JP2013161491A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that a user misses an important scene in which the user wants to record because it is not clear whether writable or not before starting of an actual recording operation in the case that a writing speed following writing capability information is not acquired while the fragmentation of a recording completion region in a storage medium progresses and in the case that a storage medium whose actual writing speed is different from the writing capability information is loaded.SOLUTION: A writing capability is determined when a storage medium is loaded. In the case that the loaded storage medium is not a recording object even in the case of being storable, the recording reliability of the storage medium is improved by writing a test signal to a free area on the storage medium to continuously determine a writing capability until the storage medium is selected as a recording object.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for recording an image on a storage medium, and more particularly to a storage medium writing capability inspection method used for image recording processing.

  In recent years, digital video cameras (hereinafter referred to as DVC) using a randomly accessible recording medium such as an optical disk, a hard disk drive, and a flash memory in addition to the conventionally known magnetic tape have been widely used as an image recording apparatus. Yes.

  In addition, digital still cameras (hereinafter referred to as digital cameras) used for recording still images are increasingly equipped with a function capable of recording moving images.

  A feature of these devices is that random access to a recording medium is possible. Using this point, a function for realizing various recording methods for a plurality of storage media is added.

  Specifically, swap recording or the like that changes a recording medium to be recorded during recording (see Non-Patent Document 1).

  Furthermore, it is known to use a buffer memory in order to record the recording information in real time in realizing the recording function (see Patent Document 1).

  Specifically, when recording information is accumulated in a certain amount or more in the buffer memory, it is possible to shift to a recording operation to the storage medium (intermittent recording). Swap recording is realized by switching.

  Note that when there is a large amount of recording information, that is, when the recording bit rate is high, the accumulation speed of the buffer memory is increased, so that intermittent recording operations are also frequently performed. If the recording operation does not end within the intermittent period, the buffer area overflows and the captured image recording is not completed normally.

  As a method of avoiding the above problem and realizing normal recording, it is not suitable for recording on the main device using the writing capability information in which the writing speed existing in the storage medium is defined when the storage medium is mounted. In the case of a storage medium, there is a technique for informing a user that a warning is not appropriate before making a transition to a recording operation. (See Non-Patent Document 2)

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-77828

“PMW-EX3 Solid State Memory Camcorder Instruction Manual” Sony Corporation "IVIS HF21 Instruction Manual" Canon Inc.

  However, in the prior art disclosed in the above-mentioned patent documents, when the recording completion area in the storage medium is fragmented, the writing speed according to the writing ability information cannot be obtained, or the writing ability information on the left When a storage medium with a different actual writing speed is loaded, a situation where it is determined whether or not writing is possible occurs when the actual recording operation is started. Problems such as missing important scenes occur.

  The object of the present invention was made in view of the above problems, and when the storage medium is mounted, the writing ability is judged and recording is possible even if recording is possible. In such a case, the image recording apparatus can improve the recording reliability of the storage medium by writing a test signal to the free area of the storage medium until it is selected as a recording target and continuing to determine the writing capability. Is to provide.

In an image recording apparatus capable of recording on a plurality of storage media,
Storage medium selection means for allowing a user to select a storage medium to be recorded with respect to the plurality of storage media;
A first storage medium to be recorded selected by the storage medium selection means;
A second storage medium not to be recorded;
Test signal generating means for performing a write test on the second storage medium;
Remaining amount / storage medium information detecting means applied to the second storage medium and the first storage medium;
Test signal write control means for generating a control signal for writing the test signal to the second storage medium detected by the remaining amount / storage medium information detection means;
Test signal writing means for recording the test signal in the second storage medium;
Test signal writing monitoring means for monitoring the recording state of the test signal in the second storage medium;
Test signal erasing means for erasing the test signal written on the storage medium;
When the second storage medium is mounted while the first storage medium is recording,
At the time of wearing
Using the second storage medium information acquired by the remaining amount / storage medium information detection means to determine whether recording to the second storage medium is possible;
Or
The test signal is written to the second storage medium a predetermined number of times using the test signal writing control means and the test signal writing means, and the test signal writing monitoring means records the data onto the second storage medium. Determine whether it is possible,
If it can be recorded in the judgment,
As long as the first storage medium continues the recording operation,
The test signal is written to the second storage medium using the test signal write control means and the test signal write means, and the test signal write monitoring means
An image recording apparatus for determining whether or not recording on the second storage medium is possible.

