JPH06105273A - Information signal processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To record the information signal with a large amount of information without decreasing the recording speed, to make a device compact and light in weight, and to attain a low cost by temporarily storing the inputted informa tion signal, and storing management information. CONSTITUTION:When one part of the recording area of a picture memory 24 is set for the storage of the management data, a system control circuit 50 records the management data in a management data storage area 102 of a recording medium 100 at the time of recording picture data stored in the picture memory 24 in an information data storage area 104 of the recording medium 100, after the end of the photographing operation for one screen. The management data such as an FAT(file allocation table) indicating the using state of each cluster being the using unit of the information data storage area 104 are stored in one part of the recording area of the picture memory 24, and the picture data stored in the picture memory 24 are read. Then, the picture data are recorded through an interface 26 and a connecter 30 in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information signal processing device for processing an information signal, and more particularly to an information signal processing device for recording an information signal on a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an information signal processing apparatus for processing an information signal, for example, image signals or audio signals are recorded on a plurality of concentric tracks formed on a magnetic disk, and the magnetic disk is recorded. There is an electronic still video system that arbitrarily selects the upper recording track and reproduces an image signal or an audio signal recorded on the selected recording track.

By the way, the above-mentioned electronic still video system is configured to record an image signal or an audio signal on a recording track on a magnetic disk in the state of an analog signal, but recently, it has been digitized. Image signals and audio signals are recorded in D-RAM, S-RAM, EEP-RO
A plurality of RAMs (Rands) including semiconductor memory devices such as M
A new system such as recording on a memory card incorporating an am Access Memory) has also appeared.

By the way, the above memory card has a limited storage capacity due to the storage capacity per chip of the memory element and the number of chips of the memory element mountable on the card, and the price of the memory element is different from that of other recording media. Since it is more expensive than the above, it cannot be used as a recording medium having a large storage capacity at present.

On the other hand, it is known that the hard disk device is a recording medium having a larger storage capacity than the memory card, and the recent hard disk device, like the memory card, has a main body device. Since it is detachable, the hard disk device is used as a recording medium in an electronic still video system, so that a system having a large storage capacity can be constructed at a relatively low cost.

There are various types of hard disk devices depending on the recording capacity, weight, power consumption, recording speed, etc. If the system is configured so that a plurality of these types of hard disk devices can be installed, various types of hard disk devices will be available to users. It is possible to meet the request.

In the above system, when a digitized image signal (that is, image data) or audio signal (that is, audio data) is recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, The recording area of the recording medium is divided into an information data recording area and a management data recording area, and the image data or audio data is divided into units of clusters and recorded in the information data recording area. It is configured to record the indicated information data in the management data recording area.

When image data or audio data is recorded over a plurality of clusters, the position of the cluster where the image data or audio data is recorded is recorded when the image data or audio data is recorded. While storing in the management data memory provided in the system control circuit, the image data or audio data is recorded in the information data recording area,
After the recording of the image data or the audio data is completed, the information data indicating the usage state of each cluster stored in the management data memory provided in the system control circuit is recorded in the management data recording area. It is configured.

[0009]

However, since high-quality image data or high-quality sound data is recorded on a recording medium, the amount of image data or sound data to be recorded on the recording medium is increased, and When the number of clusters used for recording data or audio data is increased, the position of the cluster used for recording the image data or audio data is stored during recording of the image data or audio data. A management data memory having a large storage capacity must be provided in the system control circuit, and it has been extremely difficult to reduce the size and weight of the system and reduce the cost.

On the other hand, when a memory with a small storage capacity is used as the management data memory provided in the system control circuit, the system can be made smaller and lighter and the cost can be reduced, but the management data memory with a small storage capacity can be achieved. Does not have enough storage capacity to store the position of the cluster used for recording during recording of image data or audio data.
When the management data memory is full, the recording operation of image data or audio data in the information data recording area is temporarily stopped, and the information data indicating the usage state of each cluster stored in the management data memory is read out. After recording in the management data recording area, it is necessary to repeat the operation of restarting the recording operation of the image data or the audio data for the information data recording area. In the case of continuously recording voice data corresponding to voice, there is a problem that the recording speed of image data or voice data is significantly reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and with a simple structure, an information signal having a large amount of information can be recorded on a recording medium without reducing the recording speed, and at the same time, it can be easily recorded. Another object of the present invention is to provide an information signal processing device capable of reducing the size, weight and cost of the device.

[0012]

An information signal processing apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for recording an information signal on a recording medium, wherein a recording medium for recording the information signal and the information signal are inputted,
A recording medium for temporarily storing an input information signal and a temporary storage means for storing management information when the information signal is recorded in the recording medium, and a recording medium for recording the information signal. An information signal is input, the input information signal is temporarily stored, and temporary storage means for recording management information when the information signal is recorded on the recording medium; and the temporary storage means. A recording medium for recording the information signal and management information so as to record the information signal on the recording medium, and a recording medium for recording the information signal and the information signal input And a management information for recording the information signal in the recording medium in the temporary storage means according to the storage state of the information signal stored in the temporary storage means. Set whether or not A recording medium for recording the information signal, a temporary storage means for inputting the information signal and temporarily storing the input information signal, and the temporary storage means. Depending on the storage state of the information signal to be stored, whether or not to store the management information for recording the information signal in the recording medium is set in a part of the storage area in the temporary storage unit, and the set temporary information is set. The control means stores the management information in a storage area of the storage means and controls the information signal and the management information stored in the temporary storage means to be recorded in the recording medium.

[0013]

With the above structure, it is possible to record an information signal having a large amount of information on a recording medium without lowering the recording speed, and to easily reduce the size and weight of the device and reduce the cost. Become.

