JP2001210002A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that it is impossible to start recording data immediately due to a waiting time arising until a recording medium such as a disk has become recordable after a power supply is turned on. SOLUTION: This recorder is provided with a semiconductor memory 13 for storing data, a medium recording means 9 for recording the data on a recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism, and a system control means 17 for controlling the power supply for the semiconductor memory 13 and the medium recording means 9 and their operation, and the system control means 17 starts supplying the power to the semiconductor memory 13 and the recording medium 9, and thereafter stores the data in the semiconductor memory 13 first; then reads the data stored in the semiconductor memory and records them on the recording medium after the medium recording means 9 has become ready for recording the data on the recording medium 5. Thus, the recorder becomes ready for recording immediately after the power is turned on, and is improved in operability.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention records images, sounds, and other information data on a magnetic or optical recording medium (magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, magnetic tape, etc.) rotated by a rotating mechanism. It relates to a recording device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of digital signal processing technology and high-density recording technology, images, sounds, and other digital information data are recorded on recording media such as magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, and magnetic tapes. Equipment is being actively developed.

As an example using the following prior art,
An apparatus for recording an image captured by a CCD camera as digital data on an optical disk will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus using a conventional technique. In FIG. 9, 1 is CC
D camera 2, an amplifier that performs analog signal processing on the image signal output from the CCD camera 1, 3 an A / D converter that converts an analog video signal output from the amplifier 2 into digital data, 4 an A / D A signal processing means for converting digital data output from the converter 3 into a signal in a format writable on an optical disk 5 described later; 5 an optical disk capable of recording data on a recording surface in a predetermined track form;
Reference numeral 6 denotes a power capable of recording the laser beam on the recording surface of the optical disk 5, and modulates and irradiates the laser beam in accordance with the digital data output from the signal processing means 4; An optical pickup for outputting a signal, 7 is a motor for rotating the optical disk 5 at a predetermined rotation speed and outputting an FG signal according to the rotation speed, and 8 is a position error signal of the laser beam spot output from the optical pickup 6. Disk control means for causing the laser beam spot to follow the recording surface and recording track of the optical disk 5 based on the FG signal, and for rotating the motor 7 (that is, the optical disk 5) at a predetermined number of rotations based on the FG signal output from the motor 7 , 9 comprise an optical disk 5, an optical pickup 6, a motor 7, and a disk control means 8, and a signal processing means 4 Disk recording means for recording output data on the optical disk 5; 10 a switch for turning on / off the power supply to the entire recording apparatus; 11 a system control means for controlling the entire recording apparatus including power supply; After the start of power supply, the disk recording means 9 is a disk recordable flag indicating that the data recording operation on the optical disk 5 is enabled, and "H" indicates that recording is possible and "L" indicates that recording is not possible.

[0005] The operation of the conventional recording apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described below.

The analog video data captured by the CCD camera 1 is subjected to analog signal processing by an amplifier 2,
The data is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 3 and further converted into a signal in a format recordable on the optical disk 5 by the signal processing means 4. The disk control means 8 controls the motor 7 to rotate at a predetermined number of revolutions, and makes the laser beam spot of the optical pickup 6
Is controlled so as to focus on the recording surface and follow a target track to be recorded. At the same time, the disk control means 8 increases the power of the laser beam of the optical pickup 6 to a level at which data can be recorded on the optical disk 5. In this state, by modulating the power of the laser beam of the optical pickup 6 with the data output from the signal processing means 4, it becomes possible to record the image data photographed by the CCD camera 1 on the optical disk 5.

[0007]

However, the above-mentioned conventional configuration has a problem that it takes a long time from when the power supply to the entire recording apparatus is started to when the video data can be actually recorded on the disk. Was. This will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram showing operation waveforms of respective units immediately after the start of power supply in a recording apparatus using the conventional technique. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis is the time axis, and FIG. 10A shows the open / closed state of the switch 10, in which "L" indicates switch off (no power supply) and "H" indicates switch on (power supply is present). I do. (B) shows the disk recordable flag 12 in the disk recording means 9. (C) shows the transition of the cumulative amount of data recorded on the optical disk 5, and T0
Indicates a period from when the switch 10 is turned on (after power is supplied to the entire recording apparatus) to when the recording operation on the optical disk 5 actually starts.

