WO1998012864A2

WO1998012864A2 - Picture information converting method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1998012864A2
Application number: PCT/US1997/016904
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tetsuo Ogawa; Hiroshi Kiriyama; Tomokiyo Kato; Hiroaki Kikuchi; Luke Freeman
Original assignee: Sony Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 1996-09-23
Filing date: 1997-09-23
Publication date: 1998-03-26
Also published as: AU4590197A; WO1998012864A3; AU4493797A; WO1998012870A1

Abstract

A method and apparatus (7) for converting picture information. A time code is processed by reading time code information via a time code reader (16) and generating information via time code generator (18) on whether or not a location is proper to edition when converting picture information of a data accompanied with the picture information of another system. The picture information is converted from a first system to a second. An information reading apparatus reads information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating a field picture in a process of converting picture information of a first system into picture information of a second system whose frame number unit is different from that of the first system by sequentially distributing each frame inside of a predetermined frame number unit of the picture information at plural patterns for generating a field picture.

Description

PICTURE ΓNFOR AΉON CONVERTING METHOD AND APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE TNVENTTON 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for processing a time code used for an editing operation in converting picture information of a predetermined system into that of another system Further, the present invention rdaics to an apparatus for converting piαure informauon such as a pull-down converter which is arranged to convert the picture information imaged on a cinema film into the picture information of an NTSC system, for example, an apparatus for scanning sequence information given when pulling down the picture information, an apparatus for removing a mixed frame which is arranged to remove the derived frame of NTSC system picture information generated from different kinds of picture information on the cinema film, a method for transmitting picture mformaαon which is arranged to transmit the pull-down converted picture informauon, and a recording medium which records a program for executing the pull-down conversion through the software

2. BACKGROUND

For broadcasting or producing a video software package of picture informauon imaged on a cinema film that is originally planned to be released to the public m a theater, the picture informauon is frequently converted into a standard video signal of an NTSC (National Television System Committee) system or PAL (Phase Alternating by Lmc) system For this purpose, there has been considered a system arranged to use a telecine apparatus served as a picture scanning device, which is illustrated in Fig I. As an example, the description will be oncnted to the conversion of the picture information captured on the cinema film into a video signal of the NTSC system.

Normally, the cinema film 1 is imaged at a rate of 24 frames per second To obtain a video signal of the NTSC system, that is. a video signal having 525 scan lines / field frequency of 59 94 Hz, the tdecuαe apparatus 2 operates to rcproαuce the picture mformaticn tmagcd on the cinema film 1 at a rate of 24 frames per second (preαsel>, 24 / I .OO i = 23 97602398; which is the same as the imaging speed. Then, a field frequency converting unit 3 operates to perform the so-called 3 : 2 pulldown process.

As shown in Fig.2, the so-called 3 . 2 pull-down process is a process that is executed to do interlaced scinniflg for the cinema film for converting an even field (E) of the film into an even field (E) of the video signal and for the cinema film for converting an odd field (0) of the film into an odd field (0) of the video signal. One frame of the cinema film is composed of two of the same fields with no time lag. Hence, the field frequency converting unit 3 operates to output the video signal of the NTSC system without any unfavorable time lag. Four frames on the input side are converted into one frame on the output side. No unfavorable condition takes place in the fidd order inside of the frame. Hence, no watcher feels the reproduced picture unnatural.

In order to reproduce as a frame still the video signal of the NTSC system obtained as mentioned above, the motion of the reproduced picture is often made unfavorable, because the picture of a fieid of the same frame of the video signal is different from the picture of its adjacent field of the same frame unless a reproducing start point is property selected. In Fig.2, setting a reproducing start point to 02 frame (F) of the video signal, the 02 frame is produced from the fields of 01 frame and 02 frame, between which fields a time lag exists. As a result, a watcher feels the motion of the reproduced picture unnatural.

Further, setting a reproducing start point to the 03 frame (F) of the video signal, the 03 frame is produced from the fields of 02 frame and 03 frame, between which fields a time lag exists As a result, a watcher feels the motion of the reproduced picture unnatural as well.

That is, in Fig.2, the 02 frame or the 03 frame of the video signal is composed of two fields, which are produced from the different film frames from each other. In the picture with large motion, as a difference between two fields is made larger, the image reproduced from the video signal frames is made more vague and thereby lower in quality. Hence, the direct frame such as 00F, OIF, 04F of the video signal, which is composed of the same film frame, may be set as a reproducing point. However, conventionally, if an operator wants to know the information about the 3 : 2 pull-down process, in particular, if the subject frame is a direct frame or a deπved frame of 02 frame or 03 frame of the video signal, the operator has no other means except stopping the film and watching a still picture for judgement. This places a large burden on the operator.

Further, in case that the reproducing machine provided in the editing system executes the 3 . 2 pull-down process, the operator has to determine if the editing point is the derived frame or the direct frame. It means that the operator has no other means except stopping the film and watching a still picture for judgement as well. When being inputted with the video signal for working a picture through the use of a computer, it is necessary to remove the derived frame from the film, because the computer processes only the direct frame. Also in this case, the process is executed for determining if the subject frame is a derived one or a direct one based on a difference between two fidds composing one picture This process therefore makes the video input unit complicated and costly.

SUMMARY OF THF. TNVF.NTT N

The present invention is made for overcoming the foregoing shortcoming. It is an object of the present invention to provide a time code processing method and apparatus for generating a time code for automatically determining a proper start point to the edition. Further, the present invention is made for overcoming the foregoing shortcoming. It is an object of the present invention to provide a picture information converting apparatus which is arranged to automatically add to picture informauon puli-down sequence information about an arranging sequence of a field picture for the purpose of simplifying the operator's editing operation Moreover, the present invention is made for overcoming the foregoing shortcoming It is an object of the present invention to provide an information scanning apparatus which is arranged to automau^'cally scan the pull-down sequence information for the purpose of simplifying the operator's editing operation.

The present invention is also made for overcoming the foregoing shortcoming It is an object of the present invention to provide a derived frame removing apparatus which is arranged to automatically remove the derived frame for the purpose of the operator's editing operation and reducing the cost of the video input device without wasting a volume of a recording medium

The present invention is also made for overcoming the foregoing shortcoming It is an object of the present invention to provide a picture information transmitting method which is arranged to automatically add the pull-down sequence information to the picture informauon when transmitting the picture informauon for the purpose of simplifying the operator's operauon after receiving Uic picture information.

The present invention is also made for overcoming the foregoing shortcoming. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium winch records as a program a sequence of automatically adding the pull-down sequence information to the piαure informauon for the purpose of simplifying the operator's operation

According to an aspect of the invention, a time code processing method takes the steps of generating information if a location is suitable to die cdiuon wh n convening picture informauon of a predetermined system into picture information of a different system and wntmg the generated information to the lime code data accompanied with the picture information of the different system Hence, tlus method enables to generate the time code for automatically detennining a suitable start point to the edition

According to another aspect of die invention, a time code processing apparatus Includes means for generating editing location infoπnanon and time code generating means for writing the editing location infonnatioα to lime code data accompanied with the picture informauon of another system. Hence, the apparatus enables to generate the time code for automatically determining a suitable start point to the edition.

According to another aspect of die invention, a picture informauon convening apparatus includes convening means for converting picture information of a first system into picture informauon of a second system by sequentially distributing each frame of a predetermined number of frames contained in the picture information at plural patterns for generating a field picture, and writing means for writing information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the fidd picture in an auxiliary recording area of the picture information of the second system sent from the converting means, and controlling means for controlling the converting means and the wriung means. The controlling means operates to derive the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture through an operation and supply the information to the converting means and the writing means. Hence, the writing means enables to write the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture in the auxiliary recording area of the picture information of die second system The converting means operates to derive the information about sequential distribu on of each frame for generating the field picture through an operation The controlling means may operate to scan the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture from the converting means and then supply the information to the writing means

In any case, the converting means performs the 3 2 pull-down process or 3 . 2 . 3 . 2 2 pull-down process, for example, based on the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture for convening the picture information of the first system into that of the second system.

Further, the control means operates to supply to the writing means the information for indicating a derived frame of the picture information of the second system whose field picture is composed of two different frames of the first system picture information as the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture. The editing process through the use of the second system picture information determines the information for indicating the derived frame as an improper frame.

Hence, since an editing operator can visually recognize a character generated by a character gcneratmg means according to the information for indicating a dcnved frame, the operator's editing operation is made simpler.

Further, the character generating means may generate a character corresponding to the information about two or three sequential distributions of each frame of the first system picture information as the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture.

