JP2008311770A - Image storing/reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To store synchronized image data in an image memory 6 of an image storing/reproducing device and to manage the image data by a file system without confirming synchronism between the reference signal and a VTR which inputs image data to the image storing/reproducing device. <P>SOLUTION: A control section 24 transfers a reproduction command to a VTR 30 and confirms synchronism between the reference signal and the VTR 30 in a time code of a frame to be stored and specified at an operating section 22. When synchronism is confirmed, a microcomputer 10 stores image data inputted from the VTR 30 in an image memory 6 and registers information indicative of the location in the image memory 6 as a file in a file system. When synchronism is not confirmed, the data are not stored in the image memory 6 nor registered to the file system but the control section 24 repeats the same processing, and they are stored in the image memory 6 and registered to the file system when synchronism is confirmed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image storage / playback apparatus disposed in, for example, a studio circuit for television broadcasting, and more particularly to an apparatus for inputting image data played back by a playback device of a tape-like recording medium such as a VTR.

  One of the studio circuits for television broadcasting is an image special effect device called an effect switcher. The effect switcher is a device that performs processing for processing key fill signals and key source signals from input image data, processing for combining foreground images with background images using the processed key fill signals and key source signals, etc. An image storage / reproduction device for temporarily storing image data to be combined in an image memory is disposed inside.

  In many cases, the image material stored and used by the image storage / playback apparatus in the effect switcher is played back by a playback device of a tape-like recording medium such as a VTR or a video deck and input to the effect switcher.

  Conventionally, in the field of editing between VTRs, an image memory for temporarily storing image data is arranged between a reproduction-side VTR and a recording-side VTR, resulting in a time code corresponding to the time code signal of the recording-side VTR. As described above, it has been proposed to make the phase adjustment easy and reliable by reading and controlling the image memory (see Patent Document 1).

  As a technique related to video composition, a VTR that can record and reproduce a set of a video signal, a key signal, and a control signal on a recording tape has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-70282 JP-A-4-40178

  The technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique related to phase adjustment between VTRs when image data reproduced by a VTR is stored in another VTR. On the other hand, when image data reproduced by a reproducing device of a tape-like recording medium such as a VTR is stored in an image storage / reproduction device having an image memory such as an image storage / reproduction device in an effect switcher, image storage is performed. There has not yet been proposed a technique for storing the image data reproduced by controlling the reproducing device of the tape-shaped recording medium on the reproducing apparatus side and managing it by the file system.

  Moreover, the special VTR as described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 is expensive and does not actually exist in the market. As a device for supplying materials to an effect switcher or the like, it is more convenient and inexpensive to use a normal VTR.

  In view of the above-mentioned points, the present invention, for example, in an image storage / reproduction device arranged in a studio circuit such as an effect switcher, reproduces image data reproduced by controlling a reproduction device of a tape-like recording medium such as a VTR. It is a first problem to be stored in an image memory and to be managed by a file system.

  Note that the image storage / playback apparatus in the effect switcher must always operate in synchronization with a reference signal supplied from the outside. If not, correct processing / combination becomes impossible when the input image data is processed or the processed image data is combined with another image data and output.

  Since the image storage / playback device in the effect switcher operates in synchronization with the external reference signal in this way, playback of the playback device of a tape-like recording medium such as a VTR that causes the effect switcher to input image data. The operation must also be synchronized to the same reference signal. That is, at the start of storage in the image storage / playback apparatus, the playback device for the tape-shaped recording medium such as a VTR needs to be locked to the reference signal.

  Therefore, it is necessary to control the tape traveling speed at the time of reproduction by a reproducing device for a tape-like recording medium such as a VTR so as to satisfy this condition, but such synchronous control may fail. If it fails, you will have to try again.

  However, if image data to be played back on a playback device of a tape-like recording medium such as a VTR is directly stored in the image memory and management information is created on the file system side, an illegal image will be displayed when the playback device fails to synchronize. There arises a problem that management information regarding data remains on the file system side. However, it is cumbersome and difficult for the operator to confirm the servo lock after pre-rolling and to manually take an appropriate recording timing in order to prevent synchronization failure. Since the effect switcher side does not require locking by pre-roll or phase adjustment by using a memory, it is desirable that the playback device side of the tape-like recording medium such as a VTR can be managed smoothly by taking advantage of the feature.

  In view of the above points, the present invention, for example, in an image storage / playback apparatus disposed in a studio circuit such as an effect switcher, confirms synchronization of a tape-like recording medium such as a VTR with a reference signal of a playback device or when synchronization fails. The second problem is to make it possible to store the image data reproduced in a state in which the reproduction apparatus is synchronized with the reference signal in the image memory and manage it by the file system.

In order to solve the above problems, a first image storage / reproduction device according to the present invention provides:
An image memory having a storage capacity for image data for a plurality of frames;
A microcomputer,
A read / write circuit that is controlled by the microcomputer and performs writing of image data to the image memory and reading of image data from the image memory;
An input circuit that supplies image data input from a playback device of an external tape-shaped recording medium to the read / write circuit for writing in synchronization with a reference signal;
An output circuit for outputting the image data read by the read / write circuit in synchronization with the reference signal;
An operation unit having an operation unit for designating a time code of image data of a frame for starting storage in the image memory among the image data in the playback device;
A control unit for controlling the playback device,
The controller is
Sending the playback command of the image data from the playback start position according to the time code specified in the operation unit to the playback device,
The microcomputer is
A file system is constructed in a memory in the microcomputer, and frame image data supplied from the playback device to the read / write circuit via the input circuit after the time code specified by the operation unit is stored in the image memory. Image storage and file registration processing for storing the storage location information indicating the storage location of the image data in the image memory as a file in the file system;
When reading of image data is requested by designating a file in the file system, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file. A read process is performed.

  In this image storage / reproduction device, the time code of the image data of the frame to be stored in the image memory is designated among the image data in the reproduction device of the external tape-shaped recording medium for inputting the image data to the input circuit. And an operation unit for controlling the playback device.

  The control unit sends a reproduction command of image data from the reproduction start position corresponding to the time code specified by the operation unit to the reproduction device.

  In this image storage / playback apparatus, the microcomputer constructs a file system in the memory in the microcomputer, and is supplied from the playback device to the read / write circuit via the input circuit after the time code specified by the operation unit. The image data of the frame is written into the image memory, and the storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory is stored as a file in the file system. When a file in the file system is designated and image data reading is requested, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file.

  Thereby, the image data reproduced by controlling the reproducing device of the tape-shaped recording medium can be stored in the image memory and managed by the file system (the first problem described above is solved).

  When the image data stored in the image memory is managed by the file system in this way, when the operation of reading out the image data is performed by the operation unit of the image storage / reproduction apparatus itself (or the image storage / reproduction apparatus is accessed from the outside). Image data can be handled as a file system file, and image data can be read and transferred from the image memory in a few frames, so any stored image data can be output immediately. can do.

Next, a second image recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is provided.
An image memory having a storage capacity for image data for a plurality of frames;
A microcomputer,
A read / write circuit that is controlled by the microcomputer and performs writing of image data to the image memory and reading of image data from the image memory;
An input circuit that supplies image data input from a playback device of an external tape-shaped recording medium to the read / write circuit for writing in synchronization with a reference signal;
An output circuit for outputting the image data read by the read / write circuit in synchronization with the reference signal;
An operation unit having an operation unit for designating a time code of image data of a frame for starting storage in the image memory among the image data in the playback device;
A control unit for controlling the playback device,
The controller is
A first process of sending a playback command of image data from a playback start position according to a time code specified by the operation unit to the playback device;
Receiving a time code and information on the synchronization state to the reference signal from the playback device, and determining whether or not the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal at the time code specified by the operation unit; If the process is not synchronized in the second process, the first process and the second process are repeated,
The microcomputer is
A file system is built in the memory in the microcomputer, and is supplied from the playback device to the read / write circuit via the input circuit after it is determined that the control unit is synchronized in the second process. Image storage and file registration processing for storing image data of a frame in the image memory and storing storage position information indicating a storage position of the image data in the image memory as a file;
When reading of image data is requested by designating a file in the file system, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file. A read process is performed.

  In this image storage / reproduction device, the time code of the image data of the frame to be stored in the image memory is designated among the image data in the reproduction device of the external tape-shaped recording medium for inputting the image data to the input circuit. And an operation unit for controlling the playback device.

  The control unit includes a first process of sending a playback command of image data from a playback start position corresponding to the time code specified by the operation unit to the playback device, and a synchronization state from the playback device to the time code and the reference signal When the information is received and the second process for determining whether or not the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal at the time code specified by the operation unit, and is not synchronized in the second process, The first process and the second process are repeated.

  Further, in this image storage / reproduction device, the microcomputer constructs a file system in the memory in the microcomputer, and after determining that the microcomputer is synchronized in the second process of the control unit, the input circuit is connected from the reproduction device. Then, the image data of the frame supplied to the read / write circuit is written into the image memory, and the storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory is stored as a file in the file system. When a file in the file system is designated and image data reading is requested, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file.

  In this way, after the control unit sends a playback command to the playback device of the tape-shaped recording medium, the control unit synchronizes with the reference signal of the playback device at the time code of the frame to be stored specified by the operation unit. If the presence / absence is confirmed and synchronized, the microcomputer stores the image data reproduced and input from the reproduction device in the image memory and also stores the storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory. Register as a file in the system. On the other hand, if they are not synchronized, storage in the image memory and registration in the file system are not performed, and the control unit repeats the same process again, and storage in the image memory and registration in the file system is performed only when synchronization is performed. .

  In other words, if the playback device is not synchronized with the reference signal in the frame to be stored, it automatically retries, and storage in the image memory and registration in the file system are performed for the first time when synchronization is performed.

  As a result, the image data reproduced by controlling the reproducing device of the tape-shaped recording medium can be stored in the image memory and managed by the file system (the first problem described above is solved), and Eliminates the need to check the synchronization of the playback device with the reference signal and troublesome operations when the synchronization fails, and stores the image data played back while the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal in the image memory and manages it with the file system (The second problem described above is also solved).

