JP2006113766A - Video device and video output control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video device for outputting a video/audio signal with a plurality of formats and a video output control method for automatically interrupting/reconnecting the connection of the video device and a computer without physically inserting/extracting a cable when the format of the video/audio signal to be outputted to the computer is switched. <P>SOLUTION: A network control part 36 of a video device 10 detects that the format of a video/audio signal has changed, and controls a network interface 37 to perform cable extraction processing for logically interrupting network connection, and then to perform processing when a normal cable is extracted. After the lapse of a predetermined time, the network control part 36 controls the network interface 37 again to perform cable insertion processing for logically reconnecting the network, and then to perform processing when the normal cable is inserted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a video device capable of outputting video / audio signals in a plurality of formats and a control method for outputting an image signal in such a video device.

  In recent years, video devices such as video camera devices have been widespread, and moving images and still images recorded on recording media such as tapes and disks are output to a computer such as a personal computer or a television device for viewing. Usage modes are also becoming common. Such a viewing mode is realized by simply connecting a video device and a computer or the like with a predetermined cable and performing a predetermined simple operation.

  On the other hand, the improvement of the function of the video camera apparatus that is spreading in this way is also remarkable. For example, models that can record video and audio signals of different formats on the same recording medium have also appeared. An example of such a video / audio signal format is a combination of DV (Digital Video) format and HDV (High Definition Video) format.

  The DV format is a recording format widely used in consumer video camera devices, and compresses data at a fixed rate of about 3.5 Mb / sec. Such a compression rate can bring the broadcast level quality as close as possible. Since video and audio data is digitized and recorded on a tape, it is copied to a disk device of a computer via a cable or backed up to a tape without the quality deterioration of analog copy. You can also A recording medium used in a video camera apparatus adopting this recording format is a DV cassette tape or a mini DV cassette tape, and the mini DV cassette tape is physically smaller than the DV cassette tape and can be recorded. Becomes shorter.

  On the other hand, the HDV format includes a 720p (progressive) system and a 1080i (interlace) system, and can record and reproduce high-definition HD (High Definition) video. The video format is MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2), which is compressed at a rate of about 19 Mb / sec in the progressive format and about 25 Mb / sec in the interlace format.

  In addition, the HDV standard employs the same cassette, tape speed, and track pitch as the DV standard, and therefore has a high affinity for products of the DV standard. More specifically, a recording / playback function based on the HDV format can be added to a DV standard video camera device to record video / audio signals of both formats on a single tape or the like.

  However, a video camera device that supports both the DV format and the HDV format is connected to a computer via a cable (IEEE 1394 cable) defined by IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 1394, for example. If the format of the output image (reproduced image) is switched during reproduction, there may be a problem that the computer hangs up.

  This is because, when a computer is connected to a video camera device via an IEEE 1394 cable, a dedicated driver of the format employed by the video camera device (played back at that time) is read, and thereafter the IEEE 1394 cable is read. This occurs because data is exchanged with the video camera device via the driver.

  In other words, when the computer is connected to the video camera device via the IEEE 1394 cable, the computer determines whether the video camera device is compatible with the DV format or the HDV format (MPEG2) based on the IEEE 1394 standard. As a result of the determination, a driver corresponding to the format of the video camera device is read, and thereafter data transmission / reception with the video camera device is performed via the driver until the connection with the video camera device is disconnected. As a result, when a video / audio signal of a different format is received from the video camera device on the way, the driver cannot cope with it and causes problems such as the computer itself hanging up.

  Therefore, in order to avoid such a problem, it is necessary to once disconnect and reconnect the connection between the video camera device and the computer every time the format of data to be output (reproduced) changes. This requires, for example, physical plugging and unplugging of the cable.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, when an information device such as a computer and a peripheral device such as a storage device are connected, the information device detects an error signal from the peripheral device and the interface between the two devices. Is disconnected, leaving only a part, and when a return signal from an error is detected, the interface is reconnected.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-31063

  Patent Document 2 discloses a network control apparatus that can remotely control a node connected to an IEEE 1394 bus so as to be automatically disconnected from the network.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-163912

  Furthermore, among video camera apparatuses that have been commercially available and that are compatible with recording and playback of the HDV format and DV format, there are some that use a hard switch to disconnect and reconnect the IEEE 1394 bus.

  However, in order to avoid the above-described problems such as hang-up of the computer, every time the format of the video / audio signal output from the video camera device changes, the connection between the video camera device and the computer is temporarily cut off, It is not a realistic solution to plug and unplug the cable to reconnect. This is because recording data such as a DV cassette tape may be recorded with a mixture of such HDV format data and DV format data. Depending on the order of recording, data may be frequently used in a series of DV cassette tape playback processes. This is because the format may change.

  Also, the user may instruct to play back DV format data while playing back the HDV format data recorded on the DV cassette tape by operating the menu of the video camera device or the like. It is also conceivable to instruct to play back HDV format data during playback of DV format data. Such an erroneous operation can occur in many cases, for example, when the playback mode and the recording mode of the video camera device are mistaken.

  Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above is to disconnect a part of an interface between both devices when an error signal from a connected peripheral device is detected, and to disconnect all the interfaces. is not. Further, in this technique, an error signal from a peripheral device and a return signal from the error are detected, and the interface is shut off and reconnected, and an error caused by the operation of the information device itself is not prevented. This technology is only for the purpose of improving the integrity of data stored in peripheral devices such as storage devices, and is used to avoid the occurrence of problems such as computer hang-up described above. It's not a possible technology.

