JPH11203769A - Recorder and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device suitable for the recording/reproduction of the various voice gathering of a lecture, a conference, a presentation and a general user further by continuously recording voice signals in a recording medium and intermittently recording image signals in the recording medium during the recording operation period. SOLUTION: In the recording operation period from a recording start operation to a recording end operation, input voice is continuously recorded in a disk. For the image signals continuously inputted from a camera block in the recording operation period, still image signals at the certain specified point of time are extracted and recorded in the disk. As the voice still image intermittent photographing mode, a mode I - the mode III are considered and the still image signals are recorded at every fixed interval of time in the mode I, at a timing corresponding to the operation of the user in the mode II and corresponding to the state of input image signals in the mode III. Also, similarly, moving image signals are recorded in the disk in a certain specified period by a voice moving image intermittent photographing mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording an image signal and an audio signal on a predetermined recording medium and a reproducing apparatus for reproducing the image signal and the audio signal from the recording medium. It is suitable for use in cameras and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable video cameras in which an image pickup device such as a camera and a video deck capable of recording and reproducing images and sounds are integrated have become widespread. like this,
In a video camera, a removable recording medium such as a video tape cassette is generally used. In general, a moving image signal is recorded and an audio signal collected at the same time is recorded. Also, devices that capture still images, such as those known as electronic still cameras, have become widespread. Recording media include solid-state memory and disks (floppy disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.)
Is often used. In this electronic still camera,
For example, a photographic image (that is, a still image signal) is recorded at the timing when the user performs a shutter operation. Also, some still cameras have a function to capture an audio signal together with a still image signal, so that sound around a predetermined time from the shutter operation timing can be recorded in correspondence with the still image signal. There is also. Further, there is a device in which a sound immediately before a shutter operation timing can be recorded by utilizing an internal buffer memory.

[0003]

By the way, the above-described devices capable of recording both images and sounds have been conventionally developed based on the concept that all the images are recorded and the sounds are also recorded auxiliary. That is, audio signals are recorded simultaneously during image recording in the video camera, and audio is recorded according to the image recording timing in the still camera. That is, conventionally, there is no device that performs an operation of recording an image (moving image or still image) in an auxiliary manner during the recording of sound. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording device and a reproducing device suitable for recording / reproducing as a presentation, and also for collecting various voices of general users.

[0004]

For this reason, in the recording apparatus of the present invention, the control means continuously records an audio signal on a recording medium during a recording operation, and outputs an image signal during the recording operation. The operation is controlled so that the recording is intermittently performed on the recording medium. For example, an image signal to be intermittently recorded is a still image signal, and the still image signal is recorded at a timing at a specific time interval, a timing according to a specific operation input, or a timing set according to the state of the image signal. To be done. In addition, an image signal to be intermittently recorded is a moving image signal, and a period (for example, a fixed period) from a timing at a specific time interval,
Alternatively, the moving image signal is recorded in a period determined by a specific operation input timing or a period (for example, a fixed period) from a timing set according to the state of the image signal. That is, during a recording operation period for an audio signal, a still image signal or a moving image signal is supplementarily recorded.

In the reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the control means controls a signal reading operation from the recording medium by the reading means and a decoding process, so that the audio signal output from the audio output means and the video signal output from the image output means are controlled. Setting a signal portion and / or output timing as an output image signal,
A simultaneous related output of a continuous audio signal and an intermittent still image signal can be executed. For example, as a simultaneous related output, the audio signal recorded on the recording medium is continuously reproduced and output, and each still image signal recorded during the recording operation period of the audio signal is recorded at the same timing. The audio signal is output continuously at the reproduction timing of the audio signal corresponding to the time. Alternatively, each still image signal recorded on the recording medium is sequentially reproduced and output, for example, for each specific period, and an audio signal portion corresponding to the recording timing of each still image signal is
The reproduction output is performed in accordance with the reproduction output timing of each still image signal. Alternatively, the audio signal recorded on the recording medium is continuously reproduced and output, and at the time of the recording operation of the audio signal, the moving image signal recorded corresponding to the time is replaced with the corresponding audio signal portion. And a predetermined image signal forming a moving image signal is reproduced and output during a reproducing period of an audio signal portion in which a moving image signal is not recorded correspondingly.
Alternatively, the moving image signal intermittently recorded at the time of recording is sequentially reproduced and output, and the audio signal portion corresponding to the recording timing of each moving image signal is set to the reproduction output timing of each moving image signal. Also play and output. That is, user convenience is achieved by variously realizing simultaneous related output of sound and image from a recording medium in which an image is auxiliary recorded, mainly using sound.

[0006]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a recording device and a reproducing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As an example of the recording device and the reproducing device, a portable video camera in which a camera device and a recording / reproducing device capable of recording and reproducing an image (still image or moving image) and sound are integrated. Also,
The recording / reproducing device mounted on the video camera of the present embodiment adopts a configuration for recording and reproducing data corresponding to a so-called mini disk, which is known as a kind of magneto-optical disk. The description will be made in the following order. 1. Disk format 2. 2. External configuration of video camera 3. Internal configuration of video camera 4. Configuration of media drive section 5. Still image shooting mode Movie shooting mode 7. 7. Intermittent audio / still image shooting mode 7-1 Mode I (Type 1 to Type 3) 7-2 Mode II 7-3 Mode III (Type 1 to Type 3) 8. Audio / video intermittent shooting mode 8-1 Mode I (Type 1 to Type 3) 8-2 Mode II (Type 1, Type 2) 8-3 Mode III (Type 1 to Type 3) 9. Sound and still image reproduction operation 10. Audio and video playback operation Thumbnail image recording

[0007] 1. Disc Format The recording / reproducing device section mounted on the video camera of this example is assumed to be compatible with a format called MD data, which records / reproduces data in correspondence with a mini disc (magneto-optical disc). . As this MD data format, two types of formats called MD-DATA1 and MD-DATA2 have been developed, but the video camera of this example is capable of recording at higher density than MD-DATA1. It is assumed that recording and reproduction are performed in accordance with the format. So first, MD
-Disc format of DATA2 will be described.

FIGS. 1 and 2 conceptually show an example of a track structure of a disk as MD-DATA2. FIGS. 2A and 2B are a cross-sectional view and a plan view, respectively, showing an enlarged portion enclosed by a broken line A in FIG. As shown in these figures, two types of grooves (grooves) are previously formed on the disk surface: a wobbled groove WG provided with wobbles (meandering) and a non-wobbled groove NWG provided with no wobble. It is formed. The wobbled groove WG and the non-wobbled groove NWG
Exist in a double spiral on the disk so as to form a land Ld therebetween.

In the MD-DATA2 format, the land Ld is used as a track. Since the wobbled groove WG and the non-wobbled groove NWG are formed as described above, the track Tr / A is used as the track. , Tr and B are independently formed on a double spiral. The track Tr · A is a track in which the wobbled groove WG is located on the outer peripheral side of the disk and the non-wobbled groove NWG is located on the inner peripheral side of the disk. On the other hand, the track Tr · B is a track in which the wobbled groove WG is located on the inner peripheral side of the disk and the non-wobbled groove NWG is located on the outer peripheral side of the disk. That is,
It can be considered that a wobble is formed only on one side on the outer circumference side of the disk with respect to the track Tr.A, and a wobble is formed only on one side on the inner circumference side of the disk as the track Tr.B. In this case, the track pitches are adjacent to the track Tr · A and the track Tr · A.
B is the distance between the centers, and the track pitch is 0.95 μm as shown in FIG.

Here, the wobbles formed in the groove as the wobbled groove WG are formed based on a signal in which a physical address on the disk is encoded by FM modulation + biphase modulation. Therefore, it is possible to extract the physical address on the disc by demodulating the reproduction information obtained from the wobbling given to the wobbled groove WG at the time of recording / reproduction. Further, the address information as the wobbled groove WG is commonly effective for the tracks Tr · A and Tr · B. In other words, the track Tr · A located on the inner periphery of the wobbled groove WG and the track Tr · B located on the outer periphery share the address information by the wobbling given to the wobbled groove WG. . Note that such an addressing scheme is also called an interlace addressing scheme. By adopting this interlace addressing method, for example, it is possible to reduce the track pitch while suppressing crosstalk between adjacent wobbles. For a method of recording an address by forming a wobble in a groove, A
Also called DIP (Adress In Pregroove) method.

The identification of which one of the tracks Tr.A and Tr.B sharing the same address information is being traced can be performed as follows. For example, in a state where the main beam is tracing a track (land Ld) by applying a three-beam method, the remaining two side beams trace grooves located on both sides of the track being traced by the main beam. It is possible to make it.

FIG. 2B shows, as a specific example, a state where the main beam spot SPm traces the track Tr · A. In this case, of the two side beam spots SPs1 and SPs2, the inner side beam spot SPs1 traces the non-wobbled groove NWG and the outer side beam spot S
Ps2 traces the wobbled groove WG. On the other hand, although not shown, if the main beam spot SPm traces the tracks Tr and B, the side beam spot SPs1 traces the wobbled groove WG and the side beam spot SP
s2 traces the non-wobbled groove NWG. Thus, the main beam spot SPm
Tracing the track Tr · A and the track T
In the case of tracing r · B, the grooves to be traced by the side beam spots SPs1 and SPs2 are necessarily replaced by the wobbled groove WG and the non-wobbled groove NWG.

[0013] Side beam spots SPs1, SPs2
As a detection signal obtained by the photodetector due to the reflection of light, different waveforms are obtained depending on which of the wobbled groove WG and the non-wobbled groove NWG is being traced. By determining which of the side beam spots SPs1 and SPs2 traces the wobbled groove WG (or the non-wobbled groove NWG), the main beam is moved to the tracks Tr · A,
Which of Tr and B is being traced can be identified.

FIG. 3 shows the main specifications of the MD-DATA2 format having the above track structure by M
It is a figure shown in comparison with D-DATA1 format.
First, in the MD-DATA1 format, the track pitch is 1.6 μm and the bit length is 0.59 μm / bi.
t. The laser wavelength λ is set to 780 nm, and the aperture ratio NA of the optical head is set to 0.45. As a recording method, a groove recording method is adopted. That is, the groove is used as a track for recording and reproduction. As a method of addressing, a method of forming a groove (track) by a single spiral and using a wobbled groove in which wobbles are formed as address information on both sides of the groove is adopted.

EFM (8
-14 conversion). As an error correction method, ACIRC (Advanced Cross Interleave Reed-
Solomon Code) and a convolutional data interleave. Therefore, the data redundancy is 46.3%.

In the MD-DATA1 format, a CLV (Constant Linear V) is used as a disk drive system.
erocity) is adopted, and the linear velocity of CLV is
1.2 m / s. The standard data rate during recording and reproduction is 133 kB / s, and the recording capacity is 140 MB.

On the other hand, in the MD-DATA2 format which can be supported by the video camera of this embodiment, the track pitch is 0.95 μm and the bit length is 0.39 μm / b
It can be seen that both are shorter than the MD-DATA1 format. For example, in order to realize the bit length, the laser wavelength λ is set to 650 nm and the aperture ratio NA of the optical head is set to 0.52 to narrow the beam spot diameter at the in-focus position and expand the band as the optical system. .

As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a land recording method is adopted as a recording method, and an interlace addressing method is adopted as an address method. As a modulation method of recording data, an RLL (1,7) method (RLL;
Run Length Limited), an RS-PC method is used as an error correction method, and a block complete type is used as data interleaving. As a result of adopting each of the above methods, the data redundancy can be suppressed to 19.7%.

Also in the MD-DATA2 format, CLV is adopted as a disk drive system, but its linear velocity is 2.0 m / s, and the standard data rate for recording / reproducing is 589 kB / s. It is said. As a result, a recording capacity of 650 MB can be obtained. Compared with the MD-DATA1 format, this means that a high-density recording of almost four times is realized. For example, assuming that a moving image is to be recorded in the MD-DATA2 format, MPEG
In the case where the compression encoding by 2 is performed, it is possible to record a moving image of 15 minutes to 17 minutes in time, depending on the bit rate of the encoded data. Also, assuming that only audio signal data is recorded, the ATR
When a compression process using AC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) 2 is performed, recording can be performed for about 10 hours.

2. 6A, 6B, and 6C are a side view, a plan view, and a rear view showing an example of the appearance of the video camera of this example. As shown in these figures, the main body 200 of the video camera of the present embodiment includes:
A camera lens 201 provided with an imaging lens and a diaphragm for taking a picture is provided so as to be exposed. A pair of left and right microphones 202 is provided. That is, in this video camera, recording of an image taken by the camera lens 201 and
It is possible to record stereo sound collected by the microphone 202.

The display unit 6 is provided on the side of the main body 200.
A, a speaker 205 and an indicator 206 are provided. The display unit 6A is a part that displays and outputs a captured image, an image reproduced by an internal recording and reproducing device, and the like. The display device actually used as the display unit 6A is not particularly limited here,
For example, a liquid crystal display or the like may be used. Also,
The display unit 6A also displays a message such as characters or characters for notifying the user of a required message in accordance with the operation of the device. Speaker 20
5 reproduces the recorded voice when reproducing the recorded voice, and also outputs a required message voice such as a beep sound. The indicator 206 emits light during a recording operation, for example, to indicate to the user that the video camera is performing a recording operation.

A viewfinder 204 is provided on the back side of the main body 200, and displays an image taken from the camera lens 201, a character image, and the like during a recording operation and a standby state. The user can shoot while looking at the viewfinder 204. Further, the disc slot 203, the video output terminal T
1. A headphone / line terminal T2 and an I / F terminal T3 are provided. The disk slot 203 is a slot portion for inserting or ejecting a disk as a recording medium corresponding to the video camera of this example. The video output terminal T1 is a terminal for outputting a reproduced image signal or the like to an external video device, and the headphone / line terminal T2 is a terminal for outputting a reproduced audio signal to an external audio device or headphones. The I / F terminal T3 is, for example, an input / output terminal of an interface for performing data transmission with an external data device.

Furthermore, various parts (300 to 309) for user operation are provided in each part of the main body 200. The main dial 300 is for turning on / off the video camera.
An operator for setting off, recording operation, and reproduction operation. When the main dial is at the "OFF" position as shown in the figure, the power is off. When the main dial is turned to the "STBY" position, the power is turned on and the recording operation is in a standby state. Further, by turning to the position of “PB”, the power is turned on and a standby state of the reproducing operation is set.

The release key 301 functions as a recording start or recording shutter operator when in a recording standby state. For example, when a still image shooting mode described later is set, when the release key 301 is pressed,
The image captured from the camera lens 201 at that time is recorded on the disk as a still image. When the moving image shooting mode described later is set, the release key 30
1 is used for operations for starting and ending moving image recording. Further, in this example, as will be described later, an intermittent audio still image shooting mode and an intermittent audio moving image shooting mode are prepared. In this example, in the case of the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode and the intermittent audio / video shooting mode, the release key 3
It will be described in detail later that the continuous recording of the image and the intermittent recording of the image are started by the operation of No. 01. It is also possible to do.

The photographing mode selector 302 is an operator for selecting each of the above modes prepared for the recording operation. That is, when the shooting mode selector 302
ic ”position, movie shooting mode,“ SPic ”
, The still image shooting mode, “Audio
M ”, the audio / video intermittent shooting mode,“ Au
When the position is “dio · S”, the audio and still image intermittent shooting mode is set. The recording operation in each mode will be described later.

