JP2006019828A - Image recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording apparatus excellent in the degree of setting a time interval for recording still images. <P>SOLUTION: The image recording apparatus is provided with an instructing means (10) for instructing to start recording motion image data; motion image recording means (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 24) for acquiring the predetermined items of image data per predetermined time on the basis of the recording start instruction of the motion image data by the instructing means, and recording the motion image data configured on the basis of a plurality of items of consecutive image data; the setting means (10) for setting a time interval with which one item of image data is extracted from the plurality of items of consecutive image data; and still image recording means (11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21) for picking up image data one by one from the plurality of consecutive image data, on the basis of time interval set by the setting means and recording the extracted image data as still image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus capable of recording still images and moving images.

In recent years, image recording apparatuses capable of recording still images and moving images have become widespread. For example, a technique relating to an image recording apparatus that records image data extracted by a CCD as a still image or records image data extracted by the same CCD as a moving image has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). Further, the image recording apparatus performs motion vector detection of the image signal, determines whether or not the detected value is concentrated on a predetermined range of the screen, and automatically stops if it is concentrated on the predetermined range of the screen. You can also take pictures.
JP 2001-94923 A

  However, the above-described image recording apparatus has a problem that a time interval for recording a still image cannot be set freely. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus described above has a problem that the time interval for recording a still image cannot be automatically adjusted according to the scene.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and is to provide an image recording apparatus excellent in freedom of setting a time interval for recording a still image.

  An image recording apparatus according to the present invention acquires a predetermined number of image data per predetermined time based on an instruction means for instructing recording start of moving image data, and a recording start instruction for moving image data by the instruction means, and a plurality of continuous images Movie recording means for recording movie data configured based on the data, setting means for setting a time interval for extracting one image data from the plurality of continuous image data, and time set by the setting means Still image recording means for extracting image data one by one from the plurality of continuous image data based on the interval and recording the extracted image data as still image data.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the image recording apparatus excellent in the setting freedom of the time interval which records a still image can be provided.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image recording apparatus includes a system controller 10, a lens 11, an image sensor 12, an image A / D conversion circuit 13, a data separation circuit 14, a conversion circuit 15, a signal processing / recording control circuit 16, and a compression circuit. 19, memory controller 20, memory 21, LCD controller 22, LCD (liquid crystal display) 23, double speed recording / reproduction control circuit 24, reproduction control circuit 25, audio A / D conversion circuit 26, image D / A conversion circuit 27, audio A D / A conversion circuit 28 is provided.

  This image recording apparatus has both functions of a so-called digital video camera and digital still camera. That is, this image recording apparatus can record moving images and still images. Also, with this image recording device, there is no need to manually switch between recording of moving images and still images, and still images are automatically recorded at a predetermined timing during moving image recording based on the recording time interval of still images described later. Can do.

  The system controller 10 receives key input from the user, and controls various operations and makes various settings. For example, when moving image shooting by the image recording apparatus is stopped or paused, when the system controller 10 receives a key input for starting moving image shooting from the user, the image pickup by the image sensor 12 is started. That is, the system controller 10 functions as an instruction unit that instructs to start recording a moving image.

  Further, the system controller 10 sets a still image recording time interval. For example, when the system controller 10 receives a key input for setting a still image recording time interval from the user, the user desired still image recording time interval (for example, a time interval such as 1 sec, 2 sec, 3 sec, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, etc.) ) Is set. Also, the system controller 10 selects and sets one still image recording time interval from among a plurality of still image recording time intervals prepared in advance. For example, when the system controller 10 receives a key input for selecting a still image recording time interval from the user, the user-desired still image recording time interval (a time interval such as 1 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec, 1 min, 5 min, 10 min) is set. Select and set. That is, the system controller 10 functions as a setting unit that sets a time interval for recording a still image.

  Furthermore, the system controller determines whether a memory stick or the like is mounted. Further, the system controller controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus, such as an instruction related to recording / playback, zoom image range specification, search operation control, and ON / OFF control of various operations in response to key input from the user. .

  As the image sensor 12, for example, a solid-state image sensor (CCD or C-MOS image sensor or the like) having 31.1 million pixels is used. The double speed compatible recording / playback control circuit 24 records a moving image on an optical disc 30 such as a DVD in a format generally called 400 NTSC horizontal resolutions in a horizontal direction 720 × vertical direction 480.

  An image captured via the lens (optical system) 11 is converted into an electric signal (image data) by the image sensor 12 and supplied to the image A / D conversion circuit 13. The imaging device 12 supplies a predetermined number of image data per predetermined time to the image A / D conversion circuit 13. For example, the image sensor 12 supplies image data for 30 frames / sec to the image A / D conversion circuit 13. The image data converted into a digital signal by the image A / D conversion circuit 13 is supplied to the data separation circuit 14.