[0014]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described below with reference to examples of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic still video system to which the present invention has been applied, as a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 10 is a photographic optical system composed of a photographic lens, 12 is an exposure control member composed of a diaphragm mechanism, a shutter mechanism, etc., 14 is the photographic optical system 10 and the exposure control member 12 An image pickup device for converting the formed optical image into an image signal as an electric signal, and 16 for analog / digital (A / D) conversion for digitizing an analog image signal output from the image pickup device 14 and outputting it as image data. Reference numeral 18 denotes a clock signal generation circuit for supplying various signals such as clock signals and control signals to the image pickup device 14, the A / D converter 16, and a memory control circuit 20 described later. It is controlled by the memory control circuit 20 and the system control circuit 50.

22 is an adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT)
An image compression circuit for compressing image data by a compression method such as the above, and 24 is an image memory.

Reference numeral 20 is a memory control circuit for controlling the clock signal generation circuit 18, the image compression circuit 22 and the image memory 24. The image data output from the A / D converter 16 is stored in the memory control circuit 20. It is written in the image memory 24 via the.

When compressing the image data, the image data written in the image memory 24 as described above is read, and the read image data is read by the image compression circuit 22.
After being compressed in (1), it is written again in the image memory 24.

Reference numeral 26 is an interface with a recording medium 100 such as a memory card or a hard disk, which will be described later, or an external device, 30 is a connector for exchanging data or control signals with the recording medium 100 such as a memory card or a hard disk, and 34 is an external device. A connector for exchanging data and control signals with each other. By using the connector 34, communication with an external device can be performed.

The communication method using the connectors 30 and 34 is not limited to communication using electric signals, but is mechanical, optical,
Data and control signals can be transmitted and received by various methods such as acoustically.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a lens control circuit for controlling the movement of the focusing lens in the photographing optical system 10, and 42.
Is an exposure control circuit for controlling the aperture mechanism and shutter mechanism in the exposure control member 12, 44 is a distance measuring circuit for measuring the distance to the subject, 46 is a photometric circuit for measuring the brightness of the subject, and 48. Is a strobe device for illuminating a subject.

Reference numeral 50 is a system control circuit for controlling the operation of the entire system, and 52 is a control data memory for storing various constant data and variable data used for control operation in the system control circuit 50 or operation programs. Reference numerals 54 and 54 are display devices for displaying the operating state of the system and are composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device.

Reference numeral 56 denotes a switch group for instructing various operations to the system control circuit 50. The switch group 56 includes, for example, a main switch 60 for instructing the operation of the system, and a switch (not shown). The second-stage release switch is closed by the first stage of the two-stage release switch, and the range-finding and photometry switch 62 for instructing the start of the range-finding operation by the range-finding circuit 44 and the photometric circuit 46 and the second-stage release switch A recording start switch 64 for instructing to start recording of a picked-up image signal corresponding to a photographed subject image, which is closed by eyes, on a recording medium 100 such as a memory card or a hard disk, or a field image signal for one screen or Single-shot shooting and recording (S) mode for shooting and recording frame image signals, continuous shooting for continuously shooting and recording field image signals or frame image signals for multiple screens A shooting / recording mode selection switch 66 for selecting one of the recording (C) mode and the self-timer shooting / recording mode, the number of shooting / recording screens of image signals, discrimination between frame recording / field recording, and aspect ratio of a shot image , Pixel configuration of captured image, data compression method,
A recording condition setting switch 68 for selecting various setting conditions related to an image signal recording operation, such as a data compression rate when a compression process is performed by the data compression method, an erasing mode selecting switch 70 for selecting an erasing mode, There is an erase operation start instruction switch 72 for instructing the start of the erase operation.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a detection circuit for detecting a power supply state of a power supply unit 82, which will be described later, and a DC-DC converter for converting a DC power supply supplied from the power supply unit 82 into a voltage suitable for each unit to which power is supplied. , A switch for switching the circuit block to be supplied with power, etc., for detecting whether or not the power supply unit 82 is attached to the main body device, detecting the type of the power supply unit 82, and when the power supply unit 82 is composed of a battery. Is a power supply control circuit for detecting the remaining amount of the battery, controlling the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and supplying necessary power to each unit for a necessary period. , 82 are power supply units 84 and 86, which are composed of rechargeable secondary batteries, for example, and are connectors for connecting the main unit and the power supply unit 82.

The system control circuit 50 controls the movement of the focusing lens in the photographing optical system 10 by the lens control circuit 40 in accordance with the measurement result of the distance measuring circuit 44, thereby controlling the photographing optical system 10 in the in-focus state, and The exposure control circuit 42 controls the exposure by the exposure control member 12 so that the subject photographing optical image formed on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 14 has an optimum exposure amount in accordance with the photometry result of the photometry circuit 46.

A management data recording area 102 and an information data recording area 104 are provided in the recording area of the recording medium 100 such as a memory card or a hard disk, and data is externally written via the interface 106 and the connector 108. In addition, the data is read out to the outside.

Further, in the recording medium 100, a write protection information write area 11 for the management data recording area 102 and the information data recording area 104 is provided.
0 is also provided, and the write protect information is configured such that write protect data is externally written and write protect data is externally read via the interface 106 and the connector 108.

Further, the recording medium 100 includes the recording medium 10
There is also provided a medium identification information recording area 112 in which data indicating medium identification information indicating the type and characteristics of 0 is recorded, and the system control circuit 50 described later is recorded in the medium identification information recording area 112. By reading data through the interface 106 and the connector 108, the recording medium 100 connected to the connector 30.
However, it is configured so that what kind of thing and what kind of characteristics it has can be detected from the information indicated by the read data.

