JPH09326984A - Information input device and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily add information. SOLUTION: A CCD 20 photoelectrically converts light of a subject converged by a photographic lens into a picture signal. The picture signal of this photographic picture is sampled by a correlated double sampling circuit 31, digitized by an A/D conversion circuit 32 and compress-processed by a digital signal processor 33. A CPU 34 records this photographic picture in a memory card 24 with header information of the input day and time. When voice information is inputted through a microphone 8 in reproducing this photographic picture, CPU 34 records this voice information in the memory card 24 with header information of the input day and time of the photographic picture.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information input device and a recording medium, and more particularly, it records second information together with header information including an input time and then adds the second information to the first information. The present invention relates to an information input device and a recording medium in which the second information is recorded together with the same header information as the first information, so that the information can be easily added.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as one type of information input device, there has been a video camera for recording photographed images, sounds and the like on a video tape (magnetic tape).

[0003]

However, when audio information is added later to a captured image recorded on a video tape using a video camera, the video tape is recorded at the position where the captured image is recorded. Rewind until
It is necessary to input audio information in synchronization with the captured image,
There is a problem that complicated operations are forced.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to facilitate addition of information.

[0005]

An information input device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an input device for inputting a plurality of types of information, a conversion device for digitizing the information input by the input device, and an input of information by the input device. Detection means for detecting the time, addition means for adding header information representing the input time of the information to the digitized information, recording means for recording the information to which the header information is added, and recording means for recording the information. And a reproducing means for reproducing the stored information, and the adding means, when the second information is input when the first information recorded in the recording means is reproduced, It is characterized in that the same or related header information is added to the second information.

An information input device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an information input device for inputting a plurality of types of information, an addition device for adding predetermined header information to the information input by the input device, and information added with the header information. Recording means for recording the information, reproducing means for reproducing the information recorded by the recording means, and when new information is input by the input means while the information recorded by the recording means is being reproduced by the reproducing means. And a control means for controlling the header information added to the new information to be the same or related header information.

In the recording medium according to the seventh aspect, when the information recorded by the recording means is being reproduced by the reproducing means and new information is inputted by the input means, the information is added to the information being reproduced and the new information. A control program for controlling the header information to be the same or related header information is recorded.

In the information input device of the first aspect, the input means inputs a plurality of types of information, and the conversion means digitizes the information input by the input means. The detecting means is:
The adding means detects the time when the information is input by the input means,
Header information representing the input time of the information is added to the digitized information. The recording means records the information to which the header information is added, and the reproducing means reproduces the information recorded in the recording means. When the second information is input while the first information recorded in the recording means is being reproduced, the adding means adds the first information and the second information to each other.
The same or related header information is added.

In the information input device according to the sixth aspect, the input means inputs a plurality of types of information, the adding means adds predetermined header information to the information input by the input means, and the recording means. , The information added with the header information is recorded, the reproducing means reproduces the information recorded by the recording means, and the control means reproduces the information recorded by the recording means while the reproducing means reproduces the new information by the input means. Is input, the header information added to the information being reproduced and the new information is controlled to be the same or related header information.

In the recording medium according to the seventh aspect, when the information recorded by the recording means is being reproduced by the reproducing means and new information is inputted by the input means, the information being reproduced and the new information are added. A control program for controlling the header information to be the same or related header information is recorded.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 are perspective views showing the configuration of an embodiment of an information input device to which the present invention is applied. In the information input device of the present embodiment, when a subject is photographed, the surface facing the subject is plane X1,
The surface facing the user is referred to as a surface X2. Surface X1
At the upper end of the, a finder 2 used for confirming the shooting range of the subject, a taking lens 3 for capturing an optical image of the subject,
Further, a light emitting section 4 for emitting light for illuminating a subject (both are input means) is provided.

On the other hand, at the upper end portion of the surface X2 (the position corresponding to the upper end portion where the finder 2, the operation lens 3 and the light emitting portion 4 of the surface X1 are formed) opposed to the surface X1, the finder 2 and this A speaker 5 that outputs the sound recorded in the information input device 1 is provided. Also, plane X2
LCD (display device) 6 and operation keys 7 formed on the
Is formed vertically below the finder 2, the photographing lens 3, the light emitting unit 4, and the speaker 5. On the surface of the LCD 6, a touch operation of a pen-type pointing device described later is performed.
A so-called touch tablet 6A (input means) is formed in which the instructed position is input as information.

The touch tablet 6A is made of a transparent resin such as glass resin, and the user observes the image displayed on the LCD 6 formed inside the touch tablet 6A through the touch tablet 6A. can do.

The operation key 7 is a key operated when reproducing the recorded data displayed on the LCD 6 and the like, and is composed of the following keys. That is, the menu key 7A is a key operated when a menu screen (not shown) is displayed on the LCD 6.
The execution key 7B is a key operated when reproducing the record information selected by the user (described later).

The clear key 7C is operated when deleting recorded information. Cancel key 7D
Are keys operated when the reproduction process of recorded information is interrupted. The scroll key 7E is a key operated when the screen is scrolled in the vertical direction when a list of recording information is displayed on the LCD 6 (described later).

On the surface Z, which is the upper surface of the information input device 1, there are provided a microphone 8 (input means) for collecting voice and an earphone jack 9 to which an earphone (not shown) is connected.

