JP3640871B2 - Imaging information recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging information recording apparatus such as a video camera, and more specifically, imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting imaging information relating to the imaging, and imaging information recording means for writing and recording the imaging information on a recording medium. Further, the present invention relates to an imaging information recording apparatus comprising a writing control means for controlling writing start and writing stop to the recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, when you want to shoot to observe the growth of a plant with a video camera, you can intermittently perform shooting for a short time and stop shooting for a relatively long time with the camera fixed to the subject for a long time. However, there has been no video camera itself having an intermittent shooting function.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, conventionally, in order to perform intermittent shooting, an external control device having a function of controlling the video camera has to be separately prepared. For this reason, the entire photographing equipment becomes large-scale, and it takes time and effort to separately prepare the control equipment at the photographing stage. Furthermore, there is a problem that providing such a control device separately increases the cost, and it is required to solve these problems.
[0004]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can reduce the size of the entire apparatus, simplify the preparation for shooting preparation, and add a new apparatus to the conventional shooting function. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging information recording apparatus to which a new imaging function is added without any problem.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve this problem, the present invention captures an object and outputs imaging information relating to the imaging, imaging information recording means for writing and recording the imaging information on a recording medium, and recording medium In the imaging information recording apparatus provided with the writing control means for controlling writing start and writing stop, the writing operation for a preset time and the writing stop for the preset time are alternately repeated on the recording medium. Intermittent recording control means for intermittently recording imaging information;Remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining recordable amount of the recording medium, and write operation time and writing stop when recording on the recording medium based on the remaining recordable amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means Automatic recording time setting means to set the time andIs provided.
[0006]
  As a result, since the imaging information recording device such as a video camera is provided with intermittent recording control means, a dedicated external device that performs intermittent recording even if a person does not bother to perform time management of intermittent recording. Thus, it is possible to obtain the desired intermittent recording using only the video camera without using the above-mentioned equipment. Further, with regard to the intermittent recording method, it is also possible to easily set the shooting time and the shooting stop time to desired ones by using the shooting software provided in the imaging information recording device. Can be used without adding hardwareThe
In particular, in the present invention, in addition to the intermittent recording control means, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining recordable amount of the recording medium, and the recording based on the remaining recordable amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means. Since it has automatic recording time setting means to set the writing operation time and writing stop time when recording on the medium, it is possible to record the remaining recording rather than ignoring the remaining recordable amount of the recording medium By appropriately automatically assigning the write operation time and the write stop time in consideration of the amount, the recording medium can be used without waste, and the operation of calculating the write operation time and the write stop time is not required. .
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting imaging information related to the imaging, an imaging information recording means for writing and recording the imaging information on a recording medium, and the recording medium In an imaging information recording apparatus comprising a writing control means for controlling writing start and writing stop on the recording medium, a writing operation for a preset time and a writing stop for a preset time are alternately repeated on the recording medium. Intermittent recording control means for recording imaging information intermittentlyAnd a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining recordable amount of the recording medium, and a writing operation time and writing when recording on the recording medium based on the remaining recordable amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means Automatic recording time setting means to set stop time andIf the user wants to perform intermittent recording, the intermittent recording control means provided in the imaging information recording apparatus can cause the intermittent recording to be performed. There is no need to provide a control device with a dedicated function for performing intermittent recording.
Moreover,By automatically assigning the write operation time and write stop time appropriately in consideration of the remaining recordable amount of the recording medium, the recording medium can be used without waste, and the write operation time and write stop time can be calculated manually. It does not take.
[0009]
Claim 1 aboveIn the imaging information recording apparatus, when the recording medium is composed of a magnetic tape, non-recording time measuring means for measuring a writing stop time from when the writing operation to the magnetic tape is stopped is provided, and the writing operation is stopped. When it is detected that the write stop time is longer than the preset tape protection transition start time, the magnetic tape is shifted to a state of protection, and the magnetic tape is applied to the magnetic tape near the time when the write operation stop time elapses. Provide magnetic tape protection means to shift to a writable stateSo thatWhen the writing operation is stopped for a relatively long time, for example, the magnetic tape is automatically retracted from the recording position of the imaging information recording means such as a cylinder, or the rotation drive is performed so that the cylinder stops. By turning off the power supply and protecting the magnetic tape so that it does not come into contact with the rotating cylinder, it can extend the life of the magnetic tape, increase its durability, and write operation. When this is done, it automatically shifts to a state in which writing to the magnetic tape is possible, so that it has the effect of convenience.
