WO1998012870A1

WO1998012870A1 - Picture information converting method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1998012870A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/017028
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; WO1998012864A2; WO1998012864A3; AU4493797A

Abstract

A method and apparatus for converting picture information. A time code is processed by generating information 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 INFORMATION CONVERTING METHOD AND APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 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 relates to an apparatus for converting picture information such as a pull-down converter which is arranged to convert the picture infoπnation 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 information which is arranged to transmit the pull-down converted picture information, 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 information imaged on a cinema film that is originally planned to be released to the public in a theater, the picture information is frequently converted into a standard video signal of an NTSC (National Television System Committee) system or PAL (Phase Alternating by Line) 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 oriented 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 telecine apparatus 2 operates to reproduce the picture information imaged on the cinema film 1 at a rate of 24 frames per second (precisely. 24 / 1.D0 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 scanning 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 (O) of the film into an odd field (O) 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 field 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 field 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 properly 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, O IF, 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 derived 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 Wlien 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 fields composing one picture. This process therefore makes the video input unit complicated and costly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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 infoπnation converting apparatus which is arranged to automatically add to picture information pull-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 automatically 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 infoπnation when transmitting the picture information for the purpose of simplifying the operator's operation after receiving the 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 which records as a program a sequence of automatically adding the pull-down sequence iiifornialion to (he picture information for the purpose of simplifying the operator's operation.

According to an aspect of the invention, a lime code processing method takes the steps of generating information if a location is suitable to the edition when converting picture information of a predetermined system into picture information of a different system and writing the generated information to the time code data accompanied with the picture information of the different system Hence, this method enables to generate the time code for automatically determining a suitable start point to the edition.

According to another aspect of the invention, a time code processing apparatus includes means for generating editing location infoπnation and time code generating means for writing the editing location infoπnation to time code data accompanied with the picture information 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 the invention, a picture iiifornialion converting apparatus includes converting means for converting picture information of a first system into picture information 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 field 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 writing 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 the second system. The converting means operates to derive the infoπnation about sequential distribution 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 infoπnation 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 converting 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 infoπnation for indicating a derived frame of the picture infoπnation of the second system whose field picture is composed of two different frames of the first system picture infoπnation 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 deteπnines 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 generating means according to the information for indicating a derived 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 infoπnation 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 distribution of each frame for generating the field picture separated from the separating means

The information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture indicates a derived frame contained in the second system picture information, the field picture of the derived frame composed of two different frames of the first system picture information The editing process through the use of the second system picture information determines the information for indicating the derived frame as an improper frame to the edition

Hence, since an editing operator can visually recognize the character generated by the 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 information 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 separating means, and removing means for removing the derived frame from the second picture information based on the information for indicating the location of the derived frame detected by the detecting means

The editing process through the use of the second system picture information determines the information for indicating the derived frame, contained in the second system picture information, as an improper frame to t e edition Hence, the removal of the derived frame through the removing means makes the operator's editing operation simpler without wasting the volume of the recording medium According to an aspect of the invention, (lie picture information transmitting method includes the steps of converting the first system picture information into a second system picture information whose unit of frame number is different from that of the first system picture information by sequentially distributing each frame at a unit of a predetermined number of frames, writing the iiifornialion about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture in the auxiliary recording area of the second system picture information, and transmitting the second system picture information

The information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture is the mformation for indicating the derived frame contained in the second system picture infoπnation, the field picture of the derived frame composed of two different frames of the first system picture infonnation The editing process through the use of the second system picture infonnation detenmnes the infoπnation 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 (he information for indicating the derived frame after receiving the second picture information containing the infonnation for indicating the derived frame, the editing operation is made simpler

According to an aspect of the invention, a recording medium records a procedure having a converting process of converting the first system picture information into the second system picture information whose unit of a frame number is different from that of the first system picture information by sequentially distributing each frame within a unit of a predetermined number of frames of the picture information at plural patterns and writing means for writing the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture in the auxiliary recording area of the second system picture information from the converting means

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

Hence, since the editing operator can visualh recognize the character generated by the character generating means according to the information for indicating the derived frame, (he operator can simply perform the proper editing operation

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig 1 is a block diagram showing a system for converting picture information imaged on a cinema film for convening the picture information into a standard video signal of an NTSC system,

Fig 2 is an explanatory view showing a 1 2 pull-down process executed by a field frequency converter included in the system shown in Fig 1 ,

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

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

Fig 5 is a view showing a format of an LTC treated by the adapter. Fig 6 is a view showing a format of a VITC treated by the adapter, Fig 7 is a block diagram showing a time code reader that is ,ι component of the adapter

Fig 8 is a block diagram showing a CPU thai is a component of the adapter. Fig 9 is a block diagram showing a concrete arrangement of a system converter that is a component of the adapter,

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

Fig 12 is an explanatory view showing an operation of a field frequency converting unit that is a component of another concrete arrangement of the system converter,

Fig 13 is a block diagram showing a tune code generator that 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 editing picture infoπnation.

Fig 1 is a block diagram showing a servo system of a D-l video player to be used in a modify digital video tape player composing the system for editing picture information.

Fig- 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 (o be used in a modify digital video tape recorder composing the system for editing the picture information.

