JP2000270252A - Picture recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assure consecutive recording with a simple configuration by recognizing a detailed motion of an object in the case of photographing a zoomed-up object and allowing the user to grasp the entire photographing state even without having to temporarily stop recording onto a tape when the object is deviated from a zoom-up area. SOLUTION: The image recorder is provided with an image information generating means 2 that generates 1st image information, an electronic zoom means 3 that zooms up a picture within an optional range in the 1st image information from the image information generating means 2 and that provides an output of 2nd image information, an image selection means 5 that selects the 1st or 2nd image information, a recording means 5 that records the image information selected by the image selection means 5, a multiplexer means 7 that multiplexes frame information denoting the range of the 2nd image information onto the 1st image information selected by the image selection means 5 when the image selection means 5 selects the 1st image information and provides an output of the multiplexed information, and a display means 11 that displays the image information outputted from the multiplexer means 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, such as a video camera, for recording a part of a photographed image by cutting out or enlarging the image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a video camera having an electronic zoom function, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H6-165012 (hereinafter referred to as Prior Art 1).

In the prior art 1, an image (hereinafter, referred to as an original image) taken by a camera is displayed on a display unit such as an electronic viewfinder or an LCD monitor, and a zoom frame is simultaneously displayed on the original image. When an electronic zoom switch or the like is operated to take a picture of a distant subject, the display state on the display unit does not change, but the original image located within the zoom frame is recorded on the tape in an electronically enlarged state. It is supposed to be.

However, in the case of the prior art 1, even when the electronic zoom function is actually actuated, the enlarged image is not displayed on the display unit, and the original image is still displayed in a small size. It is difficult to recognize the detailed movement of the subject.

[0005] Even when the position of the subject to be photographed as an enlarged image deviates from the zoom frame, the original image and the zoom frame are simultaneously displayed on the display unit, so that the desired subject can be accommodated within the zoom frame. Although the angle of view of the camera or the like can be adjusted relatively easily, a misregistered enlarged image is recorded on the tape until the subject is contained in the zoom frame.

In order to eliminate the inconvenience, it is possible to temporarily stop recording the enlarged image on the tape until the desired subject is again within the zoom frame. As a result, video and audio are interrupted and continuity is lost.

In order to solve such a problem of the prior art 1, there is a conventional technique disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-78198 (hereinafter referred to as prior art 2).

In the prior art 2, when the electronic zoom switch is operated in a state where the original image and the zoom frame are simultaneously displayed on the display unit, an enlarged image of the original image in the zoom frame is displayed on the display unit. Is displayed on the full screen, and a small screen of the original image is displayed simultaneously in a partial area of the enlarged image, and the enlarged image and the small screen of the original image are recorded as they are on the tape. I am trying to be.

In the prior art 2, when the electronic zoom switch is operated, the image in the zoom frame actually photographed by the photographer is enlarged and displayed on the display unit, so that the detailed movement of the subject can be recognized. Can be.

[0010] In addition, since the child screen of the original image is also displayed on the display unit, the subject can be easily returned to the zoom frame even if the subject goes out of the zoom frame. Furthermore, since the original image is recorded simultaneously with the magnified image in the small screen state on the tape, even if the magnified image has a misregistered part, it is possible to recognize the entire shooting situation by looking at the small screen. It is possible.

[0011]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art 2, in addition to the means for performing the electronic zoom, means for reducing the original image to a small screen, and displaying the original image superimposed on the small screen are displayed. Therefore, there is a problem in that a separate means is required and the configuration becomes complicated.

The present invention has a simple configuration so that the display content of an image on a display unit and the content recorded on a tape always coincide with each other. The displayed enlarged image allows the detailed movement of the subject to be recognized, so that the enlarged image can be recorded on the tape as it is, and even when the desired subject to be photographed is out of the zoom frame, recording on the tape This makes it possible to grasp the entire shooting situation without pausing the recording, thereby ensuring the continuity of the recording.

[0013]

The present invention has the following features to solve the above-mentioned problems.