[0010]
  Also, the above-mentioned claim 1In this imaging information recording apparatus, there is provided illumination control means for turning on and off the illumination apparatus for subject imaging, and the illumination control means lights the illumination apparatus near the time when writing to the recording medium is started. Activated and configured to stop the lighting device near the time of stopping writing to the recording mediumThenThe lighting device can be turned on only when it is actually necessary to capture and record, and when it is not necessary, the lighting device can be automatically turned off so as not to waste power. It has the effect of saving the trouble of turning on and off. Needless to say, this control means can be used not only for turning on / off the illumination device but also for turning on / off a device that operates at the recording timing and turns off at the recording stop timing.
[0011]
  Claim 1 aboveIn the imaging information recording apparatus, an angle-of-view adjustment control unit that changes and adjusts an angle of view of an image picked up by the image pickup unit is provided. Can be adjusted and adjustedIf you doFor example, when capturing the growth of a plant from a small seedling state, the image is taken with a relatively narrow angle of view by telephoto, and the image is taken and recorded a certain number of times intermittently. If the image does not fit in the zoom, you can automatically adjust the zoom so that the image is captured with a wide angle of view. It has the effect | action that it can image by performing.
[0012]
  Claim 1 aboveIn the imaging information recording device, search means for retrieving imaging information based on real-time information separately recorded on the recording medium each time imaging information is recorded on the recording mediumIf provided,If you want to search for imaging information after recording it on a recording medium, you can easily search for the desired imaging information by using the actual time when the imaging was performed as a search input, and if necessary, playback of the imaging information is also possible. It has the effect of being able to plan.
[0013]
  Claim 1 aboveIn the imaging information recording apparatus, a recording time changing unit capable of changing and adjusting a writing operation time or a writing stop time for the recording medium is provided, and the recording time changing unit is configured to change the writing operation time or the recording time according to the time at the writing operation. Configuration to change the write stop timeThenSince the writing operation time and the writing stop time can be arbitrarily changed and adjusted, there is an effect that optimum intermittent shooting can be performed according to various conditions such as the subject to be imaged and the time at which the imaging is performed.
[0015]
  Claim 1 aboveIn the imaging information recording apparatus, there is provided a mode change operation means for switching between an intermittent operation mode in which writing operation and writing stop are intermittently repeated and a normal operation mode in which normal recording is performed.If you doBy allowing the mode change operation means, for example, a key operation, to change the mode, for example, it is possible to avoid a malfunction such as accidentally switching to the intermittent operation mode when imaging in the normal operation mode is desired.
[0016]
  Claim 1 aboveIn the imaging information recording apparatus, in the intermittent operation mode in which the writing operation and the writing stop are repeated intermittently, an informing means for informing that the intermittent operation mode state is provided is provided.IfFor example, it is possible to notify the viewfinder of the video camera whether or not the intermittent operation is being performed, and even if the intermittent operation is in progress by indicating that the writing is stopped. It has the effect of avoiding the problem of moving the video camera or the like by mistake when it is in a mere stop state.
[0017]
Hereinafter, a video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, this video camera captures a subject and outputs a lens unit 1 as an imaging means S that outputs imaging information obtained by the imaging, and an imaging tube or a solid that photoelectrically converts a captured image. An imaging information conversion unit 2 including an imaging element is provided, and imaging information output from the imaging information conversion unit 2 is input and converted into information for recording on a magnetic tape 3 as a recording medium. A main control circuit 4 is provided as write control means for performing control for recording. The main control circuit 4 records the input imaging information on the magnetic tape 3 and exchanges signals with the recording circuit 6 for recording and reproducing the head 5 for reproducing the imaging information recorded on the magnetic tape 3. Connected so that you can. Here, the head 5 and the recording circuit 6 constitute imaging information recording means W.