The reproduction mode selector 303 is an operator for selecting each mode prepared for the reproduction operation. When the playback mode selector 303 is set to the position of “Pic”, the image priority playback mode “Audio Con
When the position is "t", the audio continuous reproduction mode is set. The playback operation in each mode will be described later.

A zoom key 304 is an operation element for operating a zoom state (tele side to wide side) for photographing an image. The eject key 305 is
This is an operator for ejecting the disc loaded in the inside. Play / pause key 306, stop key 307,
Search keys 308 and 309 are prepared for various operations during reproduction with respect to the disc.

Note that the appearance of the video camera shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example, and may be changed as appropriate according to the use conditions and the like actually required for the video camera of the present embodiment. Of course, various types of operation elements, operation methods, and connection terminals with external devices can be considered.

3. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the video camera of the present embodiment. The lens block 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, an optical system 11 actually including an imaging lens and a diaphragm. The camera lens 201 shown in FIG. 6 is included in the optical system 11. The lens block 1 includes a focus motor for causing the optical system 11 to perform an autofocus operation, a zoom motor for moving the zoom lens based on the operation of the zoom key 304, and the like.
Provided as

The camera block 2 is provided with a circuit section for mainly converting image light photographed by the lens block 1 into a digital image signal. For the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 21 of the camera block 2,
An optical image of the subject transmitted through the optical system 11 is provided. C
In the CD 21, an image pickup signal is generated by performing photoelectric conversion on the optical image, and a sample hold / AGC (A
utomatic Gain Control) circuit 22. The sample hold / AGC circuit 22 adjusts the gain of the imaging signal output from the CCD 21 and performs waveform shaping by performing sample hold processing. The output of the sample hold / AGC circuit 2 is a video A / D
By being supplied to the converter 23, it is converted into digital image signal data.

The above CCD 21, sample hold / AG
Signal processing timing in the C circuit 22 and the video A / D converter 23 is controlled by a timing signal generated by a timing generator 24. The timing generator 24 receives a clock used for signal processing in a data processing / system control circuit 31 (in the video signal processing circuit 3) described later and generates a required timing signal based on the clock. Is done. Thereby, the signal processing timing in the camera block 2 is synchronized with the processing timing in the video signal processing unit 3. Camera controller 2
Reference numeral 5 is for performing necessary control so that each of the functional circuit units provided in the camera block 2 operates properly, and for performing autofocus, automatic exposure adjustment, aperture adjustment, zooming, and the like on the lens block 1. Is controlled. For example, in the case of auto-focus control, the camera controller 25 performs, based on focus control information obtained in accordance with a predetermined
Controls the rotation angle of the focus motor. As a result, the imaging lens is driven to be in the just-focused state.

At the time of recording, the video signal processing unit 3 performs a compression process on the digital image signal supplied from the camera block 2 and the digital audio signal obtained by collecting sound by the microphone 202, and compresses the compressed data. The data is supplied to the subsequent media drive unit 4 as user recording data. Further, an image generated from the digital image signal and the character image supplied from the camera block 2 is supplied to the viewfinder drive unit 207 and displayed on the viewfinder 204. Further, at the time of reproduction, demodulation processing is performed on user reproduction data (data read from the disk 51) supplied from the media drive unit 4, that is, image signal data and audio signal data that have been subjected to compression processing, and these are reproduced. , And output as a reproduced audio signal.

In this example, as a compression / expansion processing method for image signal data (image data), MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 is adopted for moving images, and JPEG (Joint Photographic) is applied for still images.
Coding Experts Group). The audio signal data compression / expansion processing method includes ATR
AC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) 2 shall be adopted.

The data processing / system control circuit 31 of the video signal processing section 3 mainly performs control processing relating to compression / expansion processing of image signal data and audio signal data in the video signal processing section 3 and the video signal processing section 3. Executes the process for controlling the input and output of data passing through. The data processing / system control circuit 31
The control processing for the entire video signal processing unit 3 including
The video controller 38 is made to execute. The video controller 38 includes, for example, a microcomputer and the like, and can communicate with the camera controller 25 of the camera block 2 and a driver controller 46 of the media drive unit 4 described later via, for example, a bus line (not shown). Have been.

As a basic operation at the time of recording in the video signal processing section 3, the image signal data supplied from the video A / D converter 23 of the camera block 2 is input to the data processing / system control circuit 31. The data processing / system control circuit 31 supplies the input image signal data to, for example, the motion detection circuit 35. The motion detection circuit 35 performs image processing such as motion compensation on the input image signal data while using the memory 36 as a work area, and then supplies the processed image signal data to the MPEG2 video signal processing circuit 33.

In the MPEG2 video signal processing circuit 33, for example, while using the memory 34 as a work area, the input image signal data is subjected to a compression process in accordance with the MPEG2 format, and a compressed data bit stream (MPEG2 Bit stream). In the MPEG2 video signal processing circuit 33, for example, when extracting image data as a still image from image signal data as a moving image and performing compression processing on the extracted image data, the compressed image data as a still image in accordance with the JPEG format is used. Is configured to generate It should be noted that JPEG was not adopted and MPEG
As compressed image data in the second format, an I picture (Intra Picture), which is regular image data, may be treated as still image data. MPEG
The image signal data (compressed image data) compressed and encoded by the two-video signal processing circuit 33 is written into the buffer memory 32 at a predetermined transfer rate and temporarily stored. In the MPEG2 format, as is well known, a so-called encoding bit rate (data rate) is used as a constant bit rate (CBR).
ate) and a variable bit rate (VBR), and the video signal processing unit 3 can cope with these.

The audio compression encoder / decoder 37 includes:
A / D converter 64 (display / image / audio input / output unit 6)
For example, the sound collected by the microphone 202 is input as digital sound signal data. The audio compression encoder / decoder 37 performs compression processing on the input audio signal data in accordance with the ATRAC2 format as described above. This compressed audio signal data is also written into the buffer memory 32 by the data processing / system control circuit 31 at a predetermined transfer rate, and is temporarily stored here.

As described above, the compressed image data and the compressed audio signal data can be stored in the buffer memory 32. The buffer memory 32 mainly absorbs a speed difference between the data transfer rate between the camera block 2 or the display / image / audio input / output unit 6 and the buffer memory 32 and the data transfer rate between the buffer memory 32 and the media drive unit 4. Has a function for Buffer memory 3
The compressed image data and the compressed audio signal data stored in 2 are read out sequentially at a predetermined timing during recording, and transmitted to the MD-DATA2 encoder / decoder 41 of the media drive unit 4. However, for example, during the reproduction, the reading of the data stored in the buffer memory 32 and the operation of recording the read data from the media drive unit 4 to the disk 51 via the deck unit 5 are performed intermittently. No problem. Such control of writing and reading data to and from the buffer memory 32 is executed by, for example, the data processing / system control circuit 31.

The operation at the time of reproduction in the video signal processing section 3 is roughly as follows. At the time of reproduction, compressed image data and compressed audio signal data (user reproduction data) read from the disk 51 and decoded according to the MD-DATA2 format by the processing of the MD-DATA2 encoder / decoder 41 (in the media drive unit 4) Data processing / system control circuit 31
Will be transmitted. The data processing / system control circuit 31 temporarily stores the input compressed image data and compressed audio signal data in the buffer memory 32, for example. Then, the compressed image data and the compressed audio signal data are read from the buffer memory 32 at a required timing and at a transfer rate at which the reproduction time axis can be matched.
The compressed audio signal data is supplied to the video signal processing circuit 33, and the compressed audio signal data is supplied to the audio compression encoder / decoder 37.

In the MPEG2 video signal processing circuit 33,
Decompresses the input compressed image data,
It is transmitted to the data processing / system control circuit 31. In the data processing / system control circuit 31,
The expanded image signal data is supplied to the video D / A converter 61 (in the display / image / audio input / output unit 6). The audio compression encoder / decoder 37 performs an expansion process on the input compressed audio signal data,
/ A converter 65 (in display / image / audio input / output unit 6)
To supply.

In the display / image / sound input / output unit 6,
The image signal data input to the video D / A converter 61 is converted into an analog image signal here, and is branched and input to the display controller 62 and the composite signal processing circuit 63. The display controller 62 drives the display unit 6A based on the input image signal. As a result, a reproduced image is displayed on the display unit 6A. Further, in the display unit 6A, not only an image obtained by reproducing from the disk 51 but also a captured image obtained by photographing with a camera part including the lens block 1 and the camera block 2 is naturally displayed. It is possible to display and output almost in real time. Further, in addition to the reproduced image and the captured image, as described above, a message display such as a character or a character for notifying the user of a required message in accordance with the operation of the device is also performed. Such a message display should be output from the data processing / system control circuit 31 to the video D / A converter 61 so that required characters, characters, and the like are displayed at predetermined positions under the control of the video controller 38, for example. Processing for synthesizing image signal data of required characters, characters, and the like may be performed on the image signal data.

The composite signal processing circuit 63 converts the analog image signal supplied from the video D / A converter 61 into a composite signal and outputs the composite signal to the video output terminal T1. For example, if a connection is made to an external monitor device or the like via the video output terminal T1, an image reproduced by the video camera can be displayed on the external monitor device.

In the display / image / sound input / output unit 6, the sound signal data input from the sound compression encoder / decoder 37 to the D / A converter 65 is converted into an analog sound signal here, and the signal is supplied to a headphone / line terminal. T
2 is output. In addition, the analog audio signal output from the D / A converter 65 is also branched and output to the speaker SP via the amplifier 66, whereby the reproduced audio and the like are output from the speaker SP. Become.

The media drive unit 4 mainly encodes the recording data according to the MD-DATA2 format so as to conform to the disc recording and transmits the encoded data to the deck unit 5 at the time of recording. By performing decoding processing on the read data, reproduction data is obtained and transmitted to the video signal processing unit 3.

The MD-DAT of the media drive unit 4
When recording, the A2 encoder / decoder 41
Recording data (compressed image data + compressed audio signal data) is input from the data processing / system control circuit 31, the recording data is subjected to a predetermined encoding process in accordance with the MD-DATA2 format, and the encoded data is temporarily stored. The data is stored in the buffer memory 42. Then, the data is transmitted to the deck unit 5 while being read at a required timing.

At the time of reproduction, the digital reproduction signal read from the disk 51 and input via the RF signal processing circuit 44 and the binarization circuit 43 is subjected to MD-DAT.
A decoding process according to the A2 format is performed, and the data is transmitted to the data processing / system control circuit 31 of the video signal processing unit 3 as reproduction data. Also at this time, if necessary, the reproduced data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 42, and the data read therefrom at a required timing is transmitted to the data processing / system control circuit 31 for output. Such writing / reading control for the buffer memory 42 is performed by the driver controller 46. Note that, for example, when the servo is disengaged due to disturbance or the like during reproduction of the disk 51 and reading of a signal from the disk becomes impossible, the read data is stored in the buffer memory 42 during the period during which the read data is accumulated. If the reproduction operation for the disc is resumed, the chronological continuity as the reproduction data can be maintained.

The RF signal processing circuit 44 includes a disk 51
By performing the required processing on the read signal from
For example, it generates an RF signal as reproduction data, a servo control signal such as a focus error signal and a tracking error signal for servo control of the deck unit 5, and the like. RF
The signal is binarized by the binarization circuit 43 as described above, and input to the MD-DATA2 encoder / decoder 41 as digital signal data. The generated various servo control signals are supplied to the servo circuit 45. In the servo circuit 45, based on the input servo control signal,
The required servo control in the deck section 5 is executed.

In this example, MD-DATA1
An encoder / decoder 47 corresponding to the format is provided. The encoder / decoder 47 encodes the recording data supplied from the video signal processing unit 3 in accordance with the MD-DATA1 format and records the encoded data on the disk 51. It is also possible to perform decoding processing on data encoded in accordance with the MD-DATA1 format, and transmit and output it to the video signal processing unit 3. That is, as the video camera of this example, the MD-DATA2 format and the MD-DATA2 format are used.
It is configured to obtain compatibility with the DATA1 format. The driver controller 46 is a functional circuit unit for controlling the media drive unit 4 as a whole.

The deck section 5 is a part comprising a mechanism for driving the disk 51. Although not shown here, in the deck section 5, the disk 5 to be loaded is
1 is detachable and has a mechanism (disc slot 203 (see FIG. 6)) that can be replaced by a user's work. Further, it is assumed that the disk 51 here is a magneto-optical disk corresponding to the MD-DATA2 format or the MD-DATA1 format.

In the deck section 5, a spindle motor 5 for rotating the loaded disk 51 by CLV is used.
2 is driven to rotate by the CLV. The optical head 53 irradiates the disk 51 with laser light during recording / reproduction. The optical head 53 performs high-level laser output for heating the recording track to the Curie temperature during recording, and performs relatively low-level laser output for detecting data from reflected light by the magnetic Kerr effect during reproduction. . Therefore, the optical head 53
Although not shown in detail here, a laser diode as a laser output unit, an optical system including a polarizing beam splitter and an objective lens, and a detector for detecting reflected light are mounted. The objective lens provided in the optical head 53 is held by a biaxial mechanism so as to be displaceable in a radial direction of the disk and in a direction of coming and coming from the disk.

The optical head 5 with the disk 51 interposed therebetween
A magnetic head 54 is arranged at a position facing 3. The magnetic head 54 performs an operation of applying a magnetic field modulated by recording data to the disk 51. Although not shown, the thread motor 55
And a thread mechanism driven by the thread mechanism. By driving the sled mechanism, the entire optical head 53 and the magnetic head 54 can be moved in the disk radial direction.

The operation unit 7 is provided with each of the operation elements 300 to 300 shown in FIG.
309, and various kinds of operation information of the user by these operators are supplied to, for example, the video controller 38.
The video controller 38 supplies, to the camera controller 25 and the driver controller 46, operation information and control information for causing each unit to execute necessary operations according to a user operation.

The external interface 8 is provided so that data can be mutually transmitted between the video camera and the external device. For example, as shown in the figure, the external interface 8 is provided between the I / F terminal T3 and the video signal processing unit. Can be The external interface 8 is not particularly limited here, but may be, for example, IEEE 1394 or the like. For example, when an external digital imaging device and the video camera of this embodiment are connected via the I / F terminal T3, it becomes possible to record an image (audio) captured by the video camera on the external digital imaging device. . In addition, image (sound) data reproduced by an external digital image device or the like is captured via the external interface 8 so that MD-
It is also possible to record on the disk 51 in accordance with the DATA2 (or MD-DATA1) format.

The power supply block 9 supplies a required level of power supply voltage to each functional circuit unit using a DC power supply obtained from a built-in battery or a DC power supply generated from a commercial AC power supply. The power supply on / off by the power supply block 9 is controlled by the video controller 38 in accordance with the operation of the main dial 300 described above. During the recording operation, the video controller 38 causes the indicator 206 to emit light.

4. Configuration of Media Drive Unit Next, as the configuration of the media drive unit 4 shown in FIG. 4, a detailed configuration in which a functional circuit unit corresponding to MD-DATA2 is extracted will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 5, the deck unit 5 is shown together with the media drive unit 4. However, since the internal configuration of the deck unit 5 has been described with reference to FIG. 4, the same reference numerals as in FIG. I do. In the media drive unit 4 shown in FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the ranges corresponding to the blocks in FIG.