The left side surface (surface Y1) is provided with a release switch 10 and a power switch 11 which are operated when a subject is imaged. The release switch 10 and the power switch 11 are arranged vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3, and the light emitting unit 4 provided on the upper end of the surface X1.

On the other hand, a plane Y2 (right side) opposed to the plane Y1
Has a recording switch 1 operated when recording voice.
2, and a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 operated when switching the continuous shooting mode at the time of shooting.
The recording switch 12 and the continuous shooting mode switch 13 are the release switch 10 and the power switch 1, respectively.
As in No. 1, it is arranged vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3, and the light emitting unit 4 provided at the upper end of the surface X1. Further, the recording switch 12 is formed at substantially the same height as the release switch 10 on the surface Y1, and is configured so that it does not feel uncomfortable when held with either the left or right hand.

The heights of the recording switch 12 and the release switch 10 are made different from each other so that when one switch is pushed, the side face on the opposite side is held by a finger to cancel the moment due to the pushing force. The switch provided on the opposite side surface may not be accidentally pressed.

The continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is
This is used when the user presses the release switch 10 to take a picture of a subject, and to set whether to photograph only one frame of the subject or a plurality of predetermined frames. For example, when the release switch 10 is pressed while the pointer of the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the position where “S” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the S mode), only one frame is shot. Has been made to take place.

When the release switch 10 is pressed while the pointer of the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the position where "L" is printed (ie, the mode is switched to the L mode), the release is performed. During the period in which the switch 10 is pressed, eight frames are shot per second (that is, the low-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Further, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
When the release switch 10 is pressed in a case where the pointer is switched to the position where “H” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the H mode), during the period in which the release switch 10 is pressed, 30 frames are taken per second (that is, high-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Next, the internal structure of the information input device 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration example of the information input device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The CCD 20 is provided downstream of the photographing lens 3 (on the surface X2 side), and photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject formed through the photographing lens 3 into an electric signal.

On the vertically lower side of the LCD 6, four cylindrical batteries (AA batteries) 21 are vertically arranged, and the electric power accumulated in the battery 21 is supplied to each part. In addition, a capacitor 22 that stores charge for causing the light emitting unit 4 to emit light is arranged alongside the battery 21.

On the circuit board 23, various control circuits for controlling each part of the information input device 1 are formed. A removable memory card 24 (recording means) is provided between the circuit board 23 and the LCD 6 and the battery 21, and various kinds of information input to the information input device 1 are stored in the memory card. It is recorded in 24 preset areas.

In the present embodiment, the memory card 24 can be inserted and removed, but a memory may be provided on the circuit board 23 so that various information can be recorded in the memory. Also, a memory (memory card 24)
May be output to an external personal computer via an interface (not shown).

Next, the internal electrical configuration of the information input device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels photoelectrically converts a light image formed on each pixel into an image signal (electric signal).

Correlated double sampling circuit (hereinafter referred to as CDS
) 31 is configured to sample the image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 20 at a predetermined timing. An analog / digital conversion circuit (hereinafter referred to as A / D conversion circuit) 32 (conversion means) digitizes the image signal sampled by the CDS 31 and supplies it to a digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as DSP) 33. .

The DSP 33 is adapted to compress the digitized image signal and output it to the CPU 34 (detection means, addition means, reproduction means). The CPU 34 converts the digitized and compressed image signal (hereinafter referred to simply as captured image data) into an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / O).
The data is recorded in a predetermined area (captured image recording area) of the memory card 24 via the F card 35.

Further, the CPU 34 has a built-in clock circuit (not shown), and records the date and time of photographing as header information of image data in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24. (That is, the photographed image data recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 is accompanied by data of the photographing date and time).

The microphone 8 inputs voice information (collects voice) and supplies the voice information to the A / D conversion circuit 36. The A / D conversion circuit 36 digitizes the supplied audio information and outputs it to the DSP 33. The DSP 33 compresses the digitized audio information and outputs it to the CPU 34.

The CPU 34 sends the digitized and compressed audio data to the memory card 24 via the I / F 35.
Is recorded in a predetermined area (audio recording area). At this time, the data of the recording date and time is recorded as the header information of the audio data in the audio recording area of the memory card 24.

When a predetermined position of the touch tablet 6A is pressed by the pen type pointing device operated by the user, C
The PU 34 reads the XY coordinates of the pressed position of the touch tablet 6A, and stores the coordinate data (line drawing information described later) in an internal buffer memory (not shown). The CPU 34 records the line drawing information accumulated in the buffer memory together with the header information of the line drawing information input date and time in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24.

An LCD 6 is connected to the CPU 34 via a frame memory 37, and an image can be displayed. However, the captured image data that has undergone the compression process
The data is once input to the DSP 33, where it is expanded and then supplied to the frame memory 37.

Further, a speaker 5 is connected to the DSP 33 through a digital / analog conversion circuit (hereinafter referred to as a D / A conversion circuit) 38, and the D / A conversion circuit 3
The audio signal converted into an analog signal at 8 is output from the speaker 5.

Next, various operations of the information input device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

First, the input / output processing of audio information of the present apparatus (however, input / output processing of only audio information) will be described. The power switch 11 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the side printed as “ON”, the information input device 1 is powered on,
When the recording switch 12 provided on the surface Y2 is pressed, a voice recording process (voice information input process) is started. The voice information is input via the microphone 8 and A /
Digitized by the D conversion circuit 36
3 is output.

