.

(12) A twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to an image pickup unit for converting an image obtained by image pickup into an electric signal, and an encoding unit for encoding a video signal (and an audio signal) obtained by the image pickup unit. In an imaging device that wirelessly transmits the output encoded by the encoding means to the recording device, an imaging position that detects its own position and imaging direction to generate imaging position / direction information
Direction information generating means, photographing angle designating means for designating a desired photographing position and photographing direction, means for receiving a video signal (and audio signal) wirelessly transmitted by another photographing device, and a plurality of decodable received data A photographing position and direction information extracting means for extracting the photographing position and direction information from the photographing position and direction information of each camera extracted by the photographing position and direction information extracting means;
Means for selecting, from the direction information, decodable reception data having the imaging position and direction information similar to the imaging position and the imaging direction designated by the imaging angle designation means, and a video signal of the selected reception data (and Means for instructing the recording apparatus to receive the audio signal). In this system, the imaging device and the recording device are separated from each other, and the two are connected by a wireless line so that the two can be separated from each other. Further, each photographing device has a photographing position / direction information generating means, detects its own position and photographing direction, and generates photographing position / direction information. Then, the generated photographing position information and photographing direction are wirelessly transmitted together with the video signal and the audio signal. The photographing apparatus has photographing angle designating means. When a desired photographing position and photographing direction are designated by the photographing apparatus, the selecting means produces a plurality of photographable image signals and audio signals which can be decoded by another photographing apparatus. The photographing position / direction information extracting means extracts the photographing position / direction information from the received signal from the device, and among the extracted photographing position / direction information of each camera, the photographing position designated by the photographing angle designating means A received signal from the photographing apparatus having the photographing position / direction information similar to the photographing direction is selected. As described above, when the desired photographing position and photographing direction are designated by the photographing angle designating means, the decodable wireless signal among the wireless signals from other photographing devices extracted by the photographing position / direction information extracting means is designated. Using the photographing position / direction information extracted from the above, a radio having the photographing position / direction information similar to the photographing position and the photographing direction designated by the photographing angle designating unit among the photographing position / direction information of each photographing device. The video signal and the audio signal of the signal can be selected.
Then, the imaging device instructs the recording device to record the video signal (and the audio signal) of the selected wireless signal. Thus, if the desired photographing position and photographing direction are designated by the photographing angle designating means, a video signal and an audio signal having the photographing position and direction information similar to the target photographing position and photographing direction are selected and provided for recording. Will be able to
When a large number of photographing devices are scattered and the image of each photographing device is available, a video signal and an audio signal having the photographing position and direction information similar to the target photographing position and photographing direction are recorded on the recording device. By recording, it is possible to select a video suitable for the purpose and easily capture and record a video suitable for the story considered by the user.

(13) A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to the above item (9), wherein a designation means for designating another imaging device, and receiving and relaying a video signal wirelessly transmitted by the designated other imaging device. And a configuration including means for performing This allows
The user's photographing device relays a radio signal received from the photographing device corresponding to the designated information to the recording / reproducing device and wirelessly transmits the radio signal according to the designated information by the designation means. By receiving and demodulating and recording the wireless signal transmitted from the photographing device, the video and audio of the moving target object can be recorded from the most suitable position as possible. .

(14) A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a photographing apparatus which encodes a video signal (and an audio signal) and wirelessly transmits the encoded signal to a recording apparatus, wherein a photographing angle designating means for designating a desired photographing position and photographing direction Alternatively, the configuration of the image capturing apparatus includes means for specifying another image capturing apparatus and means for wirelessly transmitting the specified information to the specific recording apparatus. As a result, the imaging device wirelessly transmits the radio signal received from the imaging device corresponding to the designated information to the recording device in accordance with the designation information by the imaging angle designation means, and the recording device is selected and transmitted corresponding to the designated information. It receives and demodulates and records the radio signal from the shooting device that is received, and even when shooting a stationary subject at various presentations on the stage, multiple cameras are arranged for the purpose. Then, by selecting and specifying a camera corresponding to the purpose, it is possible to record as a video having a change such as a camera angle and an audio level.

(15) A fifteenth aspect of the present invention relates to an imaging section for converting an image obtained by imaging into an electric signal, and an encoding means for encoding a video signal (and an audio signal) obtained by the imaging section. An imaging device for wirelessly transmitting an output encoded by the encoding device to the recording device, and a plurality of recording devices for demodulating a signal wirelessly transmitted from the imaging device and recording the demodulated signal in the recording device Each recording device has a function of reproducing a recorded signal and wirelessly transmitting the signal, and a function of remotely operating by a received radio signal, and the imaging device has a reproduction instruction to a specific recording device. A function of remotely instructing various operation instructions including a wireless signal,
It is configured to include a unit that receives and demodulates a reproduction signal of the recorded signal wirelessly transmitted by the specific recording device in accordance with the remote instruction, and a display unit that displays a video signal obtained from the demodulated wireless signal. In this system, the recording device and the imaging device are separate, but the imaging device can be remotely controlled from the imaging device to the recording device. Since the specific recording device performs a reproducing operation to reproduce a signal recorded in the specific recording device and transmits the signal wirelessly, the photographing device receives and demodulates the signal transmitted wirelessly to obtain the signal. By displaying the video signal on the display means, the recorded video of the designated recording device can be viewed on the imaging device side. Therefore, the system is easy to use.

(16) A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a recording apparatus for receiving encoded data of a radio-photographed video signal and recording the encoded data on a recording medium, comprising: And a recording apparatus including means for selecting at least one of a plurality of published reception data and means for recording the selected reception data. According to such a configuration, if disclosure / non-disclosure is set for the wireless transmission signal transmitted by the imaging device for a plurality of recording devices other than the specific recording device located near the wireless transmission location, the setting is performed. From the information, the recording device can capture and record the received data in the case of disclosure, but can selectively record the received data even when there are a plurality of wireless signals having the disclosure setting information. Become like Therefore, according to the present invention, in the case where there are a plurality of photographing devices, it is possible to record a video photographed by a desired photographing device while the data being transmitted is open to the public. It is possible to record images along the line.

(17) A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a recording apparatus for receiving encoded data of a video signal wirelessly transmitted and recording the encoded data on a recording medium, wherein at least a part of the encoded data is encrypted. Means for detecting whether or not there is decryption, means for detecting whether decryption is possible, means for decrypting encrypted data, means for selecting a desired one when there are a plurality of decryptable received data, The configuration of a recording device provided with means for recording the received data. According to the present invention, it is possible to select and record a decipherable data transmitted as encrypted data.

(18) An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the above (16) or (17), wherein the video signal (and the audio signal) including the photographing position / direction information is received for a plurality of channels. In a possible recording device, a photographing angle designating means for designating a desired photographing position and a photographing direction, and a photographing position / direction information extracting means for extracting the photographing position / direction information from a plurality of decodable received signals are designated. Means for selecting a decodable reception signal having the photographing position and direction information similar to the photographing position and the photographing direction.
In such a configuration, for example, in the case where a plurality of photographing apparatuses wirelessly transmit a photographing video signal (and an audio signal) including photographing position and photographing direction information to the recording apparatus, the photographing angle designating unit may use a desired photographing angle designating means. When the photographing position and the photographing direction are designated, the photographing position / direction information extracting means extracts the photographing position / direction information from the video signal and the audio signal which are wirelessly transmitted. From the photographing position / direction information, a reception signal from the photographing apparatus having the photographing position / direction information similar to the photographing position and the photographing direction designated by the photographing angle designation means is selected. Then, the video signal (and audio signal) of the selected wireless signal is recorded. By designating the desired photographing position and photographing direction by the photographing angle designating means in this manner, a video signal and an audio signal having the photographing position and direction information similar to the target photographing position and photographing direction are selected and recorded. In the case where a large number of imaging devices are scattered and the images of each imaging device can be used, the imaging position and direction information similar to the target imaging position and the imaging direction are provided. By recording the video signal and the audio signal on the recording device, it is possible to select a video suitable for the purpose and easily capture and record a video suitable for the story considered by the user.

(19) A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the recording device according to the above (16) or (17), wherein the designation means for designating a specific photographing device, and a photographed image transmitted wirelessly by the designated photographing device. It is configured to include means for receiving and relaying a signal. Accordingly, the recording device receives the wireless signal received from the imaging device corresponding to the designated information according to the designated information by the designation unit and relays the signal for wireless transmission. The relayed radio signal can be transmitted to a distant place.

(20) A twentieth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the above (16) to (19), wherein a means for extracting control information for various operation commands wirelessly transmitted by the specific photographing apparatus; Means for receiving encoded data wirelessly transmitted by a desired photographing device in accordance with the control information. The extraction unit extracts control information for various operation commands sent from the specific photographing device by a wireless signal, for example, operation control information such as “recording start / end” of the wireless signal. Then, encoded data from a desired photographing device is received according to the control information. As a result, it is possible to easily capture and record a video image suitable for the story considered by the user by remote control.

(21) According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the recording device according to any one of the above (16) to (19), means for extracting control information for various operation commands wirelessly transmitted by the specific photographing device, A reproducing unit for reproducing the stored video signal according to the control information and a unit for wirelessly transmitting the reproduced video signal are provided, and the stored video signal is reproduced according to the control information and transmitted wirelessly. Control information for various operation commands sent by a radio signal from a specific photographing device, for example,
"Play", "fast forward", "rewind",
The extraction means extracts operation control information such as “pause”. Then, the stored video signal is reproduced or rewound according to the control information, and the reproduced video signal is transmitted as a wireless signal. If the photographing device of the user has a function of receiving a radio signal and a function of demodulating and displaying the received radio signal, the user can view the video with the photographing device at hand of the user. . As a result, even if the recording device is far away from the user's location, the recorded contents can be easily confirmed by remote control, and the operability is improved.