Fig 18 is a block diagram showing a transformed arrangement of the system for editing picture information according to the first embodiment of the invention, Fig 19 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a system for editing picture information according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig 20 is an explanatory view showing a concrete example of the pull-down sequence information, Fig 21 is a block diagram showing a detailed arrangement of a pull-down converter that is a component of the system for editing picture information show n 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 information.

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 derived frame removing apparatus that is a component of the system for editing picture information shown in Fig 1 ,

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

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

Later, the description will be oriented to the embodiments of a method and an apparatus for processing a time code, a picture information converting apparatus, an infonnation reading apparatus, and a derived frame removing apparatus At first, the embodiment of the method and the apparatus for processing a time code will be described with reference to Figs 3 to 18 This is a first embodiment.

The first embodiment of the invention concerns with a picture information editing system 5 as shown Fig 3 that is executed to edit the converted picture infonnation with a converted time 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) The NTSC system video signal is produced by converting the picture information 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 the effect of a tclccmc apparatus and then converting the video signal into the NTSC system video signal of 525 / 59 94

The 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 converting the variably reproduced video signal into a video signal of 525 / 59 94, mapping a tune code, writing a No-good mark indicating an improper location to edition to time code data of an improper frame to an editing point, and outputting the time code data, a digital video tape recorder 8 for recording the NTSC system video signal of 525 / 59 94 and the ume 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 lime 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 foπnat (called a D-l video tape recorder), for example The D-l video tape recorder for this purpose needs a variable reproducing speed, the detail of which will be described below

The arrangement of the adapter 7 will be described with reference to Fig 4 The adapter 7 includes a VITC reader 14 for reading a vertical interval time code (called VITC) from the video signal sent from the modify digital video tape player 6, a system converter 15 for converting a scan line number and a field frequency into the NTSC system video signal of 525 / 59 94 on (he VITC and feeding field sequence iiifornialion used in converting the field frequency , a time code reader 16 for reading a longitudinal Ume code (called LTC), a CPU 17 for generating converted tune code data of the NTSC system video signal based on the LTC data read by the time code reader 16 and generating information about an improper editing location indicating an improper location to an editing point based on (he field sequence information, a time code generator 18 for writing a No-good mark indicating an improper editing location to a binary group which is user's bits of a converted time code data format for generating the converted tune code, and a control interface 19 for feeding reproducing speed information n% from the modified digital video tape recorder 6 to the CPU 17 For editing picture infonnation, it is essential to grasp the location of a video tape. For this purpose, a time code is used. The time code contains the LTC to be recorded lengthwise on tlie video tape and the VITC to be inserted into the 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 information and user's bits of 64 bits per frame and synchronous word bits of 16 bits. The time information contains a 24-hour system 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 biphase mark, in which a clock inversion (transition) takes place at the 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 takes place in the center of (he period.

As shown in Fig.6, the VITC is composed of 90 bits containing the LTC of 64 bits, four synchronous bits added to each group of eight bits, and a CRC code of eight bits. The transition takes place 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 foπnat. No transition takes place when no change takes place between the adjacent bit cells.

Tlie system 5 for editing picture infoπnation according to the first embodiment may use a time code containing both of the 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 teπninal 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, the register 24 enables a synchronous sensor 27 to sense the synchronous word bit having a synchronous portion of 12 consecutive "l'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 the data shift register 25. The data shift register 25 operates to read the biphase mark signal in response to the read direction signal from tlie 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 reading data if it determines the input data is a correct data group. At a time, the time 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 the system converter 15. This field sequence information indicates how the picture fields are re-ordered when the system converter 15 converts the field frequency. The CPU 17 operates to generate information for indicating an improper location to the editing point with this field sequence information.

The circuit arrangement of the CPU 17 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 time 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 the 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 information generator 34 for generating infoπnation 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 (m) 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 / ( I + 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 interface 19 For example, if the reproducing speed of the modif ' 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.

Tlie improper editing location information generator 34 operates to deteπnine 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 the frame is composed of the different frames, that is, a time lag takes place between the frame, tlie improper editing location information is generated

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

Later, the description will be oriented to a concrete operation of writing (he improper editing location information to the binary bit group if the reproducing speed infonnation n is almost 0 % or -4 %

At first, (he description will be oriented lo how the modify digital video tape player 6 perfoπns (he 0 % reproduction in which the reproducing speed information 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, (he sys(em converter 15 includes a scan line number converter 35 for converting a scan line number of the video signal of 625 / 49 95 into 525 scan hues and a field frequency converter 36 for converting a field frequency of the video signal into 59 94 Hz

The scan line number converter 35 operates lo interpolate 625 scan lines into 525 scan lines This converter 35 performs a vertical filtering operation about 625 scan lines from 576 active lines to 486 active lines, for deriving 525 scan lines The vertical resolution appears in 625 scan lines is higher than that appearing in 525 scan lines Hence, no loss of the vertical resolution disappears in the re-sampling process, which results in enhancing the quality of the resulting picture

The field frequency converter 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 operation 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 descπbcd 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 even 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 the same frequency Hence, (he video signal converted to the signal on the input side 36a is not unfavorable on time Five frames on ihe input side are converted into one frame on the 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 Ihe sequence of the picture fields is supplied as field sequence information to the CPU 17 This field sequence infonnation is used for generating the conversion time code data and the improper editing location information by the CPU 17

The converted lime 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 lo the five frames of 625 / 49 95 and the six frames of 525 /

59 94 makes it possible to constantly and uniquely define (he converted time code on the target side against the tune code on the source side Hence, the tune code on the source side is made equal to Ihe tune 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 52^ / 59 94 composed of the 01 and the 02 frames on the side of 625 / 49.95. These frames with the No-good mark indicated thereto are considered as improper frames and distinguished from the other frames.