  The data separation circuit 14 supplies the image data for 30 frames / sec to the conversion circuit 15, and the data separation circuit 14 uses a plurality of continuous images based on the still image recording time interval set by the system controller 10. Image data is extracted one by one from the data (image data for 30 frames / sec), and the extracted image data is supplied to the compression circuit 19. That is, image data (horizontal 2160 × vertical 1440) is supplied to the compression circuit 19. The compression circuit 19 compresses the supplied image data. The memory controller 20 records the compressed image data in the memory 21. As a result, still image data is recorded at a still image recording time interval set by the system controller 10 (for example, a time interval of 1 sec, 2 sec, 3 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 5 min, 10 min, etc.). The

  In the above description, the case where the image data extraction timing by the data separation circuit 14 is controlled based on the still image recording time interval set by the system controller 10 has been described. However, for example, the following control may be used. The data separation circuit 14 supplies the image data for 30 frames / sec to the compression circuit 19 as it is. The compression circuit 19 extracts image data one by one from a plurality of continuous image data (image data for 30 frames / sec) based on the still image recording time interval set by the system controller 10, and extracts the extracted image. Compress data. As a result, similar to the above control, still image data is recorded at a still image recording time interval set by the system controller 10.

  On the other hand, the conversion circuit 15 converts the image data (horizontal 2160 × vertical 1440) supplied from the data separation circuit 14 into 1/3 data. In other words, the conversion circuit 15 converts the horizontal 2160 × vertical 1440 pixel data into horizontal 720 × vertical 480 pixel data having a resolution suitable for recording, and signals as moving image data configured based on the continuous pixel data. This is supplied to the processing / recording control circuit 16.

  A digital audio signal from the audio A / D conversion circuit 26 is input to the signal processing / recording control circuit 16. The signal processing / recording control circuit 16 associates both the image data supplied from the conversion circuit 15 and the audio data supplied from the audio A / D conversion circuit 26 and supplies them to the double speed compatible recording / reproduction control circuit 24. .

  At the same time, the system controller 10 causes the image data of the signal processing / recording control circuit 16 to be supplied to the LCD controller.

  The double speed compatible recording / playback control circuit 24 encodes the image data and audio data supplied from the signal processing / recording control circuit 16 based on the recording control from the system controller 10 and records them on the optical disc 30.

  The double speed recording / reproduction control circuit 24 reads and decodes image data and audio data recorded on the disk 30 based on reproduction control from the system controller 10. The image data and audio data decoded by the double speed recording / reproduction control circuit 24 are supplied to the reproduction control circuit 25. The reproduction control circuit 25 separates the image data and the sound data, supplies the image data to the image D / A conversion circuit 27, and supplies the sound data to the sound D / A conversion circuit 28.

  The double speed compatible recording / reproducing control circuit 24 performs the operation of the optical pickup for irradiating the optical disk 30 with a light beam or detecting the reflected light from the light beam 30 based on the control of the system controller 10. Control. Furthermore, the double speed recording / reproduction control circuit 24 also controls a disk motor for rotating the optical disk 30 based on the control of the system controller 10 to realize double speed recording / reproduction.

  The LCD controller 24 adds various data to be displayed on the LCD 23 instructed by the system controller 10 to the moving image data supplied from the signal processing / recording control circuit 16 or the still image data supplied from the memory 21. The final data to be displayed on the LCD 23 is generated and supplied to the LCD.

  In the above description, the still image data is recorded in the memory 21, but the still image data may be recorded on the disk 30 together with the moving image data.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image recording apparatus includes a system controller 10, a lens 11, an image sensor 12, an image A / D conversion circuit 13, a data separation circuit 14, a conversion circuit 15, a signal processing / recording control circuit 16, and a motion detection. Circuit 17, compression timing control circuit 18, compression circuit 19, memory controller 20, memory 21, LCD controller 22, LCD (liquid crystal display) 23, double speed compatible recording / reproduction control circuit 24, reproduction control circuit 25, audio A / D conversion circuit 26, an image D / A conversion circuit 27, and an audio D / A conversion circuit 28. The basic configuration of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is the same as that of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. The recording process of still image data including the difference between them will be described in detail below.

  The data separation circuit 14 of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 supplies image data for 30 frames / sec to the compression circuit 19 as it is. On the other hand, the still picture recording time interval is notified from the system controller 10 to the compression timing control circuit 18. Based on the still image recording time interval, the compression timing control circuit 18 controls the timing of extracting and compressing image data from a plurality of image data (image data for 30 frames / sec) supplied to the compression circuit 19. To do. Thereby, the compression circuit 19 extracts image data from a plurality of image data (image data for 30 frames / sec) at a still image recording time interval set by the system controller 10 and compresses the image data. That is, still image data is recorded at a still image recording time interval set by the system controller 10.