(22) According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the recording device according to the above items (16) to (20), the recording device is provided with temporary storage means so that at least one piece of received data can be temporarily stored. In the case where video from each of a plurality of imaging devices is arbitrarily switched and provided for recording, if a designation is made to switch from the video channel of one imaging device to the video channel of another imaging device, the video of the newly switched channel is The storage of the received data in the temporary storage means is started, and after the recording process of the received data of the channel before the switching is completed in a predetermined unit, the reading of the received data stored in the temporary storage means is started and a predetermined position (that is, a desired scene ). According to this configuration, when switching recording from one channel to another channel, that is, when switching the recording target from the video of one imaging device to the video of another imaging device, eliminate the time lag associated with the switching, It is possible to record all the desired video scenes without losing the recording.

As described above, according to the present invention, the photographing device and the recording device are separated from each other, and the two are connected by a wireless line so that the image photographed by the photographing device is transmitted to the recording device wirelessly to be recorded. In the imaging device and the recording device of the system, the video recorded in the recording device can be confirmed or viewed on the imaging device side, and even when the imaging device and the recording device are separated, It is possible to provide a system that does not hinder each other's operation, and when there are multiple cameras, not only the image of one's own camera but also the image taken by another camera can be interchanged with each other It is possible to build the technology of the imaging system that can be used effectively.

[0035]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Specific Example 1] The configuration shown in Specific Example 1 shows the basic configuration of the system of the present invention, in which a photographing device (camera unit) and a recording device (recording / reproducing unit) are provided separately. The camera and the recording device are bidirectionally connected to each other, and the photographing device and the recording device can be remotely operated by operating the respective operation units. Send it to the device to record,
The video can be reproduced, sent to the photographing device side, and monitored by the photographing device.

That is, in addition to following the conventional merits of separating the photographing device and the recording device from each other and connecting them by a wireless line to separate them, both can be remotely operated. The remote device can be operated freely even in the distance, eliminating the inconvenience of being a separate device.Also, the images and the like recorded in the recording device can be monitored or viewed on the photographing device side. To avoid inconvenience due to the separation between the photographing device and the recording device.

The details will be described below. FIG. 1 shows a specific example 1.
1 is a block diagram showing a photographing device and a recording device according to the present invention as a first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the present photographing apparatus and recording apparatus have a camera unit 1 and a recording / reproducing unit 2 which are separated, and bidirectionally wirelessly transmit signals between the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2. It has a configuration.

Of these, the camera unit 1 includes an image pickup unit 3
Audio unit 4, camera signal processing unit 5, temporary memory 6, camera operation unit 7, camera modulation / demodulation unit 8
And a display unit 9 and an antenna ANT1.

The recording / reproducing unit 2 includes a recording unit 10, a recording / reproducing operation unit 11, a recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12, a recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13, an input / output terminal 14, and an antenna A
It is provided with NT2.

The audio unit 4, which is a component of the camera unit 1,
The imaging unit 3 includes a microphone, a speaker, and the like, and performs audio input and output. The imaging unit 3 includes an optical system such as a lens, an imaging device such as a CCD (solid-state imaging device), and an imaging device driving circuit. And the like for capturing an image of a subject. A camera signal processing unit 5, which is a component of the camera unit 1, converts a signal from the imaging unit 3 into an analog or digital video signal.

The temporary memory 6, which is a component of the camera unit 1, is for temporarily storing video signals and audio signals in the camera unit 1, and includes, for example,
It consists of a large capacity semiconductor memory and the like. A camera operation unit 7 as a component of the camera unit 1 is for generating various operations of the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 and control signals necessary for the operations. “Shooting start / end”, “zoom in / zoom out”, wireless signal “transmission start / end”, “recording start / end” in the unit 2, “video signal stored in the temporary memory 6, and“ audio signal ” Operation controls such as "play", "fast-forward", "rewind", and "pause", and "play", "fast-forward", and "playback" of video and audio signals stored in the recording unit 10 of the recording / reproducing unit 2. This is for generating a control signal for performing operation control such as “rewind” and “pause” from the camera unit 1 side.

A camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 which is a component of the camera unit 1 converts a video signal, an audio signal, and a control signal of the camera unit 1 into radio signals and transmits them to the air from the antenna ANT1. 2 via the antenna ANT1 to receive a video signal, an audio signal,
The display section 9 is a display such as an LCD (liquid crystal) monitor for displaying video signals from the camera signal processing section 5, the camera modulation / demodulation section 8, and the temporary memory 6 on a screen.

The recording / reproducing operation unit 11, which is a component of the recording / reproducing unit 2, is for generating various operations of the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 and control signals necessary for the operations. The “photographing start / end”, the “zoom in / zoom out”, the “transmission start / end” of the wireless signal, the “recording start / end” in the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are stored in the temporary memory 6. "Play", "fast forward", "rewind",
Operation control such as “pause”, and operations such as “play”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, and “pause” of video and audio signals stored in the recording unit 10 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 This is for generating a control signal for performing control from the camera unit 1 side.

The recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12, which is a component of the recording / reproducing unit 2, receives the radio signal from the camera unit 1 and converts it back into the original video signal, audio signal, and control signal. The recording and reproduction signal processing unit 13 converts the video signal and the audio signal converted by the recording and reproduction modulation / demodulation unit 12 into a media-integrated moving image. MPEG (Moving Picture Exp), an international standard for compression
This is for converting a recording signal, which is a compressed signal according to a moving image compression method such as an arts group) or an audio compression encoding method, and restoring the recording signal into a video signal or an audio signal.

The recording section 10, which is a component of the recording / reproducing section 2, transmits the recording signal from the recording / reproducing signal processing section 13 to a recording medium (for example, a magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, etc.). Recorded in
A recording signal recorded on a recording medium is read out and output. An input / output terminal 14 is provided with a video signal, an audio signal, a control signal, and a recording signal from the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 and the recording / reproduction signal processing unit 13. Is output to the outside of the recording / reproducing unit 2 or a video signal, an audio signal, a control signal, and a recording signal are input to the recording / reproducing unit 2 from another device.

In this system having such a configuration, the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are separated from each other, and the image picked up by the camera unit 1 is sent to the recording / reproducing unit 2 by wireless transmission and recorded. Is done.

<Example of operation of the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 from the camera unit 1> By operating the camera operating unit 7 which is a component of the camera unit 1, various types of the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are operated. Operations can be performed. For example, “photographing start / end” in the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2,
“Zoom-in / zoom-out” operation of the optical system of the camera unit 1, “transmission start / end”, “recording start / end” of the wireless signal, “playback” of the video signal and audio signal stored in the temporary memory 6 , “Fast forward”, “rewind”,
Operation control such as “pause”, and operations such as “play”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, and “pause” of video and audio signals stored in the recording unit 10 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 The control can be performed from the camera unit 1 side.

Therefore, when the user shoots an image with the camera, the user operates the camera operation unit 7 of the camera unit 1 to "start shooting".

When a “photographing start” operation is performed, a control signal for the operation is output from the camera operation unit 7. As a result, in the camera unit 1, the subject image captured via the optical system is converted into an electric signal by the imaging unit 3. Into the camera signal processing unit 5
, Where the electric signal is converted into an analog or digital video signal. Then, this video signal is displayed as an image on the display unit 9 of the camera unit 1.

The audio section 4 captures surrounding sounds, converts them into electric signals, and inputs the electric signals to the temporary memory 6. Further, the video signal output from the camera signal processing unit 5 is also input to a temporary memory 6, which temporarily stores the video signal and the audio signal from the audio unit 4 for a certain period of time. I do. This storage may be in the form of sequentially updating and recording for a fixed time.

Therefore, this can be reproduced and displayed on the display unit 9 to check the contents, watch the contents, or transmit to the recording / reproducing unit 2 for recording. Then, it can be implemented with a time delay. In addition to transmitting the video signal and the audio signal held in the temporary memory 6, the camera signal processing unit 5
The video signal and audio part 4 of the video currently being shot output from
It is also possible to transmit the raw audio signal captured by the recording / reproducing unit 2 for recording.

When the video signal and the audio signal in the camera unit 1 are transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit 2 for recording,
The operation can be performed by operating the camera operation unit 7 to “start transmission” and “start recording” of a wireless signal.

That is, the camera operation section 7 performs a "transmission start" operation and a "recording start" operation of a radio signal. The camera operation section 7 generates a control signal therefor, and the camera modulation / demodulation section 8 and the temporary memory 6 operate. Drive controlled.

The camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 converts the "recording start" control signal from the camera operation unit 7 into a radio signal, transmits it to the air from the antenna ANT1, and receives the acknowledgment signal (from the recording / reproducing unit 2). After receiving the ACK as a wireless signal, the video signal and the audio signal in the camera unit 1 are converted into a wireless signal and transmitted to the air from the antenna ANT1.

The recording / reproducing unit 2 which has received the radio signal from the camera unit 1 receives the radio signal via the antenna ANT2 and passes it to the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12. The recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 demodulates the wireless signal, and outputs a video signal, an audio signal,
Convert to control signal. Then, the control signal is passed to a control unit (not shown). The control unit recognizes that the “recording start” control signal has been received, and recognizes the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 and the recording unit 10.
In the standby state, and sends an acknowledgment signal (ACK) to the antenna ANT.
2 to transmit in the air by radio signal.

The recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 demodulates a radio signal to obtain a video signal, an audio signal, and a control signal.
For the video signal and the audio signal, the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13
Pass to.

The recording / reproducing signal processing section 13 converts the video signal converted by the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation section 12 into a recording signal of a moving image compression system such as MPEG, and converts an audio signal by an audio compression encoding system. The signal is converted into a recording signal, which is a compressed signal, and supplied to the recording unit 10. The recording unit 10 records the recording signal from the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 on a recording medium.

On the other hand, when the user wants to play back the video and audio recorded in the recording / reproducing unit 2 and view it on the camera unit 1 side, he operates the camera operating unit 7 which is a component of the camera unit 1 to operate the recording unit 2. Instruct “play”. Then, the camera modem 8
Converts the control signal instructing the "reproduction" from the camera operation unit 7 into a radio signal, transmits the radio signal to the air from the antenna ANT1, and receives the acknowledgment signal (A
When CK) is received by a wireless signal, the apparatus enters a standby state.

In the recording / reproducing section 2, the control signal instructing "reproduction" is demodulated in the recording / reproduction modulation / demodulation section 12, so that the control section knows that the control signal instructing "reproduction" has been received. Then, the control unit of the recording / reproducing unit 2 controls to generate an acknowledgment signal (ACK), converts the signal into a radio signal in the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12, and then transmits the radio signal from the antenna ANT2 to the air.

Then, the control unit of the recording / reproducing unit 2 instructs the recording unit 10 to "reproduce", and the recording unit 1 receiving this instruction.
0 reproduces a recording signal from a recording medium. The reproduced recording signal is sent to the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13, where the recording signal is restored from the coded code to the original video signal or audio signal (however, if the recording signal can be decoded on the receiving side, this signal is restored). A form in which the recording signal is transmitted as it is without decoding at the stage may be used). Then, the converted video signal and audio signal are modulated into a radio signal in the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12, and then transmitted to the air via the antenna ANT2.

The camera section 1 transmits the radio signal to the antenna A
The signal is received via the NT1 and demodulated by the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 to return to a video signal and an audio signal. The audio signal is applied to the audio unit 4 to be output as audio, and the video signal is applied to the display unit 9 to provide an image. Display.

As a result, the user of the camera can use the recording / reproducing unit 2
Can be viewed on the camera side.

When the user wants to fast-forward or rewind, the user operates the camera operation unit 7 to instruct "fast-forward" or "rewind" of the recording unit 2. Then, the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 converts the control signal from the camera operation unit 7 to instruct “fast-forward” or “rewind” into a radio signal and transmits the radio signal from the antenna ANT1 to the air. Then, in the recording / reproducing section 2 receiving this, the control signal instructing “fast-forward” or “rewind” is demodulated in the recording / reproducing modulating / demodulating section 12 so that the control signal instructing “fast-forward” or “rewind” is obtained. Know what you have received.

In the recording / reproducing section 2, the control section instructs the recording section 10 to perform "fast forward" or "rewind", and the recording section 10 performs "fast forward" or "rewind" operation on the recording medium.

At this time, the recording / reproducing unit 2 performs the “fast forward”
The user can easily use the sent amount or the “rewinded” amount by sending it to the camera and displaying it.

When the user wants to end the operation, the user operates the camera operation unit 7 to instruct "end". Then, the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 transmits the “end” from the camera operation unit 7.
Is converted to a radio signal and the antenna AN
Transmitted in the air from T1. Then, the recording / reproducing unit 2 receiving the signal via the antenna ANT2 demodulates the control signal in the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12, thereby completing the “end”.
Know that a control signal has been received.

Then, the recording / reproducing unit 2 instructs the recording unit 10 to “end”, and the recording unit 10 terminates the operation on the recording medium.

The operation of the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 according to various operations from the camera unit 1 has been described above. Next, a case where the camera unit 1 and the recording and reproducing unit 2 are operated from the recording and reproducing unit 2 will be described.

<Example of operating the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 from the recording / reproducing unit 2> In this system, by operating the operation unit 11 of the recording / reproducing unit 2, not only the operation of the recording / reproducing unit 2 but also Various operations of the camera unit 1 can be performed.

For example, by operating the operation unit 11, “photographing start / end” in the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2, “zoom-in / zoom-out” operation of the optical system of the camera unit 1, and “transmission of radio signal” Operation control such as “start / end”, “recording start / end”, “playback”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, “pause” of video and audio signals stored in the temporary memory 6, and Operation control such as “play”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, and “pause” of the video signal and the audio signal stored in the recording unit 10 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 is performed from the recording / reproducing unit 2 side. Can be.

Therefore, when taking an image with a camera,
The operation can also be performed by operating the operation section 11 of the recording / reproducing section 2 to “start photographing”.

When the “photographing start” operation is performed, a control signal for the operation is output from the operation unit 11, modulated by the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 and transmitted from the antenna ANT 2 to the air. As a result of being received from the ANT 1, demodulated by the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8, and given to a control unit (not shown), an imaging operation is started in the camera unit 1, and a subject image captured via the optical system of the camera unit 1 is processed by the imaging unit 3. The signal is converted into an electric signal and sent to the camera signal processing unit 5, where the electric signal is converted into an analog or digital video signal. Then, this video signal is displayed as an image on the display unit 9 of the camera unit 1.

When recording the video captured by the camera on the recording / reproducing unit 2, the user operates the operation unit 11 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 to perform a "transmission start" operation and a "record start" operation. As a result, a control signal therefor is output from the operation unit 11, modulated by the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12, and transmitted from the antenna ANT <b> 2 to the air. This is received by the camera unit 1 from the antenna ANT <b> 1. As a result of being demodulated and given to a control unit (not shown), the camera unit 1 drives and controls the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 and the temporary memory 6.

The temporary memory 6 stores video signals,
The audio signal from the audio unit 4 is temporarily stored for a certain period of time, and the stored content is read out and given to the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8. Then, this is modulated by the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 to be converted into a radio signal, and then the antenna ANT1 is transmitted.
Send out more in the air.

In addition to the transmission of the video signal and audio signal held by the temporary memory 6, the video signal of the video currently being shot and the live audio captured by the audio unit 4 output from the camera signal processing unit 5 are also transmitted. Can be transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit 2 for recording.

The recording / reproducing section 2 which has received the radio signal from the camera section 1 receives the radio signal via the antenna ANT2 and passes it to the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation section 12. The recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 demodulates the wireless signal, and outputs a video signal, an audio signal,
Return to control signal. The recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 passes the video signal and the audio signal out of the video signal, the audio signal, and the control signal obtained by demodulating the radio signal to the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13.

The recording / reproduction signal processing unit 13 converts the video signal obtained from the recording / reproduction modulation / demodulation unit 12 into an MP
The recording signal is converted into a recording signal of a moving image compression system such as EG, and the audio signal is converted into a recording signal which is a compression signal by an audio compression encoding system if this is also uncompressed.

If the video signal or the audio signal has been compression-encoded, the recording section 10 does not perform compression-encoding again.
Give to.

In the recording section 10, the recording / reproducing signal processing section 13
Is recorded on a recording medium.

On the other hand, when the recording / reproducing unit 2 wants to reproduce the video or audio recorded in the recording / reproducing unit 2 and send it to the camera unit 1, the operation unit 11 in the recording / reproducing unit 2
Is operated to instruct "reproduction" and "transmission start" of the recording unit 2. Then, the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 gives a control signal for instructing the “reproduction” from the operation unit 11 to a control unit (not shown) of the recording / reproducing unit 2, and the control unit causes the recording unit 10 to start reproduction and perform recording. Control is performed to cause the reproduction modulation unit 12 to transmit.

The reproduction signal of the recording section 10 is modulated by the recording / reproduction modulation / demodulation section 12 to be converted into a radio signal.
2 through the air.

In the camera section 1, this radio signal is transmitted to the antenna A
The signal is received via the NT1 and demodulated by the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 to return to a video signal and an audio signal. The video signal is applied to the display unit 9 to be displayed as an image, and the audio signal is applied to the audio unit 4 and output as audio. . In addition, the temporary memory 6
Is given and held.

As described above, in the present system, the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are separate units. By operating the operation unit 11 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 or the operation unit 7 of the camera unit 1, In addition to the operation of the recording / reproducing unit 2, various operations of the camera unit 1 can be performed, and the image captured by the camera unit 1 is transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit 2 by wireless transmission and recorded on the recording / reproducing unit 2. In addition, since the video reproduced by the recording / reproducing unit 2 is wirelessly transmitted to the camera unit 1 and can be viewed on the camera unit 1, the camera unit 1 is further reduced in size and weight. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the user by reducing the size and weight of the camera unit 1, reduce power consumption, and perform long-time recording by relaxing the restriction on the device size of the recording and reproducing unit 2. Further, the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 can not only remotely control each other, but also reproduce video signals and audio signals recorded in the recording unit 10 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 or video signals and audio signals input from outside. The display unit 9 of the camera unit 1 at hand of the user
You can check with. Further, by connecting the input / output terminal 14 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 to the public transmission network 25,
A video signal, an audio signal, a recording signal, and a control signal can be transmitted and received between the image capturing apparatus and the recording apparatus and a home video server via the public transmission network 25.

The system has an operation unit in the recording / reproducing unit 2 so that the system can be operated including remote operation of the camera unit 1. Therefore, the camera unit 1 does not always need to be held by the user, and if the recording / reproducing operation unit 11 is configured so that the power of the camera unit 1 can be turned on and off, the camera unit 1 can be used as an unmanned surveillance camera.
In the case where only video is recorded, a configuration in which the audio unit 4 is omitted from the camera unit 1 may be employed as shown in FIG.