The DSP 33 compresses the digitized voice data. The audio data compressed by the DSP 33 is recorded in the audio recording area of the memory card 24 via the CPU 34 and the I / F 35. At this time, in the audio recording area of the memory card 24, the data of the recording date and time is recorded as header information of the compressed audio data.

The voice in this case is compressed and recorded by the PCM method, but another method may be used.

When reproducing the voice data recorded in the voice recording area of the memory card 24, the LCD 6 shown in FIG.
Operate the display of. On the display screen of the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 5, the date when the information was recorded (record date)
(In this case, August 25, 1995) is displayed on the lower end of the screen, and the recording time of the information recorded on the recording date is displayed on the leftmost side of the screen.

A thumbnail image and a thumbnail image preparation symbol "*" (both of which will be described later) are displayed to the right of the recording time. The information with this display is information including captured image information. That is, "10:16", "10
The information recorded (input) at “21:21”, “10:54”, and “13:10” includes captured image information, and “10:05”, “10:28” The image information is not included in the information recorded in ".

On the right side of the display area of the thumbnail image, a voice information bar is displayed, and a bar (line) having a length corresponding to the length of the recording time is displayed (if voice information is not input, Do not show).

The user presses any part of the display line of the desired information on the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 5 with the pen tip of the pen type pointing device to select the information to be reproduced, and the execute key 7B shown in FIG. By pressing with the pen tip of the pen type pointing device, the selected information is reproduced.

For example, when the line indicating "10:05" shown in FIG. 5 is pressed by the pen type pointing device, the CPU 34 causes the selected recording date and time (10:05).
Minute) is read from the memory card 24 and supplied to the DSP 33. The audio data (compressed audio data) supplied to the DSP 33 is expanded there and output to the D / A conversion circuit 38.

The audio signal analogized in the D / A conversion circuit 38 is reproduced through the speaker 5. When an earphone (not shown) is connected to the earphone jack 9, sound is not reproduced from the speaker 5, but sound is reproduced via the earphone (not shown).

Next, the photographing of a subject and the output of a photographed image by this apparatus will be described.

First, a case where the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 provided on the surface Y2 is switched to the S mode (a mode in which only one frame is shot) will be described. When the power switch 11 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the side printed as “ON” and the information input device 1 is powered on and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject starts. To be done.

The light image of the subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the taking lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The optical image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal by each pixel, and the CDS 3
Sampled by one. The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 is supplied to an A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to a DSP 33.

The DSP 33 combines the digitized image signal with discrete cosine transform, quantization, and Huffman coding in JPEG (Joint Photogr).
The data is compressed in accordance with an apex (Experts Experts Group) method and output to the CPU 34. , CPU 34 outputs the digitized and compressed photographic image data to the I / F.
The image is recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24 via 35. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

When the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the S mode, only one frame is shot, and even if the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, subsequent shots will not be taken. Not done Also,
When the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, LC
The captured image is displayed on D6.

Second, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to the L mode (a mode in which 8 frames are continuously shot in one second). When the power switch 11 is switched to the side printed as "ON" and the information input device 1 is powered on and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject is started.

A light image of a subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on a CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The optical image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal by each pixel, and the CDS 3
Sampling is performed eight times a second by one.
Also, at this time, the CDS 31 thins out three-quarters of the pixels of the image electric signal of all the pixels of the CCD 20.

That is, the CDS 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into areas each having 2 × 2 pixels (four pixels) as shown in FIG. , The image signal of one pixel arranged at a predetermined position is sampled, and the remaining three pixels are thinned out.

For example, in the first sampling (first frame), the pixel a at the upper left of each area is sampled and the other pixels b, c, d are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b at the upper right of each area is sampled, and the other pixels a,
c and d are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third and fourth samplings, the lower left pixel c and the lower right pixel d
Are sampled and other pixels are decimated. That is, each pixel is sampled every four frames.

The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 (the image signal of a quarter of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 compresses the digitized image signal according to the JPEG method and supplies it to the CPU 34. The CPU 34 records the digitized and compressed photographed image data in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 via the I / F 35. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

Thirdly, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
The case where is switched to the H mode (a mode for continuously shooting 30 frames per second) will be described. When the power switch 11 is switched to the side printed as "ON" and the information input device 1 is powered on and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject is started.

A light image of a subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20. An optical image of a subject formed on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels is photoelectrically converted by each pixel into an image signal.
1 is sampled at a rate of 30 times per second. At this time, the CDS 31 thins out 8/9 of the image electrical signals of all the pixels of the CCD 20.

That is, the CDS 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into areas each having 3 × 3 pixels, as shown in FIG. 7, and places the pixels at predetermined positions. The image electric signal of one pixel arranged is sampled at a rate of 30 times per second, and the remaining eight pixels are thinned out.

For example, at the time of the first sampling (first frame), the upper left pixel a of each area is sampled, and the other pixels b to i are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b disposed on the right side of the pixel a is sampled, and the other pixels a, c to i are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third and subsequent samplings, the pixels c, d,.
Are sampled and other pixels are decimated. That is, each pixel is sampled every nine frames.

The image signal sampled by the CDS 31 (the image signal of one-ninth of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 compresses the digitized image signal according to the JPEG method and outputs it to the CPU 34.