Next, Ihe description will be oriented to Ihe -4 % reproduction of the modify digital video (ape player 6 if the reproducing speed infonnation n is -4 %. In the -4 % reproduction, tlie video signal recorded at a rate of 25 frames per second is reproduced at a rale of 25 frames per second. That is, tlie video signal recorded with

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

In this case, as shown in Fig.11, the system converter 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 converting the field frequency of (he video signal into 59.94 Hz. The scan line converter 38 operates to interpolate 625 scan lines into 525 lines. The scan line converter performs a vertical filtering operation about 625 scan lines for converting 576 active lines into 486 active lines. As a result, the converter 38 produces 525 scan lines. The vertical resolution appearing in the case of 625 scan lines is higher than that in tlie case of 525 scan lines In the re-sampling process, therefore, no loss takes place in the vertical resolution, which may result in offering the high quality of the picture. In order to convert the 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.

The 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 39a is converted into an even field (E) on an output side 39b and an odd field (O) on the input side 39a is converted into an odd field (O) on the output side 39b. The video signal on the input side 39a has no time lag wilhin the same frame. Hence, the video signal converted into the signal on the output side 30b does not have any unfavorable condition on time. Four frames on the input side 4 are converted into one frame on the output side. However, since no unfavorable condition lakes place in the field sequence inside of the frame, a watcher does not feel the motion of the picture unnatural. The information about (he conversion of the picture sequence on a field unit is supplied as field sequence information from the field frequency converter 39 (o the CPU 17. This sequence information is used in Ihe CPU 17 for generating the converted lime code data and the improper editing location infoπnation.

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 the 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 converted time code.

Hence, a value of n = -4 is represented in the foregoing operation 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). (he CPU 17 enables the converted time code data generator 33 to generate the converted time code data.

That is, since the CPU 10 performs the absolute mapping function, the time 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 (he 1 and the 02 frames on the side of 625 / 47 95 and the 03 frame on the side of

525 / 59 94 composed of the 02 and the 03 frames on the side of 625 / 47 95 These frames with the No-good mark indicated thereto are recognized as improper frames to the edition and are distinguished from the other frames

The time code generator 18 receives the converted time code data and the improper editing locaϋon infonnation and supplies the converted time code, which has a function of distinguishing the improper frames to the edition from the other frames

The circuit diagram of the tune 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 time code counter 43 receives the converted time code data from the CPU 17

Then, the time code counter 43 realizes the new location of (he converted time code for the NTSC system video signal The time code for the NTSC system is supplied to the serializing circuit 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 infonnation Then, the improper editing location information specified as the user's bits by the binary bit buffer 45 is wπtten 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 the converted tune code having the improper editing location information ritten therein lo the binary group

Along the foregoing operation, the converted tune code having the improper editing operation information written therein is supplied from the adapter 7 lo the digilal video tape recorder 8 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 time code on the video tape cassette 9

The modify digital video tape player 6 used in Ihe picture iiifornialion editing system 1 may be a D-l formal video tape recorder as mentioned above The D-l video tape 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 tape player will

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 circuil 53 The synchronicity / ID sensing circuit 53 operates to sense a synchronous signal and an ID from the reproduced output, delimit the signal, and clarify a block number

A de-scrambhng circuit 54 operates to de-scramble the reproduced output and supply the de-scrambled reproduced signal to an inner decoder 55. The inner decoder 55 executes an error correction with inner codes added to the reproduced signal and then supplies the corrected signal lo a data separating circuit 56

The data separating circuit 57 operates to separate the signal into a digital video signal and an audio video signal and supply the digital video signal to an intra-seclor de-shuffling circuit 57 and the digital audio signal to a de-shuffling circuit 62 The intra-sector de-shuffling circuit 57 operates to de-shuffle the digital video signal over sectors and then supply component digital video signals Y, Cb and Cr to an outer decoder

58

The outer decoder 58 operates to supply the digital video signals Y, Cb and Cr whose errors are corrected with the outer codes lo a D/A converter 61 through an inter-sector de-shuffling circuit 59 and a source decoder 60 The D/A converter 61 operates lo 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, the de-shuffling circuit 62 operates to dc-shufile the digital audio signal separated by the data separating circuit 56 The dc-shuffled digital audio signal is error-corrected by the outer decoder 63 Then, the error-corrected signal is supplied lo a D/A converter 66 through a post-processing circuit 64 and an audio conceal circuit 65 The D/A converter 66 operates to convert the digital audio signal into an analog audio signal and then output R- and L-channcl audio signals as an example

Further, Ihe modify digital video tape player 6 provides a servo syslem arranged as shown in Fig 15 and operates to reproduce the video signal of 625 / 50 recorded on the magnetic tape 50 of the video tape cassette with the field frequency of 47 95 Hz A synchronous signal separating circuit 71 operates to extract a horizontal synchronous signal from