According to an aspect of the invention, an information reading apparatus includes separating means for separating the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture from the second system picture information and sensing means for sensing the information about sequential distπbuuon of each frame for generating the field picture separated from the separating means

The infoπnauon about sequential distribution of each frame for generating tlie field picture indicates a derived frame contained in the second system picture information, the field piαure of tlie derived frame composed of two different frames of the first system picture iuforninuon Tlie cdiUng process Uirough the use of the second system picture information determines the lnfonnauon for indicating tlie dcnved frame as an improper frame to the edition

Hence, since au editing operator can visually recognize tlie character generated by die character generating means according to the information for indicating the derived frame, the operator's editing operation is made simpler According to an aspect of the invention, a derived frame removing apparatus includes separating means for separating infonnation for indicating the derived frame from the second system picture information, sensing means for sensing the information for indicating the derived frame separated by the separaung means, and removing means for removing the derived frame from the second picture infonnation based on the information for indicating the location of the derived frame detected by the detecting means.

The editing process through the use of die second system picture infonnation determines Uie informauon for indicating the derived frame, contained in die second system picture information, as an improper frame to tlie edibon. Hence, tlie removal of Die denved frame through the removing means makes tlie operator's editing operation simpler without wasting the volume of the recording medium According to an aspect of the invention, the picture informauon transmitting method includes die steps of converting the first system picture informauon into a second system picture informauon whose unit of frame number is different from that of the first system picture infonnation by sequcnually distributing each frame at a unit of a predetermined number of frames, writing the infonnation about sequential distribution of each frame for generating die field picture in the auxiliary recording area of the second system picture infonnation, and transmuting die second system picture informauon.

The information about sequential distribution of each frame for gencraung the field picture is the informatiou for indicating tlie derived frame contained in die second system picture information, ihe field picture of tlie derived frame composed of two different frames of tlie first system picture informauon. Tlie editing process through the use of the second system picture information determines tlie information for indicating the derived frame as an improper frame to the edition. Hence, since an operator visually can recognize the character generated by the character generating means according to the information for indicating tlie derived frame after receiving the second picture information containing the information for indicating tlie derived frame, the editing operation is made simpler.

According to an aspect of die invention, a recording medium records a procedure having a converting process of converting die first system picture infonnation into tlie second system picture infoπnauon whose unit of a frame number is different from thai of the first system picture information by sequentially distributing each frame wiUun a unit of a predetcπnined number of frames of the picture information at plural patterns and writing means for writing the information about sequeuual distribuuon of each frame for generating the field picture in i e auxiliary recording area of the second system picture information from the convening means.

The information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating tlie field picture is the infonnation for indicating die denved frame contained in the second system picture information, the field picture of the derived frame composed of two differcnl frames of the first system picture information The editing process through the use of die second sysicin picture information determines die infonnation for indicating die derived frame as an improper frame to the edition.

Hence, since the editing operator can visually recognize the character generated by die character generating means according to die infonnation for indicating the derived frame, tlie operator can simply pcrfoπn die proper ediung operation

BRTF.F DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig.1 is a block diagram showing a system for convening picture informauon imaged on a cinema film for convening die picture infonnation into a standard video signal of an NTSC system;

Fig.2 is an explanatory view showing a 3 . 2 pull-down process executed by a field frequency converter included in die system shown in Fig.1;

Fig.3 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a system for editing picture infonnation according to a first embodiment of die present invention;

Fig.4 is a block diagra showing an adapter that is a component of the system for editing picture information;

Fig.5 is a view showing a foπnat of an LTC treated by the adapter, Fig.6 is a view showing a format of a VTTC treated by tlie adapter, Fig.7 is a block diagram showing a time code reader thai is a component of the adapter.

Fig.8 is a block diagram showing a CPU d at is a component of the adapter. Fig 9 is a block diagram showing a concrete arrangement of a system convener dial is a component of tlie adapter.

Fig.10 is an explanatory view showing an operation of a field frequency convening unit that is a component of the system converter. Fig.11 is a block diagram showing another concrete arrangement of the system convener that is a component of the adapter,

Fig.12 is an explanatory view showuig an operauon of a field frequency convening unit dial is a component of another concrete arrangement of the system converter,

Fig.13 is a block diagram showing a ume code generator diat is a component of the adapter. Fig 14 is a block diagram showing a video and an audio processing systems of a D-l video player to be used in a modify digital video tape player composing the system for ediϋng picture information.

Fig.15 is a block diagram showing a servo system of n D-l video player to be used in a modify digital video tape player composing die system for editing picture informauon,

Fιg-16 is a block diagram showing a PLL circuit that is a component of the servo system, Fig 17 is a block diagram showing a video and an audio processing systems of a D-l video recorder to be used in a modify digital video tape recorder composing the system for editing die picture information;

Fig.18 is a block diagram showing a transfonned anangcincnt of die system for editing picture informauon according to die first embodi ent of die invention, Fig 19 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a system for ediung picture infonnation according to a second embodiment of die invenuon.

Fig 20 is an explanatory view showing a concrete example of die pull-down sequence informauon. Fιg.21 is a block diagram showing a detailed arrangement of a pull-down convener that is a component of the system for editing picture informauon shown in Fig 19 Fig 22 is an explanatory view showing the 3 2 pull-down process.

Fig.23 is a view showing a display example on a monitor for displaying picture data having a character "D" added thereto, the character generated by pull-down sequence informauon.

Fig 24 is a block diagram showing a detailed arrangement of a derived frame reader that is a component of the system for editing picture information shown in Fig.19, Fig.25 is a block diagram showing a detailed arrangement of a dcnved frame removing apparatus that is a component of the system for editing picture infonnation shown in Fig.19.

Fig.26 is a block diagram showing a transformed arrangement of die system for editing picture information shown in Fig.19,

Fιg.27 is an explanatory view showing a 3 . 2 : 3 : 2 2 pull-down process, and Fιg.28A through 28F are collectively referred to as and show an example of information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating die field picture DESCRΓPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Later, the descripϋon will be oriented to tlie embodiments of a method and an apparatus for processing a tune code, a picture infonnation converung apparatus, an information reading apparatus, and a derived frame removing apparatus. At first, tlie embodiment of tlie method and the apparatus for processing a Ume code will be described with reference to Figs. to 18. This is a first embodiment.

The first embodiment of the invention concerns with a piαure information editing system 5 as shown in Fιg.3 thai is executed to edit the converted picture information with a converted tune code obtained by the method and the apparatus for processing a time code. The picture infonnation editing system 5 is arranged to edit a video signal of an NTSC system having 525 scan lines / field frequency of 59 94 Hz (called an NTSC system video signal of 525 / 59.94 or another figure) Tlie NTSC system video signal is produced by converung the picture infoπnauon imaged on a cinema film at a rate of 25 frames per second into a video signal having 625 scan lines / field frequency of 50 Hz through ihe effect of a tetecmc apparatus and then converung tlie video signal into tlie NTSC system video signal of 525 / 59.94

Tlie editing system 5 includes a modified digital video tape player 6 for variably reproducing a video signal of 625 / 50 recorded on a video tape, an adapter 7 for convening the vanably reproduced video signal into a video signal of 525 / 59.94, mapping a time code, wriung a No-good mark indicating an improper locauon to edition to ume code data of an improper frame to an editing point, and outputting the ume code data, a digital video tape recorder 8 for recording the NTSC system video signal of 525 / 59 94 and tlie time code with the mark hit thereon on a video tape cassette 9. and an editor 10 for editing the video signal of 525 / 59.94 with the ume code recorded on the video tape cassette 9 by the digital video tape recorder 8

The modified digital video tape player 6 may be a video tape recorder of a D-l format (called a D-l video tape recorder), for example The D-l video tape recorder for tlus purpose needs a vaπable reproducing speed, the detail of which will be described below.

The arrangement of the adapter 7 will be described with reference to Fιg.4. The adapter 7 includes a VTTC reader 14 for reading n vertical interval ume code (called VTTC) from the video signal sent from tlie modify digital video tape player 6, a system convener 15 for convening a scan line number and a field frequency into the NTSC system video signal of 525 / 59.94 on the VTTC and feeding field sequence information used in converting the field frequency, a tune code reader 16 for reading a longitudinal ume code (called LTC), a CPU 17 for generating convened time code data of the NTSC system video signal based on the LTC data read by the tune code reader 16 and generating information about an improper editing locauon indicating an unproper locauon to an ediung point based on the field sequence informauon, a time code generator 18 for wnting a No-good mark indicating an improper editing location to a binary group which is user's bits of a convened time code data format for generating the converted ume code, and a control interface 19 for feeding reproducing speed informauon n% from ϋic modified digital video tape recorder 6 to the CPU 17 For editing picture infonnation, it is essential to grasp tlie locauon of a video tape. For this purpose_, a time code is used. The time code contains tlie LTC to be recorded lengthwise on the video tape and the VTTC to be inserted into die vertical interval.