The CPU 34 records the digitized and compressed photographed image data in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 together with the header information of the photographing date and time.

When the photographed image data recorded in the memory card 24 is reproduced, the display screen of the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 5 is operated in the same manner as the reproduction processing of the audio data described above. The thumbnail image shown in FIG. 5 is created by thinning out (reducing) the bitmap data of each image data of the captured image data recorded in the memory card 24.

In this case, among the display screens shown in FIG.
Information on a captured image is included in the information of the line on which the thumbnail image or the thumbnail image preparation symbol “*” is displayed. The user presses the desired thumbnail image with the pen tip of the pen type pointing device to select the information, and presses the execution key 7B to reproduce the selected information.

The CPU 34 reads out the photographed image data corresponding to the selected photographing date and time from the memory card 24,
Supply to DSP33. The captured image data (compressed captured image data) supplied to the DSP 33 is decompressed there and output to the CPU 34 again. The CPU 34
The captured image data is temporarily stored in the frame memory 27 as bitmap data and displayed on the LCD 6.

The image photographed in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6 as a still image. This still image is CC
It goes without saying that the image signals of all the pixels of D20 are reproduced.

Images taken in the L mode are continuously displayed on the LCD 6 at a rate of 8 frames per second. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is CCD2
0 is a quarter of the total number of pixels.

Usually, the human eye is sensitive to the deterioration of the resolution of the still image, so that thinning out the pixels of the still image is perceived by the user as the deterioration of the image quality. However, when the continuous shooting speed at the time of shooting increases, eight frames are shot per second in the L mode, and when this image is reproduced at a speed of eight frames per second, the number of pixels of each frame becomes equal to the number of pixels of the CCD 20. Although this is a quarter of the number, since the human eye observes eight frames per second, the amount of information perceived by the human eye per second is twice as large as that of a still image.

That is, 1 of the images taken in S mode
When the number of pixels of a frame is 1, the number of pixels of one frame of an image shot in the L mode is 1/4. When an image (still image) taken in S mode is displayed on the LCD 6, 1
The amount of information that the human eye can see per second is 1 (= (number of pixels 1) ×
(The number of frames is 1)). On the other hand, when an image taken in the L mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information that human eyes can see in one second is 2 (= (number of pixels 1/4) × (number of frames 8)) (that is, Human eyes receive twice as much information as a still image). Therefore, even if the number of pixels in one frame is reduced to ４, the user can observe the reproduced image at the time of reproduction without much concern about deterioration in image quality.

Further, in the present embodiment, different pixels are sampled for each frame and the sampled pixels are displayed on the LCD 6, so that an afterimage effect occurs to the human eye and 4 frames per frame are produced. Even if three pixels are thinned out, the user can observe the image captured in the L mode displayed on the LCD 6 without much concern about the deterioration of the image quality.

The image taken in the H mode is LC
It is continuously displayed at a rate of 30 frames per second on D6. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is C
Although the number of pixels of the CD 20 is one-ninth of the total number of pixels, for the same reason as in the case of the L mode, the user can copy an image captured in the H mode displayed on the LCD 6 without much concern about deterioration in image quality. Can be observed.

In this embodiment, the L mode and the H mode are used.
When a subject is imaged in the mode, the CDS 31 thins out the pixels of the CCD 20 to such an extent that the deterioration of the image quality during reproduction is not noticed. Therefore, the load of the DSP 33 can be reduced, and the DSP 33 can operate at low speed. It can be operated with low power. Further, this makes it possible to reduce the cost and power consumption of the device.

If necessary, the light emitting section 4 can be operated to irradiate the subject with light.

Next, the operation of inputting two-dimensional information (pen input information) from the touch tablet 6A will be described. When the touch tablet 6A is pressed by the pen tip of a pen type pointing device (not shown), the XY coordinates of the contacted portion are input to the CPU 34. This XY coordinate is the CPU
The data is stored in a buffer memory (not shown) in the inside of the frame 34, and the data is written in the inside of the frame memory 37 at a position corresponding to each point of the above-mentioned XY coordinates.
Displayed above.

As described above, since the touch tablet 6A formed on the surface of the LCD 6 is composed of the transparent member, the user can see the point displayed on the LCD 6 (the pen tip of the pen type pointing device). The point at the pressed position)
Can be observed, and it can be felt as if a direct pen input was made on the LCD 6. In addition, when the pen type pointing member is moved on the touch tablet 6A,
A line accompanying the movement of the pen-type pointing device is displayed on the LCD 6. Furthermore, a pen-type pointing device is attached to the touch tablet 6
When it is moved intermittently on A, a broken line accompanying the movement of the pen type pointing device is displayed on the LCD 6. As described above, the user inputs desired line drawing information such as characters and graphics to the touch tablet 6A (LCD 6).

Further, as will be described later, when line drawing information is input by the pen-type pointing device when a shot image is displayed on the LCD 6, this line drawing information is stored in the frame memory 37 together with the shot image information. Combined, L
It is displayed simultaneously on CD6.

The user can select a color of the line drawing displayed on the LCD 6 from black, white, red, blue, etc. by operating a color selection switch (not shown).

Touch tablet 6 with a pen-type pointing device
When the execution key 7B of the operation key 7 is pressed after the input of the line drawing information to A, the line drawing information stored in the buffer memory inside the CPU 33 is stored in the memory card via the I / F 35 together with the header information of the input date and time. 24, and is recorded in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24.