  Furthermore, the network control device disclosed in Patent Document 2 described above disconnects an unnecessary node that does not perform data transmission from the network system when 64 or more nodes are mistakenly connected to the IEEE 1394 bus. Therefore, it is impossible to avoid the occurrence of the above-described problems such as hang-up by applying this apparatus in terms of its purpose and configuration.

  Furthermore, in the video camera device provided with the above-described hard switch, the connection between the video camera device and the computer cannot be automatically disconnected and reconnected without using a user. Providing such a hard switch not only makes the user's operation more complicated, but also hinders reduction in the number of parts and miniaturization of the video camera device.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a connection between a video device and a computer when the format of the video / audio signal to be output to a computer is switched in a video device capable of outputting video / audio signals in a plurality of formats. Another object of the present invention is to provide a video apparatus and a video output control method that automatically shuts off and reconnects without connecting or disconnecting a physical cable.

  According to a first embodiment of the present invention, signal control means capable of outputting an image signal in a plurality of formats, interface means for connecting to a computer, and control for transmitting the image signal to a computer using the interface means Interface control means for controlling the interface means to change the physical connection state when the format of the image signal is switched when the interface control means is connected to the computer via the interface means. The video apparatus is configured such that the connection with the computer is cut off without being performed, and the computer is reconnected with the computer without changing the physical connection state after a predetermined period has elapsed.

  According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a video apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a predetermined period is set so that the computer is longer than a time during which disconnection of a connection can be detected. is there.

  According to the first and second embodiments, even if the format of the image signal changes while the video apparatus is transmitting (reproducing) the image signal to the computer, the driver on the computer side is changed to an appropriate one. The risk of problems such as computer hang-up is eliminated.

  According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a transmitting step for controlling an image signal that can be output in a plurality of formats to be transmitted to a computer via an interface means for connecting to the computer, and a transmission step connected to the computer. When the format of the image signal is switched, the interface means is controlled to cut off the connection with the computer without changing the physical connection state, and after a predetermined period has passed, This is a video output control method configured to include a disconnection / reconnection step of reconnecting to a computer without changing a simple connection state.

  According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the video output control in which the predetermined period is set so that the computer is longer than the time that can detect the disconnection of the connection. Is the method.

  According to the third and fourth embodiments, the driver on the computer side is changed to an appropriate one even if the format of the image signal changes while the video apparatus is transmitting (reproducing) the image signal to the computer. The risk of problems such as computer hang-up is eliminated.

  When the format of the video / audio signal output to the computer is switched by the video device and the video output control method according to the present invention, the connection between the video device and the computer is automatically performed without connecting / disconnecting a physical cable. Will be disconnected and reconnected. When the computer switches the video / audio signal format output by the video device during the reconnection timing, it loads the driver corresponding to the video / audio signal format output by the video device. Even if there is, there is no problem such as hang-up.

  The video device according to the present invention is a video device capable of outputting video / audio signals in a plurality of formats. The video device includes not only a device that outputs a moving image but also a device that outputs a still image. In this case, the video device can output video signals in a plurality of formats.

  Here, the video / audio signals of a plurality of formats are, for example, combinations of DV format data (signals) and HDV format data (signals). Normally, these moving image formats include not only video data but also audio data. However, in the present invention, it is sufficient that at least an image signal (video signal) consisting of a moving image or a still image can be handled. In the specification, a device that outputs data based on these formats is simply referred to as a “video device”.

  Initially, with reference to FIG. 1, the connection form of the video apparatus of this invention and a computer is demonstrated. FIG. 1 shows a video apparatus 10 and a computer 11 according to the present invention, both of which are connected to each other by an IEEE 1394 cable 14. This connection forms an IEEE 1394 bus. Control signals and video / audio signals (video / audio signals) are exchanged between the video apparatus 10 and the computer 11 via the IEEE 1394 cable 14. The computer 11 is a conventional computer having a general configuration.

  A typical example of the exchange of video / audio signals is a form in which a video / audio signal recorded on a recording medium by the video apparatus 10 is output to the computer 11 via the IEEE1394 cable 14. The computer 11 performs a predetermined decoding process on the video / audio signal received from the video device 10, for example, sends the video signal obtained as a result to the monitor 12, displays the video, and sends the audio signal to the speaker 13. Audio is output by sending.

  The video apparatus 10 according to the present invention connects the video apparatus 10 and the computer 11 (by software control) at the timing when the format is switched so that the computer 11 can normally receive video / audio signals of a plurality of different formats. It pretends to be disconnected once and then reconnected. This has the same effect as the IEEE 1394 cable 14 is physically inserted and removed. During such fake processing, the IEEE 1394 cable 14 is physically kept connected between the video apparatus 10 and the computer 11. That is, the physical connection state between the video apparatus 10 and the computer 11 is not changed.

  FIG. 2 shows the concept of such a forgery process of blocking / reconnecting. FIG. 2A shows a normal state in which the video apparatus 10, the computer 11, and the devices 21 to 23 are physically connected to the network 24 (in this example, the IEEE 1394 bus) and logically connected. It is. Here, for example, when a list of devices connected to the computer 11 via the network 24 is displayed using a predetermined network tool operating on the computer 11, the video device 10 and the devices 21 to 23 appear. become.

  FIG. 2B shows a state in which the video apparatus 10 once logically cuts off the connection with the network 24 as described above. As in FIG. 2A, the video device 10, the computer 11, and the devices 21 to 23 are physically connected to the network 24, but the video device 10 is not logically connected to the network 24. is there. Here, for example, when a list of devices connected to the computer 11 via the network 24 is displayed using a predetermined network tool operating on the computer 11, the devices 21 to 23 appear, but logically An unconnected video device 10 does not appear.