  When the image data stored in the image memory is managed by the file system in this way, when the operation of reading out the image data is performed by the operation unit of the image storage / reproduction apparatus itself (or the image storage / reproduction apparatus is accessed from the outside). Image data can be handled as a file system file, and image data can be read and transferred from the image memory in a few frames, so any stored image data can be output immediately. can do.

Next, a third image recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention provides:
An image memory having a storage capacity for image data for a plurality of frames;
A microcomputer,
A read / write circuit that is controlled by the microcomputer and performs writing of image data to the image memory and reading of image data from the image memory;
An input circuit that supplies image data input from a playback device of an external tape-shaped recording medium to the read / write circuit for writing in synchronization with a reference signal;
An output circuit for outputting the image data read by the read / write circuit in synchronization with the reference signal;
An operation unit having an operation unit for designating a time code of image data of a frame for starting storage in the image memory among the image data in the playback device;
A control unit for controlling the playback device,
The controller is
A first process of sending a playback command of image data from a playback start position according to a time code specified by the operation unit to the playback device;
Second processing for receiving information on a synchronization state from the playback device to the reference signal and determining whether the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal;
When synchronized in the second process, a third process is performed to determine whether or not a time code has been received from the playback device;
The microcomputer constructs a file system in a memory in the microcomputer, and the read / write from the playback device via the input circuit after it is determined that the control unit is synchronized in the second process. The image data of the frame supplied to the circuit is written in the image memory, and the storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory is stored as a file in the file system. After it is determined that the time code is received in the processing, the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code prior to the time code specified by the operation unit is deleted from the image memory, and specified by the operation unit. The image data of the frame corresponding to the time code before the selected time code An image storage file registration process the file storing the storage location information indicating a storage position removed from the file system,
When reading of image data is requested by designating a file in the file system, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file. A read process is performed.

  In this image storage / reproduction device, the time code of the image data of the frame to be stored in the image memory is designated among the image data in the reproduction device of the external tape-shaped recording medium for inputting the image data to the input circuit. And an operation unit for controlling the playback device.

  The control unit sends first processing for sending a playback command of image data from the playback start position according to the time code specified by the operation unit to the playback device, and information on the synchronization state from the playback device to the reference signal. The second process for receiving and determining whether or not this playback device is synchronized with the reference signal, and if it is synchronized in the second process, determines whether or not a time code has been received from this playback device The third process is performed.

  Further, in this image storage / reproduction device, the microcomputer constructs a file system in the memory in the microcomputer, and after determining that the microcomputer is synchronized in the second process of the control unit, the input circuit is connected from the reproduction device. In the third process of the control unit, the image data of the frame supplied to the read / write circuit is written to the image memory, and the storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory is stored as a file in the file system. After it is determined that the time code has been received, the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code prior to the time code specified in the operation unit is deleted from the image memory, and more than the time code specified in the operation unit. Memory position indicating the memory position of the image data of the frame corresponding to the previous time code To delete a file that stores the information from the file system. When a file in the file system is designated and image data reading is requested, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file.

  As described above, after the control unit sends a playback command to the playback device of the tape-shaped recording medium, the controller checks whether or not the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal. Image data reproduced and input from the device is written into the image memory, and storage location information indicating the storage location of the image data in the image memory is stored as a file in the file system.

  In addition, when the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal, the control unit determines whether or not the time code is received from the playback device. After the time code is received, the microcomputer stores the time code in the image memory. Of the stored image data, the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code before the time code of the frame to be stored specified by the operation unit is deleted from the image memory, and also specified by the operation unit. The file storing the storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code before the time code is deleted from the file system.

  In other words, regardless of whether or not it is before the frame to be stored, the playback device performs storage in the image memory and registration in the file system after synchronization with the reference signal, but the time code is determined thereafter. Thus, the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code before the frame to be stored and the file storing the storage position information of the image data are automatically deleted.

  As a result, the image data reproduced by controlling the reproducing device of the tape-shaped recording medium can be stored in the image memory and managed by the file system (the first problem described above is solved), and Eliminates the need to check the synchronization of the playback device with the reference signal and troublesome operations when the synchronization fails, and stores the image data played back while the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal in the image memory and manages it with the file system (The second problem described above is also solved).

  When the image data stored in the image memory is managed by the file system in this way, when the operation of reading out the image data is performed by the operation unit of the image storage / reproduction apparatus itself (or the image storage / reproduction apparatus is accessed from the outside). Image data can be handled as a file system file, and image data can be read and transferred from the image memory in a few frames, so any stored image data can be output immediately. can do.

Next, a fourth image recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention provides:
An image memory having a storage capacity for image data for a plurality of frames;
A microcomputer,
A read / write circuit that is controlled by the microcomputer and performs writing of image data to the image memory and reading of image data from the image memory;
An input circuit that supplies image data input from a playback device of an external tape-shaped recording medium to the read / write circuit for writing in synchronization with a reference signal;
An output circuit for outputting the image data read by the read / write circuit in synchronization with the reference signal;
Of the image data in the playback device, operation means for designating a time code of image data to be stored in the image memory, designation of the number of frames of image data to be stored in the image memory, and / or An operation unit having an operation unit for instructing termination of storage in the image memory;
A control unit for controlling the playback device,
The controller is
A first process of sending a playback command of image data from a playback start position according to a time code specified by the operation unit to the playback device;
Receives information about the time code and the reference signal synchronization state from the playback device, and determines whether the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal in the time code after the time code specified by the operation unit A second process to
After the reproduction of the image data of the number of frames specified by the operation unit is completed from the frame corresponding to the time code specified by the operation unit, or the storage to the image memory is completed by the operation unit. After being instructed, a playback command of image data from the playback start position corresponding to the time code specified by the operation unit is sent again to the playback device, and the playback device is synchronized with the time code and the reference signal. And a third process for determining whether or not the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal in each time code that was not synchronized in the second process,
The microcomputer is
A file system is constructed in the memory in the microcomputer, and the input circuit is connected from the playback device after it is determined that the control unit is synchronized in either the second process or the third process. Image storage / file registration that causes the image data of the frame supplied to the read / write circuit to be written to the image memory, and that storage location information indicating the storage location of the image data in the image memory is stored as a file in the file system Processing,
When reading of image data is requested by designating a file in the file system, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file. A read process is performed.

  The image storage / playback apparatus includes a time code of image data of a frame for starting storage in an image memory among image data in a playback device of an external tape-shaped recording medium that inputs image data to an input circuit, and an image An operation unit for specifying the number of frames of image data to be stored in the memory and / or instructing the end of storage in the image memory, and a control unit for controlling the playback device are provided.

  The control unit performs a first process of sending a playback command of image data from the playback start position corresponding to the time code specified by the operation unit to the playback device, and synchronization from the playback device to the time code and the reference signal. A second process for receiving status information and determining whether or not the playback apparatus is synchronized with the reference signal in a time code after the time code specified by the operation unit; and the playback apparatus in the second process. When there is a time code that is not synchronized with the reference signal, after playback of the image data of the number of frames specified in the operation unit from the frame corresponding to the time code specified in the operation unit is completed, or Image data from the playback start position according to the time code specified by the operation unit after the operation unit has instructed the end of storage in the image memory The playback command is sent to the playback device again, information on the synchronization state with the time code and the reference signal is received from the playback device, and the playback device transmits the reference signal at each time code that is not synchronized in the second process. And a third process for determining whether or not they are synchronized with each other. (In the second process, if the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal in all time codes after the time code specified by the operation unit, it is needless to say that the third process need not be performed. )

  Further, in this image storage / playback apparatus, after the microcomputer constructs a file system in the memory in the microcomputer and is determined to be synchronized in either the second process or the third process of the control unit. The image data of the frame supplied from the playback device to the read / write circuit via the input circuit is written into the image memory, and the storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory is stored as a file in the file system. When a file in the file system is designated and image data reading is requested, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file.

  In this way, after the control unit sends a playback command to the playback device of the tape-shaped recording medium, the reference signal of this playback device at the time code after the time code of the frame to be stored specified by the operation unit. After the synchronization is confirmed, the microcomputer stores the image data reproduced and input from the reproduction device in the image memory, and the storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory Is registered as a file in the file system.

  In addition, the control unit corresponds to the time code specified in the operation unit when the time code after the time code specified in the operation unit includes a time code that is not synchronized with the reference signal by the playback device. Depending on the time code specified in the operation unit after the playback of the image data of the number of frames specified in the operation unit from the frame is completed, or after the operation unit is instructed to end the storage in the image memory The image data playback command from the playback start position is sent to the playback device again, and the time code after the time code specified in the operation unit is not synchronized with the reference signal in the previous time code. Check whether the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal, and after synchronization, the microcomputer was played back and input from this playback device. Together and stores the image data into the image memory, registers the storage location information indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory to the file system as a file.

  That is, taking advantage of the feature that the order of storing the image data in the image memory does not have to be the same as the playback order, the reference signal among the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code after the frame to be stored Only the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code synchronized with the image data is automatically stored in the image memory and registered in the file system first, and the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code not synchronized with the reference signal Then, this playback device is again played back and stored in the image memory and registered in the file system automatically on condition that the playback device is synchronized.

  As a result, the image data reproduced by controlling the reproducing device of the tape-shaped recording medium can be stored in the image memory and managed by the file system (the first problem described above is solved), and Eliminates the need to check the synchronization of the playback device with the reference signal and troublesome operations when the synchronization fails, and stores the image data played back while the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal in the image memory and manages it with the file system (The second problem described above is also solved).

  When the image data stored in the image memory is managed by the file system in this way, when the operation of reading out the image data is performed by the operation unit of the image storage / reproduction apparatus itself (or the image storage / reproduction apparatus is accessed from the outside). Image data can be handled as a file system file. In addition, image data can be read out from the image memory in real time (for example, 1/60 seconds if one frame is 1/60 seconds), and the time required for control of the output circuit and transmission of the control is about several frames. Therefore, the image data stored in the image memory can be continuously supplied to the output circuit without interruption and output from the output circuit in a time of about several frames.

