JP2006270654A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device capable of recording audio and video, and surely carrying out the field angle settings of a camera at photographing, independently of the operating mode. <P>SOLUTION: The recording device 1 is placed on a desk 34 of an audience seat on the front row, in relation to a lecturer 33 with a soap box 31 in the front and an explanation board 32 at the back. A user (not shown) of the recording device 1 takes its seat at a position, at which the user can easily apply touch operation to a touch type input device 7 of a body section 2 of the recording device 1, and a recording mode of the recording device 1 is set, in advance, to a recording/photographic mode by a touch operation. A revolving body section 6 of the recording device 1 is raised and erected at a proper angle from the main body section 2, and an imaging section 4 is turned and a photographic lens window, located in the middle, is directed to the lecturer 33 and the explanation board 32. In this state, the recording device 1 records voice and a video image of the lecturer 33. The user, after the end of the lecture, displays the video image on an LCD 9 and reproduces it, while reproducing the recorded voice from an omnidirectional loudspeaker 8 and hearing it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that images a subject with a camera and records the sound of the subject.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an audio recording apparatus that uses a solid-state memory, for example, a memory card with a built-in flash memory as a recording medium, has been widely used for audio recording of conferences and memos.
In addition, since image data can be handled as digital data in the same way as audio data, a camera-equipped audio recording apparatus that incorporates a camera and an image processing unit in an audio recording apparatus and can record images together with audio has been commercialized. .

For example, a camera unit is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the device body so that images can be recorded along with sound so that the dictator and the dictator's dictation content can be easily checked during playback. A data recording / reproducing apparatus has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)
There has also been proposed an apparatus in which a camera unit is provided on the upper part of the apparatus so as to be rotatable in a tilt direction so that the angle of the camera can be changed. (For example, see Patent Document 2.)
JP 2002-064783 A JP 2003-230100 A

  By the way, a usage mode of a digital camera or a movie camera is usually a style in which a photographer holds a camera and holds the camera with a hand toward the subject every time shooting is performed. The same applies to the simultaneous recording of audio.

  Therefore, the data recording / reproducing apparatus with a camera of Patent Document 1 is an apparatus that is well adapted to the above-described usage. However, it is limited to a usage mode in which it is used while being held by hand, and any other usage mode, for example, an arbitrary subject cannot be photographed while being placed on a desk.

On the other hand, if it is an apparatus like patent document 2, since it can be used on a desk using the attached stand at the time of recording, it can be used without holding and it can be said that it is more convenient.
However, when placed on a desk using a stand, there is a tendency to lack stability, and when the device is set up, it is difficult to operate without switching both hands when switching recordings etc. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is not always easy to operate.

  In addition, in an audio recorder that mainly records audio, for example, when recording by a media reporter, the audio recorder is held in the hand, and the audio recorder is placed on a desk or placed in a breast pocket. The recording style is also widely used. Particularly in meetings and lectures, voice recording is usually performed with the recording device placed on a desk or the like.

  However, neither of the devices disclosed in Patent Document 1 or 2 has a configuration that can be used in various modes such as being held in a hand, put in a pocket, or placed on a desk. In this case, it was still unsatisfactory even though it was possible to record images and sound at the same time.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus that can record sound and images and can accurately set the angle of view of a camera at the time of photographing according to the use mode in view of the above-described conventional situation.

The configuration of the recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.
First, a recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a main body unit including an audio recording unit and an image recording unit, an imaging unit that captures a subject image and outputs the captured image signal to the image recording unit, and the main body. And a rotating body portion that is rotatably supported by the unit and rotatably supports the imaging unit.

  For example, the rotating body portion is supported by the main body portion in parallel with the bottom surface of the main body portion, and supports the rotation shaft of the imaging unit in parallel with the rotating shaft with respect to the main body portion. Configured.

  In addition, the main body portion is configured to have, for example, a storage portion that stores the imaging portion when the rotating body portion is at the rotation start point. In this case, for example, the imaging unit is configured to be stored in the storage unit in a state in which a lens window provided in the imaging unit is hidden from appearance. Moreover, the said accommodating part is comprised so that it may be a recessed part formed in the upper surface of the said main-body part, for example.

  In this recording apparatus, the rotating body portion is configured to be rotatably supported, for example, in the vicinity of the end portion of the main body portion, and, for example, arms arranged in pairs on both side surfaces of the main body portion In addition, for example, it is configured to instruct the start or end of control of the imaging and recording unit according to the rotation position to the main body, and for example, to the rotation start point Is configured to instruct the imaging and recording unit to end the imaging mode.