That is, the image recording apparatus of the first invention is
Image information generating means for generating first image information, and an electronic zoom for enlarging an image within an arbitrary range of the first image information from the image information generating means and outputting the enlarged image information as second image information Means, image selecting means for selecting one of the first image information and the second image information, recording means for recording the image information selected by the image selecting means, and image selecting means Multiplexing means for multiplexing and outputting frame information indicating a range of the second image information to the first image information selected by the image selecting means, when outputting the first image information; Display means for displaying image information output by the multiplexing means.

As a result, the display content of the image always matches the content recorded in the recording means, and when an image is actually taken by applying the electronic zoom function, an enlarged image is displayed. The detailed movement and the like can be recognized, and the enlarged image is recorded on the recording means as it is. In addition, when the desired subject to be photographed is out of the zoom frame, if the first image information is selected by the image selecting means, the display is switched and multiplexed with the first image information to form the second image. Since the zoom frame indicating the range of the information is displayed and the first image information is recorded, the recording on the tape is not paused until the subject again fits in the zoom frame. Even so, since the entire shooting situation can be grasped, continuity of recording can be ensured.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus, comprising: an image information generating means for generating first image information; and an image within an arbitrary range of the first image information from the image information generating means. Electronic zoom means for enlarging and outputting as second image information; image selecting means for selecting one of the first image information and the second image information; A display unit for displaying image information; a first image recording unit for recording the first image information; a second image recording unit for recording the second image information; If the selected image information is the first image information, the first image recording unit is selected. If the selected image information is the second image information, the second image recording unit is selected. Recording image selection means for outputting

Thus, the output destination of the recorded image selecting means is changed according to the image information selected by the image selecting means, and the first image information and the second image information are recorded by separate recording means. can do. Therefore, even if the desired subject to be photographed is out of the zoom frame, if the first image information is selected by the image selecting means, the display is switched to be multiplexed with the first image information and the second image information is multiplexed. And the first image information is recorded in the first recording means, so that the recording on the tape is continued until the subject again fits in the zoom frame. Even if the user does not pause, the entire shooting situation can be grasped and the continuity of the recording can be ensured.

An image recording apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention includes image reproducing means for reproducing image information recorded in the first recording means and outputting the reproduced information to the electronic zoom means.

By outputting the first image information recorded in the first recording means to the electronic zoom means, the enlarged second image information can be recorded again in the second recording means. it can.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Here, a video camera will be described as an example of the image recording apparatus.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the video camera according to the embodiment.

The subject 1 is imaged by a camera 2 as image information generating means and converted into a digital image signal.
Here, for the sake of simplicity, the resolution of the digital image signal is set to, for example, 640 × 480 pixels, and a digital image signal for finally performing signal processing such as compression by the recording signal processing means 9. And the same resolution.

The digital image signal output from the camera 2 is enlarged by the electronic zoom means 3 and converted into a 640 × 480 pixel number.

The zoom range setting means 4 is for setting the zoom range to be enlarged by the electronic zoom means 3, and the size of the zoom frame and the position of the zoom frame can be adjusted by operating a switch or the like. Then, the electronic zoom unit 3 enlarges the original image in the range within the zoom frame set by the zoom range setting unit 4. The processing of the electronic zoom means 3 at this time may be the same as the well-known zooming processing conventionally performed.

Digital image signal output from camera 2
(Hereinafter referred to as an original image signal) So and electronic zoom means 3
Are output to the input signal selection means 5 together with the digital image signal (hereinafter, referred to as an enlarged image signal) Se output by.

The signal changeover switch 6 outputs a signal for determining which of the original image signal So and the enlarged image signal Se is to be selected, and the selection signal is transmitted to both the image selecting means 5 and the multiplexing means 7. Given.

The image selecting means 5 selects and outputs one of the original image signal So and the enlarged image signal Se in accordance with the selection signal given from the signal changeover switch 6.

The original image signal S selected by the image selecting means 5
The o or enlarged image signal Se is sent to the multiplexing means 7 and the recording signal processing means 9, respectively.

The multiplexing means 7 includes a signal changeover switch SW6
If the selection signal from is to select the original image signal So, display data of a zoom frame indicating the zoom range set by the zoom range designating means 4 is created, and the display data of this zoom frame is converted to the original image signal So. Display means 1
Send to 1. Therefore, the display unit 11 displays a zoom frame multiplexed on the original image.