  According to the first image storage / playback apparatus of the present invention, the image data reproduced by controlling the playback device of the tape-shaped recording medium can be stored in the image memory and managed by the file system. can get.

  In addition, by managing the image data stored in the image memory in this way by the file system, when the operation of reading out the image data is performed by the operation unit of the image storage / reproduction apparatus itself (or accessing the image storage / reproduction apparatus from the outside). Image data can be handled as a file system file, and image data can be read and transferred from the image memory in a few frames, so any stored image data can be output immediately. The effect that it can do is acquired.

  According to the second, third, and fourth image storage / playback apparatuses according to the present invention, the image data reproduced by controlling the playback device of the tape-shaped recording medium is stored in the image memory and managed by the file system. Image data reproduced in a state in which the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal without the need for complicated confirmation when the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal or when the synchronization fails. The effect that it can be stored and managed by the file system is obtained.

  In addition, by managing the image data stored in the image memory in this way by the file system, when the operation of reading out the image data is performed by the operation unit of the image storage / reproduction apparatus itself (or accessing the image storage / reproduction apparatus from the outside). Image data can be handled as a file system file, and image data can be read and transferred from the image memory in a few frames, so any stored image data can be output immediately. The effect that it can do is acquired.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an image storage / reproduction unit arranged in an effect switcher which is a kind of studio circuit will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Overall structure of effect switcher]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an effect switcher provided with an image storage / playback unit to which the present invention is applied. This effect switcher is composed of a main unit 1 and a console 21.

  The main unit 1 includes a plurality of SDI input circuits (corresponding to input circuits) 2 for inputting SDI (Serial Digital Interface) standard image data from an external device, a cross-point unit 3, and a key processing circuit 4. The composition circuit 5, the image memory 6, the memory controller 7 (corresponding to the read / write circuit), the control I / F (interface) 8, the data I / F 9, the microcomputer 10, the SDI output circuit (in the output circuit) Corresponding) 11, a control communication system 12, and a network I / F 13 are provided.

  The SDI input circuit 2 synchronizes image data of SDI (Serial Digital Interface) standard input from the outside of the effect switcher in parallel with the reference signal Ref supplied from the outside of the effect switcher in real time. And has a plurality of input ports.

  The SDI input circuit 2 can be input with SDI standard image data from various devices such as a VTR, a video deck, and a television camera. Here, as an example, the SDI input circuit 2 is connected to one input port of the SDI input circuit 2. The image data is input from the VTR 30. The same reference signal Ref as that supplied to the effect switcher is also supplied to the VTR 30.

  The cross point unit 3 uses image data (currently used as background video) in the synthesis circuit 5 from image data input from the outside to the SDI input circuit 2 and image data re-input from the synthesis circuit 5 and the memory controller 7. The background image and the next background image) and image data used for keying in the key processing circuit 4 (the key fill signal which is the foreground image, and the density which is the composition ratio of the foreground image and the background image) Switch for selecting two types of image data to be output to the outside from the SDI output circuit 11 and two types of image data to be supplied to the memory controller 7 for writing to the image memory 6 Is a set of

  The key processing circuit 4 converts the key fill signal and key source signal selected by the cross point unit 3 into various parameters (for example, a parameter indicating which video component of the key source signal is a density, and a position of the key source signal). A circuit for processing based on parameters to be adjusted, parameters for adjusting the reduction ratio of the key fill signal and the key source signal, and the like.

  The synthesis circuit 5 selects the background video output from the output line 0ut of the image data main unit 1 to be re-input to the cross point unit 3 from the current background video selected by the cross point unit 3 at the cross point unit 3. This is a circuit for performing processing for transitioning to the next background image (transition) and processing for synthesizing the foreground image with the background image (keying) using the key fill signal and the key source signal from the key processing circuit 4.

  The image memory 6 is a memory having a storage capacity for SDI signals for a plurality of frames, and is composed of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. The memory controller 7 is a circuit that writes image data to the image memory 6 and reads image data from the image memory 6. The image data read from the image memory 6 by the memory controller 7 is re-input to the cross point unit 3. The memory controller 7 is controlled by the microcomputer 10 via the control I / F 8. Although the microcomputer 10 controls not only the memory controller 7 but also each part of the main unit 1, the control of the memory controller 7 is particularly important in explaining the embodiment of the present invention. The control I / F 8 is clearly shown.

  The SDI output circuit 11 is a circuit that converts the image data supplied from the crosspoint unit 3 into serial image data of the SDI standard in real time in synchronization with the above-described reference signal Ref and outputs it to the outside. Has a port.

  The control communication system 12 is an Ethernet (registered trademark) port or an RS422 port, and is used for the microcomputer 10 to communicate with the console 21.

  On the console 21, an operation unit 22 for performing various operations and a display unit 23 for performing various displays are arranged on the surface of the casing, and a microcomputer (corresponding to a control unit) 24, control Communication systems 25 and 26 are provided.

  The control communication system 25 is the same as the control communication system 12 in the main unit 1, and is used for the microcomputer 24 to communicate with the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1.

  The control communication system 26 is the same as a control communication system (not shown) such as an RS422 port provided in the VTR 30 and is used by the microcomputer 24 to control the VTR 30.

  Although not shown, the operation unit 22 is set up for the effect switcher (for example, SD-SDI standard image data, HD-, etc.) while looking at the setup screen and the operation screen displayed on the display unit 23. Setting of which SDI standard image data is input to the SDI input circuit 2, setting of parameters of the key processing circuit 4, etc.) and operation (for example, switching of the cross-point portion 3 and synthesis circuit 5) For example, an operation button for selecting a transition type) is provided.

  In addition, the operation unit 22 has an image memory among image data in a VTR (VTR 30 in FIG. 1) that allows the SDI input circuit 2 to input image data while viewing a VTR control screen displayed on the display unit 23. A recording start time code designation button 22a for designating the time code of the image data of the frame to be stored in the memory 6, and a recording frame number designation button 22b for designating the number of frames of the image data to be stored in the image memory 6. And a recording end button 22c for instructing to end the storage of the image data in the VTR in the image memory 6. (When displaying a GUI screen as a VTR control screen, it is also possible to perform the same operation as these buttons with a pointing device such as a trackpad without providing these dedicated buttons 22a to 22c. .)

  Further, although not shown, the operation unit 22 has operation buttons for designating image data to be read from the image memory 6 while viewing a file system (FIG. 11) described later displayed on the display unit 23. Is provided.

[How to use image memory 6]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how to use the image memory 6 in the main unit 1. The microcomputer 10 in the main unit 1 determines a certain number of bytes Nf according to the image format (SD-SDI or HD-SDI) of the image data to be written in the image memory 6. This number of bytes Nf is the size of the image data main body for one frame of SD-SDI standard (about approximately) when the selection of image data of SD-SDI standard is selected by the setting in the operation unit 22 described above. 1 megabyte), and on the other hand, when it is selected to input HD-SDI standard image data according to the setting in the operation unit 22, it is selected to input an HD-SDI signal by the setup process. Is determined by the size (approximately 5 megabytes) of the image data body for one frame of the HD-SDI standard. The image format is not limited to SD-SDI or HD-SDI, and for example, the number of active lines, the frame rate, and interlace / progressive as shown in (a) to (d) below. Different formats may be selectable from a number of formats. In that case, the number of bytes Nf may be changed for each format.
(A) 480 / 59.94 Hz (interlace)
(B) 576/50 Hz (interlace)
(C) 1080 / 59.94 Hz (interlace / progressive)
(D) 720/50 Hz (progressive)

  Then, the microcomputer 10 controls the memory controller 7 to divide the image memory 6 into a plurality of divided areas each having the number of bytes Nf in the order of addresses (addresses), and use one frame for each divided area. Write image data.

  By using the image memory 6 in this way, if the leading address of the image memory 6 is a1, the leading address of the i-th segmented area is a1 + (Nf × (i−1)). The storage position of the image data of each frame can be identified by this number i. In the following, this segmented area number i is referred to as a register number.

  The microcomputer 10 manages, using a linear list, the register numbers of the divided areas in which no image data is currently stored among the divided areas for each byte number Nf of the image memory 6. In a state where no image data is stored in the image memory 6, the register numbers of all the divided areas are combined in this linear list. Thereafter, the register number of the segmented area in which the image data is written is removed from this linear list. When the image data is erased from the segmented area where the image data is written, the register number of the segmented area is added again to the linear list. Since the image data written in any address can be immediately read from the image memory 6, there is no problem even if the order of register numbers adjacent to this linear list is different from the actual address order. As described above, the image memory 6 includes a volatile area (volatile memory part) and a non-volatile area (nonvolatile memory part). The register numbers of the partition areas in the nonvolatile area are managed by separate linear lists.

[VTR control, image storage, file registration processing]
The microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 constructs a file system in the RAM in the microcomputer 10. The file system is usually used in a disk device or the like, but it is generally performed that the RAM is regarded as the disk device and the file system is constructed (stored) on the RAM. However, the usage of the file system in the microcomputer 10 has the feature of managing the image data stored in the image memory 6 and is related to the control of the VTR by the microcomputer 24 of the console 21.

  For this reason, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 and the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 are connected to the control unit 12 and 25 through the control communication systems 12 and 25 for field-unit accuracy (for example, in the case of NTSC, about 1/60 second accuracy). ), VTR control, image storage, and file registration processing are executed jointly.

  Hereinafter, the VTR control / image storage / file registration process will be described taking the case of controlling the VTR 30 of FIG. 1 as an example. In the following, a plurality of processes (first to fourth processes) having different contents will be described as the VTR control / image storage / file registration process. For example, any of these may be performed by a setting operation on the operation unit 22. One process may be selected and executed.

<First VTR control / image storage / file registration processing>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the first VTR control / image storage / file registration process, which is the process by the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 or the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 after each step number. The words “main unit” and “console console” are used to distinguish them.