Here, the data format of the radio signal used in the system of the present invention will be described. <Example of Data Format of Wireless Signal> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data format configuration of a wireless signal converted by the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 and the recording / reproduction modulation / demodulation unit 12 and wirelessly transmitted between the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproduction unit 2. The data format used in this system is, as shown in FIG.
It is composed of a header section 300 which is a storage area for control signals and a data area section 310 which is a storage area for video and audio data. As shown in FIG.
A code 301 indicating the head of data, camera ID data 302 for identifying a transmission source of a wireless signal in the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2, and control data 303 for controlling operation of the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2. Consists of

<Example of Configuration of Camera Modulator / Demodulator 8> FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the camera modulator / demodulator 8 mainly on the modulation processing system side. As shown in FIG. 4, the camera modem 8 includes a radio receiver 15 that receives a radio signal from the recording / reproducing unit 2 or another camera and decodes a control signal and the like, an error rate of the received radio signal, and the like. An audio judging unit 16 for compressing and encoding a video signal to generate a video compression code sequence, an audio encoding unit 18 for compressing and encoding an audio signal to generate an audio compression code sequence. , Video compression code string,
A multiplexing unit 19 that multiplexes the audio compression code sequence and the control signal generated by the camera operation unit 7 to generate a multiplexed code sequence, and wirelessly modulates the multiplexed code sequence output from the multiplexing unit 19 And a wireless transmission unit 20 for transmitting.

In such a configuration, the video encoding unit 1
The audio encoding unit 7 and the audio encoding unit 18 perform a process of compressing and encoding the input video signal and audio signal into a smaller amount of information. The compression encoding method is, for example, ISO MPEG
May be used.

That is, the video encoding / decoding unit 17 performs a process of compression-encoding the video imaged by the imaging unit 3 and converted into a video signal by the camera signal processing unit 5 so that the information amount becomes smaller. A multiplexing unit 19 outputs the compression-coded output.
Send to Further, the audio encoding unit 18 performs a process of compressing and encoding the audio signal captured by the audio unit 4 so as to reduce the amount of information, and sends the compression encoded output to the multiplexing unit 19. . The multiplexing unit 9 is also provided with a control signal, camera ID data, and the like, and the multiplexing unit 19 multiplexes the encoded information, the control signal, and the like, and
Send to 0. The wireless transmission unit 20 converts the multiplexed signal into a wireless signal and transmits the signal from the antenna ANT1 to the air.

Radio signals from other cameras and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are received via the antenna ANT 1 and sent to the radio receiving unit 15. Then, in this wireless receiving unit 15,
The received signal is demodulated and provided to an error determination unit 16, which evaluates the error rate (error rate) and properties (burst length) mixed in the radio signal received from the recording / reproducing unit 2 or another camera. , Etc.), and sends the wireless status signal to the video encoding unit 17, the audio encoding unit 18 and the multiplexing unit 19.

Here, as a coding method adopted in the video coding section 17 and the voice coding section 18, a video signal, a voice signal and the like are transmitted to the recording / reproducing section 2 and the like via a radio signal containing an error. In consideration of this, a video / audio coding method having resistance to radio errors may be used. For example, a video compression coding system divides a video frame into small regions, and a system called a video packet that enables resynchronization for each region. A multiplexing method for important information that enables decoding from the other information even if information is lost, and a variable-length code (reversible that can be decoded not only from the forward direction but also from the reverse direction of the code string) VLC), refresh coding for correcting a deteriorated video signal by encoding a part of the video signal in a frame, an error correction code, or the like may be used.

By using such a method, it is possible to transmit a video / audio signal with higher quality even if a radio error is mixed. The multiplexing unit 19 may also take measures against radio errors such as error correction codes and retransmission processing (ARQ) of erroneous information.

As described above, the error determination unit 16 determines the ratio (error rate) and nature (burst length, etc.) of errors mixed into the radio signal received from the recording / reproducing unit 2 or another camera, and The signal is encoded by the video encoder 17 and the audio encoder 1
8 and the multiplexing unit 19, the video encoding unit 17, the audio encoding unit 18 and the multiplexing unit 19 receiving the
The compression coding method and parameters of the video / audio signal are changed according to the radio status signal. As a result, it becomes possible to transmit a radio signal as a coded signal that is resistant to errors.

As an example of changing the compression coding method and parameters of the video / audio signal according to the radio status signal,
For example, when the error rate is high, the video coding unit 17 increases the rate of intra-frame coding for refreshing, uses the strength of an error correction code having a stronger correction capability, or adjusts to the burst length. To change the length of the video packet. The multiplexing unit 19
In the case where the error rate is high, an error correction code having a stronger correction capability may be used, or the maximum number of retransmissions of ARQ (retransmission processing) may be increased.

Such a modulation process is performed by the camera demodulation unit 8.
This makes it possible to wirelessly transmit compression-coded video / audio signals and control signals with high quality, and to transmit high-quality video / audio signals for recording. Or be used for viewing.

As described above, in the photographing apparatus and the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, not only the video / audio signal is sent to the recording / reproducing section 2 or another camera, but also the radio signal from the recording / reproducing section 2 or another camera is transmitted. , The error rate of the received wireless signal is determined, and the method and parameters for compressing and encoding the video and audio signals are changed, thereby achieving higher quality video and audio in accordance with the state of the wireless transmission path. You can send a signal.

In general, when more error resilience coding schemes are combined or coding parameters are set, the robustness of video / audio compression coding to radio errors increases, but radio errors do not mix. The quality will be reduced. However, in this system, the error rate can be obtained, and if the error rate or the characteristics mixed in the radio signal transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit 2 or another camera is known, the parameters and method of the video / audio coding are accordingly determined. Can be changed, and video / audio encoding more suitable for wireless errors can be performed, so that signal quality can be maintained.

When bidirectional communication is performed with the recording / reproducing unit 2 or another camera, a radio error having the same error rate and error properties as the received radio signal is transmitted from the camera unit 1 to the recording / reproducing unit 2 or It is considered that it is mixed in the radio signal sent to another camera.

Therefore, by changing the compression coding method and parameters of the video and audio signals to be transmitted in accordance with the error rate and the characteristics of the received radio signal, it is possible to perform the compression coding more suitable for the characteristics of the radio transmission path. .

As described in detail above, the configuration shown in the specific example 1 is a basic configuration of the present invention, and the photographing device and the recording device are separated from each other.
The photographing device and the recording device can be remotely operated by operating the respective operation units.The photographing device can be photographed and the video or the like can be sent to the recording device for recording, and the video can be reproduced. Then, the image data is sent to the photographing apparatus side and monitored by the photographing apparatus.

As described above, the present invention not only follows the conventional merits of separating the photographing apparatus and the recording apparatus from each other and connecting them by a wireless line but also separating them, Can be operated remotely, allowing the opponent device to be operated freely even in a distant place, eliminating inconvenience due to a separate configuration. Can be performed, and the inconvenience due to the separation of the photographing device and the recording device can be solved.

Next, based on this basic configuration, when there are a plurality of cameras capable of wirelessly transmitting a video signal or the like via a wireless line, not only the image of the own camera but also the other camera is used for shooting. A specific example of a photographing system that allows the obtained images to be interchanged and used effectively will be described.

[Specific Example 2] FIG. 5 shows a case where not only the camera of the user but also a plurality of cameras of another person who can wirelessly transmit a video signal or the like through a wireless line exist around the user. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main image capturing apparatus and a recording apparatus that can also use video and audio from another person's camera. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a separate camera unit, and reference numeral 2 denotes a separate recording / reproducing unit. Reference numeral 21 denotes a camera different from the camera unit 1.
Between the camera unit 1, the camera 21, and the recording / reproducing unit 2,
The video signal, the audio signal, and the control signal can be bidirectionally wirelessly transmitted.

The camera unit 1 and the camera 21 are
Audio unit 4, camera signal processing unit 5, temporary memory 6, camera operation unit 7, camera modulation / demodulation unit 8
And a display unit 9 and antennas ANT1 and ANT21.

The recording / reproducing section 2 includes a recording section 10, a recording / reproducing operation section 11, a recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation section 12, a recording / reproducing signal processing section 13, an input / output terminal 14, and an antenna A
It is provided with NT2.

The configuration of the camera 21 should be such that video signals and the like can be wirelessly transmitted through a wireless line and data can be exchanged with the photographing apparatus and the recording apparatus.
It is not always necessary to have the same configuration as the camera unit 1 used in the system of the present invention.

Here, the imaging unit 3, the audio unit 4, the camera signal processing unit 5, the temporary memory 6, the camera operation unit 7,
The camera modulation / demodulation unit 8, the display unit 9, the recording unit 10, the recording / reproduction operation unit 11, the recording / reproduction modulation / demodulation unit 12, the recording / reproduction signal processing unit 13, and the input / output terminal 14 have the same elements and functions as those described with reference to FIG. Are basically the same, and the description in the first embodiment will be referred to as necessary, and will not be described again here.

In the system described here, a video signal and an audio signal are fetched from another camera 21 into its own camera unit 1 and recording / reproducing unit 2, and a video signal and audio signal from its own camera unit 1 and recording / reproducing unit 2 are read. The audio signal can be captured by another camera 21.