  First, the first still image recording mode that can be set in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or 2 will be described. The system controller 10 receives a key input of the first still image recording mode from the user and sets the first still image recording mode. When the first still image recording mode is set in the image recording apparatus, and when the system controller 10 receives a key input for starting the moving image shooting from the user while the moving image shooting by the image recording apparatus is stopped or paused, the system controller Reference numeral 10 denotes a data separation circuit 14 (or a compression circuit) after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of image capturing by the image sensor 12 and the receipt of a key input for starting moving image capturing from the user (after the camera is in focus). 19), it instructs to extract image data based on a preset still image recording time interval. As a result, the data separation circuit 14 (or the compression circuit 19) starts extracting image data after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the key input for starting moving image shooting from the user, and the image data extracted by the memory controller 20 Are recorded in the memory 21 as still image data. As a result, still image data can be prevented from being shot before the camera is in focus, and still images can be recorded at desired still image recording time intervals after the camera is in focus.

  Next, the second still image recording mode that can be set in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The system controller 10 accepts a key input of the second still image recording mode from the user, and sets the second still image recording mode. When the second still image recording mode is set in the image recording apparatus and the system controller 10 receives a key input for starting moving image capturing from the user, the system controller 10 starts image capturing by the image sensor 12. Accordingly, image data is supplied from the conversion circuit 15 to the motion detection circuit 17. The motion detection circuit 17 detects the motion of the subject (a state unsuitable for shooting) based on the supplied image data. For example, the motion detection circuit 17 detects a state where a person is closing his / her eyes as a state inappropriate for photographing. The compression timing control circuit 18 is based on a detection result of a state unsuitable for photographing by the motion detection circuit 17 (in order to avoid extraction of image data corresponding to a subject unsuitable for photographing). Change the extraction timing of the image data corresponding to the image recording time interval (for example, 1 min) (for example, change it between 55 to 65 sec), and select from among multiple image data based on the changed extraction timing (55 to 65 sec) Controls the timing of extracting and compressing one piece of image data. Thereby, the compression circuit 19 extracts one image data from a plurality of image data based on the changed extraction timing (55 to 65 sec), and compresses the extracted image data. As a result, the shooting timing of the still image is finely adjusted, and shooting of a subject that is not suitable for shooting is avoided. As a result, still image data corresponding to a subject that is suitable for shooting can be recorded. For example, in the state where the person is closed in the image data at the extraction timing of the image data corresponding to the still image recording time interval (for example, 1 min), the extraction timing is finely adjusted (55 to 65 sec). By fine adjustment), it is possible to record an image with the eyes open.

  Further, as a modification of the second still image recording mode described above, there is the following still image recording. For example, when it is detected by the motion detection circuit 17 that the camera (image recording device) is moving relative to the subject at a certain speed, the still image may not be recorded. That is, the motion detection circuit 17 detects whether or not there is a change of a certain pixel or more between the previous frame and the current frame. When a change of a certain pixel or more is detected, a still image is not recorded even at a timing corresponding to a still image recording time interval.

  Next, the third still image recording mode that can be set in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The system controller 10 receives a key input of the third still image recording mode from the user and sets the third still image recording mode. When the third still image recording mode is set in the image recording apparatus and the system controller 10 receives a key input for starting moving image shooting from the user, the system controller 10 starts image capturing by the image sensor 12. Accordingly, image data is supplied from the conversion circuit 15 to the motion detection circuit 17. The motion detection circuit 17 detects the motion of the subject (a state suitable for shooting) based on the supplied image data. For example, the motion detection circuit 17 detects a state where the size of the subject is constant (a stable state) as a state suitable for shooting. The compression timing control circuit 18 sets a preset still image recording time based on a detection result of a state suitable for photographing by the motion detection circuit 17 (in order to extract image data corresponding to a subject in a state suitable for photographing). Change the interval (eg 1 min) to the minimum still image recording time interval (eg 1 sec), and control the timing for extracting and compressing one image data from multiple image data based on the changed still image recording minimum time interval To do. Accordingly, the compression circuit 19 extracts one image data from the plurality of image data based on the changed still image recording minimum time interval, and compresses the extracted image data. As a result, still images are continuously shot in the photo opportunity state.