[0019]
The main control circuit 4 performs a shooting mode (referred to as a normal operation mode) in which a photographer commands start and stop of shooting to perform normal continuous shooting and recording of the shooting, and shooting for a predetermined time. After that, there is provided means for setting the mode to an intermittent operation mode in which photographing is stopped alternately for another predetermined time. Hereinafter, a configuration for performing imaging in the intermittent operation mode and recording the imaging on the magnetic tape 3 will be described.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, a recording time counter 7 serving as a recording time measuring means for measuring a writing operation time, and a non-recording time measuring means for measuring a writing operation stopping time. Each of the recording time counters 8 is provided, and output signals of the recording time counter 7 and the non-recording time counter 8 are input to the main control circuit 4. The main control circuit 4 outputs a signal for resetting the recording time counter 7 and the non-recording time counter 8. For the recording time counter 7 and the non-recording time counter 8, the time during which writing operation is counted (hereinafter referred to as recording operation time) and the time during which writing operation is stopped (referred to as non-recording operation time) are previously stored. Time setting means 9 for setting and inputting the setting information to the recording time counter 7 and the non-recording time counter 8 is provided. This time setting means 9 operates a recording time setting switch and a non-recording time setting switch provided on the exterior case of the video camera (both switches may be used as a single switch, The desired recording operation time and desired non-recording operation time can be set by appropriately setting the recording time and the non-recording time depending on the wear. Further, as will be described later, information on the recording operation time and the non-recording operation time created in the main control circuit 4 may be input and these times may be set in the time setting means 9. Here, the main control circuit 4, the storage time counter 7, the non-recording time counter 8, and the time setting means 9 constitute an intermittent recording control means A.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the exterior case portion is configured to selectively select and switch between an intermittent operation mode for performing intermittent recording operated by a key K and a normal operation mode for performing normal recording. A mode switch 10 is provided. The mode switching signal from the mode switch 10 is input to the main control circuit 4 so that the main control circuit 4 is set to perform control in the intermittent operation mode or normal operation mode. It has become. Here, the key K, the mode changeover switch 10 and the main control circuit 4 constitute a mode changing operation means T.
[0022]
The time setting means 9 is protected so that the magnetic tape 3 is retracted from the writable position with respect to the cylinder having the head 5 during the intermittent operation mode. The protection position transition time for automatically shifting to the protection position can be set. More specifically, a tape transition time counter 11 is provided, and protection position transition time information is input to the tape transition time counter 11 from the time setting means 9. The tape transition time counter 11 is connected to the main control circuit 4. The non-recording time counter 8 is reset simultaneously with the signal from. The main control circuit 4 protects the magnetic tape 3 from avoiding contact with the cylinder as the count-up signal from the tape transition time counter 11 is input prior to the count-up signal from the non-recording time counter 8. Control to retract to the position. That is, when the non-recording time after the write operation stop state is longer than the protection position transition time set in advance in the time setting means 9, the main control circuit 4 causes the magnetic tape 3 to transition to the protection position. Then, the tape moving drive unit 12 for moving the magnetic tape 3 between the recording position and the protection position is controlled. Note that, when the count-up signal from the tape transition time counter 11 is input prior to the count-up signal from the non-recording time, the magnetic tape 3 is moved to the protection position. The magnetic tape 3 may be protected by stopping. Here, the main control circuit 4, the tape transition time counter 11, the time setting means 9 and the like constitute the magnetic tape protection means J.
[0023]
The embodiment so far will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In step S1, it is determined whether or not the intermittent operation mode is set. That is, by switching the mode changeover switch 10 from the normal operation mode to the intermittent operation mode by the operation of the key K in the mode conversion operation means T, it is determined in step S1 that the operation mode is the intermittent operation mode, and the normal operation mode remains. It is determined that it is not in intermittent operation mode. If it is determined in step S1 that the mode is the intermittent operation mode, imaging information is written in step S2. That is, the imaging is started, the time measurement is started by the recording time counter 7, and the imaging information is written on the magnetic tape. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the writing operation time, that is, the recording time set by the time setting means 9 has been counted up by the recording time counter 7, and if not, the imaging information writing operation is continued and counted. When it is up, the writing of the imaging information in step S4 is stopped, the non-recording time is started to be measured by the non-recording time counter 8 from the stop time, and the tape transfer time is further measured from the tape stop time counter 11 Start measurement. Following the stop of writing, if it is determined in step S5 that the tape transfer time counter 11 has counted up the tape transfer time, tape protection is performed to retract the magnetic tape 3 from the write position (step S6). Further, when it is determined in step S7 that the write stop time, that is, the non-recording time has been counted up by the non-recording time counter 8, the tape protection state is canceled (step S8), the process returns to step S1, and intermittent operation is performed. When the mode is continued, the process immediately proceeds to step S2, and intermittent imaging and recording are continuously performed. However, even when the recording on the magnetic tape 3 is completed and the winding of the magnetic tape 3 is completed, the recording operation itself is automatically stopped.