The line drawing information recorded in the memory card 24 is compressed information. Since the line drawing information input to the touch tablet 6A contains a lot of information having a high spatial frequency component, if the compression processing is performed by the JPEG method used for compressing the photographed image, the compression efficiency is low and the information amount is not reduced. The time required for compression and decompression increases. Furthermore, since the compression by the JPEG method is irreversible compression, it is not suitable for the compression of line drawing information having a small amount of information (when expanded and displayed on the LCD 6, gathers and bleeding due to lack of information are noticeable. To get it).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the line drawing information is compressed by the run length method used in fax or the like. The run-length method scans the line drawing screen in the horizontal direction, and the continuous length of information (dots) of each color such as black, white, red, and blue, and the continuous length of no information (the part where there is no pen input). This is a method of compressing line drawing information by encoding the line drawing information.

By using this run length method,
Line drawing information can be compressed to a minimum, and even when the compressed line drawing information is expanded, loss of information can be suppressed. The line drawing information may not be compressed when the information amount is relatively small.

Further, as described above, when the pen input is performed while the photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6, the photographed image data and the line drawing information of the pen input are combined in the frame memory 37, and the photographed image and the line drawing are combined. The composite image of LC
Displayed on D6. On the other hand, in the memory card 24, the captured image data is recorded in the captured image recording area and the line drawing information is recorded in the line drawing information recording area. As described above, since the two pieces of information are recorded in different areas, the user can delete one of the images (for example, the line drawing) from the composite image of the captured image and the line drawing,
Further, each image information can be compressed by an individual compression method.

By the way, in the present embodiment, as described above, various information (data) recorded in the memory card 24 is accompanied by the data of the date and time when each information was input as header information. There is. User is L
Desired information can be selected and reproduced from the date and time data displayed on the CD 6 (FIG. 5).

When a plurality of pieces of information (photographed image, voice, line drawing) are input at the same time, each piece of information is separately recorded in a predetermined area of the recording card 24. Header information of the same date and time is attached.

For example, when the information A (photographed image), the information B (voice), and the information C (line drawing) are simultaneously input, each information A, B, C recorded in a predetermined area of the memory card 24.
Are provided with data of the same input date and time as header information. Further, the header information of the information A may be set as the data of the input date and time, and the header information of the information B and C may be set as the data indicating the information A.

By the above, the information inputted at the same time is reproduced at the time of reproduction.

Further, in the present embodiment, after the first information (for example, photographed image) is recorded, the second information (for example, line drawing) different from the first information is added to the first information. You can also record it in the form you have written. Thus, the first
When adding the second information in addition to the above information, the second information is input while the first information is reproduced. Hereinafter, a detailed description of this case will be described.

For example, when the prerecorded audio information is reproduced, when the release switch 10 is pressed and the photographing process of the subject is performed, the memory card 2
The photographed image data recorded in the photographed image recording area No. 4 is accompanied by header information of the date and time when the recording of the audio information was started.

Also, for example, August 25, 1995, 10
During the playback of the audio information whose recording was started at 15:00,
When one minute has elapsed from the start of the reproduction (that is, when the reproduction data has become the data at 10:06 on August 25, 1995), when the photographing processing is performed, it is recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24. 199 image data
It is also possible to add header information at 10:06 on August 25, 5 (start time (10: 5)
May be used as header information, or one of them may be registered as a default (the selection is made by the user).

Similarly, when line drawing information is input in the case where prerecorded audio information is being reproduced,
In the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24, the same header information as the header information of the recording date and time of the audio information is recorded together with the line drawing information.

When the line drawing information is input in the case where the voice information and the photographed image information which have been input at the same time are reproduced in advance, the line drawing information is recorded in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24 together with the voice information ( Alternatively, the same header information as the header information of the recording date and time of the (captured image information) is recorded.

In the case where the voice information and the line drawing information which have been input at the same time are reproduced in advance, when the captured image information is input, the captured image recording area of the memory card 24, together with the captured image data, the audio information. The same header information as the recording date and time (or line drawing information) is recorded.

When audio information is input while a previously input captured image is being reproduced, the audio information recording area of the memory card 24, together with the audio data, includes header information of the recording date and time of the captured image. The same header information as is recorded.

When line image information is input while a previously input captured image is being reproduced, the line image information is recorded in the line image information recording area of the memory card 24 together with the header information of the recording date and time of the captured image. The same header information as is recorded.

When the voice information is input while the captured image information and the line drawing information which have been input at the same time are reproduced in advance, the captured image information (in addition to the audio data is stored in the voice recording area of the memory card 24). Alternatively, the same header information as the recording date and time of the line drawing information) is recorded.

When the photographed image information is inputted while the previously inputted line drawing information is being reproduced, the photographed image data is recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 together with the recording date and time of the line image information. The same header information as the header information is recorded.

When the audio information is input while the previously input line drawing information is being reproduced, the audio data in the audio recording area of the memory card 24, together with the header information of the recording date and time of the line drawing information. The same header information is recorded.

The above example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
The recording control by the CPU 34 of new information such as picked-up image, audio information, or line drawing information and header information accompanying it is shown. The process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is performed by the release switch 10 and the recording switch 1.
2. Either the touch tablet 6A is operated, and the operation is started by inputting any one of the photographed image, the voice information, and the line drawing information.