As shown in Fig.5, the LTC is composed of 80 bits (00 to 79) containing the first to eighth binary groups as time infonnaϋoa and user's bus of 64 bits per frame and synchronous word bits of 16 bits. Tlie lime infonnation contains a 24-hour syste code format in which a time digit is 00 to 23 hours, a minute digit is 00 to 59 minutes and a second digit is 00 to 59 seconds For tlie PAL system video signal, the frame value may have 25 numbers ranging from 00 to 24 frames. For the NTSC system video signal, the frame value may have 30 frames ranging from 00 to 29 frames The modifying system is a self-clock type width modulation called as a bipliase mark, in which a clock inversion (transiuon) takes place at tlie start point for each bit period, when a bit value is "1 ", a transition takes place in a center of a period, and when a bit value is "O", no transition lakes place in the center of the period.

As shown in Fig 6, tlie VTTC is composed of 90 bits containing the LTC of 64 bits, four synchronous bits added to each group of eight bus, and a CRC code of eight bits. The transition takes plπce only when the change between the adjacent bit cells takes place such as " 1 " to "0" or "0" to " 1 " In this case, the modifying system takes a binary signal format No transition takes place when no change takes place between the adjacent bit cells.

The system 5 for editing picture information according to tlie first embodiment may use a time code containing both of tlie LTC and VITC Herein, the description will be oriented to the editing system arranged to use the LTC.

The LTC added to the video signal of 625 / 50 fed from the modifier digital video tape player 6 is supplied to a time code reader 18 The time code reader 16 operates to extract a clock signal from the LTC The time code reader 16 operates to decode the LTC and output the time code data and the binary bit. The circuit arrangement of the time code reader 16 will be shown in Fig 7 The LTC to which the biphase mark signal is added is supplied to a clock generator 23. a synchronous word shift register 24 and a data shift register 25 through a buffer 22 from an input terminal 21 The clock generator 23 operates to extract a clock signal from the biphase mark signal and supply the clock signal to the synchronous word shift register 24, the data shift register 25 and a counter 26 The synchronous word shift register 24 operates to read the biphase mark signal on the timing on which the clock from the clock generator 23 is input Then, tlie register 24 enables a synchronous sensor 27 to sense the synchronous word bit having a synchronous portion of 12 consecutive "I's" The synchronous sensor 27 operates to sense if two bits following the synchronous word bits are "00" or "01" and supply a read direction signal of FWD / REV to tlie data shift register 25. The data shift register 25 operates to read tlie biphase mark signal in response to the read directiou signal from the synchronous sensor 27.

The counter 26 operates to count eighty clocks generated by the clock generator 23 When the counter 26 counts eight clocks, a comparator 28 operates to compare the counted clocks with the synchronous signal in light of the timing and then output a timing pulse for r ading data if it determines the input data is a correct data group. At a time, the ume code data of 64 or 32 bits is output from a buffer shift register 29. The time code data is supplied from the time code reader 16 to the CPU 17.

The LTC is supplied as the time code to the CPU 17. The CPU 17 operates to generate the converted time code data on this LTC and supply it to the time code generator 18 The CPU 17 is also inputted with the field sequence information from tlie system converter 15. This field sequence information indicates how the picture fields 3re re-ordered when the system converter 1 converts the field frequency. The CPU 17 operates to generate information for indicating an improper locauon to the editing point with this field sequence infonnation.

Tlie circuit arrangement of tlie CPU 1 will be shown in Fig 8. The CPU 17 includes a total frame number converter 31 for converting the time code data sent from the ume code reader 16 into a total frame number x, a total frame number calculator 32 for calculating a total frame number y of the converted time code data for the time code data from tlie total frame number x, a converted time code data generator 33 for generating the converted time code data from the total frame number y, and an improper editing location infonnation generator 34 for generating information about an improper editing location from the field sequence information.

The total frame number converter 31 operates to convert the time code data AhBmCsDF consisting of the read time (h) minute (ni) second (s) frame (F) a total frame number x derived by the expression of (60A + B) x 60) + C) x 25 + D. The total frame number calculator 32 operates to calculate the total frame number y from the total frame number x based on the expression of Y / 30 ^«= x / 25 / (l + n / 100) , where n is reproducing speed information indicating how much the reproducing speed is varied as compared with the recording speed in the modify digital video tape player 6. The reproducing speed information is obtained through the effect of a control inter ace 19 For example, if the reproducing speed of tlie modify digital video tape player 6 is made equal to the recording speed, n is 0 (%). The converted time code data generator 33 operates to generate the converted time code data consisting of a time-minute-second frame from the total frame number y obtained by the foregoing expression.

The improper editing location information generator 34 operates to determine whether or not the system-converted picture frame is composed of the different frames on the source side based on the field sequence information. If tlie frame is composed of tlie different frames, that is. a time lag takes place between the frame, the improper editing location infonnation is generated.

The improper editing location information is supplied to a time code generator 18 together with the converted tune code data and then is written to the user's bits of the time code of tlie improper frame to the edition.

Later, the description will be oncnted to a concrete operation of writing tlie improper editing location information to the binary bit group if the reproducing speed informauon n is almost 0 % or -4 %.

At first, the description will be oriented to how tlie modify digital video tape player 6 performs the 0 % reproduction in which the reproducing speed infonnation n is almost 0 % Precisely, the 0 % reproduction is 0.01 % reproduction with 625 scan lines / field frequency of 49.95 Hz.

As shown in Fig.9. the system convener 15 includes a scan line number convener 35 for convening a scan line number of the video signal of 625 / 49.95 into 525 scan lines and a field frequency converter 36 for convening a field frequency of tlie video signal into 59.94 Hz.

The scan line number convener 35 operates to interpolate 625 scan Lines into 525 scan lines Tlus converter 35 performs a vertical filtcnng operation about 625 scan lines from 576 active lines to 486 acuve lines, for deriving 525 scan lines. Tlie vertical resolution appears in 625 scan lines is higher thai) that appearing in 525 scan lines. Hence, no loss of die vertical resolution disappears in the rc-sampling process. which results in enhancing the quality of the resulting picture.

The field frequency convener 36 operates to convert the field frequency of 49.95 Hz into 59 94 Hz by making the frequency of 49.95 Hz 6/5 time. This operauon is the so-called 3 2 : 3 . 2 . 2 pull-down process

The so-called 3 : 2 . 3 : 2 : 2 pull-down process will be described with reference to Fig.10 The interlaced scan is executed for the video signal having a field frequency of 49.95 Hz so that an eveu field (E) on an input side 36a is converted into an even field (E) on an output side 36b and an odd field (O) on the input side 36a is converted into an odd field (O) on the output side 36b The video signal on the input side 36a has no time lag within tlie same frequency. Hence, the video signal converted to the signal on tlie input side 36a is not unfavorable on time Five frames on the input side arc converted into one frame on tlie output side. However, since no unfavorable condition takes place in the field sequence inside of the frame, a watcher does not feel the motion of the picture unnatural

The information about the conversion of the sequence of the picture fields is supplied as field sequence information to the CPU 17. This field sequence information is used for generating the conversion lime code data and tlie improper editing location information by the CPU 17.

The convened ume code data is composed of an iteration of loops each completed at least within a period shown In Fig.10. In this case, the mapping to the five frames of 625 / 49.95 and tlie six frames of 525 /

59.94 makes it possible to constantly and uniquely define the converted time code on the target side against the time code on the source side. Hence, the time code on the source side is made equal to the time code on the target side second by second.

The improper editing location is indicated as a No-good mark to a 02 frame on the side of 525 / 59.94 composcd of the 01 and (lie 02 frames on the side of 625 / 49.95 These frames with tlie No-good mark indicated thereto are considered as improper frames and disunguished from the oilier frames

Next, the description will be oπented to die -4 % reproducuon of the modify digital video tape player 6 if the reproducing speed informauon n is -4 %. In the -4 % reproducuon, the video signal recorded at a rate of 25 frames per second is reproduced at a rate of 25 frames per second That is. the video signal recorded with

625 / 50 is reproduced with 625 / 48 (actually, 47.95).