[0024]
Next, in the intermittent operation mode, a description will be given of a control in which the lighting device 13 that illuminates the subject is turned on during imaging, and is turned off when imaging is stopped. When the video camera is set to the intermittent operation mode, the main control circuit 4 outputs a control signal to the power supply device 14 of the illumination device 13 that enables the illumination device 13 to be turned on or off. . That is, when the main control circuit 4 is in the intermittent operation mode, when the count-up signal from the recording time counter 7 is obtained, writing to the magnetic tape 3 is stopped and writing is stopped by the non-recording time counter 8. Start counting the time you are doing. At the start, a control signal for turning off the lighting device 13 in the lit state is output to the power supply device 14 of the lighting device 13. Next, when the count-up signal from the non-recording time counter 8 is obtained, the main control circuit 4 starts writing on the magnetic tape 3 and starts counting the time during which writing is performed by the recording time counter 7. . At the start, a control signal for turning on the lighting device 13 in the off state is output to the power supply device 14 of the lighting device 13. It should be noted that the lighting timing may be somewhat earlier than the start of writing to the magnetic tape 3, for example, by several seconds. Conversely, the timing of turning off the light may be somewhat later than the point at which writing to the magnetic tape 3 is stopped. Note that the function of automatically turning on or off the illumination device as described above in the intermittent mode is not necessarily provided in the imaging information recording device. Here, the main control circuit 4 constitutes the illumination control means C.
[0025]
In the present embodiment, in the intermittent operation mode, the main control circuit 4 is provided with an angle-of-view adjustment control means 15 that automatically changes the angle of view in the imaging means according to the recording situation. For example, when the growth of the plant is observed over a long period of time, the angle-of-view adjustment control means 15 is initially in the early stage of plant growth. When the lens unit 1 is set in a small angle of view state, that is, in a telephoto state so that a large image can be taken, and the number of writing operations exceeds a predetermined number of times, Can be adjusted automatically. Note that the angle of view change of the imaging means can be changed from a large angle of view to a small state, and is not limited to changing the angle of view on the condition that the number of times of writing is performed. For example, various changing conditions such as the imaging time, the position of the subject in the imaging screen, and the size of the area occupied in the imaging screen of the subject can be considered. Note that the angle-of-view adjustment control unit is not necessarily provided in the imaging information recording unit.
[0026]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the intermittent operation mode is set, the notification means 16 for displaying the state of the intermittent operation mode on the monitor M of the viewfinder provided in the video camera is provided. ing. That is, in the intermittent operation mode, a message such as “intermittent recording” is displayed on the monitor M in superimpose. Further, in the intermittent operation mode, when imaging is stopped, the intermittent recording state is displayed. In addition, it is possible to display that the imaging is stopped. The notification means may be able to notify by voice or the like in addition to the display by video. Note that the notification means is not necessarily provided in the imaging information recording apparatus.
[0027]
In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 4 is provided with a recording time changing means 17 for changing and adjusting the writing operation time and the writing stop time during the intermittent operation in accordance with the time when the imaging information recording apparatus is in the intermittent operation mode. ing. Specifically, when observing a flower that blooms at a specific time during the day, if the flower is in a time zone, the writing operation time is set to a relatively long one. Outside of the time zone, make it possible to use such as shortening the writing operation time. Therefore, the recording time changing means 17 is provided with a time measuring means 18 having a clock function, and based on the time information from the time measuring means 18, a predetermined writing operation time only in a preset time zone in one day. In other time zones, writing is performed at different writing operation times. The writing operation time can be changed in different time zones with one day as one unit, and a plurality of days may be set as one unit. The recording time changing means 17 is not necessarily provided in the imaging information recording apparatus.