Information detected by the data read operation of the optical head 53 from the disk 51 (photocurrent obtained by detecting laser reflected light by a photodetector)
Is supplied to the RF amplifier 101 in the RF signal processing circuit 44. The RF amplifier 101 generates a reproduction RF signal as a reproduction signal from the input detection information and supplies the reproduction RF signal to the binarization circuit 43. The binarization circuit 43 binarizes the input reproduction RF signal to obtain a digital reproduction RF signal (binary RF signal). This binarized RF signal is supplied to the MD-DATA2 encoder / decoder 41, and first, the AGC / clamp circuit 103
Are input to the equalizer / PLL circuit 104 after gain adjustment, clamp processing, and the like have been performed. The equalizer / PLL circuit 104 performs an equalizing process on the input binary RF signal, and
5 is output. In addition, binarization R after equalizing processing
By inputting the F signal to the PLL circuit, the binarized RF
Clock C synchronized with signal (RLL (1,7) code string)
Extract LK.

The frequency of the clock CLK corresponds to the current disk rotation speed. Therefore, the CLV processor 11
1, the clock C is output from the equalizer / PLL circuit 104.
LK is input, error information is obtained by comparing with a reference value corresponding to a predetermined CLV speed (see FIG. 3), and this error information is used as a signal component for generating a spindle error signal SPE. Further, the clock CLK includes, for example, the RLL (1, 7) demodulation circuit 106 and the like.
It is used as a clock for processing in a required signal processing circuit system.

The Viterbi decoder 105 has an equalizer / P
The binary RF signal input from the LL circuit 104 is subjected to a decoding process according to a so-called Viterbi decoding method. As a result, reproduced data as an RLL (1, 7) code string is obtained. This reproduced data is RLL (1,
7) The signal is input to the demodulation circuit 106, where RLL (1,
7) The data stream is subjected to demodulation.

The data stream obtained by the demodulation processing in the RLL (1, 7) demodulation circuit 106 is written to the buffer memory 42 via the data bus 114 and is developed on the buffer memory 42. The data stream expanded on the buffer memory 42 in this manner is first subjected to error correction processing in error correction block units according to the RS-PC system by the ECC processing circuit 116, and further descramble / E
The DC decoding circuit 117 performs a descrambling process and an EDC decoding process (error detection process). The data processed so far is the reproduction data DA
TAp. The reproduction data DATAp is transmitted at a transfer rate according to the transfer clock generated by the transfer clock generation circuit 121, for example, from the descrambling / EDC decoding circuit 117 to the data processing / processing of the video signal processing unit 3.
The data is transmitted to the system control circuit 31.

The transfer clock generation circuit 121 is, for example,
When a crystal clock is used for data transmission between the media drive unit 4 and the video signal processing unit 3 and data transmission between functional circuit units in the media drive unit 4,
This is a portion for generating a transfer clock having a frequency appropriately determined.

The detection information (photocurrent) read from the disk 51 by the optical head 53 is transmitted to the matrix amplifier 1
07 is also supplied. The matrix amplifier 107 performs required arithmetic processing on the input detection information, thereby obtaining a tracking error signal TE, a focus error signal FE, and groove information (absolute address information recorded as a wobbled groove WG on the disk 51) GFM. Are supplied to the servo circuit 45. That is, the extracted tracking error signal TE and focus error signal FE are supplied to the servo processor 112, and the groove information GFM is stored in the ADIP bandpass filter 108.
Supplied to

The groove information GFM band-limited by the ADIP band-pass filter 108 is supplied to an A / B track detection circuit 109, an ADIP decoder 110, and a CLV.
It is supplied to the processor 111. In the A / B track detecting circuit 109, based on the input groove information GFM, for example, the track currently being traced is determined based on the method described with reference to FIG.
A, TR or B is determined, and the track determination information is transmitted to the driver controller 46.
Output to The ADIP decoder 110 decodes the input groove information GFM to extract an ADIP signal, which is absolute address information on the disk, and outputs the signal to the driver controller 46. The driver controller 46 executes necessary control processing based on the track identification information and the ADIP signal.

The CLV processor 111 receives the clock CLK from the equalizer / PLL circuit 104 and the groove information GFM via the ADIP bandpass filter 108. The CLV processor 111 generates a spindle error signal SPE for CLV servo control based on, for example, an error signal obtained by integrating a phase error between the groove information GFM and the clock CLK, and outputs the spindle error signal SPE to the servo processor 112. The required operation to be executed by the CLV processor 111 is controlled by the driver controller 46.

The servo processor 112 receives various servo control signals based on the tracking error signal TE, the focus error signal FE, the spindle error signal SPE, the track jump command, the access command, etc. from the driver controller 46. (A tracking control signal, a focus control signal, a thread control signal, a spindle control signal, and the like) are generated and output to the servo driver 113. In the servo driver 113,
A required servo drive signal is generated based on the servo control signal supplied from the servo processor 112. Here, the servo drive signal includes a two-axis drive signal (two types of focus direction and tracking direction) for driving the two-axis mechanism, a sled motor drive signal for driving the sled mechanism, and a spindle motor drive signal for driving the spindle motor 52. Becomes By supplying such a servo drive signal to the deck section 5, focus control and tracking control on the disk 51 and CLV control on the spindle motor 52 are performed.

When the recording operation is performed on the disk 51, for example, the data processing /
Scramble / ED from system control circuit 31
The recording data DATAR for the C encoding circuit 115
Will be input. This user record data DAT
Ar is input in synchronization with, for example, a transfer clock generated by the transfer clock generation circuit 121.

Scramble / EDC encoding circuit 11
In step 5, for example, the recording data DATAR is written into the buffer memory 42 and developed,
DC encoding processing (addition processing of an error detection code by a predetermined method) is performed. After this processing, for example, the ECC processing circuit 116 adds an error correction code according to the RS-PC method to the recording data DATAR developed in the buffer memory 42. The recording data DATAR that has been processed up to this point is read from the buffer memory 42 and transmitted to the RL via the data bus 114.
The signal is supplied to the L (1, 7) modulation circuit 118.

In the RLL (1, 7) modulation circuit 118, RLL (1, 7) is applied to the input recording data DATAR.
7) A modulation process is performed, and the recording data as the RLL (1, 7) code string is output to the magnetic head drive circuit 119.

Incidentally, in the MD-DATA2 format, a so-called laser strobe magnetic field modulation system is adopted as a recording system for a disk. The laser strobe magnetic field modulation method refers to a recording method in which a magnetic field modulated by recording data is applied to a recording surface of a disk, and a laser beam to be irradiated on the disk is pulsed in synchronization with the recording data. In such a laser strobe magnetic field modulation method, the process of forming a pit edge recorded on a disk does not depend on transient characteristics such as the reversal speed of a magnetic field, but is determined by the laser pulse irradiation timing. For this reason, the laser strobe magnetic field modulation method is compared with, for example, a simple magnetic field modulation method (a method in which a laser beam is constantly irradiated onto a disk and a magnetic field modulated by recording data is applied to a disk recording surface). In this case, it is possible to make the jitter of the recording pit extremely small. That is, the laser strobe magnetic field modulation method is a recording method advantageous for high-density recording.

The magnetic head drive circuit 119 of the media drive unit 4 operates so that a magnetic field modulated by the input recording data is applied from the magnetic head 54 to the disk 51. Further, the RLL (1, 7) modulation circuit 118 outputs a clock synchronized with the recording data to the laser driver 120. The laser driver 120 controls the optical head 5 so that the disk is irradiated with a laser pulse synchronized with recording data generated as a magnetic field by the magnetic head 54 based on the input clock.
The third laser diode is driven. At this time, the laser pulse emitted and output from the laser diode is based on a required laser power suitable for recording. In this way, the recording operation as the laser strobe magnetic field modulation method is enabled by the media drive unit 4 of the present embodiment.

5. Still image shooting mode The recording operation by the video camera of this example includes four modes of a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, an audio still image intermittent shooting mode, and an audio / video intermittent shooting mode by operating the shooting mode selector 302 as described above. The operation is possible. First, the recording operation in the still image shooting mode will be described. This still image shooting mode has a shooting operation substantially similar to that of a conventional so-called still camera, and the moving image shooting mode described below has a shooting operation substantially similar to that of a conventional video camera. The intermittent audio still image shooting mode and the intermittent audio moving image shooting mode, which are characteristic recording operations in this example, will be described later in detail. That is, the video camera of the present example can not only perform a new recording operation which has not been available as the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode and the intermittent audio / video shooting mode, but also can use the conventional still mode as the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode. A recording operation equivalent to that of a camera or a video camera is also enabled.

Although not described sequentially, all recording operations as operation examples in the respective modes which will be sequentially described below are all performed based on the overall operation control by the video controller 38.
It is realized mainly by control of each unit in the video signal processing unit 3 by the data processing / system control circuit 31 and control of each unit in the media drive unit 4 by the driver controller 46. That is, the recording operation described above in the description of the configuration of the video camera is executed based on control in each mode. 7, 8, 9, 13, and 1 schematically show operation examples in each mode.
5, FIG. 19, FIG. 23, and FIG. 26. In these figures, the horizontal axis indicates the time axis, and during the shaded period, the signal input as an image or sound
1 shows a period that is treated as a signal recorded.

First, various operation modes can be considered as a recording operation in the still image shooting mode in the video camera of the present embodiment. Here, type 1 is shown in FIGS.
The operation mode as shown as type 3 will be described as an example.

[Type 1] The type 1 recording operation shown in FIG. 7A assumes that no sound is recorded in the still image shooting mode, and only a still image is recorded as in the case of photographing. I have. That is, a period during which the main dial 300 is in the recording standby state (tST to tSTE).
When the still image shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the still image captured and encoded from the camera block 2 at that time at the timing RS when the release key 301 is pressed as shown in the figure. Is an operation of recording an image signal (an image signal for one frame) on the disk 51.

[Type 2] In the type 2 recording operation shown in FIG. 7B, in the case of the still image shooting mode, a still image is recorded and the microphone 202 is kept for a certain period from that time.
This is an operation method in which the voice input from the PC is also recorded. That is, during the period in which the main dial 300 is in the recording standby mode (tST to tSTE), and when the still image shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the release key 301 is
Is pressed at the timing RS, an image signal (an image signal for one frame) as a still image fetched and encoded from the camera block 2 at that time is disc 5
Record in 1. Further, in the period T1 as a certain specific time length from the timing RS, the microphone 2
The sound input from 02 is also recorded on the disk 51.

[Type 3] In the type 3 recording operation shown in FIG. 7C, in the case of the still image shooting mode, a still image is recorded, and the sound input from the microphone 202 for a certain period before and after that time is recorded. This is an operation method in which the data is also recorded. That is, during the period in which the main dial 300 is in the recording standby mode (tST to tSTE), and when the still image shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the release key 301 is pressed as illustrated. At the timing RS, an image signal (an image signal for one frame) as a still image captured and encoded at that time from the camera block 2
Is recorded on the disk 51. The sound input from the microphone 202 and the time T1 from the timing RS from the time T2 past the timing RS.
The sound input from the microphone 202 is recorded on the disk 51 until the time elapses. It is possible to record the audio past the timing TS by utilizing the buffer memory 32 or the buffer memory 42. That is, since the audio signal obtained by encoding the input audio signal for recording is stored only in the buffer memory 32 or the buffer memory 42 for a certain period, the encoded audio data in the T2 period before the timing TS is stored in the buffer memory 32. By reading from the buffer memory 32 or the buffer memory 42, the data can be recorded on the disk 51.

In addition to these types 1 to 3, an operation example in the still image shooting mode can be considered. For example, an example in which an audio signal is recorded only in the period T2 in FIG.

6. Moving image shooting mode An example of a recording operation in the moving image shooting mode in the video camera of this example is shown as type 1 and type 2 in FIGS. In these operation examples, basically, both the moving image signal and the audio signal are recorded in the moving image shooting mode.

[Type 1] The type 1 recording operation shown in FIG. 8A is an example in which the release key 301 is used as an operator for starting and ending the photographing operation. That is, the period during which the main dial 300 is in the recording standby state (tS
T to tSTE) and when the moving image shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the timing RS when the release key 301 is pressed as shown in the figure.
At this point, an image signal which is taken in from the camera block 2 and encoded from that point is recorded on the disk 51, and a sound is collected from the microphone 202 and the encoded audio signal is recorded on the disk 51. When the release key 301 is pressed again during this recording operation, it is treated as a recording end operation, and the recording is stopped. That is, the moving image signal and the audio signal input after that point are not recorded on the disk 90.

[Type 2] The type 2 recording operation shown in FIG. 8B is an example in which the release key 301 is used as an operator for continuing the photographing operation. That is, a period during which the main dial 300 is in the recording standby state (tST to tSTE).
When the moving image shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, as shown in the figure, during a period RSC during which the release key 301 is kept pressed, an image signal taken from the camera block 2 and encoded, And the encoded audio signal input from the microphone 202 is recorded on the disk 51. When the release key is released, the recording operation ends.

In addition to these types 1 and 2, an operation example in the moving image shooting mode can be considered. For example, an example in which recording is not performed for an audio signal may be considered.

7. Next, a recording operation in the audio still image intermittent photographing mode, which is a characteristic operation of the present example, will be described. In the audio still image intermittent shooting mode, basically, during the recording operation period from the recording start operation to the recording end operation, the input audio is continuously recorded on the disc 51. This is an operation of recording images intermittently. That is, an operation of extracting a still image signal at a certain point in time from the image signal continuously input from the camera block 2 during the recording operation and recording the same on the disk 51 is performed. Various operation examples are considered as the audio still image intermittent shooting mode, and any operation may be actually adopted. Hereinafter, various operation examples will be sequentially described as mode I to mode III.

7-1 Mode I (Type 1 to Type 3) Mode I in the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode is an operation example in which a still image signal is recorded at regular intervals as an intermittent still image signal recording. It is. Various types of mode I are also conceivable, and FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show three operation examples as type 1, type 2, and type 3.

[Type 1] First, an operation example as Type 1 in Mode I will be described with reference to FIGS.
In this operation example, the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, while the still image signal is recorded at regular time intervals after a certain time has elapsed from the start of recording. . That is, when the main dial 300 is used for recording standby, and when the intermittent audio / still image photographing mode is selected by the photographing mode selector 302, the timing at which the release key 301 is pressed is the recording start timing ts, and FIG. As shown in (2), the recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed from the timing ts. On the other hand, the recording of the still image signal is on standby for a specific time T4 from the timing ts, and is performed every time T5 after the elapse of the time T4. This operation is performed until the next time the release key 301 is pressed, that is, until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 10 shows a control process by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing such a type 1 operation. When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode, the process proceeds from step F101 to step F102, where the internal timer T is first reset to start counting. Subsequently, in step F103, the recording operation of the audio signal input from the microphone 202 and encoded on the disk 51 is started. When the recording operation is started in this way, the recording end operation (that is, the operation of the release key 301 again) is monitored in step F104, and whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T4 is monitored in step F105. ing.

When the elapse of the time T4 is confirmed at a certain time, the process proceeds from step F105 to F106, where the timer T is reset again to start counting, and at step F107, the timer T is fetched from the camera block 2 at that time and encoded. Image signal for one frame
That is, an operation of recording a still image signal on the disk 51 is executed. Thereafter, in step F108, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored, and in step F109, whether or not the count of the timer T has reached time T5 is monitored. When it is confirmed that the time T5 has elapsed, the process returns from step F109 to F106, resets the timer T and starts counting, and
In step F107, an operation of recording an image signal for one frame, which is fetched from the camera block 2 at that time and encoded, that is, a still image signal on the disk 51 is executed.

If the recording end operation is confirmed in step F104 or F108, the process proceeds to step F110,
The recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51 which has been continued up to that point is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated. By the above processing, the input sound is continuously recorded on the disk 51 during the recording period as shown in FIG.
With respect to the input image signal, an operation of recording the still image signal on the disk 51 every T5 time is realized starting from the time when the time T4 has elapsed from the start of the recording.