The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is stored in a ROM (not shown) in the CPU 34. The program shown in the flowchart of FIG.
It may be supplied to the user in advance in the state of being stored in the ROM in the CPU 34, or may be supplied to the user in the state of being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM so that it can be copied to the ROM in the CPU 34. Good.

In FIG. 8, the CPU 34 executes step S
In step 1, it is determined whether or not the captured image, audio information, or line drawing information recorded in advance in the memory card 24 is being reproduced. If not being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S5, and the information of the photographed image, the audio information, or the line drawing information input by the operation at the start is stored in the memory card 24 together with the header information of the date and time when the recording of the information is started. Record,
The process ends. If reproduction is in progress, the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, it is detected whether the information being reproduced is captured image, audio information, or line drawing information, and it is determined whether or not the information is of a different type from the newly input information. To do. If the information is not of a different type, the process proceeds to step S5, and any one of the photographed image, the voice information, and the line drawing information input by the operation at the start is stored in the memory card together with the header information of the date and time when the input of the information is started. 24, and the process ends. Also,
If different types of information, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the header information of the date and time of the information being reproduced is obtained. Next, the process proceeds to step S4, and the information of the photographed image, the audio information, or the line drawing information input by the operation at the start is stored in the memory card 24 together with the same header information as the date and time header information obtained in step S3. Record and end the process.

As described above, when the second information is input while the first information recorded in advance is being reproduced, the recording date and time of the first information is the header information of the second information. Will be (hereinafter referred to as normal mode). By doing so, even if information is added later, the relationship between the original information and the added information can be maintained.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the second information is added to the prerecorded first information,
Not only the input time of the second information is recorded as the header information of the second information, but also the header information of the first information is recorded as the second information.
It may be rewritten with the header information of the information (hereinafter, referred to as a recording date and time changing mode). In this case, the change information input device 1 is further provided with a recording date / time mode switch (not shown), and the recording date / time is changed (switching between the normal mode and the recording date / time change mode) by the user's selection. To do so.

For example, if the user later selects a specific time,
If a specific subject is scheduled to be photographed, and a comment on the photographed image is recorded as line drawing information in advance (that is, the line drawing information is the first information), the mode switch for the recording date and time is set to the recording mode. The mode is switched to the date and time change mode, and the object is photographed while reproducing the recorded line drawing information (that is, the photographed image is the second information). Then, the input date and time of the captured image (second information) are attached as header information to both the line drawing information (first information) and the captured image (second information).

The above example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
The recording control by the CPU 34 of new information such as picked-up image, audio information, or line drawing information and header information accompanying it is shown. The process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is performed by the release switch 10 and the recording switch 1.
2. Either the touch tablet 6A is operated, and the operation is started by inputting any one of the photographed image, the voice information, and the line drawing information.

The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is stored in a ROM (not shown) in the CPU 34. The program shown in the flowchart of FIG.
It may be supplied to the user in advance in the state of being stored in the ROM in the CPU 34, or may be supplied to the user in the state of being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM so that it can be copied to the ROM in the CPU 34. Good.

In FIG. 9, the CPU 34 executes step S
In step 11, it is determined whether or not the captured image, audio information, or line drawing information recorded in advance in the memory card 24 is being reproduced. If it is not being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S15, and the captured image, audio information input by the operation at the start,
Alternatively, any one of the line drawing information is recorded in the memory card 24 together with the header information of the date and time when the recording of the information is started, and the process ends. If reproduction is in progress, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, it is detected whether the information being reproduced is the photographed image, the audio information, or the line drawing information, and it is determined whether the information is a different kind of information from the newly input information. To do. If the information is not of a different type, the process proceeds to step S15, and any one of the captured image, the voice information, and the line drawing information input by the operation at the start is stored in the memory card together with the header information of the date and time when the input of the information is started. 24, and the process ends. If the information is of a different type, the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, any one of the photographed image, the voice information, and the line drawing information input by the operation at the start is recorded in the memory card 24 together with the header information of the date and time when the input is started.

Next, in step S14, the header information of the information being reproduced is changed to the same header information as the information recorded in step S13, and the process ends.

Also, prioritize the input information,
The header information of the input time may be added to each information in accordance with the priority.

For example, when the priority of the photographed image is the first priority, the priority of the audio information is the second priority, and the priority of the line drawing information is the third priority, the previously recorded line drawing information is reproduced. However, when voice information is input, both line drawing information and voice information recorded in the memory card 24 are
Header information including the input time of the audio information is appended (since the priority of the audio information is higher than the priority of the line drawing information). Further, when a captured image is input while reproducing the audio information and the line image information, the line information, the audio information, and the captured image recorded on the memory card 24 are accompanied by header information including the input time of the captured image. (Because the priority of a captured image is higher than the priority of other information). This priority may be set by the user.

The above example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
Shows the recording control by the CPU 34 of new information such as a captured image, audio information, or line drawing information and header information accompanying it. In the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, any one of the release switch 10, the recording switch 12, and the touch tablet 6A is operated,
It is started by inputting any information such as a photographed image, voice information, or line drawing information.

The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is stored in a ROM (not shown) in the CPU 34. The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 may be supplied to the user in the state where it is stored in the ROM in the CPU 34 in advance, or stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM so that it can be copied to the ROM in the CPU 34. It may be supplied to the user in the state of being processed.