In this case, as shown in Fig.11, the system convener 15 includes a scan line converter 38 for converting the scan line number of the video signal of 625 / 47.95 into 525 and a field frequency converter 39 for converung tlie field frequency of the video signal into 59.94 Hz. The scan line converter 38 operates to interpolate 625 scan lines into 525 lines. Tlie scan line converter performs a vertical filtering operation about 625 scan lines for convening 576 acuve lines into 486 active lines As a result, the converter 38 produces 525 scan lines The vertical resoluuon appearing in the case of 625 scan lines is higher than thai in the cose of 525 scan lines In the re-sampling process, therefore, no loss takes place in the vertical resoluuon. which may result in offering the high quality of the picture In order to convert tlie field frequency of 47 95 Hz into 59 95 Hz by making it 5/4 time, the field frequency converter 39 performs the so-called 3 2 pull-down process

Tlie so-called 3 2 pull-down process will be described with reference to Fig.12 The interlaced scan is executed for the video signal of the field frequency of 47 95 Hz so that an even field (E) on an input side 3 a is convened into an even field (E) on an output side 39b and an odd field (0) on the input side 39a is convened into an odd field (O) on the output side 39b T e video signal on the input side 39a lias no time lag widun tlie same frame Hence, the video signal converted into the signal on the output side 30b docs not luive any unfavorable condition on Ume Four frames on i c input side 4 are converted into one frame on the output side. However, since no unfavorable condiuou takes place in the field sequence inside of the frame, a watcher does not feel tlie mouσn of tlie piαure unnatural The informauon about tlie conversion of tlie picture sequence on a field unit is supplied as field sequence informauon from the field frequency convener 39 to the CPU 17 This sequence informauon is used in the CPU 17 for generating the converted ume code data and the improper editing location information

In this case, a loop in which the head of a frame coincides with the head of another frame is executed repetitively for four frames of the video signal of 625 / 47,95 and five frames of tlie video signal of 525 / 59.94. In case that the normal advance rules are kept, the slip of one frame per second takes place in the convened tune code.

Hence, a value of n = -4 is represented in the foregoing operauon expression executed by the total frame number calculator 32 provided in the CPU 17 That is, after a value of y is calculated from the expression of y / 30 = x / 25 / (1 + (-4) / 100), the CPU 17 enables the converted ume code data generator 33 to generate the converted time code data

That is. since the CPU 10 performs the absolute mapping function, tlie ume code can be uniquely defined even if the modify digital video tape player 6 performs the reproduction of n (= -4)% variable speed The improper editing location information is indicated as a No-good mark to the 02 frame on tlie side of 525 / 59.94 composed of the 01 and the 02 frames on tlie side of 625 / 47.95 and the 03 frame on tlie side of

525 / 59.94 composed of tlie 02 and ϋie 03 frames on the side of 625 / 47.95 Tlicse frames with the No-good mark indicated thereto are recognized as improper frames to tlie edition and are distinguished from the other frames.

The tune code generator 18 receives the converted time code data and the improper editing location information and supplies tlie converted time code, which lias a funcuon of distinguishing tlie improper frames to the edition from tlie other frames.

The circuit diagram of the time code generator 18 will be shown in Fig.13. The clock pulses generated in a clock generator 41 on an external synchronous or an internal reference signals are supplied to a serializing counter 42 and a time code counter 43. The lime code counter 43 receives the converted tune code data from the CPU 17.

Then, the time code counter 43 realizes the new locauon of the converted ume code for die NTSC system video signal The tune code for the NTSC system is supplied to the serializing circuji 44 The serializing circuit 44 receives the user's bits from a binary bit buffer 45 and the synchronous signals from a synchronous word generator 46

The binary bit buffer 45 receives the improper editing location information. Then, the improper editing location infonnation specified as the user's bits by tlie binary bit buffer 45 is written in the binary group of the format shown in Fig.5 through the effect of the serializing circuit 44. Then, the serializing circuit 44 operates to output tlie convened time code liaving the improper editing locauon informauon written therein to the binary group.

Along the foregoing operation, the converted ume code liaving the improper editing operauon information written therein is supplied from the adapter 7 to the digiuil video tape recorder 3 The system- converted video signal is supplied from the adapter 7 to the digital video tape recorder 8 The digital video tape recorder 8 operates to record the system-converted video signal and the system-converted ume code on tlie video tape cassette 9

The modify digital video tape player 6 used in the picture information cdiung system 1 may be a D-l format video tape recorder as mentioned above Tlie D-l video tnpe player is a video tape player normalized on the so-called 4 : 2 : 2 component coding system for CCIR. Rec 601. The schematic arrangement of the video and audio processing system of the D-l video rape player will be shown in Fig.14

The digital signal recorded on a magnetic tape 50 of the video tape cassette is reproduced with a reproducing head 51 and then is amplified by a reproduction amplifier 52. The reproduced output of the reproduction amplifier 52 is supplied to a synchronicity / ID sensing circuit 53 The synchronicity / ID sensing circuit 53 operates to sense a synchrongus signal and an ID from the reproduced output, delimit the signal, and clarify A block number

A de-scτambiing circuit 54 operates to de-scramble the reproduced output and supply die de-scrambled reproduced signal to an inner decoder 55. The inner decoder 55 executes an error correcuon witli inner codes added to the reproduced signal and then supplies the corrected signal to a data separaung circuit 56

The data separating circuit 57 operates to separate the signal into a digital video signal and an audio video signal and supply die digital video signal to an mtra-sector de-shuff tng circuit 57 and the digital audio signal to a de-shufflmg circuit 62 The mtra-sector de-shuffling circuit 57 operates to de-shufflc ihe digital video signal over sectors and then supply component digital video signals Y. Cb and Cr to au outer decoder

58.

The outer decoder 58 operates to supply tlie digital video signals Y. Cb and Cr whose errors are corrected witli the outer codes to a D/A converter 61 through an mter-scctor de-shuffling circuit 59 and a source decoder 60. The D/A converter 61 operates to convert the digital video signals Y, Cb and Cr into analog component video signals Y. B-Y and R-Y and then output those analog signals

On the other hand, tlie de-shuffhng circuit 62 operates to de-shuffle tlie digital audio signal separated by the data separating circuit 56. The de-shuffled digital audio signal is error-corrected by tlie outer decoder

63 Then, the error-corrected signal is supplied to a D/A converter 66 through a post-processing circuit 64 and an audio conceal circuit 65 The D/A convener 66 operates to convert ϋie digital audio signal into an analog audio ignal and then output R- and L -channel audio signals as an example

Further, the modify digital video tape player 6 provides a servo system arranged as shown in Fig 15 and operates to reproduce tlie video signal of 625 / 50 recorded on the magnetic tape 50 of the video tape cassette witli the field frequency of 47.95 Hz A synchronous signal separaung circuit 7] operates to extract a horizontal synchronous signal from the input reference signal and supply it to a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit 72 This PLL circuit 72 provides a voltage controlled oscillator (called VCO) whose LC is vanable as mentioned below The VCO enables to vary a frequency of an oscillating clock by dunging a C value according to the reference signal The PLL circuit 72 operates to supply the clocks to a vertical synchronous (SYNC) generator 73 The vertical synchronous signal generated by the VSYN generator 73 is supplied to a drum servo system 74 and a capstan servo system 80.

Tlie drum servo system 74 mcludes a pliase comparator 76 for comparing in a phase a drum rotauon pulse (PC) witli the vertical synchronous signal The phase comparator 76 supplies a phase control signal to an inverted input terminal of an operation amplifier 77 The operational amplifier 77 receives a speed control signal sensed by a speed sensor 79 from a frequency generating (FG) pulse sent from a drum motor 75 as well

The operated outpul of the operauonal amplifier 77 is amplified by a dnvmg amplifier 78 and then is supplied to a drum motor 75. The amplified signal is used for correcting the number of rotations and the slippage of tlie rotauon phase of the drum motor 75.

The capstan servo system SO also includes a pliase comparator 82 for comparing in a phase a signal derived by dividing the reproduced control signal by a frequency divider 85 with the vertical synchronous signal The phase comparator 82 supplies the phase control signal to an inverted input terminal of an operauonal amplifier 83 The operational amplifier 83 also receives a speed control signal sensed by a speed sensor 86 from a frequency generating (FG) pulse from a capstan motor 81, The operated output of the operational amplifier 73 is amplified by a drive amplifier 84 and then is supplied to a capstan motor 81 This signal is used for correcting tlie number of rotations and the slippage of tlie rotation pliase of the capstan motor 81. The arrangement of the PLL circuit 72 will be shown in Fig.16 The PLL circuit 72 includes a phase comparator 91, a low-pass filter 92, a VCO 93, and a frequency divider 94.