(he 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 variable as mentioned below The VCO enables to vary a frequency of an oscillating clock bv changing 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 dnim servo system 74 and a capstan servo system 80

The dnim servo system 74 includes a phase comparator 76 for comparing in a phase a dnim rotation pulse (PG) with the vertical synchronous signal The phase coinparatoi 76 supplies a phase control signal to an inverted input terminal of an operation aniphfici 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 dnim motor 75 as well

The operated output of the operational amplifier 77 is amplified by a driving amplifier 78 and then is supplied to a drum iuotoi 75 The amplified signal is used for correcting the number of rotations and the slippage of the rotation phase of the dnun motor 75

The capstan servo system 80 also includes a phase comparator 82 for comparing in a phase a signal derived by div iding the reproduced control signal b\ a frequency divider ^ with the vertical synchronous signal The phase comparator 82 supplies the phase control signal to an inverted input terminal of an operational 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 the number of rotations and the slippage of the rotation phase 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

The phase comparator 1 operates to compare in a phase a horizontal synchronous signal separately extracted by the synchronous signal separating circuit 71 with a clock derived by dividing the frequency of the output clock of the VCO at a predetermined dividing rate The low-pass filler 92 operates to supply the output to the VCO 93 This VCO 93 enables to switch the generating clock from 47 95 Hz to 49 95 Hz, for example, by changing the C value

Hence, the niodifv digital video tape player 6 enables to reproduce the video signal of 625 / 49 95 from the video signal of 625 / 50

Further, the digital video tape recorder 8 niav be a D-l video tape recorder The schematic arrangement of the v ideo and the audio processing system of the D-l video tape recorder will be shown in

Fig 17

The component video signals Y, B-Y and R-Y are conv erted into the corresponding digital video signals Y, Cb and Cr by the A/D converter 101 These digital ideo 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 with weight sequence codes This is a coding process for converting 8-bιl 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 (he source coding circuit 1 2 are supplied to an inter-sector shuffling circuit 103

The inter-scctor shuffling circuit 103 passes the intcr-scctor shuffling operation to the digital video signals Y, Cb and Cr An outer encoder 104 located al a later stage may sense an error but may not correct it with the error correcting codes (ECC) In this case, Ihe error may be processed by the modification so that it is made less conspicuous However, if the pixels to be modified aie 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 Ihe occurrence sequence of the video codes w ith the sequence of the recording codes among sectors The intcr-scctor shuffling circuit 103 operates lo supply the shuffled output to the outer encoder 104

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

(checking code) for an outer code is generated bv a predetermined operation and is added to each block The encoded output of the outer encoder 104 is supplied to an intia-scctoi shuffling circuit 105 The ultra-sector shuffling circuit 105 performs a shuffling process among the sectors of the encoded output Concretely, the codes located two-dimensionally after the outer checking code is generated are rearranged within the same two-dimensional block as randomly as possible

On the other hand, the analog audio signal such as the Rand L-channel signals are converted into the digital audio signal by the A/D converter 106 This digital audio signal is supplied to a pre-processing circuit

107 in which the pre-process is executed Then, the pre-processed signal is supplied to a block circuit 108

The blocking circuit 108 operates to block the audio signal and supply the 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 The shuffled video output from Ihe intra-sector shuffling circuit 105 and the shuffled audio output from the shuffling circuit 1 10 are applied to a multiplex circuit 1 1 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 an inner encoder 112

The inner encoder 1 12 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 synchroiucitv / ID adding circuit 1 13

The audio and the video signals arc composed on a common formal called a synchronous block The synchronicity / ID adding circuit 1 13 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 1 14 The scrambling circuit 1 14 operates to supply the scrambled output as recording current to a head 1 16 through a recording amplifier 1 15 and a rotary' transformer With (he head 1 16, (he scrambled output is digitally recorded on a magnetic tape 1 17 in such an unsaturated manner as suiting to high-density recording

The digital video tape recorder such as the D- l video tape recorder rcah/es 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 and reproducing characteristic For example, the waveform distortion of the reproduced picture is made to be only the distortion given by an analog circuit before and after the A/D and Ihe D/A conversions The distortion and the noise appearing when recording or reproducing the data arc made to be the erroneous reproduced codes Those erroneous codes are factors to degrading the picture quality However, if an error rate is equal to or less than a certain value, the use of the error correcting codes makes it possible to correct or modify the erroneous codes As will be understood from the aforementioned grounds the digital recording may offer a higher picture quality than the analog recording In particulai . the ad ntage of the digital recording is distinguishable in dubbing

As set forth above, the adaptci 7 piovidcd in the pictuie iniormation editing system operates to write to the system-converted video signal the improper editing location iniormation such as the No-good mark indicating a frame composed of frames having dificrcnl video signals before the system conversion and then output the converted lime code Then, the digital video tape recorder 8 operates to record the system- converted video signal and ihe converted time code having the improper editing location infonnation wntten therein on the video tape cassette 9 for edition The editor 10 distinguishes the improper editing location information in the data recorded on (he video tape cassette 9 for edition when it edits the data Hence, the picture infonnation editing system 5 enables lo automatically distinguish a proper start point to the edition Of course, the digital video tape player and the digital video tape recorder are used for reproducing and recording Ihe data Hence, no degraded change of the picture quality takes place between the video signals before and after the system conversion