According to the present invention,
When the recording completion area in the storage medium is fragmented, the writing speed according to the writing ability information cannot be obtained, or a storage medium with a different writing ability information from the left is installed. In preparation for
When the storage medium is mounted, the writing ability is determined, and even if the storage is possible, if the mounted storage medium is not a recording target, the storage medium-like free space is selected until the recording target is selected. On the other hand, by writing the test signal and continuing to determine the writing capability,
Improve the recording reliability of the storage medium, notify the user with a warning display etc. when it is determined that recording to the installed storage medium is impossible, and give an opportunity to take action before the actual recording. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of avoiding the problem of missing.

The figure showing the structure in the Example of this invention The flowchart which shows Example 1. Example of warning display used in Example 1 Illustration of buffer over The flowchart which shows Example 2. Example of warning display used in Example 2 Diagram showing buffer memory accumulation time for each recording bit rate

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the number of mountable storage media is two. Further, although a test signal described later is used for the writing test, use of captured image information is also conceivable for the writing test signal.

  Reference numeral 1-1 denotes an imaging unit, which includes circuits such as a lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that is a solid-state imaging device, and an A / D conversion unit.

  A CCD signal processing unit 1-2 includes image-related controls such as gamma correction processing, interpolation processing, white balance adjustment processing, and noise reduction processing for video data from the CCD, and is output as an image signal.

  Reference numeral 1-3 denotes an encoder which compresses the image signal generated by the CCD signal processor (1-2) according to a standard such as MPEG2 (H.262) or MPEG4 AVC (H.264 / AVC). Is done.

  1-4 is a buffer memory, and recording information generated by the encoder unit is stored in the memory area. Since the area has a ring buffer structure, if the recording process to the storage medium is not performed within a specific period, the recording information beyond the buffer area is accumulated, causing a buffer over.

  Reference numeral 1-5 denotes buffer memory monitoring means, which observes the recording information storage state on the buffer memory (1-4) and generates a recording request when a certain capacity is reached.

  Reference numeral 1-6 denotes recording information write request generation means, which receives a recording request in the buffer memory control means (1-5) and stores it in a recording medium I / F (1-10) described later in a storage medium (1-15, 1-16) is a means for issuing a recording information write request. When a plurality of storage media are connected, a recording information write request to the storage medium designated by the user is issued to the recording media I / F (1-10).

  1-7 is a test signal write control means, which generates a test signal data write request generated by a test signal generation means described later and issues it to the recording medium I / F (1-10). The write request generation method is characterized in that a storage medium that requires a writing test (a storage medium on which actual image data is not recorded) is selected. Also, the writing area and the erase area of the written test signal are specified based on the remaining capacity / free area information of the storage medium obtained from the remaining amount / storage medium information detecting means (1-9) described later.

  1-8 is a test signal write monitoring means, and in accordance with the write request generated by the test signal write control means, the test signal generation means (1-14) is passed through the recording medium I / F (1-10). When writing the test signal data generated in step S1 to the storage medium (1-15, 1-16) to be tested, it is monitored whether or not the test signal data has been written within a predetermined time. If not, a warning display generation request is issued to the image display processing unit (1-17) described later as necessary. The predetermined time is calculated according to the recording bit rate, and the time is shortened as the recording bit rate increases.

  Further, the test signal writing monitoring means measures and measures the time required for writing the test signal to the storage medium (1-15, 1-16).