In FIG. 10, the CPU 34 determines in step S21 whether or not the captured image, audio information, or line drawing information recorded in advance in the memory card 24 is being reproduced. If not being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S28, and any one of the captured image, the audio information, and the line drawing information input by the operation at the start is stored in the memory card 24 together with the header information of the date and time when the recording of the information is started. Record and end the process. If it is being reproduced, step S
Proceed to 22.

In step S22, it is detected whether the information being reproduced is the photographed image, the audio information, or the line drawing information, and it is determined whether or not the information is a type different from the newly input information. To do. If the information is not of a different type, the process proceeds to step S28, and the information of the photographed image, the audio information, or the line drawing information input by the operation at the start is stored in the memory card together with the header information of the date and time when the input of the information is started. 24, and the process ends. If the information is of a different type, the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, it is determined whether the input information has a higher priority than the information being reproduced. If the priority of the input information is low, the process proceeds to step S24, and if the priority of the input information is high, the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S24, the header information of the date and time of the information being reproduced is obtained. Next, in step S25, any of the captured image, audio information, or line drawing information input by the operation at the start is recorded in the memory card 24 together with the same header information as the date and time header information obtained in step S23. Then, the process ends.

In step S26, the information of the photographed image, the voice information, or the line drawing information input by the operation at the start is recorded in the memory card 24 together with the header information of the date and time when the input of the information is started.

Further, in step S27, the header information of the information being reproduced is changed to the same header information as the header information of the information recorded in step S26, and the process ends.

In FIGS. 8 to 10, when other information is recorded during reproduction of predetermined information, header information of the same date and time is added to the information being reproduced and the recorded information. Although the header information is not necessarily the same as the header information of the same date and time, the information input device according to the present embodiment can recognize that the captured image and the audio information are related to each other. It may be frame number information.

Next, description will be made regarding a case where voice is recorded while a subject is being photographed.

First, the case where the continuous shooting mode switch 13 is switched to the S mode (single shooting mode) will be described. First, when the recording switch 12 is pressed, voice information is input, and in the voice information recording area of the memory card 24, the header information of the recording start date and time is recorded together with the voice data. When the release switch 10 is pressed during the input of the audio information (S mode),
One frame of the subject is photographed, and the photographed image data is recorded on the memory card 24. The photographed image data is accompanied by header information of the date and time when the release switch 10 is pressed (at the start of photographing).

On the other hand, first, when the release button 10 is pressed, one frame of the subject is photographed. At this time, in the captured image data recorded on the memory card 24, the date and time when the image was captured is recorded as header information. Furthermore, when the release button 10 is continuously pressed, the captured image is displayed on the LCD 6, and at this time, the recording switch 1
When 2 is pressed, voice information is input. At this time, the date and time when the image was captured is attached to the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 as header information.

Next, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to L mode or H mode (continuous shooting mode). First, when the release switch 10 is pressed and then the recording switch 12 is pressed, and when the release switch 10 and the recording switch 12 are pressed simultaneously, the captured image and audio information are recorded as shown below. You.

When the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the L mode, eight frames are photographed per second, and photographed image data of each frame recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24. Is attached with header information of the date and time when each image was captured. Therefore, the date and time at intervals of 0.125 seconds are recorded in the header of each frame. At this time, the audio information is recorded every 0.125 seconds (but continuously input), and the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24 is also recorded at intervals of 0.125 seconds. Date and time header information is recorded.

Similarly, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to the H mode, 30 frames are photographed per second, and the photographed image data of each frame recorded in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24 includes the date and time when each photographed. Is attached.
Therefore, the date and time at 1/30 second intervals are recorded in the header of each frame. At this time, the audio information is 1
/ Recorded every 30 seconds (but continuously entered)
Also in the audio data recorded in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24, header information of the date and time at 1/30 second intervals is recorded.

As described above, when a photographed image or sound is edited after recording, if any photographed image is removed, the voice information having the same header information as the header information of the photographed image can also be removed. it can.

On the other hand, the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
When the recording mode is switched to the L mode or the H mode (when the mode is switched to the continuous shooting mode), when the recording switch 12 is pressed first and then the release switch 10 is pressed, the data is recorded on the memory card 24. The information to be recorded includes the following header information.

That is, in this case, the audio data until the release switch 10 is pressed is recorded as one file in the audio information recording area of the memory card 24. After that, when the release switch 10 is pressed, the header information of the date and time corresponding to each frame of the captured image is recorded together with the audio data.

Next, holding of the information input device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. That is, in the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, the finder 2, the taking lens 3, and the light emitting unit 4 used for capturing an image of a subject are provided at the upper end of the device body. Further, a microphone 8 for inputting voice is provided on the upper surface (surface Z) of the apparatus body.

Further, the release switch 10 operated when photographing an object and the recording switch 12 operated when inputting voice are respectively provided from the finder 2, the photographing lens 3, the light emitting section 4 and the microphone 8. Is also provided on the vertically lower surface Y1 and surface Y2.

Further, on the surface X2, the LCD 6 is arranged vertically below the finder 2, and inside the apparatus, the battery 21 and the capacitor 22 shown in FIG. 3 are provided vertically below the LCD 6. There is.