[Type 2] Next, an operation example as Type 2 in Mode I will be described with reference to FIGS. In this operation example, the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, while the still image signal is recorded at regular intervals from the recording start time. That is, when the main dial 300 is set to the recording standby mode, and the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the recording start timing ts when the release key 301 is pressed starts the recording start timing ts in FIG.
As shown in (b), the recording of the input audio signal is continuously performed, while the recording of the still image signal is performed every time T5 from the timing ts. Such an operation is performed until the recording end timing te when the release key 301 is pressed next time.

FIG. 11 shows control processing by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing this type 2 operation.
If the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / still image intermittent shooting mode, the video controller 38 proceeds to steps F121 to F12.
Proceeding to 2, the recording operation of the audio signal input from the microphone 202 and encoded on the disk 51 is started. At this point, an operation of recording an image signal for one frame, that is, a still image signal, which is captured from the camera block 2 and encoded, is executed in step F123.

When the recording operation is started in this way, the internal timer T is reset to start counting in step F124. In step F125, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored.
In step F126, it is monitored whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T5.

If it is confirmed at a certain time that the time T5 has elapsed, the process returns from the step F126 to the step F123, at which time the 1 which is taken in from the camera block 2 and encoded is 1
An image signal for a frame, that is, a still image signal
1 is performed. And step F1
At 24, the timer T is reset again to start counting, and the monitoring processing of steps F125 and F126 is performed.

If the recording end operation is confirmed in step F125, the process proceeds to step F127, where the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated. According to the above processing, the input sound is continuously recorded on the disk 51 during the recording period as shown in FIG. 9B, and the input image signal is recorded every T5 hours starting from the recording start time. Then, the operation of being recorded on the disk 51 as a still image signal is realized.

[Type 3] Next, an operation example of Type 3 in Mode I will be described with reference to FIGS. In this operation example, the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, while the still image signal is recorded at regular intervals from the recording start time. However, this is an example in which recording of a still image is not performed at the start of recording. That is, when the recording mode is set to the recording standby mode by the main dial 300 and the audio / still image intermittent shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the recording start timing ts when the release key 301 is pressed is changed.
As shown in FIG. 9C, the recording of the input audio signal is continuously performed, while the recording of the still image signal is performed every time T5 elapses, starting from the time T5 after the timing ts. . This is the next release key.
The process is executed until the recording end timing te at which 01 is pressed.

FIG. 12 shows a control process by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing such a type 3 operation. When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / still image intermittent shooting mode, the process proceeds from step F141 to step F142, and the video controller 38 transmits the audio signal input from the microphone 202 to the disk 51 to be encoded. Start the recording operation.

When the recording operation is started in this way, the internal timer T is reset and the counting is started in step F143. In step F144, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored.
In step F145, it is monitored whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T5.

If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the time T5 has elapsed, the process proceeds from the step F145 to the step F146, at which point the data is fetched from the camera block 2 and encoded.
An image signal for a frame, that is, a still image signal
1 is performed. And step F1
Returning to step 43, the timer T is reset again to start counting, and the monitoring processing of steps F144 and F145 is performed.

If the recording end operation is confirmed in step F144, the flow advances to step F147 to end the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued up to that point, and end a series of recording operations. With the above processing, the input sound is continuously recorded on the disk 51 during the recording period as shown in FIG. 9C, and the input image signal is output at the time T5 after the start of recording. , The operation of recording the still image signal on the disk 51 every T5 time is realized.

In the above, in the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode, various operation examples of mode I for recording a still image at regular intervals have been described as type 1 to type 3, but there are other operation examples of various types. Conceivable. By recording a still image at regular intervals in this manner, it is possible to intermittently record a still image without burdening the user in a recording operation mainly for voice recording.

The time value of T5 time as a fixed time interval for still image recording and the time value of T4 time in the type 1 can be selected and set by the user, for example, during the recording operation. It is also conceivable that the time value can be changed anytime. That is, the time interval at which a still image is recorded may be adjusted according to the user's purpose or preference. Further, it is conceivable that the video controller 38 or the like automatically variably sets the time value of the T5 time according to the remaining recordable capacity of the disk 51 or the like.

7-2 Mode II Mode II in the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode is an operation example in which a still image signal is recorded at a timing according to a user's operation as an intermittent still image signal recording.

An operation example in the mode II will be described with reference to FIGS. In this operation example, the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, while the still image signal is recorded at the timing specified by the user.

In this case, the operation of the user is as follows.
Since an operation of a still image recording instruction is required separately from the recording start / end operation, an operation method that enables these operations must be set. For example, start recording /
The end operation is performed by double-pressing (double-clicking) the release key 301, and the still image recording instruction operation is performed by pressing the release key 301
As a single push (single click) or the like, the release key may be used alone. Of course, the reverse is also possible. Alternatively, the recording start / end operation and the still image recording instruction operation are distinguished by a short press of the release key 301 (for example, pressing for less than 1 second) and a long press of the release key 301 (for example, continuous pressing for 1 second or more). Is also good. Alternatively, a dedicated operator for instructing recording of a still image may be provided separately from the release key 301. Alternatively, the release key 301 may be used as a control for instructing recording of a still image, and a dedicated control for starting recording (start / end of audio recording) may be provided. Further, for example, the main dial 300
Is set to the operation of instructing the start of audio recording with the power on when turning to the recording standby position, and the operation of ending the audio recording operation with the power off when returning to the power off position, and execute this audio recording. The pressing of the release key 301 during the operation may be determined to be a still image recording instruction operation.

In the following description, it is assumed that a recording start / end operation adopts an operation method of double-pressing the release key 301 and a still image recording instruction operation adopts an operation method of pressing the release key 301 once. .

In this operation example, recording standby is set by the main dial 300 and the photographing mode selector 302
When the audio still image intermittent shooting mode is selected, the timing at which the release key 301 is double-pressed is the recording start timing ts, and the recording of the input audio signal continues from the timing ts as shown in FIG. It will be executed. On the other hand, the recording of the still image signal is executed at the timing RS at which the user presses the release key once. This operation is performed until the next time the release key 301 is double-pressed, that is, until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 14 shows a control process by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing such an operation. If the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is double-pressed in the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step F201.
To F202 to start a recording operation on the disk 51 relating to the audio signal input and encoded from the microphone 202. When the recording operation is started in this manner, a recording end operation (for example, a double press operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F203, and a still image recording instruction operation (for example, a single press operation of the release key 301) is performed in step F204. ).

If a still image recording instruction operation is performed at a certain point in time, the process proceeds from step F204 to F205, at which point the data is fetched from the camera block 2 and encoded.
An image signal for a frame, that is, a still image signal
1 is performed. Thereafter, the monitoring processing of steps F203 and F204 is performed again. Step F2
03, when the recording end operation is confirmed, step F2
Proceeding to 06, the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated.

With the above processing, the input sound is continuously recorded on the disk 51 during the recording period as shown in FIG. 13, and the input image signal is converted into a still image signal at the timing designated by the user. Disk 5
1 is realized.

As described above, in the audio / still image intermittent photographing mode, the mode II for recording a still image in accordance with the user's instruction
However, various types of operation examples can be considered. Of course, various still image recording instruction operations can be considered in addition to the above. Then, by performing the still image recording based on the user's instruction in this way, in a recording operation mainly for audio recording, it is likely that the user wants to confirm later a timing suitable for the user, for example, not only the audio but also the image. Still image recording can be performed at an appropriate timing.

7-3 Mode III (Type 1 to Type 3) The mode III in the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode is the recording of an intermittent still image signal as a recording of a still image signal in accordance with the state of an input image signal. This is an operation example of performing the following. As a more specific example, a change in the amount of information as an image signal supplied from the camera block 2 and encoded is monitored to obtain a still image recording timing. As described above, the input image signal is subjected to compression processing as MPEG2 encoding. In the process of performing this compression, the amount of change in the information amount of the image can be known. A change in which the amount of information temporarily increases, and thereafter decreases, is a large change as a captured image,
That is, it can be said that the timing at which a scene change or a scene change occurs. Therefore, by detecting such timing and performing still image recording, image recording according to a scene change or the like becomes possible. Various types can be considered as the mode III. FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D show three operation examples of type 1, type 2, and type 3. FIG. 15A shows a change in information amount of an input image signal.

[Type 1] First, an operation example as Type 1 in Mode III will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B and FIG. In this operation example, while the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, the information amount of the image signal for the still image signal temporarily increases, and thereafter, the information amount decreases and the information amount becomes stable. At this point, recording is performed.

That is, when the main dial 300 is set to the recording standby mode and the shooting mode selector 302 selects the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed from the recording start timing ts when the release key 301 is pressed. On the other hand, with respect to the recording of the still image signal, the information amount of the input image signal as shown in FIG.
, Then the threshold level L
Recording is performed when a time T6 has elapsed from the timing TD that has become less than th. This still image recording timing can be said to be the timing when the scene change as the captured image is completed. This operation is performed until the next time the release key 301 is pressed, that is, until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 16 shows control processing by the video controller 38 and the like for implementing this type 1 operation.
When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / still image intermittent shooting mode, the video controller 38 proceeds to steps F301 to F30.
Proceeding to 2, the recording operation of the audio signal input from the microphone 202 and encoded on the disk 51 is started. When the recording operation is started in this way, a recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F303, and whether or not the information amount of the image signal exceeds the threshold level Lth is monitored in step F304.

If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has exceeded the threshold level Lth, the process proceeds from step F304 to F305 to monitor the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) and to execute step F304.
At 306, the information amount of the image signal is increased to the threshold level Lt.
h is monitored. If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has become smaller than the threshold level Lth, the process proceeds from step F306 to F307 to reset the internal timer T to start counting, and to perform a recording end operation (release operation) in step F308. In step F309, it is monitored whether the count of the timer T has reached the time T6. When it is confirmed that the time T6 has elapsed, the process proceeds from step F309 to F310. At that time, an operation of recording an image signal for one frame that is taken from the camera block 2 and encoded, that is, a still image signal, is executed on the disk 51. Let it. And step F
Return to 303.

Step F303 or F305 or F30
When the recording end operation is confirmed in step S8, step F31
Proceeding to step 1, the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated. By the above processing, as shown in FIG.
During the recording period, the input sound is continuously recorded on the disk 51, and the operation of recording the input image signal on the disk 51 as a still image signal at each timing considered as a scene change is realized.

[Type 2] Next, an example of operation as Type 2 in Mode III will be described with reference to FIGS. In this operation example, while the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, for a still image signal, the information amount of the image signal temporarily increases, and thereafter, when the information amount decreases, , Record it.

In other words, when the main dial 300 is used for recording standby and the shooting mode selector 302 selects the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5C, the recording of the input audio signal is continuously performed from the recording start timing ts when the release key 301 is pressed. On the other hand, regarding the recording of the still image signal, the information amount of the input image signal is monitored. I do. This still image recording timing can be said to be the moment of or immediately after the scene change as a captured image. This operation is performed until the next time the release key 301 is pressed, that is, until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 17 shows a control process by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing this type 2 operation.
When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / still image intermittent shooting mode, the video controller 38 proceeds to steps F321 to F32.
Proceeding to 2, the recording operation of the audio signal input from the microphone 202 and encoded on the disk 51 is started. When the recording operation is started in this way, a recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F323, and whether or not the information amount of the image signal exceeds the threshold level Lth is monitored in step F324.

If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has exceeded the threshold level Lth, the process proceeds from step F324 to step F325, where the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored and the step F324 is performed.
At 326, the information amount of the image signal is increased to the threshold level Lt.
h is monitored. Then, when it is confirmed that the information amount of the image signal has become smaller than the threshold level Lth at a certain point in time, the process proceeds from step F326 to F327, at which point the image signal for one frame which is captured from the camera block 2 and encoded,
That is, an operation of recording a still image signal on the disk 51 is executed. Then, the process returns to step F323.

When the recording end operation is confirmed in step F323 or F325, the process proceeds to step F328,
The recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51 which has been continued up to that point is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated. With the above processing, the input sound is continuously recorded on the disk 51 during the recording period as shown in FIG. 15C, and the input image signal is output at the timing considered to be the moment of or immediately after the scene change. An operation of recording the still image signal on the disk 51 every time is realized.

[Type 3] Next, an operation example of Type 3 in Mode III will be described with reference to FIGS. In this operation example, the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, while the still image signal is recorded when the information amount of the image signal temporarily increases. .

That is, when the main dial 300 is set to the recording standby mode and the photographing mode selector 302 selects the intermittent audio / still image photographing mode, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5D, the recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed from the recording start timing ts when the release key 301 is pressed. On the other hand, regarding the recording of the still image signal, the information amount of the input image signal is monitored, and the recording is performed at a time (timing TU) when the information amount once exceeds a certain threshold level Lth. This still image recording timing can be said to be the timing at the moment when a large image change as a captured image occurs. This operation is performed until the next time the release key 301 is pressed, that is, until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 18 shows control processing by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing this type 3 operation.
If the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / still image intermittent shooting mode, the video controller 38 proceeds to steps F341 to F34.
Proceeding to 2, the recording operation of the audio signal input from the microphone 202 and encoded on the disk 51 is started. When the recording operation is started in this way, a recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F343, and whether or not the information amount of the image signal exceeds the threshold level Lth is monitored in step F344.

If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has exceeded the threshold level Lth, the process proceeds from step F344 to F345, at which point the image signal for one frame which is fetched from the camera block 2 and encoded. That is, an operation of recording a still image signal on the disk 51 is executed. Then, the process proceeds to step F346 to monitor the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) and to monitor in step F347 whether the information amount of the image signal has become smaller than the threshold level Lth. If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has become smaller than the threshold level Lth, the process returns to step F343.

When the recording end operation is confirmed in step F343 or F346, the process proceeds to step F348, and
The recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51 which has been continued up to that point is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated. By the above processing, the input sound is continuously recorded on the disk 51 during the recording period as shown in FIG. 15D, and the input image signal is considered to be the moment when a large image change occurs. An operation of recording the still image signal on the disk 51 at each timing is realized.

As described above, in the audio / still image intermittent photographing mode, various operation examples as mode III in which a still image is recorded in accordance with a change in the information amount of the input image signal are described as type 1 to type 3
However, other examples of various types of operation can be considered. For example, the still image recording may be performed at the timing when the peak of the information amount is determined, or the still image recording may be performed a fixed time after the timing TU that exceeds the threshold level Lth.

By recording a still image in accordance with the state of an image signal as described above, in a recording operation mainly for voice recording, there is no burden on the user and an appropriate timing as a necessary point. Of still images can be recorded. For example, in the above-mentioned type 1, when a lecture or a lecture is being listened to while watching an OHP image or a slide image, a voice of the lecture or the like can be recorded, and the image is automatically recorded every time the OHP image is switched. Such a recording operation very useful for the user is realized. In the type 2, scenes and the like at the time of a scene change can be recorded. Further, type 3 is useful when it is desired to capture a scene where some movement has occurred. For example, the present invention is also suitable for a case where an image of an animal or an insect is desired to be recorded as a still image with the aim of the moment of the operation.

It should be noted that the setting of the threshold level Lth can adjust and set the degree of scene change for obtaining still image recording timing, but this may be adjusted by the user. In addition, T as the above type 1
As for the time value of 6 hours, for example, it is also conceivable to allow the user to select and set, or to change the time value during the recording operation.