  1-9 is a remaining amount / storage medium information detecting means for detecting the free capacity and free space of the storage medium (1-15, 1-16) via a storage medium I / F (1-10) described later. To do. Note that the write test is not performed when there is no free space in the storage medium to be subjected to the write test. Further, based on the empty area information, the test signal write control means (1-7) designates a write area at the time of the write test.

  Reference numeral 1-10 denotes a recording medium I / F, which is equipped with an ATA controller for a storage medium that can be mounted, and is generated by a recording information writing request generating means (1-6) and a test signal writing control means (1-7). Recorded information stored in the buffer memory (1-4) in the storage medium (1-15, 1-16) or a test signal generated by the test signal generating means (1-14) described later according to the written request Data is recorded through test signal writing means (1-12) or buffer memory information writing means (1-13) described later.

  Reference numeral 1-11 denotes a test signal erasing unit which performs an erasing process of the test signal written by a test signal writing unit (1-12) described later. The erase address / erase size is the same as the test signal write address / write size.

  Reference numeral 1-12 denotes a test signal writing means, and a test signal generating means (1-14) described later according to the write timing / write area information requested from the test signal writing control means (1-7). The generated test signal data is written into the write test target storage medium (1-15, 1-16).

  Reference numeral 1-13 denotes buffer memory information writing means. During normal recording (a method of recording information generated from the imaging means (1-1)), buffer memory monitoring means (1-5), and a recording information write request Write processing to the storage medium (1-15, 1-16) is performed in response to the write request generated by the generation means (1-6).

  1-14 is a test signal generating means for generating a test signal used in the writing test. The test signal here refers to a test signal stored in advance in a ROM (1-22) described later or recorded information accumulated in a buffer memory (1-4). Note that the test signal stored on the ROM (1-22) stores write data equal to the maximum amount of data written by one write request in the write process during normal recording.

  Reference numeral 1-15 denotes the storage medium 1, which shows a built-in / detachable storage medium. In this embodiment, a memory card is assumed, but an HDD or the like is also applicable.

  Reference numeral 1-16 denotes the storage medium 2, which has the same configuration as the storage medium 1. Note that the storage medium 1 (1-15) and the storage medium 2 (1-16) are not necessarily the same type of storage medium such as a memory card.

  An image display processing unit 1-17 generates various warning screens based on the warning display generation request generated by the test signal writing monitoring unit (1-8), and the imaging device (1-1) / CCD signal. It superimposes on the photographed image generated through the processing unit (1-2) and generates an image for output to an external monitor or main body panel. Note that the display superimposed on the captured image is not limited to the warning display, but also includes a recording information display and a user setting display.

  Reference numeral 1-18 denotes a display unit, which displays an image generated by the image display processing unit (1-17). In order to display the composite terminal, D terminal, 75ΩDrv and LCD panel / HDMI terminal / Video output terminals / circuits such as SDI terminals are provided.

  Reference numeral 1-19 denotes storage medium selection means for selecting a storage medium to be recorded. As for the selection method, there are a case where the user selects the case, and a case where the selection is made by the main device, such as a case where there is no free space in the storage medium being recorded and the storage medium is automatically selected.

  A CPU 1-20 executes various processes used in the above description based on a predetermined program. A ROM (1-22) and work memory (1- 21), a RAM is provided, and a non-volatile memory for storing setting data is also provided.

  Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the test writing process and writing when the storage medium 2 is mounted while the captured image is being recorded on the storage medium 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A process when the process does not end normally will be described.

  FIG. 2 shows the storage medium 2 while recording the image data generated via the image pickup means (1-1), the CCD signal processing (1-2), and the encoder (1-3) in the storage medium 1 (1-15). It is a flowchart regarding the test signal writing operation implemented with respect to the storage medium 2 (1-16) when (1-16) is mounted.

  First, when the storage medium 2 (1-16) is installed in the slot 2 in which the storage medium is installed (2-1), mount processing related to FAT and recording standards is performed on the storage medium 2 (1-16). (2-2) When Mount ends normally (2-3), the process proceeds to the empty area detection process (2-4). When the Mount does not end normally, recording to the storage medium 2 is impossible. It judges and changes to warning display processing (2-23).

