JP2009027376A - Video camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new video camera. <P>SOLUTION: The video camera 10 acquires position data in a GPS circuit 52, and a CPU 30 determines in which zone of one region or resort the video camera is present on the basis of the position data. When specified by a user, the CPU 30 superimposes zone inherent moving image data inherent to the determined zone, which are read from a flash memory 56, on real time moving image data and stores them in an SDRAM 38. When a REC button is pressed, composite image data read from the SDRAM 38 are encoded by an encoding circuit 46, ciphered by an SD card driver 48 and recorded in an SD card 50. The zone peculiar moving images can be combined with the real time moving images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a video camera, and more particularly to a video camera used in a theme park, amusement park, zoo, aquarium, and the like.

An example of background technology that is of interest to the present invention is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the image processing system according to the background art, position data acquired by GPS is added to captured video data, and a resort area (for example, a park, a zoo, an amusement park, an aquarium, a museum, a botanical garden, a theme, which is identified from the position data. By superimposing related video data for recognizing a park, a sightseeing spot, and a tourist facility on photographed video data, an image having a taste and decoration is formed and used.
JP2003-259285A [H04N 5/91, G06T 3/00, H04N 5/76]

  In the background art, when a still image is shot at a resort, position data of the shooting location is embedded in a captured image, and a related image is superimposed on the resort from the position data embedded in the captured image. In addition, the related image is prepared for each resort place, and detailed information in one resort place cannot be superimposed on the still image.

  In addition, in the background art, since related images are superimposed on the captured images after being captured, related images could not be superimposed on moving images compressed / expanded by MPGE-4 or the like after moving images were captured. .

  Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a novel video camera.

  Another object of the present invention is to shoot related images such as attractions related to the zone at the time of shooting based on the shooting position for each zone of the resort, that is, the attractions performed for each zone. It is to provide a video camera that can be superimposed on an image.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a video camera capable of superimposing a related image or a related moving image on a moving image as well as a still image to be photographed.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a video camera suitable for renting to visitors at each resort.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. Note that reference numerals in parentheses, supplementary explanations, and the like indicate correspondence with embodiments to be described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

  A first invention is a video camera used in an area divided into a plurality of zones, and is a real-time moving image data output means for outputting real-time moving image data of a real-time moving image representing an object scene. Zone discriminating means for discriminating in which of the plurality of zones the video camera exists, zone-specific image data output means for outputting zone-specific image data representing a zone-specific image specific to the zone discriminated by the zone discriminating means, and zone-specific image A video camera is provided with image synthesizing means for synthesizing data and real-time moving image data and outputting synthesized image data, and recording means for recording the synthesized image data on a storage medium.

  The video camera of the first invention (10: reference numerals exemplifying corresponding parts in the embodiment; the same applies hereinafter) includes, for example, an optical lens (12), an imager (28), a camera processing circuit (34), and an SDRAM. (38) constitutes the real-time moving image data output means, and the zone-specific image data output from the zone-specific image data output means (56) is given to the image composition means (44) together with the real-time moving image data. For example, when activated by the CPU (30), the image synthesizing means (44) writes the real-time moving image data and the zone-specific image data in an image synthesizing memory (not shown), for example, to thereby realize the real-time moving image. The zone-specific image data is synthesized so as to be superimposed on the data, and the synthesized image data is output. In the embodiment, recording means including an encoding circuit (46) and an SD card driver (48) store the composite image data in a recording medium, for example, an SD card (50).

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a video camera suitable as a rental movie particularly in a resort area can be obtained by combining zone-specific image data with real-time moving image data.

  The second invention is dependent on the first invention, the zone-specific image is a zone-specific moving image, the zone-specific image data output means outputs zone-specific moving image data, and the image composition means has a zone-specific moving image. This is a video camera that synthesizes data and real-time moving image data.

  In the second invention, for example, zone-specific moving images such as animation moving images such as attractions performed in the shooting zone are accumulated in the flash memory (56), and the zone-specific image data output means outputs the zone-specific moving image data. According to the second invention, a moving image related to a moving image to be photographed is synthesized.

  A third invention is a video camera according to the first invention or the second invention, wherein the recording means encrypts the composite image data and records it on a recording medium.