Hold a pen-type pointing device (not shown) in the right hand, and
When inputting line drawing information to the CD 6 (touch tablet 6A), as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG.
1 (a surface facing the surface X1 on which the LCD 6 is formed)
Is securely held by the palm of the left hand 120.

In this information input device 1, a sufficient length is secured vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3, and the light emitting section 4 (battery 21 and capacitor 22).
Therefore, the left hand 120 holding the device does not cover the respective parts 2 to 4.
Further, in the present embodiment, the index finger of the user's left hand 120 is arranged at the formation position of the release switch 120 provided on the surface Y2, and the thumb of the left hand 120 is
It is arranged at the position where the recording switch 12 provided on the surface Y1 is formed. Therefore, when line drawing information is being input to the touch tablet 6A, even if a shutter chance or the like suddenly occurs, the release switch 1 can be pressed with the index finger of the left hand.
The subject can be photographed by pressing 0, and the voice can be input by pushing the recording switch 12 with the thumb.

Further, since the release switch 10 is provided on the right side with respect to the user, the user can operate the release switch 10 with the right hand like a normal camera.

In the information input device 1 of the present embodiment, when the user holds the information input device 1, the release switch 10 and the recording switch are set so that the user can use either the right hand or the left hand. 12 are formed symmetrically (formed at almost the same height).

Further, the release switch 10 and the recording switch 12 may be arranged on the surface X1 and the surface X2, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Also in this case, the switches 10 and 12 are arranged vertically below the finder 2, the taking lens 3, the light emitting unit 4, and the like. Even with this arrangement,
The user can securely hold the information input device 1A without covering the above-mentioned parts 2 to 4 with the left hand 120, operate the recording switch 12 with his thumb, and operate the release switch 10 with his index finger. be able to.

In the above description, the photographed image data and the audio data are associated with each other by the header information.
For example, the correspondence may be collectively recorded as search information separately from the captured image data and the audio data.

[0143]

As described above, according to the information input device of the first aspect, when the second information is input while the first information recorded in the recording means is being reproduced,
Since the adding means adds the same or related header information to the first information and the second information, it becomes possible to easily add the information.

Similarly, according to the information input device of claim 6 and the recording medium of claim 7, when new information is recorded during reproduction of the information recorded in the recording means, both header information are recorded. Since they are the same or related to each other, it is easy to add information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an embodiment of an information input device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the information input device 1 shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from a side facing a surface X1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the information input device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal electrical configuration of the information input device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen operated when reproducing recorded information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating pixel thinning processing in the L mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating pixel thinning processing in the H mode.

8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the information input device 1 of FIG.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the information input device 1 of FIG.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the information input device 1 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which the information input device 1 is held by the left hand.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example in which the information input device 1 is held by the left hand.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state where an information input device 1A according to another embodiment of the present invention is held by a left hand.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state where an information input device 1A according to another embodiment of the present invention is held by a left hand.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1A Information input device 2 Finder 3 Photographing lens 4 Light emitting part 5 Speaker 6 LCD 6A Touch tablet 7 Operation key 7A Menu key 7B Run key 7C Clear key 7D Cancel key 7E Scroll key 8 Microphone 9 Earphone jack 10 Release switch 11 Power switch 12 recording switch 13 continuous shooting mode selection switch 20 CCD 21 battery 22 capacitor 23 circuit board 24 memory card 31 correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 32 analog / digital conversion circuit 33 digital signal processor (DSP) 34 CPU 35 interface 36 analog / Digital conversion circuit 37 Frame memory 38 Digital / analog conversion circuit

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. Input means for inputting a plurality of types of information, conversion means for digitizing the information input by the input means, detection means for detecting an input time of the information by the input means, and the digitization. Addition means for adding header information indicating the input time of the information to the created information, recording means for recording the information with the added header information, and reproduction means for reproducing the information recorded in the recording means The addition means is configured to reproduce the first information and the second information when the second information is input when the first information recorded in the recording means is being reproduced. An information input device characterized by adding the same or related header information to information. 2. The information according to claim 1, wherein the adding means adds header information that is the same as or related to the header information added to the first information to the second information. Input device. 3. The adding means includes, in the first information,
The header information indicating the input date and time of the information is added, and the second information is added with header information indicating that the information is related to the first information. The information input device according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The adding means, when the second information is input, adds the header information indicating the input date and time of the second information to the second information, and adds the header to the second information. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein header information that is the same as or related to information is newly added to the first information. 5. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit inputs imaged image information of a subject, audio information, and two-dimensional line drawing information. 6. An input unit for inputting a plurality of types of information, an addition unit for adding predetermined header information to the information input by the input unit, and a recording unit for recording the information to which the header information is added. When the reproducing means reproduces the information recorded by the recording means, and the new information is inputted by the input means while the information recorded by the recording means is being reproduced by the reproducing means, the information being reproduced and the new information are reproduced. Control means for controlling the header information added to the other information to be the same or related header information. 7. An input unit for inputting a plurality of types of information, an addition unit for adding predetermined header information to the information input by the input unit, and a recording unit for recording the information to which the header information is added. A recording medium recording a control program used in an information input device comprising: a reproducing unit for reproducing the information recorded by the recording unit, wherein the information recorded by the recording unit is reproduced by the reproducing unit. When new information is input by the input means, a control program for controlling the header information added to the information being reproduced and the new information to be the same or related header information is recorded. recoding media.