  Then, the free area (A) and the free area address are used in the free area detection process (2-4), and it is determined whether or not the free area (A) is larger than the capacity (X) required for the test signal writing process. (2-5) If it is large, it is determined that the test signal writing process can be executed, and the test signal write address is set using the free area address detected in the free area (A) detection process (2-4). (2-6) Then, the test signal generated by the test signal generating means (1-14) is written from the set address (2-7).

  The writing state is monitored by the test signal writing monitoring means (1-8) (2-8), and when the writing is completed within a predetermined time, it is determined that the test writing is normally completed, and the writing process is executed. Is erased via the test signal erasing means (1-11) (2-9), and further, the test signal write address is executed in order to execute the test signal write process to another empty area of the storage medium 2. Is changed (2-10). If the test writing is not completed within a predetermined time, it is determined that the storage medium is inappropriate for recording the imaging data, and the process proceeds to a warning display process (2-23).

  The above processing is processing executed when the storage medium 2 is mounted, and processing after mounting will be described below with reference to the flow after 2-11.

  First, using the remaining amount information (B) of the storage medium 1 in which the imaging data is recorded, acquired from the remaining amount / storage medium information detecting means (1-9) (2-11), The recordable time (C) is calculated (2-12). If it is longer than the processing time (Y) required for the test signal writing process and the erasing process, the process shifts to the test signal writing process. It is determined that the writing / erasing process cannot be performed (2-13), and the storage medium 2 is immediately shifted to the imaging data recording standby state, and when the recording capacity of the storage medium 1 becomes Full, the storage medium 1 The recording operation is terminated, and a transition is made to imaging data writing processing to the storage medium 2 (2-14 to 2-17).

  If it is determined in the process 2-13 that the test signal writing process is possible, the recordable time (C) of the storage medium 1 is the test signal writing process and the erasing process 2-7 to 2-10. It continues as long as it is longer than the processing time (Y) required for processing (2-18 to 2-21).

In the test signal writing determination process of 2-8 and 2-13, even when the test signal writing process is not completed within a predetermined time, the writing area erasing process is executed. (2-22)
The warning display process (2-23) is a test signal writing process, and if the writing is not completed normally, a warning display is displayed to the user that the imaging data cannot be written to the storage medium 2. .

  FIG. 3 is an example of a warning display when the writing process to the storage medium 2 does not end normally. Since the imaging data recording process to the storage medium 1 is performed, a warning display such as translucent is considered. It is done.

  4, “predetermined time” used in the test signal write monitoring means (1-8) and the test signal write determination process (2-8, 2-19) described in the flowchart of FIG. The calculation method for will be described.

  During this time, when imaging data stored in the buffer memory (1-4) via the encoder (1-3) is accumulated in a predetermined amount (70% of the memory capacity in FIG. 4), it is stored in the storage medium. The time until the main writing process is normally completed is defined as “predetermined time” (in FIG. 4, “t” is shown). If the writing process cannot be executed normally, the buffer memory (1-4) will cause a buffer over.

  Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the test writing process and writing when the storage medium 2 is mounted while the captured image is recorded on the storage medium 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A process when the process does not end normally will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows the storage medium 2 during recording of the imaging data generated through the imaging means (1-1), CCD signal processing (1-2), and encoder (1-3) in the storage medium 1 (1-15). It is a flowchart regarding the test signal writing operation implemented with respect to the storage medium 2 (1-16) when (1-16) is mounted.

  First, when the storage medium 2 (1-16) is installed in the slot 2 in which the storage medium is installed (5-1), mount processing related to FAT and recording standards is performed on the storage medium 2 (1-16). (5-2) If the Mount ends normally (5-3), the process proceeds to the free space detection process (5-4). If the Mount does not end normally, recording to the storage medium 2 is impossible. It judges and changes to warning display processing (5-25).

