JPH0417472A - Still video camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain automatic image pickup based on a sound level in the vicinity of an object by applying still picture recording when a sound signal inputted in a built-in microphone reaches a prescribed level. CONSTITUTION:When it is detected that an input level of a microphone 73 built in a remote controller 70 exceeds a 1st setting level, a 1st code is sent to a still video camera main body by the remote controller 70 to drive a floppy disk 45 and a spindle motor of the still video camera is driven. When an input level of the microphone 73 built in the remote controller 70 exceeds a 2nd setting level, the remote controller 70 outputs a 2nd code for on-air to the still video camera. When the 2nd code is received by the still video camera, an electronic shutter of a CCD 35 of the still video camera is opened and pickup is started.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a still video camera, and more particularly to an improvement in automatic photographing technology for a still video camera.

<Prior art> In recent years, in place of conventional silver-halide film cameras, optical image signals from a subject are converted into electrical image signals using an image sensor such as a CCD, and still images obtained as electrical image signals are captured using conventional film cameras. A still video camera configured to record on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk corresponding to the above has been put into practical use (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 183582/1982, etc.)
.

By the way, when trying to take a picture of a party venue using such a still video camera, the person taking the picture with the still video camera needs to directly operate the release of the still video camera. There is a problem in that the photographer has to leave the scene and take pictures at a perfect opportunity to take pictures, making it impossible for the photographer to participate in the party.

Therefore, for example, in order to automatically record a video when it becomes noisy due to the excitement of a party, etc., we have made it possible to automatically record a video when the input sound level of the built-in microphone of a still video camera exceeds a certain level. The present applicant previously proposed a still video camera constructed with the above structure (see Japanese Patent Application No. 1-307734).

According to a still video camera with such a configuration, if the still video camera is set up in advance toward the approximate center of the party venue, when the party becomes lively and noisy due to cheers, etc., it will automatically take a picture and the photographer will be able to see the party. - Even if you are participating in the event, you can take pictures of the venue being filled with excitement, including yourself.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> However, in the case of the above-mentioned configuration in which the still video camera is configured to automatically take pictures based on the input level of the built-in microphone, for example, when it is desired to take pictures of the whole of a large venue, and the center of the venue is When it is necessary to set up a still video camera at a location far away from the audience, there is a problem in that it is difficult to properly respond to the cheers from the audience while taking pictures.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and when automatically taking pictures according to the sound level, it is possible to take pictures according to the sound level near the subject to be photographed. The purpose is to provide a still video camera that can ensure a degree of freedom.

Means for Solving the Problems> Therefore, the present invention provides a still image configured to convert an optical image signal of a subject obtained by an optical lens into an electrical image signal by an image sensor and record the still image on a recording medium. A video camera that is provided separately from the still video camera and has a remote control that causes the still video camera to at least record a still image when the sound signal input to the built-in microphone exceeds a predetermined level. The camera is configured to include a remote control device that outputs a control signal, and the still video camera is configured to perform at least still image recording based on the remote control signal.

<Operation> According to the still video camera configured as described above, a microphone is built into a remote control device provided separately from the still video camera, and when the acoustic signal inputted to the microphone exceeds a predetermined level, The remote control device outputs a remote control signal that causes the still video camera to at least record a still image, and the still video camera that receives this remote control signal executes at least still image recording based on the remote control signal.

Therefore, still image recording is remotely controlled according to the sound level around the remote control device. For example, if the remote control device is placed near the subject to be photographed, the still video camera can be Even if the camera is installed in a location where nearby sounds cannot reach the subject, it is possible to automatically take pictures according to the sounds around the subject.

<Example> The present invention will be explained in detail below.

First, FIG. 1 shows an example of the appearance of a still video camera according to the present invention.

Here, the still video camera 1 converts an optical image signal of a subject obtained by a photographing lens 2 into an electrical image signal using a built-in image sensor such as a COD, and stores the still image on an analog floppy disk 3 as a recording medium. In addition to such image recording, an audio signal input through a microphone 4 provided on the photographing lens 2 side of the camera body can also be recorded in analog on the floppy disk 3. It also has a function of reproducing still images and sounds recorded on the floppy disk 3, respectively.