  When a certain time has elapsed, the video apparatus 10 is logically connected to the network 24 again, and returns from the state shown in FIG. 2B to the state shown in FIG. 2A.

  Next, the configuration of the video apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The video apparatus 10 includes a camera unit 31, a camera control unit 32, a mechanism control unit 33, a user interface control unit 34, a signal control unit 35, an interface control unit 36, and an interface unit 37.

  The camera unit 31 includes an imaging device such as a shutter, a lens, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), for example, and outputs a captured moving image or still image as an electrical signal. The camera control unit 32 performs control of shutter operation, zoom and focus control, and the like. The mechanism control unit 33 controls the operation of each unit related to recording and playback of the video apparatus 10.

  The user interface control unit 34 displays a menu screen instructed by the user on a monitor unit (not shown) of the video apparatus 10 using an OSD (On-Screen Display) or the like, and receives a user instruction therefrom. Further, the user interface control unit 34 detects that various buttons (not shown) included in the video apparatus 10 are pressed by the user, and transmits a necessary signal to the mechanism control unit 33 and the like accordingly.

  The signal control unit 35 has a function of encoding an electric signal obtained from the camera unit 31 or the like to generate a video signal, or decoding a video / audio signal recorded on a recording medium and displaying it on a monitor unit. Have. The signal control unit 35 also has a function of outputting the video / audio signal recorded on the recording medium to the outside through the interface unit 37 in the same format (or after being decoded into another format). Further, the signal control unit 35 has a function of recording / reproducing and processing video / audio signals in a plurality of formats.

  When the interface control unit 36 detects a change in the format of the video / audio signal in the recording medium or a format change instruction by the user, the interface control unit 36 performs control so as to logically block the network 38, and then a certain time elapses. The network 38 is controlled to be reconnected. The interface unit 37 is connected to a network 38 that is, for example, an IEEE 1394 bus, and operates so as to realize blocking / reconnection with respect to the network 38 according to the control of the interface control unit 36.

  The configurations of the interface control unit 36 and the interface unit 37 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the CPU 41, the LINK unit 42, and the PHY unit 43 are represented by a three-chip configuration, a two-chip configuration, and a one-chip configuration, respectively. Of these, what kind of configuration is adopted is merely a matter of design. In addition, these chip configurations are merely examples, and various other patterns can be considered. Basically, the CPU 41 realizes the function of the interface control unit 36, and the LINK unit 42 and the PHY unit 43 correspond to the interface unit 37. Note that although the CPU 41 may be related to other controls of the video apparatus depending on the configuration, for the sake of convenience, the CPU 41 is related only to the network control described here.

  The LINK unit 42 is a part that manages the functions of the data link layer. The basic function of the LINK unit 42 is to send a packet of data to be transmitted to the PHY unit 43 and to receive the transaction layer and application layer of the data packet received by the PHY unit 43. It is to manage sending to.

  The PHY unit 43 manages the electrical interface of the physical layer, and its basic function is to serially convert parallel data from the LINK unit 42 and generate an IEEE 1394 standard electrical signal, and conversely, IEEE 1394. The standard electric signal is returned to serial data, and is further transferred to the LINK unit 42 as parallel data. Further, the PHY unit 43 alone performs repeat, cable status recognition, bus initialization, arbitration, etc. as the basic functions of the serial bus.

  The IEEE 1394 communication layer includes a PHY layer, a LINK layer, and a TRANSACTION layer, and serial bus management. The physical layer corresponds to the PHY layer, and the data link layer corresponds to the LINK layer.

  Next, an example of a procedure for the computer 11 to select a driver will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S10, the computer 11 detects whether or not the video apparatus 10 is connected to the computer 11 via the IEEE 1394 bus. Such connection determination is repeated at least for a predetermined period (NO in step S10). When the computer 11 detects that the video device 10 is connected (YES in step S10), in step S12, for example, an AV / C (Audio / Video Control) such as an Output_Plug_Signal_Format command or an Output_Signal_Mode command is sent to the video device 10. Send a command (AV / C Digital Interface Command Set).

  Next, in step S14, depending on the type of response to the AV / C command, the video apparatus 10 is an MPEG device that transmits a video / audio signal in HDV format (MPEG2 format), or a video / audio signal in DV format. It is determined whether the device is a DV device that transmits a message. Specifically, the video apparatus 10 that returns a signal indicating that it is a DV device to at least one of these commands is determined to be a DV apparatus.

  If it is determined in step S14 that the video apparatus 10 is an MPEG device, the computer 11 receives a data in the MPEG format from the video apparatus 10 via the IEEE1394 bus (MPEG driver) in step S16. Is read.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the video apparatus 10 is a DV device, the computer 11 receives a DV format data driver (DV) from the video apparatus 10 via the IEEE1394 bus in step S18. Driver).

  The MPEG driver and the DV driver conform to the MPEG transmission standard and the DV transmission standard of the AV protocol defined in IEEE1394, respectively. The computer 11 decodes the video / audio signal acquired through the MPEG driver or the DV driver as necessary, and displays the decoded signal on a monitor or the like. Further, the video / audio signal can be controlled to be recorded on the hard disk or the like of the computer 11.

  As described above, depending on the OS (Operating System), when a signal having a format other than the corresponding format is provided to the driver that is selectively read in this manner, the computer 11 itself hangs up. May occur.

