JP2001309230A - Portable video camera, information processing apparatus and its method, information processing system, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow taking a photograph of a subject with ease without carrying a video camera. SOLUTION: A predetermined number of photo finishers, 1-1, 1-2, are disposed at given locations throughout the country. Agencies 3-1-1 to 3-2-3 are disposed in proximity to the photo finishers 1-1, 1-2. A customer buys a portable video camera at the nearest agency. A video camera that has taken a photograph of a subject is left with the nearest agency, which distributes the video camera to the nearest photo finishers 1-1, 1-2. Photofinishing apparatuses 2-1, 2-2 of the photo finishers 1-1, 1-2 reproduce AV data from a magnetic tape contained in the portable video camera and transfer it to the photo finisher that has jurisdiction over an agency located near an address specified by the customer through network 8. The photo finisher 1-2 records the transferred AV data on specified recording medium and distributes it to the nearest agency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable video camera, an information processing apparatus and method, an information processing system, and a recording medium, and more particularly, to a portable video camera capable of capturing images more easily. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, an information processing system, and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a video tape recorder (hereinafter, referred to as a camcorder) integrated with a camera has become widespread and has been widely used by general users.

[0003] Conventionally, when a user attempts to take a picture of an athletic meet for a child with this camcorder, for example, the battery is charged by the day before, a magnetic tape cassette is prepared, and the camcorder is carried on the day. You will go to the venue.

[0004] Also, for example, in the case of commemorating the state of a trip, it is necessary to prepare a battery and a cassette tape before carrying the camcorder.

[0005]

As described above, in the conventional camcorder, a battery and a cassette tape must be prepared in advance, and there is a problem that preparation for photographing is troublesome. Also, in order to shoot, we plan to shoot in advance,
There is a problem that the user has to carry the camcorder to the place, and cannot capture an image impulsively when going out. As a result, there is a problem that the camcorder must be always carried and become a luggage. In addition, it is necessary to purchase a relatively expensive camcorder in advance in order to perform photographing even though the camera is not used so frequently.

Further, camcorders of various formats such as VHS (trademark), 8 mm, digital video (DV) and the like are commercially available, but users are forced to use a predetermined format once. There was a problem that it became difficult to use the latest format camcorder.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and firstly does not require preparation for photographing. Secondly, it is unnecessary to always carry it, and it is possible to prevent the baggage from being carried. Third, an inexpensive device can be provided. Fifth, only when necessary
The latest format is appropriately purchased and made available.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A portable video camera according to the present invention has a case for protecting the inside, an exterior paper surrounding the outer periphery of the case, an imaging block for performing an image capturing process, and a voice capturing process. And a mechanical deck that drives a magnetic tape that records images and sounds,
It includes a main deck that performs processing to control each part, and a rechargeable battery that supplies necessary power to each part, and includes an imaging block, an audio board, a mechanical deck, a main deck,
And the battery is housed in the case so that it can be relatively easily disassembled for recycling.

[0009] An area for recording a test signal, which is prohibited from being recorded by a user, may be formed at the rear end of the magnetic tape.

[0010] An information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first acquisition unit for acquiring AV data recorded on a recording medium built in a portable video camera, and an AV data acquired by the first acquisition unit. A second acquisition unit for acquiring information on a format in the case of recording; and AV data acquired by the first acquisition unit, based on the information on the format acquired by the second acquisition unit. Output means for outputting as AV data.

[0011] The second obtaining means may obtain information on the format from a mark sheet.

The information on the format acquired by the second acquisition means includes information on a recording medium for recording AV data, and the output means outputs the AV data of a predetermined format on the second acquisition means. The information can be output to and recorded on a recording medium specified by the information on the format obtained by the method.

[0013] The second obtaining means further obtains information on the position where the customer receives the AV data in a predetermined format. The output means outputs the AV data in a predetermined format.
The data may be output in accordance with the information on the position acquired by the second acquisition means.

[0014] The second obtaining means further obtains information on an apparatus for receiving the AV data in a predetermined format by the customer, and the output means outputs the AV data in the predetermined format.
The data may be output in accordance with the information on the device obtained by the second obtaining unit.

[0015] The second acquisition means may further acquire information on editing of the AV data acquired by the first acquisition means, and may store the AV data acquired by the first acquisition means in the second acquisition means. And editing means for editing based on the information on the editing obtained by the above.

[0016] The information on editing may be information attached to the portable video camera.

A storage means for storing at least one of the AV data obtained by the first obtaining means and the AV data of a predetermined format output from the output means for each portable video camera customer. The editing means can read out the AV data stored in the storage means and perform the editing.

According to the information processing method of the present invention, a first acquisition step of acquiring AV data recorded on a recording medium built in a portable video camera, and an AV acquired by the processing of the first acquisition step. A second acquisition step of acquiring information on a format when recording data;
The AV data acquired by the processing of the first acquisition step is converted into a predetermined format based on information on the format acquired by the processing of the second acquisition step.
And an output step of outputting as AV data.