In this case, the original image signal S ₀ selected by the image selecting means 5 is sent to the signal processing means 9 without passing through the multiplexing means 7, where it is subjected to processing such as compression and modulation. Is recorded on the tape 10 as recording means.
Therefore, only the original image without the zoom frame is recorded on the tape 10.

On the other hand, when the signal changeover switch 6 is outputting a signal for selecting the enlarged image signal Se, the multiplexing means 7 generates only the enlarged image signal Se without generating the display data of the zoom frame. Is sent to the display means 11, only the enlarged image is displayed on the display means 11, and the zoom frame is not multiplexed.

In this case as well, the enlarged image signal Se selected by the image selecting means 5 is sent to the signal processing means 9 without passing through the multiplexing means 7, where the processing such as compression and modulation is performed. Since the image is recorded on the tape 10 as the recording means, only an enlarged image without a zoom frame is recorded on the tape 10.

The processing for recording the signals So and Se on the tape 10 is performed by a conventional digital VCR for home use.
(So-called DV system) or the like.

Next, the contents displayed on the display means 11 in accordance with the operation of the user when actually photographing the subject,
The contents recorded on the tape 10 will be described more specifically.

When the entire image captured by the camera 2, that is, the image displayed on the display means 11 based on the original image signal So is in the situation shown in FIG. If desired, the user first sets the zoom range by the zoom range setting means 4 before operating the signal changeover switch 6. Along with this,
The display unit 11 displays the original image and the zoom frame multiplexed by the multiplexing unit 7 at the same time.

Therefore, when the user operates the signal changeover switch 6 when the zoom frame is positioned at the face of a person, the image selection means 5 outputs the enlarged image signal Se by the selection signal from the signal changeover switch 6. Is selected, the display means 11 displays an image as shown in FIG.
Is displayed (however, the zoom frame is not displayed), and the enlarged image signal Se is recorded on the tape 10.

During recording in this zoom state, if the face of the person who wants to take a picture is removed from the picture being taken (= displayed) due to the movement of the subject, the following is performed.

Until now, a procedure has been adopted in which the photographing is once stopped, the face of the lost person is found, and then the photographing is resumed in the zoom state. There is no need to do anything, and the user operates the signal changeover switch 6 at the moment when the user loses sight of the subject so that the original image signal So is selected.

Then, on the display means 11, as shown in FIG. 4, a zoom frame 30 indicating a zoom range taken so far is multiplexed and displayed together with the original image. Switching is performed so that the original image signal So is recorded.

Therefore, although the enlarged image is not displayed, the recording of the desired subject can be continued for the time being. Therefore, until the portion of the desired subject (here, the face of the person) fits in the zoom frame 30 again. Even if the recording on the tape 10 is not temporarily stopped, the entire photographing state can be grasped, and the continuity of the recording can be ensured.

Then, even if the display is switched to the display of the original image,
Since the zoom frame 30 is multiplexed, the user
Next, as shown in FIG. 5, after adjusting the angle of the camera 2 so that a human face fits in the zoom frame 30 or operating the zoom range setting means 4 to adjust the zoom frame 30, a signal changeover switch is provided. 6 is set to record an enlarged image signal. Thus, a zoom image of a desired person's face can be immediately recorded again.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if the face of the person to be photographed is out of the zoom screen, the original image signal So can be recorded on the tape 11 by returning to the original image display. Does not interrupt audio. Also,
When the display is returned to the original image display, the zoom frame is displayed. Therefore, by using the displayed zoom frame, it is possible to quickly return to the zoom screen for photographing a desired subject.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a video camera according to the second embodiment, and portions corresponding to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Is assigned.

In the video camera of the second embodiment, the original image signal So input from the camera 2 is enlarged by the electronic zoom means 3, and the selection signal from the signal switch 6 causes the image selection means 5 to operate. Thus, the original image signal So and the enlarged image signal Se are selectively output, and the recording signal processing means 9 has the same configuration up to the point where processing such as compression is performed.