Tlie pliase comparator 91 operates to compare in a pliase a horizontal synchronous signal separately extracted by the synchronous signal separating circuit 71 witli a clock derived by dividing the frequency of the output clock of tlie VCO at a predetermined dividing rate. The low-pass filter 92 operates to supply the output to the VCO 93. This VCO 93 enables to switch tlie generating clock from 47.95 Hz to 49 95 Hz, for example, by changing tlie C value,

Hence, the modify digital video tape player 6 enables to reproduce the video signal of 625 / 49.95 from the video signal of 625 / 50.

Further, die digital video tape recorder S may be a D- l video tape recorder The schemauc arrangement of tlie video and tlie audio processing system of tlie D-l video tape recorder will be shown in

Fig.17.

The component video signals Y. B-Y and -Y are converted into the corresponding digital video signals Y, Cb and Cr by the A D converter 101. These digital video signals Y. Cb and Cr arc supplied to a source coding circuit 102 The source coding circuit 102 operates to encode the digital video signals Y. Cb and Cr witli weight sequence codes Tliis is a coding process for convening 8-bit codes ranged in the sequence of decimal magnitude into the codes ranged in the sequence of weight This process makes it possible to reduce the adverse effect of the error not sensed by the error correcting codes and left on the screen The digital video signals Y. Cb and Cr encoded by the source coding circuit 102 are supplied to an inter-sccior shuffling circuit 103

The inter-sector shuffling circuit 103 passes the mter-scctor shuffling operauon to the digital video signals Y, Cb and Cr. An outer encoder 104 located at a later stage may sense an error but may not correct it with tlie error correcting codes (ECC). In this case, the error may be processed by the modification so that it is made less conspicuous. However, if the pixels to be modified are concentrated on an area of the screen, the degrade of the picture quality cannot be neglected. To overcome it, the inter-sector shuffling circuit 103 operates to replace the occurrence sequence of the video codes with the sequence of the recording codes among sectors Tlie inter-sector shuffling circuit 103 operates to supply the shuffled output to the outer encoder 104.

The outer encoder 104 adds an ECC to the shuffled output Concretely, tlie shuffled output is delimited into blocks each having a predctcπnined length Then, a 2-word Reed-Solomon product code

(checking code) for an outer code is generated by a predetermined operation and is added to each block The encoded output of tlie outer encoder 104 is supplied to an intra-sector shuffling circuit 105. TUe mtra-sector shuffling circuit 105 performs a shuffling process among tlie sectors of the encoded output Concretely, the codes located two-dunensioiially after the outer checking code is generated are rearranged within die same two-dimensional block as randomly as possible.

On the oilier hand, tlie analog audio signal such as the Rand L-channel signals are converted into the digital audio signal by the A/D convener 106. This digital audio signal is supphed to a pre-processing circuit

107 in wluch tlie pre-process is executed. Then, die pre-processed signal is supplied to a block circuit 108

The blocking circuit 108 operates to block Uie audio signal and supply die block signal to an outer encoder 109 The outer encoder 109 operates to add an ECC to the audio signal and supply the resulting signal to a shuffling circuit 100. The shuffling circuit 100 operates to shuffle the signal Tlie shuffled video output from the mtra-sector shuffling circuit 105 and the shuffled audio output from the shuffling circuit 110 are applied to a multiplex circuit 11 1.

The multiplex circuit 1 1 1 operates to tune-divisionally multiplex the video shuffled output and the audio shuffled output. The multiplexed output is supplied to art inner encoder 112

The inner encoder 112 operates to add a common inner code that is a kind of the ECC to the multiplexed output The encoded output is supplied from the inner encoder 1 12 to a synchronicity / FD adding circuit 113

The audio and the video signals are composed on a common format called a synchronous block The synchronicity / ID adding circuit 113 operates to add to two inner code blocks an ID pattern indicating a synchronous pattern and a block number and output it as one synchronous block to a scrambling circuit 114 The scrambling circuit 114 operates to supply the scrambled output as recording current to a head 116 through a recording amplifier 115 and a rotary uansfonncr With the head 116. the scrambled output is digitally recorded on a magnetic tape 117 in such an unsaturated manner as suiung to high-density recording

The digital video tape recorder such as the D-l video tape recorder realizes higher picture and audio quality of the recording signal and a higher dubbing characteristic than the analog video tape recorder The quality of the picture reproduced from the digitally recorded data mainly depends on parameters for coding and is hardly influenced by the recording nnd reproducing cliaracterisuc For example, the waveform distoruon of the reproduced picture is made to be only the distortion given by an analog circuit before and after the A D and the D/A conversions The distoruon and the noise appearing when recording or reproducing the data arc made to be tlie erroneous reproduced codes. Those erroneous codes are factors to degrading die picture quality. However, if an error rate is equal to or less than a certain value, the use of the error oorrccung codes makes it possible to correct or modify die erroneous codes As will be understood from the aforementioned grounds, the digital recording ιn.iy offer a higher picture quality than the analog recording In particular, die advantage of the digital recording is distinguishable in dubbing

As set forth above, the adapter 7 provided in the picture information editing system 5 operates lo wπte to the system-converted video signal the improper editing location information such as the No-good mark indicating a frame composed of frames having different video signals before the system conversion and then output Uie converted time code Then, die digital video tape reoordcr 8 operates lo record die system- conveπed video signal and the convened tune code having die unproper ediung location information written therein on the video tape cassette 9 for edibon The editor 10 disUnguishes die improper editing location informauon in the data recorded on die video tape cassette 9 for ediuon when it edits die data. Hence, the picture informauon editing system 5 enables to automatically distinguish a proper start point to the ediuon. Of course, ϋie digital video tnpe player and the digital video tape recorder are used for rcproducmg and recording the data Hence, no degraded change of the picture quality takes place between the video signals before and after die system conversion.

T e adapter 7 of die ediUng system 5 has been described on die use of the LTC as the time code. In place, die VTTC read by the VITC reader 14 mfay be used as die tune code This VTTC contains even the field information such as odd fields or even fields a$ shown in Fιgs.2. 10 and 12.

Tliat is, die VTTC operates to supply tlι« field informauon containing the odd fields and the even fields to the CPU 17 The CPU 17 enables to promptly establish a target ume code even if a source time code is at any locauon inside of die sequence by obtaining die time code and the field informauon from die VTTC on die picture allocated to the target ume code Tlie time code widi the VTTC makes ijt possible to specify a field within die frame Hence, ϋie No- good mark indicated at a frame unit as shown in Figs 10 and 12 is allowed to be written at a field unit. The ediUng sum point may be ciianged from die odd field to the even field

Further, according to a transforntauon of the first embodiment, a system for ediung picture informauon shown in Fig 18 may be considered In the system 120, die editor 10 is executed to directly edit the converted video signal with the converted uine code generated by the adapter 7 and dicn record the edited result on die video tap; cassette 11 through the effect of the digital video tape recorder S The arrangement of each component is the same as described above Hence, die description dicreapoui is left off ( e specificauon

The picture infoπnauon system 5 enables the CPU 17 to generate die improper editing locauon informauon In place, the system 5 enables tha CPU 17 to generate the proper ediung location informauon

In turn, die description will be oπented ID an apparatus for converung picture informauon. an apparams for reading information, and an apparatus for removing a dcnved frame according to a second embodiment of die invention widi reference to pigs 19 lo 25

The second embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig 19. concerns with a picture infoπnauon ediung system 130 having a pull-down convener 138 and a dcnved frame reader 143. The converter 138 corresponds to a concrete arrangement of n picture infoπnauon convener The reader 143 corresponds lo a concrete arrangement of an infoπnauon reader

The picture informauon editing system 130 operaics lo convert die picture infonnation on a cinema fil 1 1 unaged at a unit of 24 frames per second (Fps) into an NTSC system video signal of 525 / 59 94 and edit the video signal of 525 / 59.94.