[0019] The program of the recording medium of the present invention is a program stored in a recording medium incorporated in a portable video camera.
A first acquisition control step for controlling the acquisition of data, and a second acquisition control step for controlling the acquisition of information on a format when recording the AV data whose acquisition has been controlled by the processing of the first acquisition control step And outputting the AV data whose acquisition has been controlled by the processing of the first acquisition control step as AV data of a predetermined format based on information on the format whose acquisition has been controlled by the processing of the second acquisition control step. And an output control step of controlling

According to the information processing system of the present invention, the AV data recorded on the recording medium built in the portable video camera of the customer, which is delivered from the first agency at the first location, can be used by the customer. A first located at a second location, obtained with information about the specified format and the specified location
And the AV data recorded on the recording medium incorporated in the portable video camera of the customer, which has been delivered from the second agent at the third location, and the format specified by the customer and the location specified by the customer. Acquisition with information about the fourth
In the information processing system including the second device arranged at the position, the first device and the second device transfer the acquired AV data from the far side to the near side to the designated position, and Recording on a recording medium in a specified format in a direction closer to the designated position, and notifying a customer of an agent near the specified position among the first agent and the second agent. I do.

According to the information processing method of the present invention, AV data recorded on a recording medium built in a portable video camera of a customer, which is delivered from a first agency at a first location,
A first device located at a second location and a portable video of the customer received from a second agency at a third location, obtained with information about the format and location specified by the customer. An information processing system comprising: a second device disposed at a fourth position for acquiring AV data recorded on a recording medium built in the camera together with information on a format designated by the customer and information on the designated position. In the information processing method, the first device and the second device transfer the acquired AV data from the far side to the specified position to the near side, and transfer the acquired AV data in the specified format to the one near the specified position. The information is recorded on a recording medium, and the customer is notified of an agent near the designated position among the first agent and the second agent.

In the portable video camera of the present invention,
The imaging block, audio board, mechanical deck, main deck, and battery are each housed in a case that can be relatively easily disassembled for recycling.

In the information processing apparatus and method of the present invention, and the program of the recording medium, the acquired AV data is output as AV data of a predetermined format based on information about the format.

In the information processing system of the present invention, of the first device and the second device, the AV data is transferred from the farthest to the designated position to the closest one, and While being recorded on the recording medium in the specified format, the customer is notified of the agent near the specified position.

[0025]

FIG. 1 shows an example of a configuration of an information processing system to which the present invention is applied. This system is applied, for example, in Japan, a plurality of laboratories are distributed and arranged at predetermined positions. In the example of FIG.
For convenience, two labs 1-1 and 1-2 are shown. The labs 1-1 and 1-2 are lab devices 2-1 and 2-2, respectively.
have. The dealers are located in the area around each lab. In the example of FIG. 1, dealers 3-1-1 to 3-1-3 are arranged around the lab 1-1, and
2, dealers 3-2-1 to 3-2-3 are arranged. The dealers 3-1-1 through 3-2-3 sell portable video cameras described later with reference to FIG. 2, receive the video cameras after the photographing has been performed from the customers, and designate by the customers. The procedure for converting the image data into the format image data is performed.

When the production / recycling center 7 produces a portable video camera, the production / recycling center 7 sells the portable video camera to retailers 3-1-1 to 3-1-1.
In addition to the delivery to 2-3, the used video cameras collected from the labs 1-1 and 1-2 are recycled and reproduced.

Laboratory devices 2-1 and 2-2 of labs 1-1 and 1-2
-2 is connected to the editing servers 4-1 and 4-2, the content banks 5-1 and 5-2, and the broadcast server 6 via a network 8 such as a dedicated line or the Internet. In this example, two editing servers and two content banks are shown, and one broadcasting server 6 is shown, but the numbers are arbitrary.

The editing servers 4-1 and 4-2 are connected to the lab device 2
A process for editing AV data transferred from the first and second through the network 8 is executed. The content banks 5-1 and 5-2 accumulate AV data transferred from the laboratory devices 2-1 and 2-2 or the editing servers 4-1 and 4-2 via the network 8. The broadcast server 6
Laboratory equipment 2-1 or 2-2, or editing server 4-1 or 4
-2 is transmitted to each customer by broadcasting the transferred AV data.

FIG. 2 shows the general configuration of a portable video camera (camcorder) produced by the production recycling center 7 and sold by the dealers 3-1-1 to 3-2-3. The video camera 21 has a configuration in which a spherical upper cover 23 and a spherical upper cover 24 protrude from a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case 22 having a size of a substantially cigarette case (size enough to fit in a breast pocket). The upper cover 23
Although fixed to the case 22, the lower cover 24
Is movable with respect to the case 22, and the lower cover 24
Is slid in a direction away from the upper cover 23, so that the lens 25 covered by the upper cover 23 and the lower cover 24 can be exposed. The button 26 is operated by the user when capturing an image.

FIG. 3 conceptually shows the internal structure of the video camera 21. As shown in the figure, a mechanical deck 32, an imaging block 33, a main board 34, an audio board 35, and a battery 36 are housed and protected inside a case 22 of the video camera 21. The mechanical deck 32 to the battery 36 are configured to be relatively easily disassembled so that they can be recycled. The outside of the case 22 made of plastic is
It is surrounded by an exterior paper 31 on which various patterns for makeup and the like are printed.