When power is not supplied to the entire recording apparatus, the switch 10 is off ("L" in FIG. 10A). Here, the switch 10 is turned on ("H" in FIG. 10A).
Then, the supply of power to the entire recording apparatus is started by the system control means 11, and each unit starts operating.
Normally, since the CCD camera 1, the amplifier 2, the A / D converter 3, the signal processing means 4 and the like are electric circuits, they can be operated in a relatively short time after energization. However, actually the optical disk 5
In order to record data on the optical disk 5, all the preparations for recording on the optical disk 5 must be completed in the disk recording means 9, which usually requires a considerable amount of time. First,
Before the power is supplied, the motor 7 is stopped, and it is necessary to start the motor up to a predetermined rotation speed. In addition, an access operation for pulling in a focus servo or a tracking servo so that the laser beam spot of the optical pickup 6 follows the recording surface and the recording track of the optical disk 5 and further moving the optical beam spot to a target track is required. When all of these preparation processes are completed and data can be recorded on the disk 5, the disk recording means 9 sets the disk recordable flag 12 (FIG. 10B).
Is set to "H", and in response to this, the system control means 11 sends a command to the disc recording means 9 to start the recording operation of the data output from the signal processing means 4 on the optical disc 5.
Thus, the accumulated amount of data recorded on the optical disk 5 starts increasing as shown in FIG.

As described above, the period T0 in FIG. 10 is required from the time when the power switch 10 is turned on until the actual recording on the optical disk 5 is started, during which time the user turns on the power switch and waits for, for example, 10 seconds or more. You have to wait for a long time, you are likely to miss a definitive shooting opportunity,
It was extremely inconvenient in use. Further, in recent years, there has been an increasing need to improve the recording density and ensure compatibility with a plurality of types of discs. In order to ensure the performance, variations in the characteristics of the optical disc 5 and the optical pickup 6, variations in temperature, and changes with time are absorbed. In many cases, automatic adjustment is performed, or processing for discriminating the type of disc is performed, and the time required for the completion of the preparation processing to enable the recording operation has been further increased. Inconvenience can be even greater.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems. The present invention reduces the waiting time from the start of power supply until recording on a recording medium such as a disk or tape becomes possible, and the recording operation is instantaneously performed. It is possible to improve the operability.

[0012]

In order to achieve this object, a recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a storage unit for storing data;
A medium recording unit that records data on a magnetic or optical recording medium that is rotated by a rotating mechanism, and a system control unit that controls a power supply and an operation of the storage unit and the medium recording unit, and the system control unit includes: After the power supply to the storage unit and the medium recording unit is started, first, the data is stored in the storage unit, and after the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording unit, the data stored in the storage unit is read out. To be recorded on a recording medium.

Thus, after the power supply is started, the data is temporarily stored in the storage means, so that the waiting time until the recording medium becomes recordable can be reduced.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first aspect of the present invention is a storage means for storing data, and a medium recording means for recording data from the storage means on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism. And system control means for controlling the power and operation of the storage means and the medium recording means, the system control means, after starting the supply of power to the storage means and the medium recording means, First, data is stored in the storage unit, and after the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording unit, the data stored in the storage unit is read out and recorded on the recording medium.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a storage means for storing data, a medium recording means for recording data from the storage means on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism, System control means for controlling the power and operation of the storage means and the medium recording means, wherein the system control means elapses a predetermined time from the start of power supply to the storage means and the medium recording means After that, first, data is stored in the storage means, and after the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording means, the data stored in the storage means is read and recorded on the recording medium. It is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage means for storing data, a medium recording means for recording data from the storage means on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism, System control means for controlling the power and operation of the storage means and the medium recording means, after starting the supply of power to the storage means and the medium recording means,
First, data is stored in the storage means, and after the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording means, the data stored in the storage means is read out, and the number of revolutions is controlled to a lower speed than in the normal operation. On the recorded recording medium.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compression means for compressing an information amount of data, a storage means for storing the data compressed by the compression means, and a magnetic or optical means rotated by a rotating mechanism. Medium recording means for recording data from the storage means on a recording medium;
System control means for controlling the power and operation of the storage means and the medium recording means, wherein the system control means has started supplying power to the compression means, the storage means and the medium recording means. Then, first, the information amount of data is compressed by the compression unit and stored in the storage unit. After the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording unit, the compressed information stored in the storage unit is stored. The read data is read and recorded on the recording medium.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compression means capable of compressing an information amount of data and changing a compression ratio thereof; a storage means for storing the data compressed by the compression means; A medium recording unit for recording data from the storage unit on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a mechanism, and a system for controlling the power supply and controlling the operation of the compression unit, the storage unit, and the medium recording unit Control means, the system control means, after starting supply of power to the compression means, the storage means, and the medium recording means, first compresses the information amount of data at a predetermined compression rate by the compression means. After the data recording operation on the recording medium in the medium recording unit is enabled, the compression ratio of the compression unit is set to the predetermined compression ratio. With change to a lower value, in which reading the compressed data stored in said storage means is recorded on said recording medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compression means capable of compressing an information amount of data and changing a compression ratio thereof, a storage means for storing the data compressed by the compression means, A medium recording unit for recording data from the storage unit on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a mechanism, and a system for controlling the power supply and controlling the operation of the compression unit, the storage unit, and the medium recording unit Control means, the system control means, after starting the supply of power to the compression means, the storage means and the medium recording means, first of all, while varying the compression rate of the compression means to gradually lower the data, After the amount of information is compressed and stored in the storage unit, after the data recording operation on the recording medium in the medium recording unit becomes possible,
The compressed data stored in the storage means is read and recorded on the recording medium.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage means for constantly storing data which is retroactively a predetermined amount from the present time by overwriting successively input data in order from the previously stored data. Medium recording means for recording information on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism,
System control means for controlling the power of the storage means and the medium recording means and controlling the operation of the medium recording means, wherein the system control means starts supplying power to the storage means and the medium recording means. Is stored in the storage means, after the recording operation on the recording medium in the medium recording means is enabled, sequentially read from the data stored first in the data stored in the storage means, the It is to be recorded on a recording medium.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) A recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, components denoted by reference numerals 1 to 10 and 12 are the same as those in FIG. 9 used in the description of the related art, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 13 denotes a semiconductor memory that stores data output from the A / D converter 3 in a predetermined data format. Reference numeral 14 denotes a memory control unit that controls a process of writing and reading data to and from the semiconductor memory 13. 3 is converted into a predetermined data format and the semiconductor memory 13
And the data in the semiconductor memory 13 is read and output to the signal processing means 4. Reference numeral 15 denotes a semiconductor storage unit that stores captured video data in the semiconductor memory 13, and includes a CCD camera 1, an amplifier 2, an A / D converter 3, a signal processing unit 4, a semiconductor memory 13, and a memory control unit 14. . Reference numeral 16 denotes a semiconductor storable flag indicating that the semiconductor storage means 15 has become operable after the start of power supply, and "H" indicates storable and "L" indicates storable. Reference numeral 17 denotes a system control unit that performs control including power supply to the entire recording apparatus.