Note that the audio signal is automatically recorded for a predetermined period of time from the start of image recording, for example.

The still video camera l also has a release button 5 that starts recording images and sounds when pressed by the photographer.
is provided on the top surface of the main body, and the release button 5
A display liquid crystal section 6 and an operation section 7 are provided in the vicinity of , and various photographic information is displayed and photographing conditions are set here.

Furthermore, on the front surface of the camera body where the photographic lens 2 and microphone 4 are provided, in addition to the photographic lens 2, there is also a finder lens 8, which is provided on the rear surface (not shown). Photometric lens 9. Remote control light receiving lens 10. An L E Dll for displaying the photographing status by a self-timer, a strobe light control lens 12° strobe 13 are provided.

The remote control light receiving lens IO is for receiving a remote control signal output as infrared light from an attached remote control (remote control device) 70 as shown in FIG. The remote control 70 is provided separately from the still video camera 1, outputs a remote control signal to the still video camera 1 by wire or wirelessly, and is connected to the still video camera 1 by wire. and an infrared LED light emitting section 72 for wireless (infrared light) remote control.

Further, the remote control 70 is equipped with a microphone 73, and in this embodiment, this microphone 73 is not used for recording audio signals, but outputs a remote control signal for the release to the still video camera 1 by detecting the sound level. It is set up for the purpose of Further, the remote control 7° includes a power switch for the remote control 70, various switches for remotely controlling playback when the still video camera l is in playback mode, and remote control of the release of the still video camera l. Various types of switches 4 are provided, each of which includes a switch.

The switch for the playback remote control is as follows:
Playback start switch, -time stop switch.

In addition to a stop switch and the like, a jog shuttle dial 75 for searching for a playback track from each track of the floppy disk 3 is provided.

When the various switches 74 and the Jeddah shuttle dial 75 are operated, a remote control signal in the form of infrared light is transmitted, and this remote control signal is received by the remote control light receiving lens 10 of the still video camera 1. This allows remote control. Further, when the remote control 70 and the still video camera 1 are connected by wire (cable), a remote control signal is transmitted to the still video camera 1 via the cable.

Next, details of the display liquid crystal section 6 and the operation section 7 of the still video camera will be explained with reference to FIG.

The slide switch 21 is a shooting mode (REC).

Play mode (PLAY), erase mode (ERASE),
This is used to switch the automatic shooting/playback mode (AUTOREC & PLAY), and the slide switch 2
1 is in the OFF position, no power is supplied to the camera, so nothing is displayed on the display liquid crystal section 6, and all switch operations are not accepted. The automatic shooting/playback mode (AUTOREC&PLAY) is a mode configured to automatically switch to the playback mode after shooting based on a release signal and play back the most recently recorded image.

Here, the functions of each switch will be explained when the slide switch 21 is set to the REC position and the shooting mode is selected by normal operation of the release button 5.

In the shooting mode, each time you press the mode switch 22, the triangle mark on the left side of the display window 6a will change to 5ING.
By moving from LE-CONT, L-CONT, H to 5ELF, it is possible to switch between single shooting, low-speed continuous shooting, high-speed continuous shooting, and self-timer modes. If you press the mode switch 22 again from the 5ELF position, the triangle mark will change to 5I again.
Return to NGLE position.

The strobe switch 23 is a switch for changing the exposure mode, and is used to switch between strobe automatic firing mode, strobe forced firing mode, strobe OFF mode, AE opening mode, and bracket shooting mode, and each time the strobe switch 23 is pressed, , the triangular mark on the right side of the display window 6a indicates AUTO-ON→0FF-+AE L
OCK-)BRACKET to display which exposure mode is selected.

The macro switch 24 is a switch that switches between the close-up shooting position and the standard shooting position of the photographic lens 2, and must be pressed continuously for 0.5 seconds or more to prevent the switch from being switched if touched carelessly. It only works when you want it to work. When the macro photographing mode is selected by the macro switch 24, the photographing lens 2 moves to the close photographing position, and the flower mark at the upper left of the display window 6a lights up.