FIG. 4 shows a more specific configuration example of the mechanical deck 32 to the audio board 35. FIG.
, The illustration of the battery 36 is omitted. In the mechanical deck 32, the reel 55 and the reel 56
A magnetic tape 54 to which one end and the other end are fixed is wound around the drum 53. A magnetic head (not shown) is fixed to the drum 53 so that data can be recorded on the magnetic tape 54. The magnetic tape 54 is always wound around the drum 53 and cannot be fast-forwarded or rewinded.

The CCD image pickup device 41 of the image pickup block 33 includes:
The subject is imaged through the lens 25 and an image signal is output. The image signal output from the CCD image sensor 41 is supplied to an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 42, and is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. The video compressor 43 compresses the image data input from the A / D converter 42 and supplies the image data to the multiplexer 44.

The multiplexer 44 combines the digital audio signal supplied from the A / D converter 48 of the audio board 35 with the digital video signal supplied from the video compressor 43 and supplies the combined signal to the ECC formatter 45. The ECC formatter 45 adds an error correction code to the data supplied from the multiplexer 44 and supplies the data to a recording amplifier 46. The recording amplifier 46 amplifies the data supplied from the ECC formatter 45 and supplies the data to the magnetic head rotated by the drum 53.

On the audio board 35, a stereo microphone 47 is arranged. When the stereo microphone 47 takes in an audio signal, the audio signal is supplied to an A / D converter 48. The A / D converter 48 converts the analog audio signal supplied from the stereo microphone 47 into a digital signal, and supplies the digital signal to the multiplexer 44 of the imaging block 33.

The main board 34 includes a system controller 5 for controlling the imaging block 33 and the audio board 35.
0 is provided. The system controller 50 controls the imaging block 33 and the audio board 35 in response to the operation of the button 25. The mechanical controller 50a of the system controller 50 controls the mechanical deck 32.

The video camera 21 is configured as described above and has no reproduction function. Thus, miniaturization, weight reduction, and cost reduction can be achieved.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the laboratory apparatus 2-1 provided in the laboratory 1-1. CPU (Central Processi
ng Unit) 71 is a program stored in a ROM (ReA / D Only Memory) 72 or a RAM from a storage unit 78.
(Random Access Memory) Various processes are executed in accordance with the program loaded into the memory 73. The RAM 73 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 71 to execute various processes.

The CPU 71, the ROM 72, and the RAM 73 are mutually connected via a bus 74. The bus 74 is also connected to an input / output interface 75.

The input / output interface 75 includes an input unit 76 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display including a CRT and an LCD, an output unit 77 including a speaker, a storage unit 78 including a hard disk, and the like.
A communication unit 79 including a modem, a terminal adapter, and the like is connected. The communication unit 79 includes the network 8
The communication process via is performed.

A drive 80 is connected to the input / output interface 75 as needed, and a magnetic disk 81,
An optical disk 82, a magneto-optical disk 83, a semiconductor memory 84, or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read therefrom is installed in the storage unit 78 as necessary.

Although not shown, the laboratory apparatus 2-2
Are similarly configured. Also, the editing servers 4-1 and 4
-2, content banks 5-1 and 5-2, broadcast server 6
Have basically the same configuration, and in the following description, the configuration of FIG. 5 will be referred to as the configuration of another device as necessary.

The user purchases the video camera 21 at the nearest one of the dealers 3-1-1 to 3-2-3 when necessary, for example, on a travel destination. The video camera 21 has a magnetic tape 54 as shown in FIG.
Is stored, and the battery 36 (FIG. 3) is already mounted in a charged state, so that the user can use it immediately.

When taking an image, the user moves the lower cover 24 shown in FIG.
Slide along 2 to expose the lens 25. Then, just by pressing the button 26 with the lens 25 facing the subject, the imaging is started. The imaging is continued while the button 25 is pressed, and is stopped when the button 25 is released. Therefore, unlike the conventional camcorder, various adjustments and the like are not required, and the operation is simple.

The system controller 50 has a button 25
When a signal based on the pressing of is input, each part is controlled,
Execute the recording operation.

At this time, the CCD image pickup device 41 is
The light incident through the photoelectric conversion unit 5 is photoelectrically converted and an image signal of the subject is output. This image signal is A / D converted by an A / D converter 42 and input to a video compressor 43. The video compressor 43 compresses the input digital video signal and supplies it to the multiplexer 44.

The stereo microphone 47 collects the sound from the subject and outputs the sound signal to the A / D converter 48. The audio signal A / D converted by the A / D converter 48 is supplied to the multiplexer 44. The multiplexer 44 synthesizes the digital audio signal input from the video compressor 43 and the digital audio signal supplied from the A / D converter 48, and generates an ECC formatter 45.
To supply. The ECC formatter 45 adds an error correction code to the input signal and outputs the signal to the recording amplifier 46 as AV data. The recording amplifier 46 amplifies the input AV data and supplies it to a magnetic head attached to the drum 53.