  Next, a fourth still image recording mode that can be set in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The system controller 10 accepts a key input of the fourth still image recording mode from the user and sets the fourth still image recording mode. When the fourth still image recording mode is set in the image recording apparatus and the system controller 10 receives a key input for starting moving image shooting from the user, the system controller 10 starts image capturing by the image sensor 12. Accordingly, image data is supplied from the conversion circuit 15 to the motion detection circuit 17. The motion detection circuit 17 detects an abrupt scene change based on the supplied image data. As an example, the motion detection circuit 17 converts a change amount for each frame into a numerical value and stores it, and identifies a frame having a large change amount. Assuming that the level of the change amount is 128 steps, when the change amount change is 32 → 32 → 32 → 128 → 32 → 32, the frame of the change amount 128 is detected as a sudden change of the scene. The compression timing control circuit 18 controls the timing for extracting and compressing one image data (rapid scene change) from a plurality of image data based on the detection result of the sudden scene change by the motion detection circuit 17. . Thereby, the compression circuit 19 extracts the image data immediately after the scene is switched, and compresses the extracted image data. As a result, a still image immediately after the scene is switched can be recorded.

  Next, a fifth still image recording mode that can be set in the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. The system controller 10 receives a key input of the fifth still image recording mode from the user and sets the fifth still image recording mode. When the fifth still image recording mode is set in the image recording apparatus, the system controller 10 sets the still image recording time interval based on the free capacity of the memory 21 that is the recording destination of the still image data. If the free space in the memory 21 is large, the still image recording time interval is set short. Conversely, if the free space in the memory 21 is small, the still image recording time interval is set long. Alternatively, the system controller 10 records the still image based on the free space of the memory 21 that is the recording destination of the still image data and the free space of the optical disc 30 that is the recording destination of the moving image data (the longest recording time of the moving image data determined from the data). Set the time interval. For example, when it is found that the longest recording time of moving image data is 30 min and it is found from the free capacity of the memory 21 that 10 still image data can be recorded, the still image recording time interval is set to 3 min. Is set.

  As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present invention, by setting a still image recording time interval or a still image recording condition, a high-pixel still image is automatically captured at an appropriate timing while shooting a moving image. Can be recorded. As a result, a desired high-quality still image can be recorded even when concentrated on moving image shooting.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, the embodiments may be appropriately combined as much as possible, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the column of the effect of the invention Can be obtained as an invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the image recording apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... System controller, 11 ... Lens, 12 ... Imaging device, 13 ... Image A / D conversion circuit, 14 ... Data separation circuit, 15 ... Conversion circuit, 16 ... Signal processing / recording control circuit, 17 ... Motion detection circuit, 18 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Compression timing control circuit, 19 ... Compression circuit, 20 ... Memory controller, 21 ... Memory, 22 ... LCD controller, 23 ... LCD (liquid crystal display), 24 ... Recording / reproduction control circuit corresponding to double speed, 25 ... Reproduction control circuit, 26 ... Audio A / D conversion circuit 27 ... Image D / A conversion circuit 28 ... Audio D / A conversion circuit

Claims (8)

Instruction means for instructing the start of recording of video data;
A moving image recording means for acquiring a predetermined number of image data per predetermined time based on an instruction to start recording moving image data by the instruction means, and recording moving image data configured based on a plurality of continuous image data;
A setting means for setting a time interval for extracting one image data from the plurality of continuous image data;
Still image recording means for extracting image data one by one from the plurality of continuous image data based on the time interval set by the setting means, and recording the extracted image data as still image data;
An image recording apparatus comprising:   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit selects and sets a predetermined time interval from a plurality of time intervals prepared in advance.   The still image recording means starts extracting image data based on the time interval set by the setting means after a lapse of a certain time after receiving the instruction to start recording moving image data by the instruction means, and extracts the extracted image data. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus records as still image data. Comprising a motion detection means for detecting the motion of the subject;
The still image recording means is arranged at a time interval set by the setting means in order to avoid extraction of image data corresponding to a subject unsuitable for photographing, which is determined from a result of motion detection of the subject by the motion detecting means. The extraction timing of the corresponding image data is changed, the image data is extracted from the plurality of continuous image data based on the changed extraction timing, and the extracted image data is recorded as still image data. Item 8. The image recording apparatus according to Item 1. Comprising a motion detection means for detecting the motion of the subject;
The still image recording means sets the time interval set by the setting means in order to continuously extract image data corresponding to the subject in a state suitable for shooting determined from the motion detection result of the subject by the motion detecting means. Change to the minimum time interval, extract image data one by one from the plurality of continuous image data based on the changed minimum time interval, and continuously extract the plurality of image data extracted based on the minimum time interval The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus records as data.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a time interval for extracting the image data based on a free space of a recording destination of the still image data.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a time interval for extracting the image data based on a free space at a recording destination of still image data and a free space at a recording destination of moving image data. .   The setting means sets a time interval for extracting the image data based on the longest recording time of moving image data determined from the free space of the recording destination of still image data and the free space of the recording destination of moving image data. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1.

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