The interval switch 25 is a switch for switching to interval shooting mode and setting shooting conditions.
Each time the interval switch 25 is pressed, the hours, minutes, and seconds of the interval shooting interval and the number of shots can be set.

In addition, in each condition setting, Mortsinch 22
Alternatively, by pressing the strobe switch 23, the numerical value can be increased or decreased.

Also, like the macro inch 24, the interval switch 25 switches to the interval shooting mode only when it is pressed continuously for 0.5 seconds or more, and switches to the "INT-" button on the right side of the flower mark on the display window 6a. The mark will light up.

The date switch 26 is a switch for changing the date display mode, and each time the date switch 26 is pressed, the display on the lower side of the display window 6a changes.
Changes in the order of month, day, year → day, month, year → year, month, day → day, hour, minute → no display.

The adjust switch 27 is a switch for switching to a change mode and selecting an item to change when changing the date or time.The date data such as the year and month selected by the adjust switch 27 is (down switch) or strobe switch 23 (up switch).

In addition to the above-mentioned displays, the display window 6a is provided with a battery mark indicating the degree of battery consumption, a two-digit counter display indicating the number of photographed images (number of photographed tracks), and the like.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the system of the still video camera 1. As shown in FIG.

Here, an optical image signal from a subject is imaged onto a solid-state image sensor B such as a CCD via an optical system A such as a lens aperture.

The electrical image signal read out from the image sensor B by the damage element driving circuit C is subjected to signal processing such as separating it into a luminance signal and a color difference signal in a signal processing circuit, and the recording signal processing circuit E processes the electrical image signal by separating it into a luminance signal and a color difference signal. F/M modulation is used when recording signals magnetically, and A is used when recording digitally.
/D conversion, and is recorded on a recording medium G such as a floppy disk or a semiconductor memory via a recording/reproducing circuit F.

On the other hand, the acoustic signal input by the microphone H (microphone 4 built into the still video camera 1 shown in Fig. 1) undergoes signal processing such as amplification and time axis compression in the signal processing circuit (2), and then converts it into an image signal. Similarly, it is recorded on the recording medium F via the recording signal processing circuit E and the recording/reproducing circuit F.

Also, during playback, the recording/playback circuit F controls the recording medium G.
The signal is read out from the recording signal, and is converted into an image signal and an audio signal by a reproduction signal processing circuit J, which is the reverse process to that during recording, and output.

The above operations are managed by the control unit via the operation/display section K, and the control unit inputs signals from the photometry/distance/dimmer circuit M, and controls the photometry/dimmer control unit. It also manages the operation of the ranging/light control circuit M.

FIG. 5 shows the first recording medium G as the recording medium G in FIG.
As shown in the figure, for example, a 2-inch floppy disk (
5 is a more detailed system diagram when using a magnetic disk (magnetic disk), and the recording/reproducing system configuration will be explained in detail according to FIG. 5.

First, when an input from the operation unit 31 (operation unit 7 in FIG. 1) or a signal from the remote control receiving circuit 32 enters the control circuit 33, a sequence is started, and the control circuit 33
Based on the output of the photometry/distance measurement/light control circuit 34, etc., the CCD
The aperture 36 and the CCD drive circuit 37 are controlled so that the output of the lens 38.
Aperture 36. An image is formed on the CCD 35 via an optical filter 39.

CCD drive times f\l! The electrical image signal read out by the i37 passes through a CDS circuit (correlated double sampling circuit) 40 for reducing reset noise, and is converted into a luminance signal and a color difference signal by a signal processing circuit 41. The luminance signal and the color difference signal are each subjected to emphasis and FM modulation processing in an FM modulation circuit 42, are combined, and are manually inputted to a recording amplifier 44 via a selector 43. and,
Analog magnetic recording is performed on a floppy disk 45 via a recording amplifier 44.