The reel 55 and the reel 56 of the mechanical deck 32
Is controlled by the mechanical controller 50a, and the reel 5
The magnetic tape 54 supplied from 5 is transported so as to be wound on a reel 56. As a result, the AV data input from the recording amplifier 46 is recorded on the magnetic tape 54 wound around the drum 53. The user can use the magnetic tape 5
4 can record approximately 30 minutes of AV data.

The video camera 21 does not have a reproduction function. In order to view the AV information captured in this manner, the user needs to place the video camera 21 in the dealer 3-1-1.
Out of 3-2-3 to the nearest dealer, and request recording on a recording medium of a predetermined format.

The user fills in an input form 101 as shown in FIG. In this example, the user enters his / her name, address, and telephone number on the input form 101. Further, various instructions can be given to the input paper 101 in a mark sheet system. The user
First, it is possible to specify the format (media) of the AV data that the user himself / herself ultimately wants to receive. In the example of FIG. 6, as this format (media),
One of four types can be designated: VHS (trademark) tape, 8 mm tape, DV (digital video) tape, and CD-R. In the example of FIG. 6, a DV tape is specified.

Further, when the user requests to perform various corrections on an image or a sound, the "automatic correction" item is set to "Yes" and the captured AV data is not corrected without correction. If you want to keep it, select "None".

When the user wants the title to be inserted into the image, the user sets the item of “insert title” to “present”, and when not necessary, selects “none”. Similarly, when the user wants to insert a date, the user sets the item of “insert date” to “present”, and when not necessary, selects “none”.

Further, the user basically has a 30 minute length.
The information recorded on the magnetic tape 54 capable of recording the AV data is stored in the “5 minutes”, “10 minutes”, or “20 minutes”.
It can be instructed to be edited and shortened to the "minute" length. If you do not need to do such abbreviated editing,
The item of “automatic shortening edit” is “none”. In the example of FIG. 6, the item of "5 minutes" is selected.

The user can purchase the video camera 21 at the dealer in the travel destination, take it home, and submit it to the dealer near the home. Alternatively, the user can also submit the video camera 21 to the dealer in the travel destination. it can. This eliminates the need for the user to carry the video camera 21.

The store that took the video camera 21 delivers it together with the input form 101 to the nearest lab by mail, courier, or a dedicated delivery vehicle. For example, the store 3-1-1 stores the video camera 21 and the input paper 101.
Is delivered to the laboratory 1-1.

In the lab 1-1, the video camera 21 that has been delivered is disassembled, the data recorded on the magnetic tape 54 is read, and the AV data is converted into a designated format, and the disassembled. The video camera 21 is delivered to the production recycling center 7 for recycling. The video cameras 21 recycled by the production recycling center 7 are again sold at the dealers 3-1-1 to 3-1-1.
-2-3 and delivered.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The recycling process will be described. In the lab 1-1, in step S1, the delivered video camera 2
The reference data is recorded on one magnetic tape 54 by the laboratory apparatus 2-1.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, on the magnetic tape 54, an area having a length of 30 minutes is an area in which the user can record AV data.
It is an area where AV data cannot be recorded.
The CPU 71 of the laboratory device 2-1 records the reference data for the test in this area.

Next, in step S2, the lab apparatus 2
By -1, the video camera 21 is disassembled, and the cassette constituting the mechanical deck 32 is separated. In step S3, the CPU 71 of the laboratory apparatus 2-1 reproduces the reference data recorded on the magnetic tape 54 of the separated mechanical deck 32 in the reverse direction, reproduces the AV data, and reproduces the AV data.
8 is stored. In step S4, the lab device 2-1
CPU 71 determines whether or not the cassette (mechanical deck 32) can be reused (reused) based on the result of reading the reference data in step S3. This determination result is sent to the production recycling center 7 together with the disassembled video camera 21.

Next, in step S5, the lab apparatus 2
The CPU 71 of -1 performs a process for editing the AV data read from the magnetic tape 54 in step S3. Then, the data is stored in the media (VHS tape, 8 mm tape, D
V tape or CD-R) is recorded. Further, in step S7, the data read from the magnetic tape 54 is stored. Note that the above step S5
Details of the processing from step S7 to step S7 will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In the production recycling center 7, upon receiving the information of the reuse determination result of the video camera 21 and its cassette (mechanical deck 32) from the laboratory 1-1,
In step S11, a process of peeling the exterior paper 31 from the case 22 is performed. Next, in step S12, a process of separating the case 22 from the video camera 21 is performed. The exterior paper 31 and the case 22 disassembled in this manner are supplied to a parts maker, and in step S41,
The exterior paper 31 is reprocessed as recycled paper, and the case 22 is pulverized, melted, and formed as the case 22 again.

Next, in step S13, the battery 36 is separated. Further, the process proceeds to step S14, in which a reuse determination process is performed to determine whether the mechanical deck 32, the imaging block 33, the main board 34, the audio board 35, and the like can be reused. In this determination processing, the reuse determination processing in step S4 of the laboratory 1-1 is referred to. That is, since the determination of the reuse of the mechanical deck 32 has already been performed in the laboratory 1-1, here, the reuse determination process is performed on the other blocks.