  In this process, first, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 acquires information on the time code (referred to as T1) of the storage start frame designated by the recording start time code designation button 22a (FIG. 1) of the operation unit 22. (Step S1).

  Then, the microcomputer 24 sequentially sends a cue-up command from the time code T1-Tp and a reproduction start command to the VTR 30 with the preroll time as Tp (steps S2 and S3).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 24 receives a notification of the time code (Tc) of the image data of the currently reproduced frame from the VTR 30 (step S4), and whether or not Tc + 1 = T1 (ie, currently being reproduced) Whether the image data of the next frame of the image data is image data corresponding to the time code designated by the recording start time code designation button 22a is determined (step S5). If no, return to step S4 and repeat steps S4 and S5.

  If the answer is YES in step S5, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 creates a material directory (referred to as D1) in the file system built in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 (step S6). The process proceeds to “Process” (step S7).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the material storage process. First, the cross-point unit 3 is controlled so that the image data input from the VTR 30 to the SDI input circuit 2 is supplied to the memory controller 7, and the memory controller 7 is controlled so as to write to the image memory 6. After that, it waits until image data for one frame (initially, image data of a frame corresponding to the time code Tc + 1) is written in the image memory 6 (step S11). The control of the cross point unit 3 may be performed once when the step S11 is executed for the first time, and thereafter, the image data input from the VTR 30 to the SDI input circuit 2 is continuously supplied to the memory controller 7. In addition, since the writing of the image data to the image memory 6 is performed in real time, whether or not the image data of each frame has been written is confirmed by using the reference signal Ref as to whether or not the time of one frame has elapsed. This can be done based on the judgment.

  Then, frame management information (including the register number shown in FIG. 2 as storage location information of the image data in the image memory 6) for managing the image data of the frame written in the image memory 6 is stored in the material directory D1. It is created and stored as a file (step S12).

  Subsequently, by communicating with the microcomputer 24 of the console 21, the image data for the number of frames designated by the recording frame number designation button 22b (FIG. 1) of the operation unit 22 of the console 21 up to step S12. It is determined whether or not one of the condition that the process is completed and the condition that the recording end button 22c of the operation unit 22 of the console 21 is operated is satisfied (step S13). If the number of frames specified by the recording frame number specifying button 22b is transmitted from the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 to the microcomputer 10 at the specified time, communication is performed every time step S13 is executed. There is no need. Further, regarding the operation of the recording end button 22c, information indicating that the recording end button 22c has been operated is transmitted from the microcomputer 24 to the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1, and the microcomputer 10 uses the interrupt task to transmit the information. Can be received and stored, and the stored information can be referred to when step S13 is executed.

  If neither condition is satisfied, the process returns to step S11 and steps S11 to S13 are repeated. If any condition is satisfied in step S13, material management information for managing the image data of all frames stored in the image memory 6 as one material is created and stored in the material directory D1 as a file (step S13). S14). Then, the process ends.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 finishes the material storage process, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 sends a reproduction stop command to the VTR 30 (step S8), and the process is finished.

  According to the first VTR control / image storage / file registration process shown in FIG. 3, the recording frame number specifying button is set with the time code specified by the recording start time code specifying button 22a of the operation unit 22 as the recording start position. The image data for a plurality of frames specified by 22b (or the image data for a plurality of frames until the recording end button 22c is operated) is reproduced by the VTR 30, and the image data is stored in the image memory 6 to be a file system. Can be managed.

  When the image data stored in the image memory 6 is managed by the file system in this way, when the operation unit 22 of the console 21 of the effect switcher itself performs an operation of reading out the image data (or from the outside, the effect / When accessing the switcher), the image data can be handled as a file system file. Further, unlike mass storage means such as a hard disk array unit, reading and transfer of image data from the image memory 6 only takes a few frames, so any stored image data is immediately output. be able to.

  However, since this effect switcher operates in synchronization with the external reference signal Ref, the playback operation of the VTR 30 for inputting image data to the effect switcher must also be synchronized with the same reference signal Ref. Therefore, the tape running speed at the time of reproduction of the VTR 30 must be controlled so as to satisfy this condition, but such synchronous control may fail.

  However, in the first VTR control / image storage / file registration process shown in FIG. 3, when the VTR 30 fails to synchronize with the reference signal Ref, management information regarding illegal image data remains on the file system side. Problem arises. However, it is cumbersome and difficult for the operator to confirm the servo lock after pre-rolling and to manually take an appropriate recording timing in order to prevent synchronization failure. Since the effect switcher does not need to be locked by pre-roll or phase adjustment by using the image memory 6, it is desirable that the VTR side can be managed smoothly by taking advantage of its features.

  The second to fourth VTR control, image storage, and file registration processes described below eliminate the need for complicated confirmation when the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal and when synchronization fails.

<Second VTR control / image storage / file registration processing>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the second VTR control / image storage / file registration process, which is the process by the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 or the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 after each step number. The words “main unit” and “console console” are used to distinguish them.

  In this process, first, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 acquires information on the time code T1 of the storage start frame designated by the recording start time code designation button 22a (FIG. 1) of the operation unit 22 (step S21). ).

  Then, the microcomputer 24 sequentially sends a cue-up command from the time code T1-Tp and a reproduction start command to the VTR 30 with the preroll time as Tp (steps S22 and S23).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 24 receives from the VTR 30 the notification of the time code Tc of the image data of the currently reproduced frame and the synchronization state information Lc indicating whether or not the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal Ref. (Step S24), whether Tc + 1 = T1 (that is, the image data of the next frame of the currently reproduced image data is the image data corresponding to the time code specified by the recording start time code specifying button 22a). Whether or not there is) is determined (step S25). If no, return to step S24 and repeat steps S24 and S25.

  If the answer is yes in step S25, the microcomputer 24 determines whether or not the latest synchronization state information Lc received in step S24 indicates synchronization (step S26). If no, the microcomputer 24 sends a playback stop command to the VTR 30 (step S27), and then returns to step S22 to repeat steps S22 to S26.

  If the answer is YES in step S26, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 creates a material directory D1 in the file system built in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 (step S28), and thereafter the material storage shown in FIG. The process proceeds (step S29). When the microcomputer 10 completes the material storage process, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 sends a reproduction stop command to the VTR 30 (step S30), and the process is terminated.

  According to the second VTR control / image storage / file registration process shown in FIG. 5, after the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 sends a reproduction command to the VTR 30, a recording start time code designation button on the operation unit 22 is displayed. The presence or absence of synchronization with the reference signal of the VTR 30 in the time code of the frame to be stored specified by 22a is confirmed. If synchronized, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 is reproduced from the VTR 30 and input. The stored image data is stored in the image memory 6 and storage location information indicating the storage location of the image data in the image memory 6 is registered as a file in the file system. On the other hand, if they are not synchronized, they are not stored in the image memory 6 and registered in the file system, and the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 repeats the same process again, and when it synchronizes, the storage and file in the image memory 6 are not performed. Registration to the system is performed.

  That is, when the VTR 30 is not synchronized with the reference signal in the frame to be stored, the retry is automatically performed, and the storage in the image memory 6 and the registration in the file system are performed only when the synchronization is performed.

  As a result, the image data reproduced by controlling the VTR 30 can be stored in the image memory 6 and managed by the file system, and there is no need for complicated confirmation when the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal or when the synchronization fails. Thus, the image data reproduced while the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal can be stored in the image memory 6 and managed by the file system.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a partial modification of the second VTR control / image storage / file registration process shown in FIG. 5, and steps having the same processing contents as those in FIG. Duplicate explanation is omitted.

  In this modified example, the material directory D1 is stored in advance in the file system built in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 not immediately after the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 becomes YES in step S26 but immediately after step S21. Is created (step S31).

  Further, after step S27, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 determines whether or not the preset retry period or the upper limit of the number of times has been reached (timed out) (step S32). If no, the process returns to step S22. If the answer is yes, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 deletes the material directory D1 created in advance in step S31 (step S33), and the process ends. .

<Third VTR control, image storage, file registration processing>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the third VTR control / image storage / file registration process, which is the process by the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 or the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 after each step number. The words “main unit” and “console console” are used to distinguish them.

  In this process, first, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 acquires information on the time code T1 of the storage start frame designated by the recording start time code designation button 22a (FIG. 1) of the operation unit 22 (step S41). ).

  Then, the microcomputer 24 sets the preroll time as Tp, sends a cue-up command from the time code T1-Tp to the VTR 30 (step S42), sets the time code Tc to “undefined” (step S43), and reproduces it. A start command is sent to the VTR 30 (step S44).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 24 receives from the VTR 30 synchronization information Lc indicating whether or not the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal Ref (step S45), and the synchronization information Lc is synchronized. It is determined whether or not this indicates (step S46). If no, the microcomputer 24 returns to step S45 and repeats steps S45 and S46.

  If the answer is yes in step S46, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 creates the material directory D1 in the file system built in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 (step S47).

  The microcomputer 10 controls the cross-point unit 3 so that the image data input from the VTR 30 to the SDI input circuit 2 is supplied to the memory controller 7, and the memory is configured to perform writing to the image memory 6. After controlling the controller 7, the process waits until image data for one frame is written in the image memory 6 (step S48). The control of the cross point unit 3 may be performed once when the step S48 is executed for the first time, and thereafter, the image data input from the VTR 30 to the SDI input circuit 2 is continuously supplied to the memory controller 7. In addition, since the writing of the image data to the image memory 6 is performed in real time, whether or not the image data of each frame has been written is confirmed by using the reference signal Ref as to whether or not the time of one frame has elapsed. This can be done based on the judgment.

  The microcomputer 10 manages the frame management information for managing the image data of the frame written in the image memory 6 (including the register number shown in FIG. 2 as the storage location information of the image data in the image memory 6). Is created and stored as a file in the material directory D1 (step S49).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 determines whether or not a notification of the time code of the image data of the currently reproduced frame is received from the VTR 30 (step S50).

  If yes, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 adds the current time code received by the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 in step S50 to the image data for one frame written in the image memory 6 immediately before. At the same time, the time code Tc is set to the current time code received by the microcomputer 24 in step S50 (thus, Tc is not undefined) (step S51). Then, the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if no in step S50, the process proceeds from step S50 to step S52 as it is.