The picture infonnation editing system includes a telccuic apparatus 132 for performing 25-Fps reproduction (termed PB in Fig.19) with respect to the picture infonnation on die cinema film 131 imaged at 24 Fps and converting the picture infonnation into a video signal of 625 / 50. a digital video tape recorder (VTR) 33 for recording die video signal of 625 / 50 converted by die telecine apparatus 132 in a video tape cassette 134 at die same scan line number / field frequency, a modify digital VTR 135 for reproducing the picture data of 625 / 50 recorded in die video casseαe tape 134 by the digital VTR 133 at a field frequency of 47.952 Hz (precisely. 60/1.001 x 4/5 = 47.95204795. . , however, which will be described as 47 952 below.), a pull -down converter 138 for sequentially distributing each frame of a four-frame unit of die picture data of 625 / 47 95 obtained by die modify digital VTR 135 at two patterns for generatuig a field picture, perfoπmng a 3 : 2 pull-down process for converting die field picture into picnire data having a field frequency 59 94 Hz (precisely, 60/1.001 ^» 59 94005994 ... which will be described as 59 94 below) whose frame unit is five frames, adding to the picture data a predetermined mark for indicating dial die picture data is composed of a denved frame formed of fields of different frames of the cinema film based on the information about die sequeuual distnbution of each frame for generating the field picture used in the 3 ^• 2 pull-down process, dial is, die pull-down sequence information, supplying the resulting information to a monitor 139 (to be discussed below), and inserting die pull-down sequence information to an auxiliary recording area of the picture data before outputttng the picture data, die monitor 139 for displaying the picture data containing die predetermined mark sent from the pull-down converter 138 and die picture data containing no mark so that an operator can check die picture data, an editor 140 for performing a predetermined editing process with respect to the picture data after die operator checks the picture data containing the predetermined mark displayed on the monitor 139 and die picture data containing no mark and determines if the picture data is proper to an editing point, a digital VTR 141 for recording / reproducing the picture data edited by the editor 140 on or from the video tape cassette 142, a derived frame reader 143 for reading the pull-down sequence information inserted to the auxiliary recording area when reproducing die picture data containing the pull-down sequence information recorded on the auxiliary recording area of die video tape cassette 142 by die digital VTR 141 and for adding to die picture data ώe predetermined mark for indicating it is the derived frame before outputting the picture data, and a monitor 144 for displaying the picture data containing the predetermined mark or no mark supplied from die derived frame reader 143.

At d e previous stage of the pull-down converter 138 is provided a scan line number converter 137 composing an NTSC converter 136 in combination widi the pull-down converter 138 The scan line number converter 137 operates to convert die scan line number of die video signal of 625 / 47 952 obtained by the modify digital VTR 135 into 525

The scan line number converter 137 perfonns a vertical filtering operation about 625 scan lines from 576 active lines to 486 ones for deriving 525 scan lines The vertical resolution given if 625 scan lines arc provided is higher than die vertical resolution given if 525 scan lines are provided This prevents d e loss of die vertical resolution in the re-sampling process, which may result in enhancing the picture quality.

As described above, die pull-down sequence information used when die pull-down converter 1 8 performs a 3 : 2 pull-down process corresponds to die information about d e sequential distribution of each frame for generating t e field picture used in the 3 : 2 pull-down process As an example, the pull-down sequence information is die information for indicating die subject frame is a derived frame composed of fields of the different two cinema film frames. In place, it may be the information for indicating the head or the location of the five-frame sequence of the subject frame to be edited. Concretely, it is the information about two or three sequential distributions of each frame of the picture informauon of the cinema film, the detail of which will be described below. As described above, die pull-down sequence information is inserted to the auxiliary recording area of the picture data. The auxiliary recording area may be a user's bit of d e LTC whose format is shown in Fig.5, a UB of the VTTC whose format is shown in Fig 6, or a user's bit of a video index or an audio AUX The operator selectively operates to insert and record die pull-down sequence information in the user's bit (UB) of die LTC or die VTTC or the user's bit of the video index or the audio AUX Tlie video index means a portion of a chroma line where die user's information can be written The portion docs not correspond to die picture to be recorded on the tape If the audio AUX has a non-use portion where the user's information can be written, the portion may be used as the auxiliary recording area

The pull-down converter 138 is operated to insert die pull-down sequence information on the auxiliary recording area of the picture data according to the user's arbitrary selection. For example, when the pull-down sequence information indicates the picture frame to be processed is the derived frame composed of fields of different cinema fil frames, "D" is inserted on the auxiliary recording areas of the frames c and d as shown in [ 1 ) of Fig.20. As shown in [2] of Fig.20, when the pull-down sequence information indicates the subject picture frame is located at die head of the sequence, for example, "S" may be inserted on ihz auxiliary recording area of the frame a.

In the case of using "D" for indicating the derived frame as the pull-down sequence information, the pull-down converter 138 operates to generate die character "D" for the "D" and add it to die picture data corresponding to die pull-down converted output and then output die resulting data to the monitor 139. The detail of the pull-down converter 138 will be described below with reference to Fig.21

The pull-down converter 138 includes a pull-down processing unit 145 for performing a 3 : 2 pull-down process as shown in Fig.22 for converting the picture data having a field frequency of 47.952 H2 into the picture data having a field frequency of 59.94 Hz by rearranging die sequence of the field pictures for changing the frame unit from four frames into five frames, an additional infoπnation inserting unit 147 for writing die information about the arranging sequence of die field pictures, that is, the pull-down sequence information in the auxiliary recording area of the picture data having die field frequency of 59.94 Hz sent from the pull-down sequence processing unit 1 5, a central processing unit (CPU) 146 for supplying die pull-down sequence information to the pull-down processing unit 145 and the additional information inserting unit 147 for controlling d e operauon of die units 145 and 147, a character generator 148 for generating die "D" mark from die pull-down sequence information under the control of die CPU 146, and a memory 149 for saving a program and operauonal data.

Under die control of an external controller 150, the pull-down converter 138 performs die pull- down process,the insertion of the pull-down process, and the generation of the "D" mark on die program in the memory 149 executed by the CPU 146 That is. the pull-down processing unit 145 performs die 3 : 2 pull-down process as shown in Fig 22 for supplying t e picture data, which corresponds to the output to be pulled down, to the addiuonal information inserting unit 147. The CPU 146 grasps die sequence infonnation used for the 3 ^• 2 pull-down process Hence, the CPU 146 operates to control the character generaung unit 148 based on the pull-down sequence information, add the "D" mark to the picture data, and derive the output for the monitor 139. The CPU 146 further controls the additional information inserting unit 147 and insert die additional Lnformaiion containing die pull-down sequence information on the auxiliary recording area of die picture data sent from die pull-down processing unit 145.

The pull -down converter 138 operates lo supply to die monitor 139 the picture data containing die character "D" generated on die pull-down sequence informauon The monitor 139 operates to add the "D" mark to the lime code TC "23 : 59 : 59 : 29" and display the "TC 23 . 59 ^• 59 . 29D" together with the picture data as shown in Fig.23.

Hence, die operator, who edits the picture data of 525 / 59 94 through the effect of the editor 140, can check the pull-down sequence information with the "D" mark appearing on die monitor 139 As incnuoncd above, the frame of the picture data containing the "D" mark added thereto is the denved frame composed of different frames of die cinema film. Hence, the operator can use die direct frame as an editing point without using die "D" mark added frame as the editing point Conventionally, the operator lias been required to stop the film and watch a still picture for determining if the subject frame is the derived frame or the direct frame The present system for editing die picture information operates to automatically indicate the subject frame is the derived frame This operation makes the editing work easier and the burden on the operator lighter.

Next, when die editor 140 selects the editmg point and records die edited picture data, die picture data, which is depicted as a real line output in Fig.23, and the pull-down sequence information inserted to the auxiliary recording area, both of which are supplied from the pull-down converter 138. are recorded on the video cassette tape 142 through die effect of the digital VTR 1 1 When the digital VTR 141 reproduces die data from the video tape cassette 142 in a still mode, a shuffle mode or a nonnal mode, die denved frame reader 143 operates to read the pull-down sequence information from die additional information recorded on the auxiliary recording area of die picture data and send it to the monitor 1 4 so that d e monitor 144 can display the "D" mark as shown in Fig.21

The detail of die derived frame reader 143 will be described with reference to Fig.24. The derived frame reader 143 includes an additional infonnation separating unit 145 for separating d e additional informauon containing the pull-down sequence infonnation from the picture data of 525 / 59.94 reproduced by the digital VTR 141, an additional information reader 146 for reading the additional information separated by the separating unit 145, a CPU 147 for sensing the pull-down sequence information from the additional information read by die reader 146, a character generating unit 148 for generating the "D" mark from the pull-down sequence information under the control of the CPU 147, and a memory 149 for saving a program or operational data

The denved frame reader 143 operates to sense the pull-down sequence infoπnauon inserted to die video data of 525 / 59 94 through the effect of die CPU 147, generate the "D" mark by using the pull-down sequence information, and add the mark to the monitoring output for the monitor 144.