The interface 106 is a CPU
And a non-volatile memory such as a ROM and an EEP-ROM, and a memory such as a RAM, and controls the operation of the recording medium 100 such as a memory card or a hard disk based on a predetermined program. Is.

The operation of the electronic still video system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

2 and 3 are flow charts showing the main operation routine of the electronic still video system shown in FIG. 1 as a whole.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the power supply unit 82 is attached to the system main body, so that the system control circuit 50
After initializing various flags, control variables, etc. (step S1 in the figure), the main switch 60 is in a standby state until the main switch 60 is turned on, and the main switch 60 is turned on (step S2 in the figure). A recording medium 100 such as a card or a hard disk is connected to the system main body (step S3 in the figure), and a write protection information recording area 110 of the recording medium 100 connected to the system main body.
When it is determined that the write protect data indicating the write protect is not set (step S4 in the figure), the recording state of the recording medium 100 is searched (step S5 in the figure).

A detailed description of the search operation will be given later.

When the system control circuit 50 determines that the recording medium 100 is not connected (step S3 in the figure) or the write protect data is set (step S4 in the figure). ), A warning display indicating that the recording medium 100 is not connected or that the write protect data is set is displayed on the display device 54, and then the process returns to step S2 (step S8 in the figure).

The system control circuit 50 controls the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 as described above and various modes set by the switch group 56 and the recording medium connected to the system body. 1
00, the number of shooting record screens recorded on the recording medium, the date,
When the photographing operation mode and the like are displayed on the display device 54 (step S6 in the figure), and when there is no free area in which the data can be recorded in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100 (step S7 in the figure). ), After displaying a warning indicating that there is no data recordable area in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100, the process returns to step S2.

Next, the system control circuit 50 can detect the recording state of the image memory 24 and use a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 to store the management data of the recording medium 100. If it is possible to use it, the system control circuit 50 sets a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data (in the figure). If it cannot be used in step S10), the system control circuit 50 cancels setting a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storage of management data (step S11 in the figure).

Next, the system control circuit 50 detects the state of the distance measuring / photometric switch 62, and when the distance measuring / photometric switch 62 is in the off state, returns to step S2 (step S21 in the figure). In the ON state, the distance measuring circuit 44 measures the distance to the subject, and the lens control circuit 40 moves the focusing lens in the photographing optical system 10 according to the distance measuring result in the distance measuring circuit 44. The focus of the photographing optical system 10 is adjusted to the subject, the brightness of the subject is measured by the photometric circuit 46, and the subject optical image formed on the imaging surface of the image sensor 14 is optimally exposed according to the photometric result of the photometric circuit 46. The exposure control circuit 42 controls the diaphragm mechanism and the shutter mechanism in the exposure control member 12 so that the exposure control circuit 12 controls Against determining exposure (step S22 in FIG.).

Then, the system control circuit 50 detects the state of the recording start switch 64, and the recording start switch 6 is detected.
The distance measuring operation and the photometric operation in step S22 are repeated until step 4 is turned on (step S2 in the figure).
3) When it is detected that the recording start switch 64 is turned on, the photographing operation is started and the analog image signal output from the image pickup device 14 is digitized by the A / D converter 16. The image data obtained by is stored in the image memory 24 (step S24 in the figure).

A detailed description of the distance measuring operation, the photometric operation and the photographing operation will be given later.

In the case where the system control circuit 50 sets a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data in step S10 after the photographing operation for one screen is completed as described above. The system control circuit 5
0 indicates the information data to be recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 together with the image data when the image data stored in the image memory 24 is recorded in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100. Recording area 10
FAT representing the usage status of each cluster, which is the usage unit of 4
While storing management data such as (file allocation table) in a part of the recording area of the image memory 24, the image data stored in the image memory 24 is read out, and the data is read via the interface 26 and the connector 30. , In the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100, and in the step S11, the system control circuit 50
If the setting cancels the setting of a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data, the system control circuit 50 causes the image data stored in the image memory 24 to be stored in the recording medium 100. When recording in the information data recording area 104, the management data such as the FAT to be recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 together with the image data is not a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 but the system. Register or memory 5 in control circuit 50
2, the image data stored in the image memory 24 is read out and recorded in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100 via the interface 26 and the connector 30 (step S25 in the figure).

By the way, when the system control circuit 50 cancels setting a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data in the step S11,
Register or memory 5 in the system control circuit 50
Since No. 2 has a small storage capacity, there is a limit to the amount of management data such as FAT that can be stored. When the information amount of image data is large, the image data stored in the image memory 24 is recorded on the recording medium 100. It is necessary to repeat the operation of temporarily interrupting the recording, recording the management data stored in the register in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 on the recording medium, and then restarting the recording of the image data on the recording medium 100. However, in step S10, if the system control circuit 50 sets a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing management data, a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 stores the management data. Since the storage capacity of the management data is larger than that of the register or the memory 52 in the system control circuit 50, the image memory 24 is stored in the image memory 24. The recording of the stored image data on the recording medium 100 is temporarily stopped, and the management data stored in the register in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 is recorded on the recording medium 100. There is no need to repeat the operation of resuming the recording of the image data, and the recording of the image data stored in the image memory 24 onto the recording medium 100 can be performed without interruption.
You will be able to record continuously.

A detailed description of the recording operation will be given later.

When the photographing mode is set by the photographing recording mode selection switch 66 and the photographing operation is continuously continued, the process returns to the step S21, the same processing operation as described above is repeated, and a series of recording operations are performed. When the operation is completed, the process returns to step S2 (step S2 in the figure).
6).