However, in the video camera of the second embodiment, the frame multiplexing means 7 is not provided. Instead, the recording medium selecting means 15 as the recording image selecting means is provided, and the frame multiplexing means 7 is provided as the recording medium. 1, second tape 1
0 ₁ and 10 ₂ are arranged.

[0046] Then, the recording medium selection means 15, when the selection signal from the signal changeover switch 6 selects the output of the original image signal So is connected to the first tape 10 ₁ side, also, the enlarged image signals Se when selecting output are configured to be connected to the second tape 10 ₂ side.

The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the detailed description is omitted here.

In the second embodiment, when the user wants to photograph a desired subject (in the above example, a human face) up, the user first sets the zoom range by the zoom range setting means 4 and zooms in. When the signal changeover switch 6 is operated when the range is located on the face of the person, the image selection means 5 selects the output of the enlarged image signal Se by the selection signal from the signal changeover switch 6, so that the display means 11 is selected. 3 displays an image (up image of a human face) as shown in FIG.
Will be recorded.

[0049] Further, since the recording medium selection means 15 simultaneously by the operation of the signal changeover switch 6 selects the second tape 10 _2, enlarged image signal Se which is selected by the image selecting means 5 recording signal processing means 9 and the recording Medium selection means 15
It is recorded in the second tape 10 ₂ through.

When the user goes off the screen while taking a zoomed-in enlarged image, the signal selector switch 6 is operated to select the original image signal So. thereby selecting the image signal so output, a recording medium selecting means 15 is adapted to select the first tape 10 _1. Therefore, the original image signal So selected by the image selection means 5 is transmitted to the first tape 1 via the recording signal processing means 9 and the recording medium selection means 15.
0 ₁ is recorded in.

[0051] Thus, in this second embodiment, while when the user is taking the enlarged image obtained by zooming up, the enlarged image signal Se is recorded on the second tape 10 _2, that in the middle Even if the subject (here, a human face) deviates from the zoom screen, the original image signal So can be recorded on the first tape 10 ₁ by returning to the original image display.
There is no interruption of images and sounds. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a case where it is necessary to view a subject while the subject is out of the zoom range.

<Third Embodiment> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a video camera according to the third embodiment, and portions corresponding to those of the second embodiment shown in FIG. Is assigned.

The video camera according to the third embodiment has
The original image signal So input from the camera 2 is enlarged by the electronic zoom means 3, and the original image signal So and the enlarged image signal Se are enlarged.
The configuration is the same up to the point where either one of them is selectively output by the image selection means 5 according to the selection signal from the signal changeover switch 6. Also, the tape 10 is used as a medium for recording the enlarged image signal Se.

However, in the third embodiment, the memory 22 is used instead of a tape as a recording medium for recording the original image signal So.
1, and a memory reading means 23 are provided,
The output of the memory reading means 23 is the electronic zoom means 3
Is to be given. Note that the memory 22
Considering the time required to position the subject in the desired zoom range, the storage capacity is large enough to store a moving image of, for example, about one minute.

When the selection signal from the signal changeover switch 6 selects the output of the original image signal So, the recording medium selecting means 15 is connected to the memory 22 and outputs the output of the enlarged image signal Se. In the case of selection, it is configured to be connected to the tape 10 side.

The other configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the detailed description is omitted here.

In the third embodiment, when the original image signal So is selected by the image selecting means 5 by operating the signal changeover switch 6, the recording medium selecting means 1 is accordingly operated.
5 selects the memory 22 side, so that the original image signal So is recorded in the memory 22. If the user selects the enlarged image signal Se by the image selection means 5 by operating the signal changeover switch 6 in order to shoot a zoomed-in image, the recording medium selection means 15 responds to the selection by using the tape 1.
In order to select the 0 side, the enlarged image signal Se is recorded on the tape 10.

In the third embodiment, the image data read by the memory reading means 23 is sent to the electronic zoom means 3 again, and the user designates the zoom range again using the zoom range setting means 4 and records it. You can fix it.

That is, if the user operates the signal changeover switch 6 to select the original image signal So when the user goes off the zoom screen while taking a magnified image with the zoomed up image, the original image signal So is the memory 22
Is stored.