As shown in Fig.23, the monitor 144 operates to add the "D" mark to the time code TC "23 59 59 : 29" and display the indication of "TC . 23 . 59 . 59 . 29D" toged er widi the picture data It goes without saying that the inch cation is one example Hence, the derived frame reader 143 enables to read the pull-down sequence informauon from the picture data to be edited that is recorded on the video tape cassette 1 2, for example and add the "D' mark to the monitoring output based on the pull-down sequence uifor auon.

The introduction of the derived frame reader 143 introduced into the input poruon of the video data as shown in Fig.25 results in forming the denved frame remover 150. The derived frame remover 150 is composed of the dcnved frame reader 143 whose arrangement has been described widi reference to Fig.24, a denved frame removing unit 151 for removing the denved frame, and a frame memory 152. The remover 150 operates to put the picture data from which the derived frame is removed into a hard disk dnve (HDD) 153 of a personal computer, for example. The derived frame removing unit 151 operates to remove the derived frame stored in the frame memory 152 based on die pull-down sequence sensed by the CPU 147, concretely in this case, the information for indicating the location of d e derived frame.

The picture data to be transferred from the frame memory 152 to the HDD 153 is composed of purely direct frames. It means that the derived frames are removed from the picture data The picture information editing system 160 as shown in Fig.26 is provided as a txansforrr-ation of the second embodiment.

This picture information editing system 160 operates to convert the picture information imaged on the cinema film 9 at 25 Fps into an NTSC system video signal of 525 / 59.94 and edit this video signal of 525 / 59.94.

This picture information editing system 160 is different from die picture information editing system 130 shown in Fig.19 in die rcspcα that the cinema f ilm 161 imaged at 25 Fps is reproduced at 25 Fps by the telecine apparatus 132, the picture data reproduced by the modify digital VTR 162 contains the field frequency of 49.95 Hz (precisely, 50 / 1 001 = 49-95004995 . . which will be described as 49 95 below), and the pull-down converter 165 of the NTSC converter 163 perfonns a pulldown process of 3 : 2 : 3 ^• 2 ^■ 2, that is , the pull-down process is 6/5 time as great as diat of the seoond embodiment The other components are the same as those of the system shown in Fig 19 and dius are not descnbed herein

The detail arrangement of the pull-down convener 165 is the same as that shown in Fιg.21. The pull- down processing unit 145 performs a pull-down process of 3 ^• 2 3 ^• 2 . 2 as shown in Fιg.27

The pull-down process of 3 . 2 : 3 . 2 . 2 is e ecuted to scan die cinema film at an interlaced mode so that the even fields of die film are converted into the even fields of the video signal and the odd fields of the film are converted into die odd fields of t e video signal One frΛmc of die cinema film is composed of two same fields between which no time lug appears Tlie converted NTSC video signal is proper on time That is, as shown in Fig.27, the pull-down process of 3 2 3 2 2 is executed to produce six frames

(a, b, c d, e, f) of video data from five frames (A B, C, D, E) of Λ cinema film. However, no unfavorable condition takes place in the field sequence inside of the frame, so dint no watcher feels the motion of the picture unnatural.

However, the c frame and die d frame (marked as X) are produced from the pictures of die fields between which a time lag appears, which are derived from die B and die C frames and die C and die D frames Hence, even on die same frame, a watcher feels the motion of the reproduced picture unnatural

The pull-down converter 165 provided in the piαure information editing system operates to insert the pull-down sequence infonnation as the additional infonnation to the auxiliary recording area of the picture data through he effect of an additional informauon inserting unit 147 For example, the pull-down sequence information for indicating that die picture frame to be processed is a denved frame composed of different frames of the cinema film, that is, "D" is inserted to the auxiliary recording area of the frames c and d The pull-down sequence infonnauon of "S" for indicaung the head of die sequence may be inserted to die auxiliary recording area of the frame a

The pull-down convener 165 operates to supply to the monitor 139 the picture data containing the character "D" generated by using the pull-down sequence information As shown in Fιg.21. the monitor 139 operates to add the "D" mark to the tune code TC "23 59 : 59 29' and display the indication of "TC . 23 59 : 59 : 29D" togedier widi die picture data.

When die operator edits die picture data of 525 / S9.94 with the editor 140, die operator can check the pull-down sequence infonnauon ϋuougli the "D" mark appearing on the monitor 139 Tlie frame of the picture data containing die "D" frame added thereto is a denved frame fonned of different frames of the cinema film as nieiiuoned nbove. Hence, not the frame with die "D" mark but die direct frame may be used as an editing point Conventionally, an operator lias been required to stop the moving picture and watch a still picture for detennimng if die frame is a derived one or a direct one. This picture informauon editing system 160 enables to automatically display diat the frame is d e derived one, so that the system makes die editing operation easier and die burden on the operator lighter Herein, the description will be oriented lo the infonnation about the sequential distnbution of each frame for generaung the field piαure, that ts. the information about two or three sequential distribution of each fra e of die picture iiuOnnauon of die cinema film, which corresponds to the pull-down sequence infonnation widi reference to Fig.28 Tlie description concerns with die example tiiat die informauon can be wntien in the VTTC so that die character can be added at a field unit Fig.28A denotes four frames (02 to 05 frames) of the cinema film Fig 28B denotes five frames (02 lo

06 frames) of an NTSC image

Fιg.28C denotes a mark D for indicating the derived frame, which is added to each field Herein, the 03 and 04 frames of the NTSC image are die derived ones The nrk D is added to each of a pair of fields of the 03 and 04 frames Fig 28D denotes a T mark added at die head of the film frame contained in the information about two or three sequential distributions of each of the picture infonnation of the film In the edition intended not to break die film frame, it can be used for limiting the selection of an IN point Only the field with the T mark can be selected as an IN point Or, only the field one before the T mark can be selected as an OUT point

Fig. 28E denotes a T, mark wltich is located at die head of die film frame and can be used when a joint is done at a top field F, of the infonnation about two or three sequential distπbutions of each frame of die picture informauon of the cinema film in the edition intended not to break the film frame. Only the field with die T, mark is selected as an IN point

Fig 28F denotes a T₃ mark which is located at the head of die film frame and can be used wlien a joint is done at a bonom field Fi of the infonnaiion about the two or three sequential distnbution of each frame of die picture information of the cinema film in the edition intended not to break die film frame Only me field widi d e T.mark can be selected as an IN point.

Fig 28G denotes a C3 mark for indicating succession of three video fields produced from the same film frame of the informauon about the two or direc sequential distribuuon of each frame of die picture informauon of the cinema film. When die C3 mark is found, three video fields produced from t e same film frame come m succession When no d mark is found, only two video fields produced from die same film frame come in succession Tlus is effectively used for a speed-vaπable reproduction such as a slow-motion reproducuon as in die tclccinc apparatus except a periodic sequence, for example, a repeuuon of 3 2 process suc as 3 2 pull-down process Further, this is effective in filteπng a video signal through the use of video fields in die process of noise removal or compression.

Fιg.28H denotes a C, mark which indicates succession of two video fields produced from the same film frame of the information about the two or three sequential distnbution of each frame of die picture infoπnauon of die cinema film When the C, mark comes, it means the succession of two video fields produced from die same film frame When no C, mark comes, it means the succession of only three video fields

Fig.281 denotes an £ mark which represents die same field (overlapped field) appearing when three video fields are produced from one film frame of the informauon about two or tiircc sequenual distribuuon of each frame of the picture infonnation of the cinema film This may be used for simplifying die hardware / software provided m a field remover of an instrument for removing an overlapped field, such as an MPEG 2 encoder

As set forth above, die system of dus embodiment enables to add various kinds of marks indicated at Fιgs.28C to 281 to the video field based on the inJorinauon about die sequential distnbuuon of each frame for generating the field picture This function makes it possible to reduce die burden of die operator about vanous kinds of editions

Tlie arrangement of the digital VTR or die modify digital VTR is die same as tiiat descπbed widi reference to Figs 14 to 16

In addition, the concrete arrangement of the picture information transmitting method may refer to an apparatus for transmitting the NTSC picture data containing the pull-down sequence infonnauon output from the pull-down converter 138 tiirough a transmission path (not shown), which is included in the picmrε information editing system 130 shown in Fig.19 Tins apparauis is arranged to have all die components of die pull-down converter and a u-ansmirung unit newly added thereto

This arrangement makes it possible to automatically add the pull-down sequence infonnauon to die picture infonnation before the picture information is transmitted Hence, this funcUon makes it easy for the operator who receives the data to edit die data

The recording medium according to an embodiment of the present lnveuuon is arranged to record a program including die steps of generating a field picture by sequentially distributing each frame inside of a four-frame unit of the picture infonnauon of die cinema film and converung die picture information into an NTSC video signal whose frame number unit is five and writing on the auxiliary recording area of the NTSC video signal the information about sequential distnbution of each frame for generaung the field piαure, that is, the pull-down sequence information

The method for processing a time code according to the present mvenuon is arranged to generate the information for indicating if the subject frame is proper to ediuon when converung a predetermined system piαure infonnauon into anodier system picture infonnation and wπlc the informauon to die ume code data accompanied with anodier system picture information. This mcϋiod dius enables to generate the time code for automatically discnnunnuitg die proper starting point lo the edition The apparatus for processing a dme code according to die present invention is arranged to write the information generated by means for generaung infoπnauon about die ediung locauon in the me code data accompanied widi anodier system picture information through the effect of means for generating a ume code

This apparatus dius enables to generate die time code for automatically discriminating a proper sianing point to die edition.