  In the third invention, the function of the encryption means is added to either the encoding circuit (46) or the SD card driver (48) constituting the recording means. Since the SD card (50) recorded in an encrypted manner can be read only by a station (not shown) for returning the rented video camera (10), for example, the rental of the video camera (10) can be performed. Even if the user who has received it pulls out the SD card (50) as it is, the compressed image data recorded on the SD card (50) cannot be played back. can do.

  The fourth invention is dependent on the third invention and further comprises unique identification code storage means for storing a unique identification code unique to the video camera, and the storage means stores the composite image data using the unique identification code. A video camera that encrypts and stores it on a storage medium.

  In the fourth invention, an ID code is set in advance in, for example, the flash memory (56) of the video camera (10), and the ID code is used for encryption. According to the fourth invention, since the ID code cannot be known by a third party such as a user, the above-described unauthorized use prevention is further ensured.

  A fifth invention is according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, further comprising an arrangement position display means for displaying an arrangement position of the zone-specific image for synthesizing the zone-specific image with the real-time moving image. It is a video camera.

  In the fifth invention, the position of the zone-specific image to be synthesized with the real-time moving image is taught to the user by using, for example, a position symbol, so that the zone-specific image can be prevented from being superimposed at an unexpected position. it can. In this case, the user may be able to change the position of the position symbol, that is, the arrangement position of the zone-specific image.

  A sixth invention is dependent on any one of the first to fifth inventions, and the zone-specific moving image data output means can output data of a plurality of zone-specific moving images, and any one of the plurality of zone-specific moving images can be output. It is a video camera further provided with the means for making a user select.

  In the sixth invention, for example, a plurality of unique moving image data is set for each zone in the flash memory (56), for example, a thumbnail of each moving image is displayed and a message prompting the user to select is displayed. Thus, the user can select any one of the zone-specific moving images. According to the sixth aspect, since the zone-specific moving image can be selected, it is possible to select a favorite one by a girl or boy, or by old or young.

  A seventh invention is according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, further comprising position-related information acquisition means for acquiring position-related information related to a position where the video camera exists, wherein the zone determination means is The video camera determines which of the plurality of zones the video camera is in based on the position related information acquired by the position related information acquisition means.

  In the seventh invention, for example, the current position data is acquired by the GPS circuit (52), and the CPU (30) refers to, for example, the zone table (64), so that the current position of the video camera is in which zone. Whether it belongs can be determined.

  According to the present invention, a video peculiar to each zone can be synthesized with a real video, so that a memorial video in the region (excursion) is further enriched.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  In the rental movie system of the embodiment, the video camera 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used as an example, but the shape and configuration of the video camera are not limited to those of FIGS. 1 and 2. Point out in advance.

  Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1D, a video camera 10 of this embodiment has a flat and slightly vertical casing 12, and an optical lens 14 is disposed on the front upper portion of the casing 12. . The REC button 16 is provided on the upper portion of the rear surface of the housing 12, and the power button 18 is provided on the lower portion of one side surface of the housing 12. A biaxial hinge mechanism 20 is provided above one side surface of the casing 12, and the LCD monitor unit 22 is connected to the casing 12 by the hinge mechanism 20 so as to be opened and closed and rotated. The monitor screen 24 is formed on the back surface of the LCD monitor unit 22. The monitor screen 24 faces one side surface of the housing 12 in the closed state shown in FIG. 1A, and is exposed in the open state shown in FIGS. 1B to 1D. The power button 18 is covered by the LCD monitor unit 22 in the closed state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1D, a tilt key 26 is provided in the vicinity of the REC button 16 on the rear surface of the housing 12. The tilt key 26 can be used, for example, to move a cursor (not shown) displayed on the monitor screen 24 of the LCD monitor unit 22. The cursor is used, for example, to select “Yes” or “No” displayed on the monitor screen 24, or to select a character moving image (zone-specific moving image) described later.

  With reference to FIG. 2, as described above, the video camera 10 of this embodiment includes the optical lens 12. The optical image representing the object scene is irradiated on the imaging surface of the imager 28 through the optical lens 12. The imaging surface is covered with a color filter (not shown) in which R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) color elements are arranged in a mosaic pattern. The amount of charge generated by each of the plurality of light receiving elements formed on the imaging surface reflects the amount of light that has passed through such a color filter.