The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing operation waveforms of respective units immediately after the start of power supply in the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis is the time axis,
10A, 10B, and 10C show the open / closed state of the switch 10, the disk recordable flag 12, and the cumulative total of the data recorded on the optical disk 5, as in FIG. 10 used in the description of the conventional technology. The description is omitted because it is a change in amount. FIG.
(D) shows the semiconductor storable flag 16 in the semiconductor storage means 15, and (E), among the data stored in the semiconductor memory 13 via the memory control means 14, has not been recorded on the optical disk 5 yet. Data volume (optical disk 5
Fig. 2 schematically shows the transition of the amount of data to be recorded in the future. For simplicity, this will be referred to as the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 in the future. In the drawing, M1 indicates the maximum capacity of data that can be stored in the semiconductor memory 13 (hereinafter, referred to as the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13), and T0 indicates the time after the switch 10 is turned on (power is supplied to the entire recording apparatus). ) Indicates a period until the data storage operation on the semiconductor memory 13 starts, and T1 indicates a period from the start of the data storage operation on the semiconductor memory 13 to the start of the recording operation on the optical disk 5 actually.

The operations of the CCD camera 1, the amplifier 2, the A / D converter 3, and the operation of the disk recording means 9 are the same as those of the recording apparatus described in the prior art, and the description is omitted. If power is not supplied to the entire recording device,
The switch 10 is off ("L" in FIG. 3A). Here, when the switch 10 is turned on (FIG. 3A is "H"),
The power supply to the semiconductor storage unit 15 and the disk recording unit 9 is started by the system control unit 17, and each unit starts operating. The semiconductor storage means 15 includes a CCD camera 1, an amplifier 2, an A / D converter 3, a signal processing means 4,
A semiconductor memory 13 and a memory control means 14;
Since these are usually electric circuits, they can be operated in an extremely short time (T0 in FIG. 3) after energization, and the semiconductor storable flag 16 (D in FIG. 3) becomes "H". In response to this, the system control means 17
An instruction is given to start the data storage operation, and the digital data output from the A / D converter 3 is written to the semiconductor memory 13 via the memory control means 14. Thereby, the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 (FIG. 3E)
Begins to increase.

The semiconductor storable flag 16 (FIG. 3)
After the period T1 has elapsed since (D)) became "H",
When the preparation processing of the disk recording means 9 (motor start, focus and tracking servo pull-in, access, automatic adjustment, disk type determination, etc.) is completed, the disk recordable flag 12 (FIG. 3B) becomes "H". In response, the system control means 17 gives an instruction to the disk recording means 9 to start a data recording operation, and the data output from the signal processing means 4 is recorded on the optical disk 5. Thus, the cumulative amount of data recorded on the optical disk 5 (FIG. 3C) starts to increase. Accordingly, the remaining memory (FIG. 3 (E)) in the semiconductor memory 13 starts to decrease, and when it becomes 0, the cumulative amount of data (FIG. 3 (C)) recorded on the optical disk 5 increases. Also stop.