On the other hand, the acoustic signal inputted from the built-in microphone 45 is amplified by an amplifier 47, and further by a signal processing circuit 48.
After signal processing such as noise reduction in
The signal is A/D converted by the /D converter 49 and temporarily stored in the memory 50 in the form of a digital signal.

The digital signal stored in the memory 50 is read out at a faster speed than when it was written into the memory 50, and the read signal is converted into a time-compressed analog signal by D/A conversion.

The analog signal of the time-base compressed audio signal is subjected to emphasis and FM modulation processing in the FM modulation circuit 52, like the image signal, and is recorded on the floppy disk 45 via the selector 43 and the recording amplifier 44. The selector 43 is used to select and switch between a recorded image signal and a recorded audio signal.

In the reproduction operation, the sequence starts upon receiving the output from the remote control receiving circuit 32 and the input from the operation section 31. First, an acoustic signal is read out from the floppy disk 45 via the reproduction amplifier 53 and inputted to the FM demodulation circuit 55 by the selector 54 . In the FM demodulation circuit 55, the acoustic signal read from the floppy disk 45 is subjected to FM demodulation and de-emphasis processing, and then A/D converted by an A/D converter 56 and stored in a temporary memory 57 in the form of a digital signal. is stored in

Next, an image signal corresponding to the acoustic signal read out from the floppy disk 45 is read out from the floppy disk 45 via the reproduction amplifier 53 and inputted to the FM demodulation circuit 58 by the selector 54 . The image signal subjected to FM demodulation and de-emphasis processing in the FM demodulation circuit 58 is converted into a video signal in the signal processing circuit 59, and is outputted to the outside via the output circuit 60.

While the video signal is being outputted from the output circuit 6o as described above, the digital data of the audio signal stored in the memory 57 is read out at a speed that returns to real time and is converted into analog data by the D/A converter 61. signal processing circuit 62. It is output via the output circuit 63.

A control circuit 33 containing a microcomputer controls each circuit related to recording/playback operations as described above, and also displays information such as photographing conditions set via the operation section 31 and the number of shots to be taken on a display section 64. display, and also press the operation section 3.
The light emission etc. of the strobe 65 is controlled based on the settings made by No. 1.

Further, power is supplied to each of the above circuits from a power supply circuit 66.

Next, with reference to the time chart shown in FIG. 6, the recording operation in the still video camera of this embodiment having the configuration shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

When the first stroke s1 of the camera release button is turned on, the power is turned on and a spindle motor (not shown) is turned on to rotate the floppy disk 45.

Next, measure the brightness of the subject and the distance to the subject.
, AF), move the focus lens to focus.

When the second stroke S2 of the release button is turned on, the diaphragm is set, the electronic shutter of the CCD 35 opens to photograph the subject, and charges are accumulated in each pixel of the CCD 35. After that, the recording gate is turned on in synchronization with the PC signal that is the recording standard for the floppy disk 45, and the charge accumulated in the CCD 35 is read out and subjected to signal processing, and then the FM modulated image signal is transferred to the floppy disk. It is recorded in 45. At this time, the AV (audio/image) selector 43 has been selected to the image side in advance.

Next, the AV selector 43 is switched from image to audio, and the head moves to the next track on the floppy disk 45. Here, the acoustic signal from the built-in microphone 46 is amplified, subjected to signal processing such as noise reduction, A/D converted, and stored in the memory 50. The sound recording time is a fixed time, and after this time has elapsed, the sound signal is read out from the memory at a faster speed than when it was recorded, D/A converted back to an analog signal, and this analog signal is FM modulated. Data is recorded on the floppy disk 45 in synchronization with the PC. When recording is completed, the head is moved to the next track in preparation for the next photograph, and finally the spindle motor is turned off and then the power is turned off to complete the sequence.

Next, the operation during reproduction will be explained according to the time chart shown in FIG.

First, when the still video camera is operated for playback (when the playback mode is selected by the slide switch 21), the power is turned on and the spindle motor for rotating the floppy disk 45 is turned on.