Therefore, in the system of the present invention,
In the camera operation unit 7 as the operation unit on the camera side or the recording / reproduction operation unit 11 as the operation unit on the recording / reproduction unit side, the setting operation of “public” and “non-public” can be performed by operating buttons or the like. When a public operation is performed, the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 of the camera unit 1 or the recording / reproduction / modulation / demodulation unit 12 of the recording / reproduction unit 2 transmits a camera signal of a radio signal wirelessly transmitted between the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproduction unit 2. 1. A code that indicates disclosure or non-disclosure existing in the control data for controlling the operation of the recording / reproducing unit 2 is set to correspond to the setting by the above operation. In addition, since video signals and audio signals and the like by wireless transmission between the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are systems of the own system, “public” in the control data,
The radio signal received from another camera 21, which is a system outside the own system, can be fetched and used regardless of the content of the code indicating "non-disclosure". Only when the code indicating “public” is “public”, it can be imported and used. Video signals, audio signals, and the like by wireless transmission between the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 as viewed from the other camera are signals from other systems, so that "public" and "non-public" Only when the content of the code indicating “open” is “open”, it can be captured and used by the system of the camera 21.

The simplest way to implement a mechanism in which a third party can use or not transmit a signal that is "public" or "non-public" is to encrypt / decrypt the signal. It is. In other words, if it is "public," it is unencrypted,
If "private", encrypt it.

In such a configuration, for example, the user of the camera unit 1 and the user of another camera 21 can now transmit the contents of the radio signal transmitted from the camera unit 1 or the camera 21 to other nearby devices. Let's consider the case where all of them are made public to the user.

In this case, the setting operation of “public” is performed by the operation buttons of the camera operation unit 7 and the recording / reproduction operation unit 11.

That is, the camera operation unit 7 and the recording / reproduction operation unit 11 have operation buttons for performing setting operations of “public” and “non-public”. By operating these buttons, a signal to be transmitted is transmitted. Other settings such as "public" are made. When this public operation is performed, control data for operation control in a wireless signal wirelessly transmitted between the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 and between another camera 21 and the recording / reproducing unit of the camera 21 are included. Is set to indicate that the contents of the present radio signal are made public. (Note that, by setting a camera ID of a wireless signal or a new control data code, it is possible to limit the disclosure destination of the wireless signal, instead of the unspecified majority around the camera unit 1.) The camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 in the camera unit 1 that has received the wireless signal transmitted from the camera 21 can convert the wireless signal from the other camera 21 into a video signal and an audio signal. The user can check the video signal and the audio signal from another camera 21 on the display unit 9 of the camera unit 1 at hand.

Similarly, in another camera 21 which has received the radio signal transmitted from the camera unit 1 or the recording / reproducing unit 2, the camera modem unit 8 of the camera is transmitted from the camera unit 1 or the recording / reproducing unit 2. It is possible to receive the wireless signal and convert it into a video signal and an audio signal, and the user of the other camera 21 can display the video signal and the audio signal from the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 on the display of the camera 21. This can be confirmed in section 9.

If the user of the camera unit 1 wants to use the confirmed video signal and audio signal from another camera 21, the user operates the camera operation unit 7 and the operation buttons of the recording / reproduction operation unit 11 to perform a selection operation. By doing so, the video signal and the audio signal of the selected channel (that is, from the selected camera) can be transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit 2 or stored in the temporary memory 6 of the camera unit 1. That is, the camera modem 8 is selected by the above selection operation.
Sequentially inputs and stores the video signal and the audio signal in the temporary memory 6. Then, this is read out, modulated by the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 and converted into a radio signal,
Antenna ANT1 together with a control signal for "recording" instruction
Send more in the air.

The recording / reproducing unit 2 which has received the radio signal from the camera unit 1 receives the radio signal via the antenna ANT2 and passes it to the recording / reproducing modem 12. The recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 demodulates the wireless signal, and outputs a video signal, an audio signal,
Convert to control signal.

The recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 passes the video signal and the audio signal out of the video signal, the audio signal, and the control signal obtained by demodulating the radio signal to the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13.

The recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 converts the video signal converted by the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 into a recording signal of a moving image compression system such as MPEG, and converts an audio signal by an audio compression encoding system. The signal is converted into a recording signal, which is a compressed signal, and supplied to the recording unit 1. The recording unit 10 records the recording signal from the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 on a recording medium.

As a result, the published video signal and audio signal wirelessly transmitted from another camera can be recorded in the recording / reproducing unit 2 in the system of the own system.

Conversely, when the radio signal transmitted from another camera 21 is kept secret, the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 of the camera unit 1 or the recording / reproduction / demodulation unit 12 of the recording / reproduction unit 2
Detects a code indicating "non-disclosure" from the demodulated signal of the received wireless signal, and thereby outputs the demodulated output of the wireless signal transmitted from the camera 21 to the temporary memory 6, the display unit 9, and the audio unit 4. Function not to be issued. Therefore, when a wireless signal with a setting of non-disclosure is received, the camera modem 8 and the recording / reproducing modem 12 cannot convert the wireless signal into a video signal and an audio signal.

Similarly, when the radio signal transmitted from the camera unit 1 or the recording / reproducing unit 2 is kept secret, the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 of another camera 21 outputs the demodulated signal from the received radio signal. A code indicating "non-disclosure" is detected, so that the demodulated output of the wireless signal transmitted from the camera unit 1 or the recording / reproducing unit 22 is not output to the temporary memory 6, the display unit 9, and the audio unit 4. To work. Therefore,
When a wireless signal with a setting of non-disclosure is received, the camera modem 8 and the recording / reproducing modem 12 cannot convert the wireless signal into a video signal and an audio signal.

The method of making it impossible to convert a radio signal into a video signal and an audio signal is not particularly limited. However, for example, an output obtained by performing an encryption process on at least a part of encoded data can be used. There is a method of selecting a non-encrypted output according to the selection of non-disclosure / disclosure of a wireless signal.

That is, there is provided means for performing an encryption process on encoded data and outputting the same, and means for selecting the output of the encryption processing output unit and the output not having undergone the encryption process. When the secret is not disclosed, the output of the encryption processing output means is selected and transmitted by a radio signal. When the output is public, the output not encrypted is selected and transmitted by a radio signal. To When receiving an encrypted wireless signal by providing encryption / decryption processing means in the recording / reproducing unit 2, which is a specific recording device, a decryption process is performed through the wireless signal, so that only the specific recording / reproducing device can perform video decoding. Signals and audio signals can be transferred.

When there are a plurality of cameras with open radio signals around the camera unit 1, the camera unit 1 receives each of the open radio signals and demodulates the video signal, audio signal and control signal. And can be used as needed.
In this case, since there are a plurality of cameras that can be used, the cameras are switched and used.

In the present system, the channels are sequentially switched by performing a switching operation with the operation buttons of the camera operation unit 7 and the recording / reproduction operation unit 11, so that one channel, that is, from a desired one camera, is switched. The video signal and the audio signal can be checked on the display unit 9 of the camera unit 1 at hand, or the screen of the display unit 9 is divided into N screens (where N is an integer of 2 or more) as shown in FIG. The video signal and the audio signal from each camera can be confirmed on the display unit 9 of the camera unit 1 at hand so that multi-screen display can be performed.

If the user of the camera section 1 wants to use the confirmed video signal and audio signal from another camera 21, the user operates the camera operation section 7 and the operation buttons of the recording / reproduction operation section 11 to perform a selection operation. By doing so, the video signal and the audio signal of the selected channel (that is, from the selected camera) can be transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit 2 or stored in the temporary memory 6 of the camera unit 1. That is, the camera modem 8 is selected by the above selection operation.
The video signal and the audio signal of the selected channel are sequentially input to the temporary memory 6 and stored. Then, this is read out, modulated by the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8, converted into a radio signal, and transmitted in the air from the antenna ANT1 together with a control signal for "recording" instruction.

The recording / reproducing section 2 which has received the radio signal from the camera section 1 receives the radio signal via the antenna ANT2 and passes it to the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation section 12. The recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 demodulates the wireless signal, and outputs a video signal, an audio signal,
Convert to control signal.

The recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 passes the video signal and the audio signal out of the video signal, the audio signal and the control signal obtained by demodulating the radio signal to the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13.

The recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 converts the video signal converted by the recording / reproducing modulation / demodulation unit 12 into a recording signal of a moving image compression system such as MPEG, and converts an audio signal by an audio compression encoding system. The signal is converted into a recording signal, which is a compressed signal, and supplied to the recording unit 1. The recording unit 10 records the recording signal from the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 on a recording medium.

In some cases, the number of cameras to which radio signals are disclosed may be N or more than the number of divided screens. In such a case, the number of divided screens will be insufficient even when displaying multiple screens. In this case, it is better to change the screen in order. This makes it possible to view the images of all the cameras in a time division manner.

The screen of the channel being recorded can be confirmed in the center by displaying it in the center or by adding a frame (or a similar notice mark). Further, FIG.
As described above, it is also possible to adopt a method in which the image of the channel being recorded is displayed on the full screen, the image of another camera 21 is displayed on the small screen, and replaced by an operation.

While the video signal and the audio signal from another camera 21 are being checked, the video signal and the audio signal photographed by the camera unit 1 are stored in the temporary memory 6, and the If the transmission is performed asynchronously or with a time code, the photographing during that time is not interrupted, and the risk of losing a photographing chance can be avoided. In addition, the user of the camera unit 1 transmits only the camera ID in the radio signal of another camera 21 to the recording / reproducing unit 2 by a selection operation from the camera unit 1, and the recording / reproducing unit 2 includes the other camera. 21 camera ID (identification information),
In this state, video and audio signals obtained from a wireless signal from a camera having the held camera ID information are recorded. Video can be recorded on the recording / reproducing unit 2 without losing a chance.