8. Audio / Video Intermittent Photographing Mode Next, a recording operation in the audio / video intermittent photography mode, which is a characteristic operation of this example, will be described. The audio / video intermittent shooting mode basically means that during the recording operation period from the recording start operation to the recording end operation, the input audio is continuously recorded on the disc 51. Is recorded intermittently. That is, an operation of recording a moving image signal on the disk 51 in a specific period is performed on an image signal continuously input from the camera block 2 during the recording operation period. Various operation examples can be considered as the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, and any operation may be actually adopted.
Hereinafter, various operation examples will be sequentially described as mode I to mode III.

8-1 Mode I (Type 1 to Type 3) The mode I in the intermittent audio / video intermittent shooting mode is a mode in which the recording of an intermittent moving image signal is started at a specific time interval for a certain period of time. This is an example of the operation for recording the data. Various types can be considered as the mode I. FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C show three operation examples of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3.

[Type 1] First, an example of operation as Type 1 in Mode I will be described with reference to FIGS. In this operation example, while the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, the moving image signal is recorded for a predetermined period at regular time intervals from a point in time when a certain time has elapsed from the start of recording. Like that. That is, when recording standby is set by the main dial 300, and the audio / video intermittent shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the timing at which the release key 301 is pressed is set as the recording start timing ts, and FIG.
As shown in (2), the recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed from the timing ts. On the other hand, the recording of the moving image signal waits for a time T7 from the timing ts, and this time T7
7, starting at the timing of each time T8, the process is performed for each T9 time. This operation is performed until the next time the release key 301 is pressed, that is, until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 20 shows a control process by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing such a type 1 operation. When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, the process proceeds from step F401 to step F401.
Proceeding to 402, the internal timer T is first reset to start counting. Subsequently, in step F403, the recording operation of the audio signal input from the microphone 202 and encoded on the disk 51 is started. When the recording operation is started in this way, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F404, and the timer T counts the time T7 in step F405.
Is monitored to see if it has been reached.

If the elapse of the time T7 is confirmed at a certain point in time, the process proceeds from step F405 to step F406 to reset the timer T again and start counting. In step F407, the timer T is taken in from the camera block 2 at that point and encoded. The operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51 as a moving image signal is started. Thereafter, in step F408, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored, and in step F409
Monitor whether the count of the timer T has reached the time T9. When the elapse of the time T9 is confirmed, the process proceeds from step F409 to F410, and the operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51, which has been performed up to that time, is ended. That is, the image signal captured from the camera block 2 was recorded during the time T9.

When the recording of the moving image signal is completed, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F411, and the timer T is set in step F412.
It is monitored whether or not the count has reached the time T8. When the time T8 has been reached, the process returns to step F406 to reset the timer T and start counting,
In step F407, the camera block 2
Then, the recording operation of the moving image signal which is fetched and encoded on the disk 51 is restarted. Thereafter, similarly, in the processing of steps F406 to F412, T9
Recording of the moving image signal is performed for each time (T8> T9).

When the recording end operation is confirmed in step F404 or F411, the process proceeds to step F414,
The recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51 which has been continued up to that point is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated. Further, when the recording end operation is confirmed in step F408, since the moving image signal is being recorded at that time, step F41 is performed.
At 3, the recording of the moving image signal is terminated. That is, the recording of the image signal ends when the image signal captured from the camera block 2 at that time is recorded on the disk 51. Proceeding to step F414, the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated.

According to the above processing, the input voice continues to be recorded during the recording period as shown in FIG.
As for the input image signal, the operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51 for every T9 time every T8 time from the time point when the time T7 has elapsed from the start of the recording is realized.

[Type 2] Next, an example of the operation as Type 2 in Mode I will be described with reference to FIGS. In this operation example, the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, while the moving image signal is recorded at regular intervals from the recording start time.
That is, when the recording mode is set to the recording standby mode by the main dial 300 and the audio / video intermittent shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the release key 301 is set.
19B from the recording start timing ts when is pressed.
The recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed as shown in
On the other hand, the recording of the moving image signal is performed every T8 time from the timing ts for T9 time. Such an operation is performed until the recording end timing te when the release key 301 is pressed next time.

FIG. 21 shows a control process by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing such a type 2 operation. When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, the process proceeds from step F421 to step F421.
Proceeding to 422, the recording operation of the audio signal input from the microphone 202 and encoded on the disk 51 is started. In step F423, the internal timer T
Is reset to start counting, and from this point, the camera block 2
Then, an operation of recording an image signal which is fetched from and encoded on the disk 51 as a moving image signal is started.

When the recording of the moving image signal is started, a recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is performed in step F425.
Is monitored, and in step F426, whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T9 is monitored. When it is confirmed that the time T9 has elapsed, the process proceeds from step F426 to step F426.
Proceeding to 427, the operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51, which has been executed up to that point, is ended. That is, T
This means that the image signal captured from the camera block 2 has been recorded during 9 hours.

When the recording of the moving image signal is completed, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F428, and the timer T is set in step F429.
It is monitored whether or not the count has reached the time T8. When the time T8 has been reached, the process returns to step F423, resets the timer T and starts counting, and in step F424, records a moving image signal which is taken in from the camera block 2 and encoded from that point on the disk 51. Restart the operation. Step F
In the processing of 423 to F429, recording of the moving image signal is performed for each T8 time (T8> T9).

If the recording end operation is confirmed in step F428, the flow advances to step F431 to end the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued up to that point, and end a series of recording operations. Step F425
When the recording end operation is confirmed in step, since the moving image signal is being recorded at that time, the recording of the moving image signal is ended in step F430. That is, up to the image signal captured from the camera block 2 at that time,
The recording of the image signal is completed when the recording is completed. Proceeding to step F431, the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51 which has been continued up to that point is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated.

With the above processing, the input sound continues to be recorded on the disk 51 during the recording period as shown in FIG.
As for the input image signal, the operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51 for every T9 time every T8 time from the recording start time is realized.

[Type 3] Next, an example of the operation as Type 3 in Mode I will be described with reference to FIGS. In this operation example, the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, while the moving image signal is recorded at regular intervals from the recording start time.
However, this is an example in which the moving image signal is not recorded in a period immediately after the recording start time. That is, when the main dial 300 is set to the recording standby mode and the audio / video intermittent shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302,
Recording start timing ts when release key 301 is pressed
Therefore, the recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed as shown in FIG. 19C, while the recording of the moving image signal starts at the time T8 after the time ts from the timing ts.
Each time 8 passes, the process is performed for T9 time. Such an operation is performed until the recording end timing te when the release key 301 is pressed next time.

FIG. 22 shows control processing by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing this type 3 operation.
When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, the video controller 38 proceeds to steps F441 to F442.
And reset the internal timer T to start counting. Then, in step F443, the microphone 20
The recording operation of the audio signal input from 2 and encoded on the disk 51 is started.

When the recording operation is started in this way, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F444, and the timer T is detected in step F445.
It is monitored whether or not the count has reached the time T8. If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the time T8 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step F44.
From 5, the process proceeds to F 446, where the timer T is reset again to start counting, and at that time, an operation of recording an image signal taken from the camera block 2 and being encoded as a moving image signal on the disk 51 is started. .

When the recording of the moving image signal is started, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is performed in step F448.
Is monitored, and in step F449, whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T9 is monitored. When it is confirmed that the time T9 has elapsed, the process proceeds from step F449 to step F449.
The process proceeds to 450, and the operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51, which has been performed up to that time, is ended. That is, T
This means that the image signal captured from the camera block 2 has been recorded during 9 hours.

After the recording of the moving image signal is completed, the flow returns to step F444 to perform the recording end operation (the release key 301).
), And in step F445, whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T8.
When the time T8 has been reached, steps F446, F
Proceed to 447. That is, similarly, steps F444 to F450
In the process (1), recording of the moving image signal is performed for each T8 time, for each T9 time (T8> T9).

If the recording end operation is confirmed in step F444, the flow advances to step F452 to end the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, and end a series of recording operations. Step F448
When the recording end operation is confirmed in step, since the moving image signal is being recorded at that time, the recording of the moving image signal is ended in step F451. That is, up to the image signal captured from the camera block 2 at that time,
The recording of the image signal is completed when the recording is completed. Then, the process proceeds to step F452 to terminate the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, and terminate a series of recording operations.

With the above processing, the input sound continues to be recorded during the recording period as shown in FIG.
And the input image signal starts from the point in time T8 after the start of recording, and
An operation of recording a moving image signal on the disk 51 every T9 time every 8 hours is realized.

As described above, in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode,
Various operation examples of mode I for performing moving image recording for a fixed time at specific time intervals have been described as type 1 to type 3, but other types of operation examples are also conceivable. By performing moving image recording at specific time intervals in this manner, intermittent moving image recording can be performed without any operation burden on the user in a recording operation mainly for voice recording.

It is to be noted that the user can select and set, for example, a time value of T8 time as an interval for performing moving image recording, a time value of T9 time as an execution period of moving image recording, and a time value of T7 time in the type 1 described above. Or the time value can be changed during the recording operation. That is, the time interval and the recording time for recording a moving image may be adjusted according to the use and preference of the user. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the video controller 38 or the like automatically variably sets the time values of the T8 time and the T9 time according to the remaining recordable capacity of the disk 51 and the like.

8-2 Mode II (Type 1, Type 2) The mode II in the intermittent audio / video intermittent shooting mode is to record a moving image signal at a timing according to a user operation as an intermittent moving image signal recording. It is an operation example to be performed. That is, while the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, the moving image signal is recorded from the timing designated by the user. FIGS. 23A and 23B show type 1 and type 2 as operation examples in mode II.

[Type 1] The operation as Type 1 in Mode II will be described with reference to FIGS. In the type 1 recording operation, the recording of the audio signal is continuously performed by the user's recording start operation, and the recording operation is performed during a period from the timing when the moving image recording start instruction operation is performed to the moving image recording end instruction operation. And a moving image recording.

In this case, the user's operation includes:
Since an operation of a moving image recording start instruction / end instruction is required separately from the recording start / end operation, an operation method that enables these operations must be set. For example, the recording start / end operation is performed by double-pressing (double-clicking) the release key 301, and the moving image recording start / end instruction operation is performed by pressing the release key 301 once (single-click) (and vice versa). There is a method that only uses the release key. Alternatively, the recording start / end operation and the moving image recording start / end instruction operation are performed by pressing the release key 301 for a short time (for example, pressing for less than 1 second) and pressing the release key 301 for a long time (for example, pressing for more than 1 second). May be distinguished. Alternatively, a dedicated operator for moving image recording start instruction / end instruction operation may be provided separately from the release key 301. Alternatively, a release key 301 may be provided as a control for instructing start / end of moving image recording, and a dedicated control for starting recording (start / end of audio recording). Further, for example, the main dial 300
Is set to the operation of instructing the start of the audio recording with the power on to be rotated to the recording standby position, and the operation of ending the recording operation with the power off to be returned to the power off position, and execute the audio recording. Pressing of the release key 301 during this operation may be determined as a moving image recording start instruction / end instruction operation.

In the following description, it is assumed that an operation system in which the recording start / end operation is double-pressed by the release key 301 and the moving image recording start / end instruction operation is performed by pressing the release key 301 once is adopted. I will say.

In the type II operation in mode II, recording standby is performed by the main dial 300, and when the intermittent audio / video shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the timing at which the release key 301 is double-pressed is determined. The recording start timing is set to ts, and the recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed from the timing ts as shown in FIG. on the other hand,
The recording of the moving image signal is performed at a timing RS at which the user presses the release key once as a moving image recording start instruction operation.
At the next timing RS when the release key is pressed once again as a moving image recording end instruction operation. This operation is performed until the next time the release key 301 is double-pressed, that is, until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 24 shows control processing by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing such an operation. When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is double-pressed in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, the processing proceeds to steps F501 to F50.
Proceeding to 2, the recording operation of the audio signal input from the microphone 202 and encoded on the disk 51 is started. When the recording operation is started in this manner, a recording end operation (for example, the release key 301) is performed in step F503.
Double press operation), and monitor step F50
4 is a moving image recording start instruction operation (for example, the release key 301
Is monitored.

If a moving image recording start instruction operation is performed at a certain point in time, the process proceeds from step F504 to F505, and from that point on, an image signal taken in from the camera block 2 and encoded is recorded on the disk 51 as a moving image signal. Start the operation. When the moving image recording is started in this way, a recording end operation (for example, a double-press operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F506, and a moving image recording end instruction operation (for example, a single-press operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F507. Monitor). Then, if a moving image recording end instruction operation is performed, step F50
Then, the operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51, which has been executed, is ended. That is, the image signal captured from the camera block 2 is recorded during the period from the timing of the moving image recording start instruction operation to the timing of the moving image recording end instruction operation.

When the recording of the moving image signal is completed, the flow returns to step F503 to perform the same processing. That is, similarly, in the processes of steps F503 to F508, the recording of the moving image signal is performed in the period designated by the user.

If the recording end operation is confirmed in step F503, the flow advances to step F510 to end the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, and terminate a series of recording operations. Step F506
When the recording end operation is confirmed in step, since the moving image signal is being recorded at that time, the recording of the moving image signal is ended in step F509. That is, up to the image signal captured from the camera block 2 at that time,
The recording of the image signal is completed when the recording is completed. Proceeding to step F510, the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated.

With the above processing, the input sound continues to be recorded during the recording period as shown in FIG.
And the input image signal is recorded on the disk 51 as a moving image signal during the period specified by the user.

[Type 2] An operation example as Type 2 in Mode II will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 (b) and 25. In the type 2 recording operation, moving image recording is performed during a period in which the user performs a moving image recording execution instruction operation. For example, the continuous pressing of the release key 301 is treated as a moving image recording execution instruction operation. That is, the main dial 3
00, the recording standby is set, and when the audio / video intermittent shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selector 302, the timing at which the release key 301 is double-pressed is set as the recording start timing ts, as shown in FIG. As described above, the recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed from the timing ts. On the other hand, as the recording of the moving image signal, during a period RSC during which the release key 301 is kept pressed by the user as a moving image recording execution instruction operation,
An image signal captured and encoded from the camera block 2 is recorded on the disk 51 as a moving image signal. When the release key is released, the recording of the moving image signal is terminated. This is the next release key.
The process is executed until the timing 01 is double-pressed, that is, the recording end timing te.

It is to be noted that the recording start / end operation and the moving image recording execution instruction operation can be made to correspond to each other only by the release key 301 as described above. Needless to say,

FIG. 25 shows control processing by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing such type 2 operation. If the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is double-pressed in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, the process proceeds to step F521.
Then, the process proceeds to F522 to start the recording operation of the audio signal input from the microphone 202 and encoded on the disk 51. Subsequently, in step F523, a recording end operation (double-press operation of the release key 301) is monitored, and in step F524, a moving image recording execution instruction operation (press operation of the release key 301) is monitored.

If the moving image recording execution instruction operation is started at a certain point in time, the process proceeds from step F524 to F525, and from that point on, the image signal taken in from the camera block 2 and encoded is recorded on the disk 51 as a moving image signal. Start the operation. During the period in which the moving image recording is being performed, it is monitored in step F526 that the moving image recording execution instruction operation is completed. That is, the timing at which the release key 301 is released and the pressing is released is monitored. Then, when the moving image recording execution instruction operation is completed, the process proceeds to step F527, and the operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51 which has been executed up to that point is ended. That is, the image signal captured from the camera block 2 was recorded during the period when the moving image recording execution instruction operation was being performed.

