JPH09163205A - Camera capable of recording and reproducing voice and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To permit a photographer to easily and efficiently execute photographing by recording words, etc., used as a photographing start signal by means of voice and reproducing it at the time of photographing. SOLUTION: The photographer operates a voice recording switch S2, for example, for recording a message such as 'one, two and three' or 'cheese' being signal words to announce a photographing start to a person to be photographed. A photographing control part 30 changes an operation mode into a recording mode and operates recording. When a message input switch S5 is operated, the photographing control part 30 outputs a recording/ reproducing selection signal to a voice recording/reproducing processing part 53 in a low-level so as to select the recording operation so that the message inputted through a voice input part 51 is recorded. When a reproduction switch S3 is operated, the photographing control part 30 operates voice reproduction and the voice recording/reproducing processing part 53 outputs the desired electric signal to a voice output part 55.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera capable of recording and reproducing sound and a control method thereof, and more specifically, it is used as a caution, a usage instruction or a shooting start signal necessary for shooting with a camera. "1, 2,
By recording words such as "3" in a voice so that they can be played automatically at the time of shooting, shooting is easy.
The present invention also relates to a camera capable of voice recording and reproduction for efficient recording, and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when photographing a subject, the photographer holds the camera with his / her hand and composes the composition toward the subject, and then a word of a photographing start signal such as "1, 2, 3" or "cheese". use.

[0003]

When the camera is purchased, a user's manual for the operating function of the camera is attached, but it often happens that the user's care is taken to avoid it.

Further, the photographer sometimes uses a word to notify the start of photographing, but at that moment, the camera shakes momentarily, and there is a possibility that the photographer cannot obtain the desired photograph.

Until now, every time a photographer takes a picture,
There is an inconvenience that it is necessary to perform an action or a word to notify the start of shooting.

When the user's instruction manual for the camera is lost, various operating functions provided in the camera are
Since the user does not know what kind of function it has,
In many cases, the problem that the functions of the camera cannot be fully utilized occurs.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and a general camera is provided with a separate sound recording and reproducing element, and the camera is used for photographing. The photographer can easily and efficiently shoot by recording the necessary notes, instructions or words used as a shooting start signal with voice so that they can be automatically played back at the time of shooting. It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera capable of recording and reproducing voice for performing the operation and a control method thereof.

In order to achieve this object, the camera according to the present invention comprises a release switch operable in the first and second stages and a voice recording switch for selecting a voice recording action according to a user's selection action. , A reproduction switch for selecting a voice reproduction operation, a message input switch for inputting a recording message, an automatic distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the subject and outputting an electric signal corresponding thereto, Luminance measuring means for measuring the amount of luminance and outputting an electric signal corresponding thereto, and recording and reproducing modes of voice inputted by the operation of the recording switch and the reproducing switch, respectively, and a corresponding selection signal To output the drive signal by operating the message input switch to control the recording and reproducing operations of the input voice,
By operating the release switch, a photographing control unit that calculates an exposure amount based on the measured subject distance and a luminance amount and outputs a photographing signal, and a sound recording that is input according to a selection signal output from the photographing control unit and After selecting the reproduction operation, the audio input / recorded in accordance with the drive signal is recorded in the set address area, or the audio recording / reproduction processing means for reproducing and outputting the recorded audio is output from the photographing control means. The shutter driving means controls the opening / closing operation of the shutter in response to the photographing signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a camera control method initializes all operating circuits and use variables by applying power to the camera, and then activates a voice recording operation of a photographer depending on an operating state of a recording switch. Of determining whether or not to select, and in response to the voice recording operation being selected by the operation of the recording switch, after changing the operation mode to the recording mode, setting the recording area, and the message input switch. In response to the operation of the input message in the set area, in response to the end of the operation state of the message input switch, ending the recording operation, and switching to the playback mode, The operating state of the switch in the mode, in response to the operation of the playback switch,
The process comprises the steps of reproducing and outputting the corresponding message in the set reproduction area, and performing the photographing operation in response to the operation of the release switch.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a most suitable embodiment of the present invention in which a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. .

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera capable of recording and reproducing voice according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3 are flow charts showing the operational sequence of the control of the camera capable of recording and reproducing voice according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the attached FIG. 1, the structure of the camera capable of recording and reproducing voice is a release switch (S1), a voice recording switch (S2), a reproduction switch (S3) Explanation playback switch (S4)
And a message input switch (S5) and address setting switches (A1 to A3).
Further, the camera is provided with an automatic distance measuring unit (10) and a brightness measuring unit (20). Many switches (S1
~ S5, A1 to A3) and the output stages of the automatic distance measuring unit (10) and the luminance measuring unit (20) are connected to the photographing control unit (30). The photographing control unit (30) outputs a control signal and a photographing signal for controlling the voice recording and reproducing operations by operating the switch. The output stage of the photographing control unit (30) is connected to the shutter drive unit (40) and the voice recording / playback unit (50). The shutter drive section (40) is for performing one opening / closing operation of the shutter according to the applied photographing signal. The voice recording / playback unit (50) is a photographing control unit (30).
A voice recording and reproducing operation is performed by a control signal applied from.