  Next, an example of a menu for selecting an operation mode, a format, and the like in the video apparatus 10 capable of outputting a plurality of formats of video / audio signals will be described with reference to FIG. Such a menu screen is displayed, for example, on the monitor unit or finder unit of the video apparatus 10 using an OSD (On-Screen Display) function. In addition, in order for the user to select each item displayed on the menu screen, for example, a button, a switch, or an input means of a type having both a dial and a button arranged on the operation unit of the video apparatus 10 is used. . Such a menu structure and selection function are the same as those of the conventional video apparatus 100.

  A menu 51 shown on the left side of FIG. 6 is used to select an operation mode of the video apparatus 10. For example, one operation mode is selected from a video recording mode and a video playback mode. In this example, an example in which the video playback mode is selected is shown.

  When the video playback mode is selected in the menu 51, a menu 52 pops up on the right side, and in which format the video / audio signal is output in the video playback mode. The menu 52 is displayed according to the mode selected from the menu 51. Therefore, the contents and number of items displayed on the menu 52 can change according to the item selected on the menu 51.

  When “Auto” is selected in the menu 52 item, the video apparatus 10 reproduces a video / audio signal recorded on a recording medium such as a cassette tape in the recorded format. For example, if the video apparatus 10 is compatible with the DV format and the HDV format, a DV signal or an MPEG signal is output. At this time, when the video apparatus 10 is connected to the computer 11 via the IEEE 1394 bus and outputs a DV signal, the computer 11 regards the video apparatus 10 as a DV device and reads a DV driver. When outputting an MPEG signal, the computer 11 regards the video apparatus 10 as an MPEG device and reads an MPEG driver.

  Here, when a recording medium on which a video / audio signal in a DV format and an HDV format is mixedly recorded is played back by the conventional video apparatus 100, the format differs from the format played back when the computer 11 is connected. When the video / audio signal is reproduced, there is a risk of causing the computer 11 to hang as described above.

  When “HDV” is selected in the menu 52, the video apparatus 100 outputs only the MPEG signal regardless of the recording format on the recording medium. An MPEG dummy signal is output for a portion where a DV format video / audio signal is recorded. For this reason, the computer 11 reads the MPEG driver regardless of the time when it is connected to the computer 11 and, as long as this “HDV” is selected, the above hang-up problem is avoided.

  On the other hand, when “DV” is selected in the menu 52, the video apparatus 100 outputs only a DV signal regardless of the recording format on the recording medium. A DV dummy signal is output for a portion in which a video / audio signal in the MPEG format is recorded. For this reason, the computer 11 reads the driver for DV regardless of the time when it is connected to the computer 11, and thereafter, as long as this "DV" is selected, the above hang-up problem is avoided.

  Conversely, when “HDV” is selected from the menu 52 and connected to the computer 11 and then switched to select “DV” from the menu 52, or “DV” is selected from the menu 52 and connected to the computer 11. Then, if the menu 52 is switched to select “HDV”, the computer 11 may hang up.

  However, even when the selection is switched in this way, once the user unplugs the IEEE 1394 cable (from the video apparatus 100 or the computer 11) and plugs it in again, the computer 11 newly reads a driver corresponding to the switched format. Therefore, no problem occurs. However, if “auto” is selected in the menu 52 and the DV and MPEG signals are recorded on the recording medium, the user plugs in and unplugs the cable whenever the recording format changes. There is no reason to avoid the hang-up problem.

  Here, the above-described situation occurring in the conventional video apparatus 100 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 shows a case where “auto” is selected in the video playback mode (“auto” is selected in the menu 52), and the video recorded on the recording medium during playback for mixed recording. The case where the audio signal is changed from the MPEG signal to the DV signal is shown.

  Initially, an MPEG signal is output from the conventional video apparatus 100, and an MPEG driver is read in the computer 11 accordingly. However, if a DV signal is output from the video apparatus 100 in the middle, the MPEG driver is still read in the computer 11 and hangs up at that time.

  FIG. 8 shows a case where the change pattern of the video / audio signal is opposite to that in FIG. That is, when “auto” is selected in the video playback mode (“auto” is selected in the menu 52), the video / audio recorded on the recording medium during the playback for mixed recording. A case where the signal changes from a DV signal to an MPEG signal is shown.

  Initially, a DV signal is output from the video apparatus 100, and the DV driver is read in the computer 11 accordingly. However, if an MPEG signal is output from the video apparatus 100 in the middle, the DV driver is still read in the computer 11 and hangs up at that time.

  FIG. 9 shows a case where “HDV” is selected in the video playback mode (“HDV” is selected in the menu 52), and the video recorded on the recording medium during playback for mixed recording. The case where the audio signal is changed from the MPEG signal to the DV signal is shown.

  Initially, an MPEG signal is output from the video apparatus 100, and the MPEG driver is read in the computer 11 accordingly. Thereafter, the video / audio signal recorded on the recording medium becomes a DV signal, but since the video playback mode of the video apparatus 100 is “HDV”, a dummy signal in the MPEG format (MPEG dummy signal) is output. Since the computer 11 processes this signal with the MPEG driver that has been read, the problem of hang-up does not occur. However, in this case, the hang-up can be avoided, but the portion recorded in the DV format becomes an MPEG dummy signal, so that the portion cannot be viewed.

  FIG. 10 shows a case where “DV” is selected in the video playback mode (“DV” is selected in the menu 52), and the video recorded on the recording medium during playback for mixed recording. The case where the audio signal is changed from the DV signal to the MPEG signal is shown.