  The CPU 30 controls the entire video camera 10. For example, in the camera mode, the TG 32 is instructed to repeat exposure and charge readout, and the LCD driver 34 is activated. The TG 32 exposes the imaging surface every 1/30 seconds, and reads the charges generated thereby from the imaging surface in a raster scanning manner. As a result, a raw image signal representing the object scene is output from the imager 28 at a frame rate of 30 fps.

  The camera processing circuit 34 performs a series of processing such as CDS, AGC, A / D conversion, color separation, white balance adjustment, and YUV conversion on the raw (RAW) image signal of each frame output from the imager 28, so that the YUV format Data of real-time moving images (images actually taken at that time) is created. Real-time moving image data output from the camera processing circuit 34 is written into the SDRAM 38 by the memory control circuit 36. The LCD driver 40 reads the image data stored in the SDRAM 38 through the memory control circuit 36 every 1/30 seconds, and drives the LCD monitor unit 22 based on the read real-time moving image data. As a result, a through image (real-time moving image) is displayed on the monitor screen 24 of the LCD monitor unit 22.

  The image synthesizing circuit 44 is activated / disabled by the CPU 30 described above. When activated, the image synthesizing circuit 44 transmits real-time moving image data in YUV format stored in the SDRAM 38 through the memory control circuit 36 for 1/30 second. Each time it is read out, it is written in an image composition memory (not shown). On the other hand, the same YUV format zone-specific image stored in the flash memory 56, which will be described later, is written into the image composition memory, thereby synthesizing the real-time moving image data and the zone-specific moving image data and outputting the combined image data. To do. However, the image composition circuit 44 does not perform an image composition operation when it is not activated.

  When the REC button 16 on the key input device 42 is operated with the camera mode selected, the CPU 30 commands the encoding circuit 46 to start the recording process. When the REC button 16 is operated again, the CPU 30 commands the encoding circuit 46 to end the recording process. The encoding circuit 46 performs a predetermined end process. As a result, a compressed file containing a desired moving image is recorded on the SD card 50.

  More specifically, the encoding circuit 46 reads the real-time moving image data stored in the SDRAM 38 every 1/30 seconds through the memory control circuit 36 when the image synthesis circuit 44 is not used, and reads the read image data, for example, MPEG- Encode in a compressed file format such as 4. However, when the image composition circuit 44 is activated by the CPU 30, the composite image data output from the image composition circuit 44 at the same frame rate as the real-time moving image data is encoded in a compressed file format such as MPEG-4. To do.

  For example, the encoding circuit 46 includes an MPEG-4 preprocessor, an MPEG-4 codec, and an MPEG-4 formatter (not shown), and first adjusts the image data to be suitable for compression by the MPEG-4 preprocessor. To the MPEG-4 codec. The MPEG-4 codec compresses image data and passes the compressed image data to an MPEG-4 formatter. In the MPEG-4 formatter, a video track is formed from compressed image data, and stored in an MPEG-4 format container format together with an audio track made up of compressed audio data obtained by compressing separately recorded audio. As a result, the image data and the audio data are prepared in a moving image format that can be recognized by a personal computer. However, in the case of still image data, it is compressed by the JPEG method.

  The image data encoded in this moving image format is recorded on an SD card 50 which is an example of a recording medium by an SD card driver 48. However, at this time, the SD card driver 48 uses the unique identification number (ID code) of the video camera 10 given from the CPU 30 for encryption and records it on the SD card 50. The SD card 50 recorded in an encrypted manner can be read only by a DVD creator (not shown) provided in a station (not shown) for returning the video camera 10. . Therefore, even if a user who has rented the video camera 10 pulls out the SD card 50 as it is, the compressed image data recorded in the SD card 50 cannot be reproduced. Such an encryption / decryption method can prevent the user from illegally using the rental video camera.

  However, instead of providing the SD card driver 48 with the function of the encryption means, the function of the encryption means may be added to the encoding circuit 46.

  The rented video camera 10 is returned to a return station (not shown) by the user. In this return state, a DVD creator is installed, and when the user returns the video camera 10 there, a service such as editing the video in the SD card 50 by the DVD creator and burning it to a DVD, for example. Do. However, you may make it drop into another SD card etc. instead of DVD.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the video camera 10 is further provided with a GPS (Global Positioning System) circuit 52. The GPS circuit 52, as is well known, determines the current position. It can be recognized as latitude and longitude data, and position data is input to the CPU 30. In the CPU 30, as described later, based on this position data, which zone or amusement park (for example, a park, a zoo, an amusement park, an aquarium, a museum, a botanical garden, a theme park, a tourist resort, a tourist facility) It is determined whether the video camera 10 currently exists.