The voice recording / playback unit (50) records and plays back the voice input by the voice input unit (51) and the control signal output from the photographing control unit (30). And a voice output unit (55) for outputting a voice to be reproduced by being connected to an output stage of the voice recording / playback processing unit (53).

The voice recording / playback processing unit (53) used in this embodiment is composed of a voice recording / playback IC used in a general tape recorder, and a voice output unit (5).
5) is composed of a speaker, and the voice input part (51) is composed of a microphone.

The operation of the camera capable of recording and reproducing voice according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above structure is as follows.

When the power of the camera is turned on, the photographing control section (30) initializes all the operating circuits and the use variables, and then,
The operation state of the switch operated by the photographer's selection operation is determined (S110).

When the photographer wants to record a specific word or message, he / she operates the voice recording switch (S2).

For example, the voice recording switch (S2) is operated to record a message such as "1, 2, 3" or "cheese" which is a signal word for the photographer to notify the photographed person of the start of photographing. Then, the photographing control unit (30) switches the operation mode to the recording mode and performs the recording operation according to the routines shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (S120 to S13).
0).

The photographing control section (30) outputs a signal for an address corresponding to an area for recording a message input by the operation of the address setting switches (A1 to A3) to the voice recording / playback processing section (53). After setting,
Determine whether the message input switch (S5) is activated (S
140-S150).

When the message input switch (S5) is actuated, the photographing control section (30) sends the recording / playback selection signal (R / P) to the audio recording / playback processing section (53) in the low level state of "L". And the recording operation is selected (S160).

After the voice recording operation is selected, the photographing control section (30) outputs a low level signal of "L" which is an enable signal as a drive signal to output the voice input section (51).
Record messages that are typed through.

The photographer has a message input switch (S5).
While maintaining the operating state of the voice input unit (51), that is, a message to be recorded by the microphone, for example, "1,
Enter a message such as "2, 3" or [cheese].

The voice input section (51) converts an electrical signal corresponding to a change in the waveform of the sound wave of the input voice signal into a corresponding pulse signal, and then converts the converted pulse signal.
Encode by PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) method.

The coded signal is stored in the area corresponding to the address set by the address setting switches (A1 to A3) (S170).

At this time, when the photographer releases the message input switch (S5) and the switch is turned off, the photographing control section (30) sets the drive signal to the high level of "H" to end the recording operation. (S180 to S190).

When the photographer operates the voice recording switch (S2) again, the photographing control section (30) outputs the recording / reproduction selection signal (R / P) in the high level state of "H" to reproduce the operation mode. Switch to mode.

At this time, the reproduction mode is set by the above operation, but the recorded audio signal is not reproduced and output unless the photographer operates the reproduction switch (S3).

By operating the address setting switches (A1 to A3) to newly set the area to be recorded and performing voice recording, a message notifying the start of photographing by repeating the above-described operation, or a product instruction manual You can record a message corresponding to.

After the voice recording operation is completed, the photographer takes a playback switch (S) to notify the photographed person of the start of photographing.
3) is activated (S220).

The photographing control section (30) outputs the corresponding address set by the operation of the address setting switches (A1 to A3) to the voice recording / playback processing section (53) and sets the area to be played back, When the reproduction switch (S3) is operated, the drive signal enable signal is output in the low level state of "L" to perform the audio reproduction operation (S240).

The voice recording / playback processing unit (53)
After the reproduction selection signal (R / P) (S) becomes the high level “H” state and the area to be reproduced is set by the address output after the reproduction mode is selected, the drive signal enable signal (A) is set. Is output in the low level state of "L", the code signal stored in the set area is converted into an electrical pulse signal, and the corresponding electrical signal is output to the audio output section (55). To do.

The audio output unit (55), that is, the speaker converts the change in the electric signal output from the audio recording / playback processing unit (53) into a corresponding sound and outputs the sound to start the recording start. Outputs a message to notify or other message indicating the shooting state.

In the voice reproduction operation as described above, if the photographer is to repeat the reproduction whenever necessary as in the instruction manual of the product, attach a separate instruction switch (S4). Can also be used (S
200-S210).

In other words, after setting and recording a separate area for recording the voice corresponding to the instruction manual, when the instruction manual switch (S4) is activated, the contents stored in the setting area are reproduced. To inform the user.

As described above, at the time of photographing, the photographer reproduces the signal word recorded before the photographing, which indicates the start of photographing, that is, the message such as "1, 2, 3" or "cheese". When the photographer actuates the release switch (S1) to actuate the first release switch after notifying the start of photography, the photography control unit (30) drives the automatic distance measuring unit (10) to detect the subject. Measure the distance and measure the brightness (2
0) to measure the subject brightness amount (S250 to S2)
60).

When the second stage of the release switch is operated, the photographing control section (30) calculates the exposure time of the shutter based on the subject distance and the brightness amount measured in the previous stage, and outputs the photographing signal accordingly.