If it is determined by the reuse determination process that reuse is difficult, the process proceeds to step S18, and the block for which reuse is disabled is removed. After the non-reusable block is removed, the reusable block
Similar to the block that is determined to be reusable in step S14, the process proceeds to step S15 for assembling, and the battery 36, cassette (mechanical deck 32) and the like are incorporated.

It is determined in step S19 whether or not the block removed in step S18 can be repaired. If it is determined that the block cannot be repaired, the process proceeds to step S20, where the block is discarded. . On the other hand, the blocks determined to be repairable are repaired and sent to the incorporation process in step S15.

After the incorporation processing of step S15 is performed, the process proceeds to step S16, where exterior assembly processing is performed.
That is, after all the blocks are accommodated in the case 22 and assembled, the exterior paper 31 is attached to the outside of the case 22. Finally, in step S17, an inspection process is performed, and the recycle production process ends.

The video camera 21 thus produced in a recycled manner is again sold at the dealers 3-1-1 through 3-2.
-3 and sold.

In the production recycling center 7, in addition to the above-described recycling production, new production is also performed. In this case, in step S31, a board mounting process is performed, and in step S32, an assembly process is performed. Further, in step S33, an inspection process is performed, and a new video camera 21 is produced. In addition, the exterior paper 31 and the case 22 generated by the material recycling process in step S41 of the component maker are used for the newly produced video camera 21 as necessary.

The newly produced video camera 21 is also delivered to the dealers 3-1-1 to 3-2-3.

Next, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10, the AV data is stored in the format specified by the user.
The process of converting to data will be described.

In step S61, the dealer 3-1
1 is a video camera 2 brought in from a user (customer)
1 is performed. As described above, at this time, the user enters his / her name and name on the input form 101 shown in FIG.
Specify the desired editing format, in addition to the address and telephone number. At this time, the user basically describes the address of the residence where he / she resides. If the user does not receive the format-converted media near his / her home, he / she wants to receive it. The address of the location (for example, a hotel on a business trip) is described.

At step S62, the dealer 3-1
1 delivers the video camera 21 and the input paper 101 to the nearest laboratory 1-1.

The lab 1-1 proceeds to step S71.
When the video camera 21 delivered from the dealer 3-1-1 is received together with the input paper 101, in step S72, the designated information described therein is read by inputting the input paper 101 with a scanner or the like. -1.

Next, in step S73, the laboratory device 2-1 takes in the ID of the video camera 21. This ID
Is printed on the exterior paper 31 of the video camera 21, for example. The lab device 2-1 or the editing server 4-1 includes:
Image data corresponding to the ID of the video camera 21 is stored in the storage unit 78 in advance. And this storage unit 7
8, a customer (user) based on the data stored in
Performs the specified editing process.

For example, the video camera 21 shown in FIG.
Is a video camera sold in a specific amusement park, and a character symbolizing the amusement park is printed on the exterior paper 31 together with an ID. The lab device 2-1 or the editing server 4-1 stores, for example, image data necessary for adding a title using this character by editing as shown in FIG. 12 in advance.

Next, in step S74, the laboratory apparatus 2-1 mounts the mechanical deck 32 on the drive 80, reproduces the AV data recorded on the magnetic tape 54, and stores the AV data in the storage unit 78. In step S75, the CPU 71 of the laboratory device 2-1 calculates a fee corresponding to the time and labor required until then. And step S76
In step S73, the CPU 71 determines the designation information from the user (customer) captured from the input paper 101 in the processing of step S72,
D, The amount of fee calculated in step S75 is transferred from the communication unit 79 to the editing server 4-1 via the network 8 together with the AV data read from the magnetic tape 54 in step S74.

When the CPU 71 of the editing server 4-1 receives the specified information, ID, fee, and AV data transferred from the laboratory device 2-1 via the communication unit 79 in step S91, the CPU 71 converts the received information into the editing server 4- 1. 1 is stored in the first storage unit 78.

Next, in step S92, the CPU 71 of the editing server 4-1 executes a process of editing AV data in accordance with the specified information and the ID acquired in step S91.

For example, when “Yes” is specified for each of the items “automatic correction” and “date insertion” shown in FIG. 6, correction processing for AV data and date data are inserted. Processing is performed.

In the item of "automatic shortening edit",
For example, when “5 minutes” is specified, the CPU 71 of the editing server 4-1 transmits AV data of a maximum of 30 minutes.
A process is performed to edit the AV data for each minute.

Further, when "present" is specified in the item "insert title" and title data is prepared in the storage unit 78 as edit data corresponding to the ID of the video camera 21, , CPU7
1 reads out the title data stored in the storage unit 78 and generates and adds a title image as shown in FIG. 12, for example.

Next, in step S93, the CPU 71 of the editing server 4-1 edits the AV edited as described above.
Converts data to data in the specified media format. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 6, since a DV tape is designated as a medium, the CPU 71 converts the AV data acquired in step S91 into data in the DV format. In step S94, the CPU 71
Calculates the commission corresponding to the editing process. Further, in step S95, the CPU 71 sends the data edited as described above together with the original AV data (the AV data before being edited) to the lab device that controls the designated address.
Transfer via the network 8.