  Furthermore, a motion sensor 54 is provided. The motion sensor 54 typically includes a combination of a gyro sensor and a triaxial acceleration sensor or one of them, and data such as the attitude, moving speed, or moving direction of the video camera 10 (collectively referred to as “motion data”). And the motion data is given to the CPU 30. The CPU 30 can move a frame symbol 68 (FIG. 6) described later based on the motion data.

  A flash memory (which may be replaced with another storage device such as a hard disk) 56 built in the video camera 10 includes a program storage area 58 and a data storage area 60 as shown in FIG. Is formed. The program storage area 58 includes one or more necessary for controlling the operation of the video camera 10 described above, and also for renting the video camera 10 as a rental video camera (rental movie). These programs are preset. As for this embodiment, specifically, an operation program according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is incorporated.

  These programs are read from the flash memory 56 all at once or partially as needed, and are used by being expanded on an internal memory (not shown) of the CPU 30. However, data in a later-described data storage area 60 is also read from the flash memory 56 all at once or partially as needed, and is used by being expanded on the internal memory of the CPU 30.

  The data storage area 60 includes a zone table 62. As described above, the video camera 10 of this embodiment is intended as a so-called rental movie that is rented to a visitor for a fee in an “area” or “excursion place”. An example of “ground” is shown in FIG.

  The area or resort area 74 shown in FIG. 4 is divided into seven zones 741 to 747 as an example, but the zone division in FIG. 4 is merely an example.

  In the video camera 10 of this embodiment, when the video camera is used in each of the zones 721 to 727 described above, for example, the moving image data shown in FIG. It is a video camera for the purpose of trying. Therefore, in the zone moving image data area 62 of the data storage area 60 of the flash memory 56, YUV format data of a zone moving image that is different for each zone is stored in advance.

  For example, 1st to m-th (m) zone moving image data is stored together with the respective thumbnail image data for the first zone, and the 1st to m-th zones for the nth zone. Moving image data is prepared in advance together with each thumbnail image data.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a zone moving image. This zone moving image is an animated moving image in which a character (zone-specific moving image) related to the corresponding zone moves in a series. However, it may be a live-action moving image that reflects a zone-specific landscape or attraction.

  A zone table 64 is further set in the data storage area 60. This zone table 64 is used when the CPU 30 determines to which of the zones 741 to 747 shown in FIG. 4 the position data acquired by the GPS circuit 52 of FIG. 2 belongs, for example. The format of the zone table 64 may be arbitrary. For example, the latitude and longitude of the east end, west end, south end, and north end of each zone are set, and the CPU 30 determines whether the current position is west of the east end. It is determined whether it is east from the west end, north from the south end, south from the north end, etc., and if all four positive results are obtained, it is determined that it belongs to the corresponding zone Can be considered.

  As another format, the latitude and longitude of each east end, west end, south end, and north end as described above are set for each zone for each zone, and the current position is west of the east end. It is possible to determine whether it is located on the east side of the west end, on the north side of the south end, or on the south side of the north end, and the latitude and longitude of the center is set for each zone. It is possible to arbitrarily set, for example, a method for determining that the vehicle belongs to the corresponding zone within a certain distance (for example, 500 m) from the center.

  In short, the zone table 64 may be a table that allows the CPU 30 to determine which zone the video camera 10 belongs to based on the position data acquired by the GPS circuit 52.

  A symbol data area 66 is further formed in the data storage area 60. In this area 66, for example, frame symbol data for drawing a frame symbol 68 indicating the position on the monitor screen 24 where the zone-specific moving image is to be arranged is set as shown in FIG.

  In the ID storage area 70 of the data storage area 60, the unique identification number (ID code) of the video camera 10 is preferably encrypted and set. This ID code is used as part of key data for encryption by the SD card driver 48 shown in FIG.

  In a message area 72 of the data storage area 60, display data of message characters to be displayed on the monitor screen 24 and display data of options such as “Yes” and “No” are stored.