The adapter 7 of the editing system 5 has been described on Ihe use of the LTC as the time code In place, the VITC read by the VITC reader 1 may be used as the lime code This VITC contains even the field information such as odd fields or even fields as shown in Figs 2, 10 and 12

Tliat is, the VITC operates to supply the field iiifornialion containing Ihe odd fields and the even fields to the CPU 17 The CPU 17 enables to promptly establish a target time code even if a source time code is at any location inside of the sequence by obtaining the time code and ihe field iiifornialion from Ihe VITC on the picture allocated to the target tune code The tune code w ith the VITC makes it possible to specify a field within the frame Hence, (he No- good mark indicated at a frame unit as sho n m Figs 10 and 12 is allowed lo be written at a field unit The editing start point may be changed from the odd field to the even field

Further, according lo a transformation of the first embodiment, a syslcm for editing picture infonnation sho n in Fig 18 may be considered In the system 120, the editor 10 is executed to directly edit the converted video signal with the converted time code generated by the adapter 7 and then record the edited result on the video tape cassette 1 1 through the effect of the digital video tape recorder 8 The arrangement of each component is the same as described above Hence, the description thereabout is left off the specification

The picture information system 5 enables Ihe CPU 17 lo generate the improper editing location information In place the system 5 enables the CPU 17 to generate the proper editing location information

In turn, the description will be oriented lo an apparatus for converting picture information, an apparatus for reading information, and an apparatus for removing a derived frame according to a second embodiment of the invention with reference lo Figs 19 lo 25

The second embodiment of the invention, as shown Fig 19, concerns with a picture information editing system 130 having a pull-dow n conv erter 138 and a derived frame reader 143 The converter 138 corresponds to a concrete arrangement of a picture information converter The reader 143 corresponds to a concrete arrangement of an information reader

The picture iiifornialion editing system 1 0 operates to convert the picture information on a cinema film 131 imaged 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 sy slcm includes a telecine apparatus 132 for performing 25-Fps reproduction (termed PB m Fig 1 ) w ith respect to the picture information on the cinema film 13 1 imaged at 24 Fps and converting the picture information into a video signal of 625 / 50, a digital video tape recorder (VTR) 133 for recording the video signal of 625 / 50 converted by the lelecine apparalus 132 in a video tape cassette 1 4 al the same scan line number / field frequency, a modify digital VTR 135 for reproducing the picture data of 625 / 50 recorded m the video cassette lape 134 by the digital VTR 133 at a field frequency of 47 952 Hz (precisely, 60/1 001 \ 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 the picture data of 625 / 47 95 obtained by the modify digital VTR 135 at two patterns for generating a field picture, performing a 3 2 pull-down process for converting the field picture into picture 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 that Ihe picture data is composed of a derived frame formed of fields of different frames of the cinema film based on Ihe information about the sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture used in the 3 2 pull-down process, that is. the pull-dow n sequence information, supplying the resulting information to a monitor 1 9 (to be discussed below), and inserting the pull-down sequence information to an auxiliary recording area of the picture data before outputting the picture data, the monitor 139 for displaying the picture data containing the predetermined mark sent from the pull-down converter 138 and the picture data containing no mark so that an operator can check the picture data, an editor 140 for perfoπnmg a predetermined editing process with respect to the pictuie data after the operator checks the picture data containing the predeteπuined mark displayed on the monitor 139 and the 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 the pictuie data containing the pull-down sequence information recorded on the auxiliary recording area of the video tape cassette 142 by the digital VTR 14 1 and for adding to the picture data the predeteπnined mark for indicating it is the derived frame before outputting the picture data, and a monitor 144 for displaying the picture data containing the predeteπnined mark or no mark supplied from the derived frame reader 143

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

The scan line number converter 1 7 perfoi ms 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 are provided is higher than the vertical resolution given if 525 scan lines are provided This pi events the loss of the vertical resolution in the ic-samplmg process, which mav result enhancing the picture quality.

As described above, the pull-down sequence infoπnation used when the pull-down converter 138 performs a 3 : 2 pull-down process corresponds to the information about the sequential distribution of each frame for generating tlie field picture used in the 3 : 2 pull-down process. As an example, the pull-down sequence information is the infoπnation for indicating the subject frame is a derived frame composed of fields of the different two cinema film frames. In place, it may be the infoπnation for indicating the head or the location of the five-frame sequence of the subject frame to be edited. Concretely, it is the infoπnation about two or three sequential distributions of each frame of the picture information of the cinema film, the detail of which will be described below. As described above, the 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 the LTC whose format is shown in Fig. , a UB of the VITC whose foπnat is shown in Fig. , or a user's bit of a video index or an audio AUX. The operator selectively operates to insert and record the pull-down sequence information in the user's bit (UB) of the LTC or the VITC or the user's bit of the video index or the audio AUX. The video index means a portion of a chroma line where the user's infonnation can be written. The portion does not correspond to the 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 the 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 film 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 the head of the sequence, for example. "S" may be inserted on the auxiliary recording area of the frame a.