The shutter drive unit (40) operates the shutter in response to a photographing signal output from the photographing control unit (30) to perform photographing, and then operates the motor drive unit (60) to photograph the film. Roll up to end the shooting operation. Next, the photographing control unit (30) outputs a motor drive signal to the motor drive unit (60) to wind the film (S270 to S300).

[0039]

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention,
By using a separate audio recording and playback element in a general camera, you can record the notes necessary for shooting with the camera, instructions for use or words used as a shooting start signal in voice, and play back automatically when shooting. By making it possible, the photographer can easily and efficiently perform photographing, and it is possible to prevent the photographer from obtaining a desired photograph due to a momentary shake of the camera.

Also, every time a photograph is taken, the inconvenience of notifying the start of photography and transmitting words is eliminated, and regardless of the situation, various functions attached to the camera are utilized to improve efficiency. You can take a picture.

Further, in the self-shooting using the self-timer, compared to the method of notifying by using the time display light emitting diode, the method of notifying the shooting instant by voice enables the photographed person to recognize the more accurate shooting instant. Therefore, it becomes possible for the photographed person to take his / her favorite pose,
It is possible to provide a camera capable of voice recording and reproduction with an effect capable of producing a photograph intended by a photographed person, and a control method thereof.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit of a camera capable of recording and reproducing voice according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first half part of an operation sequence of control of a camera capable of recording and reproducing voice according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the operation sequence of control of a camera capable of recording and reproducing voice according to the embodiment of the present description.

[Explanation of symbols]

 S1: Release switch S2: Voice recording switch S3: Playback switch S4: Usage description playback switch S5: Message input switch A1 to A3: Address setting switch 10: Automatic distance measuring unit 20: Luminance measuring unit 30: Shooting control unit 40: Shutter Drive unit 50: Voice recording / playback unit 51: Voice input unit 53: Voice recording / playback processing unit 55: Voice output unit 60: Motor drive unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A release switch operable in the first and second steps, a voice recording switch for selecting a voice recording operation, and a reproduction switch for selecting a voice reproduction operation according to a user's selection operation. , A message input switch for inputting a recording message, an automatic distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the subject and outputting an electrical signal corresponding to it, and an electrical signal for measuring the subject brightness amount and the corresponding electrical signal And a brightness measuring means for outputting the recording / playback mode of the voice input by the operation of the recording switch and the playback switch, and outputs a selection signal corresponding to the mode and outputs a driving signal by operating the message input switch. Controls the recording and playback operations of the output and input audio, and operates the release switch to measure the subject distance and brightness. Shooting control means for calculating an exposure amount based on the above, and outputting a shooting signal; and sound input according to a drive signal after selecting a recording and reproducing operation of sound input according to a selection signal output from the shooting control means. To record in a set address area, or to reproduce and output the recorded sound, and a sound recording / reproduction processing means; A camera capable of recording and reproducing voice, which is characterized by comprising a shutter driving means for performing. 2. The audio recording / playback processing unit outputs from the imaging control unit, and an audio conversion unit that converts an audio signal according to a message of a photographer into an electrical signal corresponding to a sound wave change and outputs the electrical signal. The recording operation is set according to the state of the selection signal, the electric signal output from the voice input section is encoded by the drive signal, and the data is stored in the area corresponding to the specified address, and then the selection signal is applied. When a playback operation is selected by, a voice recording / playback processing unit that converts a coded signal stored in an area corresponding to a specified address into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal; The camera capable of recording and reproducing voice according to claim 1, further comprising a voice output unit that converts an electrical signal output from the processing unit into a voice signal and outputs the voice signal. 3. The photographing control means sets a recording operation by setting a selection signal to a low level state of “L” when the message input switch is operated,
When the operation state of the message input switch is terminated after controlling the recording operation of the message input through the voice input section while keeping the drive signal in the low level state of "L", the selection signal is changed to " 2. The camera capable of voice recording and reproduction according to claim 1, wherein the recording operation is ended by changing the state of the drive signal by changing the state of the H ″ high level to the reproduction mode. 4. A user instruction switch for reproducing and outputting a message described in a user's manual explaining the operation function of the camera is further included.
A camera capable of recording and playing the described audio. 5. The photographing control means outputs an address of an area in which a message described in the user's manual is stored when the user's manual switch is operated, and the storage is performed by operating a reproduction mode selection switch. 5. The camera capable of recording and reproducing voice according to claim 4, wherein the generated instruction manual message is reproduced and output. 6. A step of initializing all operating circuits and use variables by applying power to the camera, and then determining whether or not the voice recording operation of the photographer can be selected by the operating state of the recording switch, and the operation of the recording switch. In response to the voice recording operation being selected, the operation mode is changed to the recording mode, and then the recording area is set, and the message to be input is set in response to the operation of the message input switch. In response to the completion of the operation of the message input switch
The recording operation is terminated and the mode is changed to the reproduction mode, and the operation state of the switch in the reproduction mode is determined, and the corresponding message in the set reproduction area is reproduced and output in response to the operation of the reproduction switch. A method of controlling a camera capable of audio recording and reproduction, comprising: a step of performing a photographing operation in response to an operation of a release switch.