  The operation of the video camera 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 7 shows an operation in the “recording mode” when the user who has lent the video camera 10 turns on the REC button 16 (FIG. 1). In the first step S <b> 1, the CPU 30 determines whether position data has been acquired from the GPS circuit 52. If “NO”, wait until position data is input. If “YES”, in the next step S3, the CPU 30 refers to the zone table 64 shown in FIG. 3 to determine in which zone the video camera is present.

  In subsequent step S5, CPU 30 determines whether or not zone-specific moving image data for the zone is set in zone moving image data area 62 shown in FIG. 3, for example.

  When “YES” is determined in the step S5, the CPU 30 uses the data read from the message area 72 in FIG. 3 in the next step S7, for example, a message “Do you want to insert a zone movie?” An option “Yes” and “No” and a cursor for washing the option are displayed on the monitor screen 24, and an input from the user is awaited.

  That is, it is determined whether or not the user has selected “Yes” in Step S9. If “NO”, Step S7 is continuously displayed until it is determined in Step S11 that a predetermined time has elapsed. If “Yes” is not selected even after a certain period of time has elapsed, that is, if the user has not agreed to insert the zone moving image into the real-time moving image, the process proceeds to step S19.

  When “YES” is determined in step S9, that is, when the user agrees to insert the zone moving image, in the next step S13, the CPU 30 reads the corresponding zone from the zone moving image data area 62 shown in FIG. The thumbnail images of all the zone videos 1-m are displayed in a list on the monitor screen 24, and the message “Which zone movie do you want to insert?” And thumbnail images are selected according to the data read from the message area 72. And wait for the user's specification.

  That is, it is determined whether or not the user designates any of the thumbnail images in step S15. If “NO”, step S13 is continuously displayed until it is determined in step S17 that a predetermined time has elapsed. If the user does not select or designate the zone moving image even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S19 as in the case where the zone moving image is not inserted.

  In step S <b> 19, the CPU 30 reads out the real-time moving image data from the SDRAM 38 and gives it to the encoding circuit 46.

  When the user designates any thumbnail image in step S15, an image composition operation is executed in the next step S21.

  Specifically, in the first step S31 of FIG. 8, the CPU 30 reads real-time moving image data from the SDRAM 38 and writes it in an image composition memory (not shown) provided in the image composition circuit 44. Next, in step S33, the CPU 30 displays the frame symbol 70 shown in FIG. 6 on the monitor screen 24 using the frame symbol data in the frame symbol data area 66 of FIG. However, since the real-time moving image is written in the memory of the image composition circuit 44 at this time, the real-time moving image is simultaneously displayed on the monitor screen 24 as shown in FIG. Based on the data in the message area 72, a message such as “Is the frame symbol position OK?” And a message such as “If you want to change the frame symbol position, move it using the tilt key 26.” indicate. When the tilt key is operated by the user in step S37, the frame symbol 70 is moved according to the operation direction and the operation amount. When the operation of the tilt key 26 is lost, “YES” can be determined in step S35. However, the input of the motion sensor 54 may be detected by the CPU 30 and the position of the frame symbol 68 may be moved to a position corresponding to the input.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the real-time moving image data written in the SDRAM 38 is a so-called through image, and the zone-specific moving image is superimposed only when the REC button 16 is pressed. I don't know where the unique video is located. Therefore, there may be an inconvenience that the zone-specific moving image overlaps an unexpected position, for example, a main subject such as a person. However, since the user can be informed in advance of the position of the zone-specific moving image by using the frame symbol 68, such inconvenience can be avoided.

  If "YES" is determined in the step S35, the CPU 30 next reads the zone-specific moving image data designated by the user in the step S15 from the flash memory 56 or the internal memory of the CPU 30.

  Then, in the next step S41, the zone-specific moving image data is written into the above-described image composition memory (not shown), and the real-time moving image data and the zone-specific moving image data are mixed to produce the combined image data. Is output.

  In this way, the real-time moving image is output from the image composition circuit 44 in step S19 in FIG. 7, or the composite image data is output from the image composition circuit 44 in step S21.

  In step S23, the CPU 30 gives an instruction to the encoding circuit 46 to execute a compression operation (encoding process). Then, for example, a compressed image (including audio) in the MPEG-4 format is output to the SD card driver 48. Therefore, the SD card driver 48 uses the ID code of the video camera 10 given by the CPU 30 from the ID storage area 68 of FIG.