Then, after the data of the original image signal So stored in the memory 22 is read by the memory reading means 23, the data is again supplied to the electronic zoom means 3 and the read original image signal So is The zoom range is readjusted by the zoom range setting means 4, the adjusted original image signal So is converted into an enlarged image signal Se by the electronic zoom means 3, and then recorded on the tape 10 via the recording signal processing means 9. can do.

The enlarged image signal S created using this function
By editing the tape that recorded e and the tape that originally recorded the enlarged image signal, you can create a tape as if you were shooting the subject correctly when the subject was off the zoom screen It becomes possible.

In the first to third embodiments, a tape or a memory is used as a recording medium.
The present invention is not limited to this, and a disk medium, a memory medium, and the like can be used.

In each of the embodiments, the digital image signal obtained from the camera 2 is subjected to the electronic zoom processing by the electronic zoom means 3. However, the camera 2 capable of obtaining a resolution larger than the resolution to be recorded on the tape 10 is obtained. Is used, it is also possible to provide a means for performing a simple clipping process instead of the electronic zoom means 3.

[0064]

The present invention has the following effects.

(1) According to the first aspect of the invention, even if the subject goes off the zoom screen, the display and recording are switched to the original image signal immediately, so that the time during which the subject is not shown can be reduced as much as possible. Also, by multiplexing the zoom range frame during the display of the original image signal, the zoom range at the time of returning to the zoom state can be easily determined, so that it is possible to adjust the zoom frame to the subject and immediately return to the zoom state. is there.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a device such as a video camera which is very suitable for photographing a subject while zooming.

(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, an image obtained by zooming a subject and an original image can be recorded separately. It is possible to cope with both situations when the user wants to see the situation of the subject.

(3) According to the third aspect of the invention, even if the subject is out of the zoom range, an enlarged image signal in which the subject is zoomed from the original image signal can be created later.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video camera according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of an original image.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of an enlarged image.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of an image when the display of the enlarged image is returned to the display of the original image because the angle of view is shifted.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of an original image when the camera angle of view is adjusted in order to display the zoomed-in enlarged image again.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video camera according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Subject, 2 ... Camera (image information generation means), 3 ... Electronic zoom means, 4 ... Zoom range setting means, 5 ... Image selection means, 6 ... Signal switch, 7 ... Multiplexing means, 9 ... Recording signal processing means, 10, 10 _1, 10 ₂ ... tape (recording means), 11 ... display unit, 15 ... recording medium selection means, 20
... recording medium selecting means (recorded image selecting means), 21 ... memory writing means, 22 ... memory, 23 ... memory reading means, 30 ... zoom frame.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kenichi Suehiro 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Yoshiki Ishikawa 8-1, Koshinmachi, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa Prefecture F-term in Matsushita Hisashi Denshi Kogyo Co., Ltd. KA08 LA01

Claims (4)

[Claims] An image information generating means for generating first image information, and an image within an arbitrary range of the first image information from the image information generating means is enlarged to obtain second image information. Electronic zoom means for outputting the image information, image selecting means for selecting one of the first image information and the second image information, and recording means for recording the image information selected by the image selecting means. When the image selecting means is outputting the first image information, the frame information indicating the range of the second image information is multiplexed with the first image information selected by the image selecting means. An image recording apparatus, comprising: multiplexing means for outputting; and display means for displaying image information output by the multiplexing means. 2. An image information generating means for generating first image information, and an image within an arbitrary range of the first image information from the image information generating means is enlarged to obtain second image information. Electronic zoom means for outputting the image information, image selecting means for selecting one of the first image information and the second image information, and display means for displaying the image information selected by the image selecting means. A first image recording unit that records the first image information; a second image recording unit that records the second image information; and the image information selected by the output image selection unit is the first image recording unit.
If the image information is the first image recording means, the first image recording means is selected. If the selected image information is the second image information, the second image recording means is selected and output. And an image recording apparatus. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: an image reproducing unit that reproduces image information recorded in the first image recording unit and outputs the image information to the electronic zoom unit. Image recording device. 4. An image of a predetermined size is cut out of the first image information generated by the image generating means, in place of the electronic zoom means according to claim 1. An image recording apparatus, further comprising an image cutout means for outputting as second image information.