Further, when there are a plurality of cameras whose radio signals are open to the public around the camera section 1, the time change and the audio level of the video signal of each camera are compared.
If the selection of the video signal and the audio signal from the camera unit 1 or each camera is switched, it is possible to accurately photograph a moving subject while outputting sound. In addition, the camera unit 1 does not necessarily need to be held by the user, and if the recording / playback operation unit 11 can be operated even when the power of a plurality of cameras is turned on / off, the unmanned surveillance camera system can be easily implemented. Can be built.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of cameras, not only an image of the own camera but also an image taken by another camera can be interchanged with each other and used effectively. Technology can be built.

In this system, the recording / reproducing unit 2 is provided with a temporary data storage means such as a temporary memory so that at least one received data can be temporarily stored.
When the video from multiple cameras is arbitrarily switched and used for recording, if the designation to switch from the video channel of one camera to the video channel of another camera is specified, the received data of the video of the newly switched channel is temporarily stored. It is preferable that the recording of the received data of the channel before switching is started in a predetermined unit, and the reading of the received data stored in the temporary storage is started to enable the recording from a predetermined position after the recording of the received data of the channel before the switching is completed. According to this configuration, when switching the recording from one channel to another channel, that is, when switching the recording target from the video of one camera to the video of another camera, the time lag accompanying the switching is eliminated, You will be able to record all of your videos without compromising your chances.

The above is an example in which, when a video signal or an audio signal to be transmitted wirelessly is made public, it can be freely used in a camera or a recording device that can receive the video signal or the audio signal. In such a system, since an image from a camera whose shooting position is unknown is used, it is more convenient if the position of the camera can be grasped as information. Therefore, an example in which the photographing position of the camera can be known will be described next as a specific example 3.

[Specific Example 3] In this specific example, each camera is provided with a position detecting device in order to make it possible to know the photographing positions of the cameras scattered or to know the photographing position of the camera itself. It is. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the camera section 1 is provided with a camera position detecting section 22 which detects the position and the photographing direction of the camera section 1 and gives the information to the camera modulation / demodulation section 8 and the display section 9.

The camera position detecting section 22 determines the position and the photographing direction of the camera section 1 by using GPS (Global Pos).
global positioning system: a device that simultaneously receives radio waves from four or more of the 24 GPS satellites launched by the United States and allows ships, aircraft, and automobiles to know their position), and detects them with geomagnetic sensors Then, a camera position signal is generated as information on the location on the ground. Then, by providing the camera position signal generated by the camera position detection unit 22 to the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 together with map information as necessary, the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 modulates the camera position signal and transmits it as a wireless signal from the antenna ANT1. It can be transmitted to the outside, and the position and orientation of the camera can be displayed by giving it to the display unit 9.

FIG. 9 shows a format of transmission data used in this system, and is a configuration diagram in a case where a wireless signal transmitted wirelessly between the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 includes a camera position signal. is there. The header 300 includes a head code 301, a camera ID 302, and control data 303.
In addition, an area of the camera position data 304 is prepared, in which a camera position signal generated by the camera position detection unit 22 is stored and transmitted.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the camera position detector 22 described above.
10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the present photographing device and the recording device by the camera unit 1 having a camera, and FIG. 10A illustrates the position of the camera unit 1 of the user by a circle and the photographing direction by an arrow. This is an example in which the information is displayed on the display unit 9 in a form of being superimposed on map information in a form of expression. In addition, the image in which the camera position of the user is represented by a circle and the photographing direction is superimposed on the map information in the form of being represented by an arrow is generated by the camera position detection unit 22, and is used by the car navigation system. This can be achieved by applying technology. In this system, tourist information and the like are stored in advance in the camera unit 1 in addition to the map information around the planned shooting location, or such information is transmitted from the recording / reproducing unit 2 and used. Alternatively, information input from a car navigation system or the like connected to the input / output terminal 14 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 may be transmitted to the camera and used. Note that the present system may not have the background map information.

The camera section 1 as an example shown here is provided with a camera angle designating means for designating a desired photographing position and a photographing direction or a means for designating another photographing device by the camera operating section 7.
The camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 has a function of receiving a wireless signal from a camera corresponding to the designated information and transmitting the wireless signal to the recording / reproducing apparatus 2 according to the designated information. Therefore, in this case, the recording / reproducing unit 2 can receive and demodulate the radio signal from the camera which is selected and transmitted corresponding to the above-mentioned designated information, and record it on the recording unit 10.

FIG. 10 (b) shows the position of the camera transmitting the radio signal published around the camera section 1 with the camera number, the shooting direction indicated by an arrow, and the user's own camera. This is an example in which the camera number “1” is displayed in the section 1 and the camera number of the currently selected camera is marked in a circle and displayed on the display section 9.

FIG. 10C is a view for explaining an example of photographing at the site of the athletic meet by the camera unit 1 having the camera position detecting unit 22. As shown in this figure, when photographing a running subject from the outside of the competition track, the subject becomes closer or farther away in the camera unit 1 owned by the user himself. For example, taking the image of the camera with the camera number “1” as an example, the camera is located close to the competitor at time t, and the competitor has passed far away at time t + n. However, as can be seen, when viewed from a certain camera, the subject becomes closer or farther away.

Such a situation is the same for other cameras, for example, the camera of "camera number 5", even if the timing is different.

Therefore, at the time of photographing, for example, a screen on which a camera arrangement is displayed on a map as shown in FIG. 10B is created and displayed on the display unit 9 of the camera unit 1, and the screen around the camera unit 1 is previously displayed on this screen. By confirming the position and shooting direction of another camera and switching the camera to be used for recording accurately, the video and audio of the moving subject of interest can be shifted to a suitable position as shown in FIG. To be recorded as taken from

That is, a screen displaying the camera arrangement on a map as shown in FIG. 10 (b) is displayed, and the positions and shooting directions of the other cameras around the camera unit 1 are checked in advance, so that the progress of the competition can be confirmed. Accordingly, the camera at the best position to be used for recording is sequentially selected and designated by the camera operation unit 7. Thereby, the camera modem 8 wirelessly transmits the wireless signal received from the camera corresponding to the designated information to the recording / reproducing device 2 according to the designated information.

Accordingly, in this case, the recording / reproducing unit 2 receives and demodulates the radio signal from the camera which is selected and transmitted in accordance with the above-mentioned designated information, and records it in the recording unit 10. The video and audio of the subject can be recorded in the recording / reproducing unit 2 as being photographed from a position as suitable as possible.

It is to be noted that a plurality of cameras can be arranged according to the purpose and a camera can be selected and designated according to the purpose even in the case of photographing a stationary subject in various presentations on the stage as well as the moving subject. Thus, it is possible to record as a video having a change in camera angle, audio level, and the like.

When each camera has a camera position detecting unit 22 and wirelessly transmits the detected camera position information and the photographing direction together with a video signal and an audio signal, the camera unit 1 A photographing angle designating unit for designating a desired photographing position and photographing direction, a unit for receiving a video signal and an audio signal wirelessly transmitted by another camera, and extracting the photographing position / direction information from a plurality of decodable received data. A photographing position / direction information extracting unit, and among the photographing position / direction information of each camera extracted by the photographing position / direction information extracting unit, a photographing position and direction similar to the photographing position designated by the photographing angle designating unit. Means for selecting at least one decodable received data having shooting position / direction information is provided, and a desired shooting position and shooting direction are designated by a shooting angle designating means. In other words, using the shooting position / direction information extracted from the decodable wireless signal among the wireless signals from other cameras extracted by the shooting position / direction information extraction unit, the shooting position / direction information of each camera is obtained. Among them, it is possible to select a video signal and an audio signal of a wireless signal having the shooting position / direction information similar to the shooting position and the shooting direction specified by the shooting angle specifying unit. By specifying a desired shooting position and shooting direction by the shooting angle specifying means, a video signal and an audio signal having the shooting position / direction information similar to the target shooting position and the shooting direction are selected and recorded. When many cameras are scattered and the image of each camera is available,
The ID of the camera transmitting the video signal and the audio signal having the shooting position / direction information similar to the target shooting position and shooting direction is sent to the recording / playback unit 2, and the wireless signal of the camera having the ID is decoded. If it is processed and recorded in the recording unit, it is possible to select a video suitable for the purpose and easily take in a video suitable for the story considered by the user and record it.

In the above example, the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are separate units, and the two units are connected by a wireless line. It is more convenient to use An example will be described below.

[Specific Example 4] FIG. 11 shows a structure in which the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 having separate structures can be structurally connected by docking. The video signal and the audio signal are transmitted from the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 to the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 via the contact connectors 23 provided on the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 respectively. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image capturing apparatus and the recording apparatus that output the video signal and the audio signal of FIG. Configurations other than the temporary memory 6 of the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 are the same as those in the block diagram of FIG.

By adopting such a configuration, when the wireless transmission state is poor, or when the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are too far apart from each other at the time of photographing and communication is impossible, later, By docking the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 and transmitting a video signal and an audio signal, recording can be performed by a wired connection. In addition, since wired transmission is used, it is possible to transmit a video signal and an audio signal at a higher speed than wireless transmission.

In this example, the contact connector 2
Instead of 3, an optical (including infrared) communication connector that can connect the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 can be used. In the case of a configuration including the contact connector 23 and the optical communication connector, the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 prohibit driving of the connector during wireless transmission and prohibit wireless transmission during the connector connection. It is good to include the configuration. Thereby, it is possible to suppress confusion due to erroneous operation or malfunction such as performing wireless transmission instead of communication using the connector during connector connection, or instructing communication using the connector even when the connector is not connected. .