For example, if the designated address is the lab device 2-1
Instead, if the address is under the jurisdiction of the laboratory device 2-2, the data is transferred to the laboratory device 2-2.

The CPU 71 of the laboratory device 2-2 includes a communication unit 79
When the data transferred from the editing server 4-1 is received in step S111 through the step S111, the data is stored in the storage unit 78.

In the above process, the AV data is transferred from the lab device 2-1 to the editing server 4-1 assuming that the editing process is specified, and the edited AV data is transferred to the lab device 2-2. To the lab device 2-1 if the editing is not specified.
2, the AV data is directly transferred. Therefore, in this case, in the laboratory device 2-2, a process of converting the AV data into data of the specified medium format is executed. Alternatively, the lab device 2-1 may convert the AV data to the lab device 2-2 after converting the data into data of a designated medium format. Of course, if the lab in charge of the designated address is the lab 1-1, there is no need to transfer the AV data from the lab apparatus 1-1 to the lab apparatus 1-2.

As described above, upon receiving the data transfer from the editing server 4-1 or the lab device 2-1, the CPU 71 of the lab device 2-2 proceeds to step S112.
A process for recording the transferred data on a designated medium is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 6, since the DV tape is designated as the medium, the CPU 7 of the lab device 2-2 is used.
1 controls the drive 80 to record the edited AV data stored in the storage unit 78 on a DV tape.

In step S113, the lab device 2-
The second PCU 71 calculates the commission in the above processing. Then, the fee is added to the fee up to that time (the fee of the laboratory device 2-1 and the fee of the editing server 4-1), and the total fee is calculated.

In step S114, the lab apparatus 2-
In step S112, the second CPU 71 copies the media on which the AV data is recorded (DV tape in the case of FIG. 6) along with the calculated total amount of the fee to the designated address (input form 101). Delivery to the nearest dealer at (address) by post, courier service, or dedicated delivery vehicle. FIG.
If the nearest store to the address described in the input form 101 is the store 3-2-1, the media is delivered from the laboratory 1-2 to the store 3-2-1. Further, in step S115, the CPU 71 of the laboratory device 2-2 determines the address, name, and telephone number of the dealer 3-2-1 that has delivered the media, and the amount charged to the user (step S11).
In 4, the customer (user) is notified of the total amount described in the document delivered to the dealer 3-2-1. This notification is performed by, for example, a postcard, e-mail, or the like.

When the dealer 3-2-1 receives the media delivered from the laboratory 1-2 in step S131,
Keep this. Since the customer is notified of the dealer who should receive the media from Lab 1-2 and the billing amount,
Upon receipt of this notification, the customer shall
Go to 2-1 and receive the media. At this time, in step S132, the handling shop 3-2-1 hands over the media to the customer and receives payment.

As described above, the user can acquire the AV data captured by the video camera 21 purchased at a location from the nearest dealer at the specified address while being recorded on the specified medium.

Note that the notification from the lab 1-2 to the customer in step S115 can be made from the dealer.

Upon receiving the payment from the customer, the handling shop 3-2-1 pays the lab 1-2 a fee excluding its share in step S133. Lab 1-2,
In step S116, when the commission is received from the dealer 3-2-1, after removing the own fee, the remaining commission is deleted in step S117 in the editing server 4-2-1.
1 and at step S118, pay to the dealer 3-1-1.

[0091] In step S96, the editing server 4-1 receives the commission paid from the laboratory 1-2. Similarly, in step S63, the dealer 3-1-1 receives the commission paid from the laboratory 1-2.

In the above description, the AV data in the specified editing state can be obtained when the video camera 21 is deposited in the store 3-1-1. Thereafter, another date is set and another date is set. Editing can also be requested.
The processing in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

For this reason, the CPU 71 of the laboratory device 2-2
Upon receiving the unedited AV data and editing information from the editing server 4-1 in step S 111, the content data is transmitted to the content bank 5 via the network 8 in step S 181.
-1, 5-2 (for example, the content bank 5-
Transfer to 1). CPU 71 of content bank 5-1
Upon receiving this data via the communication unit 79, the data is stored in the database of the storage unit 78 in step S161. This storage is performed for each customer.

Therefore, the customer can then go to the nearest dealer 3-2-1 and request further editing of his / her own AV data. Dealer 3-2-1,
Upon receiving this request, in step S191, a predetermined request sheet in which a request for a new editing service has been entered by the customer is delivered to the laboratory 1-2. In the laboratory 1-2, when this request is received in step S182, the CPU 71 of the laboratory apparatus 2-2 in step S183 edits the request sheet according to the network 8
Request to the editing server 4-1 via the.

When the CPU 71 of the editing server 4-1 receives a request for editing from the laboratory device 2-2 in step S171, the CPU 71 in step S172 executes
Specified to the content bank 5-1 via
Requests reading of AV data.

Upon receiving this request in step S162, the CPU 71 of the content bank 5-1 reads out the AV data of the designated customer from the storage unit 78 in step S163, and reads this AV data from the communication unit 79 via the network 8. To the editing server 4-1.