By the above operation, the video data photographed by the CCD camera 1 is temporarily stored in the semiconductor memory 13 after a very short time (T0 in FIG. 3) from the start of the power supply, and these data are stored in the disk. Recording means 9
Is recorded on the optical disc 5 at the time when the recording becomes possible (after the lapse of T1 in FIG. 3), as a result, it becomes possible to shoot and record the video data in a very short time after the power supply is started.

The semiconductor memory enable flag 16 (FIG. 3)
When (D)) becomes "H", the data storage operation for the semiconductor memory 13 is started immediately after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed instead of immediately starting the data storage operation for the semiconductor memory 13. May be. As a result, the data recording start timing is slightly delayed, but the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13 can be reduced correspondingly, so that the cost of the device can be reduced.

The disk recordable flag 12 (FIG. 3)
After (B)) becomes "H", when data is recorded on the optical disk 5 by the disk recording means 9, the rotation speed of the optical disk 5 (that is, the rotation speed of the motor 7) is changed to the rotation speed during normal recording operation. The control may be performed at a lower rotation speed than the rotation speed. This makes it possible to reduce the start-up time required for the rotation speed of the motor 7 to reach the recordable rotation speed from the stop state, so that the time until data can be recorded on the optical disk 5 after the start of power supply (FIG. 3) T0 + T1) can be reduced, the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13 can be reduced, and the cost of the device can be further reduced.

As described above, according to the recording apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention, the data is stored in the storage means (including at least the semiconductor memory) for storing data and the magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by the rotating mechanism. Recording means, and a system control means for controlling the power and operation of the storage means and the medium recording means, and the system control means starts supplying power to the storage means and the medium recording means. , First store the data in storage means,
After the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording unit, the data stored in the storage unit is read out and recorded on the recording medium, so that the data recording operation can be performed in a very short time from the start of power supply. Operability can be greatly improved, and the system control means stores data in the storage means after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the start of power supply to the storage means and the medium recording means, or In the system control means, after the power supply to the storage means and the medium recording means is started, data is first stored in the storage means, and after the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording means, the data is stored in the storage means. Read the data
By recording on a recording medium controlled at a lower rotation speed than during normal operation, the cost can be reduced by reducing the capacity of the semiconductor memory.

(Embodiment 2) A recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, FIG. 9 used in the description of the prior art and FIG.
1 used in the description of FIG. 1 are the same as those described above, and thus description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 18 denotes compression means for compressing the information amount of digital data output from the A / D converter 3. As information compression methods, MPEG audio (MP3) and AAC, ATRAC for audio data, and JPEG, MPEG1, and MPEG2 for image data are well known, and various methods are used depending on the application and purpose. Can be selected.

The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram showing operation waveforms of respective units immediately after the start of power supply in the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis is a time axis,
10A, 10B, and 10C are the same as FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C used in the description of the recording apparatus using the conventional technique, and FIGS. (E) and T0 correspond to (D) and (D) of FIG. 3 used in the description of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
(E) and T0. T2 is the semiconductor memory 13
Indicates a period from the start of the data storage operation on the optical disk 5 to the start of the actual recording operation on the optical disk 5,
2 indicates the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13.

The operation of the CCD camera 1, the amplifier 2, the A / D converter 3, and the operation of the disk recording means 9 are the same as those of the recording apparatus using the conventional technique. The basic operation after the power supply to the entire recording apparatus is started is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention, and the detailed description is omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the amount of digital data output from the A / D converter 3 is compressed by the compression means 18.
The point is that the data is temporarily stored in the semiconductor memory 13 via the memory control means 14.

As a result, the amount of data stored in the semiconductor memory 13 can be reduced. Therefore, the method of increasing the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 shown in FIG. It becomes gentler than that of FIG. Here, assuming that the allowable value of the time until the data can be recorded on the optical disk 5 after the start of the power supply is the same as that in the first embodiment in which the information compression is not performed, the semiconductor memory is equivalent to the information compression. Requires less capacity (Fig. 4
M2 <M1 in FIG. 3), the cost of the apparatus can be reduced. Further, the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13 (M2 in FIG. 4)
Is the value in Embodiment 1 in which information compression is not performed (FIG. 3)
M1), the time required for the remaining amount of data (FIG. 4E) in the semiconductor memory 13 to reach the memory capacity (M2 in FIG. 4) is longer than in the first embodiment.
It is possible to increase the allowable value of the time from when the power supply is started until the optical disk 5 becomes recordable. This allows
Before the recording operation on the optical disk 5 is started, an automatic adjustment process for absorbing variations and the like of the optical disk 5 and the optical pickup 6 and a process of determining the type of the optical disk 5 can be performed with sufficient time. Reliability can be further improved.

As described above, the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes compression means for compressing the information amount of data, storage means (including at least a semiconductor memory),
After the power supply to the compression unit and the medium recording unit is started, first, the information amount of data is compressed by the compression unit and stored in the storage unit, and after the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording unit, By reading out the compressed data stored in the storage means and recording it on a recording medium, the data recording operation can be performed in a very short time after the power supply is started, and the operability can be greatly improved. The reduction in semiconductor memory capacity enables cost reductions, and also increases the allowable time until recording can be performed on a disk or tape after starting power supply, thereby increasing the reliability of the device. it can.