  When the CPU 30 detects that the REC button 16 is turned off in step S25, the recording operation is terminated.

  In this way, a composite image obtained by superimposing or synthesizing a zone-specific moving image on a real-time moving image as exemplified in FIG. 9 is encrypted and recorded on the SD card 50. However, after step S19, only the real-time moving image, not the synthesized image, is encrypted and recorded on the SD card 50.

  In the embodiment described above, the zone-specific moving image data to be synthesized with the real-time moving image is prepared in advance and stored in the flash memory 56, and the determination is made based on the position data detected by the GPS circuit 52. The zone moving image data corresponding to the zone is read from the flash memory 56 or the internal memory of the CPU 30 and used.

  On the other hand, in the embodiment described below, it is difficult for the GPS circuit 36 to detect the position data indoors, and it is troublesome to store all the zone moving image data in the flash memory 56 in advance. In consideration of the above, position data, that is, zone data is acquired using a two-dimensional bar code such as a QR code (registered trademark), and zone-specific moving image data is also used each time using short-range wireless communication. Try to get. Note that “QR code” is a registered trademark, but it is pointed out in advance that this word is used for convenience for the sake of convenience in representing two-dimensional barcodes.

  The configuration of the video camera 10 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The video camera 10 of this embodiment includes a wireless unit 76, and the wireless unit 76 acquires zone-specific moving image data by short-range wireless communication. The acquired zone moving image data is stored and held in the internal memory of the CPU 30 or in another memory (both not shown).

  In this embodiment, since a still image can be taken using the camera function, the QR code can be taken and captured by the video camera 10 itself. Then, the QR code reader 78 identifies the captured QR code, and provides the identified data to the CPU 30. Alternatively, reference data necessary for identifying the QR code may be stored in the flash memory 56, for example, and the CPU 30 may identify the read QR code using the reference data. In this embodiment, since the QR code represents position data, the zone can be determined using the position data. However, when the QR code indicates the zone number, it is not necessary to determine the zone based on the current position.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of an area or resort where the video camera 10 of FIG. 10 is used. In the area or resort area 74 shown in FIG. 11, one or more QR posts 80 as shown in FIG. 12 are installed in each of the zones 741-747. The installation position of the QR post 80 may be a main place such as a main street of each zone or a place where an attraction is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the QR post 80 has a QR code display unit 82 that displays a QR code (not shown). Accordingly, the QR code may be acquired by photographing the QR code display unit 82. The QR post further incorporates a radio unit 84, and the radio unit 84 executes short-range radio communication with the radio unit 76, and the zone-specific moving image data of the zone in which the QR post is installed. Is transmitted to the video camera 10. The zone-specific moving image data captured by the wireless unit 76 is temporarily stored in, for example, the internal memory of the CPU 30 or other built-in memory (both not shown). In this case, since only one zone-specific moving image data is supplied to the video camera 10 from one QR post 80, the selection in step S13 is not necessary.

  However, when using the QR post 80, the user can understand that the user is willing to capture the zone-specific moving image. Therefore, the steps S7 to S19 are omitted, and the zone-specific moving image data is transferred from the QR post 80. If there is, it may be automatically executed after step S21.

  Further, as means for performing zone determination, in addition to a method using GPS and a method using QR code, the zone may be recognized or determined by sound (theme music) broadcast for each zone.

  In the above-described embodiment, the position symbol is set to be movable by the user. However, for example, a face region in a real-time moving image is detected, and the position symbol is not a part of the face so as not to overlap the face region. It is conceivable to display at a position other than. Specifically, for example, by detecting a skin color area for each frame of the real-time moving image, the face area is determined, the position and area of those face areas are detected, and the face area is removed for each frame. What is necessary is just to set a symbol.

  Further, in this embodiment, the frame symbol 68 (FIG. 6) is used as the position symbol, and the zone-specific image to be synthesized is arranged in the frame symbol 68. For example, the center of the arrangement position is shown. The user may be made to know the arrangement position by a position symbol indicating only.

  The arrangement position of the zone-specific image to be superimposed on the real-time moving image may be taught to the user by displaying the above-described position symbol on the monitor, but for example, by displaying the thumbnail of the zone-specific image as it is, You may make it inform a user.

  In the embodiment, a moving image is exemplified as a zone-specific image to be combined with a real-time moving image. However, this may be a still image.