When the recording of the moving image signal is completed, the flow returns to step F523 to perform the same processing. That is, similarly, in the processing of steps F523 to F527, the recording of the moving image signal is performed in the period designated by the user. If the recording end operation is confirmed in step F523, the process proceeds to step F528 to end the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued up to that point, and end a series of recording operations.

According to the above processing, the input sound continues during the recording period as shown in FIG.
And the input image signal is recorded on the disk 51 as a moving image signal during the period specified by the user.

As described above, in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode,
Although two types of operation examples of mode II in which moving image recording is performed in accordance with a user's instruction have been described, various types of operation examples can be considered. For example, type 1 above
In the above, the moving image recording start instruction operation and the moving image recording end instruction operation are set, but after the moving image recording start instruction operation is performed, the moving image recording is automatically terminated after the moving image recording is performed for a certain period of time. It is also possible.

By recording a moving image based on a user's instruction as in various operation examples of mode II,
In a recording operation mainly for voice recording, moving image recording can be performed for a period desired by the user.

8-3 Mode III (Type 1 to Type 3) The mode III in the intermittent audio / video shooting mode refers to recording of a moving image signal in accordance with the state of an input image signal as recording of an intermittent moving image signal. It is an operation example to be performed. As a more specific example, a change in the amount of information as an image signal supplied from the camera block 2 and encoded is monitored to obtain a moving image recording timing. That is, similarly to the case described as the mode III in the audio still image intermittent photographing mode, in the course of the compression processing as the MPEG2 encoding, the change in the information amount of the image is detected, and the change as the photographed image is detected. That is, a timing at which a scene change or a scene change occurs is detected, and moving image recording is performed based on the timing, thereby enabling image recording according to a scene change or the like. Various types can be considered as the mode III, as shown in FIGS. 26 (b) and (c).
(D) shows three operation examples of type 1, type 2, and type 3. FIG. 26A shows a change in information amount of an input image signal.

[Type 1] First, an operation example of Type 1 in mode III will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 (a), 26 (b) and 27. In this operation example, while the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, the information amount of the moving image signal is temporarily increased, and thereafter, the information amount is reduced to be stable. Recording is performed for a certain period from the time point. That is, the main dial 300
And the recording mode selector 30
When the intermittent audio / video shooting mode is selected by the user 2, as shown in FIG.
The recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed from the recording start timing ts at which is pressed. On the other hand, with respect to the recording of the moving image signal, the information amount of the input image signal is monitored, and the information amount increases once the threshold value exceeds a certain threshold level Lth. When the time has elapsed, recording is started. Then, the recording operation is performed at T11
It runs only for time. The timing at which the moving image recording starts can be regarded as the timing at which the scene change as the captured image is completed. Such operation is the next timing when the release key 301 is pressed,
That is, the process is executed until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 27 shows a control process by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing this type 1 operation.
When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, the processing proceeds from steps F601 to F602.
And the recording operation on the disk 51 relating to the audio signal input and encoded from the microphone 202 is started. When the recording operation is started in this manner, a recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is performed in step F603.
, And in step F604, it is monitored whether the information amount of the image signal exceeds the threshold level Lth.

If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has exceeded the threshold level Lth, the process proceeds from step F604 to F605 to monitor the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) and to execute step F604.
At 606, the information amount of the image signal is increased to the threshold level Lt.
h is monitored. If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has become smaller than the threshold level Lth, the process proceeds from step F606 to F607 to reset the internal timer T to start counting, and to perform a recording end operation (release operation) in step F608. In step F609, it is monitored whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T10. When it is confirmed that the time T10 has elapsed, the process proceeds from step F609 to step F610 to reset the internal timer T again to start counting, and in step F611, the image signal which is captured and encoded by the camera block 2 from that point in time. Is started on the disk 51 as a moving image signal.

Thereafter, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F612, and whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T11 is monitored in step F613. When it is confirmed that the time T11 has elapsed, the process proceeds from step F613 to F614,
The disk 51 of the moving image signal being executed up to that time
The recording operation to is ended. That is, the image signal captured from the camera block 2 during the time T11 is recorded starting from the time when the time T10 elapses from the time when the information amount of the image signal once increases and then becomes lower than the threshold level Lth. It has been done.

When the recording of the moving image signal is completed, the flow returns to step F603 to perform the recording end operation (the release key 301).
) And the information amount of the image signal is monitored in step F604. That is, the same applies to step F6 thereafter.
In the processing from 03 to F614, the recording of the moving image signal is performed for the time T11 starting from the timing when the time T10 elapses from the time when the information amount of the image signal becomes lower than the threshold level Lth.

Step F603 or F605 or F60
When the recording end operation is confirmed in step S8, step F61
In step 6, the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated. When the recording end operation is confirmed in step F612, the moving image signal is being recorded at that time, and the recording of the moving image signal is ended in step F615. That is, the recording of the image signal ends when the image signal captured from the camera block 2 at that time is recorded on the disk 51. Then, proceeding to step F616, the recording of the input audio signal, which has been continued up to that time, on the disk 51 is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated.

With the above processing, the input sound continues to be recorded on the disk 51 during the recording period as shown in FIG.
And the input image signal is recorded on the disk 51 as a moving image signal for a certain period of time from the timing considered to be a scene change.

[Type 2] Next, an example of operation as Type 2 in Mode III will be described with reference to FIGS. In this operation example, while the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, for the moving image signal, the information amount of the image signal temporarily increases, and thereafter, from the time when the information amount decreases, Recording is performed in a certain period. 26. That is, when the main dial 300 is set to the recording standby mode and the shooting mode selector 302 selects the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, FIG.
As shown in (c), the recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed from the recording start timing ts when the release key 301 is pressed. On the other hand, with respect to recording of a moving image signal, the amount of information of the input image signal is monitored, and the amount of information increases once the amount exceeds a certain threshold level Lth.
Thereafter, the recording is started at the point in time when the level falls below the threshold level Lth (timing TD). And time T
After 11 passes, the recording ends. This moving image recording timing can be said to be a fixed time from the moment when a scene change as a captured image is performed or immediately after. This operation is performed until the next time the release key 301 is pressed, that is, until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 28 shows control processing by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing this type 2 operation.
When the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, the video controller 38 proceeds to steps F621 to F622.
And the recording operation on the disk 51 relating to the audio signal input and encoded from the microphone 202 is started. When the recording operation is started in this manner, a recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is performed in step F623.
Is monitored, and in step F624, it is monitored whether the information amount of the image signal exceeds the threshold level Lth.

If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has exceeded the threshold level Lth, the process proceeds from step F624 to step F625 to monitor the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) and to execute step F
At 626, the information amount of the image signal is increased to the threshold level Lt.
h is monitored. If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has become smaller than the threshold level Lth, the process proceeds from step F626 to step F627, in which the internal timer T is reset to start counting. The image signal captured and encoded by the block 2 is used as a moving image signal on the disk 5
1 is started.

Thereafter, in step F629, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored, and in step F630, whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T11 is monitored. When it is confirmed that the time T11 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step F631, and the operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51, which has been performed up to that time, is terminated. That is, recording of the image signal captured from the camera block 2 during the time T11 is performed starting from the time when the information amount of the image signal once increases and then becomes lower than the threshold level Lth.

When the recording of the moving image signal is completed, the flow returns to step F623 to perform the recording end operation (the release key 301).
) And the information amount of the image signal is monitored in step F624. That is, the same applies to step F6 thereafter.
In the processing from 23 to F631, the recording of the moving image signal is performed for the time T11 starting from the time when the information amount of the image signal becomes smaller than the threshold level Lth.

If the recording end operation is confirmed in step F623 or F625, the flow advances to step F633 to proceed to step F633.
The recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51 which has been continued up to that point is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated. When the recording end operation is confirmed in step F629, since the moving image signal is being recorded at that time, step F63
At 2, the recording of the moving image signal is terminated. That is, the recording of the image signal ends when the image signal captured from the camera block 2 at that time is recorded on the disk 51. Then, proceeding to step F633, the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, is terminated, and a series of recording operations is terminated.

According to the above processing, the input sound continues during the recording period as shown in FIG.
The input image signal is recorded as a moving image signal for a certain period of time starting from the timing considered to be the moment of or immediately after the scene change as a moving image signal.
1 is realized.

[Type 3] Next, an operation example of type 3 in mode III will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 (a), 26 (d) and 29. In this operation example, the input audio signal is continuously recorded during the recording period, while the moving image signal is recorded for a certain period of time starting from the point in time when the information amount of the image signal temporarily increases. I'm trying to do it.

That is, when the main dial 300 is set to the recording standby mode and the shooting mode selector 302 selects the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, FIG.
As shown in (d), the recording of the input audio signal is continuously executed from the recording start timing ts when the release key 301 is pressed. On the other hand, regarding the recording of the still image signal, the information amount of the input image signal is monitored, and the recording is started when the information amount once exceeds a certain threshold level Lth (timing TU). And T1
The recording is terminated when one hour has elapsed. This moving image recording period can be said to be a fixed period from the moment when a large image change as a captured image occurs, that is, a period in which the image has the most motion. This operation is performed until the next time the release key 301 is pressed, that is, until the recording end timing te.

FIG. 29 shows control processing by the video controller 38 and the like for realizing this type 3 operation.
If the video controller 38 detects a recording start operation in which the release key 301 is pressed in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode, the video controller 38 proceeds to steps F641 to F642.
And the recording operation on the disk 51 relating to the audio signal input and encoded from the microphone 202 is started. When the recording operation is started in this manner, a recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is performed in step F643.
, And in step F644, it is monitored whether the information amount of the image signal exceeds the threshold level Lth.

If it is confirmed at a certain point in time that the information amount of the image signal has exceeded the threshold level Lth, the process proceeds from step F644 to F645 where the internal timer T is reset to start counting, and at step F6
At 46, an operation of recording an image signal which is captured and encoded by the camera block 2 from that point on as a moving image signal on the disk 51 is started.

Thereafter, the recording end operation (operation of the release key 301) is monitored in step F647, and whether or not the count of the timer T has reached the time T11 is monitored in step F648. When it is confirmed that the time T11 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step F649, and the operation of recording the moving image signal on the disk 51, which has been performed up to that time, is terminated. That is, the recording of the image signal captured from the camera block 2 during the time T11 has been performed starting from the time when the information amount of the image signal exceeds the threshold level Lth.

After the recording of the moving image signal is completed, the flow returns to step F643 to perform the recording end operation (the release key 301).
) And the information amount of the image signal is monitored in step F644. That is, the same applies to step F6 thereafter.
43 to F649, the time when the information amount of the image signal exceeds the threshold level Lth is set to T11
Recording of the moving image signal is performed only for the time.

If the recording end operation is confirmed in step F643, the flow advances to step F651 to end the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued up to that point, and end a series of recording operations. Step F647
When the recording end operation is confirmed in step, the moving image signal is being recorded at that time, and the recording of the moving image signal is ended in step F650. That is, up to the image signal captured from the camera block 2 at that time,
The recording of the image signal is completed when the recording is completed. Then, the process proceeds to step F651 to terminate the recording of the input audio signal on the disk 51, which has been continued, and terminate a series of recording operations.

With the above processing, the input sound continues to be recorded on the disk 51 during the recording period as shown in FIG.
And the input image signal is recorded as a moving image signal on the disk 51 for a certain period of time starting from the timing considered to be the moment when a large image change occurs.

As described above, in the audio / video intermittent shooting mode,
Although various operation examples in mode III in which moving image recording is performed according to a change in the information amount of an input image signal have been described as type 1 to type 3, various other types of operation examples are also conceivable. For example, moving image recording may be performed at a fixed time starting from the timing when the peak of the information amount is determined, or moving image recording may be performed for a predetermined period starting at a certain time after the timing TU.

[0192] By performing moving image recording in accordance with the state of the image signal as described above, in a recording operation mainly for voice recording, there is no operation burden on the user, and at an appropriate timing as a necessary point. Moving image recording can be performed. For example, in the above-described type 1, a moving image is automatically recorded for a certain period of time after a scene change, so that a recording operation that is very useful for a user is realized. In the type 2, scenes and the like at the time of a scene change can be recorded. Further type 3
Then, the period of the most movement as a captured image can be recorded as a moving image.

It should be noted that the setting of the threshold level Lth can adjust and set the degree of scene change for obtaining the timing of starting the recording of a moving image, but this may be adjusted by the user. Further, the time value of the T10 time as the type 1 may be selected and set by a user, or the time value may be changed during a recording operation. Of course, the user can variably set the time T11 as a fixed time for performing recording,
Video controller 38 according to the remaining recordable capacity of
May be automatically variably set.

9. Reproducing operation of audio and still image Next, a characteristic operation as a reproducing operation in the video camera of this example will be described. First, an operation of reproducing data recorded on the disk 51 in the above-described intermittent audio / still image recording mode will be described. FIG. 30A schematically shows an example in which a continuous audio signal and an intermittent still image signal are recorded on the disk 51 by the recording operation in the audio still image intermittent recording mode. This figure does not show the recording area on the disk 51, but shows the time axis at the time of recording as a reference. That is, by one recording operation, the audio signal is recorded from the time point “0: 00: 00: 00” to the time point “0:04:49” (hour, minute, and second). Operation as shown in FIG. 9 (b) (intermittent audio / still image recording mode I; type 2)
This shows a state in which recording has been performed at a timing of one minute from the time “0: 00: 00: 00”.

In this example, two playback modes, image priority playback and audio continuation playback, are prepared as playback operations when a continuous audio signal and an intermittent still image signal are recorded on the disk 51 in this manner. ing. This allows the user to select which playback mode to execute playback by operating the playback mode selector described with reference to FIG.

The reproduction operation to be described below is not limited to the intermittent recording of the audio / still picture in the mode I; the recording of the audio / still picture in any of the above-mentioned modes / types. Needless to say, even if the process is performed.

[Image Priority Reproduction] First, image priority reproduction will be described with reference to FIGS. Image priority reproduction in the case where a continuous audio signal and an intermittent still image signal are recorded means that each of the recorded still image signals is sequentially reproduced and output (display output) for a certain period, and each still image is reproduced. Based on the timing at which the signal is recorded, the audio signal is reproduced and output for a period corresponding to the period length during which the display output is being performed. That is, assuming that one still image signal is displayed and output for each T20 time, FIG.
When the still image signals SP1 to SP5 are recorded as shown in FIG. 30A, as shown in FIG. 30B, the still image signals SP1 to SP5 are sequentially reproduced and output for each T20 time. . At this time, regarding the audio output, audio signal portions A1 to A5 each corresponding to the time T20 are extracted as the audio signal portions corresponding to the respective still image signals, and are reproduced and output simultaneously with the still image reproduced during the time T20. Will be done. For example, in the case of the example of FIG. 30B, five still images are reproduced at a time of T20, and the time from the reproduction start PBst to the reproduction end PBed is T20 × 5.

An audio signal portion corresponding to each still image signal,
That is, the audio signal section extracted based on the timing at which each still image signal is recorded may be various examples. For example, an audio portion recorded at a certain time from the timing at which the still image signal was recorded, or The audio portion may be recorded for a fixed time before and after the timing at which the still image signal is recorded. Here, as an example, FIG.
The audio signal sections A1 to A5 are associated with each other with reference to the timing at which the still image signals SP1 to SP5 in FIG. That is, regarding the still image signal SP1, the still image signal S1
The audio portion A1 recorded before the time T20 elapses from the timing of recording P1 is a corresponding audio signal section, and the still image signals SP2 to SP5 are before and after the timing at which the respective still image signals were recorded. Parts A2 to A5 recorded during the period of T20 time as
Is a corresponding audio signal section.