First, the AV selector 54 is set to the audio side in advance, and an audio signal is read out from the floppy disk 45 in synchronization with the PC signal that is the recording standard of the floppy disk 45, and is subjected to FM demodulation and A/D conversion. Thereafter, it is stored in the temporary memory 57 in the form of a digital signal.

Next, the AV selector 54 switches from sound to image, and the head moves to the track where the image corresponding to the read sound is recorded. Here, the image signal is read out in synchronization with the PC signal, subjected to FM demodulation and encoding processing, and then output as an NTS (4 type) video signal.

At the same time, the acoustic signal stored in the memory 57 is read out from the memory 57 at a slower speed than when it was recorded, subjected to D/A conversion, subjected to noise reduction processing, and output as an acoustic signal.

Next, automatic recording control based on the sound level, which is a part of the present invention, will be explained with reference to the time chart of FIG.

The remote control 70 in this embodiment has the function of remotely controlling the release of the still video camera 1 by operating the switch as described above, and also has the function of controlling the release of the still video camera 1 by operating the switch as described above. It also has a function to output a remote control signal for the release, allowing the still video camera 1
RE by the side slide switch 21 (see Figure 3).
When the C mode or AUTOREC&PLAY mode is selected, the microphone 7 built in the remote control 70
When sound of a certain level or higher is input to the microphone 73, a trigger signal is output that causes the still video camera 1 to take a picture, so that when the input level of the microphone 73 is high, it can automatically take a picture. It's Nishide.

That is, when the sound level input to the microphone 73 built into the remote control 70 exceeds the set level and a remote control signal for release is output, the still video camera 1 that receives this signal changes the image according to the above-mentioned timing. When in automatic recording/reproduction mode, the recorded still image and sound are played back immediately after recording is completed using the sound level as a trigger.

The automatic recording control of the still video camera 1 based on the input level of the microphone 73 built in the remote control 70 will be explained in more detail according to the time chart of FIG. When it is detected that the set level has been exceeded,
The remote control 7 is used to rotate the floppy disk 45.
0, a first code (preparation signal) is sent to the main body of the still video camera 1, and the spindle motor (not shown) of the still video camera 1 is turned on. Next, the still video camera 1 measures the brightness of the subject and the distance to the subject, moves a focus lens (not shown) to focus, and charges the strobe 65 if necessary to prepare for shooting.

When the input level of the microphone 73 built into the remote control 70 exceeds the second set level, the remote control 70 outputs a second code for actual shooting to the still video camera 1. When the second code is received by the still video camera 1, the still video camera 1 outputs the CCD 3.
Open the electronic shutter No. 5 and start photographing. in this way,
By providing the first and second setting levels and operating various actuators that take a long time to operate before the actual shooting, it becomes possible to take photos without time lag.

In addition, the input of the microphone 73 built into the remote control 70 is
If the second code is not sent from the remote control 70 without exceeding the second setting level within a certain period of time after the first setting level is exceeded, the still video camera 1 turns off the spindle motor and turns off the focus lens. Return to its original position and release the preparation state.

As described above, each time the input level of the microphone 73 built into the remote controller 70 exceeds a set level, a remote control signal is output that causes the still video camera 1 to automatically record an image, for example. It is possible to record the images and sounds inside the party every time the venue cheers, so no one has to operate the camera and all attendees can participate in the party.
It is possible to record the venue scenery. In addition, since the remote control 70 has a built-in microphone that detects the sound level for automatic recording, if you place the remote control 70 in the center of the venue where you want to shoot, the still video camera 1 can be moved to areas where the sound of the venue is difficult to reach. Even if the still video camera 1 is installed in a venue, it is possible to perform photography corresponding to the acoustic level of the venue, and flexibility in the installation location of the still video camera 1 is ensured. However, if a person passes between the remote control 70 and the still video camera 1, it will not be possible to reliably remotely control the still video camera l using an optical signal such as an infrared signal. It is preferable to connect the camera to a still video camera.

Here, the system configuration of the remote controller 70 will be explained according to FIG. 10.