  Next, a recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention includes a main body unit incorporating a sound recording unit and an image recording unit, an imaging unit that captures a subject image, and outputs the captured image signal to the image recording unit, and one end Is rotatably attached to the main body part, and the image pickup part is rotatably provided at the other end, and the image pickup part is moved from the main body part toward the standing position from the storage position in close contact with the main body part. And a moving part.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the recording device which can record an audio | voice and an image, and can set the angle of view of the camera at the time of imaging | photography according to a usage condition exactly.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a plan view at the lower center, a side view of the recording apparatus 1 of the plan view seen from the respective directions on the left and right sides of the plan view, and an AA ′ cross-sectional arrow of the plan view at the top. A view is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 1 is supported in a rotatable manner by a main body 2 having an audio recording unit and an image recording unit, which will be described in detail later, and a rotary shaft 3. It is comprised with the rotation body part 6 which supports the imaging part 4 rotatably by the rotating shaft 5. As shown in FIG.

  The rotating body 6 is supported by the main body 2 parallel to the bottom surface of the main body 2 with the rotating shaft 3, and the rotating shaft 5 of the imaging unit 4 is parallel to the own rotating shaft 3 with respect to the main body 2. I support it. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the rotating body portion 6 is at the rotation start point.

  In the main body 2 of the recording apparatus 1, a circular touch input device 7 that can be operated while the recording apparatus 1 is placed on a desk is disposed on the left half of the top view. And the circumference | surroundings become a speaker area | region and it is formed with the whole surface speaker 8 which consists of punching metal.

  The main body 2 of the recording apparatus 1 is provided with an LCD (liquid crystal display) 9 that occupies almost the entire surface on the right half of the upper surface of the drawing. A microphone 11 is provided on the side surface of the right end portion of the main body 2.

  The cylindrical imaging unit 4 supported by the rotating body unit 6 is provided with a photographic lens window 12 that occupies approximately 1/4 in the circumferential direction. The photographing lens window 12 is in a hidden position in the plan view.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a rotating state of the rotating body portion 6 of the recording apparatus 1. FIG. 2 shows a plan view in a state where the rotating body portion 6 is rotated to almost the end point, a side view thereof is shown in the center, and a state in which the rotating body portion 6 is rotated to an upright position. Is shown.

  As shown in the lower part of FIG. 2, the rotating body 6 is disposed in pairs on both side surfaces of the main body 2 and has flat bar-shaped arms. The rotating body 6 is provided at the center of FIG. 2 so as to be able to rotate approximately 180 degrees in the direction shown by the double arrow a.

  In the middle of this rotational movement, three stop positions are set, for example, by a ball latch mechanism including the upright position shown in FIG. Of course, the stop positions are not limited to three, and may be four or more. In that case, it is preferable to provide the number of ball grooves corresponding to the stop position on the ball receiving side of the ball latch mechanism.

  As shown in the lower part of FIG. 2, the imaging unit 4 rotatably supported by the rotating body unit 6 includes a camera objective lens 13 and a flash LED (light emitting) in the photographing lens window 12 shown in FIG. 1. diode) 14 is provided.

  A concave storage portion 15 is formed in the center of the upper surface of the main body 2 as shown in FIG. The concave storage unit 15 stores the imaging unit 4 that is rotatably supported by the rotating body unit 6 when the rotating body unit 6 is at the rotation start point as shown in FIG.

When the imaging unit 4 is stored in the concave storage unit 15, the imaging lens window 12 provided in the imaging unit 4 is stored in the concave storage unit 15 in a state of being hidden from the appearance.
FIG. 3 is an internal system block diagram of the recording apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging unit 4 further includes an imaging element 16 and a video circuit unit 17 in addition to the lens 13 and the LED 14 shown in FIG. 2.

  The main unit 2 of the recording apparatus 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 18 that controls each part of the apparatus, an image recording unit 21 and an audio recording unit 22 connected to the CPU 18 via a bus 19, and the LCD 9 shown in FIG. , And a detachable memory 23. The microphone 11 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the audio recording unit 22.

The CPU 18 is connected to the arm sensor 24, the touch input device 7 shown in FIG. 1, and the power supply unit 25, and further connected to the LED 14 of the imaging unit 4.
The power supply unit 25 converts the DC output from the built-in battery into a predetermined voltage based on the ON input of the power switch by the user, and supplies the power to each unit including the CPU 18. The CPU 18 recognizes the start of supply of power and starts control of each unit.