(Embodiment 3) A recording apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below.

The schematic configuration of the recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 used in the description of the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram showing operation waveforms of respective units immediately after the start of power supply in the recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis is the time axis, and (A),
(B) and (C) are the same as (A), (B) and (C) in FIG. 10 used in the description of the recording apparatus using the conventional technique,
(D), (E) and T0 correspond to (D), (E) and T in FIG. 3 used in the description of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Same as 0. T3 indicates a period from the start of the data storage operation on the semiconductor memory 13 to the start of the actual recording operation on the optical disk 5, and TA indicates that the data stored in the semiconductor memory 13 is recorded on the optical disk 5, TB indicates a period until the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 becomes 0, and TB indicates that the remaining amount of data stored in the semiconductor memory 13 while the recording operation on the optical disk 5 is paused is a predetermined value which will be described later. The period until the value M3 'is reached is shown. M3 indicates the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13, and M3 'indicates a predetermined value for comparing the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13.

The operation of the CCD camera 1, the amplifier 2, the A / D converter 3, and the operation of the disk recording means 9 are the same as those of the recording apparatus using the conventional technique. Since the basic operation after the power supply to the entire recording apparatus is started is the same as in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, detailed description will be omitted. The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the information compression ratio of the compression unit 18 is different between a period before recording on the optical disk 5 is possible and a period after recording is possible. .
This will be described below with reference to FIG.

When a period T1 elapses after the power supply is started,
Since the semiconductor storable flag 16 (FIG. 5D) becomes "H" and data storage in the semiconductor memory 13 starts, the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 (FIG. 5E)
Begins to increase. Next, when the period T3 has elapsed, the disk recordable flag 12 (FIG. 5B) becomes "H", and the disk recording means 9 starts the recording operation of the data stored in the semiconductor memory 13 on the optical disk 5. Therefore, the accumulated amount of data recorded on the optical disc 5 (FIG. 5)
(C)) starts to increase, and accordingly, the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 (FIG. 5 (E)) starts to decrease.

Up to this point, the transient operation immediately after the start of the power supply is completed, and thereafter, the normal operation state in which data is constantly recorded is set. Even in this normal operation state, C
Image data taken by the CD camera 1 is stored in the semiconductor storage unit 1
5, a method of temporarily storing the data in the semiconductor memory 13, reading it out, and recording it on the optical disk 5 by the disk recording means 9 is used. Therefore, even after the period T3 has elapsed,
The process of storing data in the semiconductor memory 13 continues at all times. At the same time, a process of reading data from the semiconductor memory 13 and recording the data on the optical disk 5 is also performed. However, by making the data reading rate for the semiconductor memory 13 higher than the writing rate, the data remaining amount in the semiconductor memory 13 (FIG. (E)) decreases in total and becomes 0 after the lapse of the period TA. Since the recording operation on the optical disk 5 is stopped in response to this, the increase in the accumulated amount of data (FIG. 5C) recorded on the optical disk 5 stops, and at the same time, the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 (FIG. E)) starts to increase again. After a lapse of the period TB, the semiconductor memory 1
When the remaining data amount in FIG. 3 (FIG. 5E) reaches the predetermined value M3 ', the recording operation on the optical disk 5 is started again,
The remaining amount of data (FIG. 5E) in the semiconductor memory 13 starts to decrease again. Here, the predetermined value M3 ′ is stored in the semiconductor memory 1
By setting the value to be smaller than the capacity M3 of 3, the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 (FIG. 5E) is always controlled to be equal to or less than M3 '. As a result, even if the device temporarily becomes unable to record on the optical disk 5 due to the influence of disturbance vibration on the device, data of (M3−M3 ′) or more can always be newly stored in the semiconductor memory 13. Therefore, if the recording operation on the optical disk 5 can be resumed during that time, the data can be recorded on the optical disk 5 without interruption by using the data stored in the semiconductor memory 13.

Here, the information compression ratio of the compression means 18 is set to a slightly large value in the period T3 of FIG. 5, and after the disk recordable flag 12 (FIG. 5B) becomes "L", It is set to a value smaller than the value at T3. That is, in a transitional state from the start of power supply to the point where recording on the optical disk 5 becomes possible, the compression ratio is set higher than in the subsequent normal state. For example, in applications such as a movie camera, even if the image quality is slightly lowered for a few seconds after the power is turned on, there is no practical problem. As a result, if the time (T0 + T3 in FIG. 5) until the data can be recorded on the optical disk 5 after the start of power supply is the same as the time (T0 + T2 in FIG. 4) in the second embodiment, the compression ratio is increased. Only, the capacity of the semiconductor memory can be further reduced as compared with the second embodiment. That is,
M3 in FIG. 5 <M2 in FIG. If the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13 (M3 in FIG. 5) is the same as the value in the second embodiment (M2 in FIG. 4), the time from the start of power supply until the optical disk 5 can be recorded ( FIG.
T0 + T3) is set to the time (T0 in FIG. 4) in the second embodiment.
0 + T2).