Hereinafter, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 10, and FIG.
And the flowchart shown in FIG. 12,
The operation of the electronic still video system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

11 and 12 are flow charts showing the main operation routine of the electronic still video system shown in FIG. 1 as a whole.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, the system control circuit 50 initializes various flags and control variables by mounting the power supply unit 82 on the system body (step S1 in the drawings), and then the main switch 60. Is turned on, the main switch 60 is turned on (step S2 in the figure), the recording medium 100 such as a memory card or a hard disk is connected to the system body (step S3 in the figure), and When it is determined that the write protect data indicating the write protect is not set in the recording area 110 of the write protect information of the recording medium connected to the system body (step S in the figure).
4) The recording state of the recording medium 100 is searched (step S5 in the figure).

The details of the search operation will be described later.

Further, when the system control circuit 50 determines that the recording medium 100 is not connected (step S3 in the figure) or determines that the write protect data is set (step S4 in the figure). ), A warning display indicating that the recording medium 100 is not connected or that the write protect data is set is displayed on the display device 54, and then the process returns to step S2 (step S8 in the figure).

Then, the system control circuit 50 uses the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 as described above, various modes set by the switch group 56, and the recording medium connected to the system main body. 1
00, the number of shooting record screens recorded on the recording medium, the date,
When the photographing operation mode and the like are displayed on the display device 54 (step S6 in the figure), and when there is no free area in which the data can be recorded in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100 (step S7 in the figure). ), After displaying a warning indicating that there is no data recordable area in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100, the process returns to step S2.

Next, the system control circuit 50 detects the state of the distance measuring / photometric switch 62, and when the distance measuring / photometric switch 62 is in the off state, returns to step S2 (step S21 in the figure). In the ON state, the distance measuring circuit 44 measures the distance to the subject, and the lens control circuit 40 moves the focusing lens in the photographing optical system 10 according to the distance measuring result in the distance measuring circuit 44. The focus of the photographing optical system 10 is adjusted to the subject, the brightness of the subject is measured by the photometric circuit 46, and the subject optical image formed on the imaging surface of the image sensor 14 is optimally exposed according to the photometric result of the photometric circuit 46. The exposure control circuit 42 controls the diaphragm mechanism and the shutter mechanism in the exposure control member 12 so that the exposure control circuit 12 controls Against determining exposure (step S22 in FIG.).

Then, the system control circuit 50 detects the state of the recording start switch 64, and the recording start switch 6
The distance measuring operation and the photometric operation in step S22 are repeated until step 4 is turned on (step S2 in the figure).
3) When it is detected that the recording start switch 64 is turned on, the photographing and recording operation is started, and the analog image signal output from the image sensor 14 is digitized by the A / D converter 16. The image data thus obtained is stored in the image memory 24 (step S24 in the figure).

A detailed description of the distance measuring operation, the photometric operation and the photographing operation will be given later.

Next, the system control circuit 50 can detect the recording state of the image memory 24 and use a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 to store the management data of the recording medium 100. If it can be used (step S31 in the figure), the system control circuit 50 sets a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data (see the figure). If it cannot be used in step S32), the system control circuit 50 cancels setting a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storage of management data (step S33 in the figure).

In the case where the system control circuit 50 sets a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data in step S32 after the photographing operation for one screen is completed as described above. The system control circuit 5
0 is the information data to be recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 together with the image data when the image data stored in the image memory 24 is recorded in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100. Recording area 1
FA indicating the usage status of each cluster, which is the usage unit of 04
While storing management data such as T in a part of the recording area of the image memory 24, the image data stored in the image memory 24 is read out, and information of the recording medium 100 is read through the interface 26 and the connector 30. When the data is recorded in the data recording area 104 and the system control circuit 50 cancels setting a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data in the step S33,
When recording the image data stored in the image memory 24 in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100, the system control circuit 50 records the image data together with the recording medium 1.
00 to be recorded in the management data recording area 102
While storing management data such as AT in a register or memory 52 in the system control circuit 50, not in a part of the recording area of the image memory 24, the image data stored in the image memory 24 is read out, and an interface is provided. Two
6. Stored in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100 via the connector 30 (step S2 in the figure).
5).

By the way, when the system control circuit 50 cancels setting a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data in the step S33,
Register or memory 5 in the system control circuit 50
Since No. 2 has a small storage capacity, there is a limit to the amount of management data such as FAT that can be stored. When the information amount of image data is large, the image data stored in the image memory 24 is recorded on the recording medium 100. It is necessary to repeat the operation of temporarily interrupting the recording, recording the management data stored in the register in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 on the recording medium, and then restarting the recording of the image data on the recording medium 100. However, if the system control circuit 50 sets a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 for storing management data in step S32, a part of the recording area of the image memory 24 stores management data. Since the storage capacity of the management data is larger than that of the register or the memory 52 in the system control circuit 50, the image memory 24 is stored in the image memory 24. The recording of the stored image data on the recording medium 100 is temporarily stopped, and the management data stored in the register in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 is recorded on the recording medium 100. There is no need to repeat the operation of resuming the recording of the image data, and the recording of the image data stored in the image memory 24 onto the recording medium 100 can be performed without interruption.
You will be able to record continuously.

A detailed description of the recording operation will be given later.

Then, when the C mode is set by the photographing / recording mode selection switch 66 and the photographing operation is continuously continued, the process returns to the step S21, the same processing operation as described above is repeated, and a series of recording is performed. When the operation is completed, the process returns to step S2 (step S2 in the figure).
6).

FIG. 4 shows step S5 of FIG. 2 and FIG.
3 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a search operation routine in step S5 of 1.