  The arm sensor 24 detects the rotational position of the rotational body 6 and notifies the CPU 18 of the rotational position. The CPU 18 recognizes the rotating state of the rotating body 6 notified from the arm sensor 24 and turns on / off the power of the imaging unit 4.

  The touch input device 7 is formed by overlapping a display device and a touch input transparent electrode. When the user performs a touch operation on a desired function display portion displayed on the display device, the touch input device 7 notifies the CPU 18 of the coordinate data of the touch input position.

The CPU 18 recognizes the function selected and input by the user based on the coordinate data notified from the touch input device 7 and executes control based on the recognized function.
Captured image data is input to the image recording unit 21 from the video circuit unit 17 of the imaging unit 4. The image recording unit 21 displays an image of the captured image data input from the video circuit unit 17 on the LCD 9 and records the captured image data in the removable memory 23.

The voice recording unit 22 records voice data input from the microphone 11 in the removable memory 23.
The image pickup device 16 of the image pickup unit 4 converts an image formed on the image pickup surface through the lens 13 into an analog electric signal and outputs the analog electric signal to the image circuit unit 17. The video circuit unit 17 converts an analog electric signal input from the image sensor 16 into a digital image signal and outputs the digital image signal to the image recording unit 21.

The LED 14 emits strobe light based on drive control from the CPU 18.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage mode of the recording apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the recording apparatus 1 is placed on a table 26. The user 27 of the recording apparatus 1 occupies a seat at a position where the touch-type input device 7 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the main body 2 of the recording apparatus 1 near the table 26 can be easily touch-operated.

  The rotating body 6 of the recording apparatus 1 is raised at an appropriate angle, and the imaging unit 4 is rotated so that the photographing lens window 12 shown in FIG. 2 is directed toward the explainer 28 and the explanation board 29. Yes.

Further, the touch input device 7 of the recording apparatus 1 is touched by the user 27, and the recording mode of the recording apparatus 1 is set to the recording / photographing mode in advance.
As a result, the user 27 can record the voice of the explainer 28 by the recording apparatus 1 and record the video while the recording apparatus 1 remains on the table 26.

  Further, after the user 27 has finished the conversation with the presenter 28, the user 27 touches and inputs “play” of the recording mode function displayed on the display device of the touch input device 7 of the recording device 1. While reproducing and listening to the recorded voice by the full-scale speaker 8, the video of the explainer 28 related to the voice can be displayed on the LCD 9 and reproduced.

FIG. 5 is a main flowchart of control processing executed by the CPU 18 in the usage mode of the recording apparatus 1 as described above.
In FIG. 6, the CPU 18 first determines whether the power is on or off (S1). In a standby state until the power is turned on (S1 is OFF), when the power is turned on (S1 is ON), Then, it is determined whether or not the recording mode is selected by the user 27 (S2).

  When the recording mode is not selected (S2 is N), the CPU 18 performs a reproduction process (S3). This process is a process in which the recorded voice is reproduced by the entire speaker 8, and the video of the explainer 28 related to the voice is displayed on the LCD 9 and reproduced.

On the other hand, if the recording mode is selected in the determination of the recording mode in step S2 (S2 is Y), the CPU 18 performs a recording / photographing process described later (S4).
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail the recording / photographing process. First, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the recording start button of the touch input device 7 is pressed (S41).

  If the recording start button is pressed (Y in S41), the CPU 18 drives the microphone 11 to capture the voice of the explainer 28, and drives the voice recording unit 21 to use the captured voice as voice data. Recording is started in the removable memory 23 (S42).

  Then, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the recording stop button of the touch-type input device 7 is pressed (S43). When the recording stop button is not pressed (S43 is N), the arm is subsequently raised. It is discriminate | determined whether it is (S45). Note that voice recording is performed regardless of the position of the arm.

  In this process, the imaging unit 4 of the rotating body unit 6 is detached from the state in which the imaging unit 4 is stored in the concave storage unit 15 of the main body unit 2, and the rotating body unit 6 moves in the upright position direction as shown in FIG. This is a process for determining whether or not it is rotating. This determination is made based on the output from the arm sensor 24.

  If the recording stop button of the touch input device 7 is pressed in the determination of the recording stop in the processing 43 (S43 is Y), the CPU 18 stops driving the microphone 11 and the voice recording unit 21. After the recording of the audio data in the removable memory 23 is stopped (S44), the process proceeds to the arm upright determination process in the above process S45.