  In step S52, the microcomputer 10 determines whether Tc is undefined. If no, the microcomputer 10 increments the value of Tc by 1 (step S53), and proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S52, the process proceeds from the step S52 to the step S54 as it is.

  In step S54, the microcomputer 10 communicates with the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 so that the value of Tc is designated by the recording frame number designation button 22b (FIG. 1) of the operation unit 22 of the console 21. One of the condition that the time code value of the image data of the last frame of the image data for the number of frames is exceeded and the condition that the recording end button 22c of the operation unit 22 of the console 21 is operated. Whether or not is satisfied. If no, the process returns to step S48 and steps S48 to S54 are repeated. If the number of frames specified by the recording frame number specifying button 22b is transmitted from the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 to the microcomputer 10 at the specified time, communication is performed every time step S54 is executed. There is no need. Further, regarding the operation of the recording end button 22c, information indicating that the recording end button 22c has been operated is transmitted from the microcomputer 24 to the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1, and the microcomputer 10 uses the interrupt task to transmit the information. Can be received and stored, and the stored information can be referred to when step S54 is executed.

  If the answer is YES in step S54, the microcomputer 10 creates and stores, as a file, material management information for managing the image data of all frames stored in the image memory 6 as one material in the material directory D1. Step S55).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 sends a reproduction stop command to the VTR 30 (step S56).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 determines whether Tc is undefined (step S57). If yes, the microcomputer 10 controls the memory controller 7 to delete the image data of all the frames that have been written in the image memory 6 in step S48 so far, and the material directory D1 created in step S47. Is deleted (step S58). Then, the process ends.

  If NO in step S57, the microcomputer 10 controls the memory controller 7 to select a frame corresponding to a time code prior to the time code T1 designated by the recording start time code designation button 22a of the operation unit 22. The image data is deleted from the image memory 6 (determination as to whether or not the time code is earlier than the time code T1 is determined based on the result of associating the image data with the time code in step S51. When the image data of each frame is associated with the time code, for example, when the image data in the middle of the image data in the image memory 6 is associated in step S51, the image data in the image memory 6 In addition, the time code of the value obtained by subtracting one by one in order from the image data of each previous frame can be associated. Carried out by). In addition, the frame management information file stored in step S49 for the image data to be deleted is deleted from the material directory D1. As the image data is deleted, the content of the material management information file created in step S55 is updated (step S59). Then, the process ends.

  According to the third VTR control / image storage / file registration process shown in FIG. 7, after the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 sends a reproduction command to the VTR 30, there is synchronization with the reference signal Ref of the VTR 30. If the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 is synchronized, the image data reproduced and input from the VTR 30 is written into the image memory 6 and the memory indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory 6 is stored. The position information is stored as a file in the file system.

  Further, when the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal Ref, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 determines whether or not the time code is received from the VTR 30 and, after the time code is received, the microcomputer of the main unit 1. Of the image data stored in the image memory 6, the computer 10 corresponds to a frame corresponding to a time code before the time code of the frame to be stored specified by the recording start time code specifying button 22 a of the operation unit 22. A file storing storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code prior to the time code specified by the recording start time code specifying button 22a. Is removed from the file system.

  That is, regardless of whether or not it is before the frame to be stored, after the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal Ref, it is stored in the image memory 6 and registered in the file system. Thus, the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code before the frame to be stored and the file storing the storage position information of the image data are automatically deleted.

  As a result, the image data reproduced by controlling the VTR 30 can be stored in the image memory 6 and managed by the file system, and there is no need for complicated confirmation when the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal or when the synchronization fails. Thus, the image data reproduced while the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal can be stored in the image memory 6 and managed by the file system.

<Fourth VTR control / image storage / file registration process>
FIG. 8 to FIG. 9 are flowcharts showing the fourth VTR control / image storage / file registration processing. After each step number, processing by any of the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 and the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 is shown. The words “main unit” and “operation console” are used to distinguish between the two.

  In this process, first, as shown in FIG. 8, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 sets the time code T1 of the storage start frame designated by the recording start time code designation button 22a (FIG. 1) of the operation unit 22. Information is acquired (step S61).

  Then, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 creates the material directory D1 in the file system constructed in the RAM in the microcomputer 10, and also in the failure frame information area prepared in advance in the RAM in the microcomputer 10. All information is cleared (step S62).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 uses the pre-roll time as Tp and sequentially sends a cue-up command from the time code T1-Tp and a reproduction start command to the VTR 30 (steps S63 and S64).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 24 receives from the VTR 30 the notification of the time code Tc of the image data of the currently reproduced frame and the synchronization state information Lc indicating whether or not the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal Ref. (Step S65), whether Tc + 1 ≧ T1 (that is, the image data of the next frame of the currently reproduced image data corresponds to a time code after the time code specified by the recording start time code specifying button 22a Whether or not the image data is to be processed) (step S66). If no, return to step S65 and repeat steps S65 and S66.

  If the answer is YES in step S66, the microcomputer 24 determines whether or not the latest synchronization state information Lc received in step S65 indicates that it is synchronized (step S67). If the answer is no, the microcomputer 24 stores the value of the time code Tc + 1 in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 as the above-mentioned failure frame information (step S68), and then returns to step S65 to repeat steps S65 to S67.

  If YES in step S67, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 controls the cross point unit 3 so that the image data input from the VTR 30 to the SDI input circuit 2 is supplied to the memory controller 7, and the image memory After controlling the memory controller 7 to perform writing to 6, it waits until image data of a frame corresponding to the time code Tc + 1 is written to the image memory 6 (step S 69). The control of the cross point unit 3 may be performed once when the step S69 is executed for the first time, and thereafter, the image data input from the VTR 30 to the SDI input circuit 2 is continuously supplied to the memory controller 7. In addition, since the writing of the image data to the image memory 6 is performed in real time, whether or not the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code Tc + 1 has been written is checked whether or not the time of one frame has elapsed. This can be done based on the reference signal Ref.

  The microcomputer 10 manages the frame management information for managing the image data of the frame written in the image memory 6 (including the register number shown in FIG. 2 as the storage location information of the image data in the image memory 6). Is created and stored as a file in the material directory D1 (step S70).

  Subsequently, when the microcomputer 10 communicates with the microcomputer 24 of the console 21, image data for the number of frames designated by the recording frame number designation button 22b (FIG. 1) of the operation unit 22 of the console 21. It is determined whether any of the condition that the processing up to step S69 has been completed and the condition that the recording end button 22c of the operation unit 22 of the console 21 has been operated is satisfied (step S71). . If no, return to step S65 and repeat steps S65 to S71. If the number of frames specified by the recording frame number specifying button 22b is transmitted from the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 to the microcomputer 10 at the specified time, communication is performed every time step S71 is executed. There is no need. Further, regarding the operation of the recording end button 22c, information indicating that the recording end button 22c has been operated is transmitted from the microcomputer 24 to the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1, and the microcomputer 10 uses the interrupt task to transmit the information. Can be received and stored, and the stored information can be referred to when step S71 is executed.

  If YES in step S71, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 creates material management information as a file for managing image data of all frames stored in the image memory 6 as one material in the material directory D1. (Step S72).

  Then, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 sends a reproduction stop command to the VTR 30 (step S73). Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 determines whether or not the time code stored as the failed frame information in step S68 exists (step S74). If no, the process ends. On the other hand, if the answer is yes, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 uses the pre-roll time as Tp and again sends the cue-up command from the time code T1-Tp and the playback start command to the VTR 30 (steps S75 and S76).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 24 receives from the VTR 30 the notification of the time code Tc of the image data of the currently reproduced frame and the synchronization state information Lc indicating whether or not the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal Ref. (Step S77).

  Then, based on the time code Tc notified to the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 in step S77, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 has a value of Tc + 1 after the first time code stored as failure frame information in step S68. It is determined whether it is a value of (step S78). If no, return to step S77 and repeat steps S77 and S78.

  If the answer is YES in step S78, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 determines whether or not the latest synchronization state information Lc received in step S77 indicates synchronization (step S79). If no, the process returns to step S77 and steps S77 to S79 are repeated.

  If YES in step S79, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 controls the cross point unit 3 so that the image data input from the VTR 30 to the SDI input circuit 2 is supplied to the memory controller 7, and the image memory After controlling the memory controller 7 to perform writing to 6, it waits until image data of a frame corresponding to the time code Tc + 1 is written to the image memory 6 (step S 80).

  The microcomputer 10 manages the frame management information for managing the image data of the frame written in the image memory 6 (including the register number shown in FIG. 2 as the storage location information of the image data in the image memory 6). Is created and stored as a file in the material directory D1 (step S81).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 10 deletes the value of Tc + 1 from the failure frame information stored in step S68 (step S82), and the time code having a value larger than this Tc + 1 (that is, later in time) is the failure frame information. Whether or not still remains is determined (step S83). If yes, the process returns to step S77 and steps S77 to S83 are repeated.

  If no in step S83, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 sends a playback stop command to the VTR 30 (step S84).

  Subsequently, the failure frame information stored in step S68 by the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 that has not been deleted in step S82 (that is, Tc + 1 determined to have been synchronized in step S79 until then) It is determined whether or not there is a smaller value (time code earlier in time) (step S85). If yes, the process returns to step S75 and steps S75 to S85 are repeated.

  If the answer is no in step S85, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 updates the contents of the material management information file stored in step S72 to add information related to the image data written in the image memory 6 in step S80. (Step S86). Then, the process ends.

  According to the fourth VTR control / image storage / file registration process shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, after the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 sends a reproduction command to the VTR 30, the recording start time of the operation unit 22 is reached. The microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 confirms whether or not the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal Ref at the time code after the time code of the frame to be stored designated by the code designation button 22a. The image data reproduced and input from the VTR 30 is stored in the image memory 6 and storage location information indicating the storage location of the image data in the image memory 6 is registered as a file in the file system.