  Then, the free area (A) and the free area address are used in the free area detection process (5-4), and it is determined whether or not the free area (A) is larger than the capacity (X) required for the test signal writing process. (5-5) If there are many, it is determined that the test signal writing process can be executed, and the test signal write address is set using the free area address detected in the free area (A) detection process (5-4). (5-6) Then, the test signal generated by the test signal generating means (1-14) is written from the set address (5-7).

  The writing state is monitored by the test signal writing monitoring means (1-8) (5-8), and when writing is completed within a predetermined time, it is determined that the test writing is normally completed, and the writing process is executed. Is erased via the test signal erasing means (1-11) (5-9), and further, the test signal write address is executed in order to execute the test signal write process to another free area of the storage medium 2. Is changed (5-10). If the test writing is not completed within the predetermined time, it is determined that the storage medium is inappropriate for recording the imaging data, and the process proceeds to a warning display process (5-25).

  The above processing is processing that is executed when the storage medium 2 is mounted, and the processing after mounting will be described below with reference to the flow after 5-11.

  First, the remaining amount information (B) of the storage medium 1 in which the imaging data is recorded, acquired from the remaining amount / storage medium information detecting means (1-9) (5-11), The recordable time (C) is calculated (5-12), and if it is longer than the processing time (Y) required for the test signal writing process and the erasing process, the process shifts to the test signal writing process. It is determined that the writing / erasing process cannot be performed (5-13), and the storage medium 2 is immediately shifted to the imaging data recording standby state, and when the recording capacity of the storage medium 1 becomes Full, the storage medium 1 The recording operation is terminated, and a transition is made to imaging data writing processing to the storage medium 2 (5-14 to 5-17).

  If it is determined in the process 5-13 that the test signal writing process is possible, the recordable time (C) of the storage medium 1 is the test signal writing process and the erasing process 5-7 to 5-10. Continue as long as it is longer than the processing time (Y) required for processing.

  The write processing (5-18 to 5-23) processing is as follows.

  First, the test signal writing is executed (5-18), and the test signal writing monitoring means (1-8) measures the write completion time (5-19). If the test signal writing process is not completed, the writing process is performed. Is not normally completed (5-20), and the process proceeds to a write signal erasure process (5-24) and a warning display process (5-25).

  When the write process is completed (5-20), after executing the write signal erasure process (5-21), the recordable bit rate is determined according to the write completion time. A process for recognizing the determination result by the user via the image display processing unit (1-17) is executed, and a write address changing process (5-23) is executed so that the test signal writing is executed again in a different empty area. .

  A method for calculating a recordable bit rate will be described with reference to FIG. First, when imaging data is recorded, when there is a lot of recording information, that is, when the recording bit rate is high, the accumulation speed in the buffer memory (1-4) is also fast, and conversely, when the recording bit rate is low, the accumulation speed is slow. . Therefore, the write request generation interval to the storage medium is also shortened as the recording bit rate increases. Incidentally, FIG. 7 shows that the request generation interval of 24 Mbps is shorter at the recording bit rates of 24 Mbps and 17 Mbps. In consideration of these, the maximum writing time for each recording bit rate that can be set in the imaging device is held in the imaging device, and compared with the writing time actually measured in the test signal writing process. It is possible to determine whether recording is possible at each recording bit rate.

Finally, in the test signal writing determination process of 5-8 and 5-20, even when the test signal writing process is not completed within a predetermined time, the writing area erasing process is executed. (5-24)
The warning display process (5-25) is a test signal writing process, and if the writing is not completed normally, a warning display is displayed to the user that the imaging data cannot be written to the storage medium 2. .