The control processing executed by the video controller 38 and the driver controller 46 for such image priority reproduction is, for example, as shown in FIG. In the state where the image priority playback mode is selected, the playback operation of the data portion recorded in the audio / still image intermittent recording mode (the playback key 306
Is performed, the process proceeds from step F701 to step F701.
Proceeding to 702, the disk 51 of the first still image signal is
And reading and reproducing output from. That is, a disk access operation, a read operation, and a decode operation are performed in the media drive unit 4, and a decode process is performed in the video signal processing unit 3 to display the display unit 6A (and the video output terminal T1).
The still image is output to the. Step F703
Then, the data in the audio signal section corresponding to the still image signal to be reproduced and output is accessed / read / decoded, and the audio is output from the speaker 205 (and the headphone / line output terminal T2).

In step F704, the internal timer T is reset and counting is started. In step F705, a reproduction end operation (operation of the stop key 307) is monitored, and in step F706, the timer T is reset. It is monitored whether the time has reached T20. When the time reaches T20 at some point, step F
The process proceeds to 707, where it is determined whether or not a recorded still image exists. If there is, the process returns to step F702 to start reproduction and output of the next still image. Further, in step F703, the reproduction output of the audio signal section corresponding to the still image is started in accordance with the reproduction output of the next still image.

Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 31, the disk access and data reading for the next still picture signal are being performed during the display output of the previous still picture (that is, before the timer T reaches the time T20). ), And may be stored in the buffer memory 42 or 32. The same applies to the mutual read operation of the image data and the audio data. In order to simultaneously reproduce and output the data, the data read from the disk 51 and the decoding process are performed sequentially and efficiently in a time when there is sufficient access time, and the buffering is performed. It should be left. The same applies to the case of continuous sound reproduction, which will be described later, the image priority reproduction in the reproduction output of a moving image signal and a sound signal, and the continuous sound reproduction.

In the processes of steps F702 to F707, the still images are sequentially reproduced for each T20 time, and at the same time, audio output related to each still image is performed. If the reproduction end operation is detected at step F705 at some point, the reproduction output of the still image and the sound is ended at step F708. When the reproduction of all the recorded still images is completed, a negative result is obtained in step F707, and the reproduction and output of the still image and the sound are ended in step F708.

By the above processing, the image priority reproduction as shown in FIG. 30B is realized. In this case, the user confirms the image, and the recording contents (sound recording contents) are roughly determined.
Can be confirmed. Further, by sequentially checking the still image and the related sound, it is convenient to search for a part to be reproduced as sound. Of course, it is not necessary to listen to all the recorded voices. However, when only the image is to be confirmed, a suitable reproducing operation is performed.

Various modifications of the image priority reproduction can be considered. For example, each still image is reproduced at a fixed time, but the reproduction time length of one still image may be variably set by the user. Still images that are displayed and output may be switched by a user's image feed operation using, for example, the search keys 308 and 309, instead of at regular intervals.
It is also conceivable that the audio reproduction output is not executed during the image priority reproduction.

[Continuous Audio Reproduction] Subsequently, as a reproduction operation when a continuous audio signal and an intermittent still image signal are recorded on the disk 51, an operation when audio continuous reproduction is performed is shown in FIG. c) and FIG. Continuous sound reproduction when a continuous sound signal and an intermittent still image signal are recorded basically means that the recorded sound signal is normally reproduced and output along its time axis. Things. Each of the recorded still image signals is reproduced from the timing at which the recorded audio signal is reproduced and output at the time when the still image is recorded.

That is, considering the reproduction of the portion where the audio still image is intermittently recorded for 4 minutes and 49 seconds as shown in FIG. 30A, the audio is normally reproduced.
As shown in the figure, from the reproduction start PBst to the reproduction end PBed
Is a time length of 4 minutes and 49 seconds. Here, as for each of the still image signals SP1 to SP5, as shown in FIG.
0 "" 0:01:00 "" 0:02:00 "" 0: 0 "
Recording is performed at respective timings of 3:00 and 0:00. Therefore, during playback,
As shown in FIG. 30C, first, the reproduction start time PBst
, The still image SP1 is reproduced and output from “0: 00: 00: 00”, and “0: 01: 0” after one minute has elapsed from the start of reproduction.
0, the still image SP2 is reproduced and output, and the reproduction of the still image SP2 is performed sequentially from "0:20:00" two minutes after the start of the reproduction. Will be done. That is, the user can check the recorded still image at the time when the reproduced sound is recorded while listening to the reproduced sound.

The control processing executed by the video controller 38 and the driver controller 46 for such continuous sound reproduction is as shown in FIG. 32, for example. While the audio continuous playback mode is selected, a playback operation of the data portion recorded in the audio / still image intermittent recording mode (play key 306
Is performed, the process proceeds from step F721 to step F721.
The process proceeds to 722, where the head portion of the disk 51 where the audio data is recorded is accessed, and reading, decoding, and reproduction output are started. When such sound reproduction is started, it is monitored in step F723 whether the reproduction end operation (operation of the stop key 307) or the reproduction of the recorded sound data is ended.

In step F724, it is determined whether or not there is a still image signal corresponding to the audio data currently reproduced and output. For example, in the example of FIG.
At the start of the audio reproduction, the still image signal SP1 is determined to be a still image signal corresponding to the audio data currently reproduced and output. In response to the confirmation of the existence of the corresponding still image, the reading of the corresponding still image signal from the disk 51, decoding,
Playback output is performed. Steps F723 to F72
The processing shown in FIG. 30C is performed in such a manner that the audio reproduction progresses by the process of No. 5 and the still image to be displayed and output is switched at a certain time when the next corresponding still image exists. I will continue. Step F72 at some point
If the reproduction end operation or the completion of the reproduction is detected in Step 3, the reproduction output of the still image and the sound is ended in Step F726.

[0209] By the above processing, the sound continuous reproduction as shown in Fig. 30C is realized. In this case, the user can see the related image while listening to the recorded sound. The description of the case where the user has performed a search operation on the audio output has been omitted, but in that case, fast forward and fast reverse are performed with respect to the position of the audio output, and
At each time point during or after the search, the corresponding still image output may be performed.

10. Reproducing operation of audio and moving image Next, a characteristic operation as a reproducing operation in the video camera of this embodiment will be described. This relates to the operation of reproducing data recorded on the disk 51 in the above-described intermittent audio-video recording mode. FIG. 33A schematically shows an example in which a continuous audio signal and an intermittent moving image signal are recorded on the disk 51 by the recording operation in the audio / video intermittent recording mode. Note that, similarly to FIG. 30A, this drawing does not show the recording area on the disk 51, but shows the time axis at the time of recording as a reference. That is, 1
As a result of the recording operation, the time “0: 0”
Recording is performed from “0:00” to time point “0:04:25” (hour, minute, and second). On the other hand, as a moving image signal, for example, the operation shown in FIG. In mode I; type 2), time point "0:00:00" is 1
This shows a state where recording is performed for a predetermined time (for example, about 25 seconds) starting from the timing of every minute.

As described above, when the continuous audio signal and the intermittent moving image signal are recorded on the disk 51, the reproduction operation is performed in the same manner as the above-mentioned audio and still image reproduction. Are provided. That is, the user can select which reproduction mode to execute reproduction by operating the reproduction mode selector described with reference to FIG.

[0212] The playback operation described below is not limited to the intermittent recording of audio / video in any of the modes / types described above. Needless to say, it can be realized even if it is done.

[Image Priority Reproduction] First, image priority reproduction will be described with reference to FIGS. Image priority reproduction in the case where a continuous audio signal and an intermittent moving image signal are recorded means that the recorded moving image signals are sequentially and continuously reproduced and output (display output) and each moving image signal is reproduced. The reproduction and output of the audio signal recorded during the period in which the signal was recorded are simultaneously performed. That is, when the moving image signals MP1 to MP5 are intermittently recorded as shown in FIG. 33A, the moving image signals MP1 to MP5 are sequentially transmitted as shown in FIG. It is reproduced and output continuously. At this time, regarding the audio output, audio signal portions A11 to A15 shown in FIG. 33A are extracted as audio signal portions corresponding to the respective moving image signals, and reproduced and output simultaneously with the moving image as shown in FIG. Will be done. That is, the reproduction of the audio signal recorded during the period in which the moving image recording has not been performed is omitted.

The control processing executed by the video controller 38 and the driver controller 46 for such image priority reproduction is, for example, as shown in FIG. When a reproduction operation (operation of the reproduction key 306) of the data portion recorded in the audio / video intermittent recording mode is performed in a state where the image priority reproduction mode is selected, the processing is performed in steps F801 to F8.
02, first, a section in which the first moving image signal is recorded (also referred to as a moving image block for the sake of explanation) is recorded on the disk 5
Readout and reproduction output from No. 1 are started. That is, in the example of FIG. 33, a disk access operation, a read operation, and a decode operation are performed by the media drive unit 4 for reproducing and outputting the moving image block MP1, and a decode process is performed by the video signal processing unit 3. Then, the moving image is output to the display unit 6A (and the video output terminal T1). At the same time, access / read / decoding of data in an audio signal section corresponding to the moving image block is performed, and audio output from the speaker 205 (and the headphone / line output terminal T2) is performed. The description will be made on the assumption that the video data and the audio data are not multiplexed and recorded in the same area of the disk 51 (that is, the audio data and the video data are recorded in different areas). However, in this case, in order to continuously and simultaneously reproduce and output both the moving image data and the audio data, the disk 5
The operation of reading data from 1 is performed alternately at high speed, and the timing of reading from the buffer memory 42 or 32 is time-synchronized so that simultaneous reproduction output is realized. Of course, it is also conceivable to adopt a method in which the corresponding moving image data and audio data are multiplexed and recorded in the same area of the disk 51 as the time for recording. No high-speed access is required.

When such reproduction output is started, a reproduction end operation (operation of the stop key 307) is monitored in step F803, and in step F804, it is monitored whether the reproduction output of the moving image block currently reproduced is completed. I do.
When the reproduction output of one moving image block is completed at a certain time, the process proceeds to step F805, and it is determined whether or not there is a moving image block recorded. If there is, the recording position in the moving image block is determined in step F806. Then, the process returns to step F802 to start reproducing and outputting the next moving image block and the corresponding audio signal section. If the disk access or data reading for the next moving image block is performed before the reproduction output of the preceding moving image block is completed, each moving image block is continuously displayed without interruption as a display output. Can be displayed.

In the processing of steps F802 to F806, each moving picture block is successively and successively reproduced, and at the same time, an audio signal corresponding to the moving picture being displayed is output. If the reproduction end operation is detected at step F803 at a certain point, the reproduction and output of the moving image and audio are ended at step F807. At the point in time when reproduction of all the recorded moving image blocks is completed, step F805
, A negative result is obtained, and the reproduction output of the moving image and the sound is ended in step F807.

With the above processing, the image priority reproduction as shown in FIG. 33B is realized. In this case, the user checks the image, and the recording contents (sound recording contents) are roughly determined.
Can be confirmed. Also, by sequentially confirming the moving image and the related audio, it is convenient to search for a part to be reproduced as audio. Of course, it is not necessary to listen to all the recorded voices. However, when only the image is to be confirmed, a suitable reproducing operation is performed. It should be noted that various modifications of the image priority reproduction can be considered. For example, in the case of the image priority reproduction, the audio reproduction output may not be executed.

[Continuous Audio Reproduction] Subsequently, as a reproduction operation when a continuous audio signal and an intermittent moving image signal are recorded on the disk 51, an operation when the audio continuous reproduction is performed is shown in FIG. c) and FIG. Continuous sound reproduction when a continuous audio signal and an intermittent moving image signal are recorded basically means that the recorded audio signal is normally reproduced and output along its time axis. Things. And for each recorded moving image signal,
At the time when the moving image is recorded, the reproduction is performed in accordance with the timing at which the recorded audio signal is reproduced and output.

That is, considering the reproduction of the portion where the intermittent recording of the audio still image of 4 minutes 25 seconds is performed as shown in FIG. 33A, the audio reproduction is normally performed.
As shown in the figure, from the reproduction start PBst to the reproduction end PBed
Is a time length of 4 minutes and 25 seconds. Here, each of the moving image blocks MP1 to MP5 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
0 "" 0:01:00 "" 0:02:00 "" 0: 0 "
Recording has been performed for a certain period of time from the respective timings of "3:00" and "0:44:00". Therefore, at the time of reproduction, as shown in FIG. 33C, first, the moving image block MP1 is reproduced and output from "0:00:00" with reference to the reproduction start time PBst. Here, even if the data reproduction as the moving image block MP1 ends at a certain point,
At that time, the audio output has not reached the timing corresponding to the next video block, and therefore, during the playback period until the timing of the next video block MP2, the image of the last frame of the current video block is Hold output (MP1r hold), that is, output in a still image state.

Thereafter, "0: 1 minute after the start of reproduction"
01:00 ", the moving image block MP2 is reproduced and output. Similarly, when the data reproduction as the moving image block MP2 ends, the image of the last frame of the moving image block MP2 is reproduced until the audio output reaches the timing corresponding to the next moving image block. Hold output (MP2r hold) is performed.
Such an operation is repeated until the sound reproduction is completed. Thus, the user can check the moving image recorded at the time when the reproduced sound is recorded while listening to the reproduced sound.

The control processing executed by the video controller 38 and the driver controller 46 for such continuous sound reproduction is as shown in FIG. 35, for example. When a reproduction operation (operation of the reproduction key 306) of the data portion recorded in the audio / video intermittent recording mode is performed in a state where the audio continuous reproduction mode is selected, the processing is performed in steps F821 to F8.
In step 22, access is made to the head portion of the disk 51 where audio data is recorded, and reading, decoding, and reproduction output are started. When such sound reproduction is started, it is monitored in step F823 whether the reproduction end operation (operation of the stop key 307) or the reproduction of the recorded sound data is ended. In step F824, the process branches depending on whether or not the moving image is currently being normally reproduced and output.

At the time when the moving image is not normally reproduced (including during the hold output), the process proceeds to step F824, and it is determined whether or not there is a moving image signal corresponding to the audio data currently reproduced and output. For example, in the example of FIG. 33, it is determined that the moving image block MP1 corresponds to the audio data currently being reproduced and output at the time of starting the audio reproduction. In response to the confirmation of the existence of the corresponding moving image block, the reading, decoding, and reproduction output of the data of the corresponding moving image block from the disk 51 are executed as the process of step F826.

After the output of the moving image is started in step F826, the process goes through steps F823 and F824 to F8
In step 27, it is determined whether or not the reproduction of the moving image block being reproduced has been completed. When the currently reproduced moving image block ends, the process advances to step F828 to hold and output the image of the last frame of the moving image block and display it as a still image. And thereafter, steps F823 and F8
After 24, the determination of F825 is made.

By the processing of steps F823 to F828, the sound reproduction proceeds, and each time a corresponding moving image block exists, the corresponding moving image block is reproduced, and the moving image block reproduction ends. Thereafter, the operation shown in FIG. 33C, in which the hold output is performed until the timing corresponding to the next moving image block, is performed. At a certain point in time, if it is detected in step F823 that the reproduction end operation or the sound reproduction is completed, step F823 is executed.
At 829, the reproduction output of the image (normal moving image or hold image) and the sound is ended.