  Further, the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 records when the time code after the time code designated by the recording start time code designation button 22a includes a time code in which the VTR 30 is not synchronized with the reference signal Ref. After the reproduction of the image data of the number of frames designated by the recording frame number designation button 22b from the frame corresponding to the time code designated by the start time code designation button 22a is completed, or by the recording end button 22c, the image memory 6 is instructed to end storage, the image data reproduction command from the reproduction start position corresponding to the time code designated by the recording start time code designation button 22a is sent again to the VTR 30, and the recording start time code designation is made. Of the time codes after the time code specified by the button 22a, the last time code is the reference code. After confirming whether or not there is synchronization with the reference signal Ref of the VTR 30 at each time code that is not synchronized with the signal Ref, and after synchronization, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 is reproduced from the VTR 30 and input image data. Is stored in the image memory 6 and storage location information indicating the storage location of the image data in the image memory 6 is registered in the file system as a file.

  That is, taking advantage of the feature that the order of storing the image data in the image memory 6 does not have to be the same as the playback order, the reference among the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code after the frame to be stored Only the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code synchronized with the signal Ref is automatically stored in the image memory 6 and registered in the file system first, and the frame corresponding to the time code not synchronized with the reference signal. As for the image data, the VTR 30 is again played back and stored in the image memory 6 and registered in the file system automatically on the condition that it is synchronized.

  As a result, the image data reproduced by controlling the VTR 30 can be stored in the image memory 6 and managed by the file system, and there is no need for complicated confirmation when the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal or when the synchronization fails. Thus, the image data reproduced while the VTR 30 is synchronized with the reference signal can be stored in the image memory 6 and managed by the file system.

  Here, the first to fourth VTR control, image storage, and file registration processing have been described by taking the case of controlling the VTR 30 of FIG. 1 as an example. However, a VTR that inputs image data to any input port of the SDI input circuit 2 ( Also, other tape-type recording medium playback devices such as a video deck) are controlled in exactly the same manner by the first to fourth VTR control, image storage, and file registration processing, and the playback image data is stored in the image memory 6. It can be stored and managed by a file system.

[Contents of file system]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the file system constructed in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1. A material directory D1 is created under the directory “/ Dir1” by VTR control / image storage / file registration processing (for example, in step S28 of FIG. 5 in the second VTR control / image storage / file registration processing). .

  Then, the material directory D1 is subjected to VTR control / image storage / file registration processing (for example, in the second VTR control / image storage / file registration processing, step S11 in FIG. 4 in the material storage processing in step S29 in FIG. 5). And S13), the frame management information file and the material management information file are stored.

  The lower end of FIG. 10 shows the structure of the frame management information file and the material management information file. The frame management information file includes a file name, a register number shown in FIG. 2, other header information (image format (SD or HD) of the image data), file format of the image data, , Information such as date and time when the image data is stored).

  In the material management information file, the file name (material name), the number of frames of image data making up the material, and other attribute information (time code of the image data of the first frame of the material, date and time when the material was stored) Etc.) is stored.

  The frame management information file and the material management information file are distinguished from each other by placing identifiers F and C at the beginning of the file.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the file name of each frame management information file is a character string with a 4-digit value such as “0001”, “0002”, “0003”... It is automatically determined by attaching it. The file name of the material management information file is determined as Clip01.

  In this way, since image data for a plurality of frames is managed as files having names having the same prefix under the same directory in the file system, the image data is not unrelated to each other, and one material is used. It is possible to easily confirm that it is configured (that is, it should be continuously reproduced). Further, since it can be determined from the file system (software) that the image data for a plurality of frames constitute one material, it is possible to handle the image data as a group (permutation). .

  Further, by storing these frame management information file and material management information file in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 instead of the relatively expensive image memory 6 for reading and writing image data at high speed, the area of the image memory 6 can be reduced. An economical configuration can be realized because it is not wasted.

  Instead of attaching frame numbers such as “0001”, “0002”, “0003”... To the file name of each frame management information file as in the example of FIG. 10, the file name of each frame management information file is randomly assigned. Information indicating the order of each frame management information file (the playback order of image data managed in each frame management information file) is stored as one of the attribute information in the material management information file. Also good. Further, the file name (material name) of the material management information file may be determined so as to always match the directory name of the material directory D1.

  In the example of FIG. 10, a frame management information file (file name file1) for image data of a single frame is stored immediately below the root directory, and a single frame is also stored under the directory “/ Dir1 / Dir3”. A frame management information file (file name Pict3) for image data is stored. The frame management information file for image data of a single frame will be described later in the [Access via network] column.

  Further, as described above, the image memory 6 includes a volatile area (volatile memory part) and a nonvolatile area (nonvolatile memory part). The image data written in the volatile area will be lost when the effect switcher is turned off, but the image data written in the non-volatile area will not be lost even if the power is turned off. Even when it is left. Therefore, the image data written in the non-volatile area needs to be managed separately in this file system. In FIG. 10, the directory “NVRAM” located immediately below the root directory is a fixed directory for managing the image data written in the nonvolatile area, and cannot be deleted even if accessed from the outside. Has been.

  When the microcomputer 10 designates this directory “NVRAM” and the writing of the image data is requested, the microcomputer 10 displays the linear list for the nonvolatile area in the linear list described in the “How to use the image memory 6” column. When the image data is written to the partitioned area (FIG. 2) in the non-volatile area of the image memory 6 and the writing of the image data is requested by designating a directory other than the directory “NVRAM”, The image data is written in the divided area in the volatile area of the image memory 6 using the linear list for the volatile area in the linear list.

  The microcomputer 10 is arranged in a non-volatile memory in the microcomputer 10 so that the contents of the directory “NVRAM” are saved even after the power is cut off, or is backed up to the non-volatile memory and turned on. Sometimes it loads from this non-volatile memory.

  For example, an operation button for selecting whether or not to designate the directory “NVRAM” is provided on the operation unit 22 of the console 21. When the directory “NVRAM” is designated by the operation button, VTR control / image storage is performed. In the file registration process, the material directory D1 may be created under the directory “NVRAM”.

[Reading materials by operating the console 21]
The microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 (FIG. 1) transfers the information of the file system built in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 to the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 (FIG. 1) via the control communication systems 12 and 25. send. The microcomputer 24 displays this file system on the display unit 23 on the screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example on the display unit 23 of the file system shown in FIG.

  The console 21 can read image data from the image memory 6 by designating the directory and file name on the operation unit 22 while viewing the file system displayed on the screen.

  When the file system displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 11 is viewed and the material directory D1 is specified by the operation unit 22 and f01 which is the prefix of the file name of each frame management information file is specified, the operation information is displayed on the microcomputer. 24 to the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 via the control communication systems 12 and 25. As another example, instead of the prefix f01, Clip01 which is the file name (material name) of the material management information file is designated by the operation unit 22, and the operation information is sent from the microcomputer 24 to the microcomputer 10. It may be.

  On the basis of the operation information that the prefix f01 (or material name Clip01) is designated, the microcomputer 10 determines from the frame management information files in the material directory D1 that the frame number with the last frame name prefix is young. Register numbers are acquired in the order of management information files. Then, the memory controller 7 is controlled to store the image data stored in the divided areas of the register numbers in the divided areas (FIG. 2) of the image memory 6 (for example, when the register number is 5, a1 + (Nf × ( 5-1)) Nf bytes of image data from the address) are sequentially read out.

  As a result, a material consisting of a plurality of frames of image data stored in the image memory 6 by VTR control, image storage, and file registration processing is read from the image memory 6.

  The material read out from the image memory 6 in this way is re-input from the memory controller 7 to the cross point unit 3 as shown in FIG. 1 and the cross point unit 3 is switched by the operation unit 22 of the console 21. By operation, it is supplied to the key processing circuit 4 or the synthesizing circuit 5, or outputted from the SDI output circuit 11 to the outside of the effect switcher.

  The material read from the image memory 6 is displayed on the display unit 23 by operating the operation unit 22 of the console 21 (the microcomputer 10 reads the image data of each frame read from the image memory 6). After receiving the data from the memory controller 7 via the data I / F 9, the data is transmitted to the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 via the control communication systems 12 and 25, and the microcomputer 24 displays the image data on the display unit 23. You may do it. In that case, it is desirable to use an Ethernet (registered trademark) port as the control communication system 12, but even when an RS422 port is used as the control communication system 12, image data is transmitted via the RS422 port. Good.

[Access via network]
The network I / F 13 of the main unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an Ethernet (registered trademark) port, and connects the microcomputer 10 to the network 31.

  The microcomputer 10 publishes the file system constructed in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 on the network 31 via the network I / F 13 by operating the FTP server software. The personal computer 32 (FIG. 1) connected to the network 31 operates the FTP client software to display this file system in the same manner as in the example of FIG. 11, and designates the directory of this file system. Can read and write files.

  The file system management software operated by the microcomputer 10 to manage the file system receives a call from the FTP server software, returns directory information, and accesses a specified file. The file system management software does not simply access the file system shown in FIG. 10, but whether the image data in the image memory 6 is stored in the file system itself using the contents of the file system. In response to the FTP server software.

  Specifically, the file system management software designates a file named “file1” directly under the root directory of the file system in the example of FIG. 10, for example, and when there is a read (read) / access request, FIG. As shown, the header information is read from the file named “file1” in the file system of FIG. 10, and the header information includes information common to all image data (for example, the device ID of the effect switcher and the effect switcher. Are added as headers of data to be returned to the FTP server software. Subsequently, the value 5 which is the register number is read from this file, and based on this value 5, the memory controller 7 is controlled and stored in the partitioned area of the register number 5 in the partitioned area of the image memory 6 (FIG. 2). Image data, that is, Nf byte image data from address a1 + (Nf × (5-1)) is read out, and the image data is received via the data I / F 9. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the image data added with the above-mentioned header is returned to the FTP server software.

  When the microcomputer 10 performs such processing with the file system management software, the personal computer 32 that operates the FTP client software can handle the image data as a file in the file system. In particular, when a large number of image data is handled, the image data can be managed in a directory hierarchical structure, so that the operability is improved. Further, since the operator of the personal computer is often in the habit of managing files in a directory hierarchical structure, the image data in the image memory 6 can be handled as a file without a sense of incongruity.