  FIG. 6 is a warning display example when the writing process to the storage medium 2 is not normally completed, and displays which recording bit rate can be recorded among the recording bit rates that can be set in the main body. Is possible. As for the display method, since imaging data recording processing to the storage medium 1 is performed, warning display such as translucent is conceivable.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

1-1 Imaging unit 1-2 CCD signal processing unit 1-3 Encoder 1-4 Buffer memory 1-5 Buffer memory monitoring unit 1-6 Recording information write request generating unit 1-7 Test signal writing control unit 1-8 Test signal Write monitoring means 1-9 Remaining amount / storage medium information detecting means 1-10 Recording media I / F
1-11 Test signal erasing means 1-12 Test signal writing means 1-13 Buffer memory information writing means 1-14 Test signal generating means 1-15 Storage medium 1
1-16 Storage medium 2
1-17 Image Display Processing Unit 1-18 Display Unit 1-19 Storage Medium Selection Unit 1-20 CPU
1-21 Work memory 1-22 ROM

Claims (8)

In an image recording apparatus capable of recording on a plurality of storage media,
Storage medium selection means for selecting a storage medium to be recorded with respect to the plurality of storage media;
A first storage medium to be recorded selected by the storage medium selection means;
A second storage medium not to be recorded;
Test signal generating means for performing a write test on the second storage medium;
Remaining amount / storage medium information detecting means applied to the second storage medium and the first storage medium;
Test signal write control means for generating a control signal for writing the test signal to the second storage medium detected by the remaining amount / storage medium information detection means;
Test signal writing means for recording the test signal in the second storage medium;
Test signal writing monitoring means for monitoring the recording state of the test signal in the second storage medium;
Test signal erasing means for erasing the test signal written on the storage medium;
When the second storage medium is mounted while the first storage medium is recording,
At the time of wearing
Using the second storage medium information acquired by the remaining amount / storage medium information detection means to determine whether recording to the second storage medium is possible;
If it can be recorded in the judgment,
As long as the first storage medium continues the recording operation,
The test signal is written to the second storage medium using the test signal write control means and the test signal write means, and the test signal write monitoring means
An image recording apparatus for determining whether or not recording on the second storage medium is possible. In an image recording apparatus capable of recording on a plurality of storage media,
Storage medium selection means for selecting a storage medium to be recorded with respect to the plurality of storage media;
A first storage medium to be recorded selected by the storage medium selection means;
A second storage medium not to be recorded;
Test signal generating means for performing a write test on the second storage medium;
Remaining amount / storage medium information detecting means applied to the second storage medium and the first storage medium;
Test signal write control means for generating a control signal for writing the test signal to the second storage medium detected by the remaining amount / storage medium information detection means;
Test signal writing means for recording the test signal in the second storage medium;
Test signal writing monitoring means for monitoring the recording state of the test signal in the second storage medium;
Test signal erasing means for erasing the test signal written on the storage medium;
When the second storage medium is mounted while the first storage medium is recording,
At the time of wearing
The test signal is written to the second storage medium a predetermined number of times using the test signal writing control means and the test signal writing means, and the test signal writing monitoring means records the data onto the second storage medium. Determine whether it is possible,
If it can be recorded in the judgment,
As long as the first storage medium continues the recording operation,
The test signal is written to the second storage medium using the test signal write control means and the test signal write means, and the test signal write monitoring means
An image recording apparatus for determining whether or not recording on the second storage medium is possible.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is a randomly accessible storage medium.   The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the test signal uses a signal stored in advance in a main body or a recording signal generated from an imaging unit.   In the test signal write monitoring means, the test signal write state detection means whether or not the test signal can be recorded in the storage medium within a predetermined time and the write time is measured. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image recording apparatus can also be used.   6. The remaining amount / storage medium information detecting means detects a recordable area and a recordable capacity of the storage medium, and storage medium information held in the storage medium. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1.   The storage medium information detected by the remaining amount / storage medium information detection means includes information that can be recorded according to the recording standard that the image recording apparatus has, or information that suggests a writing speed. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus is an image recording apparatus. 12. The test signal writing control unit selects a storage medium on which a writing test is to be performed, and generates a test signal recording request for a free area of the selected storage medium. 8. The image recording apparatus according to any one of items 7.