In the case of using "D" for indicating the derived frame as the pull-down sequence infonnation, the pull-down converter 1 8 operates to generate the character "D" for the "D" and add it to the picture data corresponding to the pull-down converted output and then output the 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 perfoπning a 3 2 pull-down process as shown in Fig.22 for converting the picture data having a field frequency of 47.952 Hz into the picture data having a field frequency of 59.94 Hz by rearranging the sequence of the field pictures for changing the frame unit from four frames into five frames, an additional lnformation inserting unit 147 for writing the information about the arranging sequence of the field pictures, that is, the pull-down sequence infonnation in tlie auxiliary recording area of the picture data havmg the field frequency of 59 94 Hz sent from the pull-down sequence processing unit 145, a central processing unit (CPU) 146 for supplying tlie pull-down sequence information to the pull-down processing unit 145 and the additional information inserting unit 147 for controlling the operation of the units 145 and 147, a character generator 148 for generating the "D" mark from the pull-down sequence information under the control of the CPU 146, and a memory 149 for saving a program and operational data

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

The pull-down converter 138 operates to supply lo the monitor 139 the picture data containing the character "D" generated on the pull-down sequence information The monitor 139 opcrales to add the "D" mark to the lime code TC "23 59 59 29" and displav the "TC 23 59 5 29D" together with the picture data as shown in Fig 23

Hence the 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 Ihe monitor 139 As mentioned above, the frame of the picture data containing the "D" mark added thereto is Ihe deri ed frame composed o( different frames of the cinema film Hence, the operator can use the direct frame as an editing point without using the "D" mark added frame as the editing point Conventionally, the operator has 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 the picture information operates to automatically indicate the subiect frame is the derived frame This operation makes the editing work easier and the burden on the operator lighter

Next, when the editor 140 selects the editing point and iccords the edited picture data, the picture data, which is depicted as a real line output in Fig 23, and the pull-down sequence information insetted 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 the effect of the digital VTR 141 When the digital VTR 141 reproduces the data from the video tape cassette 142 in a still mode, a shuffle mode or a noπnal mode, the derived frame reader 143 operates to read the pull-down sequence infoπnation from the additional infonnation recorded on the auxiliary recording area of the picture data and send it to the monitor 144 so that the monitor 144 can display the "D" mark as shown in Fig.21.

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

The derived frame reader 143 operates to sense the pull-down sequence infoπnation inserted to the video data of 525 / 59.94 through the effect of the 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" together with the picture data. It goes without saying that the indication is one example. Hence, the derived frame reader 143 enables to read the pull-down sequence infoπnation from the picture data to be edited that is recorded on the video tape cassette 142, for example and add the "D" mark to the monitoring output based on the pull-down sequence information.

The introduction of the derived frame reader 143 introduced into the input portion of the video data as shown in Fig.25 results in forming the derived frame remover 150. The derived frame remover 150 is composed of the derived frame reader 143 whose arrangement has been described with reference to Fig.24, a derived frame removing unit 151 for removing the derived frame, and a frame memory 1 2 The remover 150 operates to put the picture data from which the derived frame is removed into a hard disk drive (HDD) 153 of a personal computer, for example. The derived frame removing unit 1 1 operates to remove the derived frame stored in the frame memory 152 based on the pull-down sequence sensed by the CPU 147, concretely in this case, the infonnation for indicating the location of the 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 infonnation editing system 160 as shown in Fig 26 is provided as a transfonnation of the second embodiment

This picture information editing system 160 operates to convert the picture infonnation imaged on the cmema 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 the picture information editing system 1 0 shown in Fig 19 in the respect 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 performs a pulldow n process of 3 2 3 2 2, that is , the pull-dow n process is 6/5 tune as great as that of the second embodiment The other components arc the same as those of the sy stem shown in Fig 19 and thus are not described herein

The detail airangemcnt of the pull-dow n converter 165 is the same as that show n m Fig 21 The pull- down processing unit 145 performs a pull-do n process of 3 2 3 2 2 as shown in Fig 27

The pull-down process of 3 2 3 2 2 is executed to scan the cinema film al an interlaced mode so that the even fields of the film arc converted into the even fields of the video signal and the odd fields of the film arc coin crtcd into the odd fields of the \ ideo signal One frame of the cinema film is composed of two same fields between hich no time lag appears The converted NTSC video signal is proper on tune That is. as show n in Fig 27 the pull-dow n process of 3 2 3 2 2 is executed to produce six frames

(a. b, c, d, c. 0 of video data from five frames (A. B, C, D, E) of a cinema film However, no unfavorable condition takes place in the field sequence inside of the frame so thai no watcher feels the motion of the picture unnatural

Howev er, the c frame and the d frame (marked as X) arc produced from the pictures of the fields between which a time lag appears, which arc deriv ed from Ihe B and ( e C frames and the C and the D frames Hence, even on the same frame, a watcher feels the motion of the reproduced picture unnatural

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

The pull-dow n conv erter 165 operates to supply lo the monitor 139 the picture data containing the chaiacter "D" generated by using the pull-dow n sequence iniormation As shown in Fig 21. the monitor 139 operates to add the "D" mark to Ihe tune code TC "23 59 59 29" and display the indication of "TC 23 59 59 29D" together with the picture data