The output of the microphone 73 built into the remote controller 70 is input to a comparator 82 via an amplifier 81, and the comparator 82 receives the slice level (setting level) variablely output from the CPU 83 and the output of the microphone 73. The CPU 83 outputs a result of inverting the output to determine whether or not there is an audio input exceeding the slice level.

When the CPU 83 detects that the input level of the microphone 73 exceeds the set level based on the output of the comparator 82, the CPU 83 independently outputs the release control signal to the wireless output outl and the wired output outl. do. Wireless output out tl is infrared LED8
By driving the transistor TR that controls energization to the infrared LED 84, the light emission of the infrared LED 84 is modulated and controlled.

Note that the wireless output outl is an output as shown in FIG. 11 in order to cause the infrared LED 84 to emit modulated light (for example, 38 kHz), but the wired output out2 does not need to be modulated, so it is as shown in FIG. A simple 0N-O as shown in
It is an FF signal.

Further, a key scan matrix 85 provided to support the input of various switches 74 is connected to the CPU 83, and the output of the jog shuttle dial 75 is inputted thereto.

The ground IC 88 detects the voltage of the built-in battery 86 input via the power switch 87, and functions to reset the CPU 83 when the operating voltage of the CPU 83 is turned off.

Here, the cathode of the infrared LED 84 is connected to the remote control 7.
The second pin P2 is connected to the ground via the third pin P3 of the jack 71 used when connecting the still video camera I and the still video camera I with a cable. This means that when the cable plug 89 is inserted into the jack 71 for wired remote control, the wired output out t2 as a remote control signal is sent to the jack 71.
Since it is not necessary to cause the infrared LED 84 to emit light, the second pin P2 of the jack 71 is output via the fourth pin P4 of the plug 89.
This is to allow the third pin P3 to become open.

The A part of the plug 89 is connected to the ground, and the B part is connected to the second mechanical switch as described above.
Pin P2 and third pin P3 are opened and also connected to ground.

As mentioned above, when outputting a remote control signal to the still video camera 1 using a cable, the infrared LED 8
By disabling 4 from emitting light, you can save on the current consumption when remote controlling via wire, and even if there are multiple still video cameras of the same model, you can prevent them from being erroneously controlled by infrared remote control signals. can.

Note that in the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the slice level input to the comparator 82 can be determined by the output of the variable resistor, but in this case, the slice level input to the comparator 82 can be determined by the output of the variable resistor. Since it is no longer possible to prepare for photographing in advance and then start photographing, it is preferable to configure the output of the CPU 83 to be D/A converted and input to the comparator 82, as shown in FIG. However, it is desirable to provide a level switch on the remote control 70 so that the sound level at which photography is performed can be changed arbitrarily, and it is also desirable to provide a switch that cancels the remote control of the release based on the sound level.

By the way, in this embodiment, the remote control 70 is provided with a remote control switch for the release.
When this switch is pressed, the same signal as when the input level of the microphone 73 exceeds the set level is output to the still video camera 1. Therefore, even when the sound level does not exceed the set level, photographing can be performed at will by pressing the remote control switch for the release.

Here, an example in which photographing based on the input level of the microphone 73 built into the remote controller 70 and photographing based on the switch operation of the remote controller 70 are combined will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. 12.

REC or AUT with the slide switch 21 shown in Figure 3.
When the input level of the microphone 73 built into the remote control 70 exceeds the set level while the OREC & PLAY mode is selected, a remote control signal for the release is output from the remote control 70 to the still video camera 1, and this signal is The received still video camera automatically records images (and plays back the recorded content).
Playback continues until the sound level exceeds the set level again.

However, as in case B in FIG. 12, there are cases where it is desired to take a picture even when the sound level has not reached the set level. At this time, if the user operates the remote controller 70 to instruct photography, the still video camera 1 can record even when the sound level has not reached the set level. That is, when the sound level exceeds a set level or when the remote control 70 is directly operated, recording is performed, and every time the sound level exceeds the set level, recording and photographing is performed automatically. While this is being done, it is possible to arbitrarily take pictures by operating the remote control, regardless of the sound level.