As described above, the recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes compression means for compressing the information amount of data and changing the compression ratio, and includes storage means (including at least a semiconductor memory). ), After starting the supply of power to the compression means and the medium recording means, first compresses the information amount of data at a predetermined compression rate by the compression means and stores it in the storage means. After the operation is enabled, the compression rate of the compression means is changed to a value lower than the predetermined compression rate, and the compressed data stored in the storage means is read out and recorded on the recording medium, thereby supplying power. Data recording operation can be performed in a very short time from the start, operability can be greatly improved, and further reduction in cost due to drastic reduction in semiconductor memory capacity It becomes possible, also, since the allowable value of time until the recordable relative power supply start after a disk or tape can be greatly expanded, can be further enhanced reliability of the device.

(Embodiment 4) A recording apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below.

The schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 used in the description of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram showing operation waveforms of respective units immediately after the start of power supply in the recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis is the time axis.
(A), (B), and (C) are the same as (A), (B), and (C) of FIG. 10 used in the description of the recording apparatus using the conventional technique, and FIG. (E) and T0 correspond to (D) of FIG. 3 used in the description of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
(E) and T0. T4 is the semiconductor memory 13
Indicates a period from the start of the data storage operation on the optical disk 5 to the start of the actual recording operation on the optical disk 5,
A indicates a period until the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 becomes 0 by recording data stored in the semiconductor memory 13 on the optical disk 5, and TB suspends a recording operation on the optical disk 5. While the semiconductor memory 13
Indicates a period until the remaining amount of data stored in the memory reaches a predetermined value M4 ′ described later. M4 indicates the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13, and M4 'indicates a predetermined value for comparing the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13.

The operation of the CCD camera 1, the amplifier 2, the A / D converter 3, and the operation of the disk recording means 9 are the same as those of the recording apparatus using the conventional technique. The basic operation after power supply to the entire recording apparatus is started is the same as in the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The fourth embodiment is different from the first, second and third embodiments in that the information compression ratio in the compression unit 18 is initially set to a large value during the period from the start of power supply to the time when recording on the optical disk 5 becomes possible. The point is that it is variable so as to become gradually lower. This will be described below with reference to FIG.

When the power supply is started and the period T0 has elapsed, the semiconductor storable flag 16 (FIG. 6D) becomes "H" and data storage in the semiconductor memory 13 is started. Remaining data (Fig. 6
(E)) begins to increase. At this time, since the information compression rate of the compression means 18 is initially a large value, the data rate is low, and the remaining amount of data in the semiconductor memory 13 during the period T4 in FIG. 6 (FIG. 6E) slowly increases. I do.
Thereafter, as the compression rate gradually changes to a smaller value, the data rate increases, the slope of the increase in the remaining amount of data (FIG. 6E) in the semiconductor memory 13 increases, and after the period T4, the disk Recordable flag 12 (FIG. 6B)
Becomes "H", the recording operation on the optical disk 5 by the disk recording means 9 is started. Where period T
At 4, in the beginning, the compression ratio is greatly increased, and then gradually reduced, so that the compression ratio near the end of the period T4 is approximately the same as that of the period T3 (FIG. 5) of the third embodiment. In comparison, the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13 can be further reduced, or the allowable value of the time from when the power supply is started until the optical disk 5 can be recorded can be further increased. Further, for example, when the image data is started to be photographed, the resolution of the image gradually increases, so that a kind of fade-in effect can be obtained.

As described above, the recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes compression means for compressing the information amount of data and changing the compression ratio, and includes storage means (including at least a semiconductor memory). ), After starting the supply of power to the compression means and the medium recording means, first compresses the information amount of the data while varying the compression ratio of the compression means so as to be gradually reduced, and stores it in the storage means. After the data recording operation on the recording medium becomes possible, by reading the compressed data stored in the storage means and recording it on the recording medium, the data recording operation can be performed in a very short time from the start of power supply, The operability can be greatly improved, and the cost can be further reduced by significantly reducing the semiconductor memory capacity. Can greatly increase the allowable value of the time until recording can be performed on a tape, thereby further improving the reliability of the device and providing a fade-in effect at the start of recording of video and audio. be able to.

(Embodiment 5) A recording apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described below.