In FIG. 4, the system control circuit 50 is
Interface 26 of system body 200, connector 3
0, management data indicating various parameters recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 connected to the system main body 200 via the connector 108 of the recording medium 100 and the interface 106, and the system control circuit 50 is read. By storing the data in the internal register or the memory 52, the drive parameters used when recording data on the recording medium 100 are initialized (step S41 in the figure).

By the way, the drive parameters include, for example, the FA recorded in the management data recording area 102.
There are data indicating the first sector of T, the first sector of the directory entry, the first sector of the data recorded in the information data recording area 104, the last allocation cluster indicating the number of the cluster in which the data was recorded last, and the like. .

A detailed description of the drive parameter initialization operation will be given later.

When the drive parameter initialization operation is completed (step S42 in the figure), the recording medium 1
The data indicating the directory entry recorded in the management data recording area 102 of 00 is searched (step S43 in the figure).

A detailed description of the operation of searching the data indicating the directory entry will be given later.

When an entry capable of recording data is detected by searching the data indicating the directory entry (step S4 in the figure).
4), FA recorded in the management data recording area 102
The data indicating T is searched (step S45 in the figure).

The detailed description of the search operation of the data indicating the FAT will be described later.

If a cluster capable of recording data is detected in the information data recording area 104 by searching the data indicating the FAT, the search operation routine is terminated and the original operation routine is completed. Return to.

In the above-mentioned search operation routine, the drive parameter initialization operation is not successful in step S41 (step S42 in the figure), or the directory in which data can be recorded in step S43. If the entry cannot be detected (step S44 in the figure), or a cluster capable of recording data is not detected in the data indicating the FAT in step SS45 (step S46 in the figure). The system control circuit 50 sets the recording disabled flag (step S47 in the figure), then ends the search operation routine and returns to the original operation routine.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining in detail the distance measurement / photometry operation routine in step S22 of FIG. 3 and step S22 of FIG.

In FIG. 5, the system control circuit 50 is
When the state of the distance measurement / photometry switch 62 is detected and the distance measurement / photometry switch 62 is in the ON state, first, the distance measurement circuit 44 measures the distance to the object, and the distance measurement result is measured according to the distance measurement result. Distance data is stored in the memory 52 (step S51 in the figure), the brightness of the subject is measured by the photometric circuit 46, and photometric data corresponding to the photometric result is stored in the memory 52 (step S52 in the figure). .

Further, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not it is necessary to make the strobe 48 emit light according to the photometric result of the photometric circuit 46 (step S in the figure).
53) If it is necessary to make the strobe 48 emit light, the strobe flag is set and the charging operation for the strobe 48 is started (step S54 in the figure).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining in detail the photographing operation routine in step S24 of FIG. 3 and step S24 of FIG.

In FIG. 6, the system control circuit 50 is
When the state of the distance measurement / photometry switch 62 is detected and the distance measurement / photometry switch 62 is in the ON state, the distance measurement data stored in the memory 52 is read out, and according to the read distance measurement data. By controlling the movement of the focusing lens of the photographing optical system 10 by the lens control circuit 40, the photographing optical system 10 is controlled to the in-focus state (step S61 in the figure), and the photometric data stored in the memory 52 is controlled. According to the read photometric data, the exposure amount for the subject by the shutter mechanism of the exposure control member 12 is determined so that the subject photographing optical image formed on the imaging surface of the image sensor 14 has the optimum exposure amount. During the period corresponding to the determined exposure amount, the exposure control circuit 42 opens the shutter of the exposure control member 12 so that the shutter mechanism of the exposure control member 12 is opened. By driving the coater mechanism, exposing the subject photographing optical image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 14 (step S62, S63 in the figure).

Further, the system control circuit 50 detects whether or not the strobe flag which is set according to the photometry result in the photometry circuit 46 is set (step S64 in the figure), and the strobe flag is set. If so, the strobe device 48 is caused to emit light (step S6 in the figure).
5).

Then, the system control circuit 50 finishes the exposure time of the subject photographing optical image on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 14 by the shutter mechanism of the exposure control member 12 set according to the determined exposure amount (see FIG. Step S6 in
6), by driving the shutter mechanism of the exposure control member 12 by the exposure control circuit 42 so that the shutter mechanism of the exposure control member 12 is closed, After the exposure operation is completed (step S67 in the figure), the charge signal accumulated in the image pickup device 14 is output, digitized in the A / D converter 16, and then output from the A / D converter 16. Image data from the image memory 2 via the memory control circuit 20.
4 and the data corresponding to the captured image for one screen is temporarily stored in the image memory 24 (step S68 in the figure).

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the recording operation routine in step S25 of FIG. 3 and step S25 of FIG. 12 in detail.

In FIG. 10, the system control circuit 50
First, as one of the drive parameters, FAT is the cluster number of the value obtained by adding "1" to the value indicated by the last allocation cluster stored in the register in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. Is set in the register in the system control circuit 50 as the entry number (step S121 in the figure).

Next, when the system control circuit 50 sets a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100, The data recorded in the sector including the FAT entry number set in the register in the system control circuit 50 is read from the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100, and the recording medium 1 is read.
00 from the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 to the data recording area set in the image memory 24 via the interface 106, the connector 108, the connector 30 of the system main body 200, the interface 26, and the memory control circuit 20. , System control circuit 50
Is a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24.
00 is not set for storing the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102, the data is recorded in the sector including the FAT entry number set in the register in the system control circuit 50. Existing data is read from the management data area 102 of the recording medium 100, and the interface 106 and the connector 10 of the recording medium 100 are read.
8. Write to the register or memory 52 in the system control circuit 50 via the connector 30 of the system main body 200 and the interface 26 (step S12 in the figure).
2).