  Initially, a DV signal is output from the video apparatus 100, and the DV driver is read in the computer 11 accordingly. Thereafter, the video / audio signal recorded on the recording medium becomes an MPEG signal. Since the video playback mode of the video apparatus 100 is “DV”, a DV format dummy signal (DV dummy signal) is output. Since the computer 11 processes this signal with the DV driver that has been read, there is no hang-up problem. However, in this case, the hang-up can be avoided, but the portion recorded in the MPEG format becomes a DV dummy signal, so that the portion cannot be viewed.

  FIG. 11 shows a case where “HDV” is selected in the video playback mode (“HDV” is selected in the menu 52), and only the video / audio signal in the MPEG format is recorded on the recording medium. This shows a case where the video playback mode is switched to “DV” due to a user's erroneous operation or the like during the playback of the MPEG signal.

  Initially, an MPEG signal is output from the video apparatus 100, and the MPEG driver is read in the computer 11 accordingly. Thereafter, although only the video / audio signal in the MPEG format is recorded on the recording medium, the video playback mode of the video apparatus 100 is forcibly switched to “DV”. Therefore, the DV format dummy signal (DV Dummy signal) is output. Since the computer 11 processes this signal with the MPEG driver as it is read, a hang-up problem occurs.

  FIG. 12 shows a case where “DV” is selected in the video playback mode (“DV” is selected in the menu 52), and only the DV format video / audio signal is recorded on the recording medium. This shows a case where the video playback mode has been switched to “HDV” due to a user's erroneous operation or the like during playback of a DV signal.

  Initially, a DV signal is output from the video apparatus 100, and the DV driver is read in the computer 11 accordingly. Thereafter, although only the DV format video / audio signal is recorded on the recording medium, the video playback mode of the video apparatus 100 is forcibly switched to “HDV”. Dummy signal) is output. Since the computer 11 processes this signal with the DV driver that has been read, a hang-up problem occurs.

  Next, a method for avoiding the hang-up problem in the video apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the video apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 13, “HDV” is initially selected in the video playback mode, and the computer 11 reads the MPEG driver when connected. Since the video playback mode is “HDV”, an MPEG format signal is output regardless of whether the video / audio signal recorded on the recording medium is the MPEG format or the DV format. That is, when a video / audio signal in the MPEG format is recorded on the recording medium, an MPEG signal is output. In the DV format, an MPEG dummy signal is output.

  Here, when the video playback mode is switched from “HDV” to “DV” by the user and a DV signal is output to the computer 11, the video apparatus 10 temporarily connects the IEEE 1394 bus between the video apparatus 10 and the computer 11. After a certain amount of time has passed, the connection is controlled again.

  By performing such control, the computer 11 can read the DV driver and normally receive the DV signal output from the video apparatus 10 at the time of reconnection. The control of the disconnection and reconnection of the video apparatus 10 is substantially performed without connecting / disconnecting the IEEE 1394 cable. On the other hand, the computer 11 has an effect equivalent to that of connecting / disconnecting the IEEE 1394 cable.

  FIG. 13 shows an example in which the video playback mode is switched from “HDV” to “DV” for some reason even though the video / audio signal in the HDV format is recorded on the recording medium. However, even in the reverse case where the video playback mode is switched from “DV” to “HDV” even though a DV format video / audio signal is recorded on the recording medium, the video device 10 is the same as the video device 10. The problem of hang-up can be avoided by controlling.

  When the video playback mode is set to “Auto”, the video / audio signal recorded on the recording medium changes from the HDV format to the DV format (and, conversely, the DV format changes to the HDV format). ) The video apparatus 10 can detect the change in the format and control the disconnection and reconnection.

  Next, the procedure of the video apparatus 10 for realizing the processing shown in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this example, the interface control unit 36 of the video apparatus 10 that has detected that the format of the output video / audio signal has been switched once resets an IC (Integrated Circuit) that substantially constitutes the interface unit 37. And cancel the reset after a certain period of time. Thereafter, the interface control unit 36 itself detects disconnection (blocking) from the IEEE 1394 bus due to the reset of the interface unit 37, and performs the same processing as when the cable is disconnected at normal times.

  After that, the interface control unit 36 itself detects the connection to the IEEE 1394 bus due to the reset release of the interface unit 37, and performs the same processing as when the cable is connected at normal time.

Such disconnection from the IEEE 1394 bus depends on the configuration of the interface control unit 36, but for example, the following method can be considered.
(1) The IC corresponding to the interface unit 37 is stopped to disconnect from the IEEE1394 bus.
(2) Disconnecting from the IEEE1394 bus by stopping the interface control unit 36 including the CPU 41.
(3) The video apparatus 10 itself is disconnected from the IEEE1394 bus by turning off the power. In this case, the video apparatus 10 needs to include a power supply unit that controls the shutoff and on of the power supply.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 14, first, in step S30, it is detected whether or not the video playback mode has been switched. This detection detects an operation in which the user operates the menu to switch from “HDV” to “DV” or from “DV” to “HDV”. In the case of “auto”, it is detected that the format of the video / audio signal recorded on the recording medium has been switched.

  The process in step S30 is repeatedly checked for a predetermined time until switching is performed (NO in step S30). When switching of the video playback mode or switching of the format of the video / audio signal to be output is detected (YES in step S30), cable disconnection processing is performed in step S32. This does not physically disconnect the IEEE 1394 cable from the video apparatus 10 or the computer 11 but means a logical network interruption, for example, a process of stopping a predetermined bias signal. A more specific aspect of this process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  When the cable disconnection process is performed in the video apparatus 10, the video apparatus 10 detects whether or not the cable is (logically) disconnected in step S34.