If the recording start button is not pressed in the determination of the process S41 (N in S41), the CPU 18 immediately proceeds to the determination process of the arm standing in the process S45.
When the CPU 18 determines that the rotating body 6 is rotating (S45 is Y), the CPU 18 turns on the power of the photographing block (S46). Here, the imaging block is a combination of any or all of the imaging element 16, the video circuit unit 17, and the image recording unit 21 as a part related to imaging. Thus, preparation for photographing by the imaging unit 4 is completed.

  Subsequently, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the shooting instruction button of the touch input device 7 is pressed (S47). In the still image shooting mode, if the shooting instruction button is pressed (Y in S48), the video circuit unit 17 and the image recording unit 21 are driven and controlled. The image data is recorded in the removable memory 23 (S48), and the process returns to the process of FIG. In the moving image mode, moving image data is continuously recorded until a separate stop instruction is issued.

If it is determined in step S47 that the shooting instruction button has not been pressed (N in S47), the process immediately returns to the process in FIG.
If it is determined in the process 45 that the rotating body 6 is not rotating (N in S45), the CPU 18 turns off the power of the photographing block (S49) and returns to the process of FIG.

  In this way, when the rotating body 6 is at the rotation start point, the power of the imaging block is always off. When the rotation body 6 is rotated in the upright position direction from the rotation start point, the power of the imaging block is automatically turned on. The shooting posture is automatically adjusted. Alternatively, S46 may be set to the shooting mode on and S49 may be set to the shooting mode off to control the shooting mode on / off according to the arm position.

  Then, the user 27 keeps the recording apparatus 1 on the table 26 and touches a desired input button displayed on the touch-type input apparatus 7 with a finger of one hand, thereby recording audio and taking a captured image. Can be recorded and stopped.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of usage of the recording apparatus 1. FIG. 7 shows a lecturer 33 with the explanation board 32 in front of the podium 31, and the recording device 1 placed on the desk 34 in the front row of the auditor seat for the lecturer 33. Show.

  In this case, the user of the recording device 1 does not necessarily have to be near the recording device 1. After the recording device 1 is turned on and desired recording conditions are input and set from the touch input device 7, The case where there is no trouble even if it exists in the place away from the apparatus 1 is shown.

  As described above, the microphone 11 (see FIG. 1) can be stably placed in any horizontal direction (the direction of the speaker 33 in FIG. 7) as long as it is on a flat desk. The photographing lens window 12 (refer to FIG. 2) is directed in a direction that forms an upper or lower angle (in FIG. 7, the direction of the face of the speaker 33) by the rotation of the rotating body unit 6 and the rotation of the imaging unit 4. Desired audio and video can be recorded in a stable state.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of still another usage mode of the recording apparatus 1. In FIG. 8, a user 36 who puts the recording apparatus 1 in the breast pocket 35 has a conversation with a talker 38 with a reception table 37 interposed therebetween.

  The main body 2 of the recording apparatus 1 is placed in the breast pocket 35 of the user 36, and the rotating body 6 is raised from the main body 2 and pulled out of the breast pocket 35. The photographing lens window 12 of the imaging unit 4 disposed at the end of the rotating body unit 6 is directed toward the talker 38, although it cannot be clearly seen in the figure.

  In this way, during the conversation, the recording device 1 can be placed in the chest pocket 35 and the other party's voice and face images can be recorded with both hands open. It is convenient because it can be taken on.

As described above, the recording apparatus 1 of the present invention is convenient in that the photographing range can be easily changed by using the main body 2 depending on the direction in which it is placed or in a pocket.
Further, since the imaging unit does not protrude from the main body when folded, the overall portability is improved.

Further, since the imaging unit is automatically accommodated in the accommodation unit when folded, the lens protection of the imaging unit can be easily performed without a barrier or the like, which is convenient.
Since the rotating body that supports the imaging unit is supported by the two rod-shaped members from both sides, the imaging unit is stably supported even though it can be rotated 360 degrees.

In addition, since it is possible to instruct to start the photographing mode at the rotation position of the rotating body unit, the operation to the imaging unit is simplified and convenient.
Further, it is convenient because the imaging end instruction can be easily moved by one operation of folding the rotating body part into the main body part. In addition, the power of the photographing block is turned off when folded, and the power is turned on when rotated, so that efficient power saving is possible.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment is an example in which the storage position of the imaging unit is changed from the center of the main body to the side surface. In FIG. 9, the same functions and components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.