When the operator edits the picture data of 525 / 59.94 with the editor 140, the operator can check the pull-down sequence information through the "D" mark appearing on the monitor 139 The frame of the picture data containing the "D" frame added thereto is a derived frame formed of different frames of the cinema film as mentioned above Hence, not (he frame wilh the "D" mark but the direct frame may be used as an editing point. Conventionally, an operator has been required to stop the moving picture and watch a still picture for determining if tlie frame is a derived one or a direct one. This picture information editing system 160 enables to automatically display that the frame is the derived one, so that the system makes the editing operation easier and the burden on the operator lighter Herein, the description will be oriented to Ihe information about the sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture, that is. the information about two or Ihree sequential distribution of each frame of the picture information of the cinema film, which corresponds to the pull-down sequence information with reference to Fig 28 The description concerns with the example thai the information can be ritten m the VITC so that the character can be added al a field unit Fig 28A denotes four frames (02 to 05 fra es) of ( e cinema film Fig 28B denoles five frames (02 to

06 frames) of an NTSC image

Fig 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 arc the derived ones The mark D is added to each of a pair of fields of the 03 and 04 frames Fig 28D denoles a T mark added al the head of Ihe film frame contained in the infonnation about two or three sequential distributions of each of Ihe picture information of the film In the edition intended not to break the 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 Ihe T mark can be selected as an OUT point

Fig 28E denoles a T, mark which is located at the head of ihe film frame and can be used when a joint is done at a top field F, of the information about two or three sequential distπbulions of each frame of the picture information of the cinema film in the edition intended not to break the film frame Only the field with the T, mark is selected .is an IN point

Fig 28F denotes a T₂ mark which is located al the head of the film frame and can be used when a joint is done at a bottom field Fi of the information about the two or three sequential distribution of each frame of the picture infonnation of the cinema film in the edition intended not to break the film frame Only the field with the T2 mark can be selected as an IN point

Fig 28G denotes a Ci mark for indicating succession of three video fields produced from the same film frame of the information about the two or three sequential dislπbulion of each frame of the pictuie information of the cinema film When the Ct inaik is found. Ihicc v ideo fields produced from the same film frame conic 111 succession When no Ci mark is found, only two v ideo fields produced from the same film frame co e 111 succession This is efiecliv c used lor a spccd-vaπablc reproduction such as a slow-niolion reproduction as 111 the telecine apparatus except a periodic sequence, for example, a repetition of 3 2 process such as 3 2 pull-down process Further, (his is effective in filtering a video signal through Ihe use of video fields in the process of noise removal or compression

Fig 28H denotes a C₂ mark which indicates succession of two video fields produced from the same film frame of the information about the two or three sequential distribution of each frame of the picture information of the cmema film When the C₃ mark comes, it means the succession of two video fields produced from the same film frame When no C₂ mark co es, it means the succession of only three video fields

Fig 281 denotes an E mark which represents the same field (overlapped field) appearing when three video fields are produced from one film frame of the iiifornialion about two or three sequential distπbution of each frame of ihe picture infonnation of (he cmema film This may be used for simplifying the hardware / software provided in a field remover of an instπimeiil for removing an overlapped field, such as an MPEG 2 encoder

As set forth above, the system of this embodiment enables to add various kinds of marks indicated at Figs 28C to 281 lo the v ideo field based on the information about the sequential distribution of each frame for generating the field picture This function makes it possible to reduce the burden of the operator about various kinds of editions

The arrangement of the digital VTR or the modify digital VTR is the same as that described with 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 infonnation output from the pull-down converter 138 through a transmission path (not shown), which is included in the picture information editing system 130 show n in Fig 19 This apparatus is arranged to have all the components of the pull-down converter and a transmuting unit new ly added thereto

This arrangement makes it possible to automatically add the pull-down sequence information to Ihe picture iiifornialion before the picture iiifornialion is transmuted Hence, this function makes it easy for the operator who receives the data to edit the data

The recording medium according lo an embodiment of the present invention is arranged to record a program including the steps of generating a field picture by sequentially distributing each frame inside of a four-frame unit of the picture information of the cinema film and converting the picture infonnation into an NTSC video signal w hose frame number unit is five and w riting on the auxiliary recording area of Ihe NTSC video signal the iiifornialion about sequential distribution oi each frame for generating the field picture, that is, the pull-dow n sequence information

The method for processing a tune code according to the present inv ention is arranged to generate the information for indicating il the subject frame is propci lo edition when converting a predetermined system picture information into another svstcni picture information and write the information to the time code data accompanied ith another svstem picture information This method thus enables to generate the time code for aiitoniaticallv discriminating the proper starting point lo the edition The apparatus for processing a time code according to Ihe presenl invention is arranged to write the information generated by means for generating information about the editing location in the time code data accompanied ith another system picture information through the effect of means for generating a tune code

This apparatus thus enables to generate the time code for automatically discriminating a proper starting point to the edition

The apparatus for converting picture infonnation according to Ihe invention is arranged to automatically add the pull-down sequence information lo Ihe picture information This apparatus thus makes it easier for the operator to do the editing operation

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

The apparatus for removing a deri ed frame according to the invention is arranged to automatically remove the derived frame Hence this apparatus makes it easier for the operator to do the editing operation and possible to prev ent the waste of the recording medium volume and to reduce the cost of the relevant picture input device

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

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

Claims

WUAT IS CLA VfED I

1 A method for processing a time code comprising Ihe steps of generating information indicating whether or not a location is proper to edition when converting picture information of a predetermined system into picture information of another system, and writing said information lo time code data accompanied wilh said picture infonnation of another system