The apparatus for converting picture informauon according to the invention is arranged to automatically add die pull-down sequence information to die picture infonnation. This apparatus dius makes it easier for die operator to do die editing operation.

The apparatus for reading information according to die invention is arranged to automatically read die pull-down sequence infonnation. This apparatus dius makes it easier for the operator to do the editing operation.

The apparatus for removing a derived frame according to the invention is arranged to automatically remove the derived frame. Hence, this apparatus makes it easier for die operator to do the editing operation and possible to prevent die waste of the recording medium volume and to reduce d e cost of the relevant picture input device.

The method for transmitting picture information according to die invention is arranged to automatically add die pull-down sequence information to die picture information. This method makes the operation of the operator who receives die picture infonnation simpler.

Further, the recording medium according to the invention is arranged to record a program containing a procedure of automatically adding die pull-down sequence information to the picture ύ f rmation. Hence, die recording medium makes die operator's operation simpler.

Claims

HAτ τ r!.ATMFn τs

1. A method for processing a time code comprising die steps of. generating infonnation indicating whether or not a location is proper to edition when converting picture information of a predetermined system into picture infonnation of anodier system; and writing said information to dme code data accompanied widi said picture infonnauon of anodier system.

2. The method for processing a time code as claimed in claim 1, wherein said time code data is rcoorded lengthwise.

3 The method for processing a dine code as claimed in claim 1. wherein said ume code data concerns with a vertical blanking interval.

4. An apparatus for processing a time code when converting picmre information of a predetermined system into piαure information of anodier system, comprising. means for generating information indicating whether or not a locauon is proper to edition; and means for generating a converted time code by writing said infonnation from said means onto ume code data accompanied with said picture infonnaiion of another system.

5 . The apparatus for processing a lime code as claimed in claim 4, wherein said time code data is recorded lcngdiwise.

6. The apparatus for processing a time code as claimed in claim 4. wherein said time code data concerns with a vcnical blanking interval.

7. A picture information convening apparatus for converting picture information of a first system into piαure infonnation of a second system, comprising: converting means for convening the picture infonnauon of said first system into the picture information of said second system whose frame number unit is different from tiiat of said first system by sequentially distributing each frame inside of a predetermined frame number unit of said picture infonnation at plural patterns for generating a field picture. writing means for writing information about sequential distribuuon of each frame for generating said field piαure on an auxiliary recording area of said second system picture information sent from said converting means; and conuol means for controlling said converung means and said writing means.

8. The picture infonnation converting apparatus as clauned in claim 7, wherein die picture infonnauon of said first system corresponds to piαure infonnation unaged on a cinema film and he picture infonnauon of said second system corresponds to an NTSC video signal.

9 The picture information converung apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said convening means performs a 3 2 pull-down process or a 3 : 2 : 3 : 2 . 2 pull-down process for converting die picture infonnation of said first system into the picture information of said second system

10 The picture infonnation convening apparatus as claimed in claim 7. wherein said control means operates to supply to said writing means information indicating a derived frame contained in the picture infonτιauon of said second system, a field picture of said derived frame composed of two different frames of the picture information of said first system, as the informauon about sequential distribuuon of each frame for generaung said field picture

11 The picture infonnation convening apparatus as claimed in claun 10, wherein the infonnation indicating the denved frame contained in the picture information of said second system is recognized to be improper to ediuon in the process of editing die picture information of said second system

12 The picture infonnation convening apparatus as claimed in claim 7. wherein said control means operates to supply to said wnting means die infonnation about two or dircc sequential distribution of each frame of die picture infonnation of said first system as the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture

13 The picture infonnation converung apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising generating means for generaung a character based on die information about sequential distribution of each frame for generaung said field picture supplied from said control means

14. Tlie picture infonnauon convening apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said writing means operates to write the information about sequential distnbuuon of each frame for generating said field picture onto a video index of die piαure infonnation of said second system, a lengthwise ume code, or a user's bit of a time code about vertical blanking interval

15 An information reading apparatus for reading infonnauon about sequential distnbution of each frame for generaung a field picture in process of converting picture infonnauon of a first system into picture information of a second system whose frame number unit is different from dial of said first system by sequentially distribuUπg each frame inside of a predetermined frame number unit of the picture infonnation at plural patterns for generating a field picture, comprising. separaung means for separaung the information about sequential distnbution of each frame for generating said field picture from die piαure infonnauon of said second system; and sensing means for sensing the information about sequential distribuuon of each frame for generating said field picture separated by said separaung means.

16 The information reading apparatus as claimed in claim 15, further comprising means for generaung a character based ou the infonnauon about sequential distribuuon of each frame for generaung said field picture sensed by said sensing means.

17 The information reading apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the picture informauon of said first system is imaged on a cinema film and the picture information of said second system is an NTSC video signal

IE The information reading apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said picture informauon convening process performs a 3 . 2 pull-down process or a 3 . 2 3 . 2 2 pull-down process.

19 The infonnauon reading apparatus as claimed in claim 15. wherein die information about sequential distribuuon of each frame for generating said field picture is information for indicating a denved frame contained in the picture inforiuauon of said second system, a field picture of said derived frame composed of two different frames of the picture informauon of said first system

20 The informauon reading apparatus as claimed in claim 19. wherein the informauon indicating a derived frame contained m the piαure infonnation of said second system is recognized to be improper to ediuon in the process of editing the picture iiiformauou of said second system

21 The infonnation reading apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the information about sequenual distnbuuon of each frame for generating said field piαure is die infonnauon about two or tiiree sequential distribuuon of each frame of the picture informauon of said first system.

22 A derived frame removing apparatus for removing a dcnved fra e from piαure information of a second system by using die informauon for indicating said denved frame contained in the piαure information of said second system, the field picture of said dcnved frame composed of two different frames of picture infonnation of a first system as information about sequential distribution of each frame for generaung a field picture in die process of convening the picture infonnauon of said first system into the picture infoπnauon of said second system whose frame number unit is different from that of die pic re information of said first system by sequentially distnbutmg each frame inside of a predeteπmned frame number unit of the picture information of said first system at plural patterns for generaung die field picture, compnsing- separaung means for separaung the infonnation indicating said denved frame from die piαure infonnauon of said second system. sensing means for reading and sensing the infonnation indicaung said derived frame separated by said separating means; and removing means for removing said derived frame from die picture infonnauon of said second system based on the information indicating tiie'location of said denved frame sensed by said sensing means

23. The denved frame removing apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein die picture information of said first system is recorded on a cinema film and the picture informauon of said second system is an NTSC video signal.

24 The denved frame removing apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the process of converting picture informauon is a 3 : 2 pull-down process or a 3 2 3 : 2 : 2 pull-down process

25. The derived frame removing apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein die infonnauon indicaung the derived frame contained in the piαure information of said second system is recognized to be improper to edition in the editing process of the picture information of said second system

26. A inediod for uansmiiung picture infonnauon after convening picture infonnation of a first system into picture informauon of a second system, compπsmg the steps of convening the picture information of said first system into the picture infonnation of said second system whose frame number unit is different from tiiat of said first system by sequentially distributing each frame inside of a predcternuned frame number unit at plural patterns foi generating a field picture, writing information about sequential distnbution of each frame for generating said field picture on an auxiliary recording area of the picture infonnation of said second system, and transmitting die picture infonnation of said second system

27 A recording medium for recording a procedure of convening picture infonnation of a first system into picture infonnation of a second system, said procedure having the steps of converung die picture information of said first system into the picture information of said second system whose frame number unit is differcnl from that of said first system by sequentially distπbuUng each fra e inside of a predetermined frame number unit of the piαure information of said first system for generating a field picture; and writing infonnation about sequential disuibution of each frame for generating said field piαure on an auxiliary recording area of the pi ure information of said second system sent from said converting step.