The camera section 1 is provided with internal storage means (a temporary memory 6 may be used) for temporarily storing coded data of video signals (and audio signals) so that wireless transmission or connector connection is possible. When it becomes possible, the encoded data temporarily stored in the internal storage means is stored in the recording / reproducing unit 2.
In this case, transmission of the data to be transmitted can be started immediately when the preparation for transmission is completed, so that efficient transmission processing without time loss becomes possible.

In the case of the configuration of the specific example 4, the video signal and the audio signal stored in the camera unit 1 are re-recorded in the recording / reproducing unit 2 later. Since the storage of the video signal and the audio signal uses the temporary memory 6, the storage capacity of the temporary memory 6 is important.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which the temporary memory 6 of the camera section 1 is a tape medium.

As described above, by making the temporary memory 6 of the camera unit 1 a large-capacity and inexpensive tape medium as compared with other recording media, it is possible to temporarily store video signals,
The data amount of the audio signal can be increased.

By the way, when the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are far apart from each other and cannot be transmitted by low-power radio waves, or when there is an obstacle, communication between them cannot be expected. In such a case, it is often possible to solve the problem by relaying a wireless signal such as a video signal, an audio signal, and a control signal via a repeater. An example thereof will be described below as a specific example 5.

[Embodiment 5] FIG. 13 shows a case where a radio signal from the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 of the camera unit 1 is transmitted to a repeater 24 provided around the camera unit 1 and a transmission network 25 to which the repeater 24 is connected. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of using the present photographing apparatus and the recording apparatus for transmitting the data to a recording / reproducing unit 2 at a remote place via the camera.
The configuration other than the camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 of the camera unit 1, the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 of the recording / reproducing unit 2, and the input / output terminal 14 is the same as the block diagram of FIG. As described above, by using the repeater 24 provided around the camera unit 1, the limitation on the distance between the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 is eliminated.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of cameras, not only an image of the own camera but also an image taken by another camera can be interchanged and used effectively. Technology can be built.

In Example 5, when the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 are far apart, the recording / reproducing unit 2 placed at home or office is connected by a transmission network 25, and the radio wave of the camera unit 1 is transmitted. The relay 24 is installed within the reach of the vehicle, and the relay 24 captures the radio wave from the camera unit 1 and relays it, and passes it to the recording / reproducing unit 2 for recording. In the case where the course extends over a long distance and cameras are scattered along the course, the wireless signal from each camera is transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit 2 while relaying between the adjacent cameras. By doing so, even if the radio signal radio wave of each camera has a low output, the video signal and the audio signal,
Then, a radio signal such as a control signal is simply recorded and reproduced by the recording / reproducing unit 2.
Can be sent to Next, an example thereof will be described as a specific example 6.

[Embodiment 6] FIG. 14 shows the camera unit 1 and
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the present photographing apparatus and the recording apparatus when a relay section 26 is incorporated in each of the recording / reproducing sections 2.

The camera section 1 has a relay section 26 for not only transmitting a radio signal from the camera modulation / demodulation section 8 but also relaying a radio signal from another camera section 1 and the recording / reproducing section 2. The recording / reproducing unit 2 also has a similar relay unit 26,
It has a function of taking in a wireless signal from each camera unit 1 to itself, transmitting the reproduced signal to itself, and relaying the received wireless signal to others.

Further, in the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to perform wireless relay with the repeater 24 connected to the transmission network 25. The camera modulation / demodulation unit 8 of the camera unit 1, the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 of the recording / reproducing unit 2, and the relay unit 26
The other configuration is the same as the block diagram of FIG.
The description in is omitted.

In the case of the configuration of this specific example, each camera unit 1
Since the recording / reproducing unit 2 includes the relay unit 26, each of the camera units 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 can relay the received radio wave. Can be configured.

Therefore, when a plurality of camera units 1 are scattered, a radio signal output from each camera unit 1 is relayed and transmitted by an adjacent camera unit 1. When the relayed radio signal arrives at the recording / reproducing unit 2 and is taken into the recording / reproducing unit 2, the recording / reproducing modem 12 demodulates the radio signal to obtain a video signal, an audio signal, and a control signal. Among them, the video signal and the audio signal are supplied to the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13, where the video signal is converted into a recording signal of a moving image compression method such as MPEG, and the audio signal is converted by an audio compression encoding method. The signal is converted into a recording signal, which is a compressed signal, and supplied to the recording unit 10. In the recording unit 10,
The recording signal from the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 13 is recorded on a recording medium.

In this manner, each camera can be used as a repeater to relay a radio signal to be sent to the recording / reproducing unit, and even if the video is from a distant camera, it can be transmitted to the recording / reproducing unit. 2, and the restriction on the distance between the camera unit 1 and the recording / reproducing unit 2 is eliminated. Therefore, according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of cameras, not only the image of the own camera but also the image of another camera can be mutually utilized and the technology of the imaging system can be effectively used. Can be built.

As described above, various embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented with various modifications.

For example, when a user operates the camera unit 1, the camera operation unit 7 of the recording / reproducing unit 2, and the recording / reproducing operation unit 11, a voice from an audio unit or character information displayed on the display unit 9 is used. For example, guidance of the operation method may be implemented by using such a method.

In radio transmission, if the current radio wave use status is checked, and an available channel is selected and provided for communication, smooth communication can be performed while avoiding congestion. Specifically, for example, a means for detecting the presence or absence of an empty channel between a specific recording device (or a specific repeater) and an image capturing device, and a device for prohibiting wireless transmission when there is no empty channel, include an image capturing device and It is configured to be provided in a specific recording device (or a specific relay). At the time of wireless transmission, the detection means checks the current radio wave use status, selects an empty channel, transmits using the selected channel, and if there is no empty channel, prohibits wireless transmission. . As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a plurality of transmissions are performed using the same channel, thereby enabling smooth communication.

In the case where the wireless transmission is interrupted and there is a possibility of resuming the transmission, a means for outputting a radio wave for securing a channel for resuming the transmission to the periphery is provided, and the communication is interrupted during the communication. If the system can output radio waves for securing the channel to be used to the surroundings, such as when the communication is in use, if the communication is interrupted for some reason and waiting for resumption, it is reserved for communication. It is possible to smoothly resume communication without using any other channel that has been used.

Note that the transmission method, transmission rate, image size, and the like may be appropriately adjusted depending on the surrounding radio wave condition.

The photographing device or the specific recording device (or the specific repeater) has a detecting means for detecting a transmittable band between the specific recording device (or the specific repeater) and the photographing device, Controlling the amount of coded data according to the band and providing a means for prohibiting wireless transmission when the transmittable bandwidth is equal to or less than a predetermined value provides a data transmission rate corresponding to the available transmittable bandwidth of the channel used for communication. In addition to being able to transmit at a controlled maximum transmission rate, data transmission can be performed at the maximum allowable transmission rate, and wireless transmission is prohibited when the transmittable bandwidth is less than a predetermined value. Can be avoided and a system capable of efficient communication can be obtained.

It is preferable that the photographing device or the specific recording device is provided with a display means for displaying a transmission status or a transmission available condition to the partner device. In this way, the transmission status and the transmission available condition can be known from the display information on the display means, so that the user is kind and the operability is further improved.

Further, by connecting the input / output terminal 14 of the recording / reproducing unit 2 to the public transmission network 25, the video signal and the audio signal from the photographing apparatus and the recording apparatus can be transmitted to a home video server or the like. By including data such as a shooting date and time, a location, and a simple comment in the control signal, video and audio data can be efficiently stored for each shooting date and time, each shooting location, and each comment.

In addition, when recording an object to be photographed, tracking (recording distribution) may be adopted. With such a configuration, reproduction for each track and editing while viewing the representative image become possible. In this tracking, if the video object is automatically tracked based on the change in the video, it is possible to extract the edit point using the change point of the video, and to grasp the outline in a short time by reproducing only the change point. Also, if the tracking of the video object can be operated from the transmitting device at hand, the intention of the photographer (intentionally changing the track according to the importance, etc.) can be reflected in the recording, and unnecessary at the time of editing (low importance) This is effective for cutting images. In addition, if the video object is automatically tracked by the camera ID, that is, if tracking is performed based on information such as which camera the video was from, only the recorded video from the camera at hand is displayed. It is effective when you do.