Then, the system control circuit 50, in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100, is an empty FAT indicating that it is a cluster capable of recording data.
Whether the number of the entry is detected (step S1 in the figure)
23) or the number of the FAT entry is incremented (step S131 in the figure), and the search operation is continued until the number of the unsearched FAT entry in the sector reading the data is exhausted (Fig. Step S13 in
2).

When the number of the unsearched FAT entry in the sector reading the data is gone (step S132 in the figure), the sector number is incremented (step S133 in the figure). The search operation is continued until the number of the FAT sector reading the data is exhausted (step S134 in the figure).

Further, when the empty FAT entry number is detected in step S123, the system control circuit 50 sets the detected empty FAT entry number as the cluster number in the system control circuit 50. When the recording medium 100 is a hard disk device, the system control circuit 50 obtains a cylinder number, a head number, and a sector number according to the cluster number set in the register.
It is designated as the interface 106 of the recording medium 100 (step S125 in the figure), and the image data stored in the image memory 24 is read by the memory control circuit 20.
Interface 26 of system body 200, connector 3
0, the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100 corresponding to the cylinder number, head number, and sector number designated for the interface 106 by the system control circuit 50 via the connector 108 of the recording medium 100 and the interface 106. It is recorded in the cluster inside (step S126 in the figure).

When the system control circuit 50 sets a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 for storing the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100, The FAT table provided in the data recording area set for data storage stores the cluster number in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100 in which the image data is recorded, and the system control circuit 50 Shows a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 in the management data recording area 1 of the recording medium 100.
If it is not set to store the management data recorded in No. 02, the FAT table provided in the register in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 of the recording medium 100 in which the image data is recorded. The cluster number in the information data recording area 104 is stored (step S127 in the figure).

In the recording operation described above, all the image data stored in the image memory 24 is read, and the recording medium 1
It is continued until it is recorded in 00 (step S12 in the figure).
8).

When the FAT table is filled with the stored data (step S129 in the figure), FA
Since the column of cluster numbers indicated by the data stored in the T table becomes the value of the FAT chain to be written in the FAT entry, the system control circuit 50 writes the FAT sector in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 to the corresponding FAT sector. A part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 is recorded on the recording medium 100.
When it is set to store the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102, the F provided in the data recording area set to store the management data.
The data stored in the AT table is recorded via the memory control circuit 20, the interface 26, the connector 30, the connector 108, and the interface 106 of the recording medium 100 of the system main body 200, and the system control circuit 50 causes the image memory 24 to operate. If a part of the data recording area of the system is not set to store the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100, it is provided in the register in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. The data stored in the stored FAT table is recorded via the interface 26 of the system main body 200, the connector 30, the connector 108 of the recording medium 100, and the interface 106 (step S13 in the figure).
0).

When all the image data stored in the image memory 24 are read out (step S1 in the figure).
28), at the end of the FAT table, the data “FFh” indicating the cluster at the end of the FAT chain is written (step S135 in the figure), and the data indicating the column of cluster numbers stored in the FAT table is written in the FAT table. The data indicating the value of the entry number is recorded in the corresponding FAT sector in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 (step S136 in the figure), and then the system control circuit 50 informs the information of the recording medium 100. Data recording area 104
The management data according to the image data recorded on the recording medium 100 is obtained, and the interface 26 of the system main body 200, the connector 30, and the connector 1 of the recording medium 100 are added to the empty directory entry in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100.
08, it records via the interface 106, and returns to the original operation routine (step S137 in the figure).

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the drive parameter initialization operation routine in step S41 of FIG. 4 in detail.

In FIG. 7, the system control circuit 50 causes a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 to partially cover the recording medium 100.
If the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102 is set to be stored in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100,
Management data indicating various parameters recorded in 02, and the interface 106 of the recording medium 100,
Connector 108, connector 30 of system body 200,
Writing to a data recording area set in the image memory 24 via the interface 26 and the memory control circuit 20, and the system control circuit 50 causes a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 to be a management data recording area of the recording medium 100. When it is not set to store the management data recorded in 102, the management data indicating the various parameters recorded in the management data recording area 102 is read from the management data area 102 of the recording medium 100, Interface 106 of recording medium 100, connector 108, connector 30 of system body 200, interface 26
By writing to the register or the memory 52 in the system control circuit 50 via the, the drive parameters used when recording data on the recording medium 100 are initialized.・
If the parameter initialization is not completed (step S71 in the figure), the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 is changed to the management data recording area 1 of the recording medium 100.
02 and the data recorded in the partition entry sector including the partition information indicating the configuration of the information data recording area 104 and read out from the data recording area set in the image memory 24 or the system control circuit 50.
The data is written in the internal register or the memory 52 (step S72 in the figure).

When the system control circuit 50 confirms that a boot record indicating that the data recorded in the partition entry sector is correct information is present (in the figure, Step S7
3) From the partition data of the data read from the partition entry sector, the necessary parameters are stored in the data recording area set in the image memory 24 or in the register or memory 52 in the system control circuit 50. Write (step S74 in the figure).

Next, the system control circuit 50 determines the detailed configuration of the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 and the information data recording area 104 from the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100 based on the detected parameters. The data recorded in the boot sector including the indicated information is read and written in the data recording area set in the image memory 24 or the register or the memory 52 in the system control circuit 50 (step S75 in the figure), If it is confirmed that there is a boot record indicating that the data recorded in the boot sector is correct information (step S76 in the figure), the data read from the boot sector From the data inside, the necessary parameters are set in the data recording area set in the image memory 24 or the system control Register or memory of the road 50 5
2 (step S77 in the figure).