  The file system management software sends image data files with header information (image format, file format information, etc.) added from the FTP server software, and designates the directory of the file system published on the network 31. When there is a write (write) / access request, a file system created in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 creates a file under the directory and stores header information in the file. Then, the register number is acquired from the linear list described in the [How to use image memory 6] column, the register number is stored in the generated file, and the register number of the divided area (FIG. 2) of the image memory 6 is stored. The image data is written in the divided area.

  When there is a write access request, if the content of header information added to the image data received from the FTP server software does not correspond to the function or operating state of the effect switcher itself, the write And notify the FTP server software of the error. As a result, the FTP client software is also notified of the error. In such a case, for example, when the image format of the image data for which a write access request has been made does not match the operation state of the effect switcher itself (the SD-SDI is set by the setup operation on the operation unit 22 of the console 21). File format that cannot be converted by the file format conversion routine described below, or when there is a write access request for HD-SDI image data when it is set to input standard image data. There is a case where there is a write access request for image data.

  A file format of image data when image data is transmitted and received between the effect switcher and the personal computer 32 via the network 31 based on the read access request and write access request as described above is written in the image memory 6. The image data read from the image memory 6 is transmitted to the personal computer 32 as it is via the network 31 or received from the personal computer 32 via the network 31. Can be written in the image memory 6 as they are. However, the file format when writing to the image memory 6 is preferably an uncompressed file format so that it can be immediately output as an SDI signal, whereas the file format when transmitting / receiving via the network 31 is reduced in size. It is desirable to use a file format (for example, JPEG) compressed so that it can be transmitted and received at high speed. Therefore, the microcomputer 10 converts the file format of the image data by a file format conversion routine.

  That is, when there is a read access request, the microcomputer 10 determines the required file format from the extension added to the end of the name of the designated file and reads it from the image memory 6. After the converted image data is converted into the file format, a header is added and transmitted as shown in FIG.

  If there is a write access request, the microcomputer 10 determines the file format of the received image data from a part of the header information or the name of the image data. If there is a routine for converting the file format to the file format for writing to the image memory 6, the file format is converted and then written to the image memory 6. On the other hand, if such a routine does not exist (cannot be converted into a file format for writing to the image memory 6), an error is notified.

  FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts summarizing the processing of the microcomputer 10 based on the read access request and the write access request via the network 31 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when there is a read access request via the network 31, it is determined whether or not the specified directory and the specified file exist in the file system built in the RAM in the microcomputer 10. (Step S101).

  If it exists, the header information is read from the specified file in the specified directory in the file system constructed in the RAM in the microcomputer 10, and information common to all the image data (the above-mentioned information) is read. As described above, an addition of the device ID of the effect switcher and the user ID of the operator of the effect switcher is created as a header of data to be returned to the FTP server software (step S102).

  Subsequently, the register number i is obtained from the designated file (step S103), and the memory controller 7 is controlled to start from the i-th section area of the image memory 6, that is, the address a1 + (Nf × (i−1)). The image data is read from the area for Nf bytes (FIG. 2), and the image data is received via the data I / F 9 (step S104). Subsequently, the required file format is determined from the extension added to the end of the name of the designated file, and if the file format needs to be converted, the file format of the image data is converted (step) S105). Then, the header created in step S102 is added to the head of the image data and returned (step S106). Then, the process ends.

  If the designated directory and the designated file do not exist in step S101, an error is notified (step S107), and the process ends.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when there is a write access request via the network 31, it is determined whether or not the designated directory exists in the file system constructed in the RAM in the microcomputer 10 (step S111).

  If it exists, check the header information of the received image data file and determine whether the image format and file format of the image data correspond to the function or operating state of the effect switcher itself. (Step S112).

  If it corresponds, in the file system constructed in the RAM in the microcomputer 10, a file is generated under the designated directory, and header information is stored in the file (step S113). Further, the register number i is obtained from the above-described linear list, and the register number is stored in the generated file (step S114). The header information is processed so as to match the format and type of information with the header information of the frame management information file (FIG. 10) as necessary.

  Subsequently, as a result of checking the header information in step S112, if it is necessary to convert the file format of the image data, the file format is converted (step S115). Image data is written in an area (FIG. 2) for Nf bytes from address a1 + (Nf × (i−1)) (step S116). Then, the process ends.

  If the designated directory does not exist in step S111, or if the image format or file format does not correspond in step S112, an error is notified (step S117), and the process ends.

  Even when a read / access request is made via the network 31, the file system displayed on the personal computer 32 as shown in the example of FIG. When f01 which is a file name prefix (or Clip01 which is a material name of the material management information file) is designated, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 causes the operation unit 22 of the console 21 in step S104 of the process of FIG. As in the case of the operation in, the register numbers are acquired from the frame management information files in the material directory D1 in the order of the frame management information file with the last frame number of the file name prefix, and the memory controller 7 is controlled. Of the divided areas (FIG. 2) of the image memory 6 Sequentially read out the image data stored in the segment of the al register number.

  As a result, a material composed of a plurality of frames of image data stored in the image memory 6 by VTR control, image storage, and file registration processing is also sent to the personal computer 32 via the network 31.

  In addition, in the example of FIG. 10, the frame management information file (file name file1) for the image data of a single frame directly under the root directory and the frame management for the image data of a single frame under the directory “/ Dir1 / Dir3”. The information file (file name Pict3) indicates a file created by the process of FIG. 14 based on a write access request via the network 31. The console 21 can also read the image data written in the image memory 6 via the network 31 by designating these files with the operation unit 22.

  Note that the image data input to the SDI input circuit 2 is also stored in the image memory 6 as image data of a single frame by an operation from the console 21, and the files such as the frame management information files file1 and Pict3 are stored. Of course, it does n’t matter.

[Example of change]
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the image memory 6 is divided into a plurality of divided areas each having a fixed number of bytes Nf in the order of addresses, and image data for one frame is written in each divided area. The register number, which is the number of the divided area, is stored as a file location in the file system as shown in FIG. However, information other than the register number (for example, the address of the image memory 6 itself) may be stored as a file in the file system as the storage position information of the image data in the image memory 6.

  In the above embodiment, the microcomputer 10 of the main unit 1 and the microcomputer 24 of the console 21 communicate with each other via the control communication systems 12 and 25 and cooperate to perform VTR control, image storage, The file registration process is being executed. However, in the case of an effect switcher in which a console is integrated with the main unit, the microcomputer of the main unit may be made to execute VTR control, image storage, and file registration processing independently. Alternatively, conversely, three or more microcomputers may be arranged, and the microcomputers may execute the VTR control, image storage, and file registration processing in cooperation by sharing the processing.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image storage / reproduction unit arranged in the effect switcher. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image storage / reproduction unit arranged in a studio circuit other than the effect switcher. The present invention may also be applied to an image storage / playback apparatus other than a studio circuit.

  Further, in this specification, expressions such as “deleting data” and “deleting a file” are used, but these meanings are memory or memory in a sense generally known as an operating system technology. Means file management operations. In other words, “deleting” means that the contents of the storage area are administratively recorded as meaningless, and it is not necessary to overwrite the contents (each byte) of the storage area. In the present invention, the image data is deleted because the register number to be deleted is added to the linear list so that it is not referred to from the frame management information and is managed as “free space”. Means. The deletion of a file means that an area used by the file in the file system is an empty area. Of course, if the processing time is sufficient, overwriting the storage area with a certain value (for example, zero) is safe and may be effective for confidentiality purposes.

  Further, the area having the file system has been described as a memory (RAM) in the microcomputer 10, but this may be any storage medium that can be accessed by the CPU in the microcomputer within the required response time. Therefore, it is irrelevant to the physical memory location and the type of memory.

  Regarding communication, the operation described as “reception” is not limited to passively waiting for reception, but may be an operation of transmitting a request and receiving a reply. For example, when a time code is received, a time code request command may be transmitted every frame and a reply may be received every frame.

  In addition, the operation timing does not need to completely match the flow described above. For example, a part that is compared with Tc + 1 in the flow is changed to be compared with Tc + 2, and one frame is used for the subsequent control. It is possible to make modifications such as allowing time for communication between microcomputers and related processing time.

  In addition, when writing image data into the memory, there are a method of instructing storage before the corresponding frame is input, and a method of instructing storage after the input and before the end of the frame. In the latter case, the input frame image is repeatedly written in the memory area designated for writing, and when a storage instruction is received, writing of the next frame is not performed, and writing is stopped at the end of the frame. realizable. This is an effective method depending on how to take control timing.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of whole structure of the effect switcher to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the usage of the image memory 6 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows 1st VTR control, image storage, and file registration processing. It is a flowchart which shows a raw material storage process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd VTR control, image storage, and file registration process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a change of the process of FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing third VTR control / image storage / file registration processing; It is a flowchart which shows a 4th VTR control, image storage, and file registration process. It is a flowchart which shows a 4th VTR control, image storage, and file registration process. It is a figure which illustrates the content of the file system built in RAM in the microcomputer of a main unit. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the file system in the display part of a console. It is a figure which shows the data which file system management software returns in response to the read access request via a network. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the microcomputer of the main unit based on the read access request via a network. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the microcomputer of the main unit based on the write access request | requirement via a network.