The schematic configuration of the recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of FIG. 2 used in the description of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram showing operation waveforms of respective units immediately after the start of power supply in the recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state of address control in the semiconductor memory 13. It is a schematic diagram. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis is a time axis, and FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C used in the description of the recording apparatus using the conventional technique. FIG. 7D and T0 are the same as FIG. 3D and T0 used in the description of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. T5 indicates a period from the start of the data storage operation on the semiconductor memory 13 to the start of the actual recording operation on the optical disk 5. FIG. 7F schematically shows transition of the write address and the read address in the semiconductor memory 13. 7 and 8, AMAX indicates the last address number in the semiconductor memory 13, AW indicates the write address of the semiconductor memory 13, and AR indicates the read address.

The operation of the CCD camera 1, the amplifier 2, the A / D converter 3, and the operation of the disk recording means 9 are the same as those of the recording apparatus using the conventional technique. The basic operation after the power supply to the entire recording apparatus is started is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention, and the detailed description is omitted. The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that when data is stored in the semiconductor memory 13, the data is stored in a manner of overwriting data in order from the previously stored data, and when the data is recorded on the optical disk, the data is stored in the semiconductor memory. The point is that the stored data is sequentially read from the data stored first and recorded. This will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The write address AW for storing data in the semiconductor memory 13 starts from the head address number (here, 0) and is sequentially incremented. Since the capacity of the semiconductor memory 13 is limited, when the write address AW reaches the last address number AMAX, the write address AW then returns to the first address and increments again. This state is represented by the sawtooth waveform of the AW in FIG. 7F, and the AW advances clockwise in FIG. 8. With this operation, the latest data for the entire capacity can always be stored in the semiconductor memory 13 having a finite capacity.

When the data stored in the semiconductor memory 13 is read and recorded on the optical disk 5, the read address AR starts from the next address (AR = AW + 1) of the current write address AW. The data stored at this address is the data stored first in the data stored in the semiconductor memory 13 at that time. The read address AR starts from AW + 1,
After that, it is incremented sequentially. Read address AR
Similarly to the write address AW, when it reaches the last address number AMAX, it returns to the first address and then increments again. Here, read address A
Assuming that the speed at which R increments is faster than the speed at which the write address AW increments, the read address AR gradually moves away from the write address AW, and after the read address AR has made one or more rounds of the address number of the semiconductor memory 13, the read address AR again becomes the write address AW. catch up. When the read address AR reaches the value immediately before the write address AW (AR = AW-1), all the latest data to be written to the optical disk 5 has been read. To stop. This state is shown in FIG. 7F after the elapse of the period T5.

By the above operation, even if the time until recording on the optical disk 5 becomes possible (T5 in FIG. 7) is long and all data generated during the period T5 cannot be stored in the semiconductor memory 13, the data is stored first. Since the latest data is always stored and recorded on the optical disk 5 by overwriting the data, the data recorded on the optical disk 5 does not become discontinuous. For example, in applications such as movie cameras, if the image data finally recorded on the disc is not interrupted halfway, even if it is not possible to record a small amount of data shot immediately after turning on the power, it will be a big problem Does not reach. On the contrary, in the fifth embodiment, it is possible to record from a video before it can be recorded on a disk, whereas operability is greatly improved. In addition, the time until recording on the optical disk 5 becomes possible (T0 + T in FIG. 7)
5) Motor start time, focus and tracking servo pull-in time, access time, automatic adjustment time,
Since it is a cumulative total of the disc type determination time and the like, it usually has a considerable variation. According to the fifth embodiment, the continuity of the recorded data is guaranteed irrespective of the variation of T5, so that the stability of the device is enhanced and is extremely useful in practical use.

As described above, according to the recording apparatus of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the continuously input data is overwritten in order from the previously stored data, so that the data always goes back a predetermined amount from the present time. (Including at least a semiconductor memory), medium recording means for recording information on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism, control of the power supply and operation of the storage means and the medium recording means After the power supply to the storage unit and the medium recording unit is started, the system control unit first stores the data in the storage unit, and the recording operation on the recording medium in the medium recording unit becomes possible. After that, by sequentially reading out the data stored first in the information signals stored in the storage means, and recording it on the recording medium, Data recording operation can be performed in a very short time from the start of power supply, greatly improving operability, and even if the time until recording on a disk or tape after power supply starts varies ,
Since the recorded data is not interrupted on the way, the reliability of the device can be further improved.

In the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, the data to be recorded is video data captured by a CCD camera. However, any type of data such as audio, music data, and other information data can be used. And the gist of the present invention is not changed at all.

In the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, the recording medium for recording data via the semiconductor memory is an optical disk, but a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk,
Any medium may be used as long as it is a medium to be recorded by a device having a mechanical drive structure such as a magnetic tape, and the purpose of the present invention is not changed at all.