FIG. 13 shows the still video camera 1 shown in the above embodiment.
The still video camera 1 supported on a tripod 91 is installed facing a party venue, for example, and although the still video camera 1 can be operated by a built-in battery, it does not last long. A in preparation for the movement of time
It is designed to be driven by AC power (household power) via a C adapter 92. In this way, when driving the still video camera l using a household power source, there is no need to consider battery consumption, so the strobe can be charged at all times.

The still video camera 1 and the television 94 are connected by an image and audio signal cable 93, and the image and audio signals reproduced by the still video camera 1 are input to the television 94 via the cable 93. , is reproduced via the CRT and speakers of the television 94.

Here, for example, if the remote control 70 is placed on a table installed in the center of the party venue with its light emitting part facing toward the still video camera, the voices of the party participants gathered around the table can be heard. When the sound becomes high, the sound is transmitted to the microphone 7 built into the remote control 70.
3, a remote control signal for the release is outputted to the still video camera 1 wirelessly or by wire, and photography is automatically performed. Therefore, even if the still video camera 1 is installed at a location away from the table in the center of the party venue, if the remote control 70 is placed in the center of the venue, the atmosphere of the venue will be lively and the sound IL/bell will be raised. This allows you to accurately capture and take pictures.

Further, even when the sound level is low, by pressing the relay release switch of the remote control 70 placed on the table, the still video camera 1 can take a picture.

In the above embodiment, the still video camera 1 is capable of recording sound as well as images, but it may be a camera that does not have a sound recording/playback function. Further, in this embodiment, a floppy disk is used as the recording medium to perform analogue recording, but digital recording may also be performed in a semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, when connecting the still video camera 1 and the remote control 70 with a cable, the audio signal input to the microphone 73 built into the remote control 70 is transmitted to the still video camera 1.
Since the sound can be easily sent to the remote controller 70 and recorded, the sound picked up by the remote controller 70 can also be recorded.

Additionally, a microphone 4 built into the still video camera 1 and a microphone 73 built into the remote control 70 are also included.
It is also possible to detect the input levels of both of the above, and to perform photographing when either one or both exceed the set level.

<Effects of the Invention> As explained above, according to the present invention, a microphone is built into the remote control device of a still video camera, and when the input sound to the microphone reaches a predetermined level or higher, the still video camera Since the remote control device is configured to output at least a remote control signal that causes still image recording to be performed, if the remote control device is placed in the area where the sound that is desired to be used as a shooting trigger is generated (for example, near the subject, such as in the center of a party venue), Even if the still video camera is installed far from the subject, it can automatically shoot based on the sound level near the subject, and the effect is that the installation location of the still video camera is not restricted by sound detection. be.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a still video camera showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a remote control attached to the still video camera shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a still video camera shown in FIG. 1. A plan view showing the operation section and display section of the video camera,
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the still video camera shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the system configuration shown in FIG. 4 in detail, and FIG. 6 is a shooting sequence in the still video camera of this embodiment. 7 is a time chart for explaining the playback sequence in the still video camera of this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a time chart for explaining the shooting operation based on sound level detection by a remote control in this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a time chart showing another embodiment of the photographing operation based on sound level detection, FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the system configuration of the remote control shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a time chart showing an example of a combination of automatic shooting based on the sound level and shooting by remote control operation of the release, and FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the remote control signal of the remote control of the present invention. It is a state diagram showing an example of actual use. ■... Still video camera 2... Shooting lens 3
...Floppy disk 10...Remote control light receiving lens 70...Remote control 71...Jack 72...Infrared LED light emitting part 73...Microphone 1 door sink i-1°♂Fνl Figure 1 Figure 2

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A still video camera configured to record a still image on a recording medium by converting an optical image signal of a subject obtained by an optical lens into an electrical image signal by an image sensor, the still video camera comprising: A remote that is provided separately from the video camera and outputs a remote control signal that causes the still video camera to at least record a still image when the sound signal input to the built-in microphone exceeds a predetermined level. A still video camera comprising a control device, the still video camera being configured to perform at least still image recording based on the remote control signal.