[0177]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
The image capturing device and the recording device are separated from each other, and the two are connected by a wireless line, and the image captured by the image capturing device is wirelessly transmitted to the recording device and recorded by the recording device. It is possible to check and watch the video on the shooting device side, and even if the shooting device and the recording device are far apart, the system will not interfere with each other's operation, and the camera In a photographing device and a recording device that wirelessly transmit a signal between a unit and a recording / reproducing unit,
It is possible to provide a photographing device and a recording device that can also use video and audio from another camera existing around the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a photographing device and a recording device according to a specific example 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining a configuration in which a camera unit has no audio unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a diagram showing a format configuration of a wireless signal wirelessly transmitted used in the system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and shows an example of a configuration of a camera modem used in the system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a block diagram for explaining an operation in the case of using video and audio from another camera.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, showing an example in which the screen of the display unit is divided into nine screens.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, showing an example in which a scene being recorded is displayed on a full screen, and an image of another camera is displayed on a small screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a block diagram having a camera position detection unit in a camera unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a configuration diagram in a case where a wireless signal includes a camera position signal.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining an operation by a camera unit having a camera position detection unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a block diagram showing a configuration for inputting and outputting a video signal and an audio signal via a contact connector.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which the temporary memory is a tape medium.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining a usage method of transmitting a wireless signal from a camera unit to a repeater and transmitting the signal via a transmission network.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining a usage method in which a relay unit is provided in a camera unit and a recording / reproducing unit, and a wireless signal is transmitted to a repeater and transmitted.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a conventional technique, and is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional imaging apparatus in which a camera unit and a recording / reproducing unit are separated.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera part 2 ... Recording / reproducing part 3 ... Imaging part 4 ... Audio part 5 ... Camera signal processing part 6 ... Contemporary memory 7 ... Camera operating part 8 ... Camera modulation / demodulation part 9 ... Display part 10 ... Recording part 11 ... Recording / reproduction Operation unit 12 Recording / reproduction modulation / demodulation unit 13 Recording / reproduction signal processing unit 14 Input / output terminal 15 Wireless reception unit 16 Error determination unit 17 Video encoding unit 18 Audio encoding unit 19 Multiplexing unit 20 Wireless Transmission unit 21: Another camera 22: Camera position detection unit 23: Contact connector 24: Repeater 25: Transmission network 26: Relay unit ANT1, ANT2: Antenna.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tadahiro Oku 1 Tokoba, Komukai Toshiba-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture (72) Inventor Takeshi Kenjo Toshiba Komukai, Kochi-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture No. 1 in the Toshiba R & D Center (72) Inventor Mitsunori Mokawa No. 1 in the Toshiba R & D Center in Komukai Toshiba-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Kikuchi Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture 1st address, Toshiba R & D Center, Komukai Toshiba-cho, Ichiko-ku (72) Inventor Osamu Hori 1st address, Toshiba R & D Center, Komukai-Toshiba-cho, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa F-term (reference) 5C022 AA00 AB61 AB62 AB65 AC01 AC42 AC69 AC78 AC79 5C053 FA03 FA21 GB21 LA01 5C059 KK11 KK43 UA02 UA05 UA31

Claims (22)

[Claims] An image pickup unit for converting an image obtained by image pickup into an electric signal, and an encoding unit for encoding a video signal obtained by the image pickup unit, wherein the image signal is encoded by the encoding unit. Output
In a photographing and recording system including a photographing device that wirelessly transmits a recording device and a recording device that demodulates a signal wirelessly transmitted from the photographing device and records the demodulated signal in a recording unit, the recording device reproduces the recorded signal. And a remote control function using a received wireless signal, a remote control function using a wireless signal to a recording device, a unit for demodulating a received wireless signal, and a demodulated wireless signal. And a display means for displaying a video signal obtained from the camera. 2. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image pickup unit for converting an image obtained by image pickup into an electric signal; and an encoding unit for encoding a video signal obtained by the image pickup unit, and encoded by the encoding unit. Output
A photographing device that transmits a radio signal to a recording device, a selecting unit that selects radio signal disclosure / non-disclosure for restricting use of a reception radio signal to a recording device other than the specific recording device, A photographing apparatus, comprising: a modulation / demodulation unit that modulates the encoded output together with the selected public / private information into a wireless signal and transmits the signal, and demodulates the received wireless signal. 3. A device for designating a recording device to which recording of transmission data is permitted, multiplexing an identification signal for specifying the permitted recording device with encoded data of a photographed video signal,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the photographing apparatus is configured to perform wireless transmission to a recording apparatus. 4. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for encrypting transmission data and outputting the encrypted data, and further comprising: An imaging apparatus, wherein an output obtained by encrypting at least a part of transmission data and an output not encrypted are selected and provided for transmission. 5. A photographing device for encoding a photographed video signal obtained by photographing with a photographing device and wirelessly transmitting it to a recording device, comprising: means for detecting the presence or absence of an empty channel between the specific recording device and the photographing device; Means for prohibiting wireless transmission when there is no vacant channel. 6. A photographing apparatus for encoding a video signal obtained by photographing with a photographing apparatus and wirelessly transmitting the encoded signal to a recording apparatus, wherein the detection detects a size of a transmittable band between the specific recording apparatus and the photographing apparatus. Means for controlling the amount of coded data according to the size of the detected transmittable band, and prohibiting wireless transmission when the transmittable band is equal to or less than a predetermined value. . 7. The photographing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a display unit for displaying a transmission status or a transmission available condition to a specific recording apparatus. 8. The photographing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a light (including infrared) communication connector or a mechanical connector for contacting with the recording device. An image capturing apparatus comprising means for inhibiting driving of the connector during wireless transmission and inhibiting wireless transmission during connection of the connector. 9. The photographing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an internal storage means for temporarily storing encoded data of the photographed video signal, wherein said internal storage means is temporarily stored when wireless transmission or connector connection becomes possible. An imaging device, wherein the stored encoded data is transmitted to a specific recording device. 10. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: means for detecting a photographing position and a photographing direction of the photographing apparatus to generate photographing position and direction information, wherein the photographing position and direction are detected. An imaging apparatus, wherein information is multiplexed with encoded data of a video signal and wirelessly transmitted to a recording apparatus. 11. The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising identification information generating means for identifying the photographing apparatus, wherein the identification information is multiplexed with encoded data of a photographed video signal. An imaging device, wherein the imaging device is configured to perform wireless transmission to a recording device. 12. An imaging unit for converting an image obtained by imaging into an electric signal, and an encoding unit for encoding a video signal (and an audio signal) obtained by the imaging unit. A photographing device that wirelessly transmits the output encoded by the photographing device to a recording device, a photographing position / direction information generating unit that detects the position and the photographing direction of the photographing device and generates photographing position / direction information, A photographing angle designating means for designating a photographing direction; a means for receiving a video signal wirelessly transmitted by another photographing device; and a photographing position / direction information extraction for extracting the photographing position / direction information from a plurality of decodable received data. Means, of the photographing position / direction information of each camera extracted by the photographing position / direction information extracting means, the photographing position / direction similar to the photographing position designated by the photographing angle designating means.
An imaging apparatus comprising: means for selecting reception data having direction information; and means for instructing a recording apparatus to receive a video signal of the selected reception data. 13. A photographing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a designating means for designating another photographing apparatus; and a means for receiving and relaying a photographed video signal wirelessly transmitted by the designated other photographing apparatus. An imaging device characterized by the following. 14. A photographing apparatus which encodes a photographed video signal and wirelessly transmits the photographed image signal to a recording apparatus, wherein a photographing angle designating means for designating a desired photographing position and a photographing direction or a means for designating another photographing apparatus; Means for wirelessly transmitting designated information by means to a specific recording device. 15. An image pickup unit for converting an image obtained by image pickup into an electric signal, and an encoding unit for encoding a video signal obtained by the image pickup unit, wherein the image signal is encoded by the encoding unit. In an imaging and recording system including an imaging device that wirelessly transmits an output to a recording device and a plurality of recording devices that demodulate a signal wirelessly transmitted from the imaging device and cause the recording unit to record the demodulated signal, each recording device includes: It has a function of reproducing recorded signals and wirelessly transmitting them, and a function of remotely operating by receiving radio signals. In addition, the photographing device has a function of remotely instructing a specific recording device to perform various operation instructions including a reproduction instruction by radio signals. Means for receiving and demodulating a reproduction signal of the recorded signal wirelessly transmitted by the specific recording device according to the remote instruction,
Display means for displaying a video signal obtained from the demodulated wireless signal. 16. An image recording apparatus for receiving encoded data of a radio-graphed video signal and recording the encoded data on a recording medium, comprising: means for discriminating public / non-public of received data; A recording apparatus comprising: means for selecting at least one of data; and means for recording the selected received data. 17. An image recording apparatus for receiving encoded data of a video signal transmitted wirelessly and recording the encoded data on a recording medium, wherein means for detecting whether at least a part of the encoded data is encrypted or not. Means for detecting the possibility of decryption, means for decrypting encrypted data, means for selecting desired data when there are a plurality of decryptable received data, and means for recording the selected received data And a recording device comprising: 18. A recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a video signal including photographing position and direction information for a plurality of channels can be received. A photographing angle designating means for designating; a photographing position / direction information extracting means for extracting the photographing position / direction information from a plurality of decodable reception signals;
Means for selecting a decodable received signal having direction information;
A recording device comprising: 19. The recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: a designation unit for designating a specific photographing device; and a unit for receiving and relaying a video signal wirelessly transmitted by the designated photographing device. A recording device, comprising: 20. A recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein control means for extracting control information for various operation commands wirelessly transmitted by the specific photographing apparatus, and a desired photographing apparatus according to the control information are provided. Means for receiving encoded data to be transmitted wirelessly, the recording apparatus comprising: 21. A recording device according to claim 16, wherein said specific photographing device extracts control information for various operation commands transmitted wirelessly, and stores the stored video signal in accordance with said control information. A recording apparatus, comprising: a reproducing unit for reproducing; and a unit for wirelessly transmitting the reproduced video signal, wherein the recording device is configured to reproduce the stored video signal in accordance with control information and wirelessly transmit the reproduced video signal. 22. The recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the recording apparatus is provided with a temporary storage means so that at least one piece of received data can be temporarily stored, and a plurality of photographing apparatuses are provided. When the video of one imaging device is switched from the video channel of another imaging device to the video channel of another imaging device when the video of the imaging device is arbitrarily switched and provided for recording, the reception data of the video of the newly switched channel is temporarily stored in the temporary storage means. And a recording device configured to start reading of the received data stored in the temporary storage unit after recording of a predetermined unit of the received data of the channel before switching is completed, thereby enabling recording from a predetermined position. .