  Note that the video camera 10 having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is provided with the wireless unit 76 shown in FIG. 10 and zone discrimination is performed based on position data from the GPS circuit 52, but zone-specific images are preset in the flash memory 56. Instead, the zone-specific image data distributed by short-range wireless may be acquired through the wireless unit 76 and used as needed.

  As described above, in the embodiment, the captured composite image data is encrypted and recorded on the removable SD card 50, which is an example of a storage medium. Therefore, even if the user pulls out only the SD card and takes it home, Images cannot be played back arbitrarily.

  However, another example of the storage medium may be a memory built in the video camera. For example, a movie camera (video camera) like the embodiment was developed as a rental-only machine, and a memory that cannot be attached to and detached from the camera body was built in as a storage medium, and a composite image taken in the built-in memory (storage medium) Record the data. In that case, the recorded image data is taken out by a dedicated image take-out device, written on a DVD or an SD card, etc., and passed to the user.

However, as a method of extracting image data from the built-in memory (storage medium),
(i) A method in which a wireless unit shown in FIG. 10 is provided in a video camera, for example, and image data read from the built-in memory is wirelessly transmitted to the image extracting device by the wireless unit.

  (ii) A method of transmitting and retrieving image data from the camera body to the image retrieval device by coupling the camera body and the image retrieval device with a cord having a dedicated plug shape.

(iii) By setting the video camera in a dedicated cradle (with a dedicated plug for transmission) that also has a charging stand, charging the video camera and sending data from the video camera to the image retrieval device How to retrieve image data.
And so on.

  As described above, by adopting a dedicated image extracting device or a dedicated plug shape, it is possible to prevent the user from illegally extracting data or bringing back the camera.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing an example of a video camera that can be used in a rental movie system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is an oblique view of the appearance of a video camera that takes a certain posture. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the appearance of a video camera in another posture is viewed from diagonally forward, and FIG. 1C is a video in another posture. FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing the appearance of the camera as viewed from obliquely upward from the front, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the appearance of the video camera taking the same posture as that of FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the video camera shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the flash memory shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of a region or a resort where the rental movie system of the embodiment is applied. FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of a zone-specific moving image in the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing a state in which a frame symbol is displayed on the monitor screen. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the image composition operation applied to the embodiment in FIG. FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a composite image. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of another embodiment of a video camera applicable to the rental movie system. FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing one example of an area or resort where the video camera of FIG. 10 embodiment is applied. FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing one example of a QR post in the embodiment of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Video camera 30 ... CPU
36 ... Image composition circuit 40 ... SDRAM
46 ... Coding circuit 50 ... SD card 52 ... GPS circuit 76, 84 ... Wireless unit 80 ... QR post

Claims (7)

A video camera used in an area divided into a plurality of zones,
Real-time moving image data output means for outputting real-time moving image data of a real-time moving image representing an object scene;
Zone discriminating means for discriminating in which of the plurality of zones the video camera is present at the time of shooting;
Zone-specific image data output means for outputting zone-specific image data representing a zone-specific image related to the zone determined by the zone determination means;
A video camera comprising: image combining means for combining the zone-specific image data and the real-time moving image data to output combined image data; and recording means for recording the combined image data on a storage medium.   The zone-specific image is a zone-specific moving image, the zone-specific image data output means outputs zone-specific moving image data, and the image composition means synthesizes the zone-specific moving image data and the real-time moving image data. The video camera according to claim 1.   The video camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit encrypts the composite image data and records the encrypted image data on the recording medium. A unique identification code storage means for storing a unique identification code unique to the video camera;
The video camera according to claim 3, wherein the storage means encrypts the composite image data using the unique identification code and stores the encrypted image data in the storage medium.   5. The video camera according to claim 1, further comprising an arrangement position display unit that displays an arrangement position of the zone-specific image for synthesizing the zone-specific image with the real-time moving image. The zone-specific moving image data output means can output a plurality of zone-specific moving image data,
6. The video camera according to claim 1, further comprising means for causing a user to select one of a plurality of zone-specific moving images.   It further comprises position related information acquisition means for acquiring position related information related to the position where the video camera is present, and the zone determination means is configured such that the video camera is based on the position related information acquired by the position related information acquisition means. The video camera according to claim 1, wherein the video camera determines which of the plurality of zones is present.

Images