[0060]

As described above, the recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention enables a data recording operation to be performed in a very short time from the start of power supply, greatly improving operability. The recording apparatus according to the second to fifth aspects of the present invention can perform a data recording operation in an extremely short time from the start of power supply, can greatly improve operability, and can reduce cost by reducing semiconductor memory capacity. The recording apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention can improve the reliability of the apparatus by making it possible or by increasing the allowable value of the time until recording on a disk or a tape is started after the power supply is started. Can record data in a very short time from the start of power supply, greatly improving operability, and further reducing costs by drastically reducing the capacity of semiconductor memory. In addition, the allowable value of the time from the start of power supply to recording on a disk or tape can be greatly expanded, so that the reliability of the device can be further improved, and furthermore, video and audio The recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention can perform a data recording operation in an extremely short time from the start of power supply, and can greatly improve operability, while providing a fade-in effect at the start of recording. Even if the time required for recording on a disk or tape after the start of power supply varies, the recorded data is not interrupted in the middle, so that the reliability of the apparatus can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing main components of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a recording apparatus according to Embodiments 2 to 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a waveform chart showing an operation of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a waveform chart showing an operation of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a waveform chart showing an operation of the recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a waveform chart showing an operation of the recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a waveform chart showing an operation of the recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an operation of the recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing main components of a conventional recording apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a waveform chart showing the operation of a conventional recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 4 signal processing means 6 optical pickup 7 motor 8 disk control means 9 disk recording means 10 switch 13 semiconductor memory 14 memory control means 15 semiconductor storage means 17 system control means 18 compression means

Claims (7)

[Claims] A storage means for storing data; a medium recording means for recording data from the storage means on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism; System control means for controlling power supply and operation control, the system control means, after starting supply of power to the storage means and the medium recording means, first stores data in the storage means, After the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording means,
A recording apparatus for reading data stored in the storage means and recording the data on the recording medium. 2. A storage means for storing data, a medium recording means for recording data from the storage means on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism, and a storage means for storing the data and the medium recording means. System control means for controlling power supply and operation control, wherein after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of power supply to the storage means and the medium recording means, the system control means first stores data in the storage means And recording the data on the recording medium after the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled by the medium recording means. 3. A storage unit for storing data, a medium recording unit for recording data from the storage unit on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism, and a storage unit and the medium recording unit. System control means for controlling power supply and operation control, the system control means, after starting supply of power to the storage means and the medium recording means, first stores data in the storage means, After the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording means,
A recording apparatus for reading data stored in the storage means and recording the data on the recording medium controlled at a lower rotational speed than during normal operation. 4. A compression means for compressing an information amount of data,
Storage means for storing data compressed by the compression means, medium recording means for recording data from the storage means on a magnetic or optical recording medium rotated by a rotating mechanism, the compression means, and the storage means And system control means for controlling the power and operation of the medium recording means, and after starting the supply of power to the compression means, the storage means and the medium recording means, After the information amount of data is compressed by the compression unit and stored in the storage unit, after the data recording operation on the recording medium is enabled in the medium recording unit, the compressed data stored in the storage unit is A recording device for reading out and recording on the recording medium. 5. A compression means for compressing an information amount of data and capable of changing a compression ratio, a storage means for storing data compressed by the compression means, and a magnetic or optical means rotated by a rotating mechanism. Medium recording means for recording data from the storage means on a recording medium;
System control means for controlling the power supply and operation of the storage means and the medium recording means, wherein the system control means has started supplying power to the compression means, the storage means and the medium recording means. Thereafter, first, the information amount of data is compressed by the compression unit at a predetermined compression ratio and stored in the storage unit, and after the data recording operation on the recording medium in the medium recording unit becomes possible, the compression unit of the compression unit A recording apparatus for changing a compression ratio to a value lower than the predetermined compression ratio, reading the compressed data stored in the storage means, and recording the read data on the recording medium. 6. A compression means for compressing an information amount of data and capable of changing a compression ratio, a storage means for storing data compressed by the compression means, and a magnetic or optical means rotated by a rotating mechanism. Medium recording means for recording data from the storage means on a recording medium;
System control means for controlling the power supply and operation of the storage means and the medium recording means, wherein the system control means has started supplying power to the compression means, the storage means and the medium recording means. After that, first, the information amount of data is compressed and stored in the storage unit while varying the compression ratio of the compression unit so as to be gradually lowered, and after the data recording operation on the recording medium in the medium recording unit becomes possible, A recording apparatus that reads out the compressed data stored in the storage unit and records the data on the recording medium. 7. A storage means for always storing data which is retroactively stored by a predetermined amount from the present time by overwriting sequentially input data in order from a previously stored data, and a magnetic or optical means rotated by a rotating mechanism. Recording means for recording information on a static recording medium, and system control means for controlling power and operation of the storage means and the medium recording means, wherein the system control means comprises the storage means and the medium. After the supply of power to the recording unit is started, data is first stored in the storage unit, and after the recording operation on the recording medium in the medium recording unit is enabled, the data stored in the storage unit A recording apparatus for sequentially reading data stored first and recording the data on the recording medium.