  If it is detected in step S34 that the cable has been disconnected (YES in step S34), cable disconnection handling processing is performed in step S36. This process is similar to the process performed when the video apparatus 10 is normally disconnected when the cable is disconnected.

  In step S38, the video apparatus 10 loops for a certain period and delays the process of the next step S40. This is to prevent the computer 11 from catching up with the detection process on the computer 11 side if the cable is inserted / removed too quickly, and consequently determining that the cable 11 has not been connected / disconnected.

  In step S40, cable insertion processing is performed. This does not physically connect the video apparatus 10 and the computer 11 with an IEEE 1394 cable, but rather means a logical IEEE 1394 bus reconnection. For example, a predetermined bias signal is output. It is processing. A more specific aspect of this process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  When the cable insertion process is performed in step S40, the video apparatus 10 detects whether the cable is (logically) connected in step S42.

  If it is detected in step S42 that the cable has been inserted (YES in step S42), cable insertion handling processing is performed in step S44. This process is similar to the process performed when the video apparatus 10 is normally connected with a cable.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the exchange of signals among the CPU 41, the LINK unit 42, and the PHY unit 43 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The LPS signal indicates the power status of the LINK unit 42. For example, if the signal content is “1”, the LINK unit 42 is active, and if it is “0”, it indicates that the LINK unit 42 is off. .

  The CLKL signal is clock information provided to the LINK unit 42. “1” indicates that the clock is provided to the LINK unit 42, and “0” indicates that the clock supply is stopped. The XRSTL signal is “1”, releasing the reset of the LINK unit 42 and providing a clock to the LINK unit 42. “0” indicates a reset of the LINK unit 42 and a stop of clock supply to the LINK unit 42.

  The XRSTP signal is “1” to release the reset of the PHY unit 43 and provide a clock to the PHY unit 43. “0” indicates a reset of the PHY unit 43 and a stop of clock supply to the PHY unit 43.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the procedure by which the video apparatus 10 of the present invention controls the shutoff and reconnection of the IEEE1394 bus will be described with reference to the transmission timing of each signal shown in FIG. 15. 16A shows the timing of each signal in a conventional video apparatus, and FIG. 16B shows the timing in the video apparatus 10 of the present invention. 16A and 16B, it is assumed that the CPU 41, the LINK unit 42, and the PHY unit 43 are configured by individual chips (that is, the three-chip configuration shown in FIG. 4). Provide.

  In FIG. 16A, first, the IEEE 1394 cable is physically disconnected. The change of the PHYACT signal from the high level to the low level indicates that. Thereafter, in response to the removal of the IEEE 1394 cable, the LPS signal is changed from “1” to “0”. This is because it is considered that the LINK state is referred to from another device on the same IEEE1394 bus, so that the LINK unit is stopped by disconnecting the cable.

  Thereafter, the XRSTL signal is changed from “1” to “0”, and the LINK unit is actually stopped (reset is performed and reception of the clock is stopped). Further, after a predetermined period has passed, the CLKL signal is changed from “1” to “0” to stop providing the clock to the LINK unit.

  Thereafter, the XRSTP signal is changed from “1” to “0” to stop the PHY unit (reset and stop receiving the clock).

  At this point, the video device is physically disconnected from the IEEE 1394 bus that has been connected. For example, even if a list of connected devices is displayed by another device on the network, the device is not displayed.

  Thereafter, when the IEEE 1394 cable is physically plugged in (the PHYACT signal changes from low level to high level), this is detected, and in the reverse order, that is, the XRSTP signal, the CLKL signal, The values are returned from “0” to “1” in the order of the XRSTL signal and the LPS signal. By this control, the functions of the physical layer and the data link layer are activated in a predetermined order, the video apparatus 100 is connected to the IEEE 1394 bus, and a driver having a format corresponding to the video playback mode of the video apparatus 100 at that time is installed in the computer 11. Is read.

  In FIG. 16A, when the IEEE 1394 cable is physically connected and disconnected, the video apparatus is temporarily disconnected from the IEEE 1394 bus, and an appropriate driver is read on the computer 11 side at the time of reconnection. However, according to the present invention, such an effect can be obtained without physically connecting and disconnecting the IEEE 1394 cable.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. 16B. As described with reference to FIG. 16A, when the IEEE 1394 cable is physically connected and disconnected, the PHYACT signal changes from a high level to a low level, or from a low level to a high level. Therefore, the PHYACT signal does not change.

  The video apparatus 10 detects in the interface control unit 36 that the user has switched the video playback mode from, for example, “HDV” to “DV”, or “DV” to “HDV” by menu operation, or video playback. When it is detected that the mode is “auto” and the format of the video / audio signal recorded on the recording medium is changed, the interface unit 37 (the LINK unit 42 and the PHY unit 43) is once reset, Release reset again after a certain period of time.

  This process will be described in more detail. The video apparatus 10 detects that the user has switched the video playback mode from “HDV” to “DV” or “DV” to “HDV”, for example, by a menu operation, or the video playback mode is “auto”. When the change of the format of the video / audio signal recorded on the recording medium is detected, the LPS signal is first changed from “1” to “0”.

  This is to indicate that the LINK unit 42 stops operating before leaving the IEEE1394 bus because it is considered that the LINK state is referred to by another device on the same IEEE1394 bus. If the LINK unit 42 is in a non-operating state, the response from the outside becomes invalid, so that an inquiry to a higher layer than the LINK unit 42 is not performed, and an incorrect response is prevented at the time of state transition. it can.