With the above processing, the continuous sound reproduction as shown in FIG. 33 (c) is realized. In this case, the user can watch the related moving image while listening to the recorded sound. The description of the case where the user has performed a search operation with respect to the audio output has been omitted, but in this case, the fast forward and the fast reverse are performed with respect to the position of the audio output, and at the same time during or after the search, respectively. What is necessary is just to output a moving image. In the period in which no moving image signal corresponding to the audio signal exists, the immediately preceding moving image signal is held and output, but the held output image may be sequentially switched. That is,
For example, a different frame image may be periodically selected from the frame images in the immediately preceding moving image block and sequentially held and output. Further, an example in which no image output is performed during the hold output period in the above example is also conceivable.

11. Thumbnail image recording As described above, the characteristic recording operation and reproduction operation have been described as an example. As an operation example for improving searchability during reproduction, an operation method of generating and recording a so-called thumbnail image during recording Is also conceivable. This is described here. The thumbnail image is, for example, an image obtained by reducing a still image for one frame, and by storing this image together with an address on the disk 51 (the recording address of the audio data at the corresponding timing), an icon-like image is stored. It can be used.

For example, FIG. 37 shows an example in which thumbnail images are displayed in a list. When the user selects a desired thumbnail image from such thumbnail images, audio or video data corresponding to the thumbnail image is selected. Is to be reproduced. Therefore, if a thumbnail image is generated intermittently at the time of recording using an image signal taken in from the camera block 2 and recorded, the user can view and select the thumbnail image during later reproduction. A position to be reproduced can be designated, and a troublesome search operation (for example, an operation of searching for a desired reproduction position by performing fast-forward while watching and listening to reproduction contents) can be omitted.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a thumbnail image generating operation at the time of recording.
6 is shown. FIG. 36A shows an example of generating a thumbnail image by using the still image to be recorded in the case of recording in the above-described intermittent audio / still image shooting mode. That is, when the still image signal is intermittently recorded as described above, a thumbnail image signal in which the still image is reduced is generated and recorded on the disk 51, for example. At this time, the address as the recording position of the corresponding still image signal or the audio signal at the corresponding timing is also recorded together with the thumbnail image. By doing so, the user can select a position to be reproduced on the list display as shown in FIG.

FIG. 36 (b) shows an example of generating a thumbnail image by using a moving image signal to be recorded in the above-described intermittent audio / video recording mode. That is, when the moving image signal is intermittently recorded as described above,
For example, a thumbnail image signal is generated by reducing the image signal of the first frame of each moving image block, and is recorded on the disk 51, for example. Of course, by recording the address as the recording position of the corresponding moving image block or the audio signal of the corresponding timing together with the thumbnail image, the user can select the position to be reproduced on the list display as shown in FIG. can do.

FIG. 36 (c) shows an example in which a still image and a moving image are not recorded, but audio is continuously recorded and thumbnail images are intermittently recorded. Various recording timings of the thumbnail image can be considered in the same manner as the recording timing of the still image in the intermittent audio / still image shooting mode described above. At each intermittent timing every T12 time, a thumbnail image is generated using the image signal taken from the camera block 2 and recorded on the disk 51 together with the recording position address of the audio data at the corresponding timing. .

The video camera as an embodiment of the recording apparatus and the reproducing apparatus according to the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various changes can be made. For example, in the video camera of the embodiment, MD-DA
Although the disc recording / reproducing apparatus is based on TA2, it may be a recording / reproducing apparatus corresponding to other types of disc-shaped recording media. Further, the recording medium may correspond to a recording medium other than a disk-shaped recording medium such as a tape-shaped recording medium. Further, in the embodiment, the MPEG2 system has been described for compressing the moving image data. However, the image compression system is not particularly limited.
The compression methods for still image data and audio data are also exemplified as the embodiments (JPEG, ATR).
AC2 etc.). In addition, it is needless to say that the operation method (for example, various operations described using the release key 301) in each operation example may be other operation methods depending on the shape of the apparatus and the type and number of the operating elements used. . Also, the processing procedure shown in the flowchart in each operation example is not limited thereto, and various modified examples are conceivable.

[0232]

As described above, the recording apparatus of the present invention continuously records an audio signal on a recording medium during a recording operation and intermittently transfers an image signal to the recording medium during the recording operation. I try to record it. Also, the playback device controls the signal reading operation from the recording medium and the decoding process so that the audio signal output from the audio output unit and the signal portion and / or output timing as the image signal output from the image output unit are output. Is set, and a simultaneous related output of a continuous audio signal and an intermittent still image signal is executed. As a result, it is possible to realize a recording device and a reproducing device suitable for recording / reproducing, for example, lectures, meetings, presentations, and various voice collections of general users. That is, the audio is recorded, and the recording position of a certain portion of the recorded audio and an image for further clarifying the content recorded by the audio can be confirmed by the user. There is an effect that the convenience of the recording / reproducing operation, the operability (especially, searching for a desired position, etc.), the variety of recorded contents, the clarity of the recorded contents at the time of reproduction, etc. can be significantly improved. For example, even recorded contents that are difficult to understand only with sound can be easily understood by recording the image at that time. In addition, intermittent recording of image information having a relatively large data amount means that recording can be performed for a longer period of time as compared with continuous image recording. It is suitable as a used system.

The still image signal and the moving image signal to be intermittently recorded are recorded at a timing (or a certain period from the timing) at a specific time interval, so that the operation burden is imposed on the user. And image recording can be performed without the need. In addition, the still image signal and the moving image signal to be intermittently recorded are recorded at a timing corresponding to a specific operation input (or a period determined by the specific operation), so that the user can obtain a desired image at a desired time. Images can be recorded. Still image signals and moving image signals to be intermittently recorded are recorded at a timing (or a certain period from the timing) set according to the state of the image signal, so that the image is captured. For example, an image can be recorded at an important point, such as when a scene changes greatly, without any burden on the user. In addition, as a simultaneous output of audio and images by the playback device, the audio signal recorded on the recording medium is continuously reproduced and output, and each still image signal or moving image recorded during the recording operation of the audio signal. By continuously outputting the image signal from the playback timing of the audio signal whose timing at the time of recording respectively corresponds, the user can check the image at the time of the audio recording while listening to the playback audio, and record It is suitable for grasping the contents.

Further, each still image signal recorded on the recording medium is sequentially reproduced and output, and
The audio signal portion corresponding to the recording timing of each still image signal is reproduced and output in accordance with the reproduction output timing of each still image signal, or each moving image signal is sequentially reproduced and output, and each moving image signal is reproduced. By reproducing and outputting the audio signal portion corresponding to the recording timing of the video in synchronization with the reproduction output timing of each moving image signal, it is also possible to efficiently check the auxiliary recorded image efficiently, This is convenient for searching or for confirming the recorded contents using images.

Also, by generating the search image signal intermittently during the recording operation, if the search image signal is recorded on the recording medium, each search image signal is reproduced and output at the time of reproduction. As a result, the user can be prompted to perform a selection operation on the search image signal. If the reproduction and output of the audio signal portion corresponding to the selected search image signal is performed, the user can easily search for the place to be reproduced based on the search image, and the search operation is very difficult. Become simple and efficient.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a track structure of a disc corresponding to a video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a track portion of a disc corresponding to the video camera of the embodiment in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing specifications of a disc corresponding to the video camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an internal configuration of the video camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an internal configuration of a media drive unit of the video camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view, a plan view, and the like of the video camera according to the embodiment;
And a rear view.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of still image shooting modes (types 1 to 3) of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a moving image shooting mode (type 1, type 2) of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an intermittent audio / still image shooting mode I (type 1 to type 3) according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows an intermittent audio still image shooting mode I according to the embodiment.
It is a flowchart of (type 1).

FIG. 11 shows an intermittent audio / still image shooting mode I according to the embodiment.
It is a flowchart of (type 2).

FIG. 12 shows an intermittent audio still image shooting mode I according to the embodiment.
It is a flowchart of (type 3).

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an intermittent audio / still image shooting mode II according to the embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an audio / still image intermittent shooting mode II according to the embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows an intermittent audio / still image shooting mode III according to the embodiment.
It is explanatory drawing of (type 1-type 3).

FIG. 16 shows an intermittent audio / still image shooting mode III according to the embodiment.
It is a flowchart of (type 1).

FIG. 17 shows an intermittent audio / still image shooting mode III according to the embodiment.
It is a flowchart of (type 2).

FIG. 18 shows an intermittent audio / still image shooting mode III according to the embodiment.
It is a flowchart of (type 3).

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of audio / video intermittent shooting mode I (types 1 to 3) according to the embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an audio / video intermittent shooting mode I (type 1) according to the embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an audio / video intermittent shooting mode I (type 2) according to the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an audio / video intermittent shooting mode I (type 3) according to the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of audio / video intermittent shooting mode II (type 1, type 2) of the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of an audio / video intermittent shooting mode II (type 1) according to the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of an audio / video intermittent shooting mode II (type 2) according to the embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an audio / video intermittent shooting mode III according to the embodiment.
It is explanatory drawing of (type 1-type 3).

FIG. 27 shows an intermittent audio / video shooting mode III according to the embodiment.
It is a flowchart of (type 1).

FIG. 28 is an audio / video intermittent shooting mode III according to the embodiment.
It is a flowchart of (type 2).

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an intermittent audio / video intermittent photographing mode III according to the embodiment.
It is a flowchart of (type 3).

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of a playback operation of a sound and a still image according to the embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of image priority reproduction of audio and still images according to the embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of audio and still image audio continuous reproduction according to the embodiment.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a sound and moving image reproducing operation according to the embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of image priority reproduction of audio and moving images according to the embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of audio and moving image audio continuous reproduction according to the embodiment;

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of thumbnail image recording according to the embodiment.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of a thumbnail image according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 lens block, 2 camera block, 3 video signal processing section, 4 media drive section, 5 deck section,
6 display / image / audio input / output unit, 6A display unit, 7 operation unit, 8 external interface, 9 power supply block,
Reference Signs List 11 optical system, 12 motor unit, 22 sample hold / AGC circuit, 23 A / D converter, 24 timing generator, 25 camera controller, 31
Data processing / system control circuit, 32 buffer memory, 33 video signal processing circuit, 34 memory, 35 motion detection circuit, 36 memory, 37 audio compression encoder / decoder, 38 video controller,
41 MD-DATA2 encoder / decoder, 42
Buffer memory, 43 binarization circuit, 44 RF signal processing circuit, 45 servo circuit, 46 driver controller, 51 disk, 52 spindle motor, 53
Optical head, 54 magnetic head, 55 thread motor, 61 video D / A converter, 62 display controller, 63 composite signal processing circuit, 64 A /
D converter, 65 D / A converter, 66 amplifier, 101 RF amplifier, 103 AGC / clamp circuit, 104 equalizer / PLL circuit, 105 Viterbi decoder, 106 RLL (1, 7) demodulation circuit, 107
Matrix amplifier, 108 ADIP bandpass filter, 109 A / B track detection circuit, 110 ADI
P decoder, 111 CLV processor, 112 servo processor, 113 servo driver, 114 data bus, 115 scramble / EDC encode circuit, 116 ECC processing circuit, 117 descramble / EDC decode circuit, 118 RLL (1, 7) modulation circuit, 119 Magnetic head drive circuit, 120 laser driver, 121 transfer clock generation circuit, 201 camera lens, 202 microphone, 203 disk slot, 204 viewfinder, 205 speaker, 3
00 main dial, 301 release key, 302
Shooting mode selector, 303 playback mode selector, 30
4 Zoom key, 305 eject key, 306 play key, 307 stop key, 308, 309 search key, Ld land, NWG non-wobbled groove,
WG wobbled groove, Tr A, Tr B track

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An audio signal input unit for obtaining an audio signal, an image signal input unit for obtaining an image signal, an audio signal supplied from the audio signal input unit, and an image signal supplied from the image signal input unit Recording means capable of performing a predetermined encoding process and recording on a predetermined recording medium, and during the recording operation period, causing the recording means to continuously record the audio signal on the recording medium. Control means for performing operation control such that the image signal is intermittently recorded on the recording medium during a recording operation period. 2. The image signal recorded intermittently on the recording medium is a still image signal.
The recording device according to claim 1. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image signal to be intermittently recorded on the recording medium is a moving image signal. 4. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the recording unit to record the still image signal on the recording medium at a specific time interval during the recording operation. 3. The recording device according to 2. 5. The control unit controls the recording unit so as to record the still image signal on the recording medium at a timing according to a specific operation input during the recording operation. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein 6. The control unit sets a recording timing according to a state of an image signal supplied from the image signal input unit and being encoded during the recording operation, and a still image at the recording timing is set. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording unit is controlled so that a signal is recorded on the recording medium. 7. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs, during the recording operation period, a period from a timing at a specific time interval.
4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recording unit is controlled to record the moving image signal on the recording medium. 8. The recording unit controls the recording unit so as to record the moving image signal on the recording medium during a period determined by a specific operation input timing during the recording operation period. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 9. The control unit sets a recording timing according to a state of an image signal supplied from the image signal input unit and being encoded during the recording operation, and sets a recording timing during a period from the recording timing. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recording unit is controlled to record a moving image signal on the recording medium. 10. A search image generation means for generating a search image signal using an image signal supplied from said image signal input means intermittently during said recording operation. 2. The recording device according to 1. 11. A reproducing apparatus for a recording medium on which a continuous audio signal and an intermittent image signal are recorded in one recording operation period, reads out the audio signal and the image signal from the recording medium, and performs a required decoding process. Readout means capable of performing; an audio output means capable of outputting a decoded audio signal; an image output means capable of outputting a decoded image signal; and a signal readout from a recording medium by the readout means By controlling the operation and the decoding process, the audio signal output from the audio output unit and the signal portion and / or output timing as the image signal output from the image output unit are set, and the continuous audio signal is set. And a control means capable of simultaneously executing interrelated output of the intermittent still image signal. 12. The control means continuously reproduces and outputs an audio signal recorded on a recording medium as the simultaneous related output, and outputs each still image signal recorded during a recording operation period of the audio signal. 12. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein control is performed such that the audio signal is continuously output from a reproduction timing of an audio signal whose timing at the time of recording corresponds in time. 13. The control means according to claim 1, wherein each of said still image signals recorded on a recording medium is used as said simultaneous related output.
The control is performed such that the audio signal portion corresponding to the recording timing of each still image signal is reproduced and output in accordance with the reproduction output timing of each of the still image signals, while sequentially reproducing and outputting the respective still image signals. Item 1
The playback device according to claim 1. 14. The control means continuously reproduces and outputs an audio signal recorded on a recording medium as the simultaneous related output, and responds temporally to the recording operation of the audio signal. The recorded video signal is reproduced and output in accordance with the reproduction timing of the corresponding audio signal portion, and the video signal is reproduced during the reproduction period of the audio signal portion where the video signal is not recorded correspondingly. 12. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein control is performed to reproduce and output a predetermined image signal to be formed. 15. The control means sequentially reproduces and outputs a moving image signal intermittently recorded at the time of recording as the simultaneous related output, and corresponds to a recording timing of each moving image signal. 12. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein control is performed so that the audio signal portion to be reproduced is output in accordance with the reproduction output timing of each of the moving image signals. 16. On a recording medium in which a search image signal is generated and recorded intermittently during a recording operation period, the control means reproduces and outputs each recorded search image signal, and 12. The control according to claim 11, wherein control is performed such that a reproduction output of an audio signal portion corresponding to the selected search image signal is executed in response to a selection operation on the search output image signal reproduced and output. Playback device.