Explanation of symbols

  1 main unit, 2 SDI input circuit, 3 cross point section, 4 key processing circuit, 5 composition circuit, 6 image memory, 7 memory controller, 8 control I / F, 9 data I / F, 10 microcomputer, 11 SDI output Circuit, 12 control communication system, 13 network I / F, 21 console, 22 operation section, 23 display section, 24 microcomputer, 25, 26 control communication system, 30 VTR, 31 network, 32 personal computer

Claims (21)

An image memory having a storage capacity for image data for a plurality of frames;
A microcomputer,
A read / write circuit that is controlled by the microcomputer and performs writing of image data to the image memory and reading of image data from the image memory;
An input circuit that supplies image data input from a playback device of an external tape-shaped recording medium to the read / write circuit for writing in synchronization with a reference signal;
An output circuit for outputting the image data read by the read / write circuit in synchronization with the reference signal;
An operation unit having an operation unit for designating a time code of image data of a frame for starting storage in the image memory among the image data in the playback device;
A control unit for controlling the playback device,
The controller is
Sending the playback command of the image data from the playback start position according to the time code specified in the operation unit to the playback device,
The microcomputer is
A file system is constructed in a memory in the microcomputer, and frame image data supplied from the playback device to the read / write circuit via the input circuit after the time code specified by the operation unit is stored in the image memory. Image storage and file registration processing for storing the storage location information indicating the storage location of the image data in the image memory as a file in the file system;
When reading of image data is requested by designating a file in the file system, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file. An image storage / reproduction device characterized by performing a reading process. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 1.
In the image storage / file registration process, the microcomputer further stores material management information for managing image data of all frames written in the image memory as one material as a file in the file system. An image storage / reproduction device characterized by The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 1.
The microcomputer divides the image memory into a plurality of areas each having a predetermined number of bytes in the order of addresses, and controls the read / write circuit to write image data for one frame in each of the areas. An image storage / reproducing apparatus, wherein the number of the area in which image data of a frame is stored is stored as the storage position information. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 1.
The operation unit further includes an operation unit for requesting reading of image data by designating a file in the file system,
When the microcomputer designates a file in the file system by the operation of the operation unit and is requested to read image data, the microcomputer executes the reading process and reads the image data read from the image memory. An image storage / reproducing apparatus, wherein the output circuit outputs the image. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 1.
A network interface for connecting the microcomputer to the network;
When the microcomputer designates a file in the file system via the network and is requested to read image data, the microcomputer executes the reading process and reads the image data read from the image memory into the network. An image storage / reproduction device that outputs from an interface. An image memory having a storage capacity for image data for a plurality of frames;
A microcomputer,
A read / write circuit that is controlled by the microcomputer and performs writing of image data to the image memory and reading of image data from the image memory;
An input circuit that supplies image data input from a playback device of an external tape-shaped recording medium to the read / write circuit for writing in synchronization with a reference signal;
An output circuit for outputting the image data read by the read / write circuit in synchronization with the reference signal;
An operation unit having an operation unit for designating a time code of image data of a frame for starting storage in the image memory among the image data in the playback device;
A control unit for controlling the playback device,
The controller is
A first process of sending a playback command of image data from a playback start position according to a time code specified by the operation unit to the playback device;
Receiving a time code and information on the synchronization state to the reference signal from the playback device, and determining whether or not the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal at the time code specified by the operation unit; If the process is not synchronized in the second process, the first process and the second process are repeated,
The microcomputer is
A file system is built in the memory in the microcomputer, and is supplied from the playback device to the read / write circuit via the input circuit after it is determined that the control unit is synchronized in the second process. Image storage and file registration processing for storing image data of a frame in the image memory and storing storage position information indicating a storage position of the image data in the image memory as a file;
When reading of image data is requested by designating a file in the file system, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file. An image storage / reproduction device characterized by performing a reading process. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 6.
In the image storage / file registration process, the microcomputer further stores material management information for managing image data of all frames written in the image memory as one material as a file in the file system. A featured image storage / reproduction device. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 6.
The microcomputer divides the image memory into a plurality of areas each having a predetermined number of bytes in the order of addresses, and controls the read / write circuit to write image data for one frame in each of the areas. An image storage / reproducing apparatus, wherein the number of the area in which image data of a frame is stored is stored as the storage position information. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 6.
The operation unit further includes an operation unit for requesting reading of image data by designating a file in the file system,
When the microcomputer designates a file in the file system by the operation of the operation unit and is requested to read image data, the microcomputer executes the reading process and reads the image data read from the image memory. An image storage / reproducing apparatus, wherein the output circuit outputs the image. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 6.
A network interface for connecting the microcomputer to the network;
When the microcomputer designates a file in the file system via the network and is requested to read image data, the microcomputer executes the reading process and reads the image data read from the image memory into the network. An image storage / reproduction device that outputs from an interface. An image memory having a storage capacity for image data for a plurality of frames;
A microcomputer,
A read / write circuit that is controlled by the microcomputer and performs writing of image data to the image memory and reading of image data from the image memory;
An input circuit that supplies image data input from a playback device of an external tape-shaped recording medium to the read / write circuit for writing in synchronization with a reference signal;
An output circuit for outputting the image data read by the read / write circuit in synchronization with the reference signal;
An operation unit having an operation unit for designating a time code of image data of a frame for starting storage in the image memory among the image data in the playback device;
A control unit for controlling the playback device,
The controller is
A first process of sending a playback command of image data from a playback start position according to a time code specified by the operation unit to the playback device;
Second processing for receiving information on a synchronization state from the playback device to the reference signal and determining whether the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal;
When synchronized in the second process, a third process is performed to determine whether or not a time code has been received from the playback device;
The microcomputer constructs a file system in a memory in the microcomputer, and the read / write from the playback device via the input circuit after it is determined that the control unit is synchronized in the second process. The image data of the frame supplied to the circuit is written in the image memory, and the storage position information indicating the storage position of the image data in the image memory is stored as a file in the file system. After it is determined that the time code is received in the processing, the image data of the frame corresponding to the time code prior to the time code specified by the operation unit is deleted from the image memory, and specified by the operation unit. The image data of the frame corresponding to the time code before the selected time code An image storage file registration process the file storing the storage location information indicating a storage position removed from the file system,
When reading of image data is requested by designating a file in the file system, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file. An image storage / reproduction device characterized by performing a reading process. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 11.
In the image storage / file registration process, the microcomputer further stores material management information for managing image data of all frames written in the image memory as one material as a file in the file system. An image storage / reproduction device characterized by The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 11.
The microcomputer divides the image memory into a plurality of areas each having a predetermined number of bytes in the order of addresses, and controls the read / write circuit to write image data for one frame in each of the areas. An image storage / reproducing apparatus, wherein the number of the area in which image data of a frame is stored is stored as the storage position information. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 11.
The operation unit further includes an operation unit for requesting reading of image data by designating a file in the file system,
When the microcomputer designates a file in the file system by the operation of the operation unit and is requested to read image data, the microcomputer executes the reading process and reads the image data read from the image memory. An image storage / reproducing apparatus, wherein the output circuit outputs the image. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 11.
A network interface for connecting the microcomputer to the network;
When the microcomputer designates a file in the file system via the network and is requested to read image data, the microcomputer executes the reading process and reads the image data read from the image memory into the network. An image storage / reproduction device that outputs from an interface. An image memory having a storage capacity for image data for a plurality of frames;
A microcomputer,
A read / write circuit that is controlled by the microcomputer and performs writing of image data to the image memory and reading of image data from the image memory;
An input circuit that supplies image data input from a playback device of an external tape-shaped recording medium to the read / write circuit for writing in synchronization with a reference signal;
An output circuit for outputting the image data read by the read / write circuit in synchronization with the reference signal;
Of the image data in the playback device, operation means for designating a time code of image data to be stored in the image memory, designation of the number of frames of image data to be stored in the image memory, and / or An operation unit having an operation unit for instructing termination of storage in the image memory;
A control unit for controlling the playback device,
The controller is
A first process of sending a playback command of image data from a playback start position according to a time code specified by the operation unit to the playback device;
Receives information about the time code and the reference signal synchronization state from the playback device, and determines whether the playback device is synchronized with the reference signal in the time code after the time code specified by the operation unit A second process to
In the second process, when there is a time code that is not synchronized with the reference signal by the playback device, the number of frames specified by the operation unit is calculated from the frame corresponding to the time code specified by the operation unit. A command for reproducing image data from a reproduction start position corresponding to a time code designated by the operation unit after completion of reproduction of image data or after an instruction to end storage in the image memory is given by the operation unit Is again sent to the playback device to receive the time code and the information on the synchronization state with the reference signal from the playback device, and the playback device uses the reference at each time code that is not synchronized in the second process. And a third process for determining whether or not it is synchronized with the signal,
The microcomputer is
A file system is constructed in the memory in the microcomputer, and the input circuit is connected from the playback device after it is determined that the control unit is synchronized in either the second process or the third process. Image storage / file registration that causes the image data of the frame supplied to the read / write circuit to be written to the image memory, and that storage location information indicating the storage location of the image data in the image memory is stored as a file in the file system Processing,
When reading of image data is requested by designating a file in the file system, the image data is read from the image memory by controlling the read / write circuit based on the storage location information of the designated file. An image storage / reproduction device characterized by performing a reading process. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 16,
In the third process, the control unit displays an image from the reproduction start position corresponding to the time code specified by the operation unit until all the time codes that have not been synchronized in the second process are synchronized. An image storage / reproducing apparatus that repeats transmission of a data reproduction command, reception of time code and information on a synchronization state with the reference signal, and determination of presence / absence of synchronization with the reference signal. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 16,
In the image storage / file registration process, the microcomputer further stores material management information for managing image data of all frames written in the image memory as one material as a file in the file system. An image storage / reproduction device characterized by The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 16,
The microcomputer divides the image memory into a plurality of areas each having a predetermined number of bytes in the order of addresses, and controls the read / write circuit to write image data for one frame in each of the areas. An image storage / reproducing apparatus, wherein the number of the area in which image data of a frame is stored is stored as the storage position information. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 16,
The operation unit further includes an operation unit for requesting reading of image data by designating a file in the file system,
When the microcomputer designates a file in the file system by the operation of the operation unit and is requested to read image data, the microcomputer executes the reading process and reads the image data read from the image memory. An image storage / reproducing apparatus, wherein the output circuit outputs the image. The image storage / playback apparatus according to claim 16,
A network interface for connecting the microcomputer to the network;
When the microcomputer designates a file in the file system via the network and is requested to read image data, the microcomputer executes the reading process and reads the image data read from the image memory into the network. An image storage / reproduction device that outputs from an interface.

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