  FIG. 9 shows a state where the rotating body 6 is folded with respect to the main body 2 by a solid line, and shows a state of the rotating body 6 caused with respect to the main body 2 by a broken line. That is, the rotating body portion 6 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body portion 2 as indicated by a bidirectional arrow b in the figure.

In the configuration of this example, when the rotating body portion 6 is folded with respect to the main body portion 2 as indicated by a solid line, the entire apparatus becomes vertically longer than the case of FIGS.
Instead, it is not necessary to provide the concave storage portion 15 (see FIG. 2) in the center of the upper surface of the main body portion 2, and when the rotating body portion 6 is folded on the main body portion 2, as shown in FIG. Since the half-strong part of the main body 2 does not protrude on the upper surface of the main body 2, it is excellent in storage property when being carried.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a recording apparatus according to the third embodiment. The third embodiment is an example in which a rotation axis with the main body is provided at the center of the main body. In FIG. 10, the same functions and components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.

  FIG. 10 also shows a state where the rotating body 6 is folded with respect to the main body 2 by a solid line, and shows a state of the rotating body 6 caused with respect to the main body 2 by a broken line. That is, the rotating body portion 6 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body portion 2 as indicated by a double-headed arrow c in the figure.

Also in the configuration of this example, when the rotating body portion 6 is folded with respect to the main body portion 2 as indicated by a solid line, the entire apparatus becomes vertically longer than the case of FIGS.
Instead, when the rotating body portion 6 is raised from the main body portion 2, the main body portion 2 is shorter than in the case of FIG. 9, so that there is a sense of stability and handling is easy.

An external configuration of the recording apparatus in the first embodiment is shown in a plan view in the lower center, a side view of the recording apparatus in the plan view from each direction is shown on the left and right and the top of the plan view, and A- It is a figure which shows an A 'cross-sectional arrow view. It is a figure which shows the rotation state of the rotation body part of a recording device, shows the state which opened the rotation body part in the bottom in the top view, the side view in the center, and the rotation body part rotated to an upright position on the center. It is a figure which shows the side view of a state. It is an internal system block diagram of a recording device. It is a figure which shows an example of the usage condition of a recording device. It is a main flowchart of the control process performed by CPU in the usage condition of a recording device. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the recording / photographing process in the main flowchart. It is FIG. (1) which shows the example of the other usage condition of a recording device. It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of the other usage condition of a recording device. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a recording apparatus according to a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording device 2 Main body part 3 Rotating shaft 4 Imaging part 5 Rotating shaft 6 Rotating body part 7 Touch-type input device 8 Whole surface sound body 9 LCD (liquid crystal display)
11 Microphone 12 Shooting lens window 13 Objective lens 14 Flash LED
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Concave storage part 16 Image pick-up element 17 Image | video circuit part 18 CPU (central processing unit)
19 Bus 21 Image Recording Unit 22 Audio Recording Unit 23 Detachable Memory 24 Arm Sensor 25 Power Supply Unit 26 Table 27 User 28 Interviewer (or Explainer)
29 Board for explanation 31 Podium 32 Board for explanation 33 Speaker 34 Speaker 34 Desk in front of auditorium 35 Chest pocket 36 User 37 Reception table 38 Interviewer

Claims (10)

A main body unit incorporating an audio recording unit and an image recording unit;
An imaging unit that captures a subject image and outputs the captured image signal to the image recording unit;
A rotating body part that is rotatably supported by the main body part and that rotatably supports the imaging unit;
A recording apparatus comprising:   The rotating body portion is supported by the main body portion in parallel with the bottom surface of the main body portion, and supports the rotation shaft of the imaging unit in parallel with the rotating shaft with respect to the main body portion. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes a storage unit that stores the imaging unit when the rotary body is at a rotation start point. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the imaging unit is stored in the storage unit in a state in which a lens window provided in the imaging unit is hidden from appearance.   The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the storage portion is a concave portion formed on an upper surface of the main body portion.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body portion is rotatably supported near an end portion of the main body portion.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body section includes arms arranged in pairs on both side surfaces of the main body section.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body unit instructs start or end of energization to a part related to imaging according to a rotation position to the main body unit.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body unit instructs to turn off the photographing mode by moving to the rotation start point. A main body unit incorporating an audio recording unit and an image recording unit;
An imaging unit that captures a subject image and outputs the captured image signal to the image recording unit;
One end of the imaging unit is rotatably attached to the main body, and the imaging unit is rotatably provided at the other end. The imaging unit is moved from the storage position in close contact with the main body to the standing position from the main body. A rotating body,
A recording apparatus comprising:

Images