[0028]
Next, the search means 19 for searching for the imaging information intermittently recorded in this way will be described. On the magnetic tape 3, the imaging information is recorded, and at the same time, the actual time (actual time) when the imaging is performed is recorded as a time code. Therefore, it is recorded on the magnetic tape 3 that the recording time is what hour, minute and second for each recorded frame. When a search command is input, the search means 19 provided in the main control circuit 4 is set to the search mode, and the main control circuit 4 sets the input real time while rewinding or fast-forwarding the magnetic tape 3. When the time code search magnetic head H is used for searching and the desired real time is searched from the recorded time code, the feeding of the magnetic tape 3 is stopped. Then, by playing back after retrieval, a desired captured image can be viewed on a monitor or the like. Therefore, when searching for imaging information recorded intermittently later, it is possible to obtain desired imaging information by searching for an imaging time corresponding to the imaging information, and the operator can obtain an image through a monitor or the like. It is possible to perform a quick and simple search rather than searching while visually checking. Further, even when there is no recording of imaging information corresponding to the real time information input as a search command on the magnetic tape 3, the real time position closest to the input real time information can be automatically searched. Thus, even when real-time recognition at the time of shooting is ambiguous, it is possible to search for desired imaging information. Note that the search means 19 is not necessarily provided in the imaging information recording apparatus.
[0029]
Next, an automatic calculation means 20 such as an operation time for determining the remaining recordable amount of the magnetic tape 3 and automatically creating an intermittent imaging write operation time and a write stop time will be described. The operation time automatic calculation means 20 is provided in the main control circuit 4 and automatically fast forwards at the same time as the magnetic tape 3 is loaded into the cassette loading section of the imaging information recording apparatus. Remaining amount detection means 21 is provided for calculating the remaining recordable amount by reading a TCL code or the like so as to return to the recording position when the cassette is loaded. Next, based on the remaining recordable amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means 21, a time for continuing to image the subject is input in advance, and the number of times of imaging is automatically calculated with respect to the imaging duration, The writing operation time is calculated according to the number of times of imaging, and the writing non-operation time when the writing operation is not performed is also calculated accordingly. Specifically, when it is desired to perform intermittent imaging continuously for 24 hours, if the writing operation time of imaging is set to about 10 seconds, if the remaining recordable amount is 60 minutes, the number of times of imaging is 360 times. Since the shooting is performed every 240 seconds obtained by dividing 24 hours by 360, the writing non-operation time is calculated as 230 seconds, and intermittent recording is automatically performed based on this.
[0030]
In the above embodiment, a magnetic tape is used as the recording medium, but a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or the like may be used as the recording medium.
[0031]
In the above embodiment, the write operation time and the write operation stop time are respectively measured, and when a preset time is measured, the write operation is changed to the non-operation. In this configuration, the time for one cycle is set in advance, the writing operation is performed for a predetermined time at the beginning of the cycle, and the non-operation time does not have to be measured after that. There may be.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, the imaging information recording means such as a video camera itself is provided with a function capable of intermittent imaging and recording. Since no equipment is required, it is easy to shoot and can be made at low cost.The
Moreover, when performing intermittent imaging settings, the write operation time and the write stop time are automatically allocated appropriately in consideration of the remaining recordable amount of the recording medium, so that the recording medium can be used without waste. The calculation of the writing operation time and the writing stop time does not require manual labor, and is convenient for use.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging information recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an intermittent operation mode in one embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
3 Magnetic tape
4 Write control means
7 Recording time measurement means
8 Non-recording time measurement means
9 Time setting means
13 Lighting equipment
15 Angle-of-view adjustment control means
16 Notification means
17 Recording time change means
19 Search means
21 Remaining amount detection means
A Intermittent recording control means
C Lighting control means
J Magnetic tape protection means
S imaging means
T-mode change operation means
W imaging information recording means

Claims (1)

Imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting imaging information relating to the imaging, imaging information recording means for writing and recording the imaging information on a recording medium, and writing control for controlling start and stop of writing to the recording medium An imaging information recording apparatus comprising :
Intermittent recording control means for intermittently recording imaging information on the recording medium by alternately repeating a writing operation for a preset time and a writing stop for a preset time ;
A remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining recordable amount of the recording medium;
Based on the remaining recordable amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means, automatic recording time setting means for setting a writing operation time and a writing stop time when recording on the recording medium;
An imaging information recording apparatus comprising:

Images