2 The method for processing a lime code as claimed in claim 1, w herein said lime code data is recorded lengthwise

3 The method for processing a time code as claimed in claim 1 w herein said time code data concerns w ith a vertical blanking interval

4 An apparatus for processing a time code when converting picture information of a predetermined system into picture information of another system, comprising means for generating infonnation indicating whether or not a location is proper to edition, and means lor generating a converted time code by writing said iiifornialion from said means onto time code data accompanied with said picture information of another s stcm

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

6 The apparatus for processing a time code as claimed in claim 4 herein said lime code data concerns w ith a vertical blanking interval

7 A picture infonnation con erting apparatus for conv erting picture information of a first sv stem into picture information of a second system, comprising converting means for converting the picture information of said first system into the picture information of said second system whose fiamc number unit is different from that of said first svstcm by scqucntialh distributing each frame inside of a predetermined frame number unit of said picture infonnation at plural patterns lor generating a field picture, w riting means for w riting information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture on an auxiliary recording aiea of said second sv stcm picture information sent from said converting means, and control means foi conliolhng said conv erting means and said w riting means

8 The picture iiifornialion converting apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the picture information of said first system corresponds to picture infonnation imaged on a cinema film and the picture infonnation of said second system corresponds lo an NTSC video signal

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

10 The picture information converting apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said control means operates lo supply to said writing means information indicating a derived frame contained in (he picture information of said second system, a field picture of said derived frame composed of two different frames of the picture infonnation of said first syslcm as the infonnation about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture

11 The picture information converting apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the information indicating the derived frame contained in the picture information of said second system is recognized to be improper to edition in the process of editing the picture infonnation of said second system

12 The picture information converting apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said control means operates to supply to said writing means the information about two or three sequential distπbution of each frame of the picture infonnation of said first system as the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture

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

14 The picture information converting apparatus as claimed in claim 7. wherein said writing means operates to write the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture onto a v ideo index of the picture infonnation of said second s stem a lengthwise time code or a user's bit of a time code about vertical blanking interval

15 An information reading apparatus for icadmg information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating a field picture in a process of converting picture infonnation of a first system into picture information of a second system hose fra e number unit is different from that of said first system by sequentiallv distributing each frame inside of a prcdctci mined frame number unit of the picture information at plural patterns for generating a field picture, comprising separating means for separating the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture from the picture information of said second system; and sensing means for sensing the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture separated by said separating means

16. The infonnation reading apparatus as claimed in claim 15, further comprising means for generating a character based on the iiifornialion about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture sensed by said sensing means

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

18 The iiifornialion reading apparatus as claimed in claim 15. wherein said picture information converting process performs a 3 2 pull-down process or a 3 2 3 2 2 pull-down process

19 The infonnation reading apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture is information for indicating a derived frame contained in (he picture information of said second system, a field picture of said derived frame composed of two different frames of the picture information of said first system

20 The information reading apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the information indicating a derived frame contained in the picture information of said second system is recognized to be improper to edition in the process of editing the picture iiifornialion of said second sv stcm

21 The infonnation reading apparatus as claimed claim 15, wherein the information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture is the information about two or three sequential distribution of each frame of the picture information of said first system

22 A derived frame removing apparatus for removing a derived frame from picture information of a second system by using Ihe information foi indicating said derived frame contained in the picture information of said second system, the field pictuie of said dcπvcd frame composed of two different frames of picture infonnation of a first system as information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating a field picture in the process of conv erting the picture infonnation of said first system into (he picture information of said second system whose frame number unit is different from that of the picture information of said first system by sequentially distributing each frame inside of a predetermined frame number unit of the picture information of said first system at plural patterns for generating the field picture, compπsing separating means for separating the information indicating said derived frame from the picture information of said second system, sensing means for reading and sensing the information indicating said derived frame separated by said separating means, and removing means for removing said derived frame from the picture infonnation of said second system based on the information indicating the location of said derived frame sensed by said sensing means

23 The derived frame removing apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the picture information of said first system is recorded on a cinema film and the picture infonnation of said second system is an NTSC v idco signal

24 The dcπv cd frame rcniov ing apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the process of co crling picture information is a 3 2 pull-down process oi a 3 2 3 2 2 pull-dow n process

25 The derived frame removing apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the information indicating the derived fra e contained in the picture information of said second system is recognized to be improper to edition in the editing process of the picture infoi matioii of said second system

26 A method for transmitting picture information after conv erting picture information of a first syste into picture information of a second system comprising the steps of converting the picture iiifornialion of said first system into the picture information of said second sy stem w hose frame number unit is diffcicnt Iroin that of said first sy stem by sequentially distributing each frame inside of a predetermined frame number unit at plural patterns for generating a field picture. riting infonnation about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture on an auxiliary recording area of the picture iiifornialion of said second syslcm. and transmitting the picture information of said second system

27 A recording medium for recording a procedure of conv erting picture information of a first system into pictuie infonnation of a second system, said procedure hav mg the steps of converting the picture infonnation of said first system into Ihe picture information of said second system whose frame number unit is different from that ol said fust sv stcm by sequentially distributing each frainc inside of a prcdeternuiied frame number unit of the picture information of said first system for generating a field picture; and writing information about sequential distribution of each frame for generating said field picture on an auxiliary recording area of Ihe piclurc information of said second system sent from said converting step