  After the LPS signal is changed in this way, the XRSTL signal is changed from “1” to “0”, and the LINK unit is stopped (that is, the reset is applied and the reception of the clock is stopped). Thereafter, the CLKL signal is changed from “1” to “0” to stop providing the clock to the LINK unit.

  Thereafter, the XRSTP signal is changed from “1” to “0”, and the PHY unit is stopped (that is, resetting is performed and reception of the clock is stopped).

  As a result of this processing, the video apparatus 10 is logically disconnected from the IEEE1394 bus that has been connected so far. For example, even if a list of connected devices is displayed by another device on the network, the video device 10 is not displayed.

  Here, the XRSTP signal is maintained at “0” for a predetermined time. During this predetermined time, the computer 11 detects the disconnection of the IEEE 1394 bus of the video apparatus 10 and invalidates the driver that has been read so far to support the video apparatus 10 (for example, erase from a predetermined storage area). Time).

  When the predetermined time elapses, the values are returned from “0” to “1” in the reverse order, that is, in the order of the XRSTP signal, the CLKL signal, the XRSTL signal, and the LPS signal. By this control, the functions of the physical layer and the data link layer are activated in a predetermined order, the video apparatus 10 is connected to the IEEE 1394 bus again, and a driver having a format corresponding to the video playback mode of the video apparatus 10 at that time is installed. Read into the computer.

  In the present invention, when the format output from the video apparatus 10 is changed as described above, the computer 11 reads the appropriate driver in response to the interception / reconnection to the IEEE1394 bus. As a result, problems such as hang-up can be avoided.

  In this example, the CPU 41, the LINK unit 42, and the PHY unit 43 have been described with respect to the above-described disconnection / reconnection process on the premise that the CPU 41, the LINK unit 42, and the PHY unit 43 have a three-chip configuration. Can be realized. For example, if the chip configuration is changed, there is a possibility that the unit of reset and reset release is changed.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described here for an example in which the video apparatus 10 and the computer 11 are connected to the IEEE 1394 bus, the technical idea of the present invention can be applied to other network connections. is there. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to a wired connection but also to a wireless connection.

  Next, a basic configuration of the computer 11 will be described with reference to FIG. The computer 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, an external storage device 74, an input unit 75, a display unit 76, an audio output unit 77, an interface unit 78, And a bus 79 connecting each of these components to each other.

  The CPU 71 controls the operation of each component and transmission / reception of data between the components, and executes a command by a program. For example, image / sound processing such as video / audio signal decoding processing provided from the video apparatus 10 is also performed as needed under the control of the CPU 71.

  The ROM 72 is a non-volatile storage device in which data is not lost even when the power is turned off, and stores a code that the CPU 71 executes first when the computer 11 is turned on.

  The RAM 73 is loaded with a program being executed and data used in the program. When the video device 10 is connected via the IEEE 1394 bus, a driver selected in accordance with the video / audio signal format provided by the video device 10 is also loaded (read) into the RAM 73. The video / audio signal is taken into the computer 11 through the processing of the driver program.

  The external storage device 74 is a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores various programs and data. The driver module loaded in the RAM 73 can also be stored in the external storage device 74. The input unit 75 is an input unit such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example, and the user uses this unit to instruct the CPU 71 to perform a predetermined process.

  The display means 76 is a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and the user receives information by viewing the contents shown here, and the menu screen displayed here. A predetermined instruction is given based on the above. The video signal transmitted from the video device 10 is displayed on the display means 76, and the video recorded by the video device 10 is reproduced.

  The audio output means 77 is, for example, a speaker, and the audio signal transmitted from the video apparatus 10 is output to the audio output means 77, and the sound recorded by the video apparatus 10 is reproduced.

  The interface unit 78 realizes connection with the IEEE 1394 bus. The video / audio signal provided from the video apparatus 10 is provided to the driver via the interface unit 78, and is output to the display unit 76 and the audio output unit 77 after necessary decoding processing and the like.

  The computer 11 is a computer such as a personal computer, for example, but may be any device as long as it includes the above-described components and receives video / audio signals from the video device 10 with predetermined dedicated software (driver). .

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a video apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a computer 11 via an IEEE 1394 cable. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing how the computer 11 recognizes the video apparatus 10 when the video apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to the IEEE 1394 bus and when the video apparatus 10 is disconnected. is there. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a basic diagram which showed the variation of the chip structure of the component corresponding to the interface control part and interface part of the video device 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the computer 11 receives a video / audio signal from the video apparatus 10 via an IEEE 1394 cable. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen for setting a video playback mode in the video apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the conventional video apparatus, it is a basic diagram which shows notionally the operation | movement of a computer when the format of the video / audio signal to output changes on the way. In the conventional video apparatus, it is a basic diagram which shows notionally the operation | movement of a computer when the format of the video / audio signal to output changes on the way. In the conventional video apparatus, it is a basic diagram which shows notionally the operation | movement of a computer when the format of the video / audio signal to output changes on the way. In the conventional video apparatus, it is a basic diagram which shows notionally the operation | movement of a computer when the format of the video / audio signal to output changes on the way. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the operation of a computer when a playback mode is switched during output of a video / audio signal in a conventional video apparatus. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the operation of a computer when a playback mode is switched during output of a video / audio signal in a conventional video apparatus. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the operation of the computer 11 when the playback mode is switched during the output of the video / audio signal in the video apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for imitating insertion / removal of an IEEE 1394 cable in the video apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating details of a process for imitating insertion / removal of an IEEE 1394 cable in the video apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a timing chart showing the timing of changes of various signals in the video device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in the process of mimicking the insertion / removal of an IEEE 1394 cable compared to a conventional method. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a computer 11. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Video equipment, 11 ... Computer, 12 ... Monitor, 13 ... Speaker, 14 ... IEEE1394 cable, 21, 22, 23 ... Equipment, 24 ... Network, 31. ..Camera unit 32 ... Camera control unit 33 ... Mechanism control unit 34 ... User interface control unit 35 ... Signal control unit 36 ... Interface control unit 37 ... Interface unit, 38 ... network, 41 ... CPU, 42 ... LINK unit, 43 ... PHY unit