Upon receiving the data transferred from the content bank 5-1 in step S173, the CPU 71 of the editing server 4-1 executes the specified editing process in step S174. Then, the edited data is transferred to the laboratory device 2-2 via the network 8.

Thus, for example, an image as shown in FIG.
-1 is stored in the image shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16, an editing process of extracting only an image of a designated person and combining another background image prepared in advance with the background of the image of the person as shown in FIG. 16 is performed.

[0099] Such an edited image is output in step S174.
Is transferred to the laboratory device 2-2 via the network 8.

The CPU 71 of the laboratory device 2-2 executes step S
Upon receiving the edited data at 184, the AV data is recorded on the designated medium at step S185. And store the media in 3-2-1
And the customer is notified of the dealer that delivered the media.

In step S192, the dealer 3-2-1 receives the media delivered from the laboratory 1-2. Then, when the customer comes to the store, the media is handed to the customer in exchange for a fee. Subsequent processing is the same as in the case described above.

In the above description, data is recorded on a medium in a format designated by the customer and distributed to the customer. However, data can be distributed to the customer by broadcasting. Next, the operation in this case is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the case of distributing AV data to customers by broadcasting, there is no point in transferring the AV data received by the lab device 2-1 to the lab device 2-2 that controls the designated address after editing the AV data. Therefore, in this case, the editing data is transferred from the editing server 4-1 to the lab device 2-1 instead of the lab device 2-2.

The CPU 71 of the lab apparatus 2-1 executes step S
At 211, the edited AV data is transferred to the broadcast server 6 via the network 8 together with the customer ID. The customer ID may be any information as long as it can identify the customer. For example, the customer ID may be a customer's telephone number. In this case, the receiver 121 of the customer
(This receiver is configured similarly to the case shown in FIG. 5)
ID of the user of the receiver 121 (customer ID)
It is necessary that a telephone number be registered in advance. For this reason, the CPU 71 determines that the telephone number is
Is input into the storage unit 78.

In step S221, the lab apparatus 2-
Upon receiving the data transferred from No. 1, the CPU 71 of the broadcast server 6 multiplexes the AV data and the customer ID in step S222 and broadcasts them as broadcast waves.

This broadcast wave is received by the receivers of all users, but each receiver receives only the data having the customer ID stored in the storage unit 78. Therefore,
The receiver 121 of the user who has requested the editing performs step S2.
At 31, AV data can be received. Specifically, when the communication unit 79 of the receiver 121 receives a radio wave from a satellite, the CPU 71 detects a customer ID included therein. Then, the detected customer ID is compared with the customer ID stored in the storage unit 78, and if they match, the AV data is obtained, supplied to the storage unit 78, and stored.

Therefore, in this case, each user does not need to go to the dealer to obtain the AV data.

The lab device 2-1 then receives a fee from the user, for example, by issuing a bill to the user.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer built in dedicated hardware or installing various programs. For example, it is installed in a general-purpose personal computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.

As shown in FIG. 5, the recording medium is a magnetic disk 81 (including a floppy disk) on which the program is recorded and an optical disk 82 which are distributed separately from the computer to provide the program to the user.
(CD-ROM (Compact Disk-ReA / DOnly Memory), DVD (Digita
l Versatile Disk), magneto-optical disk 83 (M
D (including Mini-Disk)) or semiconductor memory 84
A ROM 72 storing a program, which is provided to a user in a state in which it is not only constituted by package media such as
And a hard disk included in the storage unit 78.

[0111] In this specification, the step of describing a program recorded on a recording medium may be performed in a chronological order according to the described order. This also includes processing executed in parallel or individually.

In this specification, the system is defined as:
It represents the entire device composed of a plurality of devices.

[0113]

As described above, according to the portable video camera of the present invention, the imaging block, the audio board, the mechanical deck, the main deck, and the battery are used in the case so that they can be relatively easily disassembled for recycling. Thus, it is possible to provide a portable video camera that is inexpensive, requires no preparation, and can be recycled.

According to the information processing apparatus and method of the present invention and the program of the recording medium, the obtained AV data is output as AV data of a predetermined format based on the information on the obtained format. The user can always purchase and use a video camera of the latest format as needed.

According to the information processing system and method of the present invention, of the first device and the second device, the acquired AV data is transferred from the farthest to the designated position to the closest one, and the designated AV data is transferred. It is recorded on the recording medium in the format specified near the location and the customer is notified of the agency near the specified location, eliminating the need to carry a portable video camera, and Thus, it is possible to realize a system capable of easily capturing an image of a subject and acquiring the AV data at a desired position. In addition, it is possible to provide a video camera which is inexpensive and can capture images without worrying about the format.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an overview of a video camera handled in the store of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration for recycling the video camera of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration inside the video camera of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the laboratory apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input sheet.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating recycling performed in the information processing system of FIG. 1;

8 is a diagram illustrating a recording area of the magnetic tape of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the information processing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the information processing system of FIG. 1;

11 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing on the exterior paper of the video camera in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image to which a title has been added.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another processing example of the information processing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a captured image.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a subject is extracted from the image of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which a background is combined with an extracted subject.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating still another processing example of the information processing system in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