Then, the system control circuit 50 uses the numbers of the first sector of the FAT recorded in the management data recording area 102, the first sector of the directory entry, and the first sector of the data recorded in the information data recording area 104. Is calculated and written in a data recording area set in the image memory 24 or in a register or memory 52 in the system control circuit 50 (step S7 in the figure).
8) In addition, the number of clusters, which is the unit of use of the information data recording area 104, is calculated and the data recording area set in the image memory 24 or the system control circuit 50 is used.
The data is written in the internal register or the memory 52 (step S79 in the figure).

When the total number of calculated and written clusters is 4096 or more, the 16-bit FAT is set to be used (steps S80 and S81 in the figure).
If the number is less than 4096, after setting to use a 12-bit FAT (steps S80 and S82 in the figure),
The system control circuit 50 initializes the last allocation cluster indicating the number of the cluster in which the data was last recorded (step S83 in the figure), ends the drive parameter initialization operation routine, and returns to the original operation routine. Return to.

In addition, the steps S73 and S7.
If the presence of the boot record in the data recorded in the partition entry sector or the boot sector is not confirmed in 6, the error flag is set (step S84 in the figure), and the drive parameter is set. The initialization operation routine is terminated, and the original operation routine is returned to.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining the directory / entry search operation routine in step S43 of FIG. 4 in detail.

In FIG. 8, the system control circuit 50 causes a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 to be recorded on the recording medium 100.
If the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102 is set to be stored in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100,
The data indicating the directory entry recorded in 02 is read out, and the interface 10 of the recording medium 100 is read.
6, connector 108, connector 3 of system body 200
0, the interface 26, and the memory control circuit 20 to write to the data recording area set in the image memory 24, and the system control circuit 50 writes a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 to the management data of the recording medium 100. If it is not set to store the management data recorded in the recording area 102, the data indicating the directory entry recorded in the management data recording area 102 is read from the management data area 102 of the recording medium 100. But
Interface 106 of recording medium 100, connector 10
8. The data indicating the directory entry is searched by writing to the register or memory 52 in the system control circuit 50 via the connector 30 of the system main body 200 and the interface 26. If the search operation of the data indicating the entry is not completed (step S8 in the figure)
1), data indicating the number of the first directory entry is set in a register in the system control circuit 50 (step S82 in the figure), and among the data recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100, The data recorded in the sector including the directory entry number set in the register in the system control circuit 50 is read (step S83 in the figure) and set in the register in the system control circuit 50. If the directory entry of the number that indicates the data erased attribute (step S84 in the figure), the data indicating the number of the directory entry is added to the image memory 2
The data is recorded in the data recording area set in No. 4 or the register in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 (step S85 in the figure).

The number of the directory entry is incremented (step S88 in the figure) until the directory entry indicating the unrecorded attribute is detected (step S86 in the figure), and the data is read. The search operation is continued until there is no unsearched directory entry number in the existing sector (step S89 in the figure).

When the number of the unsearched directory entry in the sector reading the data is gone (step S89 in the figure), the sector number is incremented (step S90 in the figure). The search operation is continued until the sector number of the directory entry from which the data is read is exhausted (step S9 in the figure).
1) If the sector number of the directory entry from which data is read is gone (step S9 in the figure)
1) Write an empty directory / no entry flag in the data recording area set in the image memory 24, in the register in the system control circuit 50 or in the memory 52, terminate the directory / entry search operation routine, and perform the original operation. The process returns to the routine (step S92 in the figure).

Further, when the directory entry indicating the attribute in which the data is not recorded is detected in the step S86, the system control circuit 50 stores the data indicating the number of the directory entry in the image memory 24.
Data is written in the data recording area set in (1) or in the register or memory 52 in the system control circuit 50 (step S87 in the figure), the directory / entry search operation routine is ended, and the original operation routine is returned to.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining in detail the file allocation table (FAT) search operation routine in step S45 of FIG.

In FIG. 9, the system control circuit 50 causes a part of the data recording area of the image memory 24 to be recorded on the recording medium 100.
If the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102 is set to be stored in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100,
The data indicating the FAT recorded in 02 is read out,
Interface 106 of recording medium 100, connector 10
8, writing to a data recording area set in the image memory 24 via the connector 30, the interface 26, and the memory control circuit 20 of the system main body 200, and the system control circuit 50 partially writing the data recording area of the image memory 24. Is not set to store the management data recorded in the management data recording area 102 of the recording medium 100, the FAT recorded in the management data recording area 102 from the management data area 102 of the recording medium 100. Interface 1 of the recording medium 100.
06, the connector 108, the connector 30 of the system main body 200, and the system control circuit 5 via the interface 26.
By writing to the register in 0 or the memory 52,
Although the search operation of the data indicating the FAT is performed, when the search operation of the data indicating the FAT is not completed (step S101 in the figure), the system control circuit 50 sets the image memory 24 as one of the drive parameters. In the data recording area set in, or the register number in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 and the cluster number of the value obtained by adding "1" to the value indicated by the last allocation cluster. Is set in the data recording area set in step S102 or the register in the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 (step S102 in the figure), and the data recorded in the sector including the cluster of the set number is recorded on the recording medium. Management data recording area 102 of 100
(Step S103 in the figure).

Then, the system control circuit 50, in the information data recording area 104 of the recording medium 100, an empty FAT indicating that it is a cluster capable of recording data.
The entry number is detected (step S10 in the figure).
4) Furthermore, if the detected empty FAT entry number is the one detected first (step S in the figure).
105), the FA immediately before the entry number of the empty FAT
By storing the entry number of T in the data recording area set in the image memory 24 as the last allocation cluster or in the register or the memory 52 in the system control circuit 50 (step S106 in the figure),
Next, it becomes possible to detect the number of the cluster in which the data is recorded, without performing a new search.