Claims (20)

Signal control means capable of outputting image signals in a plurality of formats;
Interface means for connecting to a computer;
Interface control means for controlling the image signal to be transmitted to the computer using the interface means;
When the interface control means is connected to the computer via the interface means, when the format of the image signal is switched, the interface control means controls the interface means without changing the physical connection state. A video apparatus comprising: disconnecting from the computer and reconnecting to the computer without changing a physical connection state after a predetermined period of time has passed. The video device according to claim 1,
The video apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period is set to a length equal to or longer than a time during which the computer can detect the disconnection of the connection. The video device according to claim 1,
The interface means is an IEEE 1394 interface;
The interface control means includes
Data link layer management means for managing functions in the data link layer;
A physical layer management means for managing functions in the physical layer;
The video apparatus characterized in that the disconnection and reconnection of the connection are realized by controlling the data link layer management means and the physical layer management means. The video device according to claim 3.
The interface control means includes
The blocking is performed by stopping the functions of the data link layer management unit and the physical layer management unit,
A video apparatus that controls to perform the reconnection by resuming functions of the stopped data link layer management unit and the physical layer management unit. The video device according to claim 3.
The data link layer management means and the physical layer management means are each composed of one chip,
The interface control means includes
Performing the blocking by resetting the respective chips,
The video apparatus characterized in that the reconnection is performed by releasing the reset of each of the chips. The video device according to claim 5,
The interface control means includes
At the time of blocking, after resetting the chip corresponding to the data link layer management means, resetting the chip corresponding to the physical layer management means,
In the reconnection, the video device is characterized in that after resetting the chip corresponding to the physical layer management means, resetting of the chip corresponding to the data link layer management means is performed. The video device according to claim 3.
The data link layer management means and the physical layer management means are composed of one chip,
The interface control means includes
Performing the blocking by resetting the one chip,
The video apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reconnection is performed by releasing the reset of the one chip. The video device according to claim 1,
A video apparatus, wherein the switching of the format of the image signal is switching from a DV format to an HDV format, or switching from an HDV format to a DV format. The video device according to claim 1,
A video apparatus characterized in that the switching of the format of the image signal is based on a user instruction. The video device according to claim 1,
The image signal is recorded on the same recording medium regardless of the format difference,
2. The video apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching of the format of the image signal is caused by sequentially reproducing the image signals of different formats recorded on the recording medium. A transmission step of controlling image signals that can be output in a plurality of formats to be transmitted to the computer via an interface means for connecting to the computer;
When connected to the computer by the transmitting step, when the format of the image signal is switched, the interface means is controlled to cut off the connection with the computer without changing the physical connection state. The video output control method further comprises a disconnection / reconnection step of reconnecting to the computer without changing a physical connection state after a predetermined period has elapsed. The video output control method according to claim 11,
The video output control method characterized in that the predetermined period is set to a length equal to or longer than a time during which the computer can detect the disconnection of the connection. The video output control method according to claim 11,
The interface means is an IEEE 1394 interface;
The blocking / reconnecting step includes
A data link layer management step for managing functions in the data link layer;
A physical layer management step for managing functions in the physical layer;
The video output control method, wherein the disconnection and reconnection are realized by controlling operations of the data link layer management step and the physical layer management step. The video output control method according to claim 13,
The blocking / reconnecting step includes
The blocking is performed by stopping the operation of the data link layer management step and the physical layer management step,
A video output control method, wherein the reconnection is controlled by resuming operations of the stopped data link layer management step and the physical layer management step. The video output control method according to claim 13,
The data link layer management step and the physical layer management step are each realized by one chip,
The blocking / reconnecting step includes
Performing the blocking by resetting the respective chips,
A video output control method, wherein the reconnection is performed by releasing reset of each of the chips. The video output control method according to claim 15, wherein
The blocking / reconnecting step includes
At the time of blocking, after resetting the chip that realizes the data link layer management step, reset the chip that realizes the physical layer management step,
In the reconnection, the reset of the chip that realizes the physical layer management step is released, and then the reset of the chip that realizes the data link layer management step is released. The video output control method according to claim 13,
The data link layer management step and the physical layer management step are realized by one chip,
The blocking / reconnecting step includes
Performing the blocking by resetting the one chip,
The video output control method, wherein the reconnection is performed by releasing the reset of the one chip. The video output control method according to claim 11,
A video output control method, wherein the switching of the format of the image signal is switching from a DV format to an HDV format, or switching from an HDV format to a DV format. The video output control method according to claim 11,
A video output control method, wherein the switching of the format of the image signal is based on a user instruction. The video output control method according to claim 11,
The image signal is recorded on the same recording medium regardless of the format difference,
The video output control method according to claim 1, wherein the switching of the format of the image signal is caused by sequentially reproducing the image signals of different formats recorded on the recording medium.

Images