1-1, 1-2 lab, 2-1, 2-2 lab equipment,
3-1-1 to 3-2-3 Dealers, 4-1 and 4-
2 editing server, 5-1 and 5-2 content bank, 6 broadcast server, 7 production recycling center,
8 network, 21 video camera, 22
Case, 25 lenses, 26 buttons, 31 exterior paper, 32 mechanical deck, 33 imaging block,
34 main board, 35 audio board, 36
Battery, 54 magnetic tape, 71 CPU, 78
Storage unit, 79 Communication unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yuko Kurihara 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo F-term within Sony Corporation (reference) 5C018 FA02 5C022 AA11 AC32 AC42 AC54 AC61 AC69 AC70 AC72 AC73 AC74 AC77 AC79 5C052 AA01 CC20 DD04 DD10 5C064 BA07 BB05 BC18 BC20 BD08 BD09 DA01

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A case for protecting the inside, an exterior paper surrounding an outer periphery of the case, an imaging block for performing a process of capturing an image, an audio board for performing a process of capturing audio, and recording the image and audio. Deck, which drives a magnetic tape to be controlled, a main deck that performs processing for controlling each unit, and a rechargeable battery that supplies necessary power to each unit. The imaging block, audio board, mechanical deck, main deck, and battery However, the portable video camera is housed in the case so that it can be relatively easily disassembled for recycling. 2. The magnetic tape according to claim 1, wherein an area for recording a test signal, which is prohibited from being recorded by a user, is formed at the rear end of the magnetic tape. Portable video camera. 3. A first acquisition unit for acquiring AV data recorded on a recording medium built in a portable video camera, and a case where the AV data acquired by the first acquisition unit is recorded. Second to get information about the format
Acquiring means, and the AV data acquired by the first acquiring means,
An information processing apparatus, comprising: an output unit that outputs, as AV data of a predetermined format, based on information about the format acquired by the second acquisition unit. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the information on the format from a mark sheet. 5. The information on the format obtained by the second obtaining means includes information on a recording medium for recording AV data, and the output means outputs the AV data of the predetermined format to the second format. Output to the recording medium specified by the information about the format obtained by the obtaining unit,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information is recorded. 6. The second acquisition unit further acquires information on a position where the customer receives the AV data in the predetermined format, and the output unit outputs the AV data in the predetermined format to the second format. 4. An output corresponding to the information on the position acquired by the acquisition means.
An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 7. The second acquisition unit further acquires information on a device that receives the AV data in the predetermined format from a customer, and the output unit outputs the AV data in the predetermined format to the second format. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information is output in accordance with the information on the device acquired by the acquisition unit.
An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 8. The second acquisition unit further acquires information on editing of the AV data acquired by the first acquisition unit, and further acquires the AV data acquired by the first acquisition unit.
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an editing unit configured to perform editing based on the information regarding the editing acquired by the second acquiring unit. 5. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information on the editing is information attached to the portable video camera. 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the AV data obtained by the first obtaining means or the AV data in a predetermined format output from the output means is provided for each portable video camera customer. A storage unit that stores the AV data;
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the data is read and edited. 11. A first acquisition step of acquiring AV data recorded on a recording medium built in a portable video camera, and the AV acquired by the processing of the first acquisition step.
A second acquisition step of acquiring information about a format when data is recorded; and the AV acquired by the processing of the first acquisition step.
An output step of outputting data as AV data of a predetermined format based on the information on the format obtained by the processing of the second obtaining step. 12. A first acquisition control step of controlling acquisition of AV data recorded on a recording medium built in a portable video camera, and acquisition is controlled by the processing of the first acquisition control step. A second acquisition control step of controlling acquisition of information on a format when the AV data is recorded; and the second acquisition control of the AV data, the acquisition of which is controlled by the processing of the first acquisition control step. An output control step of controlling the output as AV data of a predetermined format based on the information on the format controlled to be obtained by the step processing. Recording media. 13. The AV data recorded on a recording medium built in a portable video camera of a customer, which has been delivered from a first agency at a first location, is formatted and designated by the customer. A first device located at a second location and a record built into a portable video camera of a customer, received from a second agency at a third location, to obtain along with information regarding the location of the customer. An information processing system comprising: a second device arranged at a fourth position, for acquiring AV data recorded on a medium together with information on a format designated by the customer and a designated position; And the second device transfers the acquired AV data from a far side to a designated position and records the acquired AV data on a recording medium in a designated format near the designated position. 1 Among the agency and the second agency, information processing system and notifies the agency close to the specified position to the customer. 14. The AV data recorded on a recording medium built in a portable video camera of a customer, which has been delivered from a first agency at a first location, is formatted and designated by the customer. A first device located at a second location and a record built into a portable video camera of a customer, received from a second agency at a third location, to obtain along with information regarding the location of the customer. An information processing method for an information processing system comprising: a second device disposed at a fourth position, wherein the AV data recorded on a medium is acquired together with information on a format designated by the customer and a designated position. The first device and the second device transfer the acquired AV data from the farthest to the designated position to the closer one, and write the acquired AV data on the recording medium in the designated format near the designated position. And, among the first agency and the second agency, information processing method and notifies the agency close to the location specified in the customer.