Then, the system control circuit 50 displays an empty FAT.
The number of empty clusters is summed up each time the entry is detected (step S107 in the figure).
The amount of data that can be recorded in the information data recording area 104 of 0 can be detected without newly searching.

Further, the system control circuit 50 increments the FAT entry number (step S in the figure).
108), the search operation is continued until there is no entry number of the unsearched FAT in the sector reading the data (step S109 in the figure).

If the number of the unsearched FAT entry in the sector reading the data is gone (step S109 in the figure), the sector number is incremented (step S110 in the figure). The search operation is continued until there is no FAT sector number to read the data (step S111 in the figure), and when the FAT sector number is lost (step S11 in the figure).
1), end the FAT entry search operation routine,
Return to the original operation routine.

In the system of the present invention, as shown in this embodiment, the recording medium 100 is not limited to a memory card or a hard disk device, but a micro DAT (digital audio tape) device, a magneto-optical disk device, an optical disk. It may be configured by a device or the like, and the same effect as the present invention can be obtained.

Further, the system of the present invention is used in the recording medium 10.
Reference numeral 0 denotes a composite recording medium in which a memory card and a hard disk device are integrally configured. The memory card part or the hard disk part of the composite recording medium is attachable / detachable, and can be arbitrarily connected to or separated from the composite recording medium body. Of course, the composite recording medium is not limited to a memory card, a hard disk device, but a combination of two or more types of recording media including a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, and the like. It may be.

In this embodiment, the recording medium 100 such as a memory card or a hard disk device can be attached to and detached from the system main body 200, and can be arbitrarily connected or separated. It may have a configuration in which more than one type of recording medium can be connected.
Two or more types of recording media are fixed to the system body, or some of the two or more types of recording media are fixed to the system body, and some of them are removable from the system body. Thus, it may be configured to be arbitrarily connected or disconnected.

As described above, in the electronic still video system of this embodiment, a part of the data recording area of the image memory for temporarily storing the image data can be set so as to be used for storing the management data. By doing so, it is possible to record an image signal having a large amount of information on a recording medium with a simple configuration without reducing the recording speed, and it is possible to easily reduce the size and weight of the system device and reduce the cost. You will be able to do it.

[0108]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to record an information signal having a large amount of information on a recording medium with a simple structure, without lowering the recording speed, and easily. In addition, it is possible to provide an information signal processing device which can reduce the size, weight and cost of the device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic still video system to which the present invention has been applied, as a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a part of a flowchart showing a main operation routine of the electronic still video system shown in FIG.

3 is a part of a flowchart showing a main operation routine of the electronic still video system shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a step S5 of FIG. 2 and a step S5 of FIG.
4 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the search operation routine in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a step S22 of FIG. 3 and a step S of FIG.
22 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a distance measuring / photometric operation routine in 22.

FIG. 6 is a step S24 of FIG. 3 and a step S of FIG.
14 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a photographing operation routine in 24.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a drive parameter initialization operation routine in step S41 of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows the directory in step S43 of FIG.
6 is a flowchart for explaining an entry search operation routine in detail.

9 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a file allocation table search operation routine in step S45 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a recording operation routine in step S25 of FIG. 3 and step S25 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a part of a flowchart showing a main operation routine of the electronic still video system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a part of a flowchart showing a main operation routine of the electronic still video system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Photographing Optical System 12 Exposure Control Member 14 Image Sensor 16 Analog / Digital Converter 20 Memory Control Circuit 22 Image Compression Circuit 24 Image Memory 26 Interface 30 Connector 34 Connector 40 Lens Control Circuit 42 Exposure Control Circuit 44 Distance Measuring Circuit 46 Photometric Circuit 48 Flash device 50 System control circuit 52 Control data memory 54 Display device 56 Switch group 60 Main switch 62 Distance measuring / photometric switch 64 Recording start switch 66 Shooting recording mode selection switch 68 Recording condition setting switch 70 Erase mode selection switch 72 Erase operation start instruction Switch 80 Detection circuit 82 Power supply unit 84 Connector 86 Connector 100 Recording medium 102 Management data recording area 104 Information data recording area 106 Interface 108 Connector 110 Recording area 112 medium identification information recording area of the site protection information

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for recording an information signal on a recording medium, comprising: a recording medium for recording the information signal; an input of the information signal; a temporary storage of the input information signal; An information signal processing device, comprising: a temporary storage unit for storing management information when an information signal is recorded. 2. An apparatus for recording an information signal on a recording medium, comprising: a recording medium for recording the information signal; an input of the information signal; a temporary storage of the input information signal; It has a temporary storage means for recording management information when recording the information signal, and a control means for controlling the information signal and management information stored in the temporary storage means to be recorded in the recording medium. An information signal processing device characterized by: 3. An apparatus for recording an information signal on a recording medium, comprising: a recording medium for recording the information signal; and a temporary storage means for inputting the information signal and temporarily storing the input information signal. A control unit for setting whether or not to store the management information for recording the information signal in the recording medium in the temporary storage unit according to the storage state of the information signal stored in the temporary storage unit. Information signal processing device characterized by the above. 4. An apparatus for recording an information signal on a recording medium, comprising: a recording medium for recording the information signal; and a temporary storage means for inputting the information signal and temporarily storing the input information signal. Setting whether to store the management information for recording the information signal in the recording medium in a part of the storage area of the temporary storage unit according to the storage state of the information signal stored in the temporary storage unit The control information is stored in the set storage area of the temporary storage means, and the control means controls the information signal and the management information stored in the temporary storage means to be recorded in the